Typically, I’d want to get out with a new piece of gear more than a couple of times before dedicating a full post to it, but since I have several friends already asking about my experience with the High Sierra Sniveller and Jacks ‘R’ Better is also having a sale right now, I decided to post my first impressions of the quilt right … Read More
Why Buy? I bought my first hiking backpack on a whim. I had been using my wife’s old Camelback and had intended to carry it on Mt. Whitney hike I was preparing for. Through an online sale, I was able to buy a backpack with a suspended back panel for $60 (REI Venturi 30). After three years of abuse, it was time … Read More
Why Buy? Back in June, I went on my first multi-night backpacking trip in eight years, covering 60+ miles in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park on the High Sierra Trail (HST). It may sounds ridiculous, but one of my concerns leading into the hike was figuring out what socks and how many pairs of socks I needed to carry. Here are some … Read More
Why ‘Buy’? Quality hiking and backpacking gear is expensive. This cost can grow exponentially when you’re inexperienced and unsure of what gear is going to work for you. It is not uncommon for individuals to buy gear, find out it doesn’t work well for them and then find themselves repurchasing gear. Others buy gear, then find out they don’t like backpacking … Read More
Why Buy? Taking photos is an important part of hiking for me. I enjoy writing trip reports and sharing my experience through photos. In an effort to reduce weight, I’ve tried using my smartphone, as well as point & shoot cameras, but I’ve been unsatisfied with the results. In order to get the photos I desire, I need to carry something … Read More
Why Buy? Back in June, I went on my first multi-night backpacking trip in eight years, covering 60+ miles in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park on the High Sierra Trail (HST). One of my primary concerns leading into the hike was figuring out what I was going to bring for clothing. Here are some of the things I was thinking … Read More
Why Buy? I have found myself in situations where I wanted more traction than my MICROspikes could provide, but using mountaineering crampons (ie Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampons) was overkill. Kahtoola K•10 Hiking Crampons seemed to be a good solution. First Impressions An interesting feature of the K•10s is that they will work with many types of footwear. Step-in crampons require mountaineering boots … Read More
Here is a list of gear that I am currently testing, as well a list of my completed reviews. Big Agnes Camp Pillow – Fishbone I-Beam Construction Recently discovered that a decent pillow is as important to me as a sleeping pad to getting a good nights sleep. I tried using my down sweater in a small pillow case, but … Read More
Why Buy? I was looking for a collapsible bottle that I could use at home and in the office. My work bag is usually busting at the seams and I figured a collapsible bottle would be easier to transport than a Nalgene or old Gatorade bottle. I found the Hydrapak Stash in a Google search. Looking at the wide mouth of the Stash, I … Read More
I’ve started to repair some of my gear with Tenacious Tape. I will add details once I’ve tested it’s durability more. This is what I’ve repaired so far: Outdoor Research M’s Verglas Gaiters I tore a hole in these gaiters with my crampons The gallery includes photos before the repair and immediately afterwards. I will add some current pics soon – the tape … Read More