Mayhem – a situation in which there is little to no order or control. Every time I pack for a trip, jackets, shirts, and pants are thrown over every chair, and gear covers every inch of the floor. What does…
Most people shudder when they hear the words “winter camping”, but as I like to say, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear.” Winter camping no longer has to involve sleepless nights of shaking, shivering, and wishing…
“Is that the one that sounds like a potato chip bag?” This seems to be the most common question when I mentioned that I was testing the newest version of the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite sleeping pad. And to be fair,…
C.A.M.P. is a company entrenched in experience. Founded in 1889 they’ve been doing this for a while. Like most things Italian; they focus on thoughtful design coupled with style, elegance, and functionality. Much like a Ferrari. Through experience, you get…
Blisters, calluses, pruned ball mounds, multicolored feet, tight cuff marks, crust, fuzz, fungi and bacteria – all waiting to ravage the toes of the underprepared or the unanticipated. There is a stigma in outdoor sports that if you whine about…
Outdoor Research, you’ve done it again! I had the pleasure of reviewing the Outdoor Research Women’s Iceline Versa Pants. While these are often used for ice climbing, I had a blast testing out this crowd-favorite while skiing and snowshoeing my way…
“One jacket to rule them all.” That’s the perfect description for the Orotovox Swisswool Zebru Jacket. Over the last couple of months, I have kayaked across the ocean, climbed in the high sierras, and rafted down the Grand Canyon. Fortunately…
Typically when I hear the words “puffy jacket,” I think of a bulky, restrictive, and easily shredded jacket. Designed to be durable, warm, and stretchy, Mountain Hardwear’s stylish new StretchDown DS (Dynamic Stretch) Hooded Jacket completely changed my perception of what…
What’s at the top of your mind when you’re ten hours and 30-something miles into an attempt to run the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier? Mostly food. Maybe the weather if, as in our case, we heard rolling thunder not-far-enough…
The HIMALI Annapurna softshell jacket, intimately tied to Nepal and the Himalayas, is designed to withstand the planets harshest conditions, and a mission to support the communities around them as well. In reviewing gear, I give consideration to two categories.…