As an avid mountain biker, I desperately hope my infant son will someday become a mountain biker as well. To ensure this happens, I’ve been indoctrinating him with bike magazines, bike videos, and hauling him around in a bike trailer. But the best way to get a baby to ride a bike is to get…
Category: Gear Reviews
Clean Bottle Tritan Square review
Water bottles are pretty much all the same, right? You fill it with water, then take it with you to drink later. But, it turns out, not all water bottles are created equal. I found this to be especially true after testing the new Clean Bottle Tritan Square. Okay, so it’s different because it’s square…
“Best Backpacking Trips in Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico” book review
As I write this review, autumn is fast approaching us here in Utah. Fall is among the best times to go backpacking in the southwestern states, with cooler temperatures, colorful foliage, and less crowds. So while looking for some new ideas about backpacking trips I’ve never done before, I received a copy of the new…
Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Duffel review
Any good adventure requires the right gear. Whether you’re climbing, camping, skiing or just road tripping, you’ll need a way to contain and transport that gear. Personally, I know the rear of my SUV can get cluttered in a hurry if I’m not mindful of my organization during an outdoor excursion. So what is the…
Sherpa Gandaki shirt and Mirik shorts review
When you think about Sherpas, you might imagine people bundled up in down suits summiting Mount Everest. So, naturally, Sherpa Adventure Gear specializes in high-tech winter gear. But (surprise) Sherpa also makes a line of warm-weather clothes, like the Gandaki shirt and Mirik shorts. I’m really familiar with Sherpa’s shells and insulation pieces, but these…
Opinel No. 12 Explore & No. 08 Outdoor Knives review
A good knife is essential when traveling outdoors, not just for the utility and myriad things you can do with a sharp blade (whittling sticks anyone?) but also as a tool of survival. Opinel is a 126-year-old company from France that produces outdoor-specific knives loaded with features alongside that sharp blade that could save your…
Thermacell Scout Lantern review
Mosquitoes are among the worst things one must deal with when camping in the mountains. Personally, I can deal with bad weather, cold nights, and maybe even wild animals. But throw swarms of mosquitoes in the mix, and I’ll spend all my time sitting in my tent. So I was happy to test out the…
Forsake Banks “sneakerboots” review
Sneakerboots? Ever heard of them? Well then it’s time to get familiar with Forsake. I’ve covered Forsake at Outdoor Retailer in years past, and was struck by their sneaker-like designs melded with hiking boot DNA. Well, for the 2016 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, I got to wear a pair of the Forsake Banks sneakerboots every…
Light & Motion Imjin 800 bike light review
When it’s as hot as it has been this summer in Utah, mountain biking during the day is a good way to get heat stroke. But rather than not ride, I’ve been hitting the singletrack in Park City and the Wasatch Front after dark. But doing so requires bright lights to illuminate the way. I…
Diamondback Mason 27.5+ mountain bike review
Hardtail mountain bikes have made a comeback the past few years. Plus bikes are a completely new trend. I’ve been caught up in both trends with a purchase of the 2016 Diamondback Mason 27.5+ mountain bike. Following a decade of riding full suspension bikes exclusively, I decided it was time to add a hardtail to…