The Salomon XT Advanced Skin 5 Slab Set is a mouthful of a name for such a minimalist hydration pack. In fact it’s not really a pack at all, but more like a hydration vest. Although the pack sports an endless name that Mary Poppins could likely turn into a song, the title implies one…
Category: Gear Reviews
Kelty Salida 2 Tent review
Backpacking season is in full swing, and for many of us that means the chance to upgrade our gear. If it’s a tent you seek then you are likely hoping find something lightweight, durable and easy on the wallet. Too tall of an order? Not a chance, thanks to the folks at Kelty. The Salida…
Chaco Z/2 Vibram Yampa Sandals review
Chaco makes sandals that are loved by pretty much everybody who considers themselves “outdoorsy.” The brand has created a community around these Vibram-soled kicks which has spawned an almost ravenous loyalty. So why write a review about the Chaco Z/2 Yampa sandals when everyone already loves them and needs no convincing? Call this a reinforcement…
Joby GorillaTorch Switchback review
As an outdoor enthusiast, I love good innovation and design when it comes to the gear I carry. Often, I get used to the way things are with the gear I own and simply make due. But sometimes, a new item comes along that just blows everything else out of the water. The Joby GorillaTorch…
Icebreaker Cadence Bike Shorts review
As a mountain biker, I am morally opposed to rockin’ the skin tight bike shorts. Call me old fashioned (or old fashioned sensed) because I still prefer to wear baggy cargo shorts while cruising mountain singletrack, just like when I was a kid. So when Icebreaker sent out the ultra-tight Cadence bike shorts for testing,…
Vasque Transistor FS Trail Running Shoe review
Vasque is a company well known for their superior hiking boots, but they’ve recently amped up their trail running offerings, and the Vasque Transistor FS shows that the quality of their boots shows in their trail shoes as well. Out of the box, the Vasque Transistor FS trail running shoes felt amazingly light weight. In…
Helly Hansen Barrier 3L Stretch Jacket review
There’s a saying here in Utah: “If you don’t like the weather, wait ten minutes.” Shoulder season hikers can expect snow, rain, wind and cold temperatures, or a lovely mix of all four in the same outing. You need gear that can handle the mixed bag of elements, and Helly Hansen makes it. The Barrier…
Geigerrig Rig 500 Ballistic hydration pack review
“Never Suck Again.” That’s the slogan for Ogden, Utah-based Geigerrig, a new company that has released a line of hydration packs that sprays water, eliminating the need to suck. Sound like a gimmick? I thought so too, until I put the Geigerrig Rig 500 on my back for the last two months during spring mountain…
Kelty LumaTech Lantern review
Night in the backcountry is a special time. Whether car camping or backpacking, star gazing can be the highlight of an entire trip. Don’t spoil the moment by being unprepared; a good light source is the key to enjoying the dark hours. Kelty is a company known for their tents and backpacks, but they also…
Salomon XR Crossmax trail running shoes review
The search for the perfect shoe… it’s a fool’s game as no single shoe will fit everyone the same way, or function perfectly for a multitude of outdoor activities. But such a difficult task as creating the ideal-shoe-that-does-everything doesn’t stop gear companies from trying. Take the Salomon XR Crossmax trail running shoes for example. It’s a running shoe that, according…