The brand Patagonia is synonymous with hardcore rock climbing and mountaineering, but whenever I get a catalog in the mail, my attention is usually drawn to the relaxed, leisure side of Patagonia. They make hanging out riverside, on the beach, or drinking a beer on the back porch look like an outdoor sport in itself….
Tag: review
SealLine Storm Sack review
No matter what your adventure, chances are you have a few precious pieces of gear or food that need to be protected from the elements. Backpackers especially know the value of a good storage bag, as wet snacks and dinner equal a rough time in the backcountry. SealLine is a company that specializes in crafting…
Alite Designs Mayfly Chair review
When you’re outdoors, camp chairs are a luxury. I’m not talking about car camping where you can take everything from grills to tables and chairs to six-person tents. No, I’m talking about true outdoor adventure when you are trekking into the great wild, far from any parking area, miles from civilization. On those adventures, you…
Switch Eyewear Lynx sunglasses review
Last summer, I reviewed a pair of sunglasses with a unique twist. The Switch Eyewear Tioga sunglasses with a Magnetic Interchange System seemed to solve the problem of hard-to-install, interchangeable lenses. I really liked the system, but the frames felt heavy and lacked any rubberized parts for staying-on-yer-noggin. Enter the Switch Eyewear Lynx. The Switch…
Keen Verdi Mid WP review
I’ve owned a lot of Keens in my day, from the original closed-toe sandals to hiking shoes. But one thing that always bothered me about them is the weight. Sure, Keens were beefy and had that huge toe bumper, but that came at a heavy cost in the weight division. Well, I’m happy to say…
Salomon Tour Jacket review
In my opinion, a backcountry touring jacket needs a few things: simplicity of style, a large hood, light weight, moisture resistance and excellent breathability. So when I found out that Salomon made a jacket called the “Tour” my ears perked up like a German Shepherd who’s owner just said the “W” word. When I got…
Easton showcases 2013/14 snowshoes
Easton Mountain Products showcased their 2013/14 snowshoes and trekking poles at a media event this past weekend, and I was lucky enough to be there. The day started with a meet-up in the parking area near Grizzly Gulch at Alta, where the EMS reps greeted us with fresh bagels slathered in cream cheese; a pretty…
Salomon Quest Max BC 120 ski boot review
Salomon is an alpine ski company that has seriously ramped up their backcountry game in recent years. From the Salomon Quest 12 ski boots, to the Salomon Guardian 16 binding, they’ve made their presence known in the ski-touring world. Well next season, the company is raising the bar with the new Salomon Quest Max BC…
Icebreaker Bodyfit 260 LS Crew review
Last year, I tested my first Icebreaker base layer with the Apex Zip. That one garment converted me to the wonders of merino wool, and now I am a serious snob when it comes to what kind of fabric touches my skin during aerobic winter activities. So it was with great relish and joy that…
Sierra Designs DriDown Tov Jacket review
Selecting the perfect down jacket for all of your outdoor adventures can be a daunting task. Considerations like down rating, loft, warmth, packability and, of course, style must all be factored in. You can surely find a coat that meets all of those qualifications, but why not take it a step further and also add…