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…
Tag: review
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…
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider Ultralight Pack review
Over the past few seasons “ultralight” has become one of the hottest new concepts in backpacking. Carrying less weight means you go further faster with less stress on your body and the environment. Hyperlite Mountain Gear is a company dedicated to the ultralight hiking style, and to help convert me they sent out the Windrider…
Icebreaker SS Roto Half Zip mountain bike jersey review
Merino wool is all the rage right now, and its recent popularity has encouraged gear companies to weave this natural fiber into more than just base layers. Icebreaker of New Zealand came up with new ways for us gearheads to don merino wool, and this biking season they’re offering up wool shorts and jerseys as…
Supercollar retractable leash collar review
Ready. Set. Grab the Supercollar! This revolutionary dog collar and retractable leash is a great addition to the dog accessory market. For the past month Lucy, my german short hair pointer/blue heeler mix, has been putting the Supercollar to the test. I’m not going to lie, I thought this leash would snap as soon as…
Klymit Inertia X Frame camping pad review
The Klymit Inertia X Frame is an anatomically patterned, super light weight (9.1 oz) camping pad that packs down to the size of a soda can. Looking at its unusual shape makes one wonder if such a thing is possible to sleep on. Klymit has made some revolutionary changes to the standard inflatable pad, and…
Salomon Rocker 2 ski review
There is a ski model out there who’s name is being whispered in the halls of skidom. They are long-awaited boards that promise to bring powder-floaty-happiness to face shot seekers the world over. It is the sequel to the legendary Salomon Rocker, and this reborn version is aptly named the Rocker 2. The ski designers…
Sierra Designs Gnar Down Jacket review
The best weapon in the fight against cold winter weather is a good down jacket. Long gone are the days of the over-puffed monsters of the past. The new rage in outdoor apparel is the micro puff down coat. Light, compressible and oh so warm, these coats have become the new “must have” item for…
Volkl zeroes in on lightweight backcountry skis at OR
Of all the skis I checked out at the Outdoor Retailer 2011 Winter Market, Volkl wins, hands down, for topsheet design. Their killer new skis are part of the backcountry touring line, which features a bunch of lightweight skis with hollowed-out wood cores. Of course Volkl is known for their racing, carving machines, and they’ve…