Gear Reviews

I live right off of the AT which means I spend a fair amount of time on it. I love the view and I love waking up and seeing nothing but the mountains around me but it really isn’t fun having to keep buying a new air mattress all the time, which is why I [...]

While you might love the outdoors, literally sleeping next to Mother Nature on the ground isn’t pleasant. A cot allows you to stay suspended comfortably above the ground without having to pack a whole bed, or air mattress. The best camping cot needs to give you a good night’s rest, but what else should it [...]

It’s true. You could bring nothing more than freeze dried meals and turkey jerky when you backpack. And you’d survive. But it’s gonna get real old, real quick. To keep your tastebuds and stomach interested in your camping endeavor, cook yourself some food. Now obviously that doesn’t mean raiding your mom’s kitchen and coming away [...]

If you have been out at a lake or a river than you have no doubt seen some people kayaking. And if you have seen people kayaking then you have no doubt thought about trying it out for yourself. I’m with you. It is a fun and unique way to get out and enjoy the [...]

Hiking is a pastime enjoyed by thousands of people throughout the world on their days off work, weekends or holidays. Hiking trails dot the landscape and enthusiasts enjoy the fresh air, scenic views and of course get a good cardio workout at the same time. Good preparation and equipment for your hiking excursion is essential. [...]

Mountain biking is the quintessential extreme sport. It requires all the skills and technicality of wind gliding and couples with thrills that could rival those of big wave surfing. Great mountain bikers know that in order to make the most of their uphill climbs and downhill descents, you’ve got to have your gear dialed in [...]

Updated Aug 27, 2018. Are you a side sleeper looking for a sleeping pad? You’re in the right place! This year I decided I needed to buy my own equipment. I slept on an air pad last year and it wasn’t the most comfortable which is why I’m so much happier having found the Therm-a-Rest [...]

 When backpacking the number one consideration has to be weight. You’re carrying EVERYTHING so many people choose not to even bring a stove. Check out my favorite backpacking stove for 2018 at Amazon. There’s lots of reasons you might but there are so many claiming to be the best backpacking stoves you’ll have to figure [...]

You ask why do you need the best bike floor pump? Do you know how much harder it is to get up a hill with half-inflated tires on your bike? Well maybe I don’t know the specific science numbers, but let’s just say it’s a lot harder. Correct tire pressure should be the first and the [...]

This post is about the best lightweight hiking shoes. It seems that ever since the beginning of recreational trail hiking, it has been somewhat of a rule that you must always wear hiking boots. It makes sense, you want the added ankle support you will get from high boots. Plus boots keep your feet dry [...]

This is a review about the best GPS watch for Hiking. GPS (Global Positioning System) has come a long way since the development of the technology started way back during the space race of the 1960’s as the United States wanted a way of tracking satellites. With military backing, the research into GPS technology continued [...]

This post is about the best mountain bike tires available. Mountain biking has got to be one of the dodgiest sports out there, in a good way! The concept is simple enough and comes straight from our childhood days. Grab a bike, find a steep hill, and race you to the bottom! Granted the more [...]

Best Mirrorless Camera for Professionals: Sony Alpha A7 II As I’ve gotten older my hands are less able to handle a heavier DSLR  and while I’ve been putting it off the time has come and that’s what I found the Sony Alpha A7 II Mirrorless. Mirrorless cameras are so much lighter and it’s just a pleasure [...]

If you use a pocket knife regularly then you are well aware that they sometimes get dull and need to be re-sharpened. With so many sharpening tools on the market, it is hard to know what kind of knife sharpening system to use. Curious about my favorite pocket knife sharpener?  Check it out here at [...]

This is our options for the best bike seats that we know off. When riding a bike, you will always have three points of contact (mostly always that is). Those points of contact are the handlebars, the pedals, and the saddle/seat. Of those three the one that most people have complaints about is the bike [...]

I know some people who backpack tentless. They look at the weather forecast, determine the likelihood of rain and then set off into the wilds with basic gear, food, and a mat. When night falls, they roll out the mat and sleep with nothing between them and the stars but air. Not me. Just the thought [...]

Whether you are new to hiking or a seasoned veteran of the sport, having the right tools is essential, an often-overlooked accessory is the hiking backpack. When setting out on your hike, be it a short hike or an all-day excursion, first and foremost is to consider your safety requirements. Every hiker should carry these [...]

Let’s take a second to imagine a scenario. In this scenario, you are on the Appalachian Trail, and you reach Mcaffee Knob Overlook in Virginia. The weather is beautiful, the sun is setting, and while you are sitting there taking in the beauty of the world around you, you realize that you are going to [...]

Best Base Layer for Skiing – ColdPruf Platinum Dual Layer As a skier I know layering is important, especially on those winter runs when it’s so cold you can’t feel your nose. I hate feeling sweaty and constricted which is why I was happy to come across the ColdPruf Platinum dual layer base leggings. This [...]

Pretty Plantar Pain Fixer I’ve suffered with foot, knee, hip and back pain and while I hate to admit the fact that I’m in my thirties and wearing orthotic shoes – the pain has won. Looking for shoes that don’t look like my grandmother wears them has been interesting and finding the Orthaheel Tide Slides, [...]

We would like to present you the best camelbak for running. What is a camelbak? A Camelbak is a hands-free hydration pack or water bottle, that was invented by Michael Edison in 1989, when he was competing in the “Hotter ‘n Hell 100” bike race in Wichita Falls, Texas.  The original Camelbak was made from [...]

If you want to hike in whatever pants you happen to be wearing, whatever jeans or khakis you woke up in this morning, that’s your thing. And if at the end of the trail you’re hot, soaked in sweat, and quite miserable, well, that’s your thing too. To hike smart, I recommend you the best [...]

Check our opinion about the best hiking boot brands. Nothing is going to ruin your hike faster than poor quality hiking boots. As a hiker, you need to ensure you have the right boots for the terrain and of course offer all round protection of your feet and ankles. There are many different brands and [...]

When you are camping or hiking in the backwoods, there is a lot of equipment that you will need to have to have an enjoyable experience. One thing that cannot be overlooked is a sleeping pad because of this we would like to present you some options about the best sleeping pads. Best Sleeping Pads [...]

If you are looking for a great all around outdoor pillow, the Nemo Fillo is the one for you. This backpacking pillow is soft, yet it is supportive enough to satisfy people who prefer to sleep on their sides. It is compact, and it can fold up and fit into a small grapefruit sized bag [...]

Hammocks are essential gear for the serious backpacker. While the image of lazy summer afternoons spent lounging in a backyard hammock with a cold drink in hand still prevails. Click here to check out my favorite backpacking hammock choice at Amazon. For the backpacker and expedition adventurer, a quality hammock can provide the difference between [...]

You have your tent, your pad and your sleeping bag. What’s left? A pillow. Just head on into your bedroom and grab one off the bed, right? Not so much. You haven’t shaved off ounces and inches from all your backpacking gear just to bulk up on a granny pillow. And even if you’re not [...]

 When you first get into CrossFit, slapping on a pair of “gym shoes” and heading off to class is fine. But when you start to get serious and find yourself showing up at your CrossFit box of choice on the regular, you definitely want to start thinking seriously about what you put on your feet. [...]

The best handheld GPS for hunting that we want you to know about are specified below. GPS (Global Positioning System), has found its way into all aspects of our lives, in our cars, wristwatches and cellular phones. It is most definitely one of the greatest inventions of the last century. Getting lost is a thing [...]

When going on a long hike, mountaineering, or kayaking through the Grand Canyon, there will be the inevitability of needing two things, food and sleep. What this means to you is, you are going to have to pack a sleeping system, and part of that sleeping system is a sleeping bag. This post best ultralight [...]

If you plan to do any serious outdoor activities, it is a smart move to consider purchasing a reliably warm base layer. After reviewing several different products, the SmartWool NTS Mid 250 was selected as the best base layer for cold weather of 2019. If you’re in a hurry, click here to check out this [...]

Sleeping in the outdoors is one of life’s great pleasures. After stargazing and watching the campfire die down we slide into a comfy sleeping bag for the night. That said, choosing the best backpacking sleeping bag for us can make or break a trip in the backcountry. What I am looking for in a sleeping [...]

The weekends are meant for getaways. We know, you’ve gone 100 miles per hour from Monday to Friday, and now it’s time to escape the office, the city, and find some stars to sleep under. In a hurry to find out more?  Click here to see my favorite camping stove at Amazon. Sure many people [...]

When you pick a ski jacket there are several different variables to factor in. Where do I spend most of my ski time? How much waterproofing do I need? What is my preferred style? And of course, what is the price range I am looking to stay in? If you’re curious to check out my [...]

If you plan to go hiking, the best investment you can make is a good pair of hiking boots. That does mean you have to blow your budget on your hiking boots when there is lots of gear that is needed for a good hiking expedition. You can still get quality hiking boots that are [...]

Fishing has always been a common activity in the world of outdoor sports. Not only is it relaxing and fun, but it also is an action that serves one of our most basic needs, food. Even considering the popularity that this sport has enjoyed throughout history, the advancements in fishing technology allow it to be [...]

In the event of a catastrophe, it may become very hard to travel to the nearest emergency center, or for them to travel to you. It is important to have an emergency preparedness kit so that you can take care of yourself when a disaster occurs or is about to occur. However, the kit has [...]

Whether camping, hiking, fishing or doing any kind of outdoor activity, it is hard to say when an accident or mishap may occur. When these things happen, it is always a good thing to be prepared. EDC, or everyday carry first aid kits are small, light weight kits designed with the intent that they can [...]

Let’s start with the obvious: What is a ghillie suit? If you don’t know, chances are you probably don’t need one, but just in case. A ghillie suit is camouflage. But this is camouflage that went to college. It’s not just green and beige patterns on canvas. No, this is the suit that makes you [...]

Best Cold Weather Sleeping bag You’ve done it! You scaled the mountain, you trekked until your legs wanted to fall off, you’ve filtered water, stewed your dinner over an open fire by moonlight, crawled into your tent at the end of a long day in the wilderness, and what happens? An unexpected temperature drop leaves [...]

Hiking is one of the most basic forms of entertainment (all it requires is ground to walk on and feet to walk with), but not all terrains can be hiked/backpacked without extra equipment. Take, for instance, mountainous terrain during the winter months and everyone wants the best snowshoes for beginners. Walking snowy terrain is know [...]

This is a post about the best beginner’s climbing shoe that you can find. Shoe Rock climbing is an activity enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts all over the world, and being a physically and mentally challenging sport it is essential to have the right gear. If you are new to the sport of rock climbing choosing the [...]

Pretty much every survival instructor agrees that the knife is the most important piece of survival equipment there is. Unfortunately, that’s where the agreement ends, because opinions on the type of knife that’s best for survival are as varied as the people who hold those opinions. While there are a few common points of agreement, [...]

With so many different types of boots on the market, it is hard to decide on the most perfect pair for any individual. For people suffering from plantar fasciitis, the challenge can be twice as difficult. Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes someone to have extreme pain in their heel when walking or standing. [...]

I’ve set up camp. The tent’s up. The fire ring is built. Maybe it took me a full day’s hike to get here, maybe I just drove up to the site because car camping is what I’m feeling this weekend. Doesn’t matter, what matters is when I’m ready to get in the tent and pass [...]

When I do long camping trips, it really kills the mood if someone has run out halfway through and go get more ice. It’s like, I thought we were getting away from it all but, no we’re just popping over to supermarkets, willy nilly. If you don’t have time to hang around right now, check [...]

Choosing the best soft cooler isn’t a walk in the park, though a great ice cooler can make a walk the park that much better. For real though, it’s serious business, and choosing just the right soft cooler requires taking a lot into consideration. How easy is it to clean? How fast does ice melt [...]

What’s better than nights under the stars, days on the trail, and summiting mountains to well-earned vistas? Experiencing the trail, mountains, and nature with someone using the best 2 person sleeping bag!  Getting outdoors can do wonders for the introverted soul and contemplative loner, but adventuring can, and often should, be shared as well, and [...]

If you are concerned about potentially destructive world events, preparing for them can be an easy way to make yourself feel better and soothe any anxiety you have regarding the future of our society. This is a very common fear and practice, and a subculture of preppers has developed over the last decade or so [...]

Bivy sacks are collapsible sacks that replace a single person tent in inclement weather. Bivy sacks are a must have for the outdoorsman who may find themselves in cold conditions, sometimes without a tent. They are also great if you want to carry less weight with you when you head out on an overnight adventure. [...]

Congratulations, you’ve done it! You’ve stepped out of your door and found your feet in the heartland of eastern America and on one of the most iconic footpaths in the world, The Appalachian Trail. Check out my top pick for the best Backpack for The Appalachian Trail at Amazon. Whether you’re thru-hiking all 2,179 miles of [...]

If you are a hiker, then you understand the importance of having the best daypacks for hiking to accompany you on your trips. A daypack is considered an essential piece of gear, so when you purchase one there are several considerations you should make including what the specific use for the pack will be and [...]

The best water filter for backpacking is something that you need when traveling. Water on the trail is not something to play around with, and quite literally comes down to do or die. Making sure there’s a sustainable water source is only half the battle, and that’s usually left up to mother nature. The rest [...]

The best bike chain lube will help you avoid every bikers worst dream. Even from our early years of riding our childhood bikes through the neighborhood we remember the disastrous pop and clunk associated with a busted bike chain usually followed by a long push home. Even then it was obvious, a bad chain leads [...]

Tactical gloves are a very important accessory for anyone who frequently participates in shooting operations for work, or who shoots as a hobby. The best tactical gloves for shooting will keep your hands safe and give you a better grip on the gun as you are working. There are many options for tactical gloves on the [...]

 Durable, Dependable, Great Company and Good to Go Brand loyalty asides, when it came time to replace my old running pack I wanted something smaller, lighter, and more than just a “bladder in a bag.” CamelBak has always been the name for me, it was the brand I started hiking with and I’ve never felt [...]

As the snow starts to fall the minds of many Americans turn to the mountains. Bushwalking and hiking are fantastic pastimes, with multiple benefits to health and lifestyle. Those benefits don’t end when the temperature starts to fall. But hiking during winter is significantly different to hiking when the weather is warm, and if you [...]

Look, if you’re a serious athlete you’re dedicated to the whole process of bettering yourself, your training regimen, and your results you will need the best electrolyte supplement. True competitors don’t just show up on game day, they put in the work beforehand to reap the thrill of victory when it counts. Putting the right [...]

When you are outdoors whether it is camping or hiking, water purification is an essential element that should not be overlooked. Not all water sources are safe, even if the water looks crystal clear and clean, it may still contain contaminants that may make you sick if they are ingested. When you are deciding on [...]

Biking can be an incredibly fun sport/hobby to take up, at but it can also be an expensive endeavor. If you do a lot of riding you can expect to need to do a significant amount of maintenance on your bike as well. So we want to present you the best bike repair stands. Anyone [...]

 Night vision goggles are the easiest way to detect movement, size of objects, body heat, and much more when it is dark outside. There are many popular uses for night vision goggles – many outdoor enthusiasts use them for camping, hunting, fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. Best Night Vision Goggles They can also be used [...]

Expensive but practically bomb proof! Yeti gets a lot of flack for being expensive but the saying goes “you get what you pay for” and when it comes to this cooler it’s so true. We have a stack of grocery store coolers outside and no one wants them. When it comes to a Yeti cooler [...]

Whether you are spending a weekend in the country and need to be prepared for bad weather or doing more extreme outdoor activities like rock climbing, snowboarding, hiking or anything that exposes you to mother nature, you need a quality jacket to protect you from mother nature. You need something that will keep you warm [...]

The Best GPS for Hiking I admit there’s a thrill in getting a little lost. Note I said “a little.” Realizing on mile 10 that I’m nowhere near where I thought I’d be? Not a happy camper. To avoid becoming a tragic headline, you need the best GPS for hiking. And yes, I know you [...]

Long gone are the days of just grabbing a cheap, and guaranteed to break within minutes, Styrofoam cooler from a gas station to keep your drinks and food mildly cool on an out of town get away or an afternoon at the park. Coolers are serious business now! Do you want a blender included? Mounted speakers? [...]

Sometimes when you’re deep into backcountry, chasing waterfalls, fording rivers, summiting mountains, and experiencing vistas that take your breath away, the hardest thing is keeping it to yourself.  Sure, we live in an age where whipping out a cell phone and snapping a quick photo is enough to help preserve the memory, but accurately conveying [...]

The Under Armour Men’s Base 3.0 Crew Shirt is a great way to keep warm while out hunting. My other half has been using an Under Armour layer so long that his had started to fall apart and it was time to upgrade.  Layering is the best way of keeping warm and these are made [...]

Light and surprisingly easy to use Having been a photographer for decades I’ve seen cameras change, and the weight of a hefty DSLR isn’t pleasant and I’ve been looking to go mirrorless for a while. If you’re in a hurry, check out my favorite Full Frame Mirrorless Camera at Amazon. Best Full Frame Mirrorless Camera – [...]

The right hiking boots is crucial to your enjoyment and comfort when bushwalking and hiking all year round. A boot that is too rigid and heavy makes the exercise a strain, and one that fits poorly leaves you with bruises and blisters on aching feet. The point of hiking is to enjoy the experience, not [...]

So I didn’t know this earlier, but apparently, in some circles of the hunting community a GPS is not considered a necessary tool. I’d like to present you with an argument as to why that is not the case. A lot of people seem to think that hunting is something out of shape beer guzzling middle-aged [...]

If you work in construction (or any outdoor job actually) chances are you have come across some horrid weather conditions in your day. If you’re anything like me, then you have probably make the mistake of being woefully underdressed for those conditions. I imagine we have all had to endure terrible weather while not having [...]

I’m not sure that I have ever enjoyed myself more than I do when I am with friends and family at our camp grounds. The togetherness that you feel with people when you’re in the wilderness with no distractions, (doing nothing but enjoying each other’s company while drinking and eating like pigs), is as good [...]

The Cressi Skorpion Dive Knife is a great choice if you’re a beginner diver like me. I’ve just started getting my own scuba gear and finding a knife that wasn’t going to cost a fortune while being secure enough that I won’t lose it has been interesting. I wanted something that wasn’t too long and [...]

Best Tactical Pants for Everyday Use – Vertx Men’s Original Tactical Pants Best tactical pants are great for the get up and go kind of individuals in the world today. They are durable so they are great for use in any situation. If you don’t have time to hang around right now, click here to check [...]

Supination, or Under-pronation, is the bane of many long-distance runners. Whether you are engaged in the odd fun run or charity event, or a dedicated athlete, the stress supination puts on your joints can cause long-term harm, and serious injury. At the very least it leads to protracted discomfort and inferior performance. The problem presents [...]

Part of the beauty of hiking is venturing off into unknown territory, the excitement and adventure of the unknown are something that has followed us throughout history. But while it is exciting to explore the unknown, it is a good idea to be prepared for those moments that your map and compass aren’t enough to [...]

Usually for all women summertime means outdoors time. And one activity that some like to enjoy during the summer months is hiking. But when walking in sweltering temperatures, you will quickly find yourself in a pool of sweat and filth. The biggest culprit in the category of filth and sweat is, you guessed it, our [...]

Best Crampons For Ice We’ve all seen that epic scene from a movie where a lone hiker is bravely scaling a frozen waterfall. His feet inevitably slip and he’s lift dangling and clinging to his ice axe as a series of other epic events happen and he finally wins the day, kisses the girl, and [...]

If you’re looking for a decent knife that won’t break the bank, The Smith & Wesson SWHRT9B Black HRT might be just what you’re looking for. If you’re in a hurry, check it out here at Amazon. I wanted something that wasn’t folding and would still fit me without being too long or uncomfortable. This [...]

Merrell’s have been my hiking boot of choice for many years. I live right off the AT and love them so these are no exception. If you’re in a hurry to check them out, click here to see my favorite Merrell hiking boots at Amazon. I spend a lot of time on the trails and [...]

Sleeping pads are often used in combination with a sleeping bag to provide the user with a more comfortable place to sleep that provides additional insulation and padding. There are several different types of sleeping pads available including air sleeping pads, self-inflating sleeping pads, and closed-cell foam sleeping pads. Air Pads Air pads are the [...]

I’m not here to solve the debate over full suspension vs. hardtail. It basically depends whether you want shock absorption on just the front forks (hardtail) or suspension in the front and back (full suspension). Generally, due to having more moving parts, full suspension bikes tend to be spendier. If you’re willing to stand up [...]

Our Hydro Flask review is about that when you go hiking you will want to make sure that you are hydrated at all time. So make sure you drink plenty of water.The issue I always had was my water bottles either, continuously got cracks in them or the water just got way too hot for [...]

Look, if you’re at all in tune to the fitness world you’ve probably at least heard of CrossFit by this point. If you’ve ever actually done CrossFit, then you also know CrossFit is no joke. Let’s take weights, running, jumping, climbing, and all sorts of torturous moves, mix them together with high intensity, short duration, [...]

I needed an upgrade for my plate carrier and after doing a little digging came across the CRYE Precision JPC (Jumpable Plate Carrier) and was impressed with what I found. When I started looking for the best tactical vest setup for me I realized there are so many plastic ones that just aren’t tough enough or [...]

The Flexcut Whittlin Jack is best whittling knife, great little knife which has a clever design. I’ve never whittled before but had heard it can be calming so I wanted to give it a try. I’m very creative by nature and I liked the idea of a folding blade knife for safety reasons. If you’re [...]

Camping is one of the more popular ways people enjoy the summer months and the weather that comes along with that. It’s an enjoyable way to get a large group of people together, eat terribly, and a great excuse to drink all day (what else is there to do right). But mostly it is an [...]

The summer months are finally here, which means it is time to take a break from the office and daily stresses of modern living. For me, one of the best ways to do this is to get outside and spend some time with mother nature.  One activity I particularly enjoy is hiking, the scenes you [...]

Whether it’s the workweek that’s worn you down, the constant drain of the city, or maybe the mountain paths are just irresistibly calling…  It’s time to get away, mount up, and tear into the trail. Check out my all-time-favorite Hardtrail Mountain Bike at Amazon. Mountain biking provides us with thrills and spills few other sports [...]

If you have been on backpacking trips where you cover multiple seasons, various altitudes, or even worse, multiple seasons and altitudes; then you know that you need the best down jackets and the lightweight warming layers are an absolute must to carry with you. There are several different types of warming layers, and they all [...]

If you live in a very cold climate or travel to locations that have this climate, then it’s important to have a winter coat that will protect you from these extreme temperatures. Extreme cold is not only uncomfortable, but it can also be dangerous if you don’t have the proper protection against it. A great [...]

With so many tents out there, and so many companies to choose from it can be hard to know which is the best tent brand. First you need to know what kind of camping you’re doing and the weather you’re likely to encounter, as well as how many people you plan on bringing. Click here [...]

Every backpacker knows, when it comes to great trekking, climbing, or just enjoying a weekend out, every ounce is a precious commodity. We often have to sacrifice comfort in the name of saving weight on our back, and we all too often leave something at home that would have made our camp stay just a [...]

In summer, does the thought of putting on socks and hiking boots just make you sweat? Me too. Thank goodness for hiking sandals. Durable enough to handle the trails but super breathable and no socks required!  We present you the best hiking sandals for women. There’s always the question of whether to go with open-toed [...]

The last several years have seen a boom in the relatively new sport of stand up paddleboarding (SUP Boarding). Now, it should not come as much of a surprise that this sport is becoming so popular. If you don’t have time to hang around, check out my favorite inflatable paddle board at Amazon. Paddle boarding [...]

We live for the thrill of the hunt. It probably has something to do with our nature, something of the old days that still sticks with us. The one thing that ruins the thrill of the hunt? That awkward panic and desperation that comes with the confusion of being lost so try the best hunting [...]