Blog
Outdoor Vitals Ventus Hoodie: A Must-Have Mid-Layer for Every Adventure
Finding the right lightweight mid-layer for outdoor adventures can be challenging. After nearly two years of using the Outdoor Vitals Ventus Active Hoodie, I’m convinced it’s one of the best lightweight, versatile, and warm mid-layers available.
The Perfect Family Backpacking Tent: Argali Absoroka 4P
I thought the perfect family backpacking tent didn’t exist until I found the Argali Absoroka 4P. It’s now my shelter of choice for the foreseeable future. Find out why.
Behind the Design with Exo Mountain Gear
Steve Speck and Mark Huelsing of Exo Mountain Gear join me for a behind-the-scenes look at their newest pack design; the K4. After over three years in development and a decade of pack-building experience, the K4 is a finely tuned design and the best pack Exo has designed.
Choosing The Right Shelter Size For Your Backpack Hunt
Shelter size is a big deal for backpack hunters. Go too small and waiting out a storm for a few days will drive you crazy, but go too big and you might not find a suitable place to pitch it. Choosing the right sized shelter for your hunt will impact your overall comfort and capability so let’s get it sorted out!
Floorless vs. Floored Shelters for Backpack Hunting
Floorless vs. floored shelters; the new “age old question” that has floored backpack hunters since the beginning of time. Depending on where you live, where you’re hunting, what your willing to sleep with or not sleep with, and what weather is headed your way, you’re going to find yourself considering which type of shelter to haul with you into the backcountry. In recent years, floorless has become a staple in the backcountry for a number of reasons, yet traditional floored shelters still have their place in the backcountry. If you’re caught trying to decide which is right for you, this article is going to help you out.
Maven C.2 10X28 Binocular and CS.1A 15-45X65 Spotting Scope Review
I took to the backcountry this past fall with the Maven C.2 10X28 Binocular and CS.1A 15-45X65 Spotting Scope to see if the combination of the two would work for my style of hunting. In this review, I’ll offer my thoughts on these two Maven optics, why I chose these specifically, and how they performed.
Why I Stopped Backpacking In Fleece
I struggled for years regulating my body temperature on hikes with fleece mid-layers. I was always too sweaty, too hot, or too cold until I found Merino wool and have since swapped all my layers out for this amazing material.
Why I still Use a Jetboil After 2000 Miles (video included!)
I love my Jetboil Flash and continue to use it after over 2000 miles of backpacking. I have two other popular stoves, yet time after time, I continue to grab the Jetboil. Here’s why.
The Best Underwear for Backpacking
The Best Underwear for Backpacking: Is there such a thing? I think so, and I've hiked a lot of miles to find out. Never underestimate the power of a pair of underwear that won't stink, bunch up, or cause chafing.
Bergara Mountain Rifle 2.0: The Perfect Mountain Hunting Rifle? (video included!)
The Bergara Mountain Rifle 2.0 might just be the perfect rifle for backcountry mountain hunting. It checks all the boxes of durability, construction, performance, and weight savings. If you’re in the market for a lightweight backcountry rifle then you’ll want to take a look at this overview of the Bergara Mountain Rifle 2.0.
Backpacking Hats: The Most Underrated Backpacking Gear
Backpacking hats are likely the most underrated and under-discussed items you bring with you into the backcountry. They protect your head from the sun, warm your body when it’s cold, and if you get it wrong, you’ll be extremely uncomfortable. By choosing the right hat, you’ll do yourself a huge favor and see a nice little bump in enjoyment.
The Perfect Camera For Backpacking (with video!)
The Fujifilm X100V might actually be the perfect camera for backpackers. It’s lightweight, compact, weather-resistant, and is the perfect focal length for documenting a backcountry adventure.
Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod - A Backpacker’s Best Friend (video included!)
A first look and initial review of the Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod from the perspective of a BACKPACKER.
Argali Carbon Knife - An Ultralight Knife For Backcountry Hunting
The Argali Carbon Knife is an ultralight solution for backcountry hunters who process wild game in the field.
Rawlogy Ultralight Massage Ball: A Self Care Game Changer for Backpacking
One of the best backpacking accessories you can purchase is this ultralight massage ball from Rawlogy. In this review, I dive into why, how, and what these things are.
Is The Garmin Fenix Watch Worth It? A VERY Long Term Assessment
I’ve worn my Garmin Fenix 3 HR nearly every single day for over 4 years. It’s joined me on hunts, hikes, 2000 miles of the PCT, and even to work as a daily wearing timepiece. I’m beyond the point of a “gear review,” but what I can provide is a long term assessment of the Fenix series watches and tell you whether or not it’s worth the hefty price tag.
SLIK PRO CF-634 SVH Kit with SVH-501 Video Head REVIEW
I’ve never been a huge fan of tripods until now. After a few runs with the Slik CF 634, I’m a believer.
Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 1 - Honest Thoughts
I hiked over 2000 miles with the Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL 1. These are my thoughts.
Vortex Spotting Scope and Binoculars: What Worked and What Didn't in 2016
I decided to spend some money on optics in 2016 and I think it's time I talk about my experiences. Here are my thoughts on what worked, what didn't work, and what I'll do going forward.