For the last several years, I have worn Topo Athletic trail-runners, waterproof boots and urban hiking shoes (running shoes). Their design with wide toe-box, low/0 heel to toe drop, and cushioning kept me in their shoes – buying >10 pairs … Read More
Over the last year, I have bought 2 new Enlightened Equipment jackets: Torrid and Copperfield. The Torrid is part of ‘keep warm’ kit, and replaced my Patagonia Nano Puff, and Copperfield goes everywhere in pack belt pocket for wind. Enlightened … Read More
With backpacking trips upcoming, time to shake out the backpacking gear kit for the early season 2023. Several gear pieces were updated over the winter, and all the conditioning work needed a backpack proof point. The full gear set My … Read More
Selecting new ultralight sleeping bag is hard given all the options: sleeping bag, quilt, down, synthetic, waterproof, etc. There are also a myriad of resources posted to help one select the best to buy. I default to a simple ‘supplier … Read More
Update June 2023: After enough miles so far this year (and more to go), a gear update is needed. I left last year-end summary with the changes below. Backpacking season 2022 finished with over 1000 miles hiked around OR and … Read More
A challenge submitting a gear review to favorite retailer taught important lesson for future successful gear review submissions (based on a post here). Published review terms and conditions (T&C) diverge from how retailer moderates gear reviews. They rejected my post … Read More
For the last two years, Black Diamond Carbon Cork trekking poles (Company Link) have gone with me over 2000 miles. I broke one 2 years ago crossing Elliot Creek, Mt Hood Timberline Trail (REI replaced that one as it was … Read More
I recently purchased a new day pack for those fast and longer day hikes. Research was focused on the following features / requirements: The search took several weeks while reading reviews and exploring different options. I discovered the Yar Gear … Read More
After two hikes, this is my ‘go-to’ water purification system for ‘flowing water’ sources (contrasted to ‘still water’ sources, e.g., ponds and lakes). Katadyn BeFree (Rei page) This is so light and easy to make small, I carried it in … Read More
For the last two years, Topo Athletic has been my go-to shoe for hiking and training. Nothing has changed; they are the best shoe so-far for my odd-ball feet. With this spring season closing and summer starting, different shoes take … Read More
