Aerogel vs Down: Is this the Jacket of the Future?
When choosing between jackets, you typically have two options: down, or synthetic. There are pros and cons to both. Down jackets are well-known for being the most lightweight, warm, and highly compressible layers you can buy, but they do have an Achilles heel: once they’re wet, they’re difficult to dry and lose their insulating power. Synthetic jackets are water-resistant and in some cases, can insulate even when wet. But, this comes at a cost: they aren’t as lightweight, and they often
LUXURY or LIES? True Two-Person Backpacking Tents?
Look, I know a lot of you use two-person tents like they are one-person tents. But sometimes you want a legit two-person tent, even if it means carrying extra weight. So, I decided to check out three of the top two-person tents, all redesigned for 2022. They are
This Trend Could Revolutionize Sleeping Bags
What is the best sleeping bag to buy? Well, if you only plan to go mostly in summer, a 45-degree bag will be plenty. BUT if you want to extend your season into the spring and fall, it’s best to get a 20-degree bag. BUT what if someday you want to go in the winter, too? And you only have the budget for ONE BAG? Enter the 3-in-1 bag. The outdoor industry's one-stop solution to 4-season sleeping. This past spring, I posted a blog called, "One
The KEY to Great Sleep Outdoors
What is the worst part about backpacking? I think most people would say it’s the sleep. I don’t know what it is, but I can hike all day long, be utterly exhausted from a hike
Only ONE Good Reason to Use This Hammock—Haven Lay Flat Hammock Tent Review
I really wanted to like this thing! Its one of the only true lay-flat hammocks in existence. A hammock that even side and stomach sleepers can use. But to be honest, it seems like more like a gimmick than anything else. A little while back I was sent this Haven tent to try out. And I was intrigued because I’ve never been a big fan of hammocks, mainly because I’m a side sleeper, and hammocks just aren't good for side sleepers. But Haven tents
PRICE vs. WEIGHT—You Can’t Have Both! ZPacks Plex Solo vs. SMD Lunar Solo
So you don’t have $600 to drop on the lightest tent in the world. Well, the Lunar Solo is a very similar tent that is half the price (but also twice the weight). But it's still really light at just 26 ounces. How else do these tents compare? Left: Zpacks Plex Solo, Right: SMD Lunar Solo Zpacks Plex Solo vs. the SMD Lunar Solo You may have seen my blog post or YouTube video from a few weeks back where I took my first look at
$12 Hack Beats Expensive Down Jacket—Nikwax Down Proof Test and Review
Why am soaking my down jacket in a near freezing stream AGAIN? Because this time I want to see if the jacket I spent $12 on can perform as well as a $270 jacket. You may remember my post from a few weeks ago where I took this expensive jacket with specialty treated down and soaked it in near-freezing water to see if it could still keep me warm. Well, I did it again, but this time instead of relying on expensive factory-treated
You’ve NEVER Seen a Backpack Like This – Six Moon Designs Minimalist V2 Review
I’ve have owned A LOT of packs over the years: Gregory, Arctyex, REI, Dueter, Osprey, Gosomer Gear, Hyperlight Mountain Gear, Lowe Alpine
ONE BAG to Rule Them All—The North Face One Bag Review
So you know how in The Lord of the Rings, 19 rings of power are given to the elves, the dwarves and the race of men, giving them the strength and will to govern each race? “But they were all of them deceived, for another ring was made
Big 3 ULTRALIGHT MAKEOVER—Three Options to Cut Serious Weight!
By far, the heaviest things you carry into the backcountry are your tent, backpack, and sleep system. Depending on your setup, these Big 3 pieces of gear could weigh a combined 10 to 15 pounds on their own. But what if you're tired of carrying all that weight and have decided you want to go ultralight or even just shed a few pounds off your pack? This is the list for you. I have not just one, but three setups that will