GEAR REVIEW
GEAR REVIEWS
TO KEEP YOU
EXPLORING.
The right gear is crucial—it can make or break your experience and even prevent injuries. Our reviews are based on our own experiences. We hope they’ll help you find the perfect gear for your adventures.
Print Ain't Dead: Why Mountain Gazette's Anthology Earned a Spot on My Shelf
Mountain Gazette's Print Ain't Dead anthology brings together decades of stories from some of the most influential voices in outdoor and Western writing. Here's why this massive hardcover earned a permanent spot on my shelf.
Snow Peak Copper Head Peg Hammer Review: Is It Worth the Price?
Snow Peak Copper Head Peg Hammer review covering tent setup, camp use, craftsmanship, and whether this Japanese-made hammer is worth the price.
Why I Still Use the Snow Peak Titanium Spork
A spork I use every day in my van. Why the Snow Peak Titanium Spork has stuck around.
Stio Women's OPR Short Review: My Go-To Mountain Bike Shorts
Most mountain bike shorts feel overbuilt. The Stio Women’s OPR Short doesn’t. They nailed the material and the cut—soft but structured, comfortable, quiet, and easy to ride in.
Why Is Snow Peak So Expensive? Here's What You're Paying For
Why Snow Peak gear costs more than other camping brands. A real look at materials, craftsmanship, and what you’re actually paying for.
Snow Peak Gear Review: The Camping Gear I Keep Using
A real-world Snow Peak gear review featuring the tents, titanium cookware, and camp setup I use. What holds up, what I skip, and how it all fits into camping.
Garmin Venu 4 vs. Apple Watch: Which One I Chose After Using Both
Garmin Venu 4 vs Apple Watch based on rides, runs, strength training, and daily use. A simple comparison of battery life, GPS, and tracking.
Garmin Venu 4 Review: Why I Switched From Apple Watch
Garmin Venu 4 review based on rides, runs, hikes, and strength training. This is the watch I use every day.
The North Face ThermoBall Traction Mules V Review: My Favorite Camp Shoes
A puffer jacket for your feet. After wearing the ThermoBall Traction Mules V at camp and on cold van mornings, here’s whether they’re actually worth it.
Inhabit Mats Review — Are They Worth the Money for Van Life?
Inhabit Mats aren’t the cheapest van upgrade. After installing them in my van, here’s my honest take on whether they’re worth the money for comfort, warmth, and everyday van life.
How to Stay Warm Sleeping in a Van: The Blanket I Always Pack
Cold desert nights drop fast. After testing different layers in winter in Fruita and late winter in Moab, this is the blanket that earned its place in my van.
Rumpl Fleece Puffy Blanket Review: The Warmest Rumpl Blanket I Own
A hands-on review of the Rumpl Fleece Puffy Blanket and why it’s the warmest blanket I reach for in cold weather.
Muc-Off Gear Review: The Bike Care Products I Use After Dirty Rides
The Muc-Off bike care products I use to clean, protect, and maintain my bike for muddy and dusty trail riding.
Mammut Stoney HS Pants Review: The Ski Pants I Wear All Winter
A long-term review of the Mammut Stoney HS Pants. Durable shell ski pants designed for cold, snowy conditions with a clean fit and easy layering.
Mammut Stoney HS Hooded Jacket Review: The Ski Shell I Wear All Winter
A long-term review of the Mammut Stoney HS Hooded Jacket. Durable, weatherproof, and built for cold, snowy ski days with a clean fit and room to layer.
Snow Peak Titanium Mug Review: The Camp Mug I Never Leave Behind
My most-used Snow Peak piece isn’t a stove or lantern—it’s the 450 ml titanium mug. Light, heat-safe, and easy to tell apart when traveling with family or friends.
Dometic CFX3 35 Review: Why I Use It as a Backup Freezer in My Van
A practical review of the Dometic CFX3 35 electric cooler—how I use it as a backup freezer in my van, what it does well, and how it compares to other Dometic electric cooler options.
Epic Pass Review: Why I Buy It Every Ski Season
This is my second season on the Epic Pass. I break down how many days I ski, what walk-up tickets would cost, and why I keep buying the pass before the December 4 deadline.
RUX 70L Review for Van Life: How I Store Clothes in My Van
Two RUX 70Ls create a removable van closet—week-plus of layers in the bins, basics in built-ins. Specs, mounting notes, and why the $298 price makes sense.
Smith Ski Helmet Review: Why I Keep Choosing Smith
Are Smith ski helmets worth it? My Method Pro MIPS review plus who the Vantage, Level, Nexus, and Rodeo fit best—safety, fit, and performance made simple.