GEAR REVIEWGear reviews to keep you exploring.
The right gear is crucial—it can make or break your experience and even prevent injuries. My reviews come from my own experience. I hope they'll help you find the right gear for your adventures.
Hestra Heli Ski Mittens Review: Why I Choose These
I've tried skiing in gloves, but I prefer mittens. Here's why I choose the Hestra Heli Ski Mittens, from their warmth and removable liners to the features I appreciate on the mountain.
Black Crows Stans Ski Poles Review: Why I Love Them
I use the Black Crows Stans carbon ski poles with my Camox Birdies. Here's what I like about their weight, grip and feel on the mountain.
RTIC vs. YETI: Do You Need to Spend More on a Cooler?
The RTIC 32 QT Ultra-Light and YETI Tundra 35 hold almost the same amount of ice but take different approaches to construction, weight and price. Here's how they compare.
RTIC vs. RovR: Do You Need to Spend More on a Cooler?
The RTIC 32 QT Ultra-Light costs less than the similarly sized RovR RollR 30. After using coolers from both brands, here’s what I think you’re paying for when you spend more.
RTIC 32 QT Ultra-Light Cooler Review: Is It Worth It?
We put the RTIC 32 QT Ultra-Light Cooler to use all summer for lake days. Here’s how it performed and why its lower price stands out against premium coolers.
Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Review
I've tried a lot of base layers for skiing over the years, and nothing has beaten my Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino set. Here's my honest take after two seasons on the mountain.
Gear Review: Black Crows Camox Birdie Skis + Stans Poles
After skiing these all over Vail, Breck, and the Midwest, the Black Crows Camox Birdie has become my go-to ski. Fun, stable, and easy to trust in everything from powder to packed corduroy.
Why I Use Snow Peak Titanium Gear for Camping
I use Snow Peak titanium cookware, mugs, and utensils at camp and in my van. Here are the pieces I own, how I use them, and why I keep them in my setup.
Gear Review: Mammut Saentis TR Low GTX – Lightweight Waterproof Trail Running Shoes
Built for roots, rocks, and wet trails—this is Mammut's lightest waterproof trail runner.
RUX Pocket Review: How I Use It to Organize Small Gear in My Van
The RUX Pocket has become my go-to organizer for the small items that always seem to disappear in my van. Here's how I use it and why it's earned a permanent spot in my storage system.
Why I Started Wearing Sun Shirts Out West | Patagonia Capilene Review
didn't understand why people wore long sleeves in the desert until I started spending more time out West. Now I own three Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoodies.
Snow Peak GigaPower Tabletop Lantern Review: My Favorite New Camp Light
I didn't need another camp light, but the Snow Peak GigaPower Tabletop Lantern won me over. From colorful ambient lighting around camp to a cozy night light inside my van, here's why it's become one of my favorite pieces of Snow Peak gear.
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.