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.
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.
Dragon RVX MAG Ski Goggles Review: Wide View & Easy Lens Swaps
Real‑world review of the Dragon RVX MAG. I run LumaLens Rose for low light and LumaLens Dark Smoke for sun. Swiftlock 2.0 swaps are quick, the field of view is wide, and the helmet fit is comfortable.
Gear Review: Gregory Alpaca Gear Box 45L – My Go-To Camp Storage Bin
I use the 45L Gregory gear box more than any other size. It’s durable, stackable, and fits everything from my kitchen setup to cold-weather layers.
Alpha Breeze Tent by Snow Peak Review – Is It the Best Camping Tent?
I’ve used this tent for years—from solo trips to longer stays. Here’s what makes the Alpha Breeze worth it, and what to know before buying.
Gregory Alpaca Gear Boxes Review – The Storage System I Use for Camp and Home
I switched from basic plastic tubs to Gregory Alpaca Gear Boxes for my camping gear. Here’s how I use the system at camp, on the road, and for storage at home.
Gear Review: Mammut Stoney HS Ski Jacket – Women's
Warm, breathable, and built to handle wind, snow, and long lift rides. I’ve worn this jacket on Midwest groomers and Colorado powder days—it works.
Review: Mammut Aenergy Hike Low Women’s Hiking Shoe
The Mammut Aenergy Hike Low feels like a trail runner but holds up like a hiking shoe. Lightweight, supportive, and an easy pick from the moment I put them on.
Gear Review: Brooks Glycerin Max Road-Running Shoes for Women – Tested
The Brooks Glycerin Max got me back to the love of running again. Cushioned without bulk, supportive without stiffness—this road shoe made pavement feel good.
Mammut Stoney HS Jacket & Pants Review: My Ski Shell for Storm Days
I wear the Mammut Stoney HS jacket for powder, wind, wet snow, and changing ski conditions. Here’s how this women’s hardshell fits, layers, and performs on the mountain.
Smith Wildcat Sunglasses Review: My Go-To Glasses for Mountain Biking
Trail-tested in Alabama humidity, these MTB sunglasses stay fog-free, fit right, and adapt to changing light. A full review of the Smith Wildcat Performance Sunglasses.
Gregory Alpaca Gear Box Review: How I Organize My Camp Gear
I use several Gregory Alpaca Gear Box 45 bins to organize my tent, sleep, cooking, and camp gear. Here’s why this storage system works so well for me.
Mountain Gazette Review: Is This Magazine Worth It?
A look at Mountain Gazette—what it is, what it’s not, and whether it’s worth subscribing to.
Why I Use Snow Peak Mini Hozuki Lanterns for Camping
I use several Snow Peak Mini Hozuki lanterns for camping because they’re small, easy to hang, and give me just enough light inside my tents and around camp.
Trailforks Review: Why It's My Go-To Trail App
Lost in northern Wisconsin with no cell signal, I was reminded why Trailforks is my go-to trail app. Here's how it works, what to expect offline, and why I keep it Pro.
Mountain Gazette Review: A Designer’s Perspective
As an art director and designer, I notice things about Mountain Gazette that go beyond the stories. Here’s why I subscribe and what makes the magazine stand out to me.