Trailspace Blog
Congratulations, Top Reviewers of 2017
Congratulation to Trailspace's top gear reviewers of 2017! Meet the individuals most recognized by their fellow community members for their helpful, informative outdoor gear reviews.
Congratulations, Robert, our Therm-a-Rest Contest Winner
Congratulations to Robert Martin, a lifelong outdoorsman from Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and winner of a Therm-a-Rest sleeping bag, pad, pillow, and Honcho Poncho insulation ($470 value) just for reviewing his gear.
Meet Ross: Bike Tech, Backpacker, Paddler, Reviewer of the Month
Congratulations to Ross Tapp, our final 2017 Reviewer of the Month! Ross is a bike tech in Ontario making the transition from cycle touring to hiking, backpacking, and kayaking. He wins a 10 Essentials prize pack worth $350.
"Look for the challenge, solitude, and scenery every day" says David, our Reviewer of the Month
Congratulations to David, our Reviewer of the Month! A Trailspace member since 2010, David is a Sierra hiker and backpacker, road cyclist, and professional church musician He wins a 10 Essentials prize pack worth $350.
Trailspace helps launch Maine Outdoor Brands alliance
Trailspace is proud to be part of Maine Outdoor Brands, a trade group to help grow the state's outdoor rec economy, promote brands, and attract manufacturers and a younger workforce.
"Commit to Big Adventure," says Leah, Reviewer of the Month
Congratulations to Leah, our newest Reviewer of the Month! A long-distance hiker, as well as a mariner, biologist, and paddler, she wins a 10 Essentials prize pack worth $350.
Meet Vince: Climber, Backpacker, Ranger, Seeker of "Awe and Wonder"
Congratulations to Vince, our Reviewer of the Month! A Trailspace member since 2008, Vince is a backpacker, climber, and park ranger. He wins a 10 Essentials prize pack worth $350.
Congratulations, Phil, our Deuter Prize Pack Winner
Congratulations to Phil May, a backpacker from North Carolina, environmental consultant, and our winner of a Deuter prize package worth $400.
"Don't Overthink It," says Reviewer of the Month Inga
Congratulations to Inga Aksamit, our Reviewer of the Month! Inga is a Sierra Club trip leader, outdoor author, hiker, and skier. She wins a 10 Essentials prize pack worth $350.
"Make the time to get out" says Andrew, Reviewer of the Month
Congratulations to Andrew Friedman, our Reviewer of the Month! Andrew is a lifelong hiker and paddler, and decade-long member of Trailspace. He wins a 10 Essentials prize pack worth $350.
Meet Vladimir, Bike Tourist of the North and Reviewer of the Month
Congratulations to Vladimir Gorbunov, our newest Reviewer of the Month! Vladimir is a technical writer and bikepacker from Saint Petersburg, Russia. He wins a 10 Essentials prize pack worth $350 for his contributions.
Congratulations, Kevin, Our Black Diamond Gear Winner
Congratulations to Kevin Calendris, an LA rock climber and our winner of a backpack, trekking poles, and lighting prize package from Black Diamond worth $575 for reviewing his gear.
"When in Doubt Go," says Reviewer of the Month Ashleigh
Congratulations to Ashleigh McClary, an avid hiker and backpacker, South Carolinian, and new resident of Utah. As our Reviewer of the Month she wins a 10 Essentials prize pack worth $350.
Meet Yuval: Long Distance Wanderer, Agronomist, Reviewer of the Month
Congratulations to Yuval Kadan, a long-distance hiker and agronomist from Israel and our Reviewer of the Month! He wins a 10 Essentials prize pack worth $350+ for his contributions.
"Lazy. And Damn Good Looking"—Meet Andy, Backpacker, Geographer, Reviewer of the Month
Congratulations to Andy Gotto, a backpacker, thru-hiker, and geographer from St. Louis, and our Reviewer of the Month! He wins a 10 Essentials prize pack worth $350+ for his contributions.
Meet Kelly: Mountain Biker, Backcountry Skier, Reviewer of the Month, and "Trailspace Junkie for Life"
Congratulations to Kelly, a mountain biker, yoga teacher, backcountry skier, gear tester, and our Reviewer of the Month! She wins a 10 Essentials prize pack worth $350+ for her contributions.
Meet Joel: Backpacker, Researcher, Reviewer of the Month
Congratulations to Joel in Georgia, a backpacker, father, market researcher, and our Reviewer of the Month! He wins a 10 Essentials prize pack worth $350+ for his contributions.
Congratulations, Top Gear Reviewers of 2016
Congratulation to Trailspace's top gear reviewers of 2016! Meet the individuals most recognized by their fellow community members for their helpful, informative outdoor gear reviews.
Essential Gear for our 2017 Reviewers of the Month
Our members are essential to the Trailspace community. To thank them we're once again giving every Reviewer of the Month a prize pack of 10 Essentials gear ($350+ value) .
"Don't put things off" says Mike, Reviewer of the Month
Congratulations to Mike Mineart of Washington, a search-and-rescue volunteer, hiker, climber, industrious DIY-er, and our Reviewer of the Month! He wins a 10 Essentials prize pack worth $300+.
Congratulations, Sheila, Winner of a Year's Worth of Nikwax
Congratulations to Sheila Goss of Vermont, winner of a year's worth of Nikwax products, plus a Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket insulated with Nikwax Hydrophobic Down ($425 total value).
Meet Sean: LNT Trainer, Hiker, Bartender, our Reviewer of the Month
Congratulations to Sean Van Cleve, a year-round hiker, Leave No Trace trainer, bartender, and our latest Reviewer of the Month! He wins a 10 Essentials prize pack worth $300+.
"Breathtaking Moments" Near and Far: Meet Tyler, Reviewer of the Month
Congratulations to Tyler (KiwiKlimber), a hiker, mountain biker, and hunter from Pennsylvania's Alleghenies, and our latest Reviewer of the Month! He wins a 10 Essentials prize pack worth $300+.
Lighten Up: Illumination is Outdoor Essential #4
Illumination is #4 on the 10 Essentials list. We talked to experts from Black Diamond, Ledlenser, and Petzl to learn more about headlamp technology and what to consider when selecting your backcountry illumination.
Congratulations, Sebastian, our Hilleberg Tent Winner
Congratulations to California backpacker Sebastian, winner of a Hilleberg Akto all-seasons tent. He won the solo shelter for reviewing his own outdoor gear in September.
"Chart a Good Course" and Meet Phil, Solo Backpacker, Reviewer of the Month
Congratulations to Phil, a backpacker, paddler, and environmental consultant from North Carolina, and our latest Reviewer of the Month! He wins a 10 Essentials prize pack worth $300+.
"Get Out and Do Something Fun" says Steve, Reviewer of the Month
Congratulations to Steve Mullen, a lifelong skier, hiker, and paddler from California, and our latest Reviewer of the Month! He wins a 10 Essentials prize pack worth $300+.
Reviewer Arnie Wins LED Lenser Headlamp and Flashlight
Congratulations to Minnesota paddler Arnie, winner of a $400 LED Lenser lighting prize. He won a 1,000-lumen headlamp and 600-lumen flashlight for reviewing his outdoor gear in July.
"See the Beauty!" says Elizabeth, Reviewer of the Month
Congratulations to Elizabeth McCoy, an enthusiastic solo hiker and RN from Tacoma, Wash., and our latest Reviewer of the Month! She wins a 10 Essentials prize pack worth $300+.
Paddler Sharon and Climber Brian Win Sierra Designs DriDown Bags
Congratulations to Sharon Miller and Brian McLaughlin. Both Trailspace members won new DriDown sleeping bags from Sierra Designs for reviewing their outdoor gear in June.
"Walking to the Empty Places": Meet Reviewer of the Month John
Congratulations to John (aka LoneStranger), a New England backpacker, year-round explorer, and our latest Reviewer of the Month! He wins a 10 Essentials prize pack worth $300+.
A Brief History of Outdoor Insulation: Essential #3
To celebrate extra clothing (#3 of the 10 Essentials), we looked at the origins of some classic outdoor insulation: wool and polypro baselayers, down and synthetic jackets, and ever-popular fleece.
Caver, Hammock Hanger, and Hiker: Meet Jeffery, Reviewer of the Month
Congratulations to Jeffery (aka Goose), a caver, hammock hanger, and hiker from Illinois, and our latest Reviewer of the Month! He wins a 10 Essentials prize pack worth $300+.
Coastal Mainah, Avid Backpacker, Aspiring Blogger: Meet Uriah, Reviewer of the Month
Congratulations to Uriah, an "avid backpacker and distance hiker" from the coast of Maine, and our latest Reviewer of the Month! He wins a 10 Essentials prize pack worth $300+.
Sun Protection is an Outdoor Essential Year Round
Sun protection isn't just for sunny hikes or summer swims. And effective sun protection means more than slapping on some sunscreen. So, as part of our Year of Essential Outdoor Gear, we're taking a look at Essential #2, sun protection.
Meet Nick, Hiker of Crete and Reviewer of the Month
Congratulations to Nick, a hiker from Greece and our newest Reviewer of the Month! Members like Nick are essential to Trailspace, so he wins a 10 Essentials prize of outdoor gear worth $300+.
Teri Wins $250 in Toad&Co Clothing for Backpack Review
Congratulations to Teri Anderson of Arizona, winner of $250 worth of Toad&Co clothing! A hiker, mountain biker, trail runner, and climber, Teri had her backpack review randomly selected to win.
Happy 15th Birthday, Trailspace
Happy 15th birthday, Trailspace, and thanks to our community members! Together we've published 32,000+ reviews and helped millions of hikers, climbers, paddlers, backcountry skiers, and trail runners find the best outdoor gear.
Mountaineer Matt wins Kahtoola crampons and traction
Congratulations to our two winners of Kahtoola crampons and traction worth $300. Get to know winner Matt Williams, a mountaineer and police captain in California.
Andrew of Australia wins Kahtoola crampons and traction
Congratulations to our two winners of Kahtoola crampons and traction worth $300. Get to know winner Andrew Stanner, a hiker and army vet from Australia.
How Trailspace Members Rate Their Navigation Gear
A detailed topo map and compass have topped the 10 Essentials list for decades. But we wondered: What navigation gear is tops among our community members?
Hiker, DIY Gear Maker, Air Force Officer: Meet Daniel, Reviewer of the Month
Congratulations to Daniel from Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida. Daniel is a hiker, trail runner, DIY gear maker, Air Force Officer, and our Reviewer of the Month. He wins a 10 Essentials prize pack worth $300+.
Titanium Cookpots to Cast Iron Skillets: Meet Randy, Reviewer of the Month
Congratulations, Randy from Tennessee, our first 2016 Reviewer of the Month. Because our members are so essential to Trailspace, Randy wins a 10 Essentials prize pack of outdoor gear worth $300+.
The Year of Essential Outdoor Gear
We're going back to basics to celebrate the 10 Essentials, the classic list of what outdoor gear to bring into the backcountry. We're giving every 2016 Reviewer of the Month an incredible prize pack of 10 Essentials.
Congratulations, Top Reviewers of 2015
Congratulation to Trailspace's top gear reviewers of 2015! Meet the individuals most recognized by their fellow community members for their helpful, informative outdoor gear reviews.
Arc'teryx Voltair Avalanche Airbag Offers Multiple Deployments
Pete Hill, Senior Designer at Arc'teryx, showed us the company's new Voltair avalanche airbag for backcountry skiers and snowboarders while at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2016.
Fuel, Flames, and Water: More Gear From Outdoor Retailer
We're going elemental today from Outdoor Retailer Winter Market. These new gear highlights from Primus, Snow Peak, BioLite, and SteriPen all involve water or flames and fuel.
Backcountry Skis, Shells, Boots at Outdoor Retailer
New and updated backcountry ski gear is in abundance at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market. We share a few ski and alpine highlights from Arc'teryx, Black Diamond, La Sportiva, Gregory, and Osprey.
