Reviews
Celestron TrekGuide
I’ve had it 10 years, beat the crud out of it, lost the manual and I can still use it and it still works. Not perfectly accurate but good…
reviewed by Sanskrit
October 19, 2024
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Laoganma Spicy Chili Crisp
Don't buy the large bottles—700 gm mainly for Australians. Burnt chili flakes and taste horrible. I recently bought the large bottle of spicy… votes
Six Moon Designs Skyscape Trekker
This is an excellent 1P trekking-pole tent that is lightweight, roomy, and not difficult to set up. It has weathered several storms and cold…
reviewed by Shane
October 17, 2024
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Skywatch BL500
Measures all weather parameters and conveys these to your smart phone, in my case an iPhone. Data can be displayed on graphs vs time. This is…
reviewed by Denis Evans
October 17, 2024
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Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm MAX
Best sleeping pad I ever owned. Never cold. Packs small, weighs about a pound. Have mastered the inflation sack and it's much faster than by… votes
SteriPEN Journey LCD
It just works. I have relied on this product for years to safely purify the tap water I drink. It is easy to use and purifies a 1-liter bottle… votes
1 comment
Zoleo Satellite Communicator
Simply carries out what it advertises. Rock solid Bluetooth connection. Excellent satellite connection. Very good companion Apple iOS app. I…
reviewed by Denis Evans
October 14, 2024
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Bedrock Sandals Cairn Evo 3D Pro
Five year after I purchased a pair of Cairn 3D sandals, I replaced them with the Evo 3D Pro and sold the Cairn 3Ds used. The Bedrock Cairn 3D…
reviewed by andrew f.
October 13, 2024
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Lifesystems Plasma Lighter
Tiny 118gm, 94x34x15mm, electric plasma (spark), fire starter. No messy chemical fuel, just a micro USB charged lithium-ion battery. For years…
reviewed by Denis Evans
October 13, 2024
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1 comment
Garmin inReach Mini 2
A two-way satellite communicator and potential life saver for whenever things go sideways anywhere outdoors. Send and receive messages and track…
reviewed by BigRed
October 12, 2024
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3 comments
Fire Maple FMC-XK6 Aluminum Pot
Pot heats evenly and very quickly. Lightweight yet big enough for two. Lid is the only weak point. I really like the Fire Maple Petrel, but…
reviewed by Brian Nordberg
October 10, 2024
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Flextail Tiny Pump 2X
Took one star off for the loud high-pitched noise, however that’s a feature not a bug and overall it’s a winner. A capable, convenient device…
reviewed by StoicFabian
October 10, 2024
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Mystery Ranch 3 Way 18L Expandable Briefcase
This is a briefcase made from backpack-caliber materials and that converts to backpack shoulder carry. It has comfortable handles, a usable…
reviewed by andrew f.
October 9, 2024
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Ciele Athletics GOCap
Breathable sun hat for hiking. I like the fit, the sun protective yet breathable fabric, and that the brim is soft and easily washable. Ballcaps…
reviewed by andrew f.
October 6, 2024
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Osprey Duro 6
A well thought out running vest for all-day mountain runs, bounce-free and with sufficient capacity for basic safety gear, an extra layer or…
reviewed by BigRed
October 6, 2024
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Jetboil Flash Cooking System
Jetboil Flash is an evolving product. Information about older versions may not apply. It is a great stove if it fits your needs and understanding. vote
Aricxi Flysheet Tent
Ultra-light one-person shelter. caption caption caption Getting older and desiring to carry as little weight as possible,…
reviewed by heathcote
October 2, 2024
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Tizip Zipper Lube
Tizip is a zipper lubricant/conditioner from the German zipper maker that can be applied to clothing or gear zippers to keep them working smoothly…
reviewed by StoicFabian
October 1, 2024
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Asolo FSN 95 GTX
I have a pair of these. I really liked them. However the soles fell off of both of them after less than 50 miles and all kinds of black crumbly… votes
Merrell Mid Hikers
Were my second pair. Comfort and support from day one without need for break-in. Like the previous pair, the plastic support, external to the… votes
Marmot Tungsten 3P
Had warranty issue with the poles, which Marmot Customer Service handled promptly and replaced the defective unit. Very happy with their responsiveness… votes
Hanwag Alaska GTX
Great boots. Snug fit. But sole doesn’t last. Excellent shoes by all means, but for the sole. I have learnt the hard way, next time will look… vote
Nank Runner Diver 2 Pro headphone
If you’re looking for a pair of headphones that you can take anywhere—literally, even underwater—the Nank Runner Diver2 Pro is worth checking…
reviewed by jesse
September 26, 2024
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INOV8 Trailfly G 270
A rugged trail shoe with a long lifespan. Graphene-enhanced rubber ousole gives good grip and long life. I guess I must really like these shoes,…
reviewed by BigRed
September 25, 2024
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3 comments
Altra Lone Peak 6
Comfortable fit, large toe box. Durability is a disaster—within 50km the first tears appear in the upper mesh. After 300km both shoes were… votes
Sea to Summit Jet Stream Pump Sack
The Jet Stream doubles as a pump sack to inflate Sea to Summit air pads and pillows, and to store these or other items. However, the small size…
reviewed by StoicFabian
September 22, 2024
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FP Insoles Gamechangers Custom Orthotics
Don’t waste your time with these. They made my shoes too tight and I was worried that they were going to cause permanent damage to my feet. votes
Zamberlan 1110 Baltoro Lite GTX RR
Super light—Super support I wanted to mention these because I was genuinely impressed when they arrived and I initially tried them on. It…
reviewed by Bob Withrow
September 20, 2024
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Ozark Trail Elevated Air Bed - Twin Size
This is the worst piece of garbage I have ever owned. Get ready to take it back last about 3 to 6 weeks. Sleeping on a floor not outside. Staying… votes
Zamberlan Vioz Lux GTX RR 1996
Italian quality and all-day comfort in a surprisingly lightweight boot. After thinking I was set for life on boots and other outdoor footwear,…
reviewed by Bob Withrow
September 17, 2024
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1 comment
Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo
Could the Lunar Solo be the best single-wall one-person backpacking tent ever? Tough question and that depends a lot on one’s needs and budget.
reviewed by StoicFabian
September 17, 2024
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2 comments
Hilleberg Anjan 2 GT
A solid, wind-resistant tunnel tent with a huge vestibule, lightweight for all the living space it offers. Tradeoffs associated with the tunnel…
reviewed by BigRed
September 17, 2024
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1 comment
Ozark Trail Hikers
I bought these shoes from Walmart a while back, decided to try them out today on our flooded street to see how waterproof they really are and… votes
Fits Perfect: Custom Orthotics
Great quality product and great service. The 3D foot scanning is very interesting and a great experience. Fits Perfect Custom-made Work &… votes
Swiss Gear Hiking Pole
Very hard to change the length adjustment. The spring inside of the walking stick is hard to adjust or tighted. Can they be fixed? These walking… votes
Outdoor Vitals Altitude Sun Hoodie
The Altitude Sun Hoodie is a lightweight, quick-drying hoodie meant for warm/hot weather activities. It is quite fragile, however, and it snags…
reviewed by Shane
September 13, 2024
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1 comment
REI Packmod Rainshield Pocket
Previous versions used a magnet closure on the flap, thus the two stars. Now that velcro is being used, it might just be a useful add-on pocket.
reviewed by Randy Givens
September 12, 2024
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Dometic CFX3 25L Electric Cooler
The Dometic CFX3 25L Electric Cooler is a versatile cooler that can be taken on road trips or used at home for extra storage -- no ice necessary.
reviewed by Mary Beth Skylis
September 9, 2024
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1 comment
Peak Refuel Chicken Coconut Curry
Great flavor. One of my favorite backpacking meals. It's basically chicken, rice, and carrots in a coconut curry sauce. I'm sure there's some…
reviewed by Jeff Pettett
September 4, 2024
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Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120
Great all around boat. I personally like the new features. Kayaks can always be modified if you want to change details. votes
Ozark Trail 12' x 8' 6-Person Dome Tent
I got this tent and camped two nights in it. It was the hardest tent I have ever put up. Don’t buy a tent from Walmart. No matter what they… votes
Benchmade Dacian
Newest fixed blade from Benchmade. Today I get to give you my assessment of my newest acquisition. Always looking for the perfect knife,…
reviewed by Wolfed
September 2, 2024
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2 comments
Optimus No. 00
Still an excellent winter stove. Burns hot, reliable, bomb proof. Recommended for week or more winter backpacking trips where two people share… votes
1 comment
Backpacker's Pantry Drunken Noodles with Chicken
Backpacker's Pantry continues its exploration of Asian cuisine in a freeze-dried format, and continues to produce solid meals at a decent price.
reviewed by JWatson
September 1, 2024
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Big Agnes Q-Core
I wanted this to work. On the FIRST BLOODY NIGHT of using it the dang thing had a leak. I thought maybe I didn't properly close the inflation… votes
Fire Maple Petrel Ultralight Pot
Very fast boiling, small backpacking pot After seeing some reviews, I decided to give this a go. I started testing with my old 900ML cheapo…
reviewed by Brian Nordberg
August 30, 2024
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2 comments
REI Packmod Rainshield Pocket
A simple but effective add-on pocket to keep a smartphone within easy reach for photos or a map check. The rain flap opens and closes easily…
reviewed by BigRed
August 30, 2024
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1 comment
AlpineAire Chocolate Mudslide
Tasty chocolate with Oreo sprinkles. Gave us energy to keep going. A high end pudding with Oreo crumble and a few peanuts is essentially what…
reviewed by Brian Nordberg
August 29, 2024
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Kuiu Attack Pants
The Attack Pants, made for hunting (during which there is a LOT of hiking) are polyester with a 2% flex fiber coiled threads called "Primeflex". votes
Coleman 550B Multi-Fuel Stove
Great for many years, until the 2000s, but now ready to go in its case and long sleeping in garage. Thanks a lot, Coleman. votes
Garmin GPSMAP 66i
It looks like this device is loaded with features and has really nice graphics compared to my previous Explorer +. I wish it wasn't so complex… vote
TheTentLab Dirt Saw Deuce #2
Perfect Got one of these as a reviewer few months ago. Used it last week in the Sierras. Way better than the trowel I was using before. No issues…
reviewed by william
August 28, 2024
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SealLine Boundary Dry Pack
This hard-wearing bag isn’t designed just for the canoe, kayak, and SUP- an integrated suspension system with substantial shoulder straps…
reviewed by Sean Van Cleve
August 27, 2024
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Montec Fawk Ski Jacket
Really good 20k/20k waterproofing, and they're also eco-conscious, which is nice. Been looking for an alternative to Gore-tex that doesn't use… vote
Dana Design Glacier
Comfort, relatively lightweight, decent capacity, dependability. Purchased in late 1990's. After hundreds of miles and three Himalayan expeds,… vote
Eureka! Sunrise 11
Great product, been using mine for I believe 24 years. Bought my Sunrise 11 around 1999 or 2000. Paid around $300 if I recall. Still has no… votes
Emberlit Flint and Steel
Absolutely GREAT quality!! I own four of Mikhail's Classic "C" flint strikers and train / practice with them very often (at least weekly, often… votes
Salomon Cross Run Long Sleeve
Very light, fast-drying, decent-feeling shirt that keeps the sun and bugs away I love this shirt for what it is. It is a very light long sleeve…
reviewed by Brian Nordberg
August 26, 2024
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Gossamer Gear ThinLight 1/8" Insulation Pad
Too fragile, rips on the edges when attached to pack. Very little R value. After reading all the reviews I thought this would be great to help…
reviewed by Brian Nordberg
August 26, 2024
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Keen Pyrenees
They did not have much of a break-in period if any. The waterproofness was great. The grip pattern on the sole gave great traction and felt… votes
Coleman Northstar 8
Two people setup, easy directions, huge. Pretty quick setup. Everything in the storage case. Suggest adding a hammer to the storage case. The… vote
Gregory Lassen
Been in storage for 15 years, often under humid conditions. Still in excellent condition! I had this backpack in storage since 2001, sometimes… votes
Nortent Vern 1
Used in adverse weather conditions—Scotland 50 mph winds—and held up no issues. Easy to pitch and looks great. I love the colour, dark grey. votes
The North Face Rogue
Has lasted me over 20 years and over 20 countries. I bought this pack used from a friend back around 2000, with a burnt shoulder strap support… votes
TheTentLab Dirt Saw Deuce #2
It's ultralight and gets the job done, but digs into the hand when digging or chopping in rocky or rooty soil. I have three Deuces – I guess…
reviewed by BigRed
August 23, 2024
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Coleman 550B Multi-Fuel Stove
43 years and still going strong. Ready to cook in seconds. Good power. No priming on white gas down to about 10deg F. Burns clean and hot with… votes
1 comment
Mountainsmith Slingback
This seat is a nifty solution for an extremely light backcountry seat. It's nice to decide where to sit instead of picking the best spot that…
reviewed by second gear
August 17, 2024
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Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Topo Luxe
In the dizzyingly vast forest of sleeping pads to choose from I can confidently stand behind this one. I'd be happier without the corners,…
reviewed by FromSagetoSnow
August 16, 2024
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MSR PocketRocket
I bought this for my first long trek, the JMT in 2002 or early 2003. Back then it was THE ultralite stove. I used liquid fuel stoves before…
reviewed by Allen Wilson
August 14, 2024
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La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX
Lightweight hiking boot. Watched an Alaskan adventure race on TV and noticed the winners wore these boots, I know that is a shallow reason…
reviewed by william
August 14, 2024
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Salomon X Ultra 4
This is a review of the non-Gore-Tex version of the X Ultra 4 low men's shoe. I’ve worn the Gore-Tex version and will review those too. They’re…
reviewed by andrew f.
August 14, 2024
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Skynwear Outdoor Romper
This versatile, quick-drying romper is perfect for hiking and swimming, with UV and SEA Chlorine protection. It transitions effortlessly from…
reviewed by Mel R
August 12, 2024
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Hilleberg Nallo 2
Overall a very solid tent with its pros and cons. After doing a lot of research and watching various reviews I ended up buying the Nallo 2. votes
Sierra Designs Polaris
An old-school, bomb-proof tent best for short hike-ins or car camping at higher elevations and/or deep into the shoulder seasons of spring and… votes
Six Moon Designs Skyscape Trekker
Of the eight tents in my stable, this is the one I seem to go for most often in fair weather, and particularly in warm weather. It's the least…
reviewed by Randy Givens
August 9, 2024
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Asics Gel-Kayano 30
Maximum cushioned modern stability road shoe that comes in three widths. I usually run about 5 miles three times a week on mostly concrete.
reviewed by william
August 7, 2024
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Hilleberg Nammatj 2 GT
Hilleberg tents are the best tents money can buy! Hilleberg tents are the best tents money can buy they are not the lightest tents and are… votes
La Sportiva Aequilibrium Speed GTX
These are the proper footwear for three-season mountaineering in the Pacific Northwest. You are free to disagree, and I respect your right to…
reviewed by FromSagetoSnow
August 3, 2024
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Five Ten Access Mesh
Instant sole delimitation. Worn for about 6 hours and the soles are just peeling off like masking tape. Absolutely the word ever. Other than… votes
Elegear 3.1" Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad
I rate it 5 for car camping sleeping comfort, which is worth 98% of the rating. There are a couple of minor design considerations that keep…
reviewed by wallace biggs
July 30, 2024
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Exped Venus II UL
The ultralight version of the exped Venus II isn't a patch on the Extreme version I had the Venus II Extreme and it is the best tent in the… votes
Mountain Hardwear Skyview 2
This tent rocks! It's the most reliable, sturdy, and well-thought-out configuration and construction of any tent I've owned in 45 years. I've… vote
ÖKO Original Filtration Bottle
The most efficient water filtration system I've used in 40 years. Over the years I've relied on two pump-style water filters, the Bota filter…
reviewed by Randy Givens
July 28, 2024
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Suncloud Whip
I bought these to replace a pair of old Oakleys that broke. They came with an extra pair of lens in another tint. Suncloud Voucher on left ,…
reviewed by D Mizelle
July 28, 2024
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Suncloud Voucher
Great sunglasses. My second pair by Suncloud, same lens type. Good all around even though amber tint. I have two pair of Suncloud glasses. I…
reviewed by D Mizelle
July 28, 2024
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Matador Daylite16
A good compact travel pack. Great for short vacations. Had this for some time, a gift from my daughter. Used it this summer on a vacation to…
reviewed by D Mizelle
July 28, 2024
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Coleman Exponent Apex II
To me, gasoline is the only way to go. Cold mornings while everyone is trying to warm up their propane bottle gas, this stove fires right up. votes
2 comments
Schrade Frontier SCHF37
Bought new. Heavy Duty. Unmatched quality at any price. Stripped powder coat off after first batoning tests. Made maple scales for handles and… votes
Kestrel 2000
Wind speed measurements are no where near accurate, therefore wind chill is not accurate. There is no way recalibrate. I weigh 180 pounds, when… vote
Vasque Sundowner
I bought many pairs of Vasque Sundowner boots until they started making them in Vietnam. They are so cheap that you only have to bump into something… vote
Ozark Trail WMT-161086 Model 30087
Bought the tent several years ago for camping at sports car races. Until recently, it has served me well. I own a WMT-141086 / Model 30087 14'… votes
1 comment
REI Active Pursuits Sun Gloves
A Good Idea I have used a pair of gym gloves before on long hikes to avoid getting blisters from the trekking poles. Hiking without them isn't…
reviewed by Bob Withrow
July 12, 2024
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1 comment
Ozark Trail 8-Person Connect Tent with Screen Porch
We got the eight person tent that connects to a 10 x 10 straight leg canopy. Both are Ozark Trail, but nothing lines up the first day setting… votes
Sawyer MINI
Do not buy this. I bought these (two pack) in an effort to lose some pack weight and space. This week was my first chance to use them on a section…
reviewed by Bob Withrow
July 9, 2024
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The North Face VE 24
Best tent ever owned I have camped for 36 years with this tent. My go-to when weather is unknown or below freezing. At 75 with a knee replacement… votes
Lowa Hunter GTX Evo Extreme
Second pair of Lowa GTX Extreme in three months, and same problem with the rubber around the edge starting to peel off. Not good for the price… votes
Mountain Hardwear Hammerhead 3
Hadn't gotten this thing out in years. Now I remember why. Worst tent I've ever bought. We bought this tent some years ago for a trip. Decided… votes
Primus StovePaw
Foldable titanium stove base - an incredibly useful addition to a legged Primus stove. Greatly improves stability on uneven surface, and especially…
reviewed by Vladimir Gorbunov
July 4, 2024
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Snow Peak Amenity Dome M
Sturdy, spacious, this tent shrugs off wind & rain, and provides plenty of space inside, as well as a commodious front vestibule that can…
reviewed by ObiWan
July 3, 2024
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