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 What do I like to use to carry my things when I don’t need a full backpack? Well…here are some clues…it is comfortable to wear for long periods of time, has lots of pockets, has a key ring clip, cushioned pockets for a cellphone or iPod, enough space for a small bottle of water, separate pockets for credit cards and cash, pen/pencil holders, magnetic closures, and it is highly durable!
Guessed it? It is my favorite casual handbag, the Overland Equipment Bayliss. I never thought a handbag could be considered technical equipment, but in reality, this one is! The Bayliss is designed to hug your body, so when I wear it ALL day it is still comfortable and my shoulder isn’t sore when I get home.
I’ve been using this for over a year now, and figured it is about time I share with the hiking community something that can be worn around town, traveling, or even on a short hike. It can be dressed up or down, withstands lots of abuse, and keeps my arms free.
 Talk about an organized purse! And the best part? The Bayliss can be converted into a fanny pack/waist pack! Ok, you probably are laughing right now, but really…fanny packs are so convenient. What other purse can do that?
Specs:
- Durable. Zippers that don’t break…nylon that doesn’t puncture…this is why I use this bag all the time! Just like the Overland Equipment company’s motto…”You might own another bag, but your Overland Equipment bag is the one you use.” They’re right!
- Convertible. Can be worn both as a shoulder pack that hugs your body or a waist/fanny pack.
- Stylish. Enough said.
- Price. Retails for $50.
As always, happy trails!
 I always enjoy learning about the history of a company and why and how the founder was inspired to create the product or service. In the case of Clif Bar, similar to many other great success stories, it started out with the rather simple thought of Gary Erickson. One day on a bike ride, he took a bite of an energy bar and decided that he could definitely make something better! Thankfully he took action, because now we can all enjoy the wide range of tasty, high quality energy bars from Clif Bar.
In honor of Clif Bar’s 20th anniversary, Gary decided to share a limited edition bar that was inspired by his cycling adventures over the Passo di Gavia in Northern Italy. Pedaling up and down those hills somehow must have inspired Gary to develop an energy bar version of the 800 year old classic Italian dessert, the Panforte. Panforte’s are very popular in Italy, and are known for their wide range of fruit and nut ingredients. True to its origin, the Clif Bar Panforte has loads of tasty ingredients.
The Panforte bar is a unique flavor…to be honest, based on the description on the front of the package “Fruit, Nuts & Spices”, I was a bit hesitant to try it, since my favorite Clif Bar flavors are sweet, not savory, and have my favorite ingredient – chocolate! This chocolate-less bar is a unique blend, and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it! The bar has a nutty flavor, and has big chunks of one of my favorite nuts, pistachios! Add in a mix of oats, dates, figs, a hint of ginger and a wide range of spices, and yum – a tasty and nutritious energy snack for the trail!
 The special edition Gary's Panforte Clif Bar
 WrightSocks - the inner liner sock is very apparent when the socks are inside out For those of us hikers who hate blisters, there is a new option on the market…WrightSocks.
Similar to wearing a separate liner sock underneath a hiking sock, WrightSocks have the liners built in. I’ve been testing these for a couple of months…do they stand up to their motto of preventing blisters? Check out the Hiking Lady Gear Review of WrightSocks.
A special guest article from our gear guru Robert I., who enjoys playing with very sharp hiking gear!
 Kershaw knives - the Nerve and Salvo
There is all sorts of hiking and backpacking gear that is useful during an adventure …backpacks, boots, JetBoil stoves, tents… but how about when you get home? One item that can be used all the time is a good quality hiking knife!
To prove it, we’ve been testing two Kershaw folding knives for everyday use. The Kershaw Nerve is a lightweight folding knife with a textured handle. That makes it easy to grip, especially when hands are cold or sweaty. The pocket clip is too stiff, so ultimately it is something that most users will probably take off (it is easy to remove). The Kershaw Nerve pictured has a straight blade, but Kershaw manufactures another version that has a combination straight and serrated blade.
The Kershaw Salvo has a very strong blade, slicing through vegetables and fruit and putting my kitchen knives to shame. One side of the handle has black “track tek” rubber inserts for a great grip. The other side is plain, so can be a bit slippery when wet. Also, because this knife is so sleek, it is a little bit of a challenge to open. The thumb stud, which is how the knife is opened, is a little too low on the blade.
 Kershaw Nerve, Kershaw Salvo, and the handy Ultra Tek Sharpener Lastly, we checked out the Kershaw Ultra Tek Sharpener, a handy 2.0oz knife sharpener that can easily fit into a pocket. The sharpener is a bit too rough for standard knives, but great for machetes and cutting shears. It is very convenient and a great design!
Of these two knives, we preferred the Kershaw Nerve for all around use…it is lightweight for hiking, has a great grip for wet or dry conditions, and a strong, sharp blade!
Specs:
Kershaw Nerve, Model #3420
- Blade length: 3 1/8 inches long
- Weight: 3.8 ounces
- Price: MSRP $39, can be found cheaper online.
- Manufactured in China
Kershaw Salvo, Model #2445
- Blade length: 3 1/4 inches long
- Weight: 3.1 ounces
- Price: MSRP $65, can be found cheaper online.
- Manufactured in USA
Kershaw Ultra Tek Sharpener, Model #2535
- Price: MSRP $12, can be found cheaper online.
 Vasque Taku Boots At just 1 pound 15 ounces, the Vasque Taku women’s hiking boots are super lightweight, yet very sturdy. Fine details such as a mesh edge around the gusseted tongue keep out dirt and debris, yet also enables the boots to be more comfortable and lighter weight.
Check out the full gear review to learn more!
Hiking Lady’s Gear Review: Vasque Taku Hiking Boots.
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