Want to know which backpacks are the most comfortable on the trail? Or which hiking boots are my favorites? Or the best stroller to use to take your baby on dirt paths?
In the Hiking Lady, Hiking Baby, and Hiking Kids reviews, I put to the test all sorts of adventure apparel, gear, and footwear. I know how to beat up gear, and as I go on hiking adventures I share my thoughts with you! When stuff is great, I let you know, and when it is bad, I also let you know! There’s no holding back here!
Just a couple of years ago I took along multiple electronic devices on the trail: my cellphone for emergencies, a point and shoot camera, and a GPS. I used a Powermonkey eXplorer to capture solar power to charge all these devices. As technology has improved, things have become a lot easier! Now, if I’m going …
Lanterns make a great light source for camping and other nighttime outdoor adventures! I’ve been testing the Dorcy LED Twin Globe Lantern, a waterproof and submersible lantern. It provides great light, is relatively light weight, and it floats! The designers at DorcyDirect have an innovative product with this 160 lumen twin globe LED lantern! Product …
Helly Hansen is known as a great ski and snowsports brand…they have been designing and developing product in Norway since 1877. They’ve got an affordable midlayer fleece called the Helly Hansen Daybreaker. I’ve been wearing this midlayer on morning trail runs and cool temperature spring hikes, and am enjoying its softness and how lightweight it …
There has been an unusual amount of rain in Southern California the last few weeks, so I’ve had plenty of opportunity to put my new Patagonia Torrentshell jacket to the test. The Torrentshell is a waterproof, highly breathable hard shell outerlayer that is ideal for rainy, wet hiking conditions. I was intending to go snowshoeing …
What do you wear when it is cold outside, and you still want to go hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, or running? Polarmax has a solution – a series of technical base layers: “Warm”, “Warmer”, or “Warmest” – just wear the appropriate one for the conditions outside! Polarmax manufactures all of its apparel in the US, is …
After reading adventurer Helen Thayer’s engaging and inspiring story Polar Dream (see Hiking Lady book review of Polar Dream), I immediately purchased Walking the Gobi, another gripping and memorable story. This time, Helen and her husband Bill trekked across the Gobi desert! For those of who are not familiar with Helen Thayer, I encourage you …
Are you ready for spring hiking? How about those summer thunderstorms in the mountains or the surprise drizzle on the way to the grocery store? One jacket that can handle all these scenarios is the Isis Tempest Rain Jacket, a stylish, functional, and reasonably priced waterproof jacket. Pros: Highly breathable. I’ve worn this jacket as …
The new High Peak Lite N Fast sleeping pad truly lives up to its name! While I am not an ultralight backpacker, every avid backpacker is always looking to shave a few pounds and ounces from their pack weight. I love being comfortable and will carry a few extra pounds when it means a more …
Have you been on a hike and stumbled across a gorgeous meadow filled with wildflowers? Want to know where to go to have an experience like that? Bob Gibbons’ new book, Wildflower Wonders, is the ultimate guide to seeing the most beautiful wild flowerings on the planet! In it, he details 50 locations across the …
A the Outdoor Retailer trade show in 2010, I had the unique opportunity and privilege to sit down and talk with Helen Thayer, the highly-regarded modern day adventurer. (See article about that meeting: A Remarkable Woman, Helen Thayer). Among her many life accomplishments, the one that made her famous was her solo unsupported ski trek …