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!
When I snowshoe, sometimes my lunch break isn’t conveniently located near a warm, dry rock. Actually, most rocks I find are always icy, but that just might be my luck! When I saw that Thermarest made a small version of its closed cell foam sleeping pads, I bought one. I use my ThermaRest Z Seat …
I picked up one of these Thermarest seats and I use it all the time on day hikes! When I take a break for lunch, I have a happy bottom. 🙂 Just like a Thermarest sleeping pad, this inflates quickly, provides a lot of cushion (it is 1.25 inches thick when inflated), weighs only 6 …
When I was poking around the Internet tent shopping last year, I had several requirements in mind for my new backpacking tent: Lightweight – Close to 5 pounds: I was looking for lightweight backpacking tents where I could split the weight and have it be about 2.5 pounds per person. Double doors: I don’t like …
For those avid readers of Hiking Lady, you probably notice a common theme in the gear reviews of items I really like – they are high quality, lightweight, and products that have survived my rigorous tests. I just bought a pair of Women’s MSR Lightning Ascent 25 Snowshoes and put them to the test on …
There is a new company called Thriv Natural Performance that makes high performance workout clothing with a blend of bamboo and organic cotton. The guys over there got in touch with me and asked if I’d test out one of their t-shirts and provide some feedback. Here are the attributes Thriv is intending to achieve …
I have found that SmartWool hiking socks are the best out there. They wick moisture away from my feet really well (so I never get blisters), are durable, and fit well. Unlike a lot of other wool products on the market, SmartWool doesn’t itch and is soft and comfortable. SmartWool makes some women’s specific socks, …
This is the trusty fuel I take along with me for my JetBoil Personal Cooking System. I’ve used it in negative 5 degree temperatures and it worked great! If you are looking to “refuel” I’d recommend stocking up so you aren’t short in advance of a last minute trip. I always take 2 cans with …
MSR Face towel, 10×14 inches I have several of these MSR towels in various sizes, but my favorites are the small ones. I take one along on hikes and especially on backpacking trips because they are great for washing my face, drying off after a dip in a lake, and cleaning up spills. They dry …
When I am backpacking on a weekend trip and I know there is going to be a chance of rain, I bring one of these rain covers along. Outdoor stores and backpack manufacturers make these, and I have found most to do the job quite well. I use a Gregory brand rain cover for my …
I bought my Gregory Deva 60 backpack after I saw the rave reviews from Backpacker Magazine, and I decided that I should check it out for myself. I was only intending to just try it on in the store, but after loading it up with 40 pounds of deadweight at the store, walking around and …