Gear

If you’ve been shopping for hiking or backpacking gear recently, you may have noticed some women’s specific gear. I’m not talking about clothing or shoes (obviously we need those)… I’m talking about backpacks, sleeping bags and more. Often this stuff seems to follow the same tired formula: “Shrink it and pink it”. Brands make the …

Recently I wrote a post called “You Killed A Bear” that ended up getting way more online attention than I had anticipated. My message in that post was that less experienced hikers should read up about bear safety before they head out for a hike or go backcountry camping. Lots of people asked questions about …

On multi-day hiking trips, having a comfortable backpack is pretty important. On my first ever backpacking trip (the West Coast Trail!) I used a borrowed backpack that was too big for me. The harness didn’t fit, I got bruises on my shoulders and hips and the sternum strap rubbed my collarbone raw. No good! After …

For the last few months I’ve been trying out the new MEC Warm Obsession Hoodie.  In order to understand the way I feel about this jacket, you need to know a few things about me: I am a sweaty hiker.  I get really cold easily.  And I love geeking out about technology in outdoor gear. Technology …

By now you’ve probably seen about a million Instagram photos of hammocks (some of which are set up in insane places) and you’re wondering what all the fuss is about: Are they actually that comfortable?  When are they actually useful?  Which one should I buy? I’ve owned the Therm-a-Rest Slacker Double Hammock and Suspender hanging …