Blogs

Gregory Paragon 60L Review

The Gregory Paragon 60L is made for long-distance trails. It balances comfort with load-hauling capability, and the FreeFloat dynamic suspension allows you to move without compromising stability.

Injinji Midweight Mini-Crew Review

Socks don’t usually get much attention, but when you're putting in long days on rough trails, they matter. I brought the Injinji Midweight Mini-Crew on the GR221 in Mallorca, mostly to see how they’d hold up under heat and loose stone.

Audio-Technica ATH-CC500BT2 Review

The Audio-Technica ATH-CC500BT2 is an open-ear Bluetooth headphone built for movement and awareness. Unlike in-ear or over-ear models, it doesn’t block out the world, which is exactly why I reach for it in my daily life.

Gregory Maven 58L Review

The Gregory Maven 58L is made for multi-day hikes where comfort and movement matter. The FreeFloat dynamic suspension makes it easy to move naturally, preventing the stiff, locked-in feel that some packs have. The torso length adjustability also makes it easy to dial in the right fit, and the ventilated back panel helps with airflow on hot days.

LOWA Madrix WS Review

The Madrix Ws uses a synthetic mesh upper that breathes well and keeps weight down. There’s no waterproof membrane, so it’s not made for cold, wet days, but it does dry fast if you get caught out.

Rab Phantom Waterproof Jacket Review

During a recent trip to the island of Mallorca, I had the opportunity to test out RAB’s new Phantom jacket. Designed to be both lightweight and waterproof, this jacket proved to be an ideal companion for variable island conditions.

Maier Sports Nil Outdoor Pants Review

In the context of hiking equipment, hiking pants are often overshadowed by footwear or outer layers. However, they’re still an imporant part of your comfort and mobility on the trail. Upon testing them, I’ve found that the Maier Sports Nil outdoor pants are a strong option for hikers because of their combination of durability, comfort, and functionality.

Blackroll recovery products: Foam Roller, Ball, Slopes and Recovery Pillow

Recovery matters. If you’re putting in serious miles on the trail, what you do afterward can be the difference between bouncing back strong or hobbling around for days. And as we know, hiking long distances can mean sore muscles are just part of life.

Topo Ultraventure 4 review

The Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4s are built for long days on the trail. They have a ZipFoam midsole, which gives them a good mix of softness and responsiveness. They’re cushioned, but not mushy. The Vibram Megagrip outsole is a standout feature, which will give you traction across different surfaces.

Therm-A-Rest NeoLoft Sleeping Pad review

The NeoLoft is meant for 3-season use and delivers on that promise. The synthetic insulation locks in warmth without adding bulk. Its rectangular shape gives you extra room to shift around, and the surface grips your sleeping bag enough to stop it from sliding.

Hike More, Work Less: the “Dirtbag Rich” Lifestyle

The term “dirtbag” originated in the Yosemite Valley rock climbing scene in the 1970s. These early dirtbags were famous (or infamous) for living out of cars and tents, eating leftover pizza crusts, and chasing their vertical passions with fanatical devotion. Some called them “bums,” but they were really just people who valued time, movement, nature, and community far more than money or traditional stability.

LOWA Maddox Pro GTX Mid Boot review

The LOWA Maddox Pro GTX Mid is a Gore-Tex-lined boot with an upper section that uses synthetic materials that help with breathability and reduce weight. The speed lacing system is simple and easy to adjust on the move, and it holds without loosening.