Blogs

Coros Apex 4 Review

I finally did it. I got a COROS watch. After years of trying different watches, I needed to know what was happening over at COROS. I’d been seeing thru-hikers and endurance athletes raving about them for long enough, and it was time. So, I went with the COROS Apex 4 and took it with me on the Salento Trail this spring. The highlights are that the map function on it is fantastic, the fit is comfortable and not at all bulky, and the support from COROS is unmatched in the industry.

Cortazu AR Hardshell 12M-SS Beige Review

I took the Cortazu AR Hardshell with me while thru-hiking Santa Maria in the Azores this spring and loved it. We were hiking the GR-SM01, where the weather is constantly changing and you’re outside all day, so I had the chance to enjoy the quality and performance of this jacket in different conditions. I’ll be honest, upon arrival, it felt a bit stiff and heavy compared to other hardshells I’ve owned, but it made the appearance impeccable even after repeatedly stuffing it in the backpack.

Osprey Kestrel LT Review

I recently took the Osprey Kestrel LT on a long-distance hike around Santa Maria Island in the Azores. This was my first time using an Osprey pack, and I really enjoyed the experience. After reading reviews of the Kestrel and the Kestrel LT, I decided to go with the newer LT for the simple reason of wanting to keep my pack weight lower.

LEKI Skyterra FX Carbon Poles Review

The LEKI Skyterra FX Carbon SL poles are something of dreams. I’ve been a big trekking pole user for the last five years since I’ve gotten into thru-hiking on more technical and demanding trails, and these poles make me actually excited about throwing another piece of gear into my bag as I pack. They’re light, they’re durable and reliable, and they look cool. I don’t make my purchasing decisions based on aesthetics normally, but it helps.

MSR Hubba Hubba LT 2-Person Review

We’ve been big MSR tent users for the past few years, and when the Hubba Hubba LT released, I knew I wanted to try it out. Even after trying the FreeLite and Hubba NX Solo, my favorite tent from them over the years has been the Hubba Hubba 2, so a lighter-weight version was the dream.

Gregory Arrio Review

The Arrio from Gregory is a really great day pack. For a long time, I’ve been wanting a ventilated day pack, but found that most brands stop ventilating as the pack volume decreases. The Arrio solves this problem! With a VaporSpan back panel, the mesh means breathing easy even on tough hikes. I especially appreciated the springy back and shoulder straps when it was rainy and I was sweaty, because that is a combo that never feels nice with a backpack on.

LOWA SKYTERRA Review

The LOWA SKYTERRA’s are evolving LOWA’s trail running shoes line with a more cushioned midsole, and 4.5mm treads that are setting a new standard within the brand for what trail-ready means.

Osprey Kyte LT Review

I was lucky enough to be invited by my friends to hike around Santa Maria, a small island in the Azores, this March, where I was using the Osprey Kyte LT pack. It was a great trip, where we had beautiful weather, and it was made all the better with having good gear with me. Bringing the Kyte LT was a good test of Osprey’s newest line, and I found myself thoroughly enjoying the experience.

HOKA Speedgoat 7 Review

HOKA is back with the Speedgoat 7’s! The newest in this line from the iconic running brand, the Speedgoat 7’s have some aesthetic updates to the 6’s as well as a change in the midsole and some new colorways. But what remains the same is the super comfort and not needing to break them in.

Gregory Deva Review

I have been a backpacker, tramper, wild camper, and long-distance hiker for over ten years now. In these many adventures, I have tried many packs: different weights, different sizes, different colors, and different ergonomic structures. They’ve all served me in great ways, but the Gregory Deva has been a pack that I’ve been able to return to again and again.

Teva ReEmber Terrain Review

Camp shoes or slippers are essential if you want to give your feet a break after a long hike. Whether it’s a pair of Crocs or something a bit sturdier, there’s plenty out there for every budget, climate, and pack size. The Teva ReEmber Terrain has become one of my favourites. It’s comfortable, grippy, waterproof, and a great option if you’re not counting every gram in your pack.

Rab Phantom Mountain Waterproof Jacket Review

The Rab Phantom Mountain Waterproof Jacket is, hands down, one of the best of its kind. After using it, I’ve realized it is the ultimate packable layer for year-round weather changes. The Phantom Waterproof is a shell that you can pull out at any time when it starts to get windy or wet, and it will protect you for hours. I love this layer for treks that are going to be dry and desert-like.