Category: gear

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NEW Hubba™ LT Backpacking Tent

Not widely available as yet.

It will be released first in US / US & PacRim.

I LIKE the increased amount of mesh.

But certainly I’d NEVER buy a tent this white. It would be filthy in no time.

I’ve been a Hubba guy for decades. Purchasing perhaps 6 — so far — using the old parts to put together additional Franken-tents.

The current zipper system is a bit awkward, BUT I wouldn’t want them to change. It seems durable enough, for me.

The BIG problem with Hubba tents is the pole. It will be the first thing to break and it’s difficult to repair without extra parts.

MSR started to switch to Easton Syclones (below) — but that system was no more durable. And splintered.

My newest is a European Hubba NX with the stealth camping green fly and original red poles. I trust the old poles slightly more.

Without the fly, the tent is much cheerier.

If you MIGHT be interested in the LT, Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

This was the spot, camping on the Rhine in the rain, when my Hubba tent pole snapped for no particular reason. I’d not dropped nor stepped on it.

The 4th Hubba pole to break on me in the wild.

I somehow stayed fairly dry with that broken tent pole.

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BÆRSkin Tactical Hoodie 3.0

BÆRSkin sent me their latest update of their fantastic hoodie to test for hikers.

It’s an impressive piece of kit. I knew instantly as I looked first at the zippers. High quality.

Typically zippers are the first thing to fail on tents and jackets.

I wore it cycling and hiking on a cool day in the Pacific Northwest under my rain jacket.

I was plenty warm.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Bottom line ➙ this will be the BEST hoodie in your closet.

But — for me — it’s too heavy and bulky for hiking. Instead, I’ll take it car camping and wear it outdoors on windy, cool days in the off season.

Highlights:

  • 12 Secure Pockets
  • Reinforced SAB Zips
  • Long baseball style hood peak to keep wind / rain away from your face. Love it.

Details and more reviews.

Click PLAY or watch a more detailed review on YouTube.

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Columbia OutDry Rain Jacket – a REVIEW

I’ve been wearing Columbia OutDry jackets since they were first released.

AND I bought one for my Dad. 😀

My OutDry makes me feel invincible in wind and rain. The water protection is on the OutSide.

Traditional Gore-Tex inner liner jackets have never worked well for me.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. Steven’s opinion.

In another video, Steven compares ALTERNATIVES to Gore-Tex type jackets. Umbrellas. Ponchos. Etc.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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Why I Don’t Use Trekking Poles – But You Should

Like JupiterHikes, I don’t use trekking poles.

IF I hiked longer than 3 weeks, I would add them to my kit. But the longest I’ve done — so far — is 17 nights.

My knees and ankles are still good. No pain at all.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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Camping with PESKY Kiwi Keas 😀

The kea is a species of large parrot found in the forested and alpine regions of the South Island of New Zealand. …

Kea are known for their intelligence and curiosity, both vital to their survival in a harsh mountain environment.

Kea can solve logical puzzles, such as pushing and pulling things in a certain order to get to food, and will work together to achieve a certain objective.

They have been filmed preparing and using tools. …

Called “the clown of the mountains”, it will investigate backpacks, boots, skis, snowboards, and even cars, often causing damage or flying off with smaller items.

Beware.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.