Category: gear

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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.

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Learn to LOVE Hiking in the Rain 😀

Hiking in the rain can be miserable.

AND hiking in the rain can be wonderful.

You can hike the Pacific N.W. every day of the year. BUT many of those days will have a threat of rain. 

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. The joys and challenges of … wet weather.

TIPS:

  • the RIGHT clothing (layers)
  • long brim cap under long brim hood
  • the RIGHT footwear
  • the RIGHT backpack
  • gear protected in dry bags
  • electronics protected from water
  • the RIGHT attitude

Having tried many systems over the years, I’m happiest now with …

No blisters. The shoes dry quickly. )My feet do get wrinkled after a couple of hours, however.)

If the rain really starts coming down, I’ll add an inexpensive Frogg Toggs waterproof jacket on top. 

Since I bought a Hyperlite 3400 Windrider backpack, I’ve not used a pack cover. It’s quite rain resistant. Everything inside is protected from wet and water.

Check this REI post – How to Go Hiking in the Rain

Of course if lightning and thunder threaten, take shelter immediately. 

Camping in the rain is definitely more challenging.

related – Miranda has some thoughts on Frogg Toggs. 😀

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.