hikerEDC: First Impressions – Slimfold MICRO Tyvek® Wallet

posted in: hikerEDC, Hiking Gear

 After 100 prototypes, Slimfold started selling the “world’s thinnest wallet” in 2009 at San Francisco street fairs and boutique shops. 10+ years later and after two successful Kickstarter campaigns, Slimfold continues to be innovative and has developed some interesting products. What is hikerEDC? For me, the two most notable characteristics of Tyvek are that it is waterproof and while thin, is … Read More

hikerEDC: First Impressions – STOW Minimalist Wallet

posted in: hikerEDC, Hiking Gear

I’ve been using a front pocket/minimalist wallet since 2015 . That summer I backpacked the High Sierra Trail. In preparation for the trip, I purchased a zipper pouch wallet from Z-Packs. I didn’t want to carry my normal wallet – I didn’t need to bring all of the items I carried on a daily basis and the idea of using … Read More

hikerEDC – EDC Gear for the Office and Trail

posted in: hikerEDC, Hiking Gear

With two young boys in the family, owning a house that has a big yard and a shift it priorities, my time on the trail has been very limited over the last coupe of years. Without spending time on the trail, I can’t fairly evaluate/review hiking gear, but I still get the itch to write reviews on the stuff I … Read More

First Look: ioMerino Vital Crew Neck and Pinnacle Zip

posted in: Gear Reviews, Hiking Gear

Why Buy? In my 18 months of testing merino wool clothing, I’ve worn merino on cold, snowy mountains with sub-zero wind chills, in the hot and dry climate of Southern California, for intense cardio sessions at the gym, and lounging around the house.  I’ve been continually impressed with how well it regulates my body temperature, wicks moisture, and how many times merino can be worn between washes (odor resistance). … Read More

Gear Review: Ibex W2 Sport Tank and Hooded Indie

posted in: Gear Reviews, Hiking Gear

Why Buy? In June of 2015, I started testing my first merino wool products in preparation for my 60+ mile backpacking trip on the High Sierra Trail (HST). During this time, I began to realize that merino wool is an amazing material. After finishing my trip, I was convinced of merino’s antibacterial (odor preventing) and wicking properties. I continued to test various products from several manufacturers through the … Read More

Gear Review: Seek Outside Divide 4500 Ultralight External Frame Backpack

posted in: Gear Reviews, Hiking Gear

After their first big trip, it seems that many backpackers put some thought and energy into reducing their pack weight. My first couple of overnight trips were miserable, a direct result of carrying too much weight. After keeping track of the gear I carried on several hikes versus what gear was actually used, I was able to reduce pack weight by simply leaving unused items at home. The … Read More

First Look: Hi-Tec V Lite Flash Force Low I Trail Shoe

posted in: Gear Reviews, Hiking Gear

Why Buy? In early March I was contacted by Hi-Tec to see if I was interested in testing anything from their hiking line. Coincidentally, I was looking for a pair of low top hiker/trail runners to use in conjunction with a set of sole-stiffening insoles. Over the last several years, I’ve tried to transition from my heavy backpacking boots to trail runners … Read More

Time-lapse video: Testing Cold Weather Gear in April… again!

posted in: Hiking Gear, Photos

Another cold front is moving through NH and it’s given me the opportunity to test some of my cold weather gear in April… again! Tonight I’m planning to spend the night outside. Here is some of the gear that I’ll be using/testing tonight and that appears in the video below. Used Overnight: North Face -Soloist Gore-tex® Bivy Katabatic Gear – Flex 22 Quilt Thermarest – … Read More

Gear Review: WoolPRO Merino Wool

posted in: Gear Reviews, Hiking Gear

Why Buy? About a year ago, I started testing my first merino wool products in preparation for a 60+ mile backpacking trip on the High Sierra Trail (HST). During my gear testing for this trip, I started to realize that merino wool is an amazing material. After finishing my trip I was convinced of it’s antibacterial (odor preventing) and wicking properties. My testing continued throughout the … Read More

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