Category Archives: Misc

Review: Zeal Optics sunglasses for small faces

These days, it seems like sunglasses are getting bigger and bigger, but what about those of us with smaller faces? It’s not always easy to find sunglasses designed for a smaller fit. However, Zeal Optics does, and we put a few of their styles to the test. Read more for the full review.

Review: Pelican 1200 Case

Pelican has been a big name in the professional photography industry for years. I’ve personally used one of their larger cases (1610) for storing my camera equipment for the last 5 years or so. So, we were quite happy to see Pelican at Outdoor Retailer this year looking to expand into the consumer market. The…

Review: All Terrain Herbal Armor

While summer has been in full swing for quite some time in most parts of the country, it’s just starting to warm up here in the Pacific Northwest. And with those warmer temperatures come mosquitos, biting flies, and other pesky insects. However, with all the studies about the long-term effects of DEET, I started looking for a DEET-free alternative. All Terrain’s Herbal Armor is a 100% DEET-free and all natural insect repellent. Read more for our full review.

Review: Adventure Medical Kits Roundup

If you’ve ever ventured into the first aid section of your local outdoor retail store, you’ve probably seen Adventure Medical Kits products. First providing hikers and backpackers with pre-packaged first aid kits designed specifically for outdoor pursuits, AMK now has a wide selection of products ranging from first aid and survival tools, to insect repellent…

Review: Rainier Mountaineering Inc.

RainierMuir

If you’ve ever thought of climbing Mount Rainier, chances are you’ve heard of Rainier Mountaineering Inc. (RMI). The company has been guiding clients up the mountain since 1969 and until somewhat recently was the only game in town. Even today, the company guides the vast majority of the people that climb Rainier every year. Figuring…

Review: Kahtoola MICROspikes

A few years ago, Kahtoola introduced the MICROspikes, a lightweight traction device that can be worn over any style of sneaker or boot. Since then, there have been quite a few other manufacturers to jump on the bandwagon. And although it may be the middle of June, we still managed to find a trail to test a few pairs. Read more for our full review.

Review: Grangers 1 Step Wash & Waterproofer

Ever wish you could clean and maintain your expensive breatheable jackets in one step? Grangers has released a new product to do just that. We put it to the test.

Gore-Tex vs OutDry: The Water Test

Like many people, I’ve been following the rise of OutDry since I first heard about it over a year ago. Thankfully, I managed to snag a pair of the new Mountain Hardwear Hydra gloves with OutDry and thought I’d put the marketing claims to the test.

Review: Brunton Restore

These days, it seems that my backpack keeps getting filled up with more an more electronics. While I enjoy being away from technology in the woods, there are a few electronics that make the experience a bit nicer. Unfortunately, that also usually means that you’ll have to bring quite a few batteries along for the…

Review: Timex E-Altimeter

The Timex Expedition E-Altimeter is an analog watch that has a built in analog altimeter. While the vast majority of all outdoor oriented watches are really aimed at purely outdoor usage, Timex made the E-Altimeter to go between the board room and the outdoors. Due to the fact that this is an analog watch, it’s…