ShareWhile some hikers favor simple, clean wristwatches that keep reliable time, others seek out the most advanced technology to wear on their wrists. We’ve previously addressed the first group (see May 21 review of the Wenger Raid Commando) and now we’re tackling the techies. An array of digital tools can be packed into wristwatches today, [Continued...]
ShareThe manufacturer’s claims left me skeptical. Shirts and tights that not only supported achy joints but relieved fatigue and strengthened muscles? So I enlisted one of my regular gear testers, Chris Bloomquist of Winthrop, to join me in field testing the Opedix Posture Shirt and Running Tights. Chris has been skiing hard and fast most [Continued...]
ShareVacationers typically cut back on luxury accommodations during tough economic times, but not always. By skipping the hotels altogether, family camping trips can be first-rate vacations without big spending. The key to maintaining a happy camp centers on the accommodations. You need comfortable shelter for the whole family, and not just for sleeping. Given the [Continued...]
ShareCome spring, we never know what weather conditions we might face in Western Washington, so our outerwear must be versatile. We can see dramatic changes not just day-to-day, but hour-to-hour. During one March outing along the 5-mile loop trail at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, as we wrapped up testing of some new softshells, we encountered [Continued...]
ShareWith gas prices bound to increase again, it makes sense to reduce your driving as much as possible. Why drive a few blocks to the store, or even a few miles to work, when a bike will get you there just as quickly (or nearly so)? And biking will also give you a bit of [Continued...]
ShareSeveral readers have asked for advice on the best ways to transport adult beverages into the backcountry, from wine to whiskey, so we gathered some options and, after thorough testing in Washington wild country, we found a few ideally suited for various spirits. Wine lovers will appreciate the new soft-sided PlatyPreserve wine bags from Seattle-based [Continued...]
ShareEveryone from backyard bird-watchers to backcountry hikers knows that quality optics are needed to thoroughly enjoy wildlife watching. But quality doesn’t have to mean busting the budget. Portland-based Columbia Sportswear teamed up with Kruger Optics, of Sisters, Ore., to produce a broad selection of affordable Columbia Sport Optics. We opted to test their rugged Malheur [Continued...]
ShareEvery kid needs a new toy periodically, and every backcountry enthusiast is really just a kid at heart. It makes sense, then, that hikers and skiers, climbers and kayakers all need a new gadget or gizmo for their pack now and then. One nice little gadget fit for any adventurer’s pack is the Highgear Adventure [Continued...]
ShareOnce chills settle into your bones, there’s little you can do. Whether you’re sitting in camp, or simply eating a long lunch at a frigid summit, having an insulation layer to pull on when you stop moving can make the difference between being comfortable and being hypothermic. There are any number of great jackets to [Continued...]
Share The trend toward lighter trail footwear is spreading, with some of the best new products coming from the birthplace of alpine adventures: the Alps themselves! A couple new products, from companies based in the Alps, proved themselves worthy of Northwest hikers after we pounded trails around Washington while wearing them. From the ash-laden tracks [Continued...]
