If you’re currently looking for a tent and you haven’t already stumbled upon the REI Half Dome Tent Models, then it is clear that you live so far under a rock that it’s almost impossible for you to have found me here. If you have already seen the Half Domes then you already know there are many different models and variations. The exact tent model I’m reviewing today is the REI Half Dome 2 Plus.
Read MoreI’m going to be honest, for most of my life I had an embarrassingly poor choice in jackets for a native PNW dude. Skateboarding fashion dominated my style choices. I never cared about quality, fabrics or lifespan. I pretty much only cared about affordability and look. Several years ago though, that changed. I’m not sure if it’s being outdoors more, being exposed to more ideas or just getting older, but I began to pay more attention to things that mattered in a jacket like how long it lasted, what is was made for and how it was made. I’ve had the opportunity over the last few years to try out many different brands like Arcteryx, Craghoppers, Marmot and more. The reason I give you all of that background is to say that one of the best all around hard shell jackets I’ve found is the Patagonia Triolet Jacket.
Read MoreOver the last years I’ve had MANY pairs of hiking boots from Salomon to Merrel to Zamberlan. When I started using the Adidas Fast X High GTX I already had a pretty new pair of burly, heavy backpacking boots, but I found myself not wanting to wear them on day hikes or adventure photography trips due to their weight and bulkiness. So a little over a year ago I started testing the Adidas Fast X High GTX Hiking Boots and I really fell love!
Read MoreBefore our 3 month trip to Spain in Early 2018, Laura and I were sent 2 Alps Mountaineering Solitude 24 Packs. Our plan was to bring only carryon baggage for the whole trip, so we would each bring a regular 22” carryon size suitcase and then we would use these Alps packs as our main day packs for all of our adventures throughout the trip. After 3 months of heavy use abroad, and then regular action back home here in the NW after that, I figured it’s time to check in with a gear review.
Read MoreThe Rhone Basecamp Jogger is a simple and stylish sweat pant. These things are so damn comfortable they make putting on my normal pants pretty difficult. Unlike many other big name joggers I’ve tried out, these things aren’t too long, too tight or too baggy. I’m 5’ 10” and the medium is perfect fit for me. The fabric is soft and stretchy enough to feel great on the skin, but thick enough to feel durable. The stretchiness allows for free movement when out hiking, at the gym or even doing yoga (see below). To boil it all down, the Basecamp Jogger is a well built, comfortable pant from the the ankle cuff to the waist band. They're available in 3 colors and come in all sizes.
Read MoreOkay, lets start with something you might not know. The Sony E PZ 18-105mm f/4G OSS is my most utilized lens, probably ever. It’s on my camera 80% of the time when I’m out shooting. Through using it regularly for the last several years, I’ve discovered it’s not the most popular lens, and I can understand why people might be afraid to try it out being that isn’t exactly cheap or extensively praised. Hopefully my review will help a few to give it try though.
Read MoreI’ve had the pleasure of trying out several SOG backpacks over the last few years from the biggest to the smallest versions, so I was stoked to try out the SOG Seraphim 35. This thing is *packed* (wink) with a long list of features. In fact, it has far too many features to list off every one but I’ll give you a few of the real world things I like most about it. First off, it’s a super clean looking pack, and all black is always a good move for a color way. I also really enjoy the ability to strap my gear to the outside of the pack. There’s several ways to attach stuff either with the pack’s shock cord tie downs, the Hypalon MOLLE field, or the endless loops and lash points. Also, the fold down panel on the outside of the pack has the ability to carry long items like an axe, fishing rod, rifle or if you’re like me, a tripod!
Read MoreThe Coast TX399 Knife is a tactical folding knife. I love the way it looks and feels. It's long and sleek with an all black finish. It's built extremely well for the price, with durable construction and a lightweight design. The TX399 is part of Coast's Spec-Ops line, geared towards tactical and industrial use as a heavy duty cutting tool. It has a 4" blade made from super strong 9Cr18Mov stainless steel. The exterior has a glass bead finish with an all black titanium nitride coating. I really like the handle on this thing. It's textured stylishly and made from a nylon/fiberglass composite that keeps its weight down. The pocket clip on the knife can be switched for right or left handed carry, and it sits deep in the pocket for an easy carry. Overall, the Coast TX399 is badass knife for the price. It's well built, good looking and easy on the budget.
Read MoreThe SOG Tomcat 3.0 is the third generation of the award winning Tomcat series. The original Tomcat folder was released back in the 1980's and was met with widespread love. The newest version of this awesome knife resembles a bit of the original look but adds modern features and updated styling. The Tomcat 3.0 is a beast that anybody will love from the hardcore knife enthusiasts to the amateur knife consumer (like myself).
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