March 30, 2010
Review by Arnie P

Overland Acadi
The OverLand Acadia appears to be a very computer friendly and sturdy pack. The Acadia is rugged for daily use going to the workplace and also suitable for outdoor fun during leisure hours. I really like being able to slide my computer into a pack rather than dropping it in from the top. To read more.
Categories: Reviews.
Tags: Acadia, Overland Equipment, Packs, Reviews
March 28, 2010

The Osprey Elroy has arrived. One of its new Resource Series courier bags for everyday use, the Elroy is made of recycled materials and is going to be my everyday briefcase for the next three months. Read more here….
March 28, 2010
by Andy Bowman
Categories: Reviews.
Tags: Osprey, Reviews
March 28, 2010

Silver Ridge Front image obtained from Columbia
See how I like the Columbia Silver Ridge Stretch S/S Shirt after a month of use.
It offers sun protection; transfers moisture; and is casual enough to wear hiking, but nice enough to wear around town.
Check it out here.
Jenn K.
Categories: Reviews.
Tags: Columbia Silver Ridge
March 27, 2010

Benchmade 111H20
The Benchmade 1111H20 folder is made for use in and around water, and yes, even salt water. To help ward off rust the blade is made of a highly corrosion resistant steel called N680. The website says this about the steel; “An Austrian made stainless steel, which is comparable to 440C in performance and value. Keen edge qualities with great corrosion resistance.” The knife can be had in either a plain blade or the serrated style which Benchmade calls ComboEdge which is partially serrated. The knife handle is available in Black or Yellow. There is also a fixed blade version of the same knife.
Coy Boy
Please click here to read the rest of the review
Categories: Reviews.
Tags: Benchmade, dive knife, knife
March 27, 2010
What is a Bivy Sack? Well a Bivy is short for bivouac, which is a term commonly used to describe an improvised shelter. Bivy sacks are most often used by climbers as well as hikers for emergency shelter and/or as a minimalist shelter when trying to minimize weight. The Brooks-Range Alpini Bivy is an ultra-light minimalist shelter intended for sub-freezing conditions.
Dave (the turtle) Wilkes
Click here to read my review…
Categories: Reviews.
Tags: bivy, review, sleeping bag
March 26, 2010
I have used the ColdAvenger on three more overnight camp-outs when temperatures were in the mid 20′s. However, on my last overnighter, the low was only 51 so I did not need it at all. On the overnight hikes when I did use it I started off each night without wearing it but put it on from around midnight on each night when the temperatures dropped down to near freezing and then go colder as the night progressed. And when it did get cold enough to use it it really did help make my sleep much more comfortable. And that’s the bottom line. When it was cold enough to need the ColdAvenger face-mask I was only to happy to put it on.
To read the rest of the review including this update click
here.
Coy Boy
Categories: Reviews.
March 26, 2010
~ Leesa

Osprey Packs has once again come out with a newly designed pack, with a newly added purpose. The Manta is part of their Hydraulics series, which includes the
Raptor line also. The Manta is designed as a day hiking pack, with an integrated hydration system.
Read the review
Categories: Reviews.
Tags: hydration, Packs, Reviews
March 26, 2010
Review by Arnie P
Update on 3 26 2010
I always do some testing locally before going on a long hike or backpack. I started by wearing these socks daily from the time I woke up to the time I went to bed to find out how many days I could do this before I noticed a problem. At the end of the sixth day, the socks did not keep my feet as warm as they did on the first day. Even after six days, there was no noticeable odor. It was now time to wash the socks and use them on the trail. Read more
Categories: Reviews, Uncategorized.
Tags: hiking socks, Reviews, socks
March 26, 2010

Stuffitts in biking shoes
Did the Stuffitts Shoe Savers work for me?
Check out my final update here.
Jenn K.
Categories: Reviews.
Tags: Stuffitts
March 24, 2010
Review by Arnie P

950BK with case
The Benchmade 950BK folding knife is made in the USA and is an Osborne design. This knife is in the Black class family which is described on the web site as: “Our Black Class products are designed, developed and tested for extreme duty.”
Read more.
Categories: Reviews.
Tags: 950BK, Benchmade, folding knife, Osborne, Reviews
March 24, 2010

Benchmade 930 Kulgera Folded
How about the Benchmade 930 Kulgera designed by Warren Osborne?
Check it out.
Jenn K.
Categories: Reviews.
Tags: Benchmade, knife, Kulgera
March 20, 2010
Ever needed to go somewhere and by the time you got all your things in your pant pockets they felt like lead. I mean by the time you grab your wallet, keys, knife (especially if it is a multi-tool), sunglasses etc you are running out of room. And if you happened to need to take a camera, small notebook, pen, reading glasses, GPS, and other odds and ends you need some other means to keep all your gear handy. Enter the Shasta! I jokingly refer to the Shasta as a man purse but it is really more like a half pack. In fact, the Overland Equipment website calls it a “sling” or “half pack”. But no matter what you call it, it is a handy way to carry things. It also looks manly enough that you should not get too many snide remarks about your purse. To read more click here.
Coy Boy
Categories: Reviews.
Tags: Overland Equipment, Shasta
March 19, 2010
Review by Arnie P

Quasar front view
The Osprey Quasar is part of a family of packs being offered by Osprey in 2010, called the 24/7 series. These packs can be used in the office and for playing after work. I will be sharing all the things I’m discovering about this attractive new pack. To read more.
Categories: Reviews.
Tags: backpack, daypack, Osprey, Quasar, Reviews
March 18, 2010
By Alan

Columbia Thermodynamic Soft Shell Jacket
Upon first look at Columbia’s new ThermoDynamic soft shell jacket, it looks like alot of other high quality soft shells out there on the market. It’s sharp with its lines and cut, it has great pockets with really nice zippers and pulls. It’s when you open it up and see the lining that you will notice what Columbia did to set it apart from the rest. The lining of the jacket is covered in tiny foil dots that remind me of my foil emergency blanket. If the idea of reflecting one’s body heat back at them to keep them warm works for our emergency blankets, why wouldn’t the same principle work in a jacket.
Want to hear more? Then click here to read the rest of my initial thoughts on the Columbia Thermodynamic Soft Shell Jacket.
Categories: Reviews.
Tags: Columbia Sportswear, jacket
March 17, 2010

Flow Meter on Pack
The Camelbak Flow Meter is an intelligent hydration gauge can be installed on any Camelbak drinking tube. The Flow Meter is designed to track the amount of liquid consumed, total volume, hydration goals, and estimated time until empty.
Here are my thoughts.
Jenn K.
Categories: Reviews.
March 17, 2010
by: Dave D’Abate

Courtesy Photo
Darn Tough Vermont makes some incredibly comfortable socks. The only problem was, I wasn’t very familiar with the brand until this year.
From Darn Tough’s Press Release:
‘Darn Tough socks are designed, manufactured, and tested in Vermont, USA. Their high-density knitting allows for durability and cushioning without bulk. They also offer Merino Wool and Coolmax® blends for optimal comfort and climate control. The socks also include additional support around the arch, ankle, and toe to prevent blisters and add endurance. The socks are designed for every type of athlete and climate, from summer mountain bikers to winter Nordic skiers.’
Click here to read more!
Categories: Reviews.
Tags: Darn, Merino, Ride, Ski, Sock, Tough, Vermont
March 17, 2010
By Suzanne
This little Fireflye (by Guyot Designs),
I’m gonna let it shine!
This little LED bottle top,
It’s gonna shine for hours!
This little Fireflye,
It uses three AAA!
And it shines, yes it shines,
Oh it shines!
To read more, without it being sung in verse, click here!
Categories: Reviews.
Tags: lights, Reviews
March 17, 2010
by Arnie P

Osprey Orb
The Orb is part of a family of packs being offered by Osprey in 2010, called the 24/7 series. These packs can be used in the office and for playing after work. I will be sharing all the things I’m discovering about this attractive new pack. To read more.
Categories: Reviews, Uncategorized.
Tags: Day Pack, Osprey, Packs
March 16, 2010

Trailhead Top, image courtesy of Columbia Sportswear
~Stephanie
Arriving just in time for the warm weather (I can’t believe we’re pushing 80 degrees F already), the Columbia Trailhead Top is a technical tee featuring UV protection (SPF 15) and the wicking properties from Columbia’s Omni-Dry technology. Read on for more.
Categories: Reviews.
Tags: Columbia Sportswear
March 16, 2010

Outdoor Research Helium Jacket
The Outdoor Research Helium Jacket gets a workout with Jason in Alaska. Read the initial information here.
Categories: Reviews.
Tags: clothing, outerwear, Reviews
March 16, 2010
Jason wraps up the Stabilicer Lite review here.

Stabilicer Lite
Categories: Reviews.
Tags: Reviews, traction, winter
March 12, 2010
Review by Arnie P
The Keen Pyrenees boot is part of the Keen Trailhead family. At first glance I thought I was looking at a boot from my childhood when all boots were leather. The leather is the only aspect that is the same. The leather is brown and has a very soft feel and is pliable to the touch. The foot bed is removable. The toes area is well protected which I appreciate because I have had many toe nail blood blisters in the past. To read more.

Pyrenees Boot
Categories: Reviews, Uncategorized.
Tags: footwear, Hiking Boots, Keen
March 12, 2010
Another two months have passed and I am still finding these sunglasses to be great. I will say that it has rained a lot recently and with the dreary weather I have not worn them every day, but I do keep them handy for those times when the sun is shinning.
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To read the rest of the update along with the entire review please click here
Coy Boy
Categories: Reviews.
Tags: Ryder, sunglasses
March 11, 2010
by: Dave D’Abate

Osprey Aether 85
Now in its 3rd generation and updated for 2010, Osprey’s Aether series backpack offers a lightweight custom fit for every outdoor enthusiast. After owning a 2nd generation Aether 60 for four years now, I was pretty excited to test the new Aether and see the differences in the 2010 line. The awesome folks at Osprey sent me a Magma colored Aether 85 to put through its paces this spring.
Click here to read the first impressions!
Categories: Reviews.
Tags: pack, Reviews
March 11, 2010
I’ve been busy updating some of my winter reviews. We’re having a bit of warmer weather, I’m not sure if winter is ending early here in Maine, or if its just a tease. As much as I like snow, I am ready for Spring!! Check out the reviews, and head over to the forums if you like talking about the outdoors, or your gear!
Injinji Tetrasock Liners
Moving Comfort Fiona Sports Bra
Sorel Helen of Tundra Boots
Tubbs NRG Flex Snowshoes
Black Diamon Trail Shock Compact Trekking Poles
Categories: Reviews.
Tags: boots, poles, Reviews, snowshoes, socks, winter