Go Play In The Rain (Or Snow)
“There’s no such thing as bad weather. Only inappropriate clothing.” I don’t know who said that, but odds are, he was wearing waterproof shoes. As anyone who has spent much time outdoors knows, there are few things more uncomfortable, more demoralizing, or more downright withering as wet feet. Conversely, there’s a certain joy and smugness [...]
Confident Trailblazing
Your current GPS may tell you how to get to the nearest Exxon or Cheesecake Factory, but it sure as hell won’t tell you nautical directions, topographic information, or how to get back to the trailhead on that three day mountain excursion. Consider the waterproof DeLorme Earthmate PN-40 your BMW (or Jeep rather) of off-road [...]
The Technical Ice Climber's Glove
Ice climbing requires both protection and dexterity, two requirements that typically mix like oil and water. The stout Outdoor Research Alpine Alibi Gloves utilize Gore-Tex and shell X-TRAFIT technology designed to conform to the hand’s shape (the leather palm grip that extends around the thumb provides superior grip) while using EndurLoft insulation on the backside [...]
Products For Decades
In time for this year’s winter, Fjällräven has launched its North American presence with a store in New York City, but finally bringing its wares to the masses with the newly launched online shop. One of the world’s foremost outdoor gear outfitters, the Swedish company founded by Ake Nordin 50 years ago, focuses on durability [...]
You Never Know, They Could Save Your Life
Submitted by Gear Patrol Reader Ben Dahl If there was only one requirement of a survival product (outside of saving your a$%, obviously) it would be versatility. Guns, rations, and flashlights are all necessary, but they lack versatility. Survival Straps is going to change that by going Playstation on your survival products. That’s right, these [...]
See America's Best Idea
Considering we’re still in a recession, and the relative weakness of the dollar in general abroad, there’s never been a better time to keep your summer or holiday vacation sites firmly set in the U.S. territories, and in particular on our National Parks. Epic, glorious, and one of kind, everyman should at least visit a [...]
Taking the Strain Out of Straining
Transferring massive pots of boiling water and their cooked contents from stove to sink is one maneuver most cooks never look forward to. It’s dangerous, heavy, and an overall pain in the ass. For those with access to full-sized kitchens and a dual-sink setup, using integrated pot strainers is one way to avoid the situation [...]
You've Only Got One Head, Wear A Worthy Hat
By Gear Patrol Reader Drew Hildebrand Imagine for a moment that you and your buddies/significant other/family are headed out for a day hike or other adventure. Whether you’re enjoying the sunshine with your best pal Short Round, slogging through the rain, or dodging poison tipped darts, you’re probably going to want something more appropriate (and [...]
Serious Boots for Serious Outdoors Men
Photo Credit: www.livefortheoutdoors.com By Gear Patrol Reader Austin Church The rocky outcroppings and snow-filled couloirs of the Teton range look like the knuckles of a clenched fist. The mountains stay white late into the summer months, and no Stairmaster or gym membership can prepare one’s legs for kicking steps up to their saddles and peaks. [...]
From the Bar to El Capitain & Back Again
The rigors of an outdoor life can wreck a pair of jeans or regular khakis pretty darn fast. With the price of denim climbing steadily, this makes for a pretty unsavory situation. Mountain Khakis sprang up to solve this problem. Made of heavy duty duck canvas and some diesel twills, their pants are made to [...]
The Most Versatile Piece of Headwear Ever
The Buff is about as simple as it gets. It’s just a tube of fabric roughly 18″ long, made to be the Optimus Prime of headgear (Did anyone else just think of Megan Fox?). It can transform into a balaclava, a beanie, a headband, or a variety of other configurations. I’ve owned a regular one [...]
Strength for Climbers, Strength for All
Boredom is a killer when it comes to working out. Keeping things fresh and challenging helps keep you interested and in shape. A cool piece of equipment to check out, if your workout is getting stale, are the Metolious Rock Rings. Made for rock climbers to train their contact strength (pretty much your ability to [...]
