> Gear

When I’m packing for a trip, I’m always looking for ways to consolidate and decrease the volume of items that I’m taking with me. Hydaway has just the answer to my needs, with their collapsible line of tumblers (pictured left), bottles and bowls (pictured below). Made from lightweight silicone, these items collapse into themselves, taking Read More…

I have to be in a really dire situation to buy bottled water. I just really hate the plastic waste–at home and when I’m traveling. As an alternative, I make sure that I have a reusable water bottle of some sort with me pretty much any time I leave the house. And I often use Read More…

I love love love my compression socks from Vim&Vigr. (And you will, too, because you have a chance to win two pairs!) Lemme tell you a little bit about why these are so important to your travels… You know what DVT is, right? Please say yes. OK, if you said no…deep vein thrombosis is a Read More…

When I first heard about Appalachian Gear Company’s All-Paca Fleece Hoodie, I thought it was going to be like other hoodies that are currently hanging in my work-from-home closet. I was delighted when this very soft sweater arrived. It’s actually nothing like my other hoodies. (Not sure if that says more about me or about Read More…

Summer is coming and there’s probably no better time to consider being outside than right now! Here’s an opportunity to make getting outside a little more fun. After all, who doesn’t love new gear to test out? I’m giving away a pair of Tifosi Tsali sunglasses to a lucky winner residing in the U.S. As Read More…

In some parts of the world, the only reason you can go outside right now is for groceries and to exercise. Here in Washington State, our parks and trails are starting to open up which means that, for the first time in months, I can now get out for a hike! Whoo hoo! But because Read More…

For the longest time, the ONLY way I would pack my clothes was in compression sacs. And I do still love them because I can compress my items down to about 1/3 of what they normally are. But a couple of years ago I got turned on to the Eagle Creek packing cubes. And I’ve Read More…

Of all the things one might be concerned about packing, you might give underwear the least amount of thought. But I do give this quite a bit of consideration. Mainly because my number one goal is to pack light by bringing as few clothing items as possible on a trip. And that includes my underwear. Read More…

I got (reluctantly) introduced to Glerups at the Outdoor Retailer Show this summer. OR is where I learn about a lot of new gear, clothes, shoes, accessories and other products soon to hit the market. In this case I say that I was reluctantly introduced to Glerups because I didn’t think I’d be interested in Read More…

I never, and I mean NEVER, take a flight without packing a neck pillow in my backpack. Over the years, I’ve been through a lot of these and have had to toss out a couple because they began leaking after the second or third time I used it. Ugh! But here’s one that I love Read More…