When it comes to synthetic insulated jackets, apparently all roads lead to The North Face. On my numerous trips to REI and other outdoor retailers to research the best “puffy coat” to bring with me on the Snowman Trek, the sales clerks consistently pointed me toward The North Face and, specifically, the Thermoball. Here’s why… Read More…
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This Month Win a Pair of Mauria Boots from LOWA
We have a winner for the September giveaway and will announce her name as soon as she confirms her address with us. She’s a new subscriber to the Wanderlust and Lipstick Newsletter and won simply by subscribing. Watch out for announcements of future contests here. ***** There are a lot of things I’m having to Read More…
Julbo Mountaineering Sunglasses ~ WanderGear Wednesday
Ever notice that when something hits your radar, you start seeing it everywhere? That’s what happened with my Julbo mountaineering sunglasses. As soon as I had my own pair to test out for the Snowman Trek, I noticed a lot (I mean, A LOT) of people I’ve been meeting on my hikes are also wearing Read More…
Smartwool Socks for Hiking ~ WanderGear Wednesday
Last time I attended the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City, I got me a lesson in socks. My complaint to the vendors who manufacture socks was that my socks often fall down my calves. I always thought it was because my calves were so big and it stretched out the tops of the Read More…
This Month Win a Diane Travel Jacket from Anatomie Apparel
Congratulations to Tommie I. from Irvine, CA, a new subscriber to the Wanderlust and Lipstick Newsletter, for winning this month’s prize! Check out our contest. for September here. ***** I have to admit that I hadn’t heard of Anatomie Apparel until these folks contacted me about reviewing their clothes. While Anatomie is best known for their line Read More…
Nite Ize Gear ~ WanderGear Wednesday
You’ve probably seen many of these items from Nite Ize at the checkout line at your local outdoor gear store. You might have even grabbed one or two as an impulse buy or bought them for stocking stuffers. They’re actually quite fun. I picked up a few items myself when I was at the Outdoor Read More…
The North Face Verbera Lite Mid GTX Boots ~ WanderGear Wednesday
To call these “Lite” is an understatement. The North Face Verbera Lite Mid GTX Boots are about a pound per shoe (size 8.5). You may never have thought of weighing your shoes before but try it. You likely don’t have any hiking boots that come close to that weight. It’s because of that weight that Read More…
Snow Peak Gear for Camping ~ WanderGear Wednesday
Snow Peak isn’t your usual camping gear company. Au contraire. They are quite unusual. Though their products are items you definitely need for a camping adventure, their gear is one, OK maybe five, notches above most manufacturers of similar products. Why? Well, for one, the company was started in the 50s by Yukio Yamai from Japan. Read More…
PacSafe AT21 Wheeled Carry-on ~ WanderGear Wednesday
PacSafe is truly one of my favorite travel gear companies. I’ve been using and recommending their products for probably 10 years or more. Why? Because safety is their number one priority. PacSafe manufactures luggage, backpacks, locks, wallets, purses, camera bags and more. And all of these items have safety features meant to deter thieves from Read More…
Cocoon Thermolite Radiator MummyLiner ~ WanderGear Wednesday
If you’re backpacker, you likely already know what a sleep sack is. For those of you who aren’t familiar with this very handy and very packable item, it’s a liner you sleep in that puts a bit of distance between you and the bedsheets. When you’re staying in basic accommodations (think: youth hostel), this can Read More…