Backpacking & Camping Archives

Best 6 person tents

When you are searching for the best 6 person tent it can be difficult to look through all the options available on the market and filter out the good from the bad. We understand that finding the perfect tent for your next camping trip is vital to getting the most enjoyment from your excursion. The …

Best Camping Saw 2020

by Breana

You don’t need a camping saw…. until you really need a camping saw!

Whether it’s for clearing a track, collecting firewood, clearing a dangerous obstacle out of a river (paddlers, you know it) or slicing off your arm that got stuck under a boulder – there’s no doubt that an ultralight saw can be a super valuable piece of backcountry equipment. You can get a good saw that takes up only a tiny amount of space in your pack, and weighs as little as 5 ounces!

Below we take a look at what to look for in a quality saw, and share a few of our favorites.

Jetboil Flash Vs Zip: Camp Stove Review

by Breana

If you need a quick way to boil water while backpacking or camping, Jetboil makes two excellent models for this purpose. The Jetboil Flash and the smaller Jetboil Zip are awesome cooking systems to use while in the wilderness!

Basically, Jetboil cooking systems are tiny gas stoves with mugs that sit directly on top of them. When not in use, you can pack everything back into the metal mug. These are great for boiling instant meals or just water for coffee.

The Jetboil Flash and the Jetboil Zip are extremely similar models. However, they do have their differences. Which is best for your needs? Read on to see which Jetboil will be best for your next camping excursion.

Coleman Triton Vs Camp Chef Everest

by Breana

A cook stove is an indispensable part of your camping collection. These stoves are small enough to pack with you wherever you go, but they have enough power to feed a hungry crowd. Whether you enjoy tailgating or camping, a cook stove is a must-have!

There are many cook stove options, but the Coleman Triton and the Camp Chef Everest cook stoves are two of the most popular stoves on the market.

Check out each stove’s features to help you make the right decision purchase decision.

Osprey Atmos AG 65 Vs Aether AG 60

by Breana

Osprey AetherAG 60 vs Osprey Atmos AG 65

When you need a pack for multi-day use, Osprey has a couple that may be perfect.

The Atmos AG 65 and Aether 60 AG are customizable to your needs, and they make carrying a heavy load easier than you might have thought possible.

Best Heavy Duty Tent Pegs

by Breana

I love camping, but I’ve had my fair share of miserable camp experiences, especially when it comes to tent problems. When I was a kid, my camp-loving family actually swore off tent camping and bought a trailer after the worst tent experience ever.

Of course, trailer camping isn’t quite the same as tent camping, you certainly can’t pack a trailer out into the wilderness. Want to enjoy great camping trips without tent failures? Then you need to invest in some good tent pegs.

Everyone knows the tent pegs that come with most tents are crap. You can’t pound them into hard dirt or expect them to stick in soft earth.

I once watched with great amusement as a friend’s tent blew across the beach after its tent pegs totally failed in the sand. If you don’t want to be the dude chasing a tent or pounding dangerous rebar in the ground, then it’s time to get some real tent pegs.

If you want something you can rely on, then it’s a good idea to invest in quality tent pegs. As a rule, these tend to be affordable, and they can be worth their weight in gold when you get a good night of sleep out in the wilderness.

Wondering where to get good tent anchors for your next camping trip? You’re in the right place! We’ll look at the various types of tent stakes and give you a recommendation for each.

Kelty Redwing 32 Vs 44: Backpack Review

by Breana

Without a doubt, one of the most important aspects of hiking, trekking or backpacking is choosing the right gear.

After some research, most people arrive at the conclusion that brands like Kelty should be considered.

However, it may be daunting for beginners to make a selection between two great models such as the Kelty Redwing 32 and the Kelty Redwing 44.

Maui Jim Vs Costa

by Breana

A pair of good quality sunglasses are a real asset, especially if you plan on spending any length of time outdoors. Not only do they serve as a fashion accessory, but they also provide protection against the sun’s UV rays and increase visibility. Considering the cost of upper-range shades, it pays to do your homework. You don’t want to spend a lot of money on sunglasses that don’t work well for you and that you never wear.

This guide compares Costa to Maui Jim sunglasses, so you’re able to determine which offers the perfect balance between style and function. Fun, fashionable, and UV-resistant, there are many models to choose from that fit your personality and the activity that you’re trying to do.

Thule Pulse Vs Force

by Breana

A traveler’s dream come true, Thule cargo boxes make carrying gear from one location to the next easier. Before deciding which model is the best for you and your needs, you must first know what makes the Force and the Pulse similar and different. This short guide will provide you with all the answers you need to make an informed decision about the cargo box that best serves you as you travel.

If you have to drive a compact vehicle with a small trunk or travel with a lot of gear, you know the value of a good cargo box. Made to fit on the top of your vehicle and encase your belongings in waterproof plastic, the boxes are built-to-last. Their ergonomic shape helps with aerodynamics. Their locking design prevents loss and theft.

Thule, a leader in making excellent cargo boxes, offers two different models that benefit its customers. The first is the Thule Force. The second is the Thule Pulse. When shopping for a cargo box that withstands the test of time, you must read and refer to this review often. Doing so makes it easier to narrow your options and pick the right cargo box for you.

Thule Force XT XL Vs Motion XT XL

by Breana

Expand how much storage your vehicle has so that you can carry all of the necessities with the right cargo box. This can be beneficial in many ways, including keeping luggage off of your passenger’s laps and making sure that your skis and other sport’s equipment have a safe place to be when you are transporting them.

Since these boxes are easy to install, you can start using them almost right away. Just ensure that you make the best choice for your needs.

Your first decision is making sure that the cargo box that you pick meets your needs. One place to begin is by comparing the Thule Motion XT XL vs Force XT XL.

Thermoflask Vs Hydro Flask

by Breana

Over the past few years, Hydro Flask has taken the world by storm with its pioneering insulation technology. Unlike a standard thermos, which only keeps liquids lukewarm at best, the Hydro Flask boasts the ability to keep liquids at a balmy 160 degrees for twelve hours. This has changed the name of the game when it comes to insulated water bottles, and a number of competitors have hit the market over the years.

One of the most popular competitors is Thermoflask. This design came second, and the engineers aim to take inspiration from the technology of the Hydro Flask while also improving upon it. Thermoflask is a cheaper alternative to Hydro Flask, but what does that mean? Does a Thermoflask water bottle actually stand up to Hydro Flask in terms of performance?

Hydro Flask Vs Simple Modern

by Breana

Since the Hydro Flask water bottle was first introduced, the technology has taken the world by storm. Multiple water bottle companies have come out with products inspired by the Hydro Flask design, Simple Modern being one of them.

The secret behind the bottles is the use of double-walled vacuum insulating technology, which keeps condensation from being created inside the bottle. In turn, this keeps the liquid at the same temperature for up to twelve hours, regardless of whether it’s hot or cold.

The water bottles are also made of premium stainless steel. That means they don’t conduct or absorb heat, and that they don’t cause leaking of flavor into the bottle. Plastic water bottles, by contrast, can sometimes cause a plastic taste in the liquid inside.

So what should you know about the Hydro Flask and Simple Modern water bottles before you make a purchase decision?

Hydro Flask Vs Contigo

by Breana

When you’re choosing a high-quality water bottle, there are a number of factors to keep in mind. Some of the most important are durability and heat retention. Is the water bottle designed with the appropriate technology to keep your hot drinks hot and your iced drinks frozen? Will it stand up to repeated use? Is it too slippery to carry easily from place to place, and do any grip coatings rub off over time?

You also need to keep in mind what you’re using the bottle for. Some bottles are designed for portable use while traveling, others for outdoor adventures, and still others for casual daily use around the office and home. Once you know what you’ll be using the bottle for, you can find a design that’s optimized for your needs.

Contigo and Hydro Flask are two of the most well-known insulated water bottle manufacturers on the market today. Which of their products works the best, and which manufacturer should you purchase from?

Contigo Vs Yeti

by Breana

Insulation technology is a big deal in the day-to-day world. There are multiple professional industries that rely on thermal insulation to keep their products cool even without electricity. And on a more casual daily basis, a good insulated cooler can make the difference between refreshing ice-cold drinks and uncomfortably lukewarm beverages at an outdoor party.

Yeti is a company that’s well-known for creating insulated coolers that can stand up to high outdoor temperatures. They’ve now begun manufacturing water bottles and travel mugs that make use of the same insulation technology. Contigo is another industry leader in the manufacturing of insulated and portable products. How do the two compare?

RTIC Vs Yeti Vs Orca

by Breana

The right cooler can significantly impact a road trip or camping trip by making it better. Convenient to use and essential for safely storing food, it’s the type of equipment you’ll never want to be without when spending any length of time outdoors. So, which cooler is best? Is one brand preferable over another?

This guide helps you better understand the similarities, and differences, between RTIC, Yeti, and Orca coolers, so you know where to invest your money. You’ll learn about the different sizes available, features that come with the soft and hard-sided coolers, and warranties. Making a final decision about which brand to be loyal to is easy when you see everything laid out in front of you feature-wise in black and white.