Trip Reports, Campsites & More
Gear Reviews
Over the years I’ve received a lot of questions about gear I use when I’m on trip. The answer basically boils down to “stuff that won’t break and makes my life easier”, but it’s taken some time to find things that fit that bill (and I’m still looking in a lot of cases!). In this section, you’ll find my thoughts on various pieces of gear I’ve used. These are taken from my monthly Thunderbox Gear Review segment. So if you want gear reviews hot off the press, make sure to subscribe to that newsletter (or just check back here from time to time. Whatever works).
Eureka NoBugZone CT 11 Bug Tent
The Eureka NoBugZone is a lightweight but somewhat bulky addition to any pack. It can be a pleasant shelter from the mid July sun and early August rain. It can also be the last bastion of sanity from the mid June swarms. It combines a good sized footprint, sturdy tarp and mesh walls to keep the bugs away and the rain off your head. My full review is here.
Opeongo Aerial A1 Tent
The Opeongo Aerial A1 Tent is a combination tent and hammock. It’s also the most comfortable shelter I’ve ever slept in on a camping trip. While it’s got a couple of areas for improvement, this tent has been a game changer for my nights in the Park. The full review is here.
Brookie Solo Canoe
A couple years back I picked up a Brookie Solo Canoe from Backcountry Custom Canoes. These boats look like they’re made of tissue paper but are tough as nails. They’re also light as a feather and nice to look at as well! My full review is here.
Water Filters
Water. We all need it. But how do you get it in the backcountry? This edition of Gear Review looks at the various water treatment options I’ve used over the years before narrowing it down to what I think is the best option of them all. Read about it here.
Kuhl Transcendr Pants
Kuhl has been my go-to campsite pant and fleece for a while now. Recently, I had the opportunity to try out their Transcendr softshell and was not disappointed. To see how they stood up to skiing, hiking and generally being outside during an Ottawa winter, read on.
My Favourite Paddle
Picking a paddle has to be one of the most personal decisions you make. Everyone is going to have a favourite style or paddle maker and every style or paddle maker is going to be someone’s favourite. For me, I had 20 great years with one paddle, and am just starting out with a new one (after the old one decided to take early retirement in the middle of a trip). You can read about them both here.
Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader
I understand that an E-Reader probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think camping gear. But, trust me, adding a Kindle to my kit has been one of the biggest game changers as far as pack weight, pack space and general trip enjoyment goes. Here’s why.
Venustas 7.4v Heated Jacket
The Venustas 7.4v heated jacket is a great mid-weight jacket for fall hikes and front country camping. With a good battery life and multiple heat settings, this jacket provides an extra bit of warmth when you want it most. My full review is here (full disclosure, Venustas provided me with this jacket to try out).
Therm-a-Rest Neoair Uberlite Sleeping Pad
A review of my experiences with the Therm-a-rest Neoair Uberlite sleeping pad. An ultralight sleeping pad that packs down to almost nothing, is comfortable to sleep on and has one serious flaw. Want to know what it is? Read on!
Facet 75 Alpha OutDry Shoe
Combining characteristics of both trail runners and hiking boots, the Columbia Facet 75 Alpha OutDry Shoe is meant to give you the best of both worlds. So far, I’ve found they live up to that billing. Read the review here!
Napier Lite Pack Camping Bundle
A review of the Napier Lite Pack Camping Bundle. An affordable, simple tent and sleeping bag combo that would work well for anyone looking for a bigger two person front country or near-interior base camping shelter. Want to know more? Check out my review here!
Columbia Landroamer Collection
Reviews of Columbia’s Quilted Landroamer Shirt Jacket and Landroamer Utility Pants. Great additions to your fall wardrobe for front country campers and day hikers. You can read the full review here!
Smartwool Men's Classic Thermal Base Layer Crew
Smartwool’s Thermal Base Layer top is a lightweight, warm and comfortable addition to your shoulder season trip pack. You can read the full review here!
Columbia Konos TRS OutDry Shoe
The Konos TRS OutDry is low cut like a runner and doesn’t look all that different from my regular road runners in terms of style and design. However, when you start to get into the details you can see how these shoes were designed for the trails, rather than pavement. Full review here!
Columbia Sun Protective Hiking Apparel
Columbia has launched a line of sun protective hiking apparel and I had the opportunity to try out their Summit Valley Hoodie and Wanoga Lightweight Pants. How did I feel about them after testing them on a two week trip through Europe? Read on to find out!
Columbia Escape Thrive Titanium OutDry Mid Shoe
I’ve had good luck with Columbia shoes before, so I was excited to try out the Titanium OutDry Mid Shoe. I’m happy to say that these hiking shoes (that look more like boots) covered all the bases. They’re sturdy, comfortable, don’t slip and can stand up to a soaking. For the full review, click here!
Gear reviews are featured in each issue of The Thunderbox. If you want to get my up to date thoughts on various pieces of gear, feel free to add your email in the box below. You’ll receive the monthly Thunderbox update and trip reports as they are published.