Outdoor Gear
Outdoor gear reviews from a real North Woods backpacker. What earned a spot in my pack, what didn’t, and what I’d tell a friend before she spends the money.
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Stocking Stuffers for Backpackers and Hikers: 7 Small Gifts That Earn Their Spot in a Pack
Skip the novelty socks this year. These stocking stuffers for backpackers and hikers are small, light, and ride in my own pack on real North Woods trips. Seven useful gifts that will never end up in a junk drawer.
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Gifts for Backpackers: 7 Bigger Presents That Change How a Trip Feels
Forget the novelty mugs. This gift guide for backpackers is packed with the gear I personally carry on the trail and would buy again in a heartbeat. Real reviews, real use, and a few ideas that’ll make your favorite hiker’s Christmas.
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Christmas Gifts for Hikers: 14 Things From My Own Pack That I’d Happily Unwrap Again
Shopping for the hiker who already owns half of REI? I’ve rounded up the trail-tested Christmas gifts I’d actually want under my own tree. These are practical, honest picks for the outdoor lover in your life, from someone who’s hauled this gear up the North Shore.
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The Best Hiking Sunscreen for Women Over 50 (Tested on Real Minnesota Trails)
I used to think any SPF in a tube would do. Then a Superior Hiking Trail day left me sunburned and peeling for a week straight. That was my wake-up call to stop treating sunscreen like an afterthought, so I tested five formulas built for real trail sweat and real Minnesota sun. Here’s what actually…
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The Best Hiking Boot for Men Who Are Hard on Gear
Is the man in your life destroying his boots on rugged terrain? The Oboz Men’s Bridger Mid B-DRY solves the number one boot failure — blown out toe box stitching — with rubber randing that protects where other boots fall apart. 1,293 Amazon reviews and 87% rated four stars or higher. This one is worth…
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My Honest Oboz Hiking Boots Review
I have worn nothing but Oboz on the Superior Hiking Trail for years. This Oboz hiking boots review comes from someone who has genuinely earned the right to say that. Four pairs in, and I am not switching brands anytime soon. Why I Trust These Boots With My Life, Literally I have nine ankle surgeries…
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MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Stove Review: A North Woods Love Story
Honest review of the MSR Pocket Rocket 2 backpacking stove from a real north woods native. Lightweight, powerful, and fuel efficient — find out why this little jewel earns a permanent spot in every pack.
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Because Bonking Sucks: My Honest Review of the Platypus Big Zip EVO 3 Liter Hydration Bladder
Bonking — not to be confused with boinking — is not on my itinerary. Neither is running dry. There I was. On top of the Sawtooth Mountains on the North Shore. Hot. Humid. A typical Minnesota summer day on the trail. Three miles from the trailhead. Out of water. That was the last time that…
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Not Flashy. Just Reliable. My Honest Review of the Katadyn Hiker Pro Water Filter
Eight years. Two filters. One very important lesson about silty rivers. Let me tell you about a backpacking trip that changed my gear game forever. It was a 14-day trip on the Superior Hiking Trail. It rained for two days straight at the start. The rivers were absolutely silty from the runoff and my Katadyn…
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Keep the Cool Aunt Going: My Honest Review of the Katadyn BeFree Replacement Filter
Because 99.99% of protozoan party poopers deserve a fresh filter to crash into. If you’ve read my Katadyn BeFree review you already know she’s the Cool Aunt of my pack — lightweight, effortless, and completely drama-free. No pumping. No fussing. Just dip, squeeze, and sip. But even the coolest aunt needs a refresh every now…
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The Cool Aunt of My Pack: My Honest Review of the Katadyn BeFree Water Filter
A Northern Minnesota backpacker’s honest review of the Katadyn BeFree water filter. Lightweight, effortless, and drama-free. Just dip, squeeze and sip.”