Orca Coolers’ Hydra Water Bottle
At 22 ounces, the Hydra is large enough for extra water and still fits into my shoulder sling bottle carrier, my daily pack, and my special outings tote.
2021
New Wave Launchpad Triathlon Transition Mat
Several months ago, New Wave sent me some swim buoys to test during my open water swims. They also added… Read More »New Wave Launchpad Triathlon Transition Mat
Outdoor Research Women’s Alpine Onset Merino Crew
Almost more important than its performance, the Alpine Onset Merino Crew fit me perfectly, which feels like a miracle.
Helinox Bloncho Chair Blanket
I thought “Bloncho” meant “blanket poncho,” but is it a poncho if it only has one side? As it turns… Read More »Helinox Bloncho Chair Blanket
Vibram FiveFingers V-Trail 2.0 Shoe
I love wearing my V-Trail shoes. Despite my “no shoes on in the house” rule, I find myself leaving them on when I come in after exercising because I love how grippy they are.
Blue Seventy Adjustable Thermal Skull Cap
I wouldn’t be able to swim in the cold water without adequate head protection, and so far, blueseventy’s Thermal Skull Cap is my favorite cap.
National Park Service and AIANTA Highlighting the History and Traditions of Native Communities
Partnership Strengthens Commitment to Tribal Consultation and Collaboration WASHINGTON – The National Park Service (NPS) and the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA)… Read More »National Park Service and AIANTA Highlighting the History and Traditions of Native Communities
blueseventy Glide Wetsuit: For Women and Men
I was pretty proud of myself this fall when all the other swimmers at the lake started wearing wetsuits and… Read More »blueseventy Glide Wetsuit: For Women and Men
Rossignol Women’s & Men’s Covariant Rain Jacket
I’m tall, so I appreciate the Covariant Rain Jacket’s long length. I also like the soft, matte material.
Vibram Five Fingers V-Alpha Shoe: Super Grippy, Surprisingly Warm
I fell in love with lake swimming this summer, but I had a bit of trouble getting into and out… Read More »Vibram Five Fingers V-Alpha Shoe: Super Grippy, Surprisingly Warm
Rossignol R-Exp Top: Wicks and Breathes With the Best
I’ve been wearing Rossignol’s R-EXP top for power walks and hiking in city parks for the past month, and it… Read More »Rossignol R-Exp Top: Wicks and Breathes With the Best
Arm & Hammer Foot Wipes: Sweet for Your Feet
I never really think about whether or not my feet are clean, but I am aware that they need some… Read More »Arm & Hammer Foot Wipes: Sweet for Your Feet
National Park Services Awards $7.27 Million for Building Preservation
Properties that contribute to this National Register of Historic Places district in Wheeling, West Virginia will be eligible to apply… Read More »National Park Services Awards $7.27 Million for Building Preservation
Speed Hound Waterproof Phone Case
There are times when I need to have my phone handy, even when I’m swimming in the lake. While the… Read More »Speed Hound Waterproof Phone Case
Speed Hound 28L Swim Buoy
This summer has been all about lake swimming for me. Using a Speed Hound Swim Buoy has made my water… Read More »Speed Hound 28L Swim Buoy
New Wave Waterproof Phone Case
I never used to bring my phone to the lake because I didn’t have a safe place to store it… Read More »New Wave Waterproof Phone Case
Grizzly Grip 32-Ounce Insulated Water Bottle
I think of bears when I reach for my 32-ounce Grizzly Grip Water Bottle, and not just because of the… Read More »Grizzly Grip 32-Ounce Insulated Water Bottle
Thermocell Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller: Buh-Bye, Bugs
One of the reasons I left Minnesota, a state I love: mosquitoes. I hate them. I also don’t like wearing… Read More »Thermocell Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller: Buh-Bye, Bugs
SAVE THE DATE: Join BACKPACKER for National Summit Day on August 7th 2021!
Find YOUR Peak with Backpacker and Big City Mountaineers National Summit Day on the first Saturday of August each year (this… Read More »SAVE THE DATE: Join BACKPACKER for National Summit Day on August 7th 2021!
New Wave TPU 20L Swim Buoy
I tested a New Wave 20L TPU swim buoy over two weeks worth of lake swimming, and it has enhanced my swimming experience in several ways.
National Parks News: Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program Awards $180,000 in Grants
Church Creek, MD – The National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program, in collaboration with the Association for the… Read More »National Parks News: Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program Awards $180,000 in Grants
Deckers X Lab KO-Z Ventura Sandals: Superior Style and Support
I have hard-to-fit feet and lots of injuries, so finding fashionable, functional footwear is pretty frustrating! At least it was… Read More »Deckers X Lab KO-Z Ventura Sandals: Superior Style and Support
Appalachian Gear Company’s All-Paca™ Fleece Hoodie
Way back in college, I borrowed/stole my friend’s brother’s sweatshirt when I visited her parents’ house over a break. It… Read More »Appalachian Gear Company’s All-Paca™ Fleece Hoodie
National Park Service encourages visitors to Plan Like a Park Ranger this summer
WASHINGTON — Just in time for Great Outdoors Month, the National Park Service today unveiled a top-ten list of visitation… Read More »National Park Service encourages visitors to Plan Like a Park Ranger this summer
UcoGear Flatpack Grill and Fire Pit
As a renter, I don’t have the space to have a fire pit or grill. So, discovering UcoGear’s totally portable… Read More »UcoGear Flatpack Grill and Fire Pit
Sierra Designs Tepona Wind Jacket
The Sierra Designs Tepona Wind Jacket is exactly the garment I want to have in my bag or car for… Read More »Sierra Designs Tepona Wind Jacket
Sierra Designs Outdoor Quilt
Here’s the thing about camping, tailgating, hiking, picnicking, going to the beach, and about everything else you can do outdoors:… Read More »Sierra Designs Outdoor Quilt
Mystery Ranch Bindle 10 Tote Bag
I’m a firm believer that one can never have too many bags or shoes. While I am most often wearing… Read More »Mystery Ranch Bindle 10 Tote Bag
Bollé Brands Commits To Development Of Sustainable, Eco Friendly Products
Serengeti Launches New Eco-Nylon Sunglass Frames, Bollé Introduces Bamboo Based Bike Helmet Lyon, France (March 18, 2021) – Bollé Brands,… Read More »Bollé Brands Commits To Development Of Sustainable, Eco Friendly Products
No Everyday Tie Dye: A True Aficionado Leaves His Mark on New Helinox Tie Dye Collection
Designer, Artist and Tie Dye Collector Tae-hun Kim Dives Deep into His Archives to Create a Vibrant New Collection on… Read More »No Everyday Tie Dye: A True Aficionado Leaves His Mark on New Helinox Tie Dye Collection
Pro-Tec Athetics Roller Massager: A Magic Wand for Muscles
This super portable yet heavy duty massage tool travels with me on the road and to rehearsal because I can’t… Read More »Pro-Tec Athetics Roller Massager: A Magic Wand for Muscles
Tarpestry’s Versatile Rugged Style Tarp Has You Covered
I enjoy the outdoors more when I have the right gear to be comfortable, safe, and dry. Tarpestry’s Rugged Style… Read More »Tarpestry’s Versatile Rugged Style Tarp Has You Covered
Pamela A. Smith New Chief of the U.S. Park Police
WASHINGTON – The National Park Service today announced Pamela A. Smith has been named the new Chief of the United States… Read More »Pamela A. Smith New Chief of the U.S. Park Police
Helly Hansen Lifa Active Solen Long-Sleeve and Short-Sleeve Shirts
There are a lot of people of Scandinavian descent in Minnesota, and I know some of them. So I think… Read More »Helly Hansen Lifa Active Solen Long-Sleeve and Short-Sleeve Shirts
Hestra Touch Point Warmth Gloves
Although I live in a temperate climate, winters are still cold enough that I need gloves. Mostly, I just need… Read More »Hestra Touch Point Warmth Gloves
Haglöfs’ Heron Jacket
I’ve been wearing Haglöfs’ Heron Jacket for weeks as a top layer while exercising in cold weather, and benefiting from… Read More »Haglöfs’ Heron Jacket
Hestra Wind Shield Liner
Since I live in a temperate climate, I rarely need to wear heavy-duty gloves in the winter. Liners keep my… Read More »Hestra Wind Shield Liner
Haglöfs’ Dala Mimic Parka
I started winter coveting my friend’s fitted parka–she looked so sleek in it–but then I got to test Haglöfs’ Dala… Read More »Haglöfs’ Dala Mimic Parka
Branwyn Merino Essential Bikini and Essential Hipster
I’ve always been a fan of merino wool for its thermoregulating properties, its breathability, and its natural resistance to odor.… Read More »Branwyn Merino Essential Bikini and Essential Hipster
Helly Hansen LIFA Merino 1/2 Zip Base Layer
Good Inside & Outside Make It Good Inside & Outside For the first time in forever, I’ve found a shirt… Read More »Helly Hansen LIFA Merino 1/2 Zip Base Layer
Deckers X Lab Drops the KO-Z Mule
The Classic Mule Reinvented by Deckers X Lab, Creating Arguably the Most Comfortable and Technologically Advanced Slipper Out There The… Read More »Deckers X Lab Drops the KO-Z Mule
Deckers X Lab KO-Z Slide
I’m always excited to test new footwear, but I have rarely been as surprised and delighted by every aspect of… Read More »Deckers X Lab KO-Z Slide
Yniq: Lindsey Vonn’s Limited Edition Goggle Available in the US
Limited to 82, symbolizing her record-breaking number of World Cup wins MEDIA RELEASE- Stockholm, Sweden (February 9th, 2021) — Today, Yniq and Lindsey Vonn announce the… Read More »Yniq: Lindsey Vonn’s Limited Edition Goggle Available in the US
Helly Hansen LIFA Merino 1/2 Zip Base Layer
For the first time in forever, I’ve found a shirt that satisfies both my high standards (warmth and dryness) and… Read More »Helly Hansen LIFA Merino 1/2 Zip Base Layer
Ascent Protein Donates $22,000 to Patriot PAWS Service Dogs
DENVER, COLORADO – January 26, 2021 – This week, Ascent Protein announced a $22,000 donation to Patriot PAWS, a non-profit service organization… Read More »Ascent Protein Donates $22,000 to Patriot PAWS Service Dogs
Feetures Face Mask
For daily wear, I have a lovely collection of colorful double-layer cotton masks. For exercising outside, I wear my Feetures… Read More »Feetures Face Mask
The North Face Women’s Thermoball™ Eco Parka
The North Face’s Women’s Thermoball™ Eco Parka is a trim, attractive lightweight parka that’s ideal in cool to cold temperatures. … Read More »The North Face Women’s Thermoball™ Eco Parka
rnnr Cold Weather Running Beanie
I exercise at night so it’s important for me to be visible. In addition to carrying a light and wearing… Read More »rnnr Cold Weather Running Beanie
Mammut Washbag
I’m never quite sure how to pack toiletries when I’m traveling by train or car (and therefore, don’t have to… Read More »Mammut Washbag
