Erika D
Writer, author of 10 books, UX researcher/designer, open water swimmer, tea lover, traveler, friend.
Mystery Ranch Mission Rover 45L Pack Review
Large clam-shell travel pack. Spacious, Versatile During a months-long long trip to Europe I was happy to have the Mystery… Read More »Mystery Ranch Mission Rover 45L Pack Review
Nite Ize Squeeze® Universal Cup Holder Mount Review
Mobile phone stand for car. Hands-Free Navigation I don’t talk on my cell phone, text, or use voice-activated commends for… Read More »Nite Ize Squeeze® Universal Cup Holder Mount Review
Outdoor Vitals Kotaul Ultralight Travel and Adventure Backpack Review
Versatile lightweight pack Volume and Organization After traveling with 30- and 45L clam-shell style packs as carry-on bags, I was… Read More »Outdoor Vitals Kotaul Ultralight Travel and Adventure Backpack Review
Deckers X Lab Releases New MAX 40 SPSK: The Ultimate Winter Warrior Boot
Featuring a premium sheepskin lining and Vibram grip outsole to combat the cold GOLETA, Calif. – January 9, 2024. With… Read More »Deckers X Lab Releases New MAX 40 SPSK: The Ultimate Winter Warrior Boot
Hestra Runners All Weather Gloves Review
Featherweight protective gloves for crummy weather. Perfect Fit Cold, windy, drizzly weather is the most intimidating type of weather when… Read More »Hestra Runners All Weather Gloves Review
Skhoop Brita-Lena Vest Review
Versatile long-length vest. Style + Function I’ve been wearing Skhoop’s stylish and functional Brita-Lena Vest for many of my active… Read More »Skhoop Brita-Lena Vest Review
Sockwell Men’s Foothold II Moderate Graduated Compression Crew Socks Review
Light compression socks for daily wear and travel. Fit & Function I have a few different sock modes, depending on… Read More »Sockwell Men’s Foothold II Moderate Graduated Compression Crew Socks Review
Timberland Greenstride Motion 6 Waterproof Boots Review
Colorful, lightweight outdoor boots. Versatile, Stable I have enjoyed wearing Timberland’s fun, colorful boots for walks and hikes around my… Read More »Timberland Greenstride Motion 6 Waterproof Boots Review
National Park System Designates Three National Scenic Trails
WASHINGTON – Three national scenic trails have become the country’s newest national parks, raising the total number of existing parks from… Read More »National Park System Designates Three National Scenic Trails
Paka Performance 3/4 Crew Sock Review
Lightweight alpaca sock Fit and Function Paka’s ultra-thin Performance 3/4 Crew Socks are super soft, super thin, and fit me… Read More »Paka Performance 3/4 Crew Sock Review
Skhoop Thea Slipover Review
Lightweight wool vest. Subtle Style, High Performance I’m am loving my Skhoop Thea Slipover wool vest. It’s a versatile, high… Read More »Skhoop Thea Slipover Review
Quince Performance Tech Blouse Review
Lightweight fancy travel top. Soft, Silky Style I’m not a huge fan of dressing up because I like to wear… Read More »Quince Performance Tech Blouse Review
Sockwell Ascend II Micro Compression Sock Review
Short compression socks for hiking. Lean and Mean I wear full-length orthotics, and I have a brace on my left… Read More »Sockwell Ascend II Micro Compression Sock Review
Keen Men’s Targhee III Waterproof Shoe Review
Hardworking, all-purpose trail shoe. Versatile, Waterproof I’ve been wearing Keen’s Men’s Targhee III Waterproof Shoe for a couple of months,… Read More »Keen Men’s Targhee III Waterproof Shoe Review
Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS)
Shop the Outlet at Eastern Mountain Sports and Get Massive Discounts on Gear and Apparel
Save at North St. Bags
Save 10% with an email signup on premium Recycled backpacks at northstbags.com
Sale at Moosejaw
Shop Clearance up to 40% off + Get a Free $20 Bonus Card with Any Item with code BONUSCARD. Ends… Read More »Sale at Moosejaw
Sockwell Women’s Lotus Lift Firm Graduated Compression Socks Review
Compression socks for daily wear and travel. Attractive and Healthy It’s been years since I broke my leg, but my… Read More »Sockwell Women’s Lotus Lift Firm Graduated Compression Socks Review
Bag Balm Skin Moisturizer Review
Simple balm for dry skin and lips. Compact Comfort On a recent months-long trip to Europe I had so much… Read More »Bag Balm Skin Moisturizer Review
Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho™ Down Review
Cozy, warm, packable poncho for outdoor adventures. Light & Compact Therm-a-Rest lists its Honcho Poncho™ Down as a “camp life”… Read More »Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho™ Down Review
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Full-Zip Hoodie Review
Casual cashmere hoodie. Classic Style I love how Quince has upgraded the basic hoodie with a luxurious cashmere knit and… Read More »Quince Mongolian Cashmere Full-Zip Hoodie Review
Hestra Infinium Stretch Liner Light Gloves Review
Ultra-thin windproof, breathable gloves for running and other sports. Sleek and Snug I expected to wear Hestra’s Infinium Stretch Liner… Read More »Hestra Infinium Stretch Liner Light Gloves Review
Paka Apparel Hoodie Review
A luxuriously soft, warm hoodie for outdoor adventures. Warm and Cozy Made out of 65% alpaca wool and 35% recycled… Read More »Paka Apparel Hoodie Review
Ridge Merino Men’s Natural Merino Tencel Tee Review
Lightweight merino/TencelTM blend tee. Every Day, Every Way I am always looking for all-purpose merino tees for everyday wear, travel,… Read More »Ridge Merino Men’s Natural Merino Tencel Tee Review
Therm-a-Rest Stuff Sack Pillow Review
Simple travel tool for comfort. Sleepy Head You know how they talk about someone being an “ugly crier,” well, I’m… Read More »Therm-a-Rest Stuff Sack Pillow Review
North St. Bags 13” Computer Sleeve Review
A slim, sturdy laptop sleeve. Extra Measure Even with dedicated computer sleeves in my day packs, I want some extra… Read More »North St. Bags 13” Computer Sleeve Review
Nite Ize RunOff® Waterproof 3-1-1 Pouch Review
Handy stay-sealed travel pouch Peace of Mind My carryon bag does double duty. It holds my work gear (laptop, iPad,… Read More »Nite Ize RunOff® Waterproof 3-1-1 Pouch Review
Ridge Merino Women’s Natural Merino TENCEL Jogger Review
Lightweight merino-TENCEL blend joggers Cozy Comfort Two months into my dream trip to Sweden, it’s finally cold enough to wear… Read More »Ridge Merino Women’s Natural Merino TENCEL Jogger Review
Gregory Pack Quadro Pro Hardcase 28″ Review
Heavy duty rolling case Smooth Ride Gregory Pack’s four-wheeled Quadro Pro Hardcase 28″ bag is smoother, faster, and more ergonomic… Read More »Gregory Pack Quadro Pro Hardcase 28″ Review
Knog Blinder R-150 Rear Bike Light Review
Tiny light, big visibility After years of not riding my bike, I’ve been riding a bike almost daily the past… Read More »Knog Blinder R-150 Rear Bike Light Review
Knog Blinder 600 Lumen Front Light Review
Versatile, power beam for biking and more While I’ve been in Sweden the past six weeks I’ve mostly been riding… Read More »Knog Blinder 600 Lumen Front Light Review
Rossignol Active Rain Jacket Review
Lightweight rain protection in fun colors. Stylish Design The best time to have a rain jacket is on vacation because… Read More »Rossignol Active Rain Jacket Review
Badger Balm Bug-Repellent Balm Stick and Bug Spray Review
All natural bug protection Bug Off I’m living my summer backwards this year. It’s almost September, and I’m just starting… Read More »Badger Balm Bug-Repellent Balm Stick and Bug Spray Review
Badger 35 Sunscreen Stick Review
Pocket-sized protection Keep It Simple I don’t always remember to wear sunscreen, so I’ve started tossing a Badger Balm 35… Read More »Badger 35 Sunscreen Stick Review
Ursa Major Essential Facial Wipes Review
Handy, natural facial cleaning cloths for travel. Pocket-Size Pick-Me-Up After a ten-hour, trans-Atlantic flight recently, I wanted to do three… Read More »Ursa Major Essential Facial Wipes Review
Unbound Merino V-Neck T-Shirt Review
All-purpose merino tee for men and women. Free to Be Me I’ve been testing several merino-blend tops this summer, and… Read More »Unbound Merino V-Neck T-Shirt Review
Badger Balm Active Mineral Sunscreen Cream 30 Review
Natural, organic sunscreen. Easy, Breezy I’ve been using Badger Balm’s Active Mineral Sunscreen Cream with 30 SPF while I explore… Read More »Badger Balm Active Mineral Sunscreen Cream 30 Review
Badger Balm Sport Mineral Sunscreen Cream 40 Review
Natural, water-resistant sun protection Strong Protection When I’m going to be out in the sun for a few hours, whether… Read More »Badger Balm Sport Mineral Sunscreen Cream 40 Review
Unbound Merino Muscle Tank Review
A lightweight tank for travel and more. I still have a lot to learn about packing smarter when traveling, but… Read More »Unbound Merino Muscle Tank Review
Keen Men’s Targhee III Oxford Shoe Review
Solid, stable urban shoe that’s 100% at home on the trail. I’ve been wearing Keen shoes for many, many years,… Read More »Keen Men’s Targhee III Oxford Shoe Review
Ursa Major Force Field SPF 30 Sunscreen Review
Light moisturizing SPF lotion Simply Natural I’m currently testing several items from Ursa Major, a Vermont company that makes a… Read More »Ursa Major Force Field SPF 30 Sunscreen Review
Quince Stretch Crepe Pleated Ankle Pant Review
Simple, stylish travel pant. I’m always searching for smart-looking clothes for travel that don’t break my budget, and I think… Read More »Quince Stretch Crepe Pleated Ankle Pant Review
Ridge Merino Solstice Sun Hoodie Review
Lightweight merino hoodie for women and men. Sun Protection I have not had Ridge Merino’s Solstice Sun Hoodie for very… Read More »Ridge Merino Solstice Sun Hoodie Review
Lake Love
One of the things I love most about open water swimming, my favorite things to do in nature, is the… Read More »Lake Love
Outdoor Volunteer Gigs
You don’t always need a lot of money to have an adventure. One of my friends spent a summer observing… Read More »Outdoor Volunteer Gigs
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Over Short-12” Review
Lightweight, full-coverage active shorts. Freedom to Move I’ve been wearing the Outdoor Research Women’s Ferrosi Over Short-12” for urban hikes… Read More »Outdoor Research Ferrosi Over Short-12” Review
Appalachian Gear Company’s Women’s 8020 AG-TEE™ Review
An all-purpose, natural fiber tee. Just Right I’ve gone through many, many t-shirt phases in my life, and right now,… Read More »Appalachian Gear Company’s Women’s 8020 AG-TEE™ Review
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack Review
A colorful and well-organized travel pack. We originally featured this review a few years ago when the pack was called… Read More »Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack Review
Ursa Major Base Layer Deodorant Review
Effective natural deodorant stick Sensitive and Stink-Free I’m one of those sensitive people who can’t use most products sold at… Read More »Ursa Major Base Layer Deodorant Review
Vancouver Day Pack by North St Bags Review
A slim styled pack for commuting essentials. Smooth Sailing The Vancouver Day Pack by North St. Bags looks and feels… Read More »Vancouver Day Pack by North St Bags Review
North St. LTD Upcycled Pioneer 8 Hip Pack
A one-of-a-kind, sustainably produced, compact hip pack. Sustainably Stylish Made out of repurposed material originally used in special event tents… Read More »North St. LTD Upcycled Pioneer 8 Hip Pack
