Explore the Outdoors!
I write about my favorite outdoor gear and the different materials used in outdoor gear to help you make informed decisions before you buy!
When it comes to bikepacking, there is a strong focus on minimalism. This means finding gear that can do multiple things and taking only what is needed. This philosophy extends to tents and bivis. The main benefit of using a tent over a bivouac (bivy) shelter is that tents are generally larger and have more advanced…
Unfortunately, when the eye pupils are not completely aligned with your binocular lenses, binoculars do not function correctly. For those with small faces, which mostly affect women, teens, and children, this can be a big problem. Fortunately, today, consumers can purchase binoculars that have been specifically designed for the shape of their faces. For example, if you have…
Many backpacks are made of synthetic fabrics that are lightweight and durable, but their degree of water resistance varies. Nylon is often used in outdoor gear like tents, jackets, sleeping bags, and backpacks because it is lightweight as well as resistant to water and abrasion. While all types of nylon fabric confer some resistance to…
A good hiking backpack is an essential piece of gear for any hiker. There are many different backpacks on the market, and it can be difficult to choose the right one. Here are some things to consider when choosing a hiking backpack: Capacity:How much stuff do you need to carry? Backpacks range in size from…
I recently wrote about the thinner nylon fabrics (from 10D to 40D) and how these are often used for weight-critical constructions like tents for backpacking or sports jackets. Thicker nylon fabrics like those made from 70D and upwards are sturdy and can be made more waterproof with the right surface treatment. And whereas 70D nylon…
Modern rain jackets and rain pants can be made from several different materials, but most of these are derived from nylon or polyester to some extent. Both nylon and polyester are good choices when it comes to rain gear, but there are some crucial differences that you should know before buying your new jacket or…
If you are looking for a new jacket, blanket/duvet or sleeping bag, there are essentially two filling options to choose from: Down and polyester. Alternatively, cotton or other natural fibers such as wool may be used for filling in clothing, sleeping bags and blankets. However, down is still the golden standard for lightweight insulation, so…
I admit it. I am a light sleeper and I hate when people are snoring or otherwise making noises during the night. I enjoy the soft sounds of the outdoors, but I hate synthetic man-made noises and especially when caused by my own gear! Therefore I set out on a journey to find the absolute…
Dyneema is an artificial polymer just like nylon, but it has several fundamental differences. Both are plastics, but the manufacturing process is radically different. Nylon, as I have already written several posts about, is an amide polymer, which means it’s a long chain of monomers that can be formed into countless unique chemical structures. The…
The AKSOUL RUNACC inflatable foot-pump sleeping pad, a portable and convenient sleeping pad, is one of the first products to be launched by a relatively new hiking gear company AKSOUL. This sleeping mat is camping luxury! It features a sturdy, yet lightweight design that is more comfortable than most inflatable mats out there. With a…
