The Original Hydrating Backpack: I don’t mean that as a superlative, I mean that as actuality, at least in a commercial sense. I’m sure other people may have fabbed something similar but Camelbak came out with this for the masses first, to my knowledge. The story goes the founder was an EMT and put a
The Redfeather Hike 36 were my first foray into the snowshoeing world and I’m the better for it. I go more into the specifics here but if you’re looking for the most floatation you can get in a reasonably affordable package with straightforward bindings, this is your snowshoe. Traction: These are not designed for mountaineering
I go more into detail about snowshoes here but if you’re looking for the most traction you can get in steep terrain, the MSR Lightning Ascent are it. Specific Product Links: MSR Lightning Ascent Extra float tail Redfeather Hike 36 Traction: Traditional snowshoes have round frames whereas these have a narrow, but aggressive bar frame.
And outdoorswomen too, of course. I’m a winter person more than a summer person. I see snow and I get excited. I carry tire chains year ’round just so I’m always prepared. But hiking in the snow can be a royal pain in the backside, what with post holing and side slipping. Cross country and
I broke my last cheapo tripod and needed a replacement. While the aficionado in me would love a heavy duty $300 option, the budget in me ruled the day. However, inexpensive and cheap aren’t necessarily the same thing so I went down a rabbit hole of research. Thankfully, I did most of the heavy lifting
Okay, so maybe that’s not the best picture to define “ideal”, but it is real. That’s what it looks like when you’re installing a Teraflex lift on your Jeep, mostly by yourself and mostly after work into the wee hours. I’m helping a friend do a mechanic’s upgrade to their garage to help with wrenching
List of general items for purchase or future review. Micro Blade Fuses Swimming Towel SEAC Bridge Hynix Ram Decibel Defense Safety Muffs Asus RT-AX55 WiFi Router JKU rear driveshaft bolts
Fishing rod socks are simply expanding plastic sleeves which can quickly slip on your rod for protection. In reality they’re pretty much just nylon expandable braided cable sleeves like you see on the back-end of servers or on some motorcycle or automotive wiring. Expands to easily insert items and then squeezes down tight when pulled.
Leather shoe care is one part science, one part magic, and two parts that rock in your boot you just can’t get out but which isn’t quite big enough to bother doing anything about. Every review or post you’ll read about any brand will have one set of people swearing it’s the best stuff ever
Whenever I’m hiking, offroading, or otherwise in the back country I carry a few standard supplies, one of which is my knife with the attached ESEE Sheath Accessory Pouch. It’s a bit of an unsung hero as it doesn’t really do anything dramatic, it just holds a tin with a dollop of Vaseline, some cotton
The name Calscadia came from a portmanteau of the CAL from California where I reside and SCADIA for the Cascades, where I’m from originally as well as in reference to Cascade Locks where I adopted a beloved Bernese Mountain Dog. I started this website and social media as an outlet to talk about the adventures I take, the people I meet and the gear I abuse along the way. When I talk about gear, I’ll tell you what works, what doesn’t and why I came to that conclusion. I purchase my own gear, am not sponsored and won’t put ads on videos because I hate that as much as you do. I may get money from affiliate links but you’ll always know that in advance. Hopefully I’ll see you out there!