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
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.
I need to be able to plug in all of my devices immediately, I hate running out of power. Some of my friends have one or two cables available, maybe, and I know of some others who keep every cable coiled up in a Zip-Lock baggie when not in use. Keeps the interior cleaner or
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
I’ve gone through quite a few knives trying to find the right one for a variety of activities but especially hiking and backpacking. I always carry my Leatherman so I have general utility covered so my knife requirement tends to run more “survival” and immediately available. My requirements are simple: Reasonably affordable, replaceable handle, full
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!