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
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
I’ll link to my treatise on what I look for in a hiking boot here, although as what I’d call “consumable”, non-investment hikers I’m willing to flex on many of those requirements if apropos to my needs. These are my current light hiking boots. They are Vibram and Gore-Tex, which is nice but they’re a
I’ll link to my treatise on what I look for in a hiking boot here, for a much deeper dive. These boots have been discontinued but look like they’ve been replaced by the Lowa Alpine Expert II GTX. Looks like a very similar boot with a few minor upgrades to the lacing system. These are
I’ll link to my treatise on what I look for in a hiking boot here as they have every feature I look for in a boot. Much deeper dive into the technical specification and reasons there. Copy and paste almost everything from the Asolo TPS 535 Evo here; the Zamberlan 1996 VIOZ LUX GTX RR
I’ll link to my treatise on what I look for in a hiking boot here but suffice it to say these boots were well loved. I adored these boots and to date I think they’re just about the best boots I’ve ever owned. I ran them hard and put them away wet for over 10
As a large, self-proclaimed Adonis of a man who hikes in disparate conditions I ask a lot from a pair of hiking boots and have destroyed inferior quality footwear in a matter of months. I need superior traction, exceptional durability, stability, and weather resistance while being comfortable. How I define “hiking”: My typical hikes run
Short version: Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra XL are great for those doing winter hikes in varying conditions. YakTrax Hiking Cleats are fine for light duty use but I destroyed my pair on my first wearing (12 miles, 3900’). They are, however, much cheaper and lighter. Other brands such as Kahtoola MICROspikes are also excellent based
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!