Hiking Gear & Outdoor Technology
My gear review policy is pretty simple. I review the gear I intend to use myself, so everything that you see here is something I've used at one point in my hiking adventures. If you want to see the latest and greatest I'm using, check out my latest gear page. I'll generally get all my gear at REI because the prices are competitive, the service is excellent, and they give back to the outdoors.
All Guides
Overwatch x Rescue Review (Search & Rescue Insurance)
When you hit SOS in the backcountry, you don’t get to choose whether a free park helicopter or a private air ambulance shows up. Most...
Garmin GPSMAP H1i Plus Review
The GPSMAP H1i Plus s the latest evolution of Garmin’s top-of-the-line handheld GPS and inReach for the outdoors, but does it beat its predecessor, the...
Garmin Fenix 8 Pro Review: LTE and inReach?
The Garmin Fenix 8 Pro is the 1st Fenix with not only LTE, but also inReach satellite technology directly on the watch, and I’ve been...
Garmin Fenix 8 Review
The Garmin Fenix 8 is Garmin’s latest premium outdoor smartwatch built for hiking, training, and everyday use. In this Fenix 8 review, I go over...
Garmin inReach Messenger Plus Review
The inReach Messenger Plus is the most powerful and groundbreaking inReach device since they first came out many years ago. But is it the right...
Garmin inReach Messenger Review
When the Garmin inReach Messenger first came out, I didn’t know who it was for. It doesn’t have real navigation, Garmin’s own marketing shows it...
HMD OffGrid Review
I’ve been using the HMD OffGrid communicator since it came out and while it’s not a Garmin inReach, it does have its highlights and could...
iPhone vs Garmin inReach
Satellite messaging on the iPhone has come a long way, but can it really replace a dedicated device like the Garmin inReach? I’ve tested both...
Garmin inReach Subscription Cost Breakdown
Garmin changed their inReach subscription plans, and along with that came new names, pricing, and just enough fine print to make it confusing. I’ll break...
ZOLEO Review (2025 Update)
Even though it’s been out for a few years, the ZOLEO is still going strong in 2025. I’ve got friends who swear by it, and...
Garmin inReach Tips & Tricks
Most Garmin inReach users only use the basics, but there’s so much more these devices can do. After years of trail time with the inReach...
Garmin inReach Mini 2 Review
I’ve been using the Garmin inReach Mini 2 for over three years now, and it’s become a staple of my hiking gear. This review is all...
Motorola Defy Satellite Link Review
The Motorola Defy Satellite Link is a revolutionary device that allows users to send messages back and forth, as well as send SOS signals via...
Garmin GPSMAP 67i Review
I've spent the last two months putting the Garmin GPSMAP 67i through its paces on the trail, and honestly, it's the best handheld GPS out...
Using the Apple Watch for Hiking
If you watch the marketing video for the Apple Watch Ultra, you'd think that you can conquer anything the outdoors can throw at you with...
Is REI Membership Worth It?
Is REI Membership worth It? It will save you 10%+ on your purchases and also has a lot of other benefits that not everyone knows...
Garmin Fenix 7 & Epix Review For Hikers
The Garmin Fenix 7 and Epix (Gen 2) offer a ton of functionality and tools for hikers, all packed into a small piece of metal...
rescueME PLB1 Review
The rescueME PLB1 is the smallest and most compact personal locator beacon (PLB) available, designed to save your life in a pinch. If you're heading...
How To Copy Garmin TopoActive Maps From GPS Device to Basecamp
In this video I'll show you how to create a local copy of your Garmin TopoActive on your hard drive so that you can use...
Garmin GPSMAP 66sr Review & Test
The Garmin GPSMAP 66sr is the best handheld GPS out there. There, I said it. I spent several weeks using the GPSMAP 66sr on the...
Hydration Pack / Water Bladder Tips & Tricks
In this quick video I'll share some tips and tricks on how to use your hydration pack / water bladder, including tips on finding the...
In-Depth Garmin GPSMAP 65s Review & Guide
The Garmin GPSMAP 65s is a compact handheld GPS that brings multi-band GNSS to the table for improved accuracy in tough conditions. I've been putting...
In-Depth Garmin Montana 750i, 700i, 700 Review
I've been using and testing the Garmin Montana 750i extensively for a few months, and to sum it up in a few words, it's a...
In-Depth Garmin eTrex 32x Review & How-To Guide
The Garmin eTrex 32x (and 22x) is a mixed bag. Most importantly, it's a solid, rugged and reliable handheld GPS that simply works well. There's...
Garmin Fenix 6 In-Depth Review
Okay, spoiler alert, the Fenix 6 is a great, if not the greatest, outdoors watch so far. In this review and how-to guide I'm going to...
Garmin GPSMAP 66i Review & Guide
The GPSMAP 66i is Garmin's top-of-the-line handheld GPS unit with InReach satellite communications built-in. It's a solid device built for outdoor use and navigation. I've logged...
ACR ResQLink View PLB Review
If you need to call for a rescue in the backcountry, the ACR ResQLink View offers a solid, professional-level method to trigger a distress signal...
In-Depth Garmin inReach Mini Review
The Garmin inReach Mini packs some powerful features into s small and reasonably priced package. You can send and receive your GPS location to anyone...
Garmin Fenix 5x Hiking Review
I've been testing the Garmin Fenix 5x for over 6 months now, and it's a great watch, but it might not be worth the money...
In-Depth Garmin Inreach Explorer Review
The Garmin InReach Explorer (formerly Delorme InReach) is a must-have in your pack. It's satellite functions offer backcountry SOS and non-emergency communications. Its navigation functions...
How To Get Free Garmin GPS Maps For Hiking
There are several ways to load free OSM maps onto your Garmin GPS, but they can be overly technical and cumbersome. In this guide, I'll...
Garmin eTrex 20x Hiking GPS Review
The Garmin eTrex 20x is your best bet for an inexpensive, dedicated, outdoor ready hiking GPS. There are more expensive models, and smartphone alternatives, but for...
The Modern Hiking Essentials
The ten essentials are the ten pieces of gear that every hiker should bring out when them on the trail, whether on a short hike...
ACR ResQLink Review
The ACR ResQLink is the most important piece of gear you should own. The ACR ResQLink allows you, at the push of a button, to...