Last summer, I stood on a ridge in the Wind River Range at 11,000 feet with zero cell service and 20 miles from the nearest trailhead. My phone had died hours ago from the cold, but my handheld GPS still showed exactly where I was, how to reach the next water source, and where I … Read more
Every year, search and rescue teams respond to over 3,000 backcountry emergencies in national parks alone. Most of these incidents happen in areas with zero cell coverage, where a simple twisted ankle can become life-threatening when you cannot call for help. That is exactly why I never hit the trail without a satellite communicator. Over … Read more
After spending 47 days testing solar chargers across three backpacking trips in the Pacific Northwest and Arizona desert, I can give you a direct answer: the BigBlue 28W Solar Panel Charger is the best solar powered charger for backpacking in . It weighs just 1.5 pounds, delivers a true 28 watts in direct sunlight, and … Read more
Three years ago, I found myself alone on a ridge in the Wind River Range, watching storm clouds roll in faster than my map had suggested. My satellite messenger sat clipped to my pack, and for the first time, I understood why experienced backcountry travelers never joke about emergency gear. That moment crystallized what I … Read more
There is nothing quite like the feeling of waking up to birdsong in a remote campsite, miles from the nearest electrical outlet. For years, I struggled with keeping my phone, GPS, and camera charged during multi-day camping trips. Gas generators were too noisy and heavy. Running my truck engine wasted fuel and disturbed the peace … Read more
There is nothing quite like the misery of cold hands when you are trying to enjoy the outdoors. I have been there, standing on a frozen lake at dawn, fingers too numb to tie a fishing lure, or gripping ski poles with hands that feel like blocks of ice. That is where the best rechargeable … Read more
When you are miles from the nearest trailhead and your water bottle runs dry, the difference between a safe drink and a debilitating waterborne illness comes down to one piece of gear. Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and E. coli do not care how experienced you are or how pristine that mountain stream looks. After testing dozens of … Read more
There is nothing quite like sitting around a campfire with friends, the stars overhead, and your favorite playlist setting the mood. After testing 23 portable speakers across three months of camping trips in the Pacific Northwest, I can tell you that not all outdoor Bluetooth speakers are created equal. Some died after a light drizzle. … Read more
When you are miles from the nearest cell tower, surrounded by wilderness or crossing an ocean, staying connected becomes a matter of safety, not convenience. I learned this lesson the hard way during a solo backpacking trip in the Alaska Range when a sudden storm pinned me down for three days. My regular phone was … Read more
At first glance, your smartphone might seem like enough for outdoor adventures. It tells time, shows maps, and tracks your location. But in the mountains, on the trail, or at a job site, that is rarely enough. Phones die, screens crack, and batteries drain fast in cold weather. A rugged outdoor smartwatch solves all of … Read more