Gear

Ten Essentials For Backcountry Hiking
Gear Isn't Everything ... But It Sure Helps
If you've read other articles of mine, you may be rolling your eyes right now, thinking, ugh, is she harping on this stuff again? Well ... yeah. I can't help it; I'm a big proponent of being prepared, particularly in the backcountry. And if you're a hiker or any other type of outdoor enthusiast, you've probably heard the term "the ten essentials" at least a time or two. That's okay, though, you can keep reading if you'd like. It never hurts to reinforce the idea. Besides, it can be easy to ...

The Best Backpacking Equipment
That Is, The Best Backpacking Equipment I Don't Own Yet
So, how do I know this backpacking gear is so great if I haven't used it yet? Well, because I've watched lots of other people use this equipment and listened to their praise. And then I've compared it to what I had in my backpack at the time and thought, wow, their gear is so much better than mine. But isn't that the way of the backpacker? Always wanting what other people pull out of their packs, be it a cool, new tent, a lighter and cushier sleeping pad, a faster stove that&...

The PREpack: A Pre-Equipped Daypack For Hikers
For 24-Hour Preparedness On The Trail
Because it's a good idea to have what you need in case the unexpected happens. Actually, I hope this pack I've put together with the recreational day-hiker in mind will help avoid some of those common problems in the first place. That's why I've included tools to aid with navigation -- a GPS (optional), a quality compass, and two light sources to help you see to move on if darkness catches up with you. Below are descriptions and features of each item in the PREpack, along with the reasons f...

Gifts Basketball Players Love To Receive
Most Popular Basketball Gear For Players & Aspiring Hoopsters
The popularity of basketball is growing and with it the demand among youngsters and teens for great gear. Parents want the best balls and basketball paraphernalia they can afford. The basketball top sellers listed on this page are for pick up games in the driveway at home or at public parks. Most schools make shooting the hoops for exercise an easy way to let off steam. Perhaps your son or daughter has an ambition to compete on a school team. Basketball is probably the safest "contact spor...