Frontiersman Bear Safe Review — 15 Years of PNW Testing by Cole Hartman By Cole Hartman — former wildland firefighter, PCT section hiker, 15 years of Pacific Northwest backpacking experience — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer The Frontiersman Bear Safe is a solid, mid-range option for weekend warriors tackling the Timberline Trail or the Oregon…
REI Co-op Groundbreaker Fleece Review — 15 Years of PNW Trail Testing by Cole Hartman By Cole Hartman — former wildland firefighter, PCT section hiker, 15 years of Pacific Northwest backpacking experience — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer The REI Co-op Groundbreaker Fleece is a solid mid-layer choice for budget-conscious hikers navigating the Pacific Northwest,…
Simms G3 Guide Wading Boot Review — 15 Years of PNW Testing by Cole Hartman By Cole Hartman — former wildland firefighter, PCT section hiker, 15 years of Pacific Northwest backpacking experience — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer The Simms G3 Guide Wading Boot is a heavy-duty, waterproof workhorse that I trust for navigating the…
Hydro Flask Unbound Series 22L Soft Cooler Pack Review — 15 Years of PNW Testing by Cole Hartman By Cole Hartman — former wildland firefighter, PCT section hiker, 15 years of Pacific Northwest backpacking experience — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer The Hydro Flask Unbound Series 22L Soft Cooler Pack is a solid choice for…
Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Review — 15 Years of PNW Testing by Cole Hartman By Cole Hartman — former wildland firefighter, PCT section hiker, 15 years of Pacific Northwest backpacking experience — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer The Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated is a solid choice for weekend warriors carrying 35 to 40…
Nemo Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair Review — 15 Years of PNW Testing by Cole Hartman By Cole Hartman — former wildland firefighter, PCT section hiker, 15 years of Pacific Northwest backpacking experience — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer After dragging this recliner through the wettest November in the Columbia River Gorge and testing it on…
Epic Provisions Meat Bars Review — 15 Years of PNW Testing by Cole Hartman By Cole Hartman — former wildland firefighter, PCT section hiker, 15 years of Pacific Northwest backpacking experience — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer Epic Provisions Meat Bars are a solid caloric choice for beginner backpackers tackling the Pacific Northwest, delivering 180…
Icebreaker Merino 175 Everyday Long Sleeve Review — Olympic Rain Forest Durability Review By Cole Hartman — former wildland firefighter, PCT section hiker, 15 years of Pacific Northwest backpacking experience — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer The Icebreaker Merino 175 Everyday Long Sleeve is a solid mid-weight base layer that excels in the damp, variable…
Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier Review — 15 Years of PNW Winter Testing by Cole Hartman By Cole Hartman — former wildland firefighter, PCT section hiker, 15 years of Pacific Northwest backpacking experience — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier is a viable option for winter mountaineering in the Pacific Northwest, provided you…
Morakniv Companion Review — 15 Years of PNW Testing by Cole Hartman By Cole Hartman — former wildland firefighter, PCT section hiker, 15 years of Pacific Northwest backpacking experience — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer The Morakniv Companion is a rugged, budget-friendly fixed-blade knife that excels as a multi-purpose tool for shoulder-season hikers navigating the…
Buff Merino Wool Lightweight Hat Review — 15 Years of PNW Testing by Cole Hartman By Cole Hartman — former wildland firefighter, PCT section hiker, 15 years of Pacific Northwest backpacking experience — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer The Buff Merino Wool Lightweight Hat is a solid mid-season choice for Pacific Northwest trail runners and…
Nitecore LR60 Review — 15 Years of Pacific Northwest Testing by Cole Hartman By Cole Hartman — former wildland firefighter, PCT section hiker, 15 years of Pacific Northwest backpacking experience — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer The Nitecore LR60 is a robust, high-lumen tactical light that excels in heavy rain and low-visibility conditions common to…
