Sawyer Products Premium 20% Picaridin Review — 500 Miles of PNW Trail Testing By Cole Hartman — former wildland firefighter, PCT section hiker, 15 years of Pacific Northwest backpacking experience — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer After logging over 500 miles across the Timberline Trail, the Columbia River Gorge, and the Oregon section of the…
Rainleaf Microfiber Towel Review — 2026 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 Rainleaf Microfiber Towel earns a strong recommendation for Pacific Northwest backpackers who need rapid-drying capability in damp, cool climates…
Yukon Charlies Explorer 930 Review — A Decade 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 Yukon Charlies Explorer 930 stands as a rugged, mid-range workhorse that has survived ten years of…
Berkley Lightning Rod Spinning Review — Field Tested 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 Berkley Lightning Rod Spinning reel is a compact, reliable tool for anglers navigating the rugged river systems of the Pacific…
Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Boots Review — Field Tested by a Former Wildland Firefighter in the PNW By Cole Hartman — former wildland firefighter, PCT section hiker, 15 years of Pacific Northwest backpacking experience — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer The Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Boots are a rugged, no-nonsense solution for Pacific Northwest trails…
NEMO Aurora Highrise 4P Review — 15 Years of Pacific Northwest 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 NEMO Aurora Highrise 4P is a robust, high-volume pack that excels for loaded multi-day expeditions…
Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure 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 Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat is a solid mid-weight option for shoulder-season hikers navigating the unpredictable…
Metolius Safe Tech All-Around Review — Oregon Coast Trail Weather Test By Cole Hartman — former wildland firefighter, PCT section hiker, 15 years of Pacific Northwest backpacking experience — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer The Metolius Safe Tech All-Around is a robust, value-driven pack that excels in the wet, wind-swept environments of the Oregon Coast…
Heather’s Choice Packaroons Review — North Cascades Alpine 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 Heather’s Choice Packaroons are a robust, budget-friendly option for Pacific Northwest weekend warriors carrying moderate loads up to 40…
iRocker All Around 11 Inflatable SUP 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 iRocker All Around 11 is a viable option for solo paddlers navigating the slow-moving rivers…
Outdoor Research Ultralight Dry Sack Review — North Cascades Alpine 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 Outdoor Research Ultralight Dry Sack stands as a reliable workhorse for the rugged terrain of the Pacific…
Leupold VX-3HD 4-12×40 Review — Three Sisters Wilderness Multi-Day Test By Cole Hartman — former wildland firefighter, PCT section hiker, 15 years of Pacific Northwest backpacking experience — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer The Leupold VX-3HD 4-12×40 is a rugged, cost-effective optic that holds its zero through the violent temperature swings of the Oregon Cascades,…
