Sig Sauer KILO6K HD Review — Mount Rainier Shoulder Season Trial 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 Sig Sauer KILO6K HD is a robust, weather-resistant pack built for the unpredictable shoulder seasons of the…
Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket 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 fifteen years of carrying this jacket through the volatile weather of the Columbia River Gorge and the…
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 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 New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 is a solid mid-range option for weekend…
Patagonia Nine Trails 20 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 Patagonia Nine Trails 20 is a durable, mid-range pack that excels for weekenders and light overnighters navigating…
Dutchware Chameleon Review — 15 Years of PNW Wet Weather 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 Dutchware Chameleon is a compact, ultralight shelter solution that excels in the damp, misty conditions of the…
Salomon ADV Skin 12 Running Vest Review — PNW Weekend Warrior Evaluation By Cole Hartman — former wildland firefighter, PCT section hiker, 15 years of Pacific Northwest backpacking experience — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer The Salomon ADV Skin 12 Running Vest is a solid choice for lightweight weekenders who need to shed weight on…
Kahtoola Microspikes with Gaiters 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 Kahtoola Microspikes with Gaiters are a solid choice for senior hikers and those prioritizing slow travel on…
Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel 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 Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel is a high-performance carbohydrate-electrolyte mix that performs reliably in the damp, hypothermic conditions…
Zeal Optics Divide Review — Mount Hood Wilderness Trail Test By Cole Hartman — former wildland firefighter, PCT section hiker, 15 years of Pacific Northwest backpacking experience — Portland, Oregon The Short Answer The Zeal Optics Divide is a compelling option for the Pacific Northwest hiker who prioritizes ventilated hydration storage and a minimalist profile…
Pheasant Tail Nymph Review — North Cascades Alpine Review 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 Pheasant Tail Nymph is a versatile fly fishing tool that excels in the glacial rivers of the North Cascades…
Salomon ADV Skin 12 Running Vest Review — Honest 2026 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 Salomon ADV Skin 12 Running Vest is a highly capable hydration pack for fast-and-light runners navigating…
Tarptent Stratospire Li 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 Tarptent Stratospire Li is a compact, one-person shelter that excels in the damp, misty conditions of the…
Signup for news and special offers!
You have successfully joined our subscriber list.
