There’s a lot of good gear out there but some of it stands out as the best of the best. Out of everything I review, it’s the stuff that I reach for first and take out all the time. It stays permanently packed in my bag.
This list is in no particular order, mostly the date it was reviewed.
Smith Guide’s Choice Photochromic Sunglasses
The Smith’s Guide Choice sunglasses are photochromic category 2 to 3 and polarized, making for an ideal fishing lens. ChromaPop filters crossover colours making red, green, and blue pop.
The glasses lenses are on the heavy side but they are the clearest and brightest lens I’ve ever used.
OnX Backcountry GPS App
GPS apps have overtaken dedicated GPS as the go-to for navigation. OnX is one of the best.
It’s easy to use on any kind of phone. Your saved info goes back and forth to a full-screen map on the computer. It’s light on the user-generated tracks in BC, but has a lot already baked into the included maps.
REI Wonderland Camp Chair
Not all chairs are built equal. Some aren’t comfortable. Some fall apart. Some are hard to carry.
The REI Wonderland Camp Chair is pretty much my dream camp chair. The wide seat is comfortable without being hard. The back is tall and slightly reclined. The cupholder is somehow still attached. And the carry strap is permanently attached and holds it closed while carrying.
Yeti Rambler 532 Mug
I went on a cleaning spree after getting this mug. Some of the complicated lids had never been cleaned and were black inside.
The Yeti Rambler has just 2 pieces to the lid that twist apart. And it’s totally water-tight. And it’s bombproof.
EXPED MegaMat Max Sleeping Mat
Poor sleep ruins camping or any adventure. It’s hard to enjoy the trip when you’re dead tired. What you’re sleeping on impacts sleep greatly.
The EXPED MegaMat Max is 15cm thick and filled with foam core. The foam expands and almost inflates itself. It also holds the sides vertical instead of sloped down so you get more surface area to lay on. And instead of just laying on a bouncy balloon it structures it more like a bed.
LowePro Tactic 45 Camera Backpack
Right off the bat, I loved the look of this camera pack. I did assume it would not be comfortable with out square it is. Turns out it’s more comfortable than most backpacks I’ve ever worn.
The top opens for quick access or the whole back for all your camera gear. Tripods fit easily on either side. Velcro organizers can be moved around anywhere inside.
Helly Hansen Verglas Down Insulated Jacket
I don’t really think of down jackets when I think of Helly Hansen but their Verglas down jacket is easily my favourite from the last couple years.
The Verglas isn’t bulky so it works well on any cool day (of which there are many in the Pacific Northwest). If it is raining AND cool, then it can fit under a shell. The pockets are big and the lining soft.
Check the price on HellyHansen.com (2.0 version)
Julbo Arise Photochromic sunglasses
My test for sunglasses is how often I forget I’m wearing them. For the Julbo Arise, it was a lot. They are ridiculously light. The photochromic lenses tint so light you can wear them at night. The gentle curve and soft surface on the arms keeps them in exactly the place you put them.
I beat the daylights out of the first pair I had and I’m on to my second pair.
Osprey Talon 33 Backpack
The Osprey Talon 33 may be the best backpack I’ve ever used. I have a few other Osprey Backpacks and can’t say enough good things about them.
It’s travelled around the world and on too many adventures to count. It’s light, it’s packable, it’s comfortable, it’s bombproof.
The 33 is such a flexible size. I’ve used it for overnight nights or just a daypack travelling. Mine is 17 years old at this point and still going.
