Outdoor gear reviews

Sandals cater to Northwest needs
Bite Trail Sandals knows the needs of Northwest trail hikers, and the designers there developed the Trail Sandal to take advantage of the best of the strap-on design.

Easy on the feet
I recently reviewed all my standard backpacking equipment and came up with enough changes and cuts in gear to shave a whopping 30-plus pounds off my previous 65-pound pack.

A bright (and brighter) idea for outdoor lighting
The evolution of flashlights and headlamps leaped forward dramatically when LED bulbs made their first appearance a few years ago. The new LED bulbs essentially never burn out.

A lightweight crampon for Cascade hikers
The new Kahtoola crampon seems tailor-made for Northwest hikers. The crampons weigh just 19 ounces per pair, yet they are incredibly versatile. The featherweight crampons fit on virtually any footwear - from light trail-running shoes to heavy hiking boots.

A camping classic made better
Seven years ago, The Coleman Co. ended production of the most popular camp cooler in history - the Coleman Steel Cooler. Last fall, that decision was successfully appealed, and the new steel cooler was unveiled just in time for the company's 100th anniversary.

Altimeter watch gets high marks
Altimeter watches are nothing new, but the Suunto Observer sets new standards in this category. Building on the great success of its Vector series of wrist-top computers, Suunto developed the more compact, yet more feature-rich, Observer.

Hiking staffs help bird-watchers zoom in
Hiking staffs that double as monopods for cameras or binoculars have been around for years. But Cascade Designs has found a way to make a better version of that old classic.

Bausch & Lomb Elite 60 Spotting Scope
Wildlife viewing - especially bird watching - has become a popular form of outdoor recreation. Many folks, though, have difficulty identifying what they see from a distance. But, a spotting scope will bring that bird into sharp focus for easy identification and enjoyment.

Cold camp, warm tent with propane heater
Even in the height of summer, camp can be a cold place at night. I've been snowed on every month of the year while camping, and I've had to knock ice off my tent door more than once in a high-elevation camp in August. Therefore, when Mr. Heater Co. unveiled its new Portable Buddy propane heater, I was interested.

Go into high gear for the holidays
This holiday season, we set out to find an assortment of items that would be welcomed as gifts by a variety of outdoors lovers. We sought gear in a variety of categories and prices, and tested their worthiness. What follows are some of the best we found.

Well-shod hikers are happy hikers
Experienced hikers know that their most important assets are their feet. Take care of your feet and you'll likely have a good hike. Let your feet get sore, blistered, cold or soggy, and you'll be miserable, regardless of the grandeur around you.

Filson coat is attractive protection
Gore-Tex rainwear stands as the rainwear of choice for most backpackers. Yet, not everyone needs ultralight, highly breathable rainwear. Some folks like to enjoy simple walks in the woods while wearing classic-looking clothing. For these traditionalists, there can be no finer coat than those offered by Seattle's own C.C. Filson Co.

Cascade's staff gives hikers a leg up
Trekking poles are all the rage these days - hikers around the world are finally discovering the advantages of having a third (and even fourth) leg when they are trudging up steep slopes, descending rough terrain or crossing rushing rivers.

Radios: Walking and talking in the new millennium
You saw them all winter on ski slopes. You'll see them more this summer around campgrounds and on hikes: the mom talking into a little radio and telling her teenager it's time for lunch, or to please slow down and wait at the next trail fork.

Finding your way around the digital age
The backcountry has entered the digital age. We have an array of electronic gadgets and gizmos to help us navigate through the wilderness. Not all of these devices are necessary, or even worthwhile, but some are handy tools to have along on any outing.

Using your head: a bright idea for the backcountry
Whether I'm reading in my sleeping bag, moving around a well-furnished camp in a drive-up campground, or trying to set up a remote camp during a backpacking outing, I find a headlamp makes life easier. Unfortunately, not all headlamps are created equal.

Waterproof cases keep electronics buzzing
Instead of a reliance on "wood-craft" skills, today's outdoor recreationists need "e-craft" skills. But unlike old indestructible gear of previous decades, electronic gadgetry is often fragile and prone to burn out if touched by a mere drop of water. Fortunately, there is a protective case for whatever your gizmo is.

Save your sole with right socks and inserts
The key to an enjoyable hike starts with your feet. When all is well, you don't give your feet a second thought. But if you have a problem with boot fit, you'll focus solely on your soles. When people get sore toes, heels or soles, they blame their boots. But more often than not, the problems can be solved by replacing what's inside the boots - socks and insoles.

Columbia makes good, all-purpose trail apparel
Over the years, I've altered my choices of trail apparel, eliminating all cotton (with the exception of my ever-present bandannas) from my wardrobe. I've worn a slew of nylon, Cordura and polyester shorts and pants, but never found garments that met all my expectations. So, I set out this spring to do just that: namely, find the ultimate trail apparel.

Bell bike helmets help keep your head on your shoulders
As the saying goes, there are two kinds of bike riders: those who have crashed and those who are going to crash. Whichever camp you fit in, you'll want to protect your best asset with a high-quality helmet.

Trekking pole adds stability for you and your camera
Long ago, I learned the value of using a staff when hiking. They act as a shock-absorber when descending a rough trail. And they allow you to transfer pack weight off your legs and back while trudging uphill. But more than that, with the right stick in your hand, you can stabilize your camera, too, for improved wilderness photographs.

LEDs offer long life and reliability as camp lights
For years, we've enjoyed the benefits of LEDs in a variety of uses: in watches, stereo consoles, electronics, etc. Recently, the power of the Light-Emitting Diode has been harnessed for the outdoor enthusiast.

These shoes are made for walking
I don't always wear a heavy pack - often on short day hikes I carry just a light lumbar pack - and I've learned to appreciate low-cut boots and trail shoes on those outings. I've worn all makes and models of trail shoes - sometimes called approach shoes, or low-cut hiking boots - but I keep coming back to a model I've worn for years, and another I just discovered.

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