Tips for Visiting the Philippines as a First-Timer

If you’re planning to visit the Philippines as a first-time traveler, there are a few things you need to know. This guide will help you understand the steps you can take to ensure not only the best time on holiday, but also to avoid missing out on anything exciting that could make your holiday everything it should be. Continue reading Tips for Visiting the Philippines as a First-Timer

Making the Most of a City Break When You’re An Adventurer at Heart

Some of us are happy to be average, but some of us long for more excitement in life. We want to chase waterfalls, hike volcanoes, and dramatically stare into the horizon from the edge of a cliff like we’re in a movie trailer, right? We don’t want to settle for the simple life, and that is just as much the case when we are on vacation as it is when we are living our daily lives to the max.  Continue reading Making the Most of a City Break When You’re An Adventurer at Heart

gossamer gear solo tarp review

Gossamer Gear Solo Tarp Review – Ultralight Shelter for Wild Camping and Thru-Hiking

Testing the Gossamer Gear Solo Tarp I’ve always been a fan of minimalist shelter setups. If you’ve read my previous tarp reviews – the Outdoor Vitals Ultralight 6-Sided Tarp or the MSR Thru-Hiker 100 Wing – you’ll know I value … Continue reading Gossamer Gear Solo Tarp Review – Ultralight Shelter for Wild Camping and Thru-Hiking

gossamer gear carbon trekking poles review

Gossamer Gear LT5 Carbon Trekking Poles Review – Ultralight Telescopic Poles for Thru-Hiking and Fastpacking

If you’ve followed my previous trekking pole reviews – from the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Poles, to the Mons Peak IX Tiger Paw Z, and the MSR Dynalock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles – you’ll know I’m pretty particular about what I carry. Weight, durability, packability, and comfort all matter when you’re slogging up a ridgeline or hammering out 30+ mile days on trail. Continue reading Gossamer Gear LT5 Carbon Trekking Poles Review – Ultralight Telescopic Poles for Thru-Hiking and Fastpacking

Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo Backpack Review

Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo Review – The Ultimate Fastpack for Thru-Hiking and Ultra Adventures

If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you’ll know I’ve been a die-hard Ultimate Direction fastpack user for nearly a decade. From the Fastpack 25 to the Fastpack 35, their vest-style packs have been my go-to for big mountain days and ultralight multi-day missions.

But here’s the bombshell: Gossamer Gear’s Fast Kumo has converted me. This pack outperforms UD offerings on so many fronts it’s hard to ignore Continue reading Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo Review – The Ultimate Fastpack for Thru-Hiking and Ultra Adventures