#uintashike16

Sun Flair Solar Ovens Gear Review

It seemed opportune that Sun Flair Solar Ovens offered us a few testers for UintasHike16, as those of us flying couldn’t carry cooking gas and there was no guarantee we’d have time to pick some up before heading into the backcountry. At just over a pound for the Minis we were provided, these ovens are easily carried and, folding down to about the size of a magazine (though much thicker), fit…

Simple Squares Organic Nutrition Bars Gear Review

If mealtimes are important during backpacking treks, snacktime is even more so. During the day, to keep energy up, you have to eat. And, hopefully, you get to snack on yummy things – if they are good for you as well is a huge bonus. Who knew there was a healthy snack food company located near me in Chicago? Simple Squares, one of our UintasHike16partners is located there and is truly unique,…

Lawson Hammock Gear Review

Hammocking has always intrigued me, and no more so than the Lawson Hammock. I had met with them at the 2015 Summer ORShow, but didn’t connect again to work together until UintasHike16, when they provided Josh (Raw Trails) and I hammocks to test out.

The immediate difference between a Lawson Hammock and others is that the Lawson has an integrated bug netting system and also features spreader…

Bounce Energy Ball Gear Review

Eat Good, Feel Good, Do Good.

Every once in a while, I am truly surprised by a new product. Bounce Energy Balls, one of our UintasHike16 partners, is one of those products.

Bounce started in Australia in 2004, with the Bounce Effect as their guiding philosophy: the ripple effect of positive change brought about by eating well, living well, and actively contributing to the lives of others. Packed…

Opinel Number 08 Stainless Steel Knife Gear Review

Knives have many uses in daily life, and nowhere more so than when camping. Knives can be used cut back plants around camp, create kindling, make the meal, or even just pass the time by throwing it or whittling. Knives also have a sensory appeal – the look, heft, and feel of a good knife gives confidence in one’s tool. Having Opinel as a partner for UintasHike16was exciting, due to their…

Catalyst Case Gear Review

Like most, I bring my phone wherever I go, using it to communicate but also to document. It gets nerve-wracking around (or in) water and in places where damage will occur if dropped. Not every case is built the same, nor do they all cover every situation. I’m a fan of Catalyst and was happy to hear they were providing cases as a partner of UintasHike16.

When purchasing a protective case for your…

CloudLine Apparel Merino Socks Gear Review

When people ask me what the best footwear is for hiking/biking/running/etc is, I usually reply that it’s best to try things out, but also to start with quality socks. We were lucky enough to have CloudLine Apparel join on as a partner for UintasHike16and receive 2 pairs of socks to test out and review: the 1/4 Top Running Sock – Light Cushion and the Switchback Hiking Sock – Medium Cushion. Based…

LifeStraw Go Gear Review

I’m a huge fan of LifeStraw – I keep a personal water filter in my 10 Essentials kit and also use their Mission filter for larger groups. To have them come on board as a partner for UintasHike16 was great news, especially since we got to test out a product I hadn’t tried before, the LifeStraw Go.

The LifeStraw Go is a refillable water bottle with an integrated water filter that will filter out…