Gear Etc: Gear, Books, Apps, Coffee and More
Welcome to Gear Etc
Over the years, many of you have asked about the gear I rely on while hiking, paddling, skiing, trail running, and exploring the outdoors. From my backpack on my shoulders to the camera in my hands, you've been curious about what comes along on the journey.
That's what inspired Gear Etc, a new feature available exclusively here on my website.
⬇️ Get your free downloadable Outdoor Adventure Ready Checklist below!
Here you'll find honest recommendations based on gear I've personally used, tested, and come to trust through years of outdoor adventures.
Look for recommendations on:
My favorite hiking, paddling, winter/cross country ski gear
A feature post on what kind of canoe I use to navigate the ponds and rivers in the Adirondacks
Clothing, shoes and layering systems
Safety and emergency preparedness
Communication devices
Navigation tools and mapping apps
Hydration systems and trail fuel
Photography gear
Travel essentials
Free downloadable checklists and resources to get you organized
These aren't sponsored reviews or the latest trends—just practical suggestions from one outdoor enthusiast to another.
But Gear Etc isn't just about gear.
I love to write about other discoveries that make my time outdoors more enjoyable.
Look for these discoveries in a new monthly feature I call Four Tools for You. You may find me discussing:
Books worth reading
Coffee favorites
Outdoor gadgets
Travel tips and useful accessories
Favorite recipes and trail snacks
I hope you'll stop by often as Gear Etc continues to grow.
💬 I’d love to hear from you, too. What’s the one piece of outdoor gear you never leave home without? Post your favorite item in the comments below — you might even inspire a future Gear Etc. feature.
One of the questions I ask myself before every adventure is simple:
"Am I ready?"
⬇️ Download Your Free Adventure Ready Checklist
Whether I'm heading out for a hike, paddle, trail run, ski, or a quiet day exploring, I've developed several checklists over the years to help me prepare before leaving home.
To help you be ready, I've created The Outdoor Adventure Ready Checklist — a free guide that includes my complete adventure planning checklist plus a bonus "Did I Forget Anything?" quick-reference checklist.
Designed for everyday outdoor adventures, it's available as a free printable PDF that you can download, save to your phone, or print to keep with your outdoor gear.