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Gear Reviews

Choosing the right gear can be a challenge, but our gear reviews can help. Is there a way to carry a tripod – without carrying a tripod? What’s in our camera bag? Is there a special travel bag that we recommend? We’ll answer these questions and provide helpful gear reviews and more in this section of the website. Let’s face it – great gear really helps travel go smoother.

An image of the Yukon northern lights in winter with two tipis in the foreground.
Some of the most amazing accommodations do not have electricity. Photo by Greg Olsen.
Gear Reviews

CPAP Backup Battery for Camping and Power Outages – Bluetti Power Stations Review – Solar Powered or Plug-in

Some of the best accommodations in the world’s most beautiful places do not have electricity and that can be a problem if you sleep with a CPAP. Before you read this review of the Bluetti EB3A Power Source, you should know why you need one. A portable solar-powered battery pack is great for camping. You can use it to charge phones, computers and other electronic devices when there is no power source onsite. But if you have sleep apnea, a CPAP backup battery can be essential for your health. Not having a power source for my CPAP machine has limited the amount of tent camping we have done in recent years. That’s why I tested out the Bluetti Power Station …

Greg Olsen
View CPAP Backup Battery for Camping and Power Outages – Bluetti Power Stations Review – Solar Powered or Plug-in
An image of a woman wearing a Ventusas heated jacket while testing it for a Ventusas heated jacket review.
We tested the Venustas heated jacket in the high alpine of the Purcell Mountains.
Gear Reviews

Venustas Heated Jacket Review – Embrace the Cold with Style and Comfort

As winter approaches, the search for the perfect cold-weather gear intensifies and a high-quality winter jacket is at the top of the list. Where I live in Canada, winter temperatures can drop below minus 40 degrees Celsius (-40°F) and I’ve had my eye on a battery-powered heated jacket for months. It’s one of those modern luxuries that might just make winter bearable. Those who have endured harsh winter conditions know that a quality heated jacket can make all the difference in staying warm and comfortable. In the world of heated apparel, the Venustas Heated Jacket has emerged as a popular choice – offering style, innovation, affordability and functionality.  Read our detailed Venustas heated jacket review – if you’re thinking about …

Debbie Olsen
View Venustas Heated Jacket Review – Embrace the Cold with Style and Comfort
An image of two people hiking along the trail to the ink pots in Banff National Park - Microspikes for Hiking review
Hiking to the inkpots in Banff National Park was made way easier by wearing ice cleats – Microspikes for Hiking review
Gear Reviews, Travel Better

Microspikes for Hiking Product Review

If you have ever been hiking in the mountains in the winter, you will know that ice cleats can be invaluable. On a recent family hike, we outfitted everyone with slip-on microspikes for hiking and it made a real difference. Here’s our review and some tips for using MaxxDry GripOns Canadian Tire ice cleats.

Greg Olsen
View Microspikes for Hiking Product Review
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