Gear Review

The Marmot Sawtooth is a lightweight (3 lbs. 1 oz.) sleeping bag that provides heavy 600+ Fill insulation. The bag is rated to 15 degrees and the semi-rectangular shape provides plenty of wiggle room.

Marmot Sawtooth Sleeping Bag

Here you can see the shape of the bag. It's more rectangular than it is a mummy bag. I have broad shoulders and I was able to roll over without taking the bag with me.

This summer had the privilege to test out LLBean's newest and lightest fly rod, the Silver Ghost. It's more durable and 20% lighter than it's predecessor the Orion Rod. I chose an 8 weight rod for Sockeye Salmon and Steelhead. LLBean offers the Silver Ghost in a package with the Shearwater Reel, with line and backing (and cases) for $495. That's a screaming deal for an fly fishing outfit of this quality.

LLBean Silver Ghost Fly Rod

The Wolverine Finn is a mid-weight coat ruggedly made for outdoor activities. I found the coat worked best in dry to slightly damp conditions, between 40 and 65 degrees. The pockets provide ample storage room, and the zipper with the wind flap locks in warmth.

Wolverine Finn Jacket

The Wolverine Klondike is an insulated flannel shirt. It provides the warmth of a jacket, with the fit of a shirt.

Wolverine Klondike Lined Shirt

When heading out to remote Alaska, I need to pack light and bring multipurpose clothing. The Wolvervine Convertible Guide II shirt served me well. First, like all Wolverine products, it's "Relentless by Nature". I caught it on alder bushes, dropped it in the dirt and wore the heck out of it. Then I washed it in the river, air dried it and wore it home on the airplane!

Wolverine Guide Convertible II

I've tested out a lot hiking boots, but I've never tried out Wolverine Boots. I know the company for their work boots, but I was unfamiliar with their outdoor offerings. I was worried that these boots might be like clunky, steel toe work boots and boy was I WRONG. On paper the Clearwater boots are perfect: Gore-Tex liner, Wolverine's MultiShox system with a Vibram rubber sole, and they are waterproof. After spending 10 days testing them on the Alaskan Tundra, I'd say they are perfect in the field too.

Wolverine Clearwater Hiking Boot

The Wolverine Fortis Hiking Boot features the Individual Comfort System. This includes an adjustable footbed that allows for customizing the stiffness and tilt of the boot. In addition to the ICS, the boot is waterproof and gore-tex lined. I tested the boot while spending time at our family cabin in Alaska. The boot held up very well for the conditions, and was always comfortable and dry. I was able to walk in four inches of water without getting wet. That's important because on the tundra, once your boots get wet, there a hard to dry out.

The REI Quarter Dome T1 is a sturdy, one man, three season tent. The tent itself weighs in at 2lbs. 13oz. When the guy lines and tighteners, stakes, pole repair tube, pole and stake bags and stuff sack are added in the total pack weight is 3 lbs. 6 oz. Sure it's not as light as a bivy sack or tarp, but if you're looking for adequate shelter from the elements with room to move around in, this is a great option.

The GoLite Footwear Rock Lite is an all round high performance yet very comfortable shoe. The shoe is great on the trail, but you can also wear it everyday. I found the shoe has the comfort of a running shoe with the style and performance of a hiking boot.

GoLite Footwear Rock Lite

The GoLite Mens Adventure 3-Season Mummy Bag is rated to 25 Degrees. This rating is achieved with 650+ renewable goose down. The bag weights 2 lbs. 9 oz. and is made from GoLite's Tier 1 Recycled Materials. I found this sleeping bag to be warm, comfortable and very durable; not to mention it's very eco-friendly.

GoLite Mens Adventure Mummy Bag