Gear & Picks

Things I actually use and vouch for. Filter by category or search.

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Darn Tough Socks

Lifetime warranty, super comfy, and I haven't found a better sock for hiking or biking. I have had to return one pair, and they honored their lifetime warranty without question.

Clothing BIFL

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Altra Lone Peak Trail Running Shoes

I wear these for work and play. Zero drop and a roomy toe box make them my go-to for hiking, trail running, and casual wear. They wear out like any other shoe, but I'm going on 10 years wearing the same model (I just buy a new pair when the old ones die).

Hiking Shoes

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Bedrock Sandals

I used to love sandals when I lived in Hawaii, but I could never find a pair that lasted more than a season. Bedrock's minimalist sandals are super comfortable and have held up for years of hiking and river crossings.

Hiking BIFL

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Sun Bum Sunscreen

I've been using this for over a decade, I still need to evaluate its ingredients against others, but it performs well and doesn't irritate my skin. They also sell the best after sun lotion, hands down.

Hiking Safety

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Garmin Fēnix 8 Pro Solar

Some folks love their Apple and Google watches, but I like how Garmin makes me feel like I'm a lazy dirtbag that needs to get outside and move. Best at cycling ride tracking and great at creating shame when you haven't moved in a while. The solar charging is a nice bonus, but the battery life is already great without it (14 days in smartwatch mode, 42 days in battery saver mode).

Tech Fitness

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Epic Water Filters

Whenever someone comes over I often get asked what water filter I use. I've tried plenty and I have a fear of glyphosate poisoning me and my family, so I wanted something that would filter out chemicals as well as pathogens. This one is compact, easy to use, and filters out 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.999% of viruses, plus chemicals like glyphosate.

Home Safety

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DJI Mic Mini

I've done a few videos and audio recordings with these and I can't recommend them enough for folks on the go who want audio in windy areas, or even just the convenience of wireless mics. It plugs into your phone or laptop and lets you adjust enough to separate audio streams for post editing ease. The battery life is great, and the sound quality is fantastic for the price.

Tech

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Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap

I use this for everything — body wash, shampoo, dish soap, and even make my own homemade laundry detergent. It's super concentrated, so a little goes a long way. The almond scent is my favorite, but they have a variety of scents and an unscented version as well.

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