Gear Reviews
Our gear reviews are written by rafting, fishing, and hunting guides or seasoned outdoor enthusiasts who use this gear beat it up, push it to the extreme, and decide that it is worth the money. We will never recommend equipment that we can’t personally stand behind. Name brands do not guide our decision-making, but there are a few brands that we tend to use and trust to put out high-quality outdoor gear, such as YETI, NRS, Stone Glacier, Chacos, and more.
We use gear, such as inflatable kayaks, for months, sometimes years before writing a review on it. Although we may eventually update our reviews with new information or more specific experiences with gear such as inflatable kayaks, YETI, NRS, Stone Glacier, Chacos, Rafts and more.you can rest assured that what you read here will be the best evaluation of the outdoor gear possible. Moreover, some gear is so old that there just isn’t anything out there to compare it to. If the gear is outdated, we’ll tell you and do our best to provide an alternative.
In 2023, we decided that like the rivers that are influence and impacted by its environment, we too would extend our reach into new areas. So, we have expanded our outdoor gear reviews to add more shoes and apparel, river dog training equipment, map software, coolers and backpacking gear like biodegradable soap to use on those side hikes off the river!
We are also excited to share articles about using the rivers to hunt large game as well as waterfowl opportunities. This has become a passion to many of us who have always had water dogs and we are thrilled to share our suggestions on gear to use and training recommendations!
We are also expanding our reach into more states outside of the Pacific Northwest! Look for those coming soon!
Introduction: Solving the Backpacking Conundrum As a whitewater rafting guide, I’ve seen my fair share of adventure gear. You need equipment to withstand the most demanding challenges when navigating the wildest rivers. I am always on the lookout for the best outdoor gear. That’s where the Patagonia Black Hole Backpack comes into play. In this …
Patagonia Black Hole Backpack Review 2023 Read More →
As a seasoned whitewater rafting guide, I’ve spent countless hours battling the elements, navigating turbulent waters, and ensuring the safety and comfort of my adventurous clients. One essential piece of gear that has never let me down is my trusty Patagonia Puffer Jacket, specifically the renowned Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket. In this article, I’ll take …
Top Picks: Unveiling the Patagonia Puffer Jacket for Men Read More →
Imagine yourself on a thrilling whitewater rafting trip, battling the rapids and staying dry and warm despite the chilly water splashing all around you. The secret to your comfort and protection? Your trusty Patagonia Women’s Puffer Jacket Women is essential for any outdoor enthusiast. Key Takeaways Introducing the Patagonia Women’s Puffer Jacket The Patagonia Nano …
Patagonia Women’s Puffer Jacket: A Whitewater Rafting Guide’s Review Read More →
As a whitewater rafting guide, my life revolves around rugged outdoor adventures, where having the right gear can mean the difference between a great trip and a challenging one. One piece of equipment that’s essential for keeping food and drinks cold and safe in the wilderness is a cooler. Yeti has made a name for …
Yeti Coolers: A Buyers Guide Read More →
You want a cooler that stands up to the challenge of keeping your beverages and perishables ice-cold during outdoor adventures, tailgating parties, or daily life. Two leading brands in the world of coolers, Yeti Coolers and RTIC, have gained considerable attention. In this detailed comparison, we will explore both brands’ pros and cons and make …
Yeti Coolers vs. RTIC: The Ultimate Showdown of Ice-Cold Champions Read More →
Chacos are not your ordinary sandals. They are built for adventure, providing unparalleled comfort and support for the most rugged outdoor activities. But even the best sandals need a little TLC to reach their full potential. This guide’ll explore how to break in Chacos fast and efficiently, ensuring your feet stay comfortable and blister-free on …
How to Break in Chacos Fast: A Step-by-Step Guide Read More →
So, you are caught between getting Chacos with a toe strap and ones without. Or maybe you are in the middle of a debate between you and another outdoor enthusiast on which is better. I have worn both styles on rafting trips, backpacking adventures, and around my office. I love them both, but I choose …
Chacos: Toe strap or no?? Read More →
Do you have smelly chacos? Have you tried to wash them only to have the smell still there? Are you having to leave them outside when you get off the river? If so, this is the article for you! We are going to cover how to clean chacos! Why wear Chaco sandals? Regarding footwear for …
All you need to know on how to clean Chacos Read More →
Are you looking for a reliable cooler that won’t disappoint you for your outdoor activities? Yeti coolers are celebrated among adventurers for their superiority in quality, durability, and capacity to store ice. With plenty of models, each one is designed with its own purpose. So it’s easy to find the suitable Yeti cooler that is …
Introducing the bearproof and bombproof Top 11 Yeti Coolers of 2023 Read More →
Short Summary Picture this: you’re on a thrilling river trip, surrounded by stunning vistas, and suddenly nature calls. But fear not, for the Groover toilet is here to save the day! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about Groover toilets, from their fascinating history to essential accessories, setup, and …
Your Guide to Groover Toilet: Everything You Need to Know Read More →
What are the best Chacos for 2023, you ask? Well, let me show you! Now, I am biased about chaco, because I swear by Chaco outdoor sandals, and use them for hiking, ratings, and everyday use. I have all my guides use Chacos, and we put them through the ringer year after year! This comprehensive …
The Best Chacos for 2023: Ultimate Outdoor Adventure Sandals Read More →
With over twenty years of being a river guide, I know the necessity of having the best life jacket when out on the water. It has to fight right and keep me safe. This blog post will focus specifically on Type III PFDs and their benefits for recreational boaters. We used quite a few and …
The 3 best PFDs of 2023 Read More →
Are you a fan of whitewater rafting and looking for the ideal life jacket to make your upcoming journey even more exciting? You can look no further than the Astral Green Jacket. This Type V PFD is a must-have for whitewater boaters, offering comfort and durability that can’t be beaten. With its unique design, this …
Why The Astral Green Jacket is the best on the market! Read More →
Are you an outdoor adventure seeker looking for the perfect pair of women’s water shoes? Finding a great pair of affordable water shoes for women now can be tricky, so let us help. We have researched and reviewed the top seven women’s water shoes for 2023. We’ve covered all your needs, from Astrals to Keens …
The 5 Best Women’s Water Shoes to Make a Splash in 2023! Read More →
Are you seeking top-notch, inflatable whitewater rafts to make your outdoor adventures even more thrilling? Look no further. We’ve got reviews from real guides or long-time river runners, on NRS Otter, Hyside, Maravia, Rocky Mountain, and Aire – all of which are great when it comes to whitewater rafts. For the experienced or novice rafter, …
Whitewater Rafts: Which One Is Right for You? Read More →
Cold Weather Rafting Trip Most people fall in love with river trips during the spring and summer months when the weather is warmer, the water is a more pleasant temperature, and getting wet is not only acceptable, but part of the fun of whitewater rafting. The Winter is a different story. Read on to learn …
What to Wear for Whitewater Rafting in the Cold (2023) Read More →
When you’re putting your first rowboat set up together, there are quite a few different row boat oars you can choose from. This can seem overwhelming at first, but read on to learn about the best oars on the market. row boat oars Brands While you may notice during your search for boat oars that …
Row Boat Oars: The Best Oars for Rowing Whitewater Read More →
Learning to Whitewater Kayak is a rewarding and challenging endeavor and not something to be attempted alone. Amidst the humbling lessons of flipping, ferrying, and paddling pursuits from, to the pure untethered bliss that follows those who stick with it long enough, there await the keys to a kingdom rafters can only look upon with …
Learning to whitewater kayak in 2023 Read More →
If you are looking for an amazing retailer for whitewater rafting gear, Cascade River Gear is a one-stop shopping dream. For the avid rafter, its like being a kid in a candy store! Everything from pumps and parts to superior quality equipment, CRG is pretty amazing. Cascade River Gear is fully geared to the passionate …
Cascade River Gear: A one-stop rafting shop! Read More →
NRS rafts are a household name when it comes to quality rafting equipment and accessories. They offer many options that vary based on what you’re interested in and your price point, which makes it easy to shop the categories they offer. They have amazing advice on which products you may enjoy the most, 5 star customer …
NRS Rafts: Why I love them (2022) Read More →