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 If the gear is outdated, we’ll tell you and do our best to provide an alternative.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!

Chilling on the Mckenzie River near Vida, Oregon

Top Picks: Unveiling the Patagonia Puffer Jacket for Men

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 …

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Patagonia: They go everywhere!

Patagonia Women’s Puffer Jacket: A Whitewater Rafting Guide’s Review

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 …

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grand canyon, arizona, colorado river, row adventures, synthetic materials,

Yeti Coolers vs. RTIC: The Ultimate Showdown of Ice-Cold Champions

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 …

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shoe print, sandal print, chaco

How to Break in Chacos Fast: A Step-by-Step Guide

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 …

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Chacos: Toe strap or no??

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 …

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Introducing the bearproof and bombproof Top 11 Yeti Coolers of 2023

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 …

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Your Guide to Groover Toilet: Everything You Need to Know

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 …

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The 3 best PFDs of 2023

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 …

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