Gear of the Year 2012

Our picks for the best gear of last year.

The Paddle Junkie's - Base Layer Buyer's Guide

Prepare for the cold! We run done our picks for the best base layers around.

Outdoor Retailer "Best in Show Awards;

The Paddle Junkie crew spent 4 days wandering the halls of the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City to find the coolest gear released at the Outdoor Retailer trade show. This is what we found.

2011 BWCA Gear Test

7 Guys, 6 Days, 150+ pieces of Gear... More fun than could be imagined.

The Paddle Junkie's Gear of the Year Awards

Our top picks from all our reviews of 2011.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Byer® Moskito Traveller Hammock


If you have never tried hammock camping, you are missing out. No tossing and turning, no pointy rock in your back, no sliding downhill as you sleep. Still skeptical? Well, for less than $40 you can give it a try with one of the coolest hammocks on the market. The Byer® Moskito Traveller Hammock is 16 ounces of camping comfort.


The hammock is made from extremely light and durable parachute nylon, much like many of the ultra light hammocks available. Where the Byer® Moskito Traveller Hammock sets itself apart is with it's integrated bug netting. Sewn into the perimeter of the hammock base and suspended by shock cords, the no-see-um netting provides a bug free oasis. If the bugs are not an issue, flip the hammock over for traditional use. Comparable "bug-free" solutions from competitive hammock companies run upwards of $45 in addition to whatever you already spent on their hammock. For the money, this is the best deal around.


The whole package folds into the attached storage bag (4" x 8") which doubles as a handy pouch for personal items while in use.


MSRP: $39.95
Available Online: $28 and up...

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Flashflight - LED Lighted Frisbees

For many campers the ideal camp toy is the frisbee. Until recently, you were limited to playing only during daylight hours. Well, not anymore. The Flashflight series of light-up frisbees lets the fun continue well past sunset. Light and small make this a perfect addition to your pack. Plus, it serves as a great light inside your tent so you can eliminate another piece of equipment from your pack list.



MSRP: Models from $9.00 to $20.00

Flashflight Frisbee Features:
• Illuminated via LED lights, which makes the entire disc glow.
• Powered by replaceable, and readily available, CR2016 batteries (included).
• Simple button on/off switch and a low-profile battery compartment.
• Constructed using a plastic (thermo-plastic rubber, actually).
• Water-resistant & Floats!
• Available in four colors: red, green, blue, and Disc-o (the cool LED that changes colors every few seconds).

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Filleting a Northern Pike

Ever throw back a skinny snake northern pike just because you hate cleaning them? Here is a technique that will save time and produce bone free fillets.

Special Thanks to the team over at Thundermist Lure Company.

Keen Targhee II Mid


Do you want a rugged hiking boot that feels like a sneaker?

The Targhee Mid II from KEEN is just that. The KEEN.DRY waterproof breathable membrane keeps your feet dry and comfortable. The gnarly sole provides excellent traction control. At just 17 ounces they are as light as a feather. For those of us with "wide" feet, the Keen sports plenty of room in the toe area. The AEGIS MICROBE SHIELD helps to keep them from getting funky when they inevitably get sweaty and wet.

MSRP: $125.00

BUGOUT GEAR® Bugout Bag

The original BUGOUT GEAR® Bugout Bag is a universal 3-5 day expandable pack. With stowable shoulder straps for numerous carry and storage options, this pack's versatility is superior. With 3300 cubic inches of storage and a variety of pockets and organizers, the bugout bag will haul everything you need and keep it all neatly organized.

MSRP: $65.99 - $115.99 varies by color.
Available from: http://www.uscav.com/

PROS: Capacity, Durablilty, Build Quality, Price.
CONS: None yet to be found.