Watershoes
Astral Brewer Water Shoes - Gear Review
Astral's Brewers in Black It is no secret that I am a fan of water shoes, but the vast majority of them are incredibly purpose built. They look like something designed for a jog on the moon, or glorified sandals. That is fine, in most cases. What Astral has done with their new Brewer shoes turns that all on it's head. Take you favorite lounging snea…
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Watershoes
Adidas Daroga Shoes - Gear Review
When wandering the halls of the Outdoor Retailer show last January, one of the most impressive stops was at the Adidas Outdoor booth. They have obviously made a huge commitment to the outdoor market and the expansive line they have for 2014 is evidence of that. We had the chance to test and review the HydroTerra Shandals a while back, which were a water friendly …
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Paddling
Beebe Knive's #4BK Bushcrafter Knife - Gear Review
Knives are a passion of ours, so when we heard from Paul Beebe of Beebe Knives our hearts skipped a beat or two. We approached Paul way back in May about the possibility of reviewing one of his Bushcrafter model knives, and to our delight he agreed. Not only did he offer to send us one, but he crafted one especially for Team Paddle Junkie. We knew we were goin…
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Rain Gear
Mountain Hardwear's Stretch Capacitor Jacket - Gear Review
Mountain Hardwear has one of the most complete lines of outdoor minded jackets on the market. Just sifting through their countless options can be daunting. When hunting for a rain jacket for our BWCA paddling adventures, the list of features and qualities we look for are pretty broad. Waterproof (obviously), good range of motion for paddling and portaging, ligh…
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ultra light
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 Tent - Gear Review
Big Agnes makes some of our favorite camping gear, for all kinds of reasons. From their tents to their sleeping bags, they just don't miss the details. Incredibly well thought-out and purposefully built, their gear will stand the test of time and perform as well as just about anything on the market. They hit another home run with the Copper Spur UL3 . This …
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Paddling
GSI Commuter Java Press - Gear Review
When we first tested the GSI Java Press about 2 years ago, we really didn't think you could improve upon that back-country coffee machine. Well, enter this little beauty. This is the little brother to the 30 ounce camp size version. This is the ultralight hiker's coffee press, or a great option for the java press addict on the run. The science behind …
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Paddling
Clearwater Lake Lodge - The BWCA's Oldest Outfitter - Review
For Team Paddle Junkie's 2013 Boundary Waters Gear Test trip we were lucky enough to be able to work with Adam and Kasey Van Tassell, the new owners of Clearwater Lake Lodge . Adam and Kasey rescued the BWCA's oldest and most storied outfitter from the clutches of foreclosure in the Spring of 2011. What they operate, nestled away at the end of the Gunflint …
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wetsuit
Bomber Gear Bombination Shorts - Gear Review
For those of us "Up North", shorts season is pretty much history, but I have a pair you need to put on your Birthday/Christmas/Hanukkah/Easter wish lists. If you can still get out on the water now, or if you want to be the first one in when the ice is out in Spring, the Bombination Shorts from Bomber Gear are ideal. At first glance these look like…
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Sanborn Canoe
Sanborn Canoe's Minnesota Paddle - Gear Review
It's no secret that we love hand made wood canoe paddles. There is just something primal about moving your way through the water with a carved piece of wood that can't be replicated by plastic, aluminum or carbon fiber. The artists/woodworkers at Sanborn Canoe understand that connection better than most. What they bring to a canoe paddle simply can'…
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Paddling
Sawbill Canoe Outfitters - Review
Still haven't made a trip up to the Boundary Waters (BWCA) this year??? What's stopping you? If you are looking for a way to "start off in the shallow end of the pool" I have a perfect solution for you. Sawbill Canoe Outfitters has a set-up unlike anything I have seen in the BWCA. My experiences in the BWCA up to this year have always been gre…
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Paddling
Necky Rip 12 Kayak - Holiday Gift Guide Review
Looking to go all out this Holiday Season? Have a need to get back a few "brownie points" from misdeeds over the last year? I think I have the answer. Blurring the lines between recreational and touring kayaks, the new Rip 12 from Necky is both comfy and responsive. If that person on you list is a relative newbie to kayaking, but is loving it, this is …
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Paddling
Cocoon's Tropic Traveler Sleeping Bag - Gear Review
Minnesota may be know for its painfully cold and seemingly endless winters, but we also have a few short months of beautiful summer. In stark contrast to our frigid sub-zero temps in January, our July and August months prove to be hot and humid. This summer, temps in the 90's and humidity in the 80+% range were common. Sleeping outside, under the stars, was go…
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Paddling
Clif Climber Pouch Wines - Review
Several years ago, taking the suggestion of a friend, I decided to bring a box of wine with me into the woods for an extended camping trip. This came after many years of choking down luke warm beers and cocktails. It is nearly impossible to keep anything cold for more than a few days in the summer heat. I have long been a fan of red wine, and substituting it as my…
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Paddling
ENO OneLink Shelter System - Gear Review
I have truly been converted. Unless I am camping with the family and need to share a tent, I am officially a hammock camper. The idea of swaying in the breeze, staring up at the stars in pure comfort is just too perfect to pass up. What prevented me from going this route years ago is pretty simple. Mother Nature can be cruel, and being completely exposed to the e…
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Sanborn Canoe
Sanborn Canoe's "Unnamed" Paddle - Gear Review
The guys over at Sanborn Canoe keep proving that they truly understand both paddling and wood-working. Several weeks back the delivery guy handed me a box from Winona, MN. Inside was a beautiful wooden bent-shaft paddle and a note from Zak at Sanborn Canoe. In my hands was a paddle so fresh off the design table that it didn't even have a name yet and I got to …
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Paddling
Outdoor Research Equinox Shorts - Gear Review
I literally took the tags off the Equinox Shorts from Outdoor Research the day before our BWCA trip back in June. I did try them on to make sure they fit before I packed them, but I was going to give them a real evaluation in the woods. Temps in the 80's and 90's, in and out of the water, inevitable rain showers and miles and miles of portages all make for a…
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Paddling
Harmony Vapor Bent Paddle - Gear Review
I have had the privilege of testing out many of the top paddles on the market and nothing compares to a wooden paddle. The feel and performance can not be replicated by new-age materials. However, if done correctly, blending in modern technology is not a bad way to go. The Vapor Bent Shaft paddle from Harmony marries Cedar wood with Carbon Fiber and Fiber Glass…
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Paddling
GU Energy Labs - Gear Review
Traditionally my idea of energy food has been trail mix and granola bars, mainly because the "quick energy snacks" I have tried in the past taste terrible. Usually you get a medicine like flavor with a gritty texture, tolerable I suppose if you are 20 miles into a marathon, but not my first choice. Well, the people over at GU Energy Labs must have had th…
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Paddling
Frost River Grand Portage Pack - Gear Review
When you are looking for gear that will stand the test of time, it often pays to look around and see what has survived from "the good ole days". Wooden paddles, cast iron cookware and canvas canoe packs have all been around for a LONG time, and odds are they will be in the future. If you want a pack your grand kids will use one day, Frost River makes som…
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