Thanks to my sponsors!
Astral Designs
Established in 2002, Astral has grown to specialize in high-performance footwear alongside its
industry-leading safety gear for paddlers. Independently owned and operated with a sincere
commitment to making products of the highest performance and style for use in Nature. Astral
is based in the year-round outdoor wonderland of Asheville, NC and has satellite offices in Bend,
OR; Saigon, Vietnam; Ketchum, Idaho; and Nottingham, England. #NatureFirst
Mont-bell
In 1996 while hiking the AT I met a man with gear smaller and lighter than anyone else on trail, the hiker ‘Cloud Walker’ had worked in Japan where he discovered gear made by Mont-bell. Since then I have used their gear on trail as I feel it holds the 3 keys to good backpacking gear; high quality, light weight, and a good value. I am honored to be one of their team and more excited to have one of their stores in Portland, OR
Purple Rain Adventure Skirts
I have been hiking in skirts for years, yes that’s right this big grizzly dude loves a breeze up the skirt as he hikes. Not only are they more airy they also allow for natural movement. My friend Mandy makes these right here in Portland, OR. They are well designed and have great pockets for keeping your sun block, map and compass handy.
Katabatic Gear
Quilts make a big difference in saving weight, when you compress the insulation underneath you your loose your r-value. A quilt is just as warm as a bag but lighter in weight and more functional in warm weather. Katabatic makes the best quilts out there, using high-quality materials and sustainably sourced down. Often referred to as the Rolls Royce of sleeping quilts, check out these sweet US made quilts.
Toaks Outdoor
Like light weight titanium gear? Like a stove with no moving parts to break or fail while in the field? Then check out Toaks, not only is there stuff well made, it’s wicked light and affordable, even for the dirt bag hiker looking to balance weight, durability and Cost. I have been using their alcohol stove for the past few months and it rocks!
Sawyer
Recently I was asked to join the Sawyer ambassador program. Not only do they make incredible products, like bug spray that doesn’t destroy your gear, great sunblock, and the best water filters I have ever used, they also support clean water around the world.
Backpacker’s Pantry
Backpacker’s Pantry manufactures gourmet backpacking food. As outdoor enthusiasts participating in an array of activities, we understand the need to pack light and eat well. We are dedicated to creating dishes that satisfy not only your palate but your nutritional needs as well. Backpacker’s Pantry is dedicated to exploring and preserving the environment. A portion of every sale is given to organizations dedicated to the conservation of our planet.
UGo Bars
Point6
merino mastered
Point6 socks is a Steam Boat Springs, CO based merino wool sock manufacturer, who makes some of the finest socks on the market. Backed by a lifetime warranty these 100% merino wool socks will keep your feet warm in the cold and breathe well on a hot day.
LEKI
Leki makes some of the best hiking poles out there, I have carried their poles ever since my first thru-hike of the AT back in 1996. Today they offer a variety of poles for hiking, skiing, trekking or whatever you like to do on two legs.
Turbopup
TurboPUP is new on the scene, they make the most compact, lightweight, and easy to use dog food for the backcountry. These new bars take up less space in a pack and provide enough nutrition to keep your pup on the go no matter how many miles you might be hiking.
Barker Bag
For years I have struggled with the best way to keep the dog warm at night, both Erwin and Karluk have slept in my sleeping bag or quilt with me. Then came Barker Bags these ingenious bags zip into your bag giving your pup it’s own space and you the added warmth for those “3 dog nights” out on trail.
Ruffwear
Performance Dog Gear– These folks in Bend, OR make the best dog gear out there, period! We use everything from their jackets and packs, to their booties and toys. This gear is well made and enginereed to help your dog get out there with you.