Ethan Caldwell

I have been hiking with handheld GPS units for over six years now, and I can tell you firsthand that nothing matches the reliability of a dedicated satellite navigator when you are miles from the nearest cell tower. Whether you are navigating an unfamiliar ridge line in dense fog or bushwhacking through off-trail terrain, having … Read more

Picture this: you are a mile deep in backcountry elk country, the morning fog is rolling through the pines, and your buddy spots a massive bull moving through a clearing on the opposite ridge. Without cell service for miles, the only way to coordinate your move is a reliable two-way radio. That scenario plays out … Read more

When you are three days deep into the backcountry and your phone shows zero bars, a satellite messenger becomes the most important piece of gear in your pack. I have spent the past two hiking seasons testing satellite communicators across the Sierra Nevada, the Wind River Range, and sections of the Appalachian Trail, carrying these … Read more

Nothing drains your phone faster than a three-day backpacking trip. Between GPS navigation, trail photos, and checking weather updates, most hikers burn through a full battery before the second night. That is exactly why finding the best portable solar chargers for backpackers matters so much for anyone heading off-grid in . A portable solar charger … Read more

If you have ever paddled back to the ramp against a stiff headwind after eight hours on the water, you already know why kayak anglers are switching to electric motors. The right trolling motor transforms a long, exhausting day into something you can actually enjoy from start to finish. I spent three months testing motors … Read more

Finding a fishing kayak that actually supports a bigger frame is frustrating. Most kayaks on the market max out at 300 pounds of capacity, leaving larger anglers sitting too low in the water, fighting instability with every cast, and wondering if their boat can handle the extra gear weight on top of their own. I … Read more

Ice fishing with a partner is one of the best ways to spend a winter day on the frozen lake. But standing out in the wind and sub-zero temperatures without cover gets old fast. That is where a good two-person ice fishing shelter changes everything. Our team has spent multiple seasons testing pop-up hub shelters … Read more

Saltwater fishing is tough on gear. I learned that the hard way after watching a perfectly good freshwater reel seize up after just two surf fishing trips in Florida. The salt, the sand, the constant spray — it destroys anything not built for the ocean. That is exactly why finding the best fishing reels for … Read more

Finding the right bass rod changes everything about your time on the water. I have spent the last three seasons testing over a dozen rods across lakes, rivers, and ponds, and the difference between a rod that fits your technique and one that fights you is night and day. Whether you are flipping jigs into … Read more

If you have ever watched someone glide silently above the water on an electric hydrofoil and thought “I need to try that,” you are not alone. eFoiling has exploded in popularity over the past few years, and for good reason. It delivers the sensation of flying over water without needing waves, wind, or a tow … Read more