Ethan Caldwell

After logging 2,400 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail and testing 23 different ultralight backpacks over three years, I can tell you this: the wrong pack will ruin your thru-hike before you hit mile 100. Your best ultralight backpack for thru hiking isn’t just about shaving ounces. It is about finding the sweet spot between … Read more

After testing dozens of women’s backpacking packs over three seasons and 400+ miles on trails from the Appalachians to the Cascades, I can tell you that fit matters more than features. The best backpacking backpacks for women aren’t just smaller versions of men’s packs. They’re engineered with shorter torso lengths, S-curve shoulder straps that accommodate … Read more

The best hiking shoes for flat feet are designed with enhanced arch support, firm midsoles (20+ HA durometer), stiff heel counters, and wide toe boxes to control overpronation and provide stability on trails. Our team tested 14 top-rated hiking shoes over 3 months on varied terrain to find options that actually work for flat-footed hikers. … Read more

I switched from hiking boots to trail runners five years ago on a 12-mile day hike in the Sierra Nevadas, and I have never looked back. My feet were cooler, my legs felt fresher at the end, and I actually enjoyed the descent instead of dreading every step. If you are here, you are probably … Read more

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, affecting millions of Americans each year. When you combine this condition with the demands of hiking on uneven terrain, steep inclines, and long distances, finding the right footwear becomes critical. The best hiking boots for plantar fasciitis need to provide exceptional arch support, … Read more

If you have wide feet, you already know the frustration. You lace up a pair of hiking boots that looked perfect online, take three steps on the trail, and feel your toes pressing hard against the sides. I have been there more times than I can count. After years of squeezing into standard-width boots and … Read more

I learned my lesson about dry bags the hard way during a 4-day paddle through the Boundary Waters. My “waterproof” roll-top bag failed spectacularly when I capsized in a Class II rapid, and everything inside – my sleeping bag, extra clothes, and phone – ended up soaked. That $15 bag cost me hundreds in ruined … Read more

Stand up paddle boarding is one of the fastest-growing water sports in America, offering a unique blend of fitness, relaxation, and connection with nature. Whether you are cruising on a calm lake, catching waves at the beach, or practicing yoga on your board, having the right personal flotation device (PFD) is not just a legal … Read more

I have tested dozens of SUP paddles over the past three seasons, from cheap aluminum shafts that came bundled with inflatable boards to full carbon fiber race paddles costing over $300. The difference a quality paddle makes is immediate and dramatic. After logging over 200 hours on the water with various setups, I can tell … Read more

I’ve spent the last few years chasing fish from every possible platform – kayaks, boats, canoes, you name it. But after talking to anglers on forums and trying it myself, I’m convinced that paddle boards offer something special. One reddit user put it perfectly: “I’ve been fly fishing for ~15 years and have fished from … Read more