Backpacks
John's first backpack is now a museum piece. Sandra went through a parade of packs before settling on an Zpacks Arc Blast. Here's what we carry and why.
Big Agnes Cabin Creek double
For a couple of backpackers that want to share a sleeping bag, the Big Agnes Cabin Creek turns out to be an economical but bulky solution.
Columbia Omni-Freeze Zero T-shirt
John trail-tests the Columbia Omni-Freeze Zero T-shirt after being introduced to the new fabric by a Columbia rep at the grand opening of REI Jacksonville.
Dirty Girl Gaiters
If it's tick season, or if it's going to be wet and muddy, we break out our Dirty Girl Gaiters. Here's why we don't leave home with this piece of gear.
Hiking Boots For Florida?
This question keeps popping up: what are the best hiking boots? John explains how, through trial by trail, he figured out what works for him. His advice? Keep trying.
Jetboil Stoves
After trying an array of camp stoves over the years, from Whisperlite to Zip and Esbit, I found the Jetboil. Now I feel comfortable cooking in the woods again.
Keen Targhee II Hiking Boots
My primary boot for backpacking in Florida is the Keen Targhee II hiking boot. They are waterproof - which means they're good anywhere but in a deep swamp - and provide excellent ankle support. They look sharp enough for a wedding, too.
Lightheart Gear Tents
A fan of lightweight backpacking tents (not tarps) since they first became available, my favorites are those produced by Lightheart Gear. We have two. Here's why
LightStar LED Flashlight
Before we left for the AT, I gave John a few pieces of gear to test for us, which were sent along for my inspection by the manufacturer. Here’s one that we used while backpacking in Florida but it didn’t make the cut for our AT hike – we …
Merrell Moab Ventilator Hiking Boots
In Florida, you need to worry about your feet getting wet when you hike. Often. My Merrell Moab Ventilator mid hiking boots are my go-to pair for whenever we are headed out on day hikes.
Mountain House
Can freeze-dried backpacker food make a decent meal on the trail? We try out a Mountain House gluten-free bacon & eggs for lunch on the Florida Trail to find out.
Sawyer Micro Squeeze Field Test
On a field test along a long stretch of the Florida Coast to Coast Trail with no potable water sources, the Sawyer Micro Squeeze proves itself a worthy backup plan