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Hike Bike Paddle Camp Florida with authors Sandra Friend and John Keatley as your guides

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Fakahatchee ferns

Hiking Gear Reviews

Unbiased reviews of hiking gear that we’ve either purchased ourselves or had sent to us for testing in Florida’s unique outdoor conditions.

Testing and reviews of gear for hikers

Columbia Omni-Freeze Zero T-shirt

December 14, 2013    John Keatley

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

April 27, 2013    John Keatley

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?

Merrell Moab Ventilator hiking boots

September 19, 2013    John Keatley

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.

Hydrapak

Hydrapak

July 9, 2016    Sandra Friend

Hydrapak has served us well as an extremely compact day pack and hydration for both hiking and bicycle rides. Whenever one of us wants to “go light,” we pull the Hydrapak from our wall of packs and go.

Keen Targhee II Hiking Boots

Keen Targhee II

September 16, 2015    John Keatley

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.

Merrell Moab Ventilator

December 16, 2013    John Keatley

My old lightweight Hi-tec boots, bought years ago, finally started to wear out. I dug them out of storage earlier this year when I started my Florida Trail trek across Seminole County along the paved bike paths. It was time to give my feet and legs a break from my heavier leather Keens. Slackpacking on …

Merrell Moab Ventilator Hiking Boots

Merrill Moab Ventilator

September 13, 2015    John Keatley

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.

Outdoor Products 20L Amphibian Weather Defense™ Backpack

John and the Outdoor Products 20L Amphibian

July 12, 2015    John Keatley

Keeping water out also means a pack can keep water in. That’s the delightful dual purpose we discovered while testing the Outdoor Products 20L Amphibian Weather Defense™ Backpack in the Florida Keys

Outdoor Products Canyon Weather Defense™ Backpack

Outdoor Products Canyon Weather Defense™ Backpack

July 11, 2015    John Keatley

Testing an Outdoor Products Canyon Weather Defense™ Backpack in foul weather conditions while hiking, we find it stands up to the test of keeping your gear dry.

Tilley Hats

John Keatley Tilley Hat

Gear Reviews for Florida      ( Articles )      

When we met, both of us owned Tilley hats and wore them for most of our outdoor activities. Sandy’s had the same one for years; I’ve gone through several. Here’s why.

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