Category Archives: Gear Reviews

Welcome to the review archive! Here you will find reviews for literally every item we own as well as those that are provided by manufacturers specifically for smackpacker review. We use the following ratings scale to detail the usefulness, quality, weight, and cost/value of the gear reviewed:

Don’t Bother: Not worth your time or money.
Not Bad: Flawed, adequate or average gear that may fit your particular needs.
Recommended: Good stuff we like, with a nitpick or two.
Highly Recommended: Truly excellent equipment. Don’t leave the trailhead without it!

New Gear: GoLite Virga Jacket

Posted on January 19, 2010 by McLovin

Added to my gear list: the 8.5 oz. waterproof/breathable GoLite Virga jacket. Continue reading →

Posted in Gear Reviews | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

REI Arete ASL 2 Tent Review

Posted on January 19, 2010 by McLovin

Review of the REI Arete ASL 2 “all season” 2-person tent + footprint. Continue reading →

Posted in Gear Reviews | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

BPL STIX Mod: Aftermarket Tips

Posted on July 3, 2009 by ploss

Modification of BPL STIX carbon fiber poles with aftermarket tips to increase durability. Continue reading →

Posted in Gear Reviews | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

April 20th

Posted on April 20, 2009 by McLovin

“Review” of the 2009 GoLite Jam2 pack, Simblissity Unslack Pack, and 420 other things Continue reading →

Posted in Gear Reviews | 1 Comment

New Gear: Silnylon Buttless Chaps & Ultralight Poo Shovel

Posted on March 4, 2009 by ploss

Review of Mountain Laurel Designs Silnylon Rain Chaps & a multiuse titanium stake/potty trowel. Continue reading →

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2009 Schleeping Pad Smack-Off

Posted on February 28, 2009 by ploss

Early impressions of the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir sleeping pad Continue reading →

Posted in Gear Reviews | 1 Comment