NORTHERN BACKCOUNTRY / FIELD-TESTED EQUIPMENT
Gear I Use & Review
Honest notes on the equipment that comes along for canoe trips, remote campsites, and wilderness adventures across Northeast Appalachia and beyond.
Good gear earns its place in the pack. Here you'll find the equipment I use, what I look for when choosing it, and practical observations from time spent outdoors — not just a list of product specifications.
Explore the gear
Browse by the way you travel. As detailed field reviews are added, this page will become the home for practical recommendations, photos, and trip-tested notes.
Canoeing & paddling →
Boats, paddles, dry storage, and equipment for travel on remote lakes and rivers.
Camping & shelter →
Hammocks, shelters, sleeping systems, and the essentials that make a campsite work.
Clothing & footwear →
Layers, boots, and outdoor clothing chosen for changing conditions and long days outside.
Brands & equipment featured
Hawksnest Hammocks
Hammock camping equipment is part of my outdoor gear coverage. I'm a Hawksnest Hammocks affiliate; dedicated equipment details and firsthand field notes will be added here.
Other equipment in the field
I'll also share notes on footwear, paddling gear, and other products I've used or tested. Where a brand has provided or loaned equipment, that relationship will be identified alongside the relevant review.
How I review gear
- Real use: I focus on how equipment performs on actual outings.
- Useful detail: I aim to explain comfort, practicality, durability, and trade-offs.
- Clear disclosures: Gifted, loaned, and affiliate-supported equipment is identified.
- Independent opinions: Brand relationships do not guarantee positive coverage.
Affiliate & partnership disclosure
Some links on Northern Backcountry may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I may also receive products to test or borrow for trips. These relationships are disclosed in the relevant content, and the views expressed are my own.
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