Gear Reviews Archives - Roads Rivers and Trails

Down vs. Synthetic Outerwear

January 7, 2021 / Will Babb / Backpacking Prep, Gear Reviews

Comparing down versus synthetic insulation in outdoor outerwear

If you ever want to waste an hour of your time, ask a gear junkie about the difference between down and synthetic, sit back, and listen to a monologue about the pros and cons of each. If that doesn’t sound like the best use of your time, spend a few minutes reading the rest of this blog for a brief overview of anything you might need to know. I’ll start off by defining a few things, dispelling a few myths, and sharing some key pieces of information.

Trail Beans: The Best Ways to get Caffeinated in the Backcountry

December 14, 2020 / Brandon Behymer / Backpacking Prep, Gear Reviews

Forward: Brandon, in his other life was a barista at Milford’s Main Cup. Learning the ways of the bean led to his deeper understating of caffeination. Combining his experiences in the backcountry with his passion for coffee has led to his unofficial title of backcountry barista extraordinaire. While we celebrate Brandon’s knowledge of tiny brown split beans we also recognize it for what it is, an addiction. We all pray for Brandon that his strength may overcome his weakness. Here is Brandon’s blog.

Cold Weather Layering Basics

January 15, 2019 / Bryan Wolf / Backpacking Prep, Gear Reviews

A layer system traditionally consists of 4 layers. By layering correctly, we control our body temperature and protection from the elements. Each layer is intended to provide a unique purpose. We combine our layers and accessories to those layers, making changes as often as is necessary to assure that we are sweat free, warm and comfortable moving.

RRT Christmas Wish-list

December 7, 2018 / Ben Shaw / Gear Reviews, Uncategorized

Ho Ho Ho and Merry Christmas to all of you adventure seekers, world travelers, friends and family of RRT, and everyone else out there. Every Christmas these fine folks down at RRT send me their Christmas Wishlist and I can’t help but get giddy over all the gear they’re hoping to get. I can’t get them everything on the list, but I can at least clue you in to some of the things that they want. Who knows, it might give you an idea of what to ask me for yourself…

Saxx Review

October 27, 2018 / Brandon Behymer / Gear Reviews

A shepherd whose sheep are not in pasture is a shepherd in need. Yes, the entire review is a ridiculous analogy about sheep. Want to read more about the world’s most comfortable and protective underwear? Check it out here!

Bedrock Sandal Reviews

October 8, 2018 / Brandon Behymer / Gear Reviews, Uncategorized

Tired of big clunky footwear? Want something that is lightweight and extremely breathable but holds up to the wear and tear of many miles on the trail? Check out the Bedrock sandal. The company is based out of Richmond, California and the sandals are made to order. Yes, that’s right. The sandal you order today takes 2 to 5 days to produce depending on how busy they are. The company was started as a Kickstarter campaign in 2011 and has grown slowly over the past 6 years. Bedrock is also a proud supporter of the 1% for the Planet program.

Gear Review: Black Diamond Momentum Shoes

August 13, 2018 / Will Babb / Gear Reviews

Black Diamond is new to the climbing shoe market, but as with any other piece of equipment I’ve bought from them their shoes have surpassed my hopes. I bought the Momentums as a relatively inexpensive shoe to use day in and day out at the gym and on easier sport routes. For the most part in the coming months you’ll find me crushing routes in the Momentums.

Thru-Hiker Gear List

January 12, 2017 / Eli / Gear Reviews

THRU-HIKE GEAR Here is a list of specific gear that was hand selected by Appalachian Trail thru-hikers keeping weight, durability, and comfort in mind. Keep in mind that every hiker is different and there is no list which can fit the needs and desires of every hiker. This list attempts to cover the essentials items […]

European Backpacking: How to Pack

December 22, 2016 / Kayla McKinney / Gear Reviews

Planning for a big, multi-country backpacking tour of Europe? This is a logistical mess with huge rewards and I highly encourage it. You should be very careful to pack well and intentionally so that you can be a prepared and self-sufficient traveler. It is important to bring a limited amount of necessary items and avoid […]

Gear Review: Outdoor Research Aspire Jacket

October 20, 2016 / Kayla McKinney / Gear Reviews, RRT Adventures

I first purchased my Outdoor Research Aspire jacket in 2014 and have worn it extensively since. I have taken it on many trips, in a wide variety of conditions, and therefore I feel credible enough to give you my review of the jacket! Let’s begin with a quick run down of the facts and features of the jacket:

Roads Rivers and Trails

Gear Reviews

Down vs. Synthetic Outerwear

Trail Beans: The Best Ways to get Caffeinated in the Backcountry

Cold Weather Layering Basics

RRT Christmas Wish-list

Saxx Review

Bedrock Sandal Reviews

Gear Review: Black Diamond Momentum Shoes

Thru-Hiker Gear List

European Backpacking: How to Pack

Gear Review: Outdoor Research Aspire Jacket

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