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Gear Review: Topo MTN Racer 3 Shoe (vs Altra Olympus 5)

gear reviews

Topo MTN Racer 3
Gear Review: Topo MTN Racer 3 Shoe (vs Altra Olympus 5)

Gear Review: Topo MTN Racer 3 Shoe (vs Altra Olympus 5)

Lucas Necessary

Reading Time: 5 minutesTopo’s MTN Racer 3 is cheaper than the competition, feels better, has far better durability, and literally outclasses the Altra Olympus in every metric. It’s the perfect hiking shoe for me.

Gear Review: PERFECT Kühl Transcendr Pants

Gear Review: PERFECT Kühl Transcendr Pants

Lucas Necessary

Reading Time: 7 minutesIntroduction Why did I get some Kühl Transcendr pants and bother to post a review of such length? If you’ve read my hiking reviews (a massive ask, to be fair, and potentially a violation of the Geneva Convention if prisoners of war were made to do it), you know that I’m very particular about my pants. I’ve long struggled to find a really, truly good pair of hiking pants. One…

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The KÜHL TEAM™ 1/4 ZIP layered with a Helly Hansen jacket at Grand Targhee.
Gear Review: A Skiing Essential—KÜHL TEAM 1/4 ZIP (Merino Sweater)

Gear Review: A Skiing Essential—KÜHL TEAM 1/4 ZIP (Merino Sweater)

Lucas Necessary

Reading Time: 8 minutesMy go-to midlayer for skiing.

Gear Review: The Joys of Being Soggy—Black Diamond Approach Down Vest

Gear Review: The Joys of Being Soggy—Black Diamond Approach Down Vest

Lucas Necessary

Reading Time: 6 minutesMy wife bought me a Black Diamond Approach Down Vest and I figured that I’d review it. I’ve been using the vest for about 7 months now; this season we skied many hundreds of miles. I’ve used the vest for both nordic and downhill skiing and have worn it regularly to work, so I think that I can now comment honestly on it.

Site Update: Gear Reviews and Ski Reviews

Site Update: Gear Reviews and Ski Reviews

Lucas Necessary

Reading Time: 3 minutesStarting today, I’m going to be investing time into reviewing products (like those pictured below) which have significantly impacted my enjoyment of the outdoors. If you have any ideas about items that might improve my life, please feel free to let me know.

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Hiking and Adventure Map (Work in Progress)

  • NOTE! Zoom in for full list. Some icons at default view contain 5+ hikes when zoomed in. I'm transcribing these hikes in my own order, but if you'd like to see one moved to the top of the review list, just let me know.


Map Symbology:

  • •Blue—Hiking plus kayaking trips
  • •Green—Day hikes; can be done as overnights.
  • •Yellow—Overnight hikes, typically 2 nights.
  • •Red—Long-duration hikes, typically 5+days.
  • •Purple—Camping, international trips; excursions.

The Site and Careers

  • About the Author—Hey, That’s Me!
  • Beginner’s Backpacking Guide
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • Maps
  • My Backpacking Rating System
  • Pressing on the Upward Way
  • Privacy Policy
  • Recent Posts
  • Welcome Home

Top Posts & Pages

  • Rockhounding Locations in WY, MT; UT. (Rough Draft, 05/02/2021 Revision)
  • Kühl Review: Comparing Deceptr, Renegade, Radikl, and Transcendr Pants
  • Review: Hiking (Or Surviving) MacLeod Lake, Gros Ventre Range
  • Review: Black Joe Lake Day Hike, Wind River Range
  • 15 Miles: Bomber Mountain and Off-Trail Traipsing for Trout

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