Camping, hiking, fishing, and gear that gets the family off the couch and into the wild.
Getting outside with my kid is a priority — even when it means more gear, more planning, and way more snacks than I thought possible. I test outdoor gear on real trips, not in the backyard. If it can handle a weekend with a toddler in tow, it can handle most things.
Both, but most reviews involve at least one trip with my kid. Family-tested gear is held to a higher standard — it has to be simple enough to set up when tired and durable enough to survive curious hands.
What kind of outdoor activities do you cover?
Camping, hiking, fishing, and general outdoor adventure. I lean toward accessible outdoor activities — the kind that are actually doable with young kids, not technical mountaineering expeditions.
How do you handle gear that is expensive to test?
I buy what I can, borrow when I can't, and disclose when something was provided for review. Provided gear gets the same scrutiny as purchased gear — sometimes more.
Do you do backpacking or only car camping?
Primarily car camping right now — realistic with a toddler. I will cover backpacking more as my kid gets older and the logistics get simpler.
How do you rate gear for beginners vs. experienced outdoorspeople?
I note the learning curve for each product and recommend based on how often you actually get out. Expensive technical gear is rarely the right call for occasional outdoor families.
