OV Blog

Knowing what to bring when planning a thru-hike like the AT can be daunting.  Not only do you need gear that's light enough to carry for months, but you also need it to last for...

Ultralight backpacking could be considered by some to be a fairly affordable hobby... But getting the best performance gear for backcountry experiences is NOT.  So what sort of gifts can you give to an ultralight...

Ever since March of 2020, there has been a boom of interest in getting outside more to enjoy time in Mother Nature. The most effective way to have a great experience outdoors is having the...

Shopping for ultralight backpackers means you've got to know what performance gear & technologies to look for.  Any clunky or heavy sleeping bag from a big box retail store just won't do. Here we highlight...

As backpackers, we need a collection of clothing that functions as tools to allow us to remain active in the backcountry as long as we want, in any season.

By utilizing an Adaptive Performance Clothing or Layering System, we will have the right collection of clothing that will keep our bodies performing optimally in the inevitable changing conditions like weather, terrain, and strenuousness of the journey.

Some clothing in the Kinetic collection will be worn more frequently and for more time than any other piece in a layering system.

That's part of why its so important to understand how these clothing items work!

The protective collection's purpose is to reduce or prevent heat loss from evaporative cooling and convection, and provide protection from insects.

Of the natural elements we need to guard against, precipitation and wind are among those that can reduce our body temperature to unsafe levels the fastest.

The clothing pieces in the Static Collection are worn when we’re stationary, not active.

Any time we stop throughout the day for more than a few minutes would be considered a static situation.

Static insulation in the collection should keep us warm and prevent heat loss when we’re not active, and it can also supplement our sleep system to increase its insulative value.

Trekking pole tents have been growing in popularity, but there are 3 MAJOR myths surrounding them that we need to talk about.  If you've been considering a trekking pole, it's likely that these myths have been...

Everyone loves rain jackets & staying dry. But what you may not realize is that there are 3 HIGHLY important elements of a good rain jacket that lead either to a great rain jacket or a...

One of the WORST things to ruin a backpacking trip is getting cold feet. Unfortunately it happens all too often.  The thing is, if backpackers knew just a few little secrets/tips, they could totally avoid the...