Im tied between getting either an Osprey Aether 65 or the Atmos AG 65.
Right now REI is having a sale so the Aether is $277 while the Atmos AG is $377.
My question is if the AG system is worth spending the extra $100 or not.
Hi everyone,
I’m traveling from Germany to Canada soon and want to use the opportunity to pick up some outdoor, survival, and EDC (everyday carry) gear.
In Europe, US/Canadian brands are often heavily marked up due to import fees, and some specific items are flat-out impossible to get here. I’m looking for recommendations across the board—from small budget items to high-end gear.
To give you an idea of what I mean:
Small EDC items: Is it easy to find classic Altoids tins for DIY survival kits in standard grocery stores? Are there specific small tools or fire-starting gear you swear by?
Multitools & Knives: Brand like Leatherman or specific North American knife brands (especially fixed blades suitable for the bush). Are they significantly cheaper over there?
Apparel & Sleep Systems: Tech clothing, heavy-duty wool/winter gear, or specific sleep gear that holds up to the Canadian wilderness but isn't widely distributed in Europe (or is way too expensive there).
Where to shop: Should I hit up MEC (Mountain Equipment Company), local surplus stores, or specific online retailers?
What are the "must-buys" that a European outdoor enthusiast should look out for while in Canada?
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Does anyone have a pair of the Bedrock Rockhound Flip Flops and if so, would they recommend them?
I’m looking to replace my Chaco flip flops and my main concern is that the Bedrock’s will collect dead skin, sweat, and dirt in the footbed like the Chacos do, is this the case?
I was going to buy an interjacket and in only a few days it went up during father's day and then up again almost 200%, now its almost the same as a TNF or Patagonia one, and I checked other models and all are up, what happened? all models went up, some just 50% but still.
I've been trying to find a compact umbrella that can live in my backpack without taking up half the space, but I also want decent UV protection. A lot of the rain gears I've looked at claim to do both, but the reviews are all over the place. Full disclosure, I have a family history of skin cancer.
I picked up one a few months ago after reading a bunch of recommendations here on reddit, and while it handled rain just fine, I still felt the heat coming through while walking my dog. Kinda disappointing considering it wasn't exactly cheap.
Now I'm debating whether the higher-rated options are actually worth it or if the UV claims are mostly hype. It’s hard to know if I’m being too sensitive or this is a genuine concern, cos it sure bothers me. Would appreciate recommendations available on Alibaba or other similar popular platforms.
Hey everyone, been trying to nail down a good rain jacket for hiking and backpacking trips and honestly the options are overwhelming. I've been looking at a few different shells in the $200400 range and I can't tell anymore if I'm paying for real performance or just a brand name.
My main use case is day hikes and weekend trips where weather can change fast. I need something that breathes reasonably well on the uphill but actually keeps me dry when a real storm rolls in, not just a light drizzle. I've had cheaper jackets that soaked through after an hour and more expensive ones that felt like wearing a sauna bag.
A few specific things I'd love input on from people with real field time: how does the DWR coating hold up after a season or two of regular use? Is it worth spending extra for a 3layer construction over a 2.5layer for three season hiking? And are there any brands outside the usual big names that have genuinely impressed you?
Not looking for ultralight packraft racing gear, just something practical that fits in a daypack without taking up half the space. Any recommendations or things you wish you'd known before buying would be really appreciated.