All of us at the Adirondack Explorer love the outdoors. If you can’t find us in the office, we’re likely out hiking, paddling, biking, trail running, skiing, snowshoeing, or climbing. Over the years, we’ve tried a lot of gear. We created this blog to post reviews of the stuff we like (and a few things we don’t)
Recent Gear Reviews
An app for the Adirondack High Peaks
December 29, 2011You and a friend finally reach the summit of Gothics, take in the glorious view, and begin to wonder what the names are of all the peaks around you. So your friend whips out an iPhone and starts tapping the screen. Is he calling the local forest ranger for answers? Not if he has installed...
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A few words about ‘The Climbing Dictionary’
December 12, 2011I’m a Johnny-climb-lately. After moving to the Adirondacks, I spent most of my outdoors time hiking, backcountry skiing, or paddling. I had no interest in rock climbing—until I finally tried it a few years back. I quickly discovered there’s a lot to learn apart from the techniques of...
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OR shirt a good base layer for skiers
December 2, 2011For backcountry ski trips, I usually wear three tops: a base layer for wicking away perspiration, a fleece jacket for insulation, and a shell for keeping out moisture and wind. (I also carry a down jacket in my pack.) As I warm up, I remove layers as needed. When I first started skiing, I...
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Review of La Sportiva Karakorum boots
November 14, 2011A few years ago, I was asked to test a pair of La Sportiva Karakorum boots. They’re cool-looking boots, but they struck me at first as...
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Native Hardtops Sunglasses
November 4, 2011By Susan Bibeau I am the first to admit that I am not the most delicate girl when it comes to outdoor pursuits, and there are few...
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Outdoor Research Sombrero
November 4, 2011By Susan Bibeau I have learned the hard way over the years to heed my mother’s advice and “stay out of the sun!” A beautiful sunny day spent paddling without the proper protection will often guarantee a miserable evening tending to singed flesh. Having said this, I will admit...
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Madshus Epoch backcountry skis
November 4, 2011One day in early April, when the temperature climbed into the forties, people were walking around Saranac Lake in T-shirts, dreaming of summer. It was perfect weather for testing a new pair of skis. Sue Bibeau, the designer for the Adirondack Explorer, and I did a round trip to Klondike Notch...
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Review of Kahtoola Microspikes
November 4, 2011If you do much hiking in early winter or spring, consider investing in a pair of Microspikes. They’re ideal for traveling on trails covered in hard-packed snow and ice. In the shoulder seasons, the trails often lack enough snow for snowshoes but are too slippery for plain boots. In such...
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