ZOLEO is one of the newest satellite communicators on the market, and on our big 5 night, 6 day trip to the Alice Toxaway Loop, I knew this was something I wanted to take along and test out. ZOLEO sends and receives messages via the Iridium global satellite network when you are in the backcountry. Using the ZOLEO device itself along with the app (required for use), you can text messages via cellular or Wi-Fi when available - you won't even miss a message if the ZOLEO isn't turned on!

 

Lily Trotters is a women-based compression sock company, made for all athletes and any activity. Most people ask, "Aren't compression socks for old people or for those with medical conditions?" And the answer is no. Here's why you should consider wearing them, especially if you hike and/or run a lot. Compression socks make legs feel refreshed and energized by increasing blood flow from our legs to our heart, raising the blood oxygen level. In short, they minimize leg pain and cramping by reducing swelling in the ankles and feet. Most importantly, they can also help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) - a life threatening blood clot that can occur in the legs.

Cure Hydration is one of the newer electrolyte drink powders on the market, and I'm always on the lookout for new brands to try. In summer, I always carry electrolytes with me for hotter days, when I work really hard and sweat a lot, or am higher up in elevation to prevent elevation sickness. I also enjoy new flavors to get that spitty taste out of my mouth and keep me hydrated when I don't feel like drinking plain water.

We all take selfies - and usually for me, I'm on a hike, climbing, or in my pack raft wanting to take one. But I'm really scared of dropping my phone! So when I discovered the Ultimate Smart Phone Leash, named "Koala", made by Hangtime Gear - I was "attached"!

ROAM Wallets are minimalist wallets designed to get you hands-free while shopping, doing outdoor activities, or simplify your accessories. These ultra slim and ultra light wallets come in several designs, with close to half designed by actual artists. ROAM Wallets are made from an elastic knit, made to hold up to 10 or 15 cards, depending on the size of wallet you get. No more hassling with huge purses, too many stuffed cards in your wallet they fall out, and way lighter and cooler looking to carry around.

Waymark Gear Company, founded and made in SLC, is an Ultralight (UL) backpacking company aimed to offer affordable, custom-made packs for thru-hikers, weekend warriors, or the week-day hiker. Mark Benson, owner, designer, and self-taught sewing extraordinaire, makes packs that are designed to go the extra mile (literally). Waymark Gear Co is a cottage company with a vision of creating frameless packs that allow more freedom, going from bulky and heavy, to comfy and light. Most backpacks with frames weigh in the 4-7 pound range, while going frameless can cut your weight to 1-2 pound per pack. 

"People often ask me, "What's your favorite campground?" That would be like asking a mother to pick her favorite child: it really depends on the day, my mood, and who's asking." - Jeffrey Steadman

Paria Outdoors, based in Denver, Colorado, designs high quality products and offers them at a reasonable cost, so that they are accessible to anyone. They offer a line up of trekking poles, tents, sleeping pads, and accessories to complement your gear. The term "Paria" comes from Paria Canyon in Southwest Utah - a backpackers dream destination! When I was researching the best ultralight poles, the Paria Outdoors Tri-Fold Carbon Cork Trekking Poles were at the top of my list!

Looking for a fun, unique way to hang out while camping? Check out the Air Lounger by Live Infinitely! If you get back pain or just tired of sitting in a regular camp chair and want something different, the Air Lounger provides a way for you to sit or lay down anywhere, land or water. It only takes a few minutes to set up - both adults and kids can enjoy the views and campfire from a cozy spot!

ORCA Coolers are pushing the boundaries of innovation when it comes to insulation. We've all seen different versions of these coolers - durable, extremely well insulated, numerous sizes to choose from, and built to last. You may recognize the names Yeti, R-TIC, and Pelican to name a few, but what about ORCA? ORCA, which stands for Outdoor Recreation Company of America, is the newest company to the insulated cooler world, starting in just 2012. Based in Tennessee, this American-made cooler knocks out all other coolers out of the park. Whether you are looking for a cooler to bring to the park, on road trips, or hunting, you can count on ORCA to keep your food and drinks insulated for up to 10 days outdoors.

We wear base layers when hiking in the cold, why not put a base layer on your camera? Matador has created a unique cover, or base layer, to protect your camera while you are still able to as active in the outdoors as you always have been. No need to shove your camera down your pack anymore - keep the Matador Base Layer on hand, so you can capture that awesome shot at the perfect time without any pack hassle.

It seems every 6-8 months I need to hiking & trail running shoes because I wear out the tread so quickly from my high miles. I had started to see a lot of people wearing Altra Footwear on the trails, so I knew I had to give them a try. Altra's newest style, The King MT, is the company's grippiest shoe yet. I quickly discovered that this Utah brand of footwear really can go the distance while providing comfort and grip. Named for Utah's highest peak, Kings Peak, this shoe is ready to dominate everything from dirt to tough ridges.