I broke my set of Black Diamond ClipWire ski leashes yesterday and had to replace them. While in my favorite local shop I looked around to see what was new in the world of free-heel ski leashes. Here is information, a review, and a comparison of the existing telemark ski leashes on the market today. [Read more →]

On a fine winter day in December of 2004, I purchased a Silverfoot Dog Collar and a Silverfoot 6′ leash for my puppy, K2, after she had outgrown her puppy-size cheap-o collar. I was dismayed at the $13.50 price of the collar and $23.00 price of the leash, but my wife was fascinated by the “fluttercup blue” pattern, believing it would help people reference K2 appropriately as “she.” I had also failed to understand the importance of having a matching collar and leash. Well, fast-forward to now… I no longer have an issue with the price of the collar or leash. The collar and leash have survived 3 years and 3 months of all that mountain-dogs do: running, hiking, skiing, swimming, lounging, pulling, barking… [Read more →]

My name is Bear. I love to explore the outdoors. Almost as much as I love explorations, I love gear. I love to look at gear; I love to touch gear; I love how gear sounds when being used; I occasionally enjoy the taste and/or scent of gear. Outdoors and gear go together… well, like snow and skis, ropes and rocks, or boots and dirt. There are few outdoor adventures that involve humans and require no gear. Here is a sad truth that pertains to the majority of us: gear costs money, money takes work, work takes time; the less time you have, the less you get to explore. I try to make smart gear purchases, so that what I buy serves it’s intended purpose well and lives a long life. When it comes time to replace or purchase new equipment I research it to death. Unfortunately, this research costs me time and ultimately reduces my time outside. I wish that all manufacturers published extensive information, used common measurements and generally offered all the information they know about their products. Most do not. Enter gearwisdom.com. I do my usual research and post the beta on gear that will cut-down your research time and help you make a smarter purchase. Ultimately, you will live a happier life. If you have a requested category to be researched or any other question, drop a comment.