CimAlp Helium Sunglasses Review

In the spring I received the CimAlp Helium sunglasses for testing. CimAlp is especially known for producing high-quality hiking and mountaineering apparel but they do also manufacture various accessories such as trekking poles, water reservoirs and sunglasses. I only had good experience with CimAlp apparel (see the Gear Tests section) and thus I was speculating…

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CimAlp Helium Sunglasses: The frame is wide to provide good coverage

Why you should use a via ferrata set with tear-out webbing?

If you are into via ferrata trails, you probably know that via ferrata sets utilize either tear-out webbing or a friction metal plate as an energy absorber/braking mechanism. The energy absorber is what makes a potential fall more tolerable as it stops the fall gradually rather than abruptly, and thus prevents fatal injuries. Even a…

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Why you should use a via ferrata set with tear-out webbing? On the left via ferrata set with tear-out webbing and on the right an old via ferrata set with friction metal plate

Kammok Firebelly Trail Quilt Review

Last year, we got in touch with the American brand Kammok which is known for producing top-notch sleeping gear for backpacking. They were so nice to let us test their Mantis Hammock Tent and Firebelly quilt in return for unbiased reviews. Before getting the Kammok Firebely quilt, I had been using a traditional sleeping bag…

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Kammok Firebelly Trail Quilt Review

Isobaa Men’s Merino Boxers Review

When it comes to hiking, a pair of good underwear makes a big difference in terms of comfort. So, when we got activewear from the British brand Isobaa for testing in the beginning of the year, I was happy to see that they also included Merino underwear. Isobaa specializes in activewear made of Merino wool….

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Isobaa Men’s Merino Boxers Review

CimAlp Merino Wool Socks Review

In the beginning of 2020, we received hiking gear from the French outdoor brand CimAlp for testing. When we opened the package, we were happy to see that they also included socks. Both me and my girlfriend received a pair of their Merino wool socks which are labelled as extra warm on their website. That…

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CimAlp Merino Socks Review

Petzl Sirocco Climbing Helmet Review

Last year in the summer, I decided to upgrade my via ferrata gear and one of the things I bought was a brand-new Petzl Sirocco climbing helmet. Before buying the Petzl Sirocco helmet, I was using a hardshell climbing helmet which didn’t have any serious flaws but was kind of heavy and thus not particularly…

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Petzl Sirocco Climbing Helmet Review

Isobaa Merino Liner Gloves Review

In the beginning of the year, I unwrapped the Isobaa Merino liner gloves which the company had sent me for testing in return for an unbiased review. The timing for testing the gloves was perfect because the temperatures in January and February were often below zero. Therefore, I was wearing the Isobaa gloves under a…

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Isobaa Merino Liner Gloves Review

Velika Planina Trail – Hiking the Alps

Velika Planina is a big pasture plateau in the Kamnik Alps in Slovenia which is very popular for hiking due to its stunning views, pristine nature and authentic wooden huts. The huts were used by shepherds in the old times but nowadays some of them are rented to tourists, hikers and others who would…

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Velika Planina Trail: View on the Kamnik Alps from the plateau

BioLite Headlamp 200 Review

Several months ago, we got in touch with the Brooklyn-based company called BioLite. BioLite produces various accessories for backpacking, hiking and other outdoor activities. Their offer includes backpacking stoves, solar chargers, headlamps and more. They offered us a sample of their brand-new Headlamp 200 for testing in return for an unbiased review. As usually, I…

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BioLite Headlamp 200 Review

CimAlp Laos 4 Hiking Pants Review

In the beginning of 2020, I received CimAlp Laos 4 pants for testing. CimAlp is a French brand which specializes in outdoor clothing and gear for mountain enthusiasts. I first got to know the company last year when I tested and reviewed their Primaloft jacket. As I was and still am really satisfied with that…

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CimAlp Laos Hiking Pants Review