Notorious Outdoor Gear Flops

We love our gear and a lot of us are always looking for the next great piece of gear that will solve a problem, make something easier, weigh less, etc. Outdoor gear manufacturers know this and are always working on new stuff we can't live without. However, with all the new gear that comes out each year, there's going to be a few items that make you ask, "What were they thinking?"

Have you tried any of these?

Glow-in-the-Dark Toilet Paper

This stuff was supposed to help campers find their TP in the dark. Fun idea…except it barely glowed and didn’t really help in midnight bathroom runs. Plus, who really wants to put glowing chemicals there? It was more “novelty gag” than essential gear and quickly disappeared from shelves.

Squat Strap

Following the questionable toilet paper, we have the Crap Strap. This bizarre device promises to make going to the bathroom in the woods easier by strapping you to a tree. In reality, it looked uncomfortable, awkward to use, and the marketing was…eccentric. Nonetheless, this odd item is available from multiple retailers.

Crotch Pot

An actual product, the Crotch Pot is a mesh pouch that hangs inside your pants to “cook” food with your body heat while you hike. Unsurprisingly, slow-cooking oatmeal in your underwear... doesn't sound pleasant —the gear community has been equal parts amused and horrified. However, someone must be using them as the product is still available.

Cheap Carbon Trekking Poles

Some ultralight carbon poles failed spectacularly in real use. Buttons stuck, sections wouldn’t lock, and the poles bent or broke with just a few days of trail use—far from the durability hikers expect. Many reviews warn that these are light on the scale, but likely to leave you stranded with broken gear. This has happened to me coming back down from Bandera, both poles spectacularly splintered and broke.

“All-in-One” Fishing Poles

Compact, multi-section fishing rods for backpackers sounded great—until the tips broke, sections jammed, or they simply didn’t work after light use. Their fragility and questionable usefulness doomed them on the trail and in the market.

Over-Engineered “Luxury” Coolers and Lights

Products like super-heavy, “luxury” coolers or high-lumen camp lights—which cost a fortune, weigh more than a tent, and are overkill for backpacking—often get mocked for being impractical. Some, like the ultra-bulky Lifetime Hard Cooler, are seen as more showy than sensible for real adventure trips.

Wearable Sleeping Bags

A wearable sleeping bag meant for mobile camp lounging: fun in theory, but most find it difficult to sleep well in and awkward for real camping. Although it can be good for couch lounging or perhaps at an outdoor stadium event, these became a short-lived novelty rather than a mainstay for serious hikers.

These oddball products serve as cautionary examples—just because it’s new (or weird) doesn’t mean it works in the wild.

10 Ways to Prevent Backcountry Rescues

Did you know that between just Memorial Day and Independence Day this year (2025), there were 27 backcountry rescue missions? Doesn't sound like a lot until you realize this is a 400% increase for the month of May and a 550% increase for June! What's driving this increase? Search and Rescue teams point to a combination of increased outdoor activity and inexperienced hikers/campers contributing to the spike in search and rescue operations, especially in regions with accessible mountain trails and severe weather conditions.

Most rescues are preventable, stemming from lack of preparation, exceeding abilities, and underestimating environmental challenges.

According to reporting from search & rescue teams and regional news, these rescues most frequently involved:

• Ill-prepared or inexperienced hikers tackling famous but challenging trails (Mailbox Peak, Mount Si, Snow Lake)

• People underestimating trail difficulty and weather conditions—often influenced by social media posts rather than thorough research

• Hikers venturing on treacherous terrain in inadequate footwear/clothing (“flip-flops” and street shoes)

• Failure to carry, or know how to use, the “Ten Essentials” (navigation tools, extra clothing, food/water, first aid, etc.)

• Many rescues were needed after dark or in deteriorating weather—about 26% occur between 8pm and midnight

• Unfamiliarity with route, starting too late in the day, and not informing anyone of plans

• In some cases, careless or reckless decisions (one involved a hiker lost while using drugs)

• Most rescued individuals lived outside the county or were new to backcountry hiking

  
  

So, how do you avoid becoming a news story? Glad you asked.

10 Ways to Prevent Backcountry Rescues:

1. Do Thorough Research: Know your intended route, check current trip reports, trail conditions, and understand the true difficulty of your hike—not just what’s posted on social media.

2. Check the Weather (and Trail Reports): Weather in the Pacific Northwest mountains changes fast. Always check a credible forecast before departure and pay attention to warnings about snow, rain, or storms.

3. Start Early: Begin your hike early in the day to allow ample time for completion in daylight.

4. Carry the Ten Essentials: Bring navigation aids, extra clothing, sufficient food and water, fire starter, first aid kit, headlamp, sun protection, emergency shelter, knife/multi-tool, and a signaling device (like a whistle).

5. Wear Appropriate Footwear and Clothing: Use sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes/boots—never street shoes or flip-flops. Dress in layers suitable for rapidly changing mountain conditions.

6. Know Your Limits: Be realistic—choose trails within your physical and technical abilities, and don’t overestimate your fitness. If you’re inexperienced, start with easier hikes.

7. Tell Someone Your Plan: Always let a responsible person know your exact destination and expected return time.

8. Don’t Go Alone (or Stay Together): Hike with a companion and keep your group together. If solo, carry a locator beacon, and be extra vigilant with preparation.

9. Turn Back if Necessary: If you encounter difficult conditions, unexpected obstacles, or your group is tired—turn around in time. “Summit fever” leads to most accidents.

10. Stay Put if Lost or Injured: If you become disoriented or hurt, don’t keep wandering. Stay put, stay warm, and signal for help—this increases your chance of timely rescue.

Remember, Nature doesn't care if you live or die, and most backcountry rescues could be avoided, by utilizing the one thing we human beings have that has made us the dominant species on this planet, our intelligence. Use it and reduce the risk yourself, other outdoors adventurers and the volunteer rescuers who answer the calls.

Embracing the Challenge: Why Hike and Camp in the Snowy Wilderness

Winter hiking and camping aren't for the faint of heart. With the constant threat of hypothermia, frostbite, freezing temperatures, and the burden of a heavier backpack, it can seem like a daunting endeavor. So, why would anyone willingly subject themselves to these harsh conditions? The answer lies in the unique allure and transformative experiences of winter wilderness. 

The Beauty of Winter Landscapes

One of the most compelling reasons to venture into the snowy wilderness is the sheer beauty of winter landscapes. The blanket of snow transforms familiar trails and campsites into serene wonderlands, offering a stark contrast to their summer counterparts. The tranquility and pristine beauty of snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and mountain peaks create a sense of peace and awe that is hard to find elsewhere.

 Solitude and Serenity

For many, the solitude and serenity of winter camping are unmatched. Popular hiking trails that are crowded in the summer become peaceful retreats in the winter. The absence of large crowds allows for a deeper connection with nature and an opportunity for introspection. This solitude can be incredibly rejuvenating and offers a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The Thrill of the Challenge

Winter camping and hiking present a unique set of challenges that can be incredibly rewarding to overcome. The need for careful planning, skillful navigation, and self-sufficiency adds a layer of adventure and excitement. Successfully managing the risks and difficulties of winter camping can boost confidence and provide a sense of accomplishment that is hard to replicate.

 Wildlife Encounters

Winter offers a unique opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitats. Animals that are elusive in other seasons may leave tracks in the snow, giving clues to their presence. The quietness of winter hikes can also increase the likelihood of encountering animals that are less disturbed by human activity. Bird watchers, in particular, can enjoy sightings of species that are more visible against the snowy backdrop.

 Physical and Mental Health Benefits

Hiking and camping in the winter can be a great way to stay physically active and maintain mental well-being. The cold weather requires the body to work harder to stay warm, burning more calories and providing an excellent workout. The crisp, fresh air and natural surroundings can also help reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall mental health. 

Winter camping opens up a range of activities that are not possible in other seasons. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice climbing, and even building snow shelters (like igloos or quinzees) add a fun and adventurous element to the experience. These activities provide new skills to learn and can make winter camping trips even more memorable.

While the risks of hypothermia, frostbite, and other winter-related challenges are real, (see previous blog post), the rewards of winter hiking and camping are equally compelling. The beauty of the winter landscape, the solitude and serenity, the thrill of overcoming challenges, unique wildlife encounters, health benefits, and winter-specific activities all contribute to the allure of winter wilderness adventures. For those who are prepared and passionate about nature, winter camping offers a unique and fulfilling experience that is well worth the effort.

Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a curious novice, the snowy wilderness awaits with its own special brand of magic. Bundle up, plan well, and embrace the chill—your winter adventure is calling.