Gear Reviews
Tested in the wild, not just talked about: our take on the gear we trust trip after trip.
Our backpacking setup, featuring the Nemo Dragonfly 3P tent and a Chinook tarp on Head Lake in Algonquin.
We’ve spent countless hours reading gear specs, scouring forums, watching long YouTube reviews, and comparing the fine print on fabrics and fill weights. Not because we had to—but because that’s the kind of deep dive we actually enjoy (at least until decision fatigue sets in). That’s what led us to build this section of Pack Pedal Plate: to share the gear we ultimately chose after all that research, and how it’s performed for us in the real world.
This isn’t a gear comparison site. We’re not here to write endless top-10 lists or rehash the same face-offs that already flood the internet. Instead, we focus on the specific high-quality gear we’ve personally invested in, used extensively, and can speak about from experience.
What Kind of Gear Do We Review?
Everything we rely on when we’re:
- Backpacking in remote forests
- Car camping at provincial parks
- Paddling and portaging through Ontario’s northern lakes
- Mountain biking through singletrack trails
If it’s gear we count on for comfort, warmth, safety, or just making the experience better—it belongs here.
Why Our Reviews Might Be What You’re Looking For
We’re not experts by profession—but we are passionate, picky, and pragmatic. We’re not chasing trends or sponsorships. When we spend money on gear, we want it to last, to work, and to be worth carrying. We know the research rabbit hole well, and we’re here to be the honest voice we wish we’d found sooner.
What you’ll find in our reviews:
- How gear performs after real-world use—not just a shiny unboxing
- Honest takes on where something excels, and where it falls short
- Photos from the field
- Updates over time, especially if performance changes
If you value well-made gear and want real feedback from people who actually use it—welcome. We’re glad you’re here.
