Kristin and I loaded our converted van and headed for a month in Colorado. At first we really didn’t know what to expect from the trip, but we had a few goals to summit peaks, trail run a total of 50 miles, and spend time around the Estes Park area taking photos and rock climbing. Turns out the weather on this trip didn’t really cooperate with us, but in hindsight, my favorite memories from the trip come from hanging in woods making s’mores over the Packfire fire pit at the end of the day, here’s why.

Gear is everywhere and it is hard to know what is “good gear” and what is “bad gear” so, I have paired up with a few gear heads to create a space highlighting the gear we personally tested and liked each week. Our gear recommendations vary widely from kayaks to climbing gear to dog treats, but they all have one thing in common; helping you adventure.

Our goal is to share gear that improves your ability to adventure.

We all know at least one adventurer Dad in our lives who we want to spoil. Luckily, for me, that is my Dad. He’s a big fan of hot rods, not much of a camper, but always down for a hike. While I don’t always get him gifts for Father’s Day, his birthday, or the holidays, when I do he smiles and is grateful. Sometimes that gift is a pair of socks, he often laughs, but I figured it was time to get him something rad and thankfully, with my career as an adventure content creator, I have had the opportunity to test a lot of gifts that Dad’s would like. Heck, if I was a Dad, I would love these gifts! Maybe, I am just selfishly putting together a wishlist? Okay, let’s not go there. Here are epic gifts to give your Dad:

The ISLE Switch Compact is a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and kayak hybrid that promises convenience, portability, and versatility for anyone looking to get out on the water with ease. I recently tested it out on Lake Tahoe with my dog, and here's my honest review of this product.

In the back of my van, you will always find two Big Agnes Big Six camp chairs. They’re simply the best. After countless road trips and nights spent boondocking—including an unforgettable journey through Alaska—these chairs have earned their permanent spot in my gear collection. Every night on the road, as we set up camp and cooked dinner, these chairs were my go-to for comfort and relaxation.

The best gifts don’t have to break the bank, at least that is what we think here at The Adventure Travel Network. To show this, we put together a list of our favorite gifts for 2025 that are all under fifty bucks. These gifts are perfect for birthdays, stockings, or just anytime gifts. One thing is common between all the gifts, they help you adventure!

When I first got my hands on two Oru Kayak Lake, I had little to no kayaking experience. These foldable kayaks instantly reminded me of inflatable stand-up paddleboards because of their portability. They fold down into a compact package that fits in the back of a car, making them perfect for spontaneous adventures. My girlfriend, Kristin, and I decided to load them into our converted van and road trip along Highway 395 to test the Oru Kayak Lake.

I woke up well before the winter sun rose, the sky still cloaked in darkness. My day began by boiling water for my Kahawa 1893 bagged coffee. Yes, you read that right: coffee in a tea bag. It’s simple, mess-free, and surprisingly effective. As the water boiled, I loaded my ski gear into the car. Just in time for the kettle to ring, the car was loaded. Pouring my first cup into my travel mug and enough water into a different thermos for more coffee later. Skiing and coffee have become the ultimate pairing—a ritual that kickstarts my day and keeps me fueled for the slopes. This winter, I discovered the joy of caffeinated skiing adventures with Kahawa 1893’s bagged coffee. It’s not as strange as it sounds, so hear me out.

When I upgraded to a new backcountry ski setup, I faced a problem familiar to many: shuttling gear to and from the car in a haphazard, inefficient way. Enter The North Face Base Camp Gear Box. What started as a general-purpose gear hauler has become my ultimate boot bag, streamlining my ski days into a grab-and-go dream. But there’s more to this gear box than meets the eye, and it’s worth exploring its features and versatility before deciding if it’s right for you.

“Do you look sick, or do I look like a Jerry?” It’s the question I ask myself every time I strap into my backcountry setup for a day at the resort. Early season turns blur the line between style and practicality, and I’m unapologetically in the latter camp. The truth is, I only own backcountry ski gear, so I use it at the resort. Why not just head into the backcountry? Let me explain—but first, here’s a breakdown of my setup.

Rarely do I get to write a review about a product almost two years after purchasing it, but today I have the pleasure of discussing the Benchmade Station Knife. This culinary knife is the ultimate “one-knife quiver” that truly does it all. Two years in, the edge still scares me—it’s that sharp—and I use it daily. From meal prep at home to cooking on the road, this knife has proven itself time and time again.

After eight years of living vanlife and using camp chairs and camp tables almost daily, I can confidently say that the Helinox Table One is one of the most stable and useful camp tables I have ever used. Compact, sturdy, and lightweight, it has become an indispensable part of my setup. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different options, but none have matched the reliability and convenience of this table.

When you’re ready to make the leap from gym climbing or bouldering to outdoor sport climbing, the gear list is surprisingly simple. Sport climbing, especially single-pitch routes, requires less gear compared to other climbing disciplines, making it an accessible next step for climbers. Here’s everything you need to get started, along with some bonus recommendations to enhance your experience.

After a week of climbing in Joshua Tree, my hands were shredded, my skin dry, and my energy low—but I wasn’t ready to leave. Packing up felt premature. I wanted one last night under the stars, away from the crowds and climbing routes. So, I grabbed my daypack, stuffed it with the essentials, and hit the trail.

Joshua Tree’s backcountry makes packing light easy. All I needed was a ground sheet, sleeping pad, my Big Agnes Torchlight sleeping bag, some water, and a quick breakfast. I zipped up my pack, slammed the van door shut, and let the desert guide my footsteps.

When I picked up a pair of the Sonos Ace, my expectations were straightforward. I wanted a solid set of over-ear headphones that could help me drown out distractions while working and deliver high-quality sound for my lazy music-listening days. I didn’t expect them to become my daily companion for just about everything. But here we are, and the Sonos Ace has proven to be far more versatile than I could have imagined, integrating seamlessly into so many aspects of my life that I often forget how limited my previous headphones were in comparison.

We all have that adventurer in our lives who we want to spoil. Maybe it is their birthday, or it’s the holidays, but finding the right gift is always a challenge for those who love the outdoors. So, the editing team at The Adventure Travel Network has come together to create a list of epic gift ideas that you just want to spoil. These gifts are not cheap and that is okay because we are here to spoil that adventurer. Check out this list of crazy gifts:

When I first saw Of A Lifetime pop up on my computer screen, I figured I’d give it a quick watch. Five minutes in, I realized this was no ordinary ski video. This was something special. I paused, headed to my TV, and settled in to experience the full 44 minutes on the biggest screen in my house. It was the best decision I made all week.

When my girlfriend and I planned an ambitious three-day backpacking trip across Desolation Wilderness in Lake Tahoe, I was ready to push myself and test my gear. We aimed to start at Loon Lake and end at Emerald Bay, carrying three days' worth of food and supplies. There was just one caveat—I would be wearing a brand-new pair of Nike ACG Torre Mid boots.

Shopping for that adventurous woman in your life can be a challenge—she’s always seems to be chasing that next trail, slope, or flight. Whether the adventurous woman in your life is conquering summits, chasing powder, or planning her next epic road trip, this gift guide has something for every type of outdoor enthusiast. From hiking essentials to travel must-haves, gear for van life, and gadgets for trail running, we’ve rounded up thoughtful gifts to inspire and fuel her passions.

There’s something magical about cooking on the road—whether it’s a warm meal shared around the campfire or a solo cup of coffee enjoyed in nature’s stillness. A travel kitchen that’s both functional and inviting can make those moments even better. This guide is your go-to for thoughtful gifts that upgrade camp kitchens, from must-have tools to clever gadgets. Perfect for vanlifers, road trippers, and anyone who finds joy in cooking while traveling.