GearDaddy’s Top 10 Things for Spring

As a person who did not come from means, I feel crazy blessed to test quality gear for a living. Since 2018, brands have sent me products to test with the hope that I would one day find room for said products in coverage. Sometimes, brands invite me to test gear with other writers in-person on epic adventures, and in many ways, gear testing brought my writing dream job to life.

I love putting gear through its paces, and I want to continue writing about this important subject in a way that serves readers with integrity. Thankfully, Katie and Kestrel were on board when I asked if we could create a Gear section in our print quarterly edition.

Continue reading to learn more, written by Nicole Qualtieri.

IMESASISHWA MWISHO

April 15, 2025

Imeandikwa na
Mwandishi wa Blogu ya Picha

Nicole Qualtieri

Editor-in-Chief

Editor-in-Chief & Co-Founder of Substack bestseller — The Westrn // Award-winning outdoor writer & editor // Bylines: Outside Magazine, USA Today, Men's Journal, & many more

Chunguza Maudhui Zaidi

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

A favorite of ultralight hikers, backpackers, bikers, and travelers, the Sawyer Squeeze filter is the gold standard in water filters for anyone concerned about weight and universal compatibility.

Scott Gilbertson
Senior Writer and Reviewer

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

In the morning before getting to the park, I applied insect repellent (Picaridin lotion by Sawyer).

Julie, Earth Trekkers
Author and Photographer

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

A Sawyer Squeeze water filtration system that blows any other system out of the — say it with me — water.

Rachel Dunkel
Freeland Writer