Gear Trade

You pull on your hiking boots used last weekend, and within minutes, that familiar funk hits.  That smell isn't just dirt - it's bacteria and fungus that built up over every trail, every stream crossing, and every sweaty climb.  Left untreated, those microorganisms break down the lining, cause skin infections, and make your boots basically unwearable. Here's exactly how to fix that. What Actually Lives Inside Your Boots? The inside of your hiking boots is basically a petri dish. When your feet sweat, they release up to a pint of moisture per day according to the American Podiatric Medical Association.  That warm, damp environment is perfect for bacteria like Staphylococcus and fungi like Trichophyton - the same fungus responsible for athlete's foot. Here's a quick breakdown of what's likely living in your boots after heavy use: Microorganism What It Causes How It Spreads Trichophyton (fungus) Athlete's foot, nail fungus Direct skin contact Staphylococcus...

If you've ever soaked through regular hiking pants on a wet trail or torn them on a rocky scramble, you already know the problem. Columbia grt pants were built to fix exactly that. The fabric technology, water resistance, and abrasion testing behind these pants are genuinely different from what you get with standard hiking gear - and the numbers back it up. How the Fabric Technology Actually Works GRT pants use a woven nylon-based construction that's fundamentally different from standard polyester hiking pants. Most regular hiking pants use lightweight polyester or nylon blends that prioritize breathability over durability. GRT pants, on the other hand, use a tightly woven grid-reinforced textile - that's what "GRT" stands for. The grid structure adds strength at the weave level, so the fabric resists tearing without adding bulk. The weight difference is notable too. Standard hiking pants typically range from 150–200 gsm (grams per square meter). GRT fabric sits ...

You bought the tent, the sleeping bag, the trekking poles. Used them a handful of times. Now they're sitting in your garage collecting dust. Sound familiar? Good news: there are plenty of ways to get that gear out of your house and into someone else's hands. Whether you want cash or just want it gone, here's a breakdown of your best options. Online Marketplaces If you want to reach the most buyers, start online. GearTrade is one of the most popular spots for outdoor gear specifically. People there are already looking for used outdoor equipment, so you're not trying to convince anyone. You can list your camping equipment for sale and connect with buyers who actually know what they're looking at. Facebook Marketplace works great too, especially for bulky items like tents or camp chairs that you'd rather not ship. You can meet locally and skip the hassle of packaging. eBay is worth considering for gear with a well-known brand name. Buyers search by brand there,...

When you're shopping for men's bouldering shoes , the downturn angle matters more than most climbers realize.  Pick the wrong angle and you'll struggle on your project, waste energy, or end up with screaming feet after 20 minutes. Here's what actually works for different wall angles. How Does Downturn Angle Change Your Climbing? The downturn angle is the curve built into your shoe from heel to toe. More curve means more power on your big toe , which helps when you're hanging off tiny holds on steep walls.  Less curve keeps your foot flatter, which you need for balance on vertical or low-angle terrain. Most shoes fall between 0° (completely flat) and 25° (aggressively curved). You don't need the most extreme option unless you're climbing at an advanced level. What Angle Works for Steep Overhangs? For roofs and steep overhangs (anything past 30° from vertical), you want 10° to 20° of downturn . This range puts your weight over your toes and lets you hook holds...