Periodically, companies ask me to test their new fitness or hiking/backpacking products. As you might expect, some are fine, but nothing special; some are total duds and a handful are real gems.
Here are some items I’ve recently tried on my hiking and camping trips and have deemed top quality.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links (among regular links) to products I own and like, or which I think you might like. This means that, at no extra cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Duracell 2000 Lumen Tri-Power Lantern
I’ve tried a gazillion lights and lanterns over the years, and this Duracell lantern is the best by far – and for many reasons. First, it’s solar-powered with a back-up battery; you can use the built-in rechargeable one or four D-cell batteries.
We’ve set it in a sunny spot in our car or in our campsite, then left for a full day of hiking. Even though the sun obviously moved during the day, so the lantern wasn’t always in the sun, the lantern always provided plenty of light that evening and never ran out of its solar power. I turned it on just now, after it’s been sitting in our basement for more than a month, and it still provides light! It also has three light modes.
In addition, the lantern base has in/out USB ports, so you can use it to charge your phone or other devices. It’s also very lightweight (1.9 lbs.). I’ve purchased more than one lantern that has proven quite heavy and tall, negating its usefulness. This one is neither.
Final plus: it’s a very affordable $30. I highly recommend giving it a try.
Chargel Instant Energy Gel Drink
As a long-time marathoner and ultramarathoner, I’ve tried my share of Gu-type energy gels, which have the consistency of melty peanut butter. They’ve been fine. But I’ve never sampled anything quite like the Chargel Instant Energy Gel Drinks.
The consistency of these gel drinks is like half-set Jell-O – a chunky liquid. Those with texture issues might have a problem with this. The gels come in a variety of good flavors, such as strawberry, white grape and apple, and pack 180 calories in a 6.35-ounce pouch. They’re also caffeine-free. The lack of caffeine could be a problem for those who want it in their energy gels.
I tried these gels on a recent month-long backpacking trip on the Continental Divide Trail. The downside was the pouch size and weight – bulky and heavy. However, on some difficult stretches of trail, where I wasn’t eating or drinking as much as I should have been, they were perfect. They delivered both the calories and liquid needed, and in a very handy package with little mess.
I’ll be run-walking the Marine Corps Marathon in October 2024, and plan to try them there as well. For now, if the size and weight aren’t an issue – say, for a day-hike or slow marathon – I’d give them a thumbs-up. Where size and weight are factors, such as a multiple-day backpacking trip, I’d probably pass.
Ekrin Bantam Mini Massage Gun
As an active person with various ailments (bad back, tight hamstrings, etc.), I’ve long used massage as an effective tool, whether via an in-person session or using aids like a foam roller or “The Stick.” I tried mechanical devices in the past, but they never measured up. Until I tried the Ekrin Bantam Mini Massage Gun.
This massage gun has a chargeable battery, so no cords in the way. It’s not too big or small, has three speeds and comes with four heads, so you can better target various areas of your body and different muscle groups.
While this isn’t something I’d take on a backpacking trip, due to its size and weight, it’s perfect for use after a day-hike or workout. It’s also great any time you have a tight or sore spot. And while it’s not cheap – about $150 – it’s also not that expensive, either, especially given that it’s a quality piece of equipment. Two thumbs up!
KUHL “The One” Shell
I’ve used many hiking or running raincoats over the years, and all have been just O.K. If they fit well, I haven’t been able to layer underneath. If I buy a larger size, they’re too big and bulky. Worst of 
all, the hoods never stay on, no matter the fastening device.
I brought this KÜHL shell during a month-long trek along the Continental Divide Trail, where there was an abnormal amount of rain. So I used it often. And it was nearly perfect.
First, it achieved that rare combination of being roomy without being bulky. It’s made of an amazingly soft, flexible fabric, not the typical rather stiff raincoat material. THE HOOD STAYED ON! It also has good pockets and vents, and was very easy to stuff into my backpack when not needed.
There are only two drawbacks to this coat. One is that the zipper is finicky, sometimes taking me several tries to zip. However, I’m assuming this is just an issue with the particular coat I received, and not indicative of a problem with the entire line. (I’ve experienced this with other coats, and it’s always been one specific coat.) Second is the price: $329. That’s a lot to pay for a raincoat. However, raincoats last a long time, and this is a top-quality piece of outerwear. I say it’s worth the price.
