It's become a monthly tradition around here to answer the question:

Is this stuff Overrated, Underrated or is it Properly Rated? 

Where our resident gear expert, Justin Housman, rules FOR ALL TIME on the status of some specific pieces or categories of gear. A ruling that cannot be undone!

On this edition, compiled with the help of emails we've received from our G&B listeners, Justin and Colin judge snowshoes, Solo Stove, and the category of stuff that is Made In The USA. 

And when it comes to this weeks beer pairing, our Gear & Beer certified beer expert (that would be Justin) wanted to pair the perfect winter or holiday beer with today's gear.  So Colin went out and found one that he thinks could Stump our Cicerone.

Did it work? Was Justin stumped? Are these gear items Over, Under, or Properly Rated? You need to listen to find out.

Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

• Fuel Goods
• Outdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief Fund
• GoFundMe for Bubba O'Learys
• Western North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource Guide
• East Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

Please follow and subscribe to Gear & Beer and give us a 5 star rating wherever you get your podcasts.

Gear & Beer is part of the Rock Fight podcast network. Be sure to check out THE ROCK FIGHT for the best outdoor industry commentary on Apple or Spotify.

Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

Have a question you want answered on Gear & Beer? Send your feedback and suggestions to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

Thanks for listening! Gear & Beer is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

How many headlamps have you owned that you actually remember? For a super fun and functional piece of outdoor gear, the headlamp has been largely unremarkable... until now!

Today on Gear & Beer, Justin and Colin talk all about the voice controlled Coast RL35R headlamp!

They discuss their personal experiences with headlamps and emphasize how this particular model stands out not just for its functionality but also for its convenience during outdoor activities.

The conversation touches on the practicality of using voice commands to switch the light on and off, making it a game-changer for nighttime adventures. Alongside their gear discussion, the hosts also share their opinions on the importance of branding and naming in the outdoor industry, noting how product names can impact consumer perception. In short: outdoor brands largely need to do a better job naming their stuff!

And because you can't have Gear without the Beer, will Colin finally stump the Cicerone with the beer he brought to today's episode? Listen to find out!

Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

• Fuel Goods
• Outdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief Fund
• GoFundMe for Bubba O'Learys
• Western North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource Guide
• East Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

Please follow and subscribe to Gear & Beer and give us a 5 star rating wherever you get your podcasts.

Gear & Beer is part of the Rock Fight podcast network. Be sure to check out THE ROCK FIGHT for the best outdoor industry commentary on Apple or Spotify.

Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

Have a question you want answered on Gear & Beer? Send your feedback and suggestions to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

Thanks for listening! Gear & Beer is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

$300 for a pair of trail running shoes?! That can't be right... can it?

This episode of Gear and Beer delves into the world of high-end trail running shoes, specifically focusing on the Norda and Speedland brands. Justin and Colin discuss the significant price tags of these shoes, with both models reaching up to $300, and explore whether the investment is justified based on performance and longevity.

The conversation highlights the innovative use of materials like Dyneema and ingredient brand outsoles from Vibram and Michelin while emphasizing the shoes durability and lightweight qualities.

Justin & Colin also talk about how running shoes as a category are the most disposable items produced by the outdoor industry.

All this plus STUMP THE CICERONE where certified beer expert Justin has to guess the beer that Colin brought to the show. Can Justin make it another week and remain undefeated? Listen to find out!

Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

• Fuel Goods
• Outdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief Fund
• GoFundMe for Bubba O'Learys
• Western North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource Guide
• East Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

Please follow and subscribe to Gear & Beer and give us a 5 star rating wherever you get your podcasts.

Gear & Beer is part of the Rock Fight podcast network. Be sure to check out THE ROCK FIGHT for the best outdoor industry commentary on Apple or Spotify.

Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

Have a question you want answered on Gear & Beer? Send your feedback and suggestions to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

Thanks for listening! Gear & Beer is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Do you have a plan for your tires this winter? If not what is wrong with you?!

That's the what most outdoor gear reviews will make you believe in a bevy of tire related articles that get published this time of year. But he truth around what kind of tires you need to get to your outdoor winter adventures is much simpler.

Today on the show Justin and Colin explore various tire options while comparing all-season tires to dedicated winter tires. They also share personal anecdotes and insights from their own experiences in snowy conditions, highlighting that many drivers may not truly need dedicated winter tires and may in fact just want to pick up some chains.

And they also play the first ever round of STUMP THE CICERONE! Can Justin guess which beer Colin paired for this wintry episode? You'll have to listen to Gear & Beer to find out!

Check out video Justin's breakdown of the Nokian nAT here.

Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

• Fuel Goods
• Outdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief Fund
• GoFundMe for Bubba O'Learys
• Western North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource Guide
• East Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

Please follow and subscribe to Gear & Beer and give us a 5 star rating wherever you get your podcasts.

Gear & Beer is part of the Rock Fight podcast network. Be sure to check out THE ROCK FIGHT for the best outdoor industry commentary on Apple or Spotify.

Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

Have a question you want answered on Gear & Beer? Send your feedback and suggestions to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

Thanks for listening! Gear & Beer is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

We are back with a brand new edition of: Overrated?! Underrated?! Or Properly Rated?!

Four-wheel drive, satellite messaging and electric coolers take center stage in this episode of Gear and Beer, where our gear expert and Cicerone, Justin Housman, determines FOR ALL TIME whether these items are overrated, underrated, or properly rated!

Today on the show Colin manages the big board of brands and tees Justin up to makes his final rulings all while sipping on delicious beers.

Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

• Fuel Goods
• Outdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief Fund
• GoFundMe for Bubba O'Learys
• Western North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource Guide
• East Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

Please follow and subscribe to Gear & Beer and give us a 5 star rating wherever you get your podcasts.

Gear & Beer is part of the Rock Fight podcast network. Be sure to check out THE ROCK FIGHT for the best outdoor industry commentary on Apple or Spotify.

Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

Want to see your favorite piece of gear or favorite beer featured on a future episode? Send your feedback and suggestions to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

Thanks for listening! Gear & Beer is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Today on the show we welcome our new women's Gear & Beer correspondents Emily Holland and Angie Marie from Wild Poppy Creative and the Shiny Objects Podcast to discuss two innovative women's outdoor apparel brands, BRANWYN and Seniq.

The conversation dives into the challenges of finding functional, stylish clothing that caters specifically to women's needs in outdoor activities.

Emily and Angie share their experiences testing various products from BRANWYN, who specializes in merino wool underwear and activewear and Seniq a new women's outdoor apparel brand that just launched earlier this year.

And for today's beer pairing our hosts and guests highlight several breweries known for the women who run them.

Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

• Fuel Goods
• Outdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief Fund
• GoFundMe for Bubba O'Learys
• Western North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource Guide
• East Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

Please follow and subscribe to Gear & Beer and give us a 5 star rating wherever you get your podcasts.

Gear & Beer is part of the Rock Fight podcast network. Be sure to check out THE ROCK FIGHT for the best outdoor industry commentary on Apple or Spotify.

Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

Want to see your favorite piece of gear or favorite beer featured on a future episode? Send your feedback and suggestions to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

Thanks for listening! Gear & Beer is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Live from Missoula, MT... it's GEAR & BEER!

Today Colin & Justin dive offer their highlights of the Outdoor Media Summit 'gear speed dating' event. The duo share their top 5 favorite items for the event, including products from Old Town, Passenger, Patagonia, Nemo, and Lowa.

And after bribing the guy at the hotel bar, they were able to pair all of this gear with a couple of Big Sky IPA's from Big Sky Brewing. Because even if they sky didn't look at that much larger outside the hotel window, the boys were still in Montana!

(This episode was produced on location in Missoula, MT. Any weird audio echoes you may here is a result of the haunted hotel room it was recorded in.)

Chapters:

• 01:55 - Outdoor Media Summit Overview
• 02:08 - Speed Dating Gear Event
• 02:25 - Critiquing the Speed Dating Format
• 06:38 - Highlights from the Gear Showcase
• 08:47 - Old Town Canoe Innovation
• 14:27 - Passenger's Sustainable Gear
• 15:39 - Patagonia Waders Review
• 17:23 - Nemo's Eco-Friendly Backpacks
• 20:25 - The Best Chair: Nemo Stargaze
• 22:09 - Lowa Boots and ATX

Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

• Fuel Goods
• GoFundMe for Bubba O'Learys
• Western North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource Guide
• East Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

Please follow and subscribe to Gear & Beer and give us a 5 star rating wherever you get your podcasts.

Gear & Beer is part of the Rock Fight podcast network. Be sure to check out THE ROCK FIGHT for the best outdoor industry commentary on Apple or Spotify.

Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

Want to see your favorite piece of gear or favorite beer featured on a future episode? Send your feedback and suggestions to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

Thanks for listening! Gear & Beer is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

In your mind, build your perfect outdoor kit. You have packs, outer layers, base layers, footwear socks... but do you have your towel?!

Today on Gear & Beer Colin and Justin welcome founder Zack Helminiak to talk about the Original Towel from Nomadix.

They hit on the history of the brand as well as the versatility and functionality of Nomadix towels, which are designed to meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts across various activities, from yoga to camping.

And around here you can't have Gear without the Beer. Which 'dry' options did Colin, Justin & Zack bring to pair with the Original Towel?

Click play to find out.

Chapters:

• 05:17 - The Origin Story of Nomadix Towels
• 12:05 - Cracking open some beer
• 17:13 - The Versatile Uses of Nomadix Towels

Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

• Fuel Goods
• GoFundMe for Bubba O'Learys
• Western North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource Guide
• East Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

Please follow and subscribe to Gear & Beer and give us a 5 star rating wherever you get your podcasts.

Gear & Beer is part of the Rock Fight podcast network. Be sure to check out THE ROCK FIGHT for the best outdoor industry commentary on Apple or Spotify.

Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

Want to see your favorite piece of gear or favorite beer featured on a future episode? Send your feedback and suggestions to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

Thanks for listening! Gear & Beer is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

It's time to craft the perfect surf kit for just about everyone.

Today on Gear & Beer Colin and Justin start the show by talking about how surfboards have evolved to include the venerable foamie! Allowing for more fun and alternative surfing styles to enter the surf conversation. Then they turn their eye to their new favorite piece of gear: Passenger's Waves Recycled Sherpa Lined Changing Robe.

And look folks, Passenger just straight up gets it. Because not only did they send sweet changing robes to test out, they sent... THEIR OWN BEER!

That's right it's the first Gear & Beer where the pairing is from the same brand as today we crack open some Brewgooder/Passenger Made to Roam IPA. A beer so good, it had to be shipped to us illegally (we think) and Justin drank all of his before recording this episode!

Chapters:

• 03:34 - Foamy Surfboards Explained
• 09:00 - The Rise of Soft Top Surfboards
• 15:50 - Cracking Open A Brewgooder Made to Roam IPA (with a special appearance by a Patagonia NA)
• 22:00 - Passenger Waves Recycled Sherpa Lined Changing Robe Review
• 34:01 - Final Sips and Recommendations

Please follow and subscribe to Gear & Beer and give us a 5 star rating wherever you get your podcasts.

Gear & Beer is part of the Rock Fight podcast network. Be sure to check out THE ROCK FIGHT for the best outdoor industry commentary on Apple or Spotify.

Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

Want to see your favorite piece of gear or favorite beer featured on a future episode? Send your feedback and suggestions to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

Thanks for listening! Gear & Beer is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

What are the most important items that you have in your backpacking kit?

Today on Gear & Beer we're going to hear about the top 5 items in all-star author and backpacker Shawnté Salabert's pack.

Shawnté has already spent over 50 nights backpacking this year, while also writing two new books to go with her PCT Guidebook and entry in Campfire Stories: Volume II. And today she joins Colin & Justin to talk about her top 5 favorite backpacking items including some that you probably have not heard of.

Now gluten doesn't get along very well with Shawnté so our resident Cicerone (aka Justin) has paired 2 Glutenbergs and 1 Greens gluten free brews to go with today's gear. Because that's why you come to hang out with us here at Gear & Beer:

To get the pairings that matter most!

Chapters:

• 00:01 - Welcome to Gear and Beer
• 00:10 - Meet the Hosts
• 00:33 - Introducing Our Special Guest
• 01:23 - Housekeeping for Listeners
• 03:40 - The Joys of Backpacking
• 03:20 - Shawnté's Favorite Gear
• 13:33 - The Essential Backpacking Tent
• 19:20 - The Magic of Alpha Direct Fleece
• 23:41 - Water Filtration Innovations
• 31:10 - The Bidet Experience
• 38:49 - Final Sips
• 42:25 - Outro and Closing Remarks

Please follow and subscribe to Gear & Beer and give us a 5 star rating wherever you get your podcasts.

Gear & Beer is part of the Rock Fight podcast network. Be sure to check out THE ROCK FIGHT for the best outdoor industry commentary on Apple or Spotify.

Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

Want to see your favorite piece of gear or favorite beer featured on a future episode? Send your feedback and suggestions to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

Thanks for listening! Gear & Beer is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.