The Industry Outsider Archives: Reviews and Guides Since 2007

  • Taking A Strolle With Dr. Scholl’s Shoes

    Don’t confuse Dr. Scholl’s Shoes with Dr. Scholl’s, the footcare company. While the latter is still making orthotics for your grandma, and wart remover…

  • Stuffitts Revisited

    It’s been nearly two years since my review of Stuffitts Shoe Savers. In that time, they’ve been hard at work developing new products. At…

  • Create A Holiday Tradition With Jacob Bromwell

    In 1946, the second world war was winding down, and Nat King Cole recorded what would become one of the most famous holiday songs…

  • Eureka! Dualis Sleeping Pad Review

    First, a little disclaimer: A neighbor, a veteran camper and Scoutmaster, did the actual testing here, and this review is based off of our…

  • New Flashlights From Coast

    Although we obviously won’t be sending any staff to AAPEX, (the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo) one of the companies that we’ve recently covered will…

  • Winter Riding Gear: The Basics of Base Layers

    Base layers are the perhaps the most functional pieces of your entire cycling wardrobe.  Choosing the right base layer means being able to wear…

  • Introducing The Solio Bolt – Portable Solar Power For USB Devices

    The Solio Bolt may be the perfect traveling companion for your portable electronics that are charged via a USB port. With two multi-crystalline photovoltaic…

  • Gift Ideas From Brooks-Range

    It’s November 1st, time to start thinking about the skiing season, or holiday shopping. If you or someone you love enjoys playing hard in…

  • The 18″ SOGfari Machete – Michael Myers Approved

    Machetes are one of the more useful edged tools in the world. They have cleared brush, and blazed trails, have chopped wood, made shelters,…

  • New Products From Exotac

    Some new goodies coming soon from Exotac: polySTRIKER and polySTRIKER XL Reflecting their efforts to keep production here in the US, Exotac has these…

  • Ogres Are Like Onions. As A Roadie Riding Outdoors In The Cold, You Should Be Too

    As Shrek was finally able to convince Donkey, Ogres are like onions, because they both have layers.  What you see on the outside is…

  • For Those Who Like To Get Wet and Dirty

    Personal electronics are pretty much always with us these days, even when enjoying the outdoors. If it’s not a smart phone loaded with maps…

  • Hey Sasquatch, We’ve Got Something For You!

    Pride and passion are part of what makes cycling such a beautiful sport.  From professional athletes pushing their body‘s limits to weekend warriors out…

  • Lowa Tyro GTX Mid Hiking Boots

    If you’re a hiker, then you understand the importance of quality footwear. Whether you’re out for an afternoon or a couple of days, comfort…

  • Mountainsmith Trekking Poles

    No review of trekking poles would be complete without the current offerings from  Mountainsmith. Priced from just under $40 for the pair, their Rhyolite 6061…

  • GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Dualist Cookware

    GSI Outdoors is known worldwide for their high quality, innovative camping products. Whether you’re hiking out to nowhere and back, or camping right out…

  • Helinox Featherlite Trekking Poles

    To understand one of the main advantages of the Helinox line of trekking poles, we first have to look  to DAC, producer of tent…

  • Tech4o – Technology For The Outdoors

    Tech4o offers electronics that help monitor your fitness to improve the quality of each workout, or just track your progress. They’re currently having a…

  • SABRE Red Personal Safety Sprays

    For the month of October, we’ve been working to spotlight companies that have supported breast cancer awareness and research. With their donations  reaching $100,000…

  • How ‘Bout Them Bears?

    Last month, my daughter had her first encounter with a bear in the nearby mountains. While her friend’s dog made it clear that their…