Category: Gear

Arizona is a unique place of climate extremes that often call for special gear. Get tips on essential gear for the desert and high country.

South Kaibab Trail in Grand Canyon National Park

Gear review: Can Armaskin anti-blister sock liners pass the Grand Canyon test?

I put Armaskin anti-blister sock liners to the test on a 17-mile Rim to River hike in the Grand Canyon. Read on to find out if they passed.

man and woman hiking up a trail in the mountainous Arizona desert

Nobody intends to get lost while hiking but here’s how to prepare in case it happens to you

A pair of hikers spent an unplanned night in Arizona’s Superstition Mountains wilderness area and have some tips to share with other hikers.

Arctic cooling hat review: It really works

Gear review: Does the Arctic Cooling hat really work?

Arctic cooling hat really does keep you cooler. What I like about it: easy to adjust, reflective design reduces heat on your head, very comfortable fit with great ventilation.

Clearly Filtered self-filtering canteen review from the Grand Canyon

Having enough drinkable water can mean life or death when you’re exploring the hot, dry deserts of Arizona. The self-filtering Clearly Filtered canteen can you help you convert almost any water source into drinkable water.

AZ Wonders creator Paul Fiarkoski

Columbia hiking gear review from Phantom Ranch in Grand Canyon

Did you know the same company that makes comfortable, lightweight gear to keep you warm and dry on ski slopes also makes great gear to keep you cool in the desert? I put Columbia gear to the test in triple digit heat on one of America’s most challenging hikes. Find out how it performed.

Sevylor K1 QuickPak kayak review

Come along as I open, assemble, inflate and paddle my new Sevylor© K1 QuickPak™ kayak at Watson Lake in Prescott, AZ and the Verde River near Camp Verde, AZ.

Image of large cylindrical rock feature in center with water wrapping around it

START HERE to explore Arizona Wonders

Arizona is full of exciting adventures. Ready to begin exploring? Scroll down and click around for tips on the most spectacular experiences in the Grand Canyon State.