Disclaimer:
None of these items were sponsored or gifted. I personally purchased and tested each one, which is why I recommend them. I am not an Amazon affiliate.
Products I Trust
Field-Tested Gear from the Trails of California, to the dirt roads of Baja, Mexico!
If you’re like me—out on the trails every week in Southern California, or on your next great roadtrip—you know that having the right gear can make or break your hike or trip. From hot canyon walks in the San Fernando Valley to shaded forest routes in the Angeles National Forest, and rugged dirt roads in Baja, Mexico, I’ve field-tested every item listed on this page through real use, not brand deals.
This isn’t a list of affiliate links or sponsored picks. These are products I’ve bought with my own money, used in all kinds of conditions, and now recommend to fellow hikers, campers, and adventurers. You’ll find everything from filming gear, to hiking favorite pants to lightweight camp gear and car essentials.
FILMING GEAR
Waterproof Camera
This is an older model, but still works great! I plan on upgrading to an Osmo Action 3 or 4 soon anyways
Amazon
Female 3.5mm TRRS Mic Adapter
Seamlessly connect your microphone to a 3.5mm TRRS (4-Pole) male output jack directly to the Lightning port on your iPhone. I use this with my Deity Mic.
Amazon
DJI Mini 2 Fly More Combo
At less than 249 g, it weighs about as much as an apple and fits in the palm of your hand. compact and convenient, this small drone is your ideal travel companion, transforming how you capture your favorite memories.
Amazon
Deity V-Mic D4 Mini Microphone
Ultra Lightweight. 20mph Wind Rating. Includes: Microphone, Deadcat, TRS Camera Cable, TRRS Phone Cable, Shockmount.
Amazon
Monopod
Collapses down to a very compact 16.75” and weighs just .59 LBS. Fits neatly into a carry-on or a tote bag and is lightweight enough to stow away in a backpack on a hike with no regrets. Includes carry pouch.
Amazon
Xenvo Flexible Tripod
Lightweight, flexible and compact design that packs a punch with unshakable strength and stability.Includes solid metal Ball-Head 360 to allow for endless possibilities when positioning your phone on the SquidGrip flexible phone tripod.
Amazon
ULANZI Metal Mount
Whole-body durable metal design. One standard 1/4" screw hole and two cold shoe mounts
Amazon
Sliding Camera Cover Case
This iPhone 14 Pro case provides full-protection for the camera lens thanks to the camera cover and the 2.7mm raised bezel edge. The camera cover features grooved track for a smoother sliding experience.
Amazon
iPhone 14 Pro 256GB
I bought mine new. But you can get a really good deal on a Certified Refurbished one from Apple, with the same specs as mine (I'm not affiliated with them)
Apple Store
CAMPING GEAR
Ice Maker
Makes bullet-shaped ice cubes in just 6 to 10 minutes. Ideal for running of my Jackery when camping in remote areas with no access to stores.
Amazon
Adjustable Poles
Set of 2, Assembled length of one pole is 75 inches. Each Section is 15 inches long, 0.6 inches diameter.
Amazon
Trifold 6″ Memory Foam Mattress
This 6" tri-fold mattress is constructed of 1.5" of 3lb luxurious memory foam over a 4.5" supportive foam base for a great sleep experience.
Amazon
Shower/Toilet
No assembly required, fast setup or fold down. Rust-proof steel frame, comes w/4 stakes and supporting ropes. Dimensions: 47.2x47.2x74.8 inches unfolded, and 22.4x22.4x1.2 folded. Weighs only 5.5lbs
Amazon
Compact Folding Chairs
This very compact camping chair has only 2 pieces. They easily align and securely fit together using elastic cords and connecting loops, making seat attachment effortless. They are also very lightweight, but super sturdy!
Amazon
Fileting Table
Ideal for cleaning fish/prepping food. Folding legs enable easy transport and storage. Sloped drain allows water to run down one end and drain out. Dimensions - 37"H, 44"W, 24"D
Amazon
Folding Table
Sturdy aluminum slat top that rolls up for compact storage. Strong steel frame. Dimensions: 27.6 x 27.6 x 27.6 in
Amazon
LED USB Lantern
Fitted with 46 LED light bulbs to deliver an extremely high 1800 lumens.
Amazon
Rechargeable Headlight
Long Press Function and Motion Sensor. Maximum brightness of 1200 lumens. Powerful 1500mAh built-in rechargeable battery. Lasts 4-10 hours when fully charged.
Amazon
Water Container
Rigid, 7-gallon water container. Spigot cap is reversible for safe storage and transport. Screw-on vent.
Amazon
USB Water Pump
Made of high-quality plastic that does not contain BPA. Includes food-grade silicone hose and 304 stainless steel water outlet pipe. Comes with a 1200 mAh rechargeable battery and USB charging cable.
Amazon
Water Bottle
Double wall vacuum insulation keeps cold for 48 hours and hot 24 hours.
Amazon
Cooler 30qt
Ours is an older model that we bought at Costco years ago, but it is basically the same as this one.
Amazon
Cooler 120qt
Ours is an older model that we bought at Costco years ago, but it is basically the same as this one.
Amazon
Stove Windscreen
Has 10 removable plates to fit different stove sizes. High quality aluminum alloy. Unfold size: 32.7"x9.5"/ Pack size: 9.5"x3.3"x0.5"
Amazon
Dual Fuel Camp Stove
Engineered to work seamlessly with both standard 8oz butane cylinders and 16.4oz propane cylinders.
Amazon
Tactical Backpack
Ultra strong, water-resistant and stitched with reinforced nylon threads. Has 3 main multi-compartment and dual zippered closure pockets including interior zip pocket and mesh pocket for more storage options.
Amazon
Walkie-Talkie
Midland- T51VP3 X-TALKER Spotting and Recovery Walkie-Talkie Long Range - FRS Two Way Radio for kids Caravanning with NOAA Weather Scan + Alert, 38 Privacy Codes - Black/Orange - 2 Pack
Amazon
Jackery Explorer 1000
The power station can be fully charged with 2 Jackery SolarSaga 100W solar panels (sold separately) within 6 hrs or only 5.5 hrs via AC wall outlet charging. Ideal for your camping or family emergency storage.
Amazon
CAR GEAR
Tow Strap Heavy Duty
Recovery Strap 3" X 20' 18,000 LB Break Strength Rope Winch Strap with 2 Hook. Precision Machined Steel Bolts. Compact, convenient easy to use.
Amazon
Tire Deflator
Rapidly deflates tires for maximum off road traction. Instant locking, push-to-lock nozzle provides a fast, secure connection to your tire valve. Reliable pressure readings up to 60 PSI. Accessories includes a protective storage pouch, valve tool, and 4 pcs valve cores.
Amazon
AstroAI Tire Inflator
Programmable Inflation. Lightweight and compact design. Digital accurate readouts and 4 pressure units to choose from. Backlit screen and a flashlight.
Amazon
300W Power Inverter
Provides 300 Watts continuous DC to AC power and 700 Watts instantaneous power. Has two 110V AC outlets and 2 USB charging ports
Amazon
NOCO Jump Starter
Safely jump start a dead battery in seconds with this compact, yet powerful, 1000-amp lithium battery jump starter
Amazon
Elastic Window Shades
Made out of durable, stretchable nylon mesh. Provides privacy blackout with UV protection. Stays in the exterior area of the window frame, so you can still roll the windows up and down.
Amazon
4RUNNER SPECIFIC
Awning
The Awning offers up to 53.82 square feet of protection from sun, rain, or snow, with adjustable telescopic height (4-7 feet) and durable construction from anodized aluminum and combed cotton canvas.
Amazon
In channel Rain Guards/Visors
INCLUDES: 4 PCS Rain Guards,12pcs clips,Crowbar 1pcs,78inch double-sided tape and installation instruction
Amazon
Backrest Mat
Patented design, high-quality TPE material, anti-slip and anti-scratch protection, faster installation with Velcro design, 100% waterproof designPatented design, high-quality TPE material, anti-slip and anti-scratch protection, faster installation with Velcro design, 100% waterproof design
Amazon
Pocket Inserts Kit
Like miniature rubber "floor mats", Custom-fit inserts will cover all the pockets of your 4Runner interior including cup holders, door pockets, and center console.
Amazon
Center Console Organizer
Provides extra storage space to organize your wallet, sunglasses, coins, or cell phone, etc. With it, things inside no longer become cluttered.
Amazon
Glove Box Organizer
Maximize the storage and organization in your Toyota 4runner glove box
Amazon
APPAREL
Hiking Boots
Well-padded collar and tongue. Removable, soft foam innersoles. Shock absorbent midsoles. Made from suede leather and breathable mesh. KingTex waterproof membrane.
Amazon
Hat
UV protection at its best, Omni-Shade materials block UVA and UVB rays to help prevent sunburns and long-term skin damage.
Amazon
Hiking Socks
85% cotton, 12% polyester, 3% spandex. Terry-loop cushioning throughout the entire foot. The medium thickness helps reduce the friction.
Amazon
Hiking Pants
Love the hiking pants I wear in so many of my videos? Now you can grab one for yourself—order yours today!
Amazon
Hiking Capri Pants
Love the hiking capri pants I wear in so many of my videos? Now you can grab one for yourself—order yours today!
Amazon
Hoodie
Love the hoodies I wear in so many of my videos? Now you can grab one for yourself—order yours today!
Amazon
“Pine Trees” T-Shirt
Love the t-shirt I wear in so many of my videos? Now you can grab one for yourself—order yours today!
Amazon
“Hiking Awaits” T-Shirt
Love the t-shirt I wear in so many of my videos? Now you can grab one for yourself—order yours today!
Amazon
“Adventure Awaits” T-Shirt
Love the t-shirt I wear in so many of my videos? Now you can grab one for yourself—order yours today!
Amazon
UPF 50+ T-Shirt
UPF 50+ Sun Protection. Quick-Drying and Lightweight fabric with excellent moisture-wicking and breathability.
Amazon
FISHING GEAR
Vehicle Rod Carrier
Holds up to 5 rods and reels in place and keeps them up and out of the way. Attaches to handlebars, no drilling or screwing needed.
Amazon
Fishing Rod Straps
Soft neoprene material, anti-slip and scratches. Guide slot design can fix the belt end. Length: 9.6"/24.5cm, Width: 1.4"/3.5cm, Thickness: 0.2"/0.5cm
Amazon
Collapsible Buckets
Collapsible Buckets with Handle 5 Gallon.
Amazon
Pliers
7 inch fishing pliers made from corrosion resistant 420 stainless steel and coated with a tough Polymer coating for added protection.
Amazon
Poppers (3 Pack)
Reflective design will glitter as it moves through the water. The red eyes reflect in all directions. Stainless steel wire throughout the lure. Inner weighted body so casting distance is assisted.
Amazon
2oz Crocodile Spoons (12 pack)
Narrow minnow shape. MUSTAD 3561D-DT 3X strong 1/0 treble hook. Chrome Plated with Silver Prism.
Amazon
KastKing Braided Fishing Line
Colorfast properties. High abrasion resistance reduces the likelihood of fraying, damage, or breakage. Low memory properties so line stays supple and flexible.
Amazon
Saltwater Spinning Reel
Thick main shaft, stainless ball bearings, and a carbon fiber drag system with 15kg/33LB drag.
Amazon
Fishing Gloves
Rated UPF 50+. 3/4 fingerless design keeps your hands cool and fingers free. Made of 4-way stretch breathable fabric with good sweat-wicking performance.
Amazon
Why These Products Made the Cut
I’ve hiked and road-tripped hundreds of miles across California and Baja, and over time, I’ve learned what works and what breaks down too quickly. I only feature products that:
- Hold up over time on desert and mountain terrain
- Are lightweight and practical for hikers and solo campers
- Offer great value and performance—not just hype
- I’d buy again without hesitation
Every product listed is one I continue to use, and many have appeared in my videos or blog posts.
Gear You’ll Actually Use
When it comes to outdoor gear, minimal and multi functional is key—especially if you hike solo or boondock in remote areas. Here’s what you’ll find in my products section:
- Trail-tested footwear that grips dry, rocky slopes
- Hydration systems that survive long, hot SoCal hikes
- Compact cook kits for roadside or trail meals
- Headlamps and lanterns that last through the night
- Lightweight layers and sun protection gear
- Backpacks that balance comfort with durability
Real Reviews from Real Use
Unlike affiliate websites that list the “top 10” based on trends, I offer honest feedback based on experience. I’m not influenced by freebies or commissions. That’s why you won’t find Amazon links or “sponsored” language here—just real-world results from someone who lives and breathes the outdoors. My goal is to help you find products that won’t leave you frustrated, uncomfortable, or unprepared when you’re miles from the trailhead or home.
I update the list regularly as I test new equipment and cycle through different environments—from hot desert hikes to high-elevation pine forests, and rugged dirt roads.
Want to recommend gear? CONTACT ME!