Scott Ray

So I own two Watershed Colorado bags (and quite a few of the other Watershed models too). Watershed bags are without a doubt, the driest bags out there, but what I love about the Colorado is it's size. Many river trips (unless it's your own private trip) will only allow you to bring 1 dry bag that is roughly 6500 cubic inches or less. This bag is 6400 cu inches...PERFECT. Two of them seem to fit perfectly side to side across a raft as well and the HUGE D-rings are the best I've seen for strapping the bags to the frame. The durability of Watershed bags are second to none as well. So often I have a piece of gear where I say "I wish they would have done...to this, and it would have been perfect". Not with the Colorado. This bag is PERFECT.

I have a 70 lb lab mix and he loves this thing. It packs down small and is really light weight. Because it has synthetic insulation in it, even when he goes and lays down in a creek on hot days, it wrings out really well and dries fast. It's the perfect pad when we're hiking and I even take it with us on day hikes. I was also worried that his nails would rip through the fabric, but so far so good...seems surprisingly durable for the weight.

The Zing is one of those pieces of gear that might take a minute to pull the trigger on, but once you have it you wonder how you ever went this long without one. Unless I'm on an actual multi-day backpacking trip, the Zing is with me. It's perfect to set up over the kitchen to keep the rain or sun off. We camp a lot in the desert and the Zing really makes a difference when escaping the sun isn't always easy. The zing also stands up to wind really well...a lot better than the 'ole cheap big box tarp tied to a tree method...plus, with the zing you don't even need trees to set it up. The only negative I can say is that I wish I would have bought one 20 years ago...

Consistent with the other Hydro Flask bottles I have, the Growler is a AWESOME. It will seriously keep my beverage (i.e. BEER) cold all day...and probably longer if I ever didn't drink all of it. Not sure about the other review, but my lid doesn't leak at all and I'm not exactly gentle on the bottle. The durability and insulation of the Growler is super unique and it works. If you have a need for a Growler, look no further...

Whether you need a propane tank for your car camping stove, your stove on raft trips, or just your grill at home, these tanks are hands down the best. You can see the level of propane in the tank so you don't run out unexpectedly. It won't rust like those metal ones either and it's super lite. I really like how it doesn't have any sharp edges either (like the metal ones sometimes do) so I don't worry when I strap it to my raft frame or toss it in my drop bag. Highly recommended.

I've always been one of those skeptical people who doesn't believe when "claims" are made about insulated bottles. This bottle ACTUALLY keeps ice at least all day, even in the hot sun. It'll probably keep ice even longer, I just always drink it all before the day is up. The quality of the bottle is also the best I've ever seen...especially around the mouth of the bottle. Easily the best bottle I've ever used. I would definitely recommend a Hydro Flask bottle to anyone.

Watershed makes the most durable and driest dry bags...period. If you've ever opened your "other" brand drybag and found droplets of water in it, or found that you had to double bag your "other" brand drybags, then look no further. You'll never have to worry about your stuff getting wet again. I bought one before a Grand Canyon trip and I was the only one that never had even 1 droplet of water getting in my bag. The durability is unmatched as well. I liked it so much that I now own a total of 6 Watershed drybags of different sizes. The Ocoee is nice because it's small enough to fit in the stern of my kayak, but I can still fit everything I need for a day on the river in it. If you need a "dry" bag, then go with Watershed...you won't be disappointed.

I've been wearing the Green Jacket for a few years now and it's the best PFD I've ever owned. It has become the standard for anyone wanting a solid rescue vest...as one can see by the amount of people wearing it on the river. I love the way the Astral throw rope fits in the front of the vest and how easily accessible it is. It's design also allows for freedom of movement so I even wear it when I'm play-boating. It's expensive, but worth every single penny.

It would be great if I had dreads or a lot of hair...but unfortunately I don't. I really like the hat itself, if only it was half the size. So, if you have a lot of hair or a big head...go for it, you'll love it...if you don't, I'd probably shy away.