The person behind the reviews
I’m Brandon, and I spend most of my free time outside.
TrailCache is where I write down what gear actually worked — so the friends who kept asking me (and now you) get a straight answer.
It started as a personal site. Friends kept asking what worked, and writing it down was easier than answering the same questions over and over. The reviews here are based on gear I’ve actually used; where I haven’t used something, I say so and rank it on specs, materials, and how it stacks up against what I reach for. Nothing here is sponsored — the affiliate links just cover hosting.
Where I’ve been
Grand TetonYellowstoneAcatenangoNew HampshireThe NortheastPacific NorthwestAlaskaCherry Springs
What TrailCache is built on
No sponsored content
Brands don’t pay to be featured. Every pick comes from personal use or thorough research — and when I haven’t used something, I say so clearly.
Every price range
Not every hiker has $500 for a sleeping bag. Reviews cover budget, mid-range, and premium, because good gear exists at every tier.
All experience levels
Second overnight or third thru-hike, the goal is the same: the information you need to make a confident decision.
Affiliate transparency
If you buy through a link, the site earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. That’s how it stays independent — no brand deals, no sponsored posts.