It's become a monthly tradition around here to answer the question:

Is this stuff Overrated, Underrated or is it Properly Rated?

Where our resident gear expert, Justin Housman, rules FOR ALL TIME on the status of some specific pieces or categories of gear. A ruling that cannot be undone!

On this edition, compiled with the help of emails we've received from our G&B listeners, Justin and Colin judge snowshoes, Solo Stove, and the category of stuff that is Made In The USA.

And when it comes to this weeks beer pairing, our Gear & Beer certified beer expert (that would be Justin) wanted to pair the perfect winter or holiday beer with today's gear. So Colin went out and found one that he thinks could Stump our Cicerone.

Did it work? Was Justin stumped? Are these gear items Over, Under, or Properly Rated? You need to listen to find out.

Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

• Fuel Goods
• Outdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief Fund
• GoFundMe for Bubba O'Learys
• Western North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource Guide
• East Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

Please follow and subscribe to Gear & Beer and give us a 5 star rating wherever you get your podcasts.

Gear & Beer is part of the Rock Fight podcast network. Be sure to check out THE ROCK FIGHT for the best outdoor industry commentary on Apple or Spotify.

Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

Have a question you want answered on Gear & Beer? Send your feedback and suggestions to myrockfight@gmail.com or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

Thanks for listening! Gear & Beer is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

How many headlamps have you owned that you actually remember? For a super fun and functional piece of outdoor gear, the headlamp has been largely unremarkable... until now!

Today on Gear & Beer, Justin and Colin talk all about the voice controlled Coast RL35R headlamp!

They discuss their personal experiences with headlamps and emphasize how this particular model stands out not just for its functionality but also for its convenience during outdoor activities.

The conversation touches on the practicality of using voice commands to switch the light on and off, making it a game-changer for nighttime adventures. Alongside their gear discussion, the hosts also share their opinions on the importance of branding and naming in the outdoor industry, noting how product names can impact consumer perception. In short: outdoor brands largely need to do a better job naming their stuff!

And because you can't have Gear without the Beer, will Colin finally stump the Cicerone with the beer he brought to today's episode? Listen to find out!

Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

• Fuel Goods
• Outdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief Fund
• GoFundMe for Bubba O'Learys
• Western North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource Guide
• East Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

Please follow and subscribe to Gear & Beer and give us a 5 star rating wherever you get your podcasts.

Gear & Beer is part of the Rock Fight podcast network. Be sure to check out THE ROCK FIGHT for the best outdoor industry commentary on Apple or Spotify.

Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

Have a question you want answered on Gear & Beer? Send your feedback and suggestions to myrockfight@gmail.com or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

Thanks for listening! Gear & Beer is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

$300 for a pair of trail running shoes?! That can't be right... can it?

This episode of Gear and Beer delves into the world of high-end trail running shoes, specifically focusing on the Norda and Speedland brands. Justin and Colin discuss the significant price tags of these shoes, with both models reaching up to $300, and explore whether the investment is justified based on performance and longevity.

The conversation highlights the innovative use of materials like Dyneema and ingredient brand outsoles from Vibram and Michelin while emphasizing the shoes durability and lightweight qualities.

Justin & Colin also talk about how running shoes as a category are the most disposable items produced by the outdoor industry.

All this plus STUMP THE CICERONE where certified beer expert Justin has to guess the beer that Colin brought to the show. Can Justin make it another week and remain undefeated? Listen to find out!

Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

• Fuel Goods
• Outdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief Fund
• GoFundMe for Bubba O'Learys
• Western North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource Guide
• East Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

Please follow and subscribe to Gear & Beer and give us a 5 star rating wherever you get your podcasts.

Gear & Beer is part of the Rock Fight podcast network. Be sure to check out THE ROCK FIGHT for the best outdoor industry commentary on Apple or Spotify.

Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

Have a question you want answered on Gear & Beer? Send your feedback and suggestions to myrockfight@gmail.com or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

Thanks for listening! Gear & Beer is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.