Hey there! I’m Chaney – the gear enthusiast behind The Gear Stash, and I’ve got a story to share about why I spend my days testing outdoor gear in Colorado’s amazing backyard.

Picture this: I’m halfway up Arrowhead Mountain on a winter trail run, my feet are cold and soaking wet, and I’m slipping around like a rookie on ice skates. Later that day, while searching for winter running shoes that could actually handle these snowy conditions, I hit a wall. There weren’t any real, honest reviews of the shoes I was looking to purchase. That’s when The Gear Stash was born – because I figured if I was struggling to find reliable gear reviews, others probably were too.

From BMX Tracks to Mountain Peaks

My gear testing journey didn’t start in Colorado, though. It kicked off in Alabama, where I spent my childhood racing BMX bikes and exploring the Appalachian Mountains with my dad. Those early days of tweaking bike parts in our garage and learning the hard way which hiking gear could handle the Appalachians laid the foundation for my obsession with quality outdoor equipment.

Everything changed when my dad brought home a Ross Mt. Hood mountain bike in the mid-80s. If you’re too young to remember, this was when mountain biking was just taking off, and that bike? It completely changed my world. Suddenly, every trail became an opportunity for adventure.

Finding Home in Colorado’s Outdoor Playground

Fast forward to 1994, and there I was, heading to Barnett’s Bicycle Institute in Colorado Springs Looking to learn bicycle maintenance from the best. I came for the bike mechanics certification but fell in love with Colorado when I tried snowboarding for the first time. While Alabama and the Appalachians will always hold a special place in my heart, Colorado offered an unlimited playground for testing gear and pushing my limits.

Real-World Gear Testing in Colorado’s Backyard

Now, I call Vail home, and it’s the perfect base camp for testing outdoor gear. One day I’m shredding trails in Fruita, the next I’m loading up the van with my kids to hit the slopes in Breckenridge, or heading out to explore the technical terrain around Salida and Durango. And let’s not forget about those weekend trips to Moab UT – because sometimes you need that desert riding fix.

What makes Colorado perfect for gear testing? It’s the weather. In the Winter, you might get powder days, ice sheets, or spring slush, sometimes all in the same week. And spring cycling? Pack for both a polar expedition and a beach day, because that’s just how we roll in the Rockies. Summer’s are filled with long days of sunshine and the afternoon thunderstorm you can set your watch to. Fall is – in my opinion – the best time of the year, cool days, beautiful foliage and the makings of the ultimate testing ground.

How I Test Gear (No Lab Coats Required)

My testing process? It’s pretty straightforward – I use the gear like you would. Whether I’m testing mountain bikes, e-bikes, gravel bikes, ski equipment, trail running shoes, hiking gear, camping gear, backpacking products or paddleboards, everything gets put through real-world conditions. I take detailed notes about what works, what doesn’t, and what could be better. Because let’s be honest – there’s no such thing as perfect gear, just the right gear for your needs.

Why I Do This

What gets me excited is helping you find the right gear for your adventures. Whether you’re planning your first mountain bike purchase or looking to upgrade your ski setup, I want to give you the honest, detailed info you need to make smart choices.

Let’s Talk Gear

The best part about running The Gear Stash is connecting with other outdoor enthusiasts. Got questions about gear? Wondering how something performs in specific conditions? Looking for honest advice about what to buy? That’s exactly why I’m here.

Remember that frustrating day searching for winter running shoe reviews? I’m making sure you won’t have the same experience. Because when you have the right gear, you can focus on what really matters – enjoying the incredible outdoors.

Drop me a line anytime – I’d love to hear about your gear questions and adventures. After all, the outdoor community is what makes this all worthwhile.

Welcome to The Gear Stash! Praise The Awesome!