Tested in North Idaho
Gear Guides for
North Idaho's Outdoors
We paddle the lakes, hike the trails, and fish the rivers of North Idaho's panhandle. Our honest, locally-tested gear recommendations help you get outside with the right equipment.
Gear by Activity
Fishing
Fly rods, waders, and tackle for Idaho's legendary waters
🥾Hiking
Boots, packs, and poles for Panhandle trails
🛶Kayaking
Kayaks, paddles, and PFDs for pristine lakes
⛷️Skiing
Skis, boards, and gear for Schweitzer powder
🦌Hunting
Optics, packs, and clothing for backcountry hunts
⛺Camping
Tents, bags, and cookware for forest overnights
Popular Locations
Coeur d'Alene
9 activitiesCoeur d'Alene sits on the shore of one of the most beautiful lakes in the American West. With 135 miles of shoreline, world-class fishing, and the iconic Tubbs Hill trail system right downtown, it's the outdoor hub of North Idaho.
Sandpoint
10 activitiesSandpoint is a charming mountain town nestled between Lake Pend Oreille and the Selkirk Mountains. Home to Schweitzer Mountain Resort and surrounded by national forest, it offers year-round outdoor recreation in one of Idaho's most scenic settings.
Priest Lake
7 activitiesPriest Lake is a remote, pristine alpine lake surrounded by old-growth cedar forests in Idaho's northern panhandle. The 19-mile-long lake and its upper basin offer some of the most unspoiled wilderness experiences in the lower 48 states.
Hayden Lake
5 activitiesHayden Lake is a peaceful 3,800-acre lake just north of Coeur d'Alene, popular with families and anglers seeking a quieter alternative to its larger neighbor. The clear waters hold bass, perch, and pike, and the surrounding hills offer excellent trail access.
Spirit Lake
6 activitiesSpirit Lake is a small, scenic community on the shores of its namesake lake in Bonner County. The lake offers good fishing and a quieter pace, while nearby Farragut State Park provides hundreds of acres of trails, camping, and waterfront access on Lake Pend Oreille.
Lake Pend Oreille
8 activitiesLake Pend Oreille is Idaho's largest and deepest lake, stretching 43 miles with depths exceeding 1,150 feet. Fed by the Clark Fork River, it holds world-record Kamloops rainbow trout and offers everything from secluded coves for kayaking to open water for sailing and wakeboarding.
Top Gear Picks
YETI Tundra 45 Hard Cooler
- Exceptional ice retention — 5+ days in summer heat
- Nearly indestructible rotomolded construction
- Bear-resistant when locked with corner locks
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Osprey Atmos AG 50
- Anti-Gravity suspension spreads weight across hips and back
- Excellent ventilation on hot climbs
- Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment
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