Seiji Ishii

Seiji Ishii is an adventure journalist that blurs the lines between work and play, writing about his climbing, two-wheeled and on-foot adventures, and the gear involved. He is also an AMGA Certified Single Pitch Instructor and an ACSM certified personal trainer, specializing in climbers and motocross/supercross athletes. He lives in the woods with his wife, daughter, and a small herd of pets in Wimberley, Texas.

Patagonia Micro Puff Storm jacket

Review: Patagonia Micro Puff Storm Upgrades the King of Puffies

Patagonia improves its most advanced puffy ever to stand up to even wetter conditions.

December 6th, 2018
12 Best Fitness Gifts for the Outdoor Athlete

12 Best Fitness Gifts for the Outdoor Athlete

Help the outdoor enthusiasts and fitness freaks train hard and recover better with these athlete-focused gifts.

November 30th, 2018
biolite site light mini - camping gifts

23 Best Stocking Stuffers: Gadgets and Gear

Whether you need a budget-friendly present or a grin-worthy stocking stuffer, we’ve got the best gift ideas.

November 28th, 2018
Marmot Castle Peak jacket Polartec Alpha Direct

Marmot Castle Peak Jacket Review: Fend Off Moisture Inside and Out

Marmot employs the latest tech from Polartec to create a full-featured backcountry ski jacket. With it, the brand hopes to raise the level of comfort and mobility to match the Castle Peak’s warmth and waterproofing.

November 9th, 2018
Black Diamond Fine Line Rain Shell

Rain Shell Review: Lightweight Black Diamond Climbing Jacket Punches Above Its Weight Class

Black Diamond’s new for 2018 BD.dry produces an excellent three-season, just-in-case rain shell.

October 26th, 2018
Dynafit TLT Speedfit Ski Touring Boot Review: Good for Ice Climbs?

Dynafit TLT Speedfit Ski Touring Boot Review: Good for Ice Climbs?

Switch from tight, ‘ski mode’ to articulating ‘walk mode,’ strap on some crampons, and send the icefall. We tested Dynafit’s TLT Speedfit ski touring boot to see how it performs on ice climbs.

October 16th, 2018
Patagonia Ascensionist Review

Patagonia Ascensionist Climbing Pack Review: Burly Minimalist

After serious review, the Patagonia Ascensionist is a favorite climbing pack for alpine, ice, and multipitch climbing. Our review, conducted in Alaska, highlights how to best use the pack and who should buy it.

October 15th, 2018
LifeProof Squamish XL 32L Backpack

Testing LifeProof’s First Backpack: Squamish XL Review

Best known for adventure-proof phone cases, LifeProof expands into backpacks with a well-organized urban solution.

October 2nd, 2018
KUIU, Sitka Founder Jason Hairston Has Died

KUIU, Sitka Founder Jason Hairston Has Died

Jason Hairston, a former college and NFL football player who founded two outdoors brands, has died. He was 47 years old.

September 7th, 2018
Jason near the summit of Mt Rainier on the first ascent

Summit Twice, Run Around: Grueling Rainier Infinity Loop Sees New Record

Inspired by Chad Kellogg’s life of perpetual motion, a pair of Coloradan adventurers claims the fastest known time of the 130-mile, 40,000-foot-gain challenge on Mount Rainier.

August 21st, 2018
Big Agnes Stagecoach 125L Rolling Duffel

All Gear, Any Carry: Big Agnes Stagecoach Rolling Duffel Review

Roll it, carry it, wear it, the Big Agnes Stagecoach provides numerous ways to carry most if not all your gear. We took it across tarmac, over dirt, on our shoulders, and through the skies for this review.

August 17th, 2018
Tents vs. Hammocks: How a Traditional Camper Took to Sleeping in Trees

Tents vs. Hammocks: How a Traditional Camper Took to Sleeping in Trees

Hammock-life brand Kammok tried to sell me — a lifelong tent-user — on hanging versus traditional camping. So I went along with the brand for overnights in Texas heat and cool Colorado mountain stops to see how hammock-camping stacks up.

August 10th, 2018
Lightweight Lumens: 1.3-Ounce Petzl Bindi Headlamp Review

Lightweight Lumens: 1.3-Ounce Petzl Bindi Headlamp Review

Petzl’s super-compact, ultralight headlamp is excellent for the front country, urban escapes, and EDC use.

August 7th, 2018
Five Ten Aleon bouldering shoe

Five Ten to Launch Bouldering-Specific ‘Aleon’ Shoe

The to-be-released Five Ten Aleon weds modern materials and Adidas testing with the old-school experience of Fred Nicole.

July 13th, 2018
Test: Scarpa Furia S Review

Sensitive and Steep: Scarpa Furia S First Look

Scarpa adds a sensitive, soft, aggressive shoe to its high-performance lineup. We tested the Furia S both outdoors and in for this first look review.

July 9th, 2018