first look
First Look: Hyperlite Dirigo 2 Is a Rock-Solid, Featherweight Dyneema Tent
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Dirigo 2 Dyneema Tent is a surprisingly sturdy trekking-pole-lofted triangle tent. We tested the Dirigo, made for space- and weight-savers who want a step up from cowboy camping.
First Look: NEMO Kyan 35 Synthetic Mummy Sleeping Bag
Patent-pending FeatherCore insulation closes the gap to down in the NEMO Kyan 35 Synthetic Mummy sleeping bag.
Suction Cup Bike Rack: Testing the Safety of Kupper Car Mounts
Will giant suction cups securely transport your bicycle?
Surly ‘Big Easy’ Bike Review: Cult Brand Goes Electric
Surly now makes an e-bike. Are these the end times? Not so fast — the Big Easy offers big reasons to give up the car. Of course, it comes at a price.
First Look: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite Air Mattress
The Therm-a-rest NeoAir UberLite is the lightest insulated air mattress ever made. We tested the NeoAir UberLite for this review.
Specialized S-Works EXOS: Meet the Lightest Road Cycling Shoe Ever
A soft Dyneema upper, a rigid carbon fiber sole, and titanium hardware give shape to the lightest production cycling shoe to hit the market. ‘No ifs, ands, or buts about it,’ according to Specialized. This is our first look review.
GRIGRI Killer? Trango Vergo Belay Device Review
After two recalls, Trango re-released what it calls ‘the world’s most ergonomic belay device.’ So we put the Vergo assisted-braking belay to a first look test.
Weston Carbon Backwoods Splitboard Review: Most Durable Carbon Board?
Huck 30-foot cliffs with a carbon board? Now that’s a serious claim. Weston updates the Backwoods in carbon for 2019. We toured in Wyoming and Colorado for this first look review.
First Look: Gerber Premium Fastball EDC Knife
Bucking Gerber’s usual inexpensive-but-sturdy format, the Fastball knife has high-quality details and materials. A weekend of testing proved it to be a pleasure to carry and use every day.
Warmth-to-Weight Sweet Spot (for Your Feet): Danner Raptor 650 First Look
Danner says its Raptor 650 boots are ‘inspired by life in mountain towns.’ So I beat the crap out of a pair in the frozen fields of South Dakota for this review. Here’s how they performed.
2019 Honda Passport Relaunch Aims for Mountain Town Market
The crossover/SUV market is super hot right now, and Honda is taking full advantage. It will resurrect the adventurous Honda Passport for 2019, a vehicle we haven’t seen since 2002.
Small Engine, Big Truck: 2019 Silverado 4-Cylinder Turbo Review
Chevy launches a 2.7L turbo four-cylinder engine for its 2019 Silverado. We got behind the wheel of this impressive truck for a first look review.
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.
Comfortable Portage Pack First Look: SealLine Updates Dry Bags for 2019
The longtime dry bag developer revamps its line of portage packs for everyone from the urban traveler to the serious paddler.
Camping Sale: This Sub-$150 Tent Gets the Job Done
I’ve slept in the Backcountry Lodgepole roughly 10 times this summer and fall and have been impressed. The Lodgepole isn’t flashy, but it’s exactly what many people need in a tent: shelter from the elements at an incredibly low price point.
Hard Charging: Jaybird Releases Tarah Pro Wireless Headphones
Jaybird releases its most elite sport headphone to date: the Tarah Pro. The rugged yet lightweight Tarah Pro is the first in the company’s new professional series. We tested them for this first look review.
First Look: BioLite ‘No-Bounce’ Ultralight HeadLamp
BioLite says its first headlamp gives users a unique experience thanks to its super-light, comfortable design. We gave it a brief test and found it a capable camp companion during this first look.
First Look: Sitka Early Season Whitetail System
Our contributor, a Kansas whitetail enthusiast, takes a first look at the Sitka Early Season Whitetail system.