first look Archives

First Look: MoonShade Is a Temporary Awning for Your Adventure Rig

The MoonShade Portable Awning is a light and packable awning for overlanding vehicles and more.

Written by Seiji Ishii November 19, 2019

Cotopaxi Allpa 70 Overland Duffel Review: Structured Storage

Finally, a large and organized duffel. The Cotopaxi Allpa 70 gives us ample storage and structure in one.

Written by Seiji Ishii November 07, 2019

Merrell MTL Long Sky Review: Ultrarunner-Designed Trail Shoe

Merrell will release the Long Sky trail-running shoe, designed with ultrarunner Anna Frost, in November. We got an early test on these trail runners and…

Written by Andy Cochrane October 21, 2019

Leatherman FREE Pocket Knife: Magnetic ‘K-Series’ First Look

Rounding out Leatherman’s revolutionary FREE Series of magnetic multitools, the K-Series offers a new spin on the trusty pocket knife.

Written by Adam Ruggiero October 16, 2019

Patagonia Caliza: First Look at a Go-To Crag Pant

The Patagonia Caliza Rock Pants for women release in spring 2020. They’re comfortable, technical, and could soon become your go-to crag pant.

Written by Chelsey Magness October 02, 2019

First Look: Merrell’s ‘Sustainable’ Collaboration Contains Algae

The Agility Synthesis is a popular Merrell trail-running shoe. This week, the outdoor brand teamed up with brewer Dogfish Head on a more sustainable version.

Written by Sean McCoy September 12, 2019

Patagonia ‘High Endurance’ Trail-Running Kit Review: First Look

Designed for big elevation and temperature changes, this kit is perfect for big missions in the alpine — but maybe not for everyone.

Written by Andy Cochrane August 03, 2019

DMOS Delta Shovel: The Ultimate Adventure Tool?

DMOS, famous for its backcountry, jump-creating snow shovels, takes aim at the overland and camp market with the multifunctional Delta Shovel.

Written by Bryon Dorr July 30, 2019

GORE-TEX T-Shirt? INFINIUM Performance Fiber Makes It a Reality

With the INFINIUM branding, Gore moves past its venerable waterproof roots. The most ubiquitous name in outdoor materials technology made the Breeze INFINIUM Shirt for…

Written by Seiji Ishii June 12, 2019

Tecnica ‘Origin’ Review: The 1st Moldable Trail-Running Shoe Tested

Ski boot company Tecnica expands into mountain running with a thermo-moldable trail-running shoe. We got a first look review of the Origin.

Written by Morgan Tilton June 12, 2019

Peak Design Travel Tripod Lives Up to the Hype: Review

The Travel Tripod from Peak Design is blowing up Kickstarter. Amassing more than $6 million is no easy feat, but we think it deserves the…

Written by Andy Cochrane June 07, 2019

The Future of Tailgates: GMC MultiPro Review

Step in easier, secure longer items, or use it as a standing desk — the next generation of tailgates has arrived.

Written by Cameron Martindell June 05, 2019

Spyderco Launches Super-Fast Emerson-Opening Dragonfly 2

Pull this knife from your pocket and opens instantly. That’s the theory behind Emerson openers. And now Spyderco is getting into the wicked-fast EDC-knife game.

Written by Sean McCoy June 04, 2019

Anti-Wobble Bike Rack? RockyMounts SplitRail LS Review

The RockyMounts SplitRail LS is a svelte, no-frills platform hitch rack for your bikes. In our review, the bikes didn’t budge an inch on windy…

Written by Nate Mitka May 28, 2019

BioLite ‘No-Bounce’ Ultralight HeadLamp Review

BioLite says its first headlamp gives users a unique experience thanks to its superlight, comfortable design. We put it to the test and found it…

Written by Sean McCoy May 10, 2019

YETI Launches a Burly Cargo Crate, the LoadOut GoBox

The LoadOut GoBox from YETI is a waterproof, rugged container for truck beds, whitewater rafts, and anywhere you need to haul gear.

Written by Sean McCoy April 30, 2019

Trango Crag Pack 2.0 Review: A Top Backpack Choice for Rock Climbers

The Trango Crag Pack 2.0 is a durable, capable gear-hauler at a great price.

Written by Seiji Ishii April 09, 2019

DUER Weatherproof Jeans Review: New Tech Still Has a Ways to Go

The world’s first denim jeans with a waterproof membrane come with a steep price tag. We tested these ‘weatherproof’ cycling jeans for this first look…

Written by Nate Mitka March 19, 2019

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…

Written by Julie Kailus March 14, 2019

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.

Written by Seiji Ishii March 13, 2019

Suction Cup Bike Rack: Testing the Safety of Kupper Car Mounts

Will giant suction cups securely transport your bicycle?

Written by Seiji Ishii March 05, 2019

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.…

Written by Hurl Everstone March 04, 2019

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.

Written by Seiji Ishii February 27, 2019

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…

Written by Adam Ruggiero February 26, 2019

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…

Written by Seiji Ishii February 21, 2019

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…

Written by Nate Mitka February 20, 2019

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…

Written by Adam Bible January 22, 2019

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…

Written by Ryan Johnson December 04, 2018

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…

Written by Bryon Dorr November 30, 2018