firstlook Archives

First Impressions: Vasque Gets New Footing With Re:Connect Here Shoes

If Vasque’s usual offerings are akin to a well-trod, classic hiking trail, the Re:Connect Here release is a different, more modern, and approachable path —…

Written by Drew Zieff September 07, 2023

Eone Brings Apex Salas Tactile Watch, Next-Level Adaptive Technology for Para-Athletes

Don’t want to have to glance at your watch to tell time? With tactile watches, you don’t have to.

Written by Emily Chen-Newton July 10, 2023

REI Introduces Its First Trail Running Shoes Since 1970s

REI releases the Swiftland Multi-Terrain Trail Runner — we got our hands on an early pair to see how they stand up to the competition.

Written by Will Brendza June 01, 2023

This Just In: Kelly Slater Launches Yet Another Surf Brand

The man won 11 surfing world titles and 55 world tour victories. He’s one of surf history’s most iconic figures and brings that expertise to…

Written by Mike Misselwitz May 18, 2023

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

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

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

First Look: Vans Breathable, Variable Flex Snowboard Boot

Built for backcountry snowboarders, the 2018/2019 Vans Verse Snowboard Boot combines the latest in fit technology, moisture management, waterproofing, and venting for long tours and…

Written by Nate Mitka February 02, 2018

One Shoe To Hike and Climb: Five Ten Guide Tennie Review

The new Guide Tennie takes a step back to its more sensitive, stable, and robust past. The climbing approach shoe inspired confidence on the rock…

Written by Seiji Ishii December 27, 2017

Sleep in the Elements: ‘Space Cowboy’ Sleeping Bag Review

Cowboy campers rejoice, Therm-a-rest’s upcoming sleeping bag is light enough for a nap sack and built to shed morning dew—perfect for sleeping outside.

Written by Andy Cochrane December 21, 2017

Stretch Puffy: Mountain Hardwear DS Hooded Review

Stretch it! A new construction method adds stretch and makes this 2017/18 Mountain Hardwear jacket unlike anything on the market.

Written by Stephen Regenold December 12, 2017

First Look: Trono ‘Cushion of Air’ Camp Chair

The humble camp chair gets an inflatable upgrade this year. Our contributor lounged on air for a weekend to test a cushioned seat unlike any…

Written by Taylor Martin December 12, 2017

Salomon SHIFT: Meet the Next Generation of Ski Bindings

The Salomon S/LAB SHIFT MNC functions as both an alpine and tech ski binding. And it works with pin-tech boots and traditional alpine ski boots…

Written by Sean McCoy December 07, 2017

First Look: Under Armour’s 2018 HOVR Running Shoes

Under Armour this week took the curtains off a running shoe project in the works for more than two years. Meet HOVR.

Written by Stephen Regenold November 17, 2017

First Look: REI’s ‘Iconic’ Half Dome Tents Get 2018 Facelift

REI will roll out a new line of its flagship tents in 2018. We spent a few nights in Great Smoky Mountains National Park camped…

Written by Adam Ruggiero November 07, 2017

First Look: Arc’teryx Konseal FL Approach Shoe Review

The Arc’teryx Konseal FL is a light, nimble approach shoe with moderate cushioning for quick travel in steep terrain. We put this model, coming to…

Written by Seiji Ishii November 06, 2017

First Look: Merrell’s Nimble, Next-Gen ‘Chameleon’ Boot

Out of the box, our reporter trekked 18 mountainous miles with the just-released Merrell boot.

Written by Sam Salwei October 24, 2017

First Look: Black Diamond’s Ultralight ‘Vision’ Climbing Harness

Super strong, feather light: The Vision is Black Diamond’s light, minimal harness for alpinists. We put it to the test alpine climbing in the Cascades…

Written by Seiji Ishii October 19, 2017