firstlook
Sneak peeks and first tests of the best new gear.
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 downhill sessions.
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 and hauled heavy packs comfortably during our review.
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.
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.
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 other.
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 alike. Hitting the market in 2018, this ‘multi-norm compatible’ binding is like nothing you’ve seen before.
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.
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 inside the updated Half Dome 2 Plus to see what’s new.
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 market Feb. 2018, to the test for this review.
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.
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 for this review.
Rechargeable ‘Smokeless’ Fire: BioLite FirePit First Look
Crank up the dial to get a campfire raging in just minutes. Or, turn it down to keep a mellow fire nearly smokeless. BioLite brings off-grid power to the FirePit.
Best Kid Bike Ever? Strider 14x Adds (and Removes) Pedals
Add-on pedals and refined ergonomics make a new children’s bike from Strider stand out. Our preschool-age tester gives his first-look review.
Cut, Chop, Smash: Survival Axe Has 30 Ways To Keep You Alive
From backcountry emergencies to backyard projects, the Survival Axe Elite probably has a tool to see you through.
Quite Possibly the Toughest Work Shirt Ever Made
The brand 1620 makes workwear in the USA. With its new Stretch NYCO Work Shirt, you get few frills and one of the toughest shirts I’ve ever worn.
Going The Distance: Arc’teryx Introduces Norvan Running Vest
Arc’teryx listened to its ultrarunners, single day peak baggers, and minimalist adventurers. The Norvan Running Vest is a pack just for them.
Head-Mounted Light Cannon: Ledlenser MH10 Review
Ledlenser’s lightest 600-lumen headlamp is like strapping a car headlight on your head.
Finnish Budget Hatchet: 14 Inches Of Cutting Power
The 14-inch Fiskars Hatchet brings small upgrades to a popular model. At under $30, it’s a reliable tool for the outdoors. We put it to the test for this review.