firstlook Archives

Lean-To Shelter: First Look At ‘High Side’ Tent

Bigger than a bivy, but tighter than a traditional tent, the 2018 ‘High Side’ shelter shoots for the weight-to-space sweet spot.

Written by Adam Ruggiero August 23, 2017

Sleep With Your Bike In This Roomy Cycling Tent: Review

The Bicycle Tour Camping Tent from NSR RIding lets you store your bike inside, with plenty of room left over for quality slumber.

Written by Hurl Everstone August 03, 2017

Custom Sleeping Bag: Big Agnes ‘Hazel’ Review

Big Agnes introduces its newest women’s sleeping bag, the Hazel SL 15. It stands apart due to its unique “customizable” fit. We tested it in…

Written by Emily Reed August 03, 2017

Sticky Scrambler: Lowa’s Redesigned Approach Pro GTX

With a low-to-the-ground chassis, Lowa bills the redesigned Approach Pro GTX as a safer approach shoe, but it comes with a hefty price tag.

Written by Steve Graepel July 25, 2017

First Look: Thermo-Mold the Tecnica Forge Trekking Boot

The Tecnica Forge will be the first thermo-moldable hiking boot when it hits the market Spring 2018. But its innovations don’t stop there.

Written by Sean McCoy July 21, 2017

First Look: Insole Giant ‘Superfeet’ Jumps Into Shoe Market

After 40 years, Superfeet—the brand renowned for insoles—decides to launch a shoe of its own.

Written by Adam Ruggiero July 17, 2017

Turn A Dial, Tighten These Asics Trail Running Shoes

Boa Technology’s twist-to-tighten lacing system, a grippy sole, and sock-like liner set the Asics FujiRado apart.

Written by Sean McCoy July 11, 2017

Put Your Wet Gear In A ‘Gili’ Bag And Let It Breathe

The Gili Bag is made from recycled material in Colorado and lets your wet gear breathe.

Written by Sean McCoy June 20, 2017

Cooler Feet, Better Sleep: Kelty Sine Sleeping Bag Review

Zippered vents are the name of the game in the Kelty Sine, a 35 degree down sleeping bag, great for those with sweaty toes.

Written by Nate Mitka June 14, 2017

First Look: Powerful Pedaling With Defiant ‘Fat Electric’ Bike

Fat tires and a powerful electric-assist motor make this bike one of a kind.

Written by Nate Mitka June 12, 2017

First Look: Zenbivy Sleeping System For ‘Side Sleepers’

The Zenbivy is a new take on the traditional sleeping bag intended to enhance comfort for side sleepers. We put it to the test for…

Written by Sean McCoy June 01, 2017

First Look: Altra’s ‘Goldilocks’ Trail Runner

The Altra Timp hits a middle ground between the brand’s minimal and super-cushy trail running offerings. In early runs, our editor found it just right.

Written by Sean McCoy May 25, 2017

First Look: Thule ‘Chariot Cross’ Modular Stroller

Built with compatibility for multiple outdoor sports, Thule evolves its Chariot line for 2017. The premium stroller allows multi-sport use, from running and cycling to…

Written by Chelsey Magness May 23, 2017

Learn To Slackline With YogaSlackers Beginner Kit

The eLine Slackline kit from YogaSlackers aims at beginners by ditching the ratchet in exchange for a simple friction setup.

Written by Nate Mitka May 17, 2017

Merrell’s ‘Skeleton-Inspired Lugs’ Grip Slick Trails

The Agility Peak Flex trail running shoes excel in rocky, slick, or muddy trails. We tested them more than 100 miles for this initial review.

Written by Nate Mitka May 17, 2017

Mega-Plush: ‘LaidBack Pad’ Is Car Camper’s Dream

Car campers take note: You can expect to sleep great on the LaidBack Pad. But don’t expect to free up trunk space, or money for…

Written by Nate Mitka May 12, 2017

Testing The Lightest MTB Shoe In The World

At $400 a pair, this pro-level MTB shoe from Specialized costs about $21 an ounce.

Written by Stephen Regenold May 10, 2017

First Look: YETI Rambler One Gallon ‘Jug’ Review

Ten cans of beer, 16 cups of coffee, or a whole lotta’ soup, YETI’s one-gallon Rambler can obviously hold plenty. But we tested how well…

Written by Adam Ruggiero May 02, 2017

First Look: Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR

A next-generation outdoors/exercise watch, the Spartan Sport Wrist HR is a 24/7 activity tracker with a built-in heart rate monitor and GPS.

Written by Stephen Regenold April 26, 2017

Get Whittling Basics With NEMO Spoon Shaper Kit

Ready, set, whittle! Everything you need to saw, shape, and craft your own spoons all rolls up into the latest offering from NEMO.

Written by Nate Mitka April 24, 2017

Altra’s First ‘Smart Shoe’ Will Change The Way You Run

Years in development, Utah-based Altra adds a set of sensors to one of its flagship shoes. We ran 40 miles for a first review.

Written by Sean McCoy April 20, 2017

Fire On The Inside: Ghillie Camping Kettle Boils Water Fast

Fill it with water. Now, light a fire inside. Ghillie Camping kettles have a hollow core to hold a water-boiling inferno.

Written by Stephen Regenold April 18, 2017

First Look: SCARPA Maestrale RS 2017 AT Ski Boot

Over many years, skiers testing the Scarpa Maestrale found it a worthy backcountry ski boot. For 2017-18, it gets a whole lot better.

Written by Sean McCoy April 14, 2017

YETI Hopper Two 30: A Good Cooler Gets Better

We reviewed the Hopper 30 — YETI’s second iteration of its famed soft-sided cooler. It comes with upgrades to thermal performance and accessibility, all the…

Written by Nate Mitka April 04, 2017

First Look: REI’s New ‘Co-Op Cycles’ Tested

A fresh look, updated specs, and an entirely different marketing approach went into REI’s Co-Op Cycles launch. The brand hopes the new identity will finally…

Written by Adam Ruggiero April 04, 2017