firstlook

First Look: Tent Line From Therm-a-Rest For 2017

We got a first review last month of the ‘palace’-like Tranquility tents, which come in four- and six-person builds.

Written by Chelsey Magness August 12, 2016

Complex Knit: First Look At Polartec Delta ‘Cooling’ Fabric

Sweat is the body’s “radiator,” and this evaporative cooling process makes hiking, running, and biking possible even on the hottest of days. What if your…

Written by Stephen Regenold August 09, 2016

First Look: Under Armour ‘Legit’ Trail Shoe

Athletic giant Under Armour moves closer to the outdoors core with a 2017 trail-running shoe. We got a first review of the Horizon FKT.

Written by Sean McCoy August 04, 2016

First Look: Katadyn BeFree Water Filter

The Katadyn BeFree is a soft water bottle with a wide mouth and filter built in. We took it hiking for this review.

Written by Sean McCoy July 15, 2016

First Look: YETI ‘Hopper Flip’ Soft Cooler Review

YETI gets square and moves ahead in the soft-cooler category with its Hopper Flip 12, a zip-shut cube that’s leak-proof and can purportedly keep ice…

Written by Stephen Regenold July 12, 2016

First Look: CamelBak 2017 Bottles, Hydration Lineup

New options in hydration? We got a scoop from CamelBak, which refines its reservoir for 2017 and launches a ‘flask’ bottle line along the way.

Written by Steve Graepel July 11, 2016

First Look: Waterproof Altra ‘Lone Peak’ Hiking Boot

Coming this summer, the trail running brand with a strong trail running presence will release a waterproof, mid-height hiking boot for the first time.

Written by Steve Graepel July 05, 2016

Exclusive: First-of-Kind ‘ECO’ Jacket Poised To Disrupt Outerwear Industry

Stark-white and minimal in build, a jacket line from Columbia Sportswear will rock the outdoors industry when it comes to market for 2017.

Written by Stephen Regenold June 20, 2016

Review: Foot-Supporting Sandals From Superfeet

Superfeet is a leader of insole technology, so these supportive, primo flip-flops are a natural extension for the brand. We put them through their paces.

Written by Stephen Regenold May 09, 2016

First Look: Gazelle Pop-Up Tent Is Family-Size Palace

A king-size car camping tent that sets up in 2 minutes? Gazelle offers a new pop-open design with roots in the unlikeliest of places.

Written by Eric Lemke May 06, 2016

Rock The Campsite: Brunton ‘LightWave’ Lantern Review

Brunton’s new LightWave Amp is an 11-inch-tall ‘outdoor entertainment system.’ This is our review.

Written by Stephen Regenold May 02, 2016

First Look: Marmot $99 ‘Kompressor Star’ Backpack

A solid value for a mid-size daypack, we put the Marmot Kompressor Star to a test this spring.

Written by Jake Ferguson April 28, 2016

First Look: G3 ‘Scala’ Climbing Skin/Scale Hybrid

A urethane-scaled tip on these skins reduces the drag felt by those climbing deep snow.

Written by Sean McCoy April 20, 2016

First Look: Altra ‘Golden Spike’ Cross-Country Running Shoe

Five sharp ‘golden’ studs underfoot define the Golden Spike, a sprint-ready shoe coming to market next month.

Written by Stephen Regenold April 18, 2016

REI ‘House Brand’ Reboots As Premium Gear

This spring, retail juggernaut REI says it will lead the industry in quality and performance. We put a couple of the new products to a…

Written by Sean McCoy April 13, 2016

First Look: Quick-Inflating Therm-a-Rest SpeedValve Pads

Take a deep breath. Now, purse your lips and exhale. The magic is about to begin.

Written by Sponsored Post April 06, 2016

Review: YETI Heavy-Duty ‘Rambler Bottles’

YETI’s Rambler Bottles are rugged stainless steel and keep beverages hot or cold for hours. Are they worth the price?

Written by Sean McCoy April 01, 2016

First Look: ‘Smart’ Solar Panel Charges Phones, Gadgets Fast

The Goal Zero Nomad 7 Plus has a modulation system to smooth power transfer to devices while providing valuable feedback for the user.

Written by Sean McCoy March 28, 2016

Fold-Up Sunglasses: ‘Popticals’ Fit In Egg-Shape Case

Wrap-around sunglasses that fold up and fit inside an egg-shape case, Popticals are quality sunglasses you can store anywhere.

Written by Stephen Regenold March 21, 2016

First Look: Tepui ‘Kukenam Sky’ Rooftop Tent

With large areas of mesh for a breezy interior and lots of views, the Kukenam Sky is a rooftop abode that turns any car, truck,…

Written by Aaron Bible March 16, 2016

First Look: Wolverine Boot With Vibram ‘Arctic Grip’ Sole

Exclusive test: Vibram Arctic Grip soles are said to give “up to three times better grip” on wet ice surfaces. We put it through the…

Written by Stephen Regenold March 14, 2016

Review: $40 Camping Hammock, Straps Included

Serac provides a sturdy, budget-friendly hammock that will get you off the ground for less than $40, with tree straps included.

Written by Jake Ferguson March 10, 2016

Rugged ‘Adventure’ Cooler Holds Ice For Days

We beat up Stanley’s latest cooler, the Adventure 30, to ensure you won’t break it in everyday use.

Written by Sean McCoy March 09, 2016

Bikepacking Camp Kit Put To Test

A floorless pyramid tent, mesh bug bivy, and ‘bathtub floor’ sleeping bag make up this 4lbs., 10oz. kit from NEMO made to carry on your…

Written by Steve Graepel March 07, 2016

‘CookStove’ Has Fan To Stoke Blaze

‘Burn wood not gas.’ That is the simple tag line of the BioLite CookStove, a camp-cooking product new this month that incorporates a small fan…

Written by Stephen Regenold February 29, 2016

Clip In: Reviewing Five Ten ‘Kestrel Lace’ Bike Shoe

New from Five Ten, the Kestrel Lace is great for enduro riders, hike-a-bike freaks, commuters needing a do-it-all bike shoe, and anyone who have never…

Written by Aaron Bible February 26, 2016

Review: Specialized/686 Winter-Biking Outerwear

Specialized and 686 teamed up to make head-to-toe winter apparel for fat biking. The results are impressive, but our tester is not completely convinced.

Written by Tom Puzak February 23, 2016

Review: Adidas Outdoor Trail Shoe With ‘Mountain Bike’ Sole

Adidas Outdoor touts this shoe is ‘constructed like a mountain bike tire,’ including big, ground-gripping lugs made of a rubber from tire brand Continental, some…

Written by Stephen Regenold February 15, 2016