Reviews

The Freeride Ski That Genuinely Performs Anywhere: Völkl Blaze 106 Review

I was repeatedly surprised by how light and versatile Völkl Blaze 106 skis were both in and out of the ski resort.

Written by Bergen Tjossem December 08, 2023

Steel Is Real: Affordable Kona Rove Gravel Bike Surprises

The Kona Rove is a comfortable, capable, and versatile stable steel-framed gravel bike that sells for $1,599.

Written by Berne Broudy December 08, 2023

CRKT MinimalX Review: Brute Force Blade Does What Others Can’t

An anomaly of the knife world that doesn’t fit into a specific category, the CRKT MinimalX will pleasantly surprise with its daily utility.

Written by Nick LeFort December 07, 2023

A Fit That Feels Custom, But Isn’t: Alpine Fit Base Layers Review

Alaska’s Alpine Fit has made an impressive mark when it comes to comfortable, performance base layers.

Written by Mary Murphy December 06, 2023

Gunner Dog Bowl Review: The Bowl You Didn’t Know You Needed

Known for making nearly indestructible dog kennels, Gunner set its sights on building a dog bowl that meets its own high standard.

Written by Zach Burton December 06, 2023

What’s the ‘Big Idea’? Ti Knife Review

Big I Designs is one of a slew of companies that have sprung up in the last decade that deal in what can only be…

Written by Anthony Sculimbrene December 06, 2023

Better Boots, Burly Build, Fewer Zips: KUIU HD Flex Wader Review

KUIU’s HD Flex Waders combine an impressive boot with premium materials and useful features that meet and exceed expectations.

Written by Douglas Spale December 06, 2023

Big, Fat, Beautiful Beast: Sniper Bladeworks TOG Folding Knife Review

For some folding knives, portability takes a backseat to sheer muscle. The Sniper Bladeworks provides massive utility that just so happens to (almost) fit in…

Written by Nick LeFort December 05, 2023

Optics and Chopsticks: Oyuki and Smith Winter Gear Collaboration Review

Oyuki and Smith just collaborated on a limited-edition, Japow-inspired collection. We got an exclusive, hands-on look at this new collab last winter, testing the gear…

Written by Drew Zieff November 30, 2023

Dialed Fit for Impressive Control On- and Off-Piste: K2 Mindbender 120 BOA Ski Boot Review

The K2 Mindbender 120 BOA Ski Boots are some of the brand’s first downhill boots to include the BOA fit system in the toe —…

Written by David Young November 30, 2023

Value-Priced Road and Gravel-Worthy Bike, Adventure-Ready With a Few Tweaks: REI ADV 2.2 Review

The REI ADV 2.2 is a value-priced and capable gravel bike that can handle any adventure with a few modifications.

Written by Ian Graber-Stiehl November 29, 2023

Versatile, Light, and Fast, Just Not for All Conditions: Saucony Endorphin Rift Trail Running Shoe Review

Can a super-lightweight trail shoe still be comfortable and capable? Our tester with a pair of Saucony Endorphin Rifts set out to find the answer.

Written by David Young November 28, 2023

Hang Out With Room for 2: ENO DoubleNest Hammock Review

For campside hangs or relaxing by the lake, you won’t regret throwing the ENO hammock that’s big enough for two in your pack. We strung…

Written by Kylie Mohr November 28, 2023

First Bite of Some Tasty Tacos: 2024 Toyota Tacoma Review

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma is finally hitting dealerships, and we finally got some time behind the wheel, on and off road, in a few of…

Written by Paul Eisenstein November 28, 2023

Ultra Warm, Comfortable Car Camping Sleeping Pad: EXPED MegaMat Auto Review

Our review of the EXPED MegaMat Auto car camping sleeping pad reveals it’s extremely comfortable, well-insulated, and durable.

Written by Will Brendza November 27, 2023

CamelBak M.U.L.E. Bikepacking Bags Review: Versatile Starter Set, With Growing Pains

The CamelBak M.U.L.E. bikepacking line is a versatile system for beginners and intermediates. But it had a few hiccups.

Written by Ian Graber-Stiehl November 27, 2023

Your Bow’s Travel Companion: Plano Fieldlocker Bowcase Review

The Plano Fieldlocker Element offers rugged, watertight protection for your archery investment. Remove the stress of travel and keep your bow safe.

Written by Adam Moore November 27, 2023

The Pin Debate Ends: Option Archery Canyon Pounder Review

The Canyon Pounder is a bow sight that brings both durability and practicality, while solving the argument of single-pin versus multi-pin.

Written by Josh Kirchner November 24, 2023

Kailash Sirupate Blade Review: Why Your Next Backwood Blade Should Come From a Khukuri House

Khukuris are more than the love child of hatchets and machetes. After several months of testing, here’s what’s so unique about this custom heavy chopper.

Written by Ian Graber-Stiehl November 24, 2023

REI Adds Comfort and Ease for Beginner Backpackers: Trailmade 60 Pack Review

REI’s Trailmade collection aims to usher new blood and more diversity (in all shapes and sizes) into the outdoors. The Trailmade pack hauls with comfort…

Written by Ian Graber-Stiehl November 24, 2023

Stick It, Turn It, Hang It, Bang It: Wuben Lightok X3 Owl EDC Flashlight Review

There are lots of flashlights out there. But only one that is magnetic, has a 180-degree swivel head, and has multiple brightness settings up to…

Written by Nick LeFort November 24, 2023

Winter Gloves So Good, I Bought 3 Pairs: Hestra Ergo Active Gloves Review

Hestra’s Ergo Grip Active gloves are my number one pick for fit, durability, dexterity, and quality — I destroyed my first pair after multiple seasons…

Written by Bergen Tjossem November 22, 2023

Bed-Like Comfort and One Less Thing to Pack: Big Agnes Dream Island Doublewide Sleeping Bag Review

Are you finally considering investing in a two-person sleeping bag? The kitted-out ‘Dream Island Doublewide’ from Big Agnes should be on your list.

Written by Mary Murphy November 22, 2023

Mountain Hardwear Phantom Belay Down Parka Review: Incredible Warmth Let Me Climb When I Normally Couldn’t

The Mountain Hardwear Phantom Belay Down Parka provided enough long-lasting warmth to counter the debilitating effects of poor blood flow.

Written by Lucie Hanes November 21, 2023

Gear Under $75 I Used Every Day Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail

When preparing for a thru-hike, the cost of gear can be intimidating — but it doesn’t have to be. These products are all under $75…

Written by Xiaoling Keller November 21, 2023

Heavy Duty, Down, and Dirty: G-SHOCK GW9500 Mudman Watch Review

The G-SHOCK GW9500 is the perfect watch for work (and play) in the mud.

Written by Josh Wussow November 21, 2023

Tri-Zip Daypack With Running Vest DNA: Mystery Ranch Gallagator 25 Review

Mystery Ranch’s latest expansion into lightweight packs offers a combination of its classic tri-zip design with a running vest-inspired suspension. The result — a versatile…

Written by Ian Graber-Stiehl November 20, 2023