Reviews

‘Tacticool’ Meets Classic Upland Style: Chief Upland Over/Under Vest Review

Upland bird hunting isn’t a ‘tactical’ endeavor. Yet, the Chief Upland Over/Under Vest combines tactical and upland tradition perfectly.

Written by Morgan Nowels December 26, 2025

Victorinox Adds Two Features You Never See on a Swiss Army Knife: ‘Onefold’ Review

Victorinox breaks its own mold and launches the Onefold — part of its Refined folders with a true lockup and a pocket clip.

Written by Anthony Sculimbrene December 26, 2025

Peak Organization for Backcountry Tools, Gear, and Supplies: Mountainsmith Mayhem EVO 30L Review

Influenced by a handful of search-and-rescue teams, the Mountainsmith Mayhem EVO 30L is adventure-ready, with both work and play in mind.

Written by Nick LeFort December 24, 2025

First Drive Review: Nissan Restyles, Upgrades 2026 Pathfinder

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder gets some welcome updates, including more power in the off-road–focused Rock Creek variant.

Written by Paul Eisenstein December 24, 2025

Walmart Makes the Best Value in Knives Even Better: Ozark Trail Tanto Review

With great steel, solid ergonomics, and a simply unbeatable price, the Ozark Trail Tanto knife doubles down as the king of value.

Written by Anthony Sculimbrene December 24, 2025

The Reiff Knives Circadian Is the American-Made Muscle Car of Outdoor Knives

Belt knives don’t need to be big to be impactful. They need to be burly. At 7.25″, the Reiff Knives Circadian is a solid piece…

Written by Nick LeFort December 23, 2025

Where Touring Ease Meets Real Power: Atomic Backland XTD Carbon Ski Boot Review

Smooth on the skin track and composed on the descent, the Atomic Backland XTD Carbon delivers versatile touring performance with real comfort and power.

Written by Chris Kassar December 23, 2025

Unassuming, Yet Capable in Extreme Conditions: SITKA Jetstream Jacket Review

I pushed the SITKA Jetstream jacket to the limits of a softshell’s capabilities. Did it hold up — or leave me scurrying for more layers?

Written by Morgan Nowels December 22, 2025

Expert Skis for Poor Conditions: Volkl Revolt 101 Review

The Volkl Revolt 101 all-mountain skis are narrow freeride skis built for hard charging in suboptimal snow conditions.

Written by Bergen Tjossem December 22, 2025

Making Knee Pads a Must-Have: FORLOH Women’s BTM Pro Pant

A tough and functional hunt pant with extra features that make them durable, wearable, and breathable. Just size up and don’t skip buying the knee…

Written by Stephanie Mollet December 22, 2025

Move Faster, Transition Quicker, Adventure Longer: Dynafit TLT X Review

The Dynafit TLT X offers exceptional uphill efficiency and comfort in a lightweight package built for long days.

Written by Ryan Kempfer December 19, 2025

Swiss Army Roller Bag: Victorinox Mythic Frequent Flyer Carry-On Business Review

Victorinox’s high-end hardcase/softcase hybrid carry-on is as luxurious as it is tough.

Written by Billy Brown December 19, 2025

Tech-Heavy, Compact, and Inexpensive: Coast FL97R Headlamp Review

Is voice activation in a headlamp helpful, or is it just complicating a simple tool? I took the Coast FL97R into the woods to see…

Written by Morgan Nowels December 18, 2025

Fan-Favorite Backcountry Kit Goes Soft: Lofoten Flex1 Jacket and Pants Review

The brand’s new head-to-toe softshell ski kit, the Lofoten Flex1, boosts breathability and mobility for backcountry and sidecounty skiing adventures.

Written by Bergen Tjossem December 17, 2025

Classic Touring Boots Get Huge Updates: Scarpa Maestrale & Maestrale RS Review

Scarpa’s Maestrale and Maestrale RS deliver modern comfort, warmth, and dependable downhill performance in a proven boot line trusted by backcountry skiers for more than…

Written by Ryan Kempfer December 17, 2025

Warmth Meets Wiggle Room: REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag Review

With room to sprawl, the Siesta Hooded Sleeping Bag packs on plenty of space, without the price tag to match.

Written by Meghan LaHatte December 17, 2025

There’s No Better First Knife Than This: Knafs Lander 5 Review

At $30, the Knafs Lander 5 is all about accessibility, without ditching quality — making it an ideal first blade for a youngster.

Written by Nick LeFort December 16, 2025

Minimalist, Durable, and Nimble on Trail: Notace Yama T1 Barefoot Shoe Review

Boulder-based Notace launched its first shoe, a zero-drop minimalist running and hiking shoe called the Yama T1. We put 100 miles on them to see…

Written by Mary Beth Skylis December 16, 2025

First Look: Koroyd’s New Body Armor Tech in the Fox Airframe

We rode in near-freezing Oregon temperatures to see how Koroyd’s body armor balances temperature stability, comfort, and breathability.

Written by Sean Galaway December 15, 2025

A Dialed Pack for Big Backcountry Adventures: Raide Research LF 30L Review

Raide Research’s innovative ski mountaineering daypack doesn’t skimp on details or technical chops. For serious adventures in the backcountry, this pack has your back.

Written by Steve Graepel December 12, 2025

New Fabric, More Comfort, Same Price: Roark Layover Pro Traveler Pants Review

Two months and 17 flights later, from remote and muddy Uganda to fine dining in Cape Town, these pants have earned a permanent spot in…

Written by Sean Galaway December 12, 2025

A Rugged Battery Bank for Field-Built Workstations: Dark Energy Poseidon XL Review

The Dark Energy Poseidon XL is your very own on-the-go workstation, whether in the field or on the road.

Written by Josh Kirchner December 12, 2025

Burly External FramePack Carries 300+ Pounds: Seek Outside Goshawk 2.0 Backpack Review

Fully customizable with Seek Outside Accessories, the external frame Goshawk 4800 2.0 is about as versatile and durable of a backpack as you’ll find anywhere…

Written by Ian Graber-Stiehl December 11, 2025

Affordable, Customizable Cult Favorite: Flytanium BEEF Review

As Blade HQ’s house brand, Flytanium has generated buzz in the knife world for its larger-than-life BEEF, which is both affordable and highly customizable.

Written by Nick LeFort December 11, 2025

High-End Performance at a Mid-Tier Price: REI Co-op First Chair GTX Jacket Review

This house-brand ski jacket from REI delivers GORE-TEX protection for less.

Written by Justin Park December 11, 2025

Sleep Ride Solutions Turns Your Subaru Crosstrek Into a Compact Camper

It’s challenging to get a comfortable night’s sleep in small vehicles, like the Subaru Crosstrek, but Sleep Ride Solutions now offers a solution.

Written by Andy Lilienthal December 10, 2025

Giving the Silent Treatment: Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta R5 EV Winter Tire Review

Nokian Tyres’ Hakkapeliitta R5 EV quiets the ride while maximizing snow/ice traction of electric (and other) vehicles.

Written by Bruce Smith December 10, 2025

Buck 664 Alpha Hunter Elite Review: Big-Bellied Fixed Blade for Real Field Work

A field-tested review of the Buck Alpha Hunter Elite, a MagnaCut fixed blade that handled a full field dress, skinning, and processing session without sharpening.

Written by Rachelle Schrute December 10, 2025