Reviews Archives

Stranda Women’s Descender Snowboard Review: Stout, Poppy All-Mountain Ripper

For confidently charging mountain terrain in myriad conditions, the Women’s Descender Snowboard from Stranda Snowboards is among my favorite rides.

Written by Morgan Tilton August 14, 2023

The Best Trekking Poles of 2023

We tested the best trekking poles of 2022 with options for every adventure and budget. Top picks include Black Diamond, REI, and more!

Written by Mallory Paige and Chris Carter August 14, 2023

The Best Binoculars of 2023

Whether birdwatching, route-finding, or hunting, you need the best binoculars to optimize your time spent outdoors.

Written by John Beye and Kylie Mohr August 14, 2023

Pop-Up Cooler in a Pinch: Airskirts ‘Inflatable Cooler’ Review

A 57-quart cooler that’s small enough to store on a bookshelf — sounds amazing. So, we tested it every way we know to see if it’s…

Written by Will Brendza August 11, 2023

‘Minimalist’ Knife, Maximal Utility: SOG Altair FX Review

Don’t let its ‘minimal’ marketing fool you. The SOG Altair FX packs a wallop.

Written by Nick LeFort August 11, 2023

Ski Pole Straps Are Controversial: We Test LEKI’s Solution

The LEKI Spitfire Vario 3D ski pole’s integrated connection with LEKI’s Copper S ski glove gives skiers a logical solution to the age-old ski pole…

Written by Sean McCoy August 11, 2023

Versatile, Functional, but Minimalist to a Fault: CamelBak A.T.P. 20 Travel Pack Review

CamelBak is launching the most sustainable pack it’s ever created — dubbed the Adventure Travel Pack. Naturally, we had to test it.

Written by Mary Murphy August 10, 2023

Patagonia Men’s Untracked Jacket Review: A Cold-Weather Shell to Crush Big Mountains

Patagonia’s Untracked ski jacket is a bomber, downhill ski jacket and one of its first products made with GORE-TEX’s sustainably designed ePE membrane.

Written by Will Brendza August 10, 2023

Why Stuff When You Can Stack? TNF Base Camp Gear Boxes Review

The North Face Base Camp Gear Boxes add versatile storage, organization, and portability to the Base Camp bag family.

Written by Bergen Tjossem August 10, 2023

The Best Foam Rollers of 2023

We tested the best foam rollers for 2023 with options for any budget. Top picks include TriggerPoint, Hyperice, and more.

Written by Austin Beck-Doss and Cory Smith August 10, 2023

The Best Camping Chairs of 2023

We found and tested the best camping chairs for every use and budget. Top picks include REI, ALPS, Coleman, and more.

Written by Mallory Paige and Miya Tsudome August 10, 2023

Ferocious Form & Function: Bridgeport Knife Co 395 v2 Review

Bridgeport breaks through with version two of the 395 — a beautiful harmony of design and function. But for many, this uniquely shaped blade comes with…

Written by Anthony Sculimbrene August 10, 2023

Aventon Soltera.2 Review: An Ideal Urban E-Bike on a Budget

Relatively light and packing features often found on higher-end e-bikes, the Aventon Soltera.2 is a value for those who want easy-to-manage transportation on a budget.

Written by Sean McCoy August 09, 2023

Part Running Vest, Part Backpack, All Function: Terrex ‘AEROREADY’ Speed Hiking Backpack Review

The adidas Terrex Aeroready Speed Hiking Backpack is a pack/running vest crossover with enough convenient storage to keep you moving through the miles — whether…

Written by Andrew McLemore August 09, 2023

The Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads of 2023

We tested and review the best sleeping pads for backpacking in 2022. Whether you need an ultralight mat or more insulation, we’ve got it.

Written by Austin Beck-Doss, Chris Carter and Mallory Paige August 09, 2023

The Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2023

What’s the best ultralight backpack? We interviewed thru-hikers and put several models to the test to find some of the top lightweight hiking backpacks.

Written by Sean McCoy and Chris Carter August 09, 2023

Toyota’s Newest Land Cruiser Is Sweet, but It’s Not the Icon

The 2024 Land Cruiser is going to be a sales success. But it’s not the vehicle most people envision when you say the words ‘Land…

Written by Bryon Dorr August 09, 2023

Decathlon Itiwit Adult Ultra SUP Review: Basic, Budget, Too Barebones?

For minimalist paddleboard outings, the Itiwit Ultra Compact SUP is a lightweight, versatile, and affordable option.

Written by Alex Tzelnic August 08, 2023

SCARPA Vapor S Review: Real Performance With All-Day Comfort

The SCARPA Vapor S is incredibly comfortable, making it an excellent slipper for long training sessions, boulder circuits, or endless pitches.

Written by Seiji Ishii August 08, 2023

Patagonia Men’s Untracked Bibs Review: Bombproof, Flashy, and Saving the Planet

The Patagonia Untracked bibs are a stellar choice ripping around in-bounds — and they’re the first snow-sport bibs ever made with GORE-TEX’s eco-friendly ePE membrane.

Written by Will Brendza August 08, 2023

Small but Mighty, This Tomahawk Can Hack It: CRKT Chogan Hatchet Review

Small, yet practical and tactical, the CRKT Chogan Hatchet is a tomahawk axe built to handle small chores around the cabin — it shines in getting…

Written by Nick LeFort August 08, 2023

The Best Fitness Watches of 2023

We tested the best fitness watches of 2023 with options for every budget. Our top picks include Garmin, Fitbit, and more!

Written by Cory Smith and Josh Wussow August 08, 2023

The Best Backpacking Stoves of 2023

The right stove makes life on the trail better. From ultralight canisters to four-season and multifuel options, we’ve found and tested the best backpacking stoves.

Written by Mary Murphy and Chris Carter August 07, 2023