Reviews Archives

The Specialized Turbo Levo Bends the Rules of Biking: Review

With a new frame, longer-lasting battery, and pedal-assist technology, the new electric mountain bike from Specialized helps you go farther.

Written by Andy Cochrane April 08, 2019

Leatherman FREE Review: The Best Multitool Ever?

Flick your wrist, and the Leatherman FREE P2 butterflies open with a flourish. But this latest multitool provides more than parlor tricks. With it, the…

Written by Adam Ruggiero April 05, 2019

The North Face FUTURELIGHT Review: Future of Outerwear

Is FUTURELIGHT really the future of jackets? Or is it just more marketing fluff in a space already too worn with qualitative claims and mediocre…

Written by Stephen Regenold April 04, 2019

Backcountry Launches Ski Jacket & Bibs: Tested

The online retailer Backcountry puts the ski industry on notice with a high-end shell-and-bibs combo. We took the 2019 Backcountry Stretch three-layer jacket and Heavyweight…

Written by Andy Cochrane March 29, 2019

Casio G-SHOCK Mudmaster and G-Lide Review: Watch Abuse Edition

Two timepieces from Casio’s legendary G-SHOCK line, the smooth G-Lide and the down-and-dirty Mudmaster, go against the elements in this tough watch test.

Written by Josh Wussow March 25, 2019

Prime Logic CT5 Compound Bow Review: Podium Placement Accuracy

The Prime Logic CT5 is a longer axle-to-axle bow designed to provide grip-and-grin photos and podium placement accuracy.

Written by Jace Bauserman March 22, 2019

‘Super Steel’ Knife: The Ultimate Blade for Camp Chefs?

If you love knives and geek out on metals, the launch of the Artisan Revere Chef Knife may raise your eyebrows. The Elmax steel chef…

Written by Sean McCoy March 20, 2019

Voormi Solstice Snow Skirt Review: Protecting Your Best Asset

This wool overskirt keeps those thighs warm and moves well on winter outings — without adding puff where women don’t want it.

Written by Julie Kailus March 20, 2019

DUER Weatherproof Jeans Review: New Tech Still Has a Ways to Go

The world’s first denim jeans with a waterproof membrane come with a steep price tag. We tested these ‘weatherproof’ cycling jeans for this first look…

Written by Nate Mitka March 19, 2019

‘First Ascent’ Impresses: Eddie Bauer Improves Ultralight 2019 Alpine Shells

Pertex fabrics, ‘super-DWR,’ and featherweight construction: Eddie Bauer’s First Ascent climbing releases for spring 2019 clearly show the brand wants to compete with the best…

Written by Nate Mitka March 18, 2019

‘Silent Nights’: NEMO Tensor Ultralight Sleeping Pad Review

Unique construction silences and stabilizes the new NEMO Tensor sleeping pad, which we review here.

Written by Seiji Ishii March 18, 2019

First Look: Hyperlite Dirigo 2 Is a Rock-Solid, Featherweight Dyneema Tent

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Dirigo 2 Dyneema Tent is a surprisingly sturdy trekking-pole-lofted triangle tent. We tested the Dirigo, made for space- and weight-savers who…

Written by Julie Kailus March 14, 2019

First Look: NEMO Kyan 35 Synthetic Mummy Sleeping Bag

Patent-pending FeatherCore insulation closes the gap to down in the NEMO Kyan 35 Synthetic Mummy sleeping bag.

Written by Seiji Ishii March 13, 2019

Every Day, Every Surface: Vivobarefoot Magna Trail FG Shoe Review

Whether you’re just joining the barefoot shoe revolution or looking for a better pair for racing and everyday wear, the Vivobarefoot Magna Trail FG provides…

Written by Kurt Barclay March 13, 2019

Smith 4D MAG Goggles Review: Folded Lens Offers 25% More Vision

Smith’s folded lens lets you see more of the mountain — no question. But it comes with a cost. We reviewed the Smith 4D MAG Goggles…

Written by Nate Mitka March 07, 2019

2019 Toyota Prius AWD-e Review: Economy Adventuremobile Tested

No longer is there a need to sacrifice traction for fuel efficiency. Toyota finally brings all-wheel-drive functionality to its popular eco-friendly frontrunner, the Prius.

Written by Cameron Martindell March 06, 2019

Suction Cup Bike Rack: Testing the Safety of Kupper Car Mounts

Will giant suction cups securely transport your bicycle?

Written by Seiji Ishii March 05, 2019

Surly ‘Big Easy’ Bike Review: Cult Brand Goes Electric

Surly now makes an e-bike. Are these the end times? Not so fast — the Big Easy offers big reasons to give up the car.…

Written by Hurl Everstone March 04, 2019

Algae, Wool, and Bison in a Shoe: Jasper Wool Eco Chukka Review

United by Blue and SOLE’s Jasper Wool Chukka is perhaps the most sustainable shoe ever made. I tested them for a few weeks for this…

Written by Nate Mitka March 04, 2019

First Look: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite Air Mattress

The Therm-a-rest NeoAir UberLite is the lightest insulated air mattress ever made. We tested the NeoAir UberLite for this review.

Written by Seiji Ishii February 27, 2019

REI Magma 15-Degree Sleeping Bag Review: Simple, Warm Slumber

Plenty of warmth and intuitive design make the REI Magma 15 sleeping bag a simple, solid three-season option.

Written by Andy Cochrane February 27, 2019

REI Quarter Dome SL Tent Review: Same Name, Different Beast

REI’s flagship backpacking tent gets a flashy update for 2019. But how does it stack up in the field?

Written by Andy Cochrane February 26, 2019

Specialized S-Works EXOS: Meet the Lightest Road Cycling Shoe Ever

A soft Dyneema upper, a rigid carbon fiber sole, and titanium hardware give shape to the lightest production cycling shoe to hit the market. ‘No…

Written by Adam Ruggiero February 26, 2019

Dodge Baggage Fees With the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L: Review

The Cotopaxi Allpa’s $190 sticker price may seem high for a carry-on piece. But a clever combination of design, organization, and features may actually save…

Written by Seiji Ishii February 25, 2019

Chaco Playa Pro Review: Flip-Flops That Last a Lifetime?

Waterless-dyed straps, midsoles made with soybean oil, and construction that can be repaired again and again — Chaco wants the Playa Pro to be ‘the…

Written by Adam Ruggiero February 25, 2019

Haibike XDURO AllMtn 9.0 Review: Off-Road Fun, From Gnarly to Nice

Impressive performance, versatility, and durability backed up with clean lines and good looks — the Haibike XDURO AllMtn 9.0 might just be one of the best…

Written by Bryon Dorr February 22, 2019

GRIGRI Killer? Trango Vergo Belay Device Review

After two recalls, Trango re-released what it calls ‘the world’s most ergonomic belay device.’ So we put the Vergo assisted-braking belay to a first look…

Written by Seiji Ishii February 21, 2019