Reviews

Daypack Reinvented: Mystery Ranch Scree Puts Function First

Imagine the durability, adjustability, and load carrying architecture of a technical backpack in a daypack. Enter the Scree Pack, from Mystery Ranch. We reviewed the…

Written by Seiji Ishii March 15, 2018

Virtually Undetectable: Bight Gear NeoShell Nuker Jacket Review

Sometimes not noticing a piece of gear while using it is its greatest attribute. So it is with the NeoShell Nuker soft shell from Bight…

Written by Sean McCoy March 14, 2018

Victorinox INOX Watch Review: Daily Wear, Adventure Tested

The Victorinox I.N.O.X is a tough watch that will dress up for any occasion. We thrashed it (and froze it) to see how it handles…

Written by GJ Staff March 12, 2018

‘Electrospun’ Outdoor Research Interstellar Jacket: Review

Outdoor Research packs stretch, weight savings, and comfort into its latest Interstellar Jacket. The key is an electrically spun waterproof-breathable membrane. We put the Interstellar to…

Written by Seiji Ishii March 05, 2018

Hiker’s Dream Knife: Benchmade Bugout Review

The Benchmade Bugout is a useful, versatile folding knife that weighs less than two ounces. We put this ultralight folding knife to the test for…

Written by GJ Staff February 27, 2018

Fischer Hannibal Is Light, Nimble Backcountry Ski

Fischer designed the Hannibal as a light touring ski that excels on the downhill. I tested the Hannibal for several days focused on fast downhill…

Written by Sean McCoy February 27, 2018

Click On, Ride Down: Burton Step On Binding Review

Burton fueled the hype machine with the Step On binding. But are they any good? We put them to the test for this review.

Written by Nate Mitka February 20, 2018

Review: Black Diamond Shadow Climbing Shoe

Black Diamond Equipment just released the Shadow climbing shoe, its first aggressive shoe designed for steep sport climbing and bouldering. We put the Black Diamond…

Written by Seiji Ishii February 19, 2018

Filson Single Tin Chaps Review: 40-Year Field Test

The brand name Filson is known for gear made to last the trials of time. This gear test on a pair of tin chaps begins…

Written by Morgan Mason February 16, 2018

Zen Zone: Brain-Sensing Eyewear Aims To Focus The Mind

Sporting success ultimately comes down to mental strength and the ability to remain focused in a high-pressure environment. Smith Lowdown sunglasses claim to help.

Written by Sophie Nicholson February 13, 2018

Trail Slipper: Teva Ember Moc Review

Part sneaker, part puffy, Teva’s Ember Moc may soon be part of many campers’ gear collections. We reviewed it outside, inside, and around town.

Written by GJ Staff February 13, 2018

Jacket Brand ‘Live Out There’ Review: Bold Statements Tested

Upstart brand Live Out There this winter made its debut with a line of performance-oriented (but budget-friendly) jackets for the outdoors. We reviewed three models…

Written by GJ Staff February 12, 2018

‘Chinese Finger Trap’ Rappel: Beal Escaper First Look

The Escaper provides a rope-releasing mechanism for full-length single rope rappels. So why does this potentially life-saving device make us so nervous?

Written by Seiji Ishii February 07, 2018

First Look: Vans Breathable, Variable Flex Snowboard Boot

Built for backcountry snowboarders, the 2018/2019 Vans Verse Snowboard Boot combines the latest in fit technology, moisture management, waterproofing, and venting for long tours and…

Written by Nate Mitka February 02, 2018

A Better Bike Tube? Tubolito Tubo Put To Test

It is the first major reboot of the bicycle tube in over a century. Lighter, stronger, and faster, was the Austrian-made Tubolito Tubo worth the…

Written by GJ Staff January 16, 2018

Corrugated Crash Pad Review: New Tech for Better Landing

After two months of testing, we found the Send Climbing 3×4 Pro Crash Pad safe and easy to carry.

Written by Seiji Ishii December 29, 2017

One Shoe To Hike and Climb: Five Ten Guide Tennie Review

The new Guide Tennie takes a step back to its more sensitive, stable, and robust past. The climbing approach shoe inspired confidence on the rock…

Written by Seiji Ishii December 27, 2017

10 Essentials: Winter Ice, Alpine Climbing Gear

Gear up and get ready to scale mountains, climb icy walls, and turn frigid summits into your personal play-land with the best winter climbing gear.

Written by GJ Staff December 22, 2017

Do More, Wash Less: Coalatree Pant Revew

Made with tear-resistant nylon ripstop, the Trailhead Adventure Pant from Coalatree might be a front-runner for the most versatile hiking pant.

Written by GJ Staff December 22, 2017

Sleep in the Elements: ‘Space Cowboy’ Sleeping Bag Review

Cowboy campers rejoice, Therm-a-rest’s upcoming sleeping bag is light enough for a nap sack and built to shed morning dew—perfect for sleeping outside.

Written by GJ Staff December 21, 2017

Beginner Blade? The Buck Selkirk Makes the Cut

Lots of utility, an reasonable price, and just the right amount of imperfections make the Selkirk an ideal novice knife.

Written by GJ Staff December 20, 2017

Volkl M5: Brand’s Most Popular Ski Gets Better

Volkl revamped its most popular ski, the Mantra, for 2018. We traveled to Austria to get a first-hand look at its next generation, the Volkl…

Written by GJ Staff December 20, 2017

Non-Locking Standout: Benchmade Proper 318 Knife Review

Can a non-locking knife hold up against the rigors of modern use? In testing, the Proper 318 proved itself a rugged and ready worker.

Written by GJ Staff December 15, 2017

Stretch Puffy: Mountain Hardwear DS Hooded Review

Stretch it! A new construction method adds stretch and makes this 2017/18 Mountain Hardwear jacket unlike anything on the market.

Written by Stephen Regenold December 12, 2017

First Look: Trono ‘Cushion of Air’ Camp Chair

The humble camp chair gets an inflatable upgrade this year. Our contributor lounged on air for a weekend to test a cushioned seat unlike any…

Written by GJ Staff December 12, 2017

Pitch a Pyramid: Hyperlite UltaMid 2 Tent Review

Minimalism meets all-mountain functionality in the next great line of multi-sport tents. We reviewed the ultralight UltaMid 2 tent in Mexico, Colorado, and the Sierras.…

Written by Andy Cochrane December 11, 2017