Reviews

‘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

Pitch on a Ledge: MSR Advance Pro 4-Season Tent Review

The MSR Advance Pro 2 is lightweight, has a small footprint, bomber construction, and a single climber can pitch it standing in one spot. We…

Written by Seiji Ishii December 08, 2017

Salomon SHIFT: Meet the Next Generation of Ski Bindings

The Salomon S/LAB SHIFT MNC functions as both an alpine and tech ski binding. And it works with pin-tech boots and traditional alpine ski boots…

Written by Sean McCoy December 07, 2017

Better Together: ENO Fuse Tandem Hammock System Review

Hang two hammocks side by side from just two trees. In our review of ENO’s Fuse Tandem hammock spreader bar, we found it to be…

Written by Jake Ferguson December 07, 2017

Citizen’s Sundial: The ProMaster Diver Watch

Tackle the great outdoors with solar charging and stainless steel.

Written by GJ Staff November 28, 2017

No Ice Needed: Put a Refrigerator in Your Car

The Dometic CFX35W adds WiFi and a mobile app interface to an already popular line of 12-volt fridges.

Written by GJ Staff November 27, 2017

Simpler Sharpening: Worksharp Culinary E5 Review

The Worksharp Culinary E5 is a simple kitchen tool that makes sharpening knives a breeze.

Written by Anthony Sculimbrene November 21, 2017

Sweet Suite! Unique Tent Design Gives Strong Results

Pre-bent poles give this semi-freestanding Sierra Designs tent more space without the extra weight.

Written by GJ Staff November 21, 2017

Hammer, Shatter, Slice: Steel Will Roamer is Rugged, Budget-Friendly Blade

Big, strong, and ready for hard use, Steel Will’s Roamer R300 fixed blade is as easy on the wallet as it is useful in the…

Written by GJ Staff November 20, 2017

First Look: Under Armour’s 2018 HOVR Running Shoes

Under Armour this week took the curtains off a running shoe project in the works for more than two years. Meet HOVR.

Written by Stephen Regenold November 17, 2017

Rubber vs. Leather: Head-to-Head Brooks Saddle Review

With more than 5,000 miles of cross-country biking as the testing ground, I set it out determine which Brooks bike saddle is friendlier on the…

Written by GJ Staff November 17, 2017

Organizational Bliss: Mountain Hardwear ‘MultiPitch’ Climbing Pack

Climbing is a gear intensive sport. The Mountain Hardwear Station 40 has built-in panels, clip points, and daisy chains to keep it all organized at…

Written by Seiji Ishii November 15, 2017

Thrifty Climbing: Black Diamond Solution Harness Delivers on the Rock

Slender, lightweight, and super inexpensive: Black Diamond’s Solution harness offers a whole lot of bang for not a lot of buck.

Written by Nate Mitka November 15, 2017

Do-All Upland Game Boots: Danner Sharptail Year-Long Test

In late 2016 I was searching for a pair of do-it-all boots, fit to stand up to a variety of situations. My choice selection was…

Written by Sean McCoy November 14, 2017

Made In MN: Granite Gear Day Pack And Duffel Test

Granite Gear’s Minnesota Made collection is designed and hand-sewn in Two Harbors, MN. We tested an 18L daypack and tube-style duffel during a month of travel…

Written by GJ Staff November 07, 2017