Published
A celebrated backpack maker gets into the travel game
Will toe shoes help links players with their swing?
Never worry about slicing that down jacket open again
F(n)’s Ultralight Backcountry Snowboard Backpack and Ultralight Ski Backpack are feather-light, ultra-durable, and full of features
In an attempt to move the industry away from waterproof down, which has insulation problems, Outdoor Research's latest relies on untreated feathers sealed inside a breathable, waterproof fabric
A full-sized headlamp that adjusts its output automatically, a quick-fix buckle repair system, and a multitool made specifically for skiers
Outside reviews the best gear from SIA's 2013 Snow Show, including the Astis Mittens.
Outside reviews the best gear from SIA's 2013 Snow Show, including the Giro Combyn.
Here are some options for setting yourself up for your best performance on snow this season
From a skibob to a teleboard, Outside presents a definitive compendium of the snow-sliding tools and toys that will take your breath away. Safety not guaranteed.
Last week, on a safari in South Africa’s Kgalagadi (Kalahari) Transfrontier Park, I picked up my SLR with the long lens to photograph a lioness and her kill at a watering hole, and the strap simply fell off the camera. I got lucky—my $2,000-worth of electronics…
Scaling rock and ice in the winter is serious business. Bring the right stuff.
Got Gaiters? Our favorites are still Outdoor Research's light, packable, breathable Verglas.
Traction, bindings, and weight—these are the biggest differentiators. Let’s start with traction. For steep, icy, or rocky terrain, go aggressive with as many underfoot claws in as many locations as you can get, as well as a heel lifter to save your calves on steep climbs.
Our Vermont-based test crew started with a field of more than 30 snowshoes and narrowed them down to these three favorites.
We found three fashionable boots ideal for snowshoeing and general winter tomfoolery.
New Balance Winter 110 Trail Boots Like the Salomon Snowcross CS, the uninsulated Winter 110 is essentially a minimalist running shoe (9 ounces; 4-millimeter heel-to-toe drop) wrapped in a waterproof-breathable gaiter. The outsole lugs shed snow like a champ. Got Gaiters? Our favorites are still Outdoor Research's…
Deal with hurt pets like you would deal with a human emergency: use common sense. And if you’re heading into the woods for a day or longer, bring a first aid kit that will work for man and beast alike.
For years, runners have been told that technology—bags of air, gel, shock absorbing and overbuilt arch and heel support—is supposed to make running better. Still, there is no proof that overbuilt support systems reduce injury or make running better for you. In fact, there are many studies now that show…
Taking Fido along for a hike in the woods can be rewarding and fun, but you need to be prepared in the event of an unexpected emergency
In 2002, Philip Curry, the designer behind Patagonia's now-discontinued Lotus line of lifejackets, decided to get back into the PFD business. He founded Astral Buoyancy to create the highest-quality product possible with cutting-edge design and the least environmental impact.
Climbers have a lot to look forward to in spring 2013. Check out the gear you’ll be taking to the crag or cliff next year in this, our first preview post leading up to the Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City.
Whether you’re catching a wave, splashing in the nearest stream, or chilling at the beach, if you’re a Patagonia fan, you’ll soon have eight new styles of board shorts in 45 different color combinations to wear for the occasion
The best way to beat record high temperatures: spend as much time in the water as possible. Here are a few items to be showcased at the Outdoor Retailer show meant to help enhance your ocean experience.
Your body is 98 percent water. Keep your cells happy and hydrated with these new water-replenishing packs for cyclists and runners that will debut at the Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City.
Never worry about being stuck in the wilderness with nothing to eat again—as long as there is a healthy river nearby
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2012 Summer Buyer's Guide, including the Cannondale Bad Girl 1.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2012 Summer Buyer's Guide, including the Scott Contessa Spark RC.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2012 Summer Buyer's Guide, including the Cannondale Ryker bike helmet.
Whether you’re talking sea kayaks or canoes or whitewater crafts—boat technology has reached a plateau where small advances, design tweaks, and material innovations make a big difference to enthusiasts. This year we see evolution in all categories, with the lightest, most progressive sea kayak in some time.
We’ve scoured the gear archives and the history of sport across continents and eras to compile our first attempt at an authoritative list of the 100 most important outdoor inventions ever
You like to read product reviews and news online. You research the hell out of every purchase. Here’s what you should have bookmarked.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2012 Winter Buyer's Guide, including the Atlas Aspect snowshoes.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2012 Winter Buyer's Guide, including the Columbia Hoodster boots.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2012 Winter Buyer's Guide, including the CAMP Xenon Trek pole.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2012 Winter Buyer's Guide, including the Black Diamond Ultra Distance Trekking Pole.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2012 Winter Buyer's Guide, including the Exped Explorer 120 trekking pole.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2012 Winter Buyer's Guide, including the Tubbs Wilderness Snowshoe
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2012 Winter Buyer's Guide, including the Cassin X-All -Mountain ice ax
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Watershed Waterproof Tote.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Dry Case DC13.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Specialized Tactic Helmet.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Darn Tough Quarter Sock Cushion Socks.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Terry FLX Gel Saddle.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the DZ Nuts Bliss Cream.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Specialized Echelon Helmet.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Pearl Izumi Veer Shorts.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Polar 24-Ounce Insulated Bottle.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Pearl Izumi Impact Gloves.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Louis Garneau Women's Pro Knickers.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Specialized Women's Trail Top.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Shimano SH-WR61 Shoes.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Adidas Adilibria Shield S Sunglasses.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Rapha Wind Jacket.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Dakine Girls Amp 8L Pack.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Giant Cypher 1.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Five Ten Karver Shoes.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Cannondale Women's Quick 2.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Trek Belleville WSD.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Freedom Hawk 12 UL kayak.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Delta Catfish kayak.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Elie Strait 140 XE kayak.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Necky Vector 13 kayak.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Wave Sport Project X kayak.
MAMMUT‘s super-comfortable TOGIR SLIDE HARNESS has loops designed specifically for ice screws and tools. A lightweight dry rope (i.e., one that’s treated and won’t suck up water)…
MOST VERSATILE The Lite-Speed is the triathlete of packs: This panel-loader seamlessly transitioned from an overnight in the Adirondacks to a three-day trek in the Tetons, and it’s light enough for day trips. An external stuff compartment holds lunch and layers, and oversize side and hipbelt pockets keep smaller items…
A PERFORMANCE SIT-ON-TOP In addition to being the fastest undecked boat on the market, it’s also remarkably stable—one tester had to try several times to capsize it. The open cockpit lets air circulate on hot summer days but is protected enough to keep you dry when it’s cold. And who…
With flat lace loops that don’t interfere with cinching snowshoe bindings, ample insulation, and a waterproof-breathable membrane, the Lynx can handle the wet and cold as well as any boot here. And with its trim and understated style, it blends nicely for urban use. 3.1 lbs;…
This is the warmest boot we tested this year (rated to 60 below zero). The key is a removable, quick-dry felt liner, with an inner heat-reflective layer that also helps draws moisture out of the boot, plus the mid-calf height keeps the snow out with the pull of a…
Ankles prone to rolling? The Breeze’s stable platform makes it incredibly supportive for a light hiker, yet it doesn’t feel clunky. The mostly mesh upper breathes exceptionally well and dries quickly. The Breeze excelled on fast-and-light trips, like a jaunt up and down Vermont’s Stowe Pinnacle. www.tecnicausa.com Bonus:…
QUEEN OF THE HILLS Testers loved the Diva’s asymmetrical carbon frame: It looks sexy and, more important, provides a smooth ride. Equipped with a SRAM Force drivetrain and light-but-stiff Ksyrium ES wheels, the stiff and spunky Diva climbed effortlessly up gap after gap in Vermont’s Green Mountains. The dialed geometry…
The faux-shearling collar and fleece lining are cozy. The Vibram outsole and air-cushioned midsole add traction and comfort. And the specially treated synthetic insulation fights stink. Rated to -40F. merrell.com…
Deep lugs even in the instep offer traction, while to-the-toe laces customize the fit. specialized.com/women…
From day hiking in the Front Range to hut trips in Canada, testers loved the go-anywhere Electra for its new FRS (free-rotating suspension) binding, which, they said, gave the shoe a springy feeling that made walking easier. The squared-off claws bit into steep terrain as well as fanglike crampons,…
For the no-frills gal who thumbs her nose at floral details and feminine colors, Marmot’s ultralight synthetic bag delivers women’s features in gender-neutral style. Primaloft Sport insulation crushes almost as well as down, and there’s extra fill at the feet, hip, and shoulder. 25ºF, 1.9 lbs; www.marmot.com Bonus:…
MOST VERSATILE This do-it-all shoe scored high marks whether we were strolling a rec path or marching off with a multi-day load. The keys are low weight and a nimble feel made possible by the shoe’s unique crampon design. Small teeth are cut directly into the frame, which presses points…
Good for SnowshoeingGaiters attach to a D-ring at the tongue base, and, like others here, a ridge on the heel keeps your snowshoe strap from slipping down. Tip: The sole is shank-free, so be careful when clomping around on rocky terrain. merrell.com…
Fitness King Paddling to get a workout? This lightweight performance touring kayak absolutely flies when you put your head down and hammer. “It sprang from stop to go like a racehorse,” reported one tester after zipping across Lake Champlain and back. The Cat 5's deck is arced high to accommodate…