Best Camping and Backpacking Pillows

Last Updated: June 12, 2024

While small and relatively unassuming, a quality outdoor pillow can go a long way toward improving your sleep, whether you’re spending the night at your local state park or trekking miles into the...

Best Camping Blankets

Last Updated: June 11, 2024

Comfort is the number one consideration for many campers (ourselves included), and a quality camping blanket can go a long way toward keeping you warm and cozy in the wilderness. These simple yet endlessly versatile items typically feature a durable...

Best Bouldering Crash Pads

Last Updated: June 10, 2024

Bouldering is climbing’s most popular and accessible discipline. All you need is a pair of shoes and a chalk bag—until the lure of real rock brings you outside, that is. For outdoor bouldering, a crash pad (or multiple pads) is vital to climbing safely...

Best Mountain Bike Brands

Last Updated: June 6, 2024

For many mountain bikers, understanding the background, history, and ethos of a company has a major impact on the purchase of a new rig. However, with so many brands to choose from, it can be difficult to navigate the landscape and find a good match...

Sleeping Bags vs. Quilts

Last Updated: June 4, 2024

For thru-hikers, bikepackers, or anyone looking to travel light and fast, an ultralight sleeping bag or quilt is a no-brainer purchase that can shave noticeable weight and bulk from an overnight kit. But the choice between the two styles can be tricky...

Best Camping Gear

Last Updated: June 3, 2024

Shopping for camping gear is no small feat, whether you’re a first-time camper or a seasoned veteran. But once you set up your tent, lay out your sleeping bag, and settle in by the campfire, the effort is well worth it. After researching and testing...

Sleeping Pad R-Value Explained

Last Updated: June 3, 2024

The sleeping pad you bring on an expedition can be the difference between a comfortable outing in nature and a sleepless night spent tossing and turning. But how do you decide which pad to buy and how much warmth you’ll need? Looking at R-value is a...

Best Windbreaker Jackets

Last Updated: June 3, 2024

Let’s get right to the point: We love windbreaker jackets. In our opinion, a good windbreaker is the most versatile outdoor jacket money can buy. These small but mighty outer layers pack a punch, offering serious protection from the elements for hikers...

Best Vests

Last Updated: May 31, 2024

For getting outdoors on cool fall and spring days, it’s hard to beat a vest. This simple layering piece adds warmth to your core and is cozy, compact, and cheaper than a full jacket. But, like all sectors of the clothing industry, vests are varied...

Best Hydration Bladders

Last Updated: May 29, 2024

Whether we’re hiking, biking, running, or climbing, on-the-go hydration is an essential part of our kit. There’s simply no better way to encourage drinking consistently during activity, which is vital to performance and enjoyment (after bonking one too...

REI Co-op Base Camp 6 Tent Review

Last Updated: May 24, 2024

Featuring high-quality materials and a traditional dome shape, REI Co-op’s Base Camp has been a long-time staple in their tent lineup. Offered in four- and six-person capacities, the car camping-focused model is a top choice among those looking to...

La Sportiva Spire GTX Hiking Shoe Review

Last Updated: May 22, 2024

Released a couple years ago, La Sportiva’s Spire GTX is a backpacking-ready hiking shoe. In many ways, it performs like a low-top boot: the shoe is sturdy, moderately stiff, and offers solid protection on the trail...