Good Backpacking Gear on a Budget

Last Updated: July 6, 2022

It’s no secret that the biggest barrier to entry for a lot of outdoor activities is cost. And every year, gear manufacturers come out with the latest and greatest technologies, which feature thinner and more...

Down vs. Synthetic Insulation

Down vs. Synthetic Insulation David Wed, 07/06/2022 - 11:39
As the weather cools down each year, the great down-versus-synthetic insulation debate heats up. Goose and duck down fill are among the premier insulators on earth, trapping air and creating pockets of warmth around your body with very little weight...

MSR FreeLite 2 Tent Review

Last Updated: July 1, 2022

MSR’s updated-for-2022 FreeLite tent shares many design similarities with one of our favorite backpacking models, the Hubba Hubba, but with significant weight savings. At 2 pounds 5 ounces...

Osprey Atmos AG 65 Backpack Review

Last Updated: July 1, 2022

One of the few downsides of the industry-wide transition to internal-frame packs is ventilation. Enter the Atmos line from Osprey, and more recently, the Atmos AG pack. This bag was designed from the...

Shimano AM903 Bike Shoe Review

Last Updated: June 1, 2022

Shimano is best known for their quality mountain bike components, but their shoe collection—ranging from lightweight XC models to burly enduro and e-bike designs—is similarly competitive. We’ve been testing the SH-AM903 for the past several months...

Specialized Ambush 2 Helmet Review

Last Updated: May 27, 2022

Specialized might be best known for their quality bikes, but we’ve had good experiences with their helmets and apparel, too. We tested and liked their Ambush helmet last year and were excited to try out this year’s version, the Ambush 2...

Thule Motion XT XL Review

Last Updated: May 26, 2022

Thule’s rooftop cargo box collection is undeniably extensive, from luxurious designs with felt-lined interiors and built-in lighting to soft-sided models for cheap and compact storage. The Motion slots in as their premium all-rounder ...

Fjallraven Keb Eco-Shell Jacket Review

Last Updated: May 26, 2022

Based in Sweden, Fjallraven is gaining popularity this side of the Atlantic with classy and well-built outdoor gear that transitions nicely between the mountains and urban environments. The Keb Eco-Shell is their premium hardshell offering and stands...

Salomon Hiking Footwear: How to Choose

Last Updated: May 25, 2022

Salomon is a clear frontrunner in the hiking footwear market, with an extensive collection that ranges from capable backpacking-ready boots to light and nimble low-top shoes. At the time of publishing, their hiking lineup comprises 14 core models—many...

Yakima SkyBox 16 Carbonite Review

Last Updated: May 23, 2022

Yakima has been a leader in the cargo roof box game for some time, and their core and arguably most versatile product is the SkyBox Carbonite. We’ve had the 16-cubic-foot model on the top of our vehicle for a few years now and have found it to be...

Specialized Recon 2.0 Shoe Review

Last Updated: May 20, 2022

Specialized’s S-Works Recon is a highly technical mountain bike shoe that’s purpose-built for serious riders and dedicated racers, but the minimal cushioning and snug fit limit its comfort and...

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent Review

Last Updated: May 19, 2022

First introduced in 2008, the Copper Spur series by Big Agnes has been a consistent frontrunner in the ultralight tent category. We tested the latest two-person model (which was lightly updated a few seasons back) on a series of backpacking trips in...