Black Diamond’s innovation marches forward with these products being shown at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market this week in Denver Camalot Z4 What? Another camming device line from Black Diamond? This seven-piece line solves an age-old problem for crack aficionados. A patent-pending RigidFlex stem performs the magic, creating a single stem cam that stays rigid Read more ›
With Fathers Day just days away, it’s time to grab a quick gift for dear old dad. To help make your last-minute decision easier, we offer a few suggestions. Post-it Extreme XL Notes While traditional Post-it Notes given as a gift might scream “last-minute grab from the office’s supply cabinet”, the new Post-it Extreme XL Read more ›
The Thomas & Thomas Zone rod series fills a significant niche in fly fishing: The all-purpose rod trout. During extensive field testing of the 9-foot, 5-wt Zone, we found a lot to love about the rods. The medium-fast action of the Zone proves ideally suited for both gentle dry fly placement, and delivery of heavy Read more ›
Finally, a braking assisted belay device that can do it all! The variety and use of braking assisted belay devices are continuously expanding. Edelrid got into the game with the original Mega Jul in 2012 and the simple, effective, and durable device won many fans, including this author. Braking assistance with the Edelrid Jul system Read more ›
Let’s say you have decided that you want to reduce your pack weight for an upcoming multi-day backpacking trip, and you have made a commitment to an ultralight backpack. Now what? In order for an ultralight backpack to be comfortable, it requires skillful packing, and more importantly ultralight gear to go inside of it. An Read more ›
Imagine if a jacket could be designed with only one layer of material. Now imagine that jacket operated like a dog’s fur to keep you warm. Most insulated clothing requires at least three layers to function properly: insulation sandwiched between a shell material and a liner fabric. Depending on the insulation type, quilting or baffling Read more ›
In the last decade running packs have come a long way. Some barely resemble backpacks at all, built more like clothing with streamlined storage than a bag with straps. The best packs these days are lightweight, have pockets and storage options right where you need them and carry enough water for your race or all-day Read more ›
When considering trout reels, the term ‘absolute precision’ doesn’t usually come up. But we’ve heard that term a lot this year from our testers who have used the new Orvis Mirage LT reel. More often than not, a trout reel’s primary function is simply line storage. Anglers will strip out the line they need for Read more ›
Rock climbing shoes have advanced steadily since the advent of sticky rubber shoes in the early ’80s. Brands have drastically improved the fit, sensitivity, edging power, stickiness and other variables in search of performance to match the incredible rise in grades on boulders and crags. Scarpa will release the Furia Air this fall, claiming that Read more ›
This week, Peak Design, a Bay-area innovator of photographic accessories, launches an entirely new line of products to shake-up the old guard of the photo industry. Ironically, the product that is going to shake the foundations of the photo world’s static design is something built for stability: A unique tripod. The new Peak Design Travel Read more ›
Yamaha probably isn’t the first name that comes to mind when thinking ebikes, but they’ve actually been making electric bicycles since 1993. A lot has changed in bicycles and technology since then and their latest line of ebikes takes full advantage of it. The Wabash gravel bike is the 5th model in Yamaha’s 2018/19 line Read more ›
Whether traveling by trains, planes, or automobiles – or bikes, boats, or horse-and-buggies – the new Trxstle CRC system keeps your rod safe and secure. Trxstle – pronounced “tres(ə)l’ – created the Convertible Rod Carry system to help modern anglers transport their rods regardless of their travel method. The unique cases telescope from 30 inches to 10 feet Read more ›