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 ›
Pneumatic Recovery Boots are becoming increasingly popular among athletes. These boots treat muscle soreness and aid in the recovery process by increasing fluid circulation throughout the extremities. Word of their effectiveness is getting out as most brands are presenting their products at race expos, and top athletes are posting pictures of themselves wearing these boots Read more ›
Following up on their outstanding Mirage series of saltwater reels, Orvis launched a new Mirage LT designed for lighter lines. The lightweight reel has been in development for more than a year, and our team of testers has been using pre-production samples since early last summer. The Mirage LT – like its stouter sibling – Read more ›
Come spring, anglers eagerly await the season opener. But rather than letting anxiety build, savvy fly fishers will put their energy to good use, prepping their gear for optimal performance. One of the most important, yet also most overlooked, tasks anglers can tackle is cleaning and rehabilitating their fly lines. Modern fly lines are remarkably Read more ›
The basics of setting up a comfortable camp have altered little over the course of human history: A good shelter, a cozy cooking fire, a comfortable place to rest and relax, and some tasty food and beverages. A basic camp, though, isn’t necessarily a comfortable camp. Today, campers can tailor their backcountry homes to match Read more ›