Endurance athletes need their watches to go the distance. Too often, they don’t. One of my biggest frustrations with fitness technology has been having to charge up accessories like a watch or headphones several times per week because when I forget I then miss out on why I’ve invested in attaining and learning the technology. Read more ›
In today’s digital age, getting kids hooked on the outdoors at an early age could help them develop a life-long love of adventure. To help facilitate that, Deuter has revamped their kid-carrier backpack line this year and our test team put the new pack series through rigorous field tests. The Packs Deuter offers four packs Read more ›
Black Diamond Equipment launched into climbing shoes with four models in 2017. In March of this year, they released the Zone, the Goldilocks of their offerings, sitting in between their stiffest and softest shoes. We’ve been testing a pair for two months on plastic, Central Texas limestone, and Colorado granite. The nuts and bolts Black Read more ›
For centuries, humans have stored alcoholic beverages in glass containers, in large part because glass bottles have been inexpensive and easy to produce compared to other options. But also, because glass is chemically stable – there is no leaching of chemicals into the booze, nor is there a chemical reaction between the container and its contents. Read more ›
Ever since humans learned the secrets of fermenting beverages, they’ve enjoyed drinking those potent potables around their campfires. Today, a host of producers of liquor, beer, and wine use their love of the outdoors and their adventures in the wilds to inspire their boozy concoctions. With this in mind, our test team worked diligently to Read more ›
Biolite Charge 20 – the perfect EDC power pack Specifications Dunk proof, spill-proof, rainproof; IPX6 rated Drop tested from 3.9 feet 5200 mAh 82 x 1.5 x 3.98 inches 9 ounces verified weight Stainless steel body, silicone gasket top Four-stage LED charge indicator MSRP $40 The BioLite Charge 20 felt incredibly dense and robust in Read more ›
Good running headphones are hard to find. Battery life, weight, sound quality, and app features all have to come together with a good price. Jaybird has been in the running headphone game for over a decade with its first set of headphones coming out in 2007 working up to the truly wireless Runs in late Read more ›
With all of our electronic toys these days, we need to have ways to charge them. Headlamps, cameras, GPS, phones, drones, and satellite messengers all have rechargeable batteries and need a charge at some point. Small battery packs are great to charge those accessories on hikes that last one to a few days but what Read more ›
Scarpa’s new Maestrale XT – built on the same design as their Maestrale and Maestrale RS AT boots – offer an increased flex rating with minimal additional weight. The XT sports an improved external Speedlock XT Ski/Walk mechanism that, combined with the greater flex and modest weight, makes the boot ideal for hard-charging skiers who Read more ›
OtterBox has steadily expanded its offerings from their original dry box, first sold in 1998, to include drinkware, phone cases, tablet cases, and coolers. The brand branched into luggage with the Yampa series of dry duffles, released in August 2018. We’ve been testing the 70-liter version for two months, using it to shuttle climbing gear Read more ›
Vasque launched the Breeze LT Low last month, introducing a lightweight hiker based largely on trail runners. We’ve been testing the men’s version for the last month, hiking the Hill Country of central Texas and approaching boulders and cliffs in the Gunnison area of Colorado. The stats The Breeze LT Low specifications: Abrasion-resistant mesh upper Read more ›
On a recent trail running trip in Grand Teton National Park, the Mammut Kento Light HS Rain Shell was my go-to piece for the chilly morning starts and the afternoon rain showers. This versatile piece was ideal for these trail adventures, but I’ve also tested the Kento Light while hiking and mountain biking. It’s extremely Read more ›