Many of us like to watch wildlife, it seems. According to the latest survey from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), more than 23 million people participate in wildlife watching activities each year, spending upwards of $12.1 Billion annually just on gear specifically used on viewing activities – the expenditure jumps to a whopping $75.9 Read more ›
A Watch to Help You Stick To Your Fitness Goals In 2019, Polar, a Finnish fitness technology company, released a new fitness watch with a self-care focus. In the smartwatch field, it is difficult to compete with the Apple Watch and Garmin products, but Polar’s new product, the Polar Ignite, attempts to stand out with Read more ›
Though I’ve been fly fishing for 40 years, and writing about the sport for nearly 30, I never had the honor of meeting Tom Morgan in person. But, though the rod builder passed away in 2017, I now feel like I’ve just met the man. Tom Morgan Rodsmiths continues to build fly rods – bamboo, Read more ›
A supremely windproof, stable, and accommodating canister stove system After decades of research and over five years of development, MSR debuted radiant burner technology in 2007 with its Reactor stove system. It soon became the coveted snow melting machine for mountaineers and alpinists, the flameless stove putting out 9,0000 BTUs/hour. The Reactor unapologetically claimed the Read more ›
BioLite launched its HeadLamp 330 last year to much acclaim. The unique headlamp featured a lamp embedded within the head strap, and a separate battery mounted to the rear of the strap. Both made the HeadLamp 330 supremely comfortable, especially while active. BioLite carries the momentum with today’s release of the HeadLamp 200, a Read more ›
Mammut updates the Neon Gear 45L (MSRP $160) regularly and we have been testing the most recent updates of their avant-garde looking crag pack for a few months at both local crags and destination climbing areas. The sleek pack may appear minimalist on the outer surface, but the pack has plenty of organizational prowess on Read more ›
Whether it’s a need for a simple blade for ultralight backpacking, or a powerful chopper for rugged outdoor use, Columbia River Knife and Tool – better known as CRKT – has an option to fit. For the ultralight hiker, CRKT offers a series of lightweight ‘lanyard’ knives that can be worn around the neck for Read more ›
Leatherman devised the multi-tool in the 70’s and the Oregon based brand has steadily updated designs since. Each iteration boasted improvements but gripes and annoyances remained, albeit minor. Leatherman launched the Free series at the beginning of the year and has added models at a steady pace. We’ve been testing the most well-appointed and highest Read more ›
This time of year, it seems a fine line exists between “Christmas presents” and “stocking stuffers.” Current usage suggests ‘stocking stuffers’ are simply more affordable, and/or physically smaller, items in the broader category of Christmas presents. With that in mind, we’ve packaged up the best small and/or affordable outdoor items of the year that are Read more ›
Good vision and solid head protection are two main ways to stay safe on the slopes, and Julbo’s new Cyrius Ski Goggle pairs perfectly with the Julbo Hal Helmet for a clear and protected ride. Skiers and snowboards will appreciate the super-wide and unobstructed field of vision offered by these the Cyrius goggles. Thanks to Reactiv Read more ›
Living and playing in the mountains mean I have a lot of jackets, all designed for something different. I may have the most ski jackets of all, and it definitely feels excessive, so I was excited to try the new Raymer Jacket from Stio, meant to be “the one and only” ski shell you need. Read more ›
As a year-round cyclist in a four-season state, I have suffered through many a cold ride with inadequate gear, or worse, overdressed and pouring sweat once the ride got started due to oppressive layers. Thankfully, there is an abundance of new gear available for riding in the cold- be that your morning commute or a Read more ›