Blackyak Hariana Blackyak is a relative newcomer to the American Market and their Hariana won an ISPO award in 2018. The Hariana is as close to being a hardshell as you can get without being one. Blackyak uses seam taped Gore Windstopper laminated to ripstop Cordura nylon, and although it cannot carry the Gore waterproof Read more ›
The soft-shell category has exploded with uncountable options that cover the entire swath of the protection versus breathability spectrum. To make purchasing choices easier and make comparisons productive, Gear Institute has split soft shells into two distinct groups. The aerobic softshell group, covered here, stresses air and moisture vapor permeability over protection from the elements, Read more ›
Hiking doesn’t need to stop once the snow starts falling and the temperatures drop. Rather, you just need to be prepared with the correct footwear. Don’t go trekking through snow in your low-cut summer hikers or lightweight fall boots — we can guarantee your hike won’t be enjoyable. Instead, invest in a pair of winter Read more ›
It doesn’t matter if you’re out for an after-work sprint or an all-day epic, you’ll be carrying some essentials on your bike. Water, tools and an extra layer have to be stored somewhere. New options come out every day for carrying essentials right on your bike but there are still many reasons to carry a Read more ›
During the past summer and fall, our testers were given the task of trying out a variety of ultralight packs on the market, from tried and true packs that have been available for years, to brand new offerings for this year. Ultralight backpacks make up an up and coming category that is more specific than Read more ›
Brands specifically market approach shoes to climbers for effectively hiking to the base of routes or boulders. These narrowly focused shoes range from hikers to trail runners, with additional climber-oriented benefits like more abundant lacing, sticky rubber outsoles with solid climbing zones, and tighter fits. I am continually testing approach shoes; the carryover models in Read more ›
Coolers have come a long way since the big green Coleman cooler that my family once had when I was growing up. Family reunions, barbeques, picnics, and even fishing trips featured that steel-clad cooler. When it was loaded, this green beast was heavy and awkward to carry solo but honestly one of the only choices Read more ›
Cold hands and fingers can easily ruin a day on the mountain, and unless you are okay with skipping out on some free powder shots and untouched moguls, heading inside to warm up isn’t an option. So let’s start from the beginning and buy the right pair of gloves for the right conditions. We tested Read more ›
We tested lightweight jackets with year-round application—thick enough for western winter temps into the 20s but not so insulated you can’t wear them as a midlayer or on cold nights year round. They were tested from New England to Lake Tahoe, in rain, dry cold, and white-outs. Our testers took them snowshoeing, skiing, and sledding, Read more ›
Tandem anything can be a little cheesy. Take tandem biking. Put two people on one bicycle and you quickly become a two-person snicker magnet. And for what? But the idea of tandem stand-up paddling had been growing on me—one giant board, loaded with gear and supplies, with a course set for a distant lake island Read more ›
The 10-foot, 6-inch Ride by Red Paddle Co. is the best-selling standup paddleboard in the world, according to the company, based on the fact that Red Paddle Co. is the top selling premium inflatable SUP brand in the world and the 10’6” Ride is its best selling board. That naturally made me wonder what was the Read more ›
Bringing little people into the world of two wheels is daunting and requires incredible patience, not to mention giving up a few beautiful Saturday morning rides on your own because you’re so dedicated to getting your kid riding. While there are lots of fine balance bikes out there, and most will get your kid the Read more ›