The annual Outdoor Retailer Summer Show kicks off this week, and gear makers from around the world are debuting the new products and innovative ideas for gear slated to hit shelves in time for next year’s summer adventures. After preview peeks at many of the innovations, the Gear Institute team identified a few worthy of 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 ›
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 ›
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 ›
For a real knife and tool-hound like myself, the anticipation for the new Leatherman “Free” series of multitools was almost too much to bear. After all, I’ve known “a new and revolutionary” tool series was coming from Leatherman for three years now, but was given very little detail. Then, in January, when SHOT show came 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 ›
Hoka One One launched its new like of mega-fat hiking shoes and boots this spring, and we got an advance peek. The three models—a proper backpacking boot, a flashpacking low-cut shoe, and a mid-cut scrambler—all feature Hoka One One’s signature extra-thick midsole. That extra-thick foam certainly works to lessen the impact on your legs while 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 ›
I’ve never been one of those skiers or riders who can just bear the wind and cold on their face. I’ve worn neckies and Buffs, and tried hoods under my helmet, or jackets with hood helmets, too. Nothing worked as well as I wanted it to, so when I started seeing more fleece hoodies around Read more ›