Latest Buying Guides

After testing over 20 different nut varieties on trails ranging from day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips, I’ve learned that not all trail nuts are created equal. The wrong choice…

Finding the right climbing shoes as a woman can feel overwhelming with so many technical terms and options to consider. The La Sportiva TarantuLace is the best women’s rock climbing…

After spending three years sleeping in everything from $20 parachute hammocks to premium ultralight systems, I’ve learned that weight isn’t everything. The best backpacking hammocks balance packability, durability, and actual…

After spending three seasons hiking trails across the Pacific Northwest with my 65-pound Labrador mix, I learned the hard way that a standard 6-foot nylon leash from the pet store…

After spending 45 days testing various tech on the Pacific Crest Trail and countless weekends scouting gear for trips across the Rockies, I have learned that not every gadget earns…

I’ve spent countless nights under tarps in everything from calm summer evenings to windy mountain storms. The difference between a dry, comfortable night and a wet, miserable one often comes…

I’ve spent 15 years hiking rocky trails from the Colorado Rockies to the Appalachian Mountains. During that time, I’ve learned that the wrong boots can turn a rewarding trek into…

Nothing ruins a campfire evening faster than a burned hand while adjusting logs or grabbing a hot Dutch oven lid. After spending 15 summers camping with my family and testing…

Caving demands reliable lighting. Underground environments are completely dark, often wet, and unforgiving to equipment failure. I’ve researched headlamps designed specifically for spelunking and cave exploration to find options that…

A dull pocket knife is more dangerous than a sharp one. When I started carrying knives daily 15 years ago, I learned this lesson the hard way after applying excessive…

After testing merino wool base layers across three hiking seasons, I’ve learned the hard way which ones are worth the investment. I’ve spent over $800 on different merino brands, watching…

There’s nothing worse than watching a $200 pair of hiking boots slowly delaminate on the trail. I’ve been there – staring at a peeling rand or separated sole mid-hike, knowing…

Getting caught in a sudden downpour miles from the trailhead is miserable. After 15 years of hiking everything from local day loops to multi-day treks, I’ve learned that weather protection…

After spending three years testing outdoor jackets in various wilderness conditions, I’ve learned that bushcraft demands something different from your average hiking jacket. You need durability that withstands constant abrasion…

Brown hiking boots with red laces combine classic outdoor functionality with distinctive heritage style. This color pairing has roots in traditional European mountain footwear and military-inspired designs, creating a look…