Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2024

Once a niche segment of backpacking, ultralight (UL) gear is gaining traction among outdoor enthusiasts who want to travel faster and farther with less weight on their back.

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Best Ski Apparel Brands of 2024

It’s no secret that skiing is an expensive and gear-intensive sport. And whether you’re doing laps at your local resort or skinning deep into the backcountry, you’ll need a quality jacket and pant combo to keep you comfortable.

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Best Women’s Hiking Shirts of 2024

When it comes to hiking, having the right gear is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience. As the year 2024 brings new advancements in outdoor apparel, women’s hiking shirts have evolved to provide excellent performance, breathability, and style.

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Backpack Reviews

DMM Flight 45L Review

Comfort/FitThe DMM Flight is only available in one size, and it fit this 6-foot-tall tester well. The back panel is supported by an HDPE frame sheet and padded via mesh...

The North Face Cragaconda Review

Comfort/FitThe North Face Cragaconda is available in two sizes with the L/XL best for six-foot-tall users. The suspension is comprised of a HDPE frame sheet and two aluminum vertical stays,...

Apparel Reviews

Orvis Men’s Ultralight Convertible Wader Review

The Orvis Ultralight Waders fill an important niche of the market — lightweight waders suitable for travel and summer conditions in cold-water environments. The Ultralights cover both bases admirably. The...

Best Women’s Fleece Jackets of 2024

A fleece jacket is a versatile and essential layering piece that provides warmth and comfort in various weather conditions. In 2024, women’s fleece jackets have seen advancements in fabric technology,...

Footwear Reviews

Best Hiking Sandals of 2024

When it comes to hiking in warm weather or traversing water crossings, having the right footwear is essential. Hiking sandals offer a lightweight and breathable alternative to traditional hiking boots,...

La Sportiva Synthesis Mid GTX Review

Overall this is one of the best and one of my favorite shoes in this category for the season. Sometimes your choice in a shoe may be driven by fit,...

Hiking & Camping Reviews

Osprey Atmos 65 AG Review

Comfort/FitThe Atmos 65 AG is as comfortable as any pack I have ever tested. It takes a few extra minutes to dial in all the adjustments on the hip belt...

Granite Gear Virga 2 Backpack Review

Fit/ComfortThe Virga 2 has good overall comfort, provided loads stay below 25 pounds. I found no reference for a recommended load weight for this pack, but based on my experience...

Arc’teryx Altra 65 Review

Comfort/FitThis bag is the most comfortable pack this tester has ever worn. The two dimensional shoulder strap adjustment allows the user to quickly tune the Altra to their body’s unique...

Salewa Wander Hiker Review

Stability The Michelin rubber had arguably the best grip in its class, and the outsole was slightly wider than the rest of the shoe, providing added stability and ground contact....

Vasque Inhaler Low GTX Review

In my opinion, Vasque really stepped up its game in the light hiker category with the introduction of the Inhaler Low GTX, while still remaining true to its roots. It’s...

Bergans Trollhetta 55 Backpack Review

StorageThe Bergans Trollhetta 55 backpack provides flexible storage options. The lid contains two large zippered pockets, one on top and one underneath. There is a large mesh pocket on the...

Climbing Reviews

Metolius Crag Station Review

Comfort/FitThe Metolius Crag Station is only available in one size, fitting 6-foot users of average climbing build. The dense foam in the back panel is the only suspension component, but...

Singing Rock Penta Review

ComfortThe Penta was one of the most comfortable helmets tested and became a big hit with testers. The lightweight and lack of a plastic suspension system allow the Penta to...

Biking Reviews

Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Leader III Review

Stiffness-to-Weight/Power Transfer One of the aspects of the Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Leader III testers enjoyed the most was how thin the sole is, it puts your foot is closer to...

Time Fluidity Review

The Time Fluidity spoke to me. This is what it said. “I am everything you like about road bikes, and nothing that you don’t.” If you like a bike that...

Hunting & Fishing Reviews

Patagonia Middle Fork Packable Wader Review

The Patagonia Middle Fork Packable Wader sets a new high-water mark in lightweight, packable design. The Middle Fork waders earned unanimous praise from our test team for packability and weight....

Ski & Snow Reviews

Black Diamond Recon Stretch Ski Shell Review

Materials The Black Diamond Recon Stretch is constructed out of BD.Dry 3 layer material that is fully waterproof, windproof and breathable. Its highly waterproof rating of 20,000 mm is equivalent...

Stio Figment Jacket and Bib Review

As the snow blankets the Rockies and ski season kicks into high gear, my anticipation for those first exhilarating powder days matches my excitement to put the Stio Figment Jacket...

Travel Reviews