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ArchiveThe best way to beat record high temperatures: spend as much time in the water as possible. Here are a few items to be showcased at the Outdoor Retailer show meant to help enhance your ocean experience. BELLYAK FREQUENCY A speedy rotomolded plastic bodyboat designed for joyriding rivers, oceans…
Light-is-right fanatics take heed: don’t bother cutting the handle off of your toothbrush just yet. If you’re going on a multi-day trip, look to your sleeping system to shave some serious weight. After 2,700 miles on the road, our cross-country walking tester Andrew Forsthoefel gave us the scoop on his…
ϳԹ reviews the best adventure gear for man’s best friend.
This past Sunday I forewent a gorgeous afternoon in the sun, opting for the headquarters of frog, a global innovation firm (they design/re-design products and experiences for major companies). Frog and LRN, a consultancy, were hosting a weekend “hackathon.” Unless you're a computer programmer…
In October 2011, Andrew Forsthoefel walked out of his back door in Pennsylvania and started walking west, taking only what he could carry on his back. His project, called “Walking to Listen,” is to see the country at a walking pace, taking in the sights, the sounds and the stories.
Alite Designs cofounder Tae Kim at the Ranger Station library. Photo: Mary Catherine O'Connor Tae Kim grew up in Anchorage, Alaska, where, he says, “your crazy uncle teaches you how to go camping.” (His crazy uncle really did teach him how to go camping.) But…
ϳԹ reviews the best gear in the 2012 Summer Buyer's Guide, including the Linus Gaston 3.
ϳԹ reviews the best gear in the 2012 Summer's Buying Guide, including the Prana Piggyback yoga-mat strap.
Rhode Island School of Design student Cam Brensinger came up with the idea for NEMO (New England Mountain Equipment) and his college senior project, high on the flanks of New Hampshire's Mount Washington. One weekend Cam went camping and got caught in gale force winds. Cam recalls:…
First, assume an Australian accent. It'll help when you pronounce the name of this snazzy bike trailer setup: Midget Bushtrekka. This pimped out bike trailer has “duallies” (kind of) and is designed to pivot and absorb shock. It can be adjusted to fit on a range of bike…
What's the best way to keep gear dry when rafting or kayaking?
I've got a confession to make. During my lifetime, I've purchased a fair amount of crappy gear that I found, for one reason or another, appealing. And because it was cheap. These days, I've got less stuff and I'm more selective about what I buy. I try to only spend…
Heat is a major problem for electronics. Even after you're computer is off, you want it to cool quickly. Two new protective devices help prevent overheating while buffering your gadgets against bumps. Sea to Summit Padded Soft Cases: Cameras, helmet cams, and other plug in devices can always use protection…
What to do with old airbags? It’s a question the designers at Keen were asking themselves when they came up with the Harvest III, a new limited edition series of bags for 2012. Keen “harvested” pre-consumer automobile airbags for its new Harvest III tote, backpack, and wallet. Here's a quick…
The North Face and skate shop Supreme have teamed up on hip-hop meets safari Nuptse down jackets and Rolling Thunder bags in Kenyan camo animal prints. These limited edition jackets have not yet been seen on the worlds highest peaks–maybe because…
Even if you dad chucked his old wafflestompers and canvas backpack before you were born, you can still have legit heritage gear that's as functional as it is cool looking. Here are four of our favorite old-is-new pieces: LL Bean Maine Snowshoe: To celebrate its 100th birthday, LL Bean is…
A year ago, Boreas was started by Tae Kim, the Creative Director behind Alite Designs. Kim showed he wasn’t afraid to take design risks, creating the two-legged balancing Monarch Butterfly Camp Chair and the zip-crotch Sexy Hotness sleeping bag. With Boreas,…
At the Outdoor Retailer and SIA shows last month, one thing was clear: more and more people are venturing into the backcountry on skis and snowboards. Whether you're dipping out of bounds at your local ski hill, or boot packing from the road to the summit, these done in a…
Is your old Samsonite looking a little dogeared? Are you ready to replace your black roller board with something that's easier to identify on the luggage carousel? We'll be checking out new luggage this week at the Outdoor Retailer show. Here's a preview of a few of the pieces we're…
Struggling to find a gift for the guy who has everything? Or perhaps you've been an exceptionally good boy this year, and you'd like to reward yourself. Either way, we rounded up a few of our favorite things, price be damned. A word of caution: while the list starts out…
If you’re like me, you probably still have some holes (ahem, a lot of holes?) to fill on your holiday shopping list. Have no fear: There’s still time to score the season’s most coveted loot for little rippers, naughty or nice. Icebreaker Bodyfit Base Layers …
Wondering what to get the favorite women in your life for the holidays? We’ve honed in on the best holiday gifts for your better half, whether she's a shredder, cyclist, or simply likes to stay warm. Nobis Farrah hat: If you're going to get her a warm hat, get her…
The perfect gifts for the active city-dweller.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=R4tsYqjJQ88%C2%A0 Remember the G-Form iPad case? In August we wrote about one in our post The Three Toughest iPad Cases On the Planet. Turns out that “On the Planet” may not have gone far enough. G-Form performed some extreme demonstrations of its technology by…
Avalanche air bags are gaining in popularity. And for good reason—they can increase survival rates by 98 percent.
The new roll top Crown VC 60, $200, granitegear.com The company that gained traction on the backs of hikers on the Appalachian Trail and paddlers in the Boundary Waters is now producing packs for Navy SEALS special ops in Afghanistan and beyond.
A few weeks ago, we wrote about CycleDog, a company that makes dog accessories out of recycled bike tubes. And a few months ago, we wrote about Alchemy Goods, which makes belts and bags from the same. Well, they're not the only ones. Two…
Call us soft (and many of our friends have), but we've always been a fan of Crazy Creek chairs. (Our tripmates have consistently sneered “Lazy Geek” chairs, and then promptly sat in them when we got up to pee.) We also like the contraptions that turn your…
The American Alpine Institute (AAI) is a 35-year old mountain school best know for its advanced trainings, expeditions, and exceptional instruction, as well as its committment to protecting public lands. Of course, they also know a thing or two about gear, and this summer at the…
Do you find sleeping bags too confining? Are you a sleepwalker concerned about frostbite on your late night excursions? Are you jealous of small children who have onesie pajamas with feet? Then do we have something for you. Introducing the Selk'bag. This Gumby-like, polyester-filled, insulating outfit is…
Getting robbed sucks whether you're on a business trip or vacation. Keep thieves at bay the next time you travel with these three anti-theft accessories: Clothing Arts Pick Pocket Proof ϳԹ Travel Pants: Fill the high capacity pockets of these pants with all the…
Pedal there in good form with the Columbia Tech Trekker messenger bag.
Tonight, Patagonia and eBay announced a new partnership, the Common Threads Initiative. Together, they asked owners of fleece and Gore-Tex everywhere to pledge to reduce consumption, reuse old gear, recycle, repair what's broken, and reimagine a world where people don't stress the earth with…
J.W. Hulme, the Minnesota-based bag company that's been making those handsome green and leather duffels in these United States of America since the turn of the 20th century, has made six exclusive items for the official charity of…
Timbuk2 D-Lux Laptop Messenger Bondage.
There are bazillion iPad cases out there. Some are great, some are crappy, and many are in the middle: they look cool but offer little in the way of actual protection. That's where these three cases come in. If you're looking to take your iPad along on your next serious…
It's a wrap. The Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City is officially over, including it's pre and post demos and expos and events. We're still sifting through our notes and thumb drives, but here are a few more products from the world's largest gear…
We've landed in Salt Lake City, and today we're headed to the Outdoor Retailer on-water demo, where we'll get our first glimpse of kayakas, SUPs, and all the goodies and gadgets that go with them. Then the show officially kicks off tomorrow, and here are a…
Save yourself (and your future travel plans) with these quick tips
Whether you're cooling off during a weekly swim in the local outdoor pool or training daily for a triathlon in a state-of-the-art aquatics center, you'll want to outfit yourself with gear made for the pool. Presenting the 10 best summer swimming products for 2011, from suits to shampoo. Right before…
Doug Schnitzspahn on the best packs from the 2008 Winter Buyer's Guide.
A commuter pack that can handle the toughest weather and keep your tech gear safe. $79…
Ultralight backpackers will praise this 2,014-cubic-inch minimalist pack for its perfectly designed organizational pockets and breathable back panel. $175…
An ultralight, go-anywhere backpack perfect for stuffing in a tight spot. $49…
A unique suspension system makes this Black Diamond pack ideal for movement. $140…
A hybrid between a weekend technical backpack and a drybag.
A review of the Arc'teryx Cierzo 18 daypack.
One of our favorite small packs, the Diablo delivers on comfort.
The Kelty Locus 40, a traditional top loading overnighter.
The Lafuma Naia 35, a cushy yet supportive pack.
The Gear of the Year winning North Face Primero 60.
Our Gear of the Year Winner crams a ton of features into a light backpack.
Yes, Thule makes luggage, and it’s just as tough as their roof racks. Presenting our 2011 Gear of the Year winner.
With an extra 15 liters of expandable space, our Gear of the Year winning pack, the Deuter ACT Zero 50+15, works for day hikes and multiday trips.
Buyer's Guide managing editor Alicia Carr hits up the Smith booth at SIA for a quick history lesson.
A tough, old school commuter bag made in the U.S.A. $170…
ϳԹ reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Watershed Waterproof Tote.
ϳԹ reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Dry Case DC13.
ϳԹ reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Scarpa Terra GTX hiking boot.
ϳԹ reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Lilypond Sundown Weekender/Gym Bag.
ϳԹ reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Rusty Dwart surfboard.
—Stephanie Pearson writes the Gear Girl column for ϳԹonline.com There’s no better place to hike, mountain bike, and dehydrate than in Arizona’s Coconino National Forest, which also makes these red-canyon trails in the hot sun and high, dry air an ideal…
—Stephanie Pearson writes the Gear Girl column for ϳԹonline.com There’s no better place to hike, mountain bike, and dehydrate than in Arizona’s Coconino National Forest, which also makes these red-canyon trails in the hot sun and high, dry air an ideal…
This year I decided to add some texture to my early season racing by creating a fully functional beerpak. My racing teammate and I have used these two years in a row at the 12 Hours of Temecula. We scored podium spots both times, once…
What are some great recycled products? The Editors Santa Fe, New Mexico
CARRY-ON Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic Courtesy of Ortlieb Like to haul bigger loads, like a laptop, on a rear rack? Get ORTLIEB's grab-and-go BACK-ROLLER CLASSIC (pair, $165; ortliebusa.com), one of the toughest, and best-looking, waterproof panniers available. Check out 2009's best commuter bikes and our bike…
Tracking the rise of that ubiquitous urban accessory.
1. Bern Muse Helmet Slope Style This downsized lid has zero bobblehead factor yet still has room for a removable liner (with speakers). $99; bernunlimited.com 2. Marmot Furlong Like it or not, you will get noticed in the lift line when you’re…
Call it trickle-up technology. In the past 30 years, adventure-centric products have moved from the margins to the mainstream. Here's drool-inducing proof that today's top manufacturers are on our side.
1. HIND P.E. SHORT SLEEVE SHIRT » This T’s grid pattern minimizes points of contact on the skin for increased airflow, which helps keep you cool. And on long runs, the extra-stretchy underarm panels don’t chafe. $38; hind.com womens running…
Mysteries of the mind-body connection: Why does Willie Nelson make me run faster than the White Stripes? And why do both sound so much better coming out of the Thump Pro? I don't have answers, but I do know that after several trail runs I fell shamelessly in love with…
Strange but true: It feels good to run all day. Prep yourself with this go-far gear.
Sustainability meets performance in these eco-friendly products
From bike lane to corner office, these classy messenger bags carry the day
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