Heading out on a multi-day vehicular adventure can be both exciting and stressful. There’s no room service when you’re 20 miles from nowhere — there might not be cell service either! So it’s important to be prepared, in order to live life to the fullest without a safety net. To do that, you need the Read more ›
Leatherman devised the multi-tool in the 70’s and the Oregon based brand has steadily updated designs since. Each iteration boasted improvements but gripes and annoyances remained, albeit minor. Leatherman launched the Free series at the beginning of the year and has added models at a steady pace. We’ve been testing the most well-appointed and highest Read more ›
As a year-round cyclist in a four-season state, I have suffered through many a cold ride with inadequate gear, or worse, overdressed and pouring sweat once the ride got started due to oppressive layers. Thankfully, there is an abundance of new gear available for riding in the cold- be that your morning commute or a Read more ›
Understand the hardware that guards your life Climbers usually clip bolts and glue-ins without much thought; many climbers I’ve questioned at the cliffs don’t understand the structure or function of the hardware that lies behind the hanger. The goal of this Fresh Gear installment is to provide a cursory look at sport climbing anchors to Read more ›
Pneumatic Recovery Boots are becoming increasingly popular among athletes. These boots treat muscle soreness and aid in the recovery process by increasing fluid circulation throughout the extremities. Word of their effectiveness is getting out as most brands are presenting their products at race expos, and top athletes are posting pictures of themselves wearing these boots 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 ›
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 ›
If you’re thinking about buying a really good knife, the options can be overwhelming. The more you dig, the deeper you get buried in the infinite variety of blade shapes, handles, steel types, edges. And then there’s the question of you—what type of knife and tool user you are, and how you’re using it. If Read more ›
IMPORTANT: You should always carry an avalanche beacon, shovel and probe when travelling in avalanche terrain and know how to use them. Backcountry travel requires an acceptance of the risks involved (avalanches are not the only danger) and implies a willingness to take responsibility for educating oneself about these dangers and ways to mitigate them. Read more ›
Mountain biking is an amazing way to explore the outdoors, and also an awesome offseason sport for skiers and snowboarders. With the great opportunities the sport presents, comes an equally large set of gear, techniques, and trails to navigate. While getting started mountain biking may be confusing at first, it’s important to have a basic Read more ›
If you haven’t been the lucky recipient of one of those mediocre-at-best travel chargers that companies have started handing out en masse as promotional swag, consider yourself lucky to avoid the clutter. The point is, travel chargers are everywhere now, and they’re far less expensive than the bricks up for sale when smartphones first started Read more ›
A helmet is an absolute must every time you get on a mountain bike. There are a lot of options out there, so maybe you’re wondering which option is the best? The answer is simple – it’s the one that you actually want to wear! Fortunately, helmet designs have come a long way in becoming Read more ›
