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The Tiki Bar has only eight ingredients (all of which you can actually pronounce) and tastes full-on tropical thanks to a heavy wave of mango and a light side of coconut. The lemon zest adds a kick and the almond butter-honey combo provides a welcome density to keep you full.
We’re indifferent about the fact that each Wise Bar is infused with CBD, but we’re completely stoked about the use of lemon and ginger, which adds a snappy note to the bar’s filling foundation of dates, almonds, and oats.
OK, canned shellfish might sound like an odd trail snack. It’s not right for every occasion, but if you’re in the backcountry for extended periods of time and get tired of bars, a tin of these mussels can be the savory bite your body craves. Bonus: they’re loaded with B-12 and omega-3 fatty acids.
Almond butter might be a healthier alternative to peanut butter, but it lacks the natural sweetness of its latter. Justin’s solution? Add a bit of honey powder to the mix. We love this pouch which strikes the right balance of protein, fat, and carbs. It goes well on bananas and apples or tastes great by itself.
Sunflower seeds are a workhorse snack packed with B vitamins, healthy fats, protein, and magnesium. These single-serve packs of kernels were developed by Olympic skier Jonny Moseley and his wife, who were looking for healthy on-the-go fuel for their active family. The Classic is flavored with pink Himalayan salt and is exactly the savory note we crave on hot mountain bike rides and hikes.
Biltong is a South African snack that was brought to the U.S. in recent years. It’s like jerky, but more tender. Kalahari’s version is straight-forward, with no sugar or soy and packed with protein (16 grams per ounce). Our favorite flavor is garlic.
We featured these slippers in our 2017 Summer Buyer’s Guide. The braided and tanned water buffalo upper stays true to its heritage roots in India, but the goat-leather lining and natural rubber outsole deliver a much needed dose of modern comfort: “The City molded to our feet for a truly custom fit,” our tester wrote.
In our 2019 Summer Buyer’s Guide, these were our favorite all-mountain chargers. “The toothy Vibram Megagrip lugs offer killer traction, and that surefootedness, combined with massive Hoka cush, inspires confidence on technical terrain,” we wrote. The third version of the shoe has an updated tongue and a heartier toe bumper.
Outside columnist Jakob Schiller loves his Lowdown Flips because of their durability and comfort: “I’ve probably put over 400 miles on them,” he wrote. “Now the footbeds bear an imprint of my toes, the soles are slightly worn down, and the webbing is filthy. But they aren’t showing any signs of falling apart.”
Our Gear Guy crowned the Workman Mid Comp Toe the best mud boot in his test. “The flexible footbed, coupled with a hugging heel cup, kept the Workman Mid absolutely snug on my foot while climbing the muddy hill,” he wrote. “And they never let a drop of water in as I splashed in a soaked and unruly bamboo patch.”
In 2018, we called this shell “the holy grail of waterproof jackets.” “It feels softer than a soft shell but as waterproof as any hard shell I’ve used,” one tester wrote. If you want a jacket that covers all the bases with weatherproofing, breathability, and stretch, look no further than the Interstellar.
Keen makes some of the most comfortable sandals we’ve tested and the Astoria West is no exception. While we wouldn’t wear these for thru-hiking, we like them as a daily driver and for casual day hikes. The grippy rubber sole kept us confident on wet rock. “Perfect for river hangouts,” one tester said.
In our Gear Guy’s test of the best men’s flip flops, he highlighted the Nohona Ulana’s classy vibe: “You could almost wear a pair in the office on a casual summer Friday,” he wrote. “On flat ground, the supple leather toe post and subtly contoured footbed made for the second most comfortable flip on this list.”
We reviewed this rain jacket in our 2017 Summer Buyer’s Guide. “The exterior nylon is tough, wind-resistant, and stretchy, while the interior is lined with a buttery knit that adds warmth for alpine starts and windy ridge walks,” we wrote. The lining does make the jacket less breathable, so it’s best for slower paced activities.
This is our Gear Guy’s insulated water bottle of choice. In 2013, he did a full test of the entire Hydro Flask quiver, measuring their durability and how long they kept liquids hot and cold. He wrote, “I highly suggest buying a Hydro Flask as your insulated, everyday water bottle.”
The Rendezvous is rated as one of the best camp chairs on Amazon. One reviewer praised the chair for its simple design: "[It's] incredibly sturdy, and there is no need for a cup holder since you are so low to the ground."
At long last, the holy grail of waterproof jackets. The Interstellar blew our crew away with an uncanny mix of weatherproofing, breathability, and stretch. “It feels softer than a soft shell but as waterproof as any hard shell I’ve used,” said one tester. “Not to mention that it’s the most breathable rain shell imaginable.”