Joe Jackson, Outside online's Gear Guy, never thought that the ten years he spent as a raft guide, outdoor retail employee, and vagabond would turn into a career.
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The ability to fix your gear outdoors is as important as the gear you choose to use in the first place
Our Gear Guy tested the top small coolers to help find what's right for you
Our Gear Guy's inexpensive hacks for backcountry travel
Forget the hatchet—the Buck Compadre Froe has your camp wood-processing needs covered
Don’t let a little precipitation keep you inside
State-of-the-art protection, minus that clamped-down feeling
They won’t always be on their best behavior, but at least they’ll stay warm and dry
Swaddle yourself in light-weight, breathable warmth
If you're looking for adventure, leave your roller bag behind
The Blumenthal Force Grill will convert even the most diehard charcoal purists
Take care of your blade, and your blade will take care of you
He's literally tested hundreds of hats, and this is his go-to
The best ones hit all the notes of lightweight, portability, and (relative) durability
Really, I just needed an excuse to take a dip
A guide to ruling the galley on your next weekend out
Don't waste a minute of your next vacation—let a local show you around instead
Stasher's Reusable Silicone Sandwich Bag should replace your supply of Ziplocs
We focused on comfort, stretch, and how well they fought off sweat and stink
You can't put a price on the peace of mind that comes with good gear organization
Any brew worth drinking deserves more than crappy single-use plastic, so we stuck to reusable vessels
You want something that's powerful enough to keep you and your gear clean
A jacket, a daypack, a water bottle, and some seat-back storage that we couldn't be more excited to test out
Products we love, from camping utensils to a revamped Patagonia cap, all costing less than 50 bucks
Including an easy-to-set-up tent, an ultralight camp chair, and a sleeping bag made almost completely from recycled materials
When his time and energy are both in short supply
Rowing is a great workout but can be somewhat boring. The RW900 fixes that.
I beat the snot out of it to see how it holds up
I prefer to not have to choose between looks and capability
This year is a celebration of the past—each of the boats at the top of our list is a revamp of a bestseller. Some might say that looking back is a sign that the sport isn’t progressing, but we don’t agree.
Tips on how to get one of the most enviable jobs in the outdoor industry
We went way out there to put these through the paces
Be cautious, but don't let small things scare you away from a deal
I put my own feet on the line to find out
To get accurate test results, I enlisted a physicist's help
Fleece and denim—two of my favorite things, just usually not together. Until now.
The answer depends on your skill level, your feet, and your body type
A good sweater can save your bacon on notoriously fickle spring days
We judged five contenders on user friendliness, comfort, and how well they carry a load
It's best to have everything you might need, even if you never have to use any of it
Sure, it makes my daughter adorable. But it's also everything a parent could want in a winter suit for their outdoorsy toddler.
First criterion: they can't overlap with your ski socks
Our resident gear expert is a fan of rising at the crack of dawn to get a couple laps in
Understanding a few technical basics—and being honest about your needs—will help you pick one you'll love
No matter where or how you ski, you need a pair that fits just right, minimizes sweat, and keeps you warm
The affordable models are surprisingly capable, but what you get for more money is undeniable
This dorky little windshield wiper is the world's most effective tool for cleaning your goggles
You want protection that goes on easy and keeps your mug from resembling a wind-chapped chunk of meat
Higher-priced gear almost always performs better. But how much better? And is it worth the extra bills?
Because nothing kills the joy of playing in the snow and cold faster than cold hands
You don't need to spend a fortune to get a bright light with good features. Here are our top picks under $20.
The versatility of these American-made planks is second to none
A miniature Spotify music player without the distractions of a screen or notifications keeps me happily training
I've spent hundreds of hours of testing shirts. These five are the best.
Focus on fit, insulation, and fancy extras (or lack thereof)
Knowing the basics on lenses, fit, and venting will help you find a pair you love
Versatility is key for a blade that accompanies you everywhere
The super-comfy ThermoBall Traction Mules are as happy hanging out in the snow as they are around a fire back at the lodge
A worthy beanie keeps your dome warm, vents sweat, and doesn't look dorky
Here's hoping my well-informed list helps simplify your holiday shopping