Gear Picks is a curated selection of products we’ve tested and heartily recommend. We stand by this gear—and the brands that sell it—and many of our editors and writers use this stuff weekly. We often feature gear we’ve included in our bi-annual Buyer’s Guides and online roundups, presented here in an easy-to-scroll format. We only feature deals on gear we’ve tested ourselves and, whenever possible, provide a link to a past review so you can make sure it’s something that suits your lifestyle—ideally at a steeply discounted price. Happy shopping—and gear-picking.
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Our Gear Guy dubbed the Kanken the best backpack for parents because it transitions seamlessly between a diaper bag and an everyday carry pack. “Fjällräven’s Kanken does it better than anything else I’ve tried in the 11 months since my daughter, Jojo, was born,” he wrote.
This 800-fill water-resistant parka packs next-level warmth in a sleek package. The Hometown’s mid-thigh length provides a flattering fit while keeping you toasty on frigid outings around town. We especially like the roomy, adjustable hood.
We reviewed these bottoms in our our roundup of the best women’s base layers. They “pack down almost as small as a pair of pantyhose,” said our tester, “and the poly fabric is exceptionally breathable, wicks well, and is ideal for warmer days and rigorous activities like cross-country skiing or alpine touring.”
We included these shoes in our 2018 Winter Buyer’s Guide roundup of the best winter hikers. “We loved the speed-lacing setup, which was a breeze to cinch and take off, as well as the rubber heel rand, which totally eliminated blisters,” we wrote. The boot’s Gore-Tex membrane keeps your feet dry, while mesh uppers help your feet breathe on warmer days.
We included this insulated bottle in our 2019 Winter Buyer’s Guide. Whether you’re hunkered down waiting for a rescue snowplow or returning from a hot summer day trip, the ChuteMag’s double-wall insulation will ensure your water doesn’t freeze or get too warm.
In our 2017 Summer Buyer’s Guide, we recommended this pack for light weekend trips. “The Paragon is a sizable pack without the heft you’d expect,” wrote tester Justin Nyberg. We loved the 58-liter pack’s back panel ventilation system, roomy side pockets and sturdy suspension. Plus, the hydration sleeve doubles as a summit pack.
Included in our 2019 Summer Buyer’s Guide, the Primus Aeril Stove lets you grill over any fire. Designed to block wind and provide support for the large triangular grill, the stove also folds flat and comes with a storage bag for easy transport.
The Evergreen is the hooded version of the jacket we featured in our 2019 Winter Buyer’s Guide. The secret sauce is Burton’s Living Lining, which expands and contracts to move moisture away from the body and regulate temperature. Plus, the 650-fill down insulation is lightweight and packs small.
If you’re packing one pair of sunglasses for your trip, the Arise is a solid choice. It’s designed for a variety of play and is suitable whether you’re hitting the trail or heading to the river. We dig the anti-fog coating that keeps these glasses crystal clear, and the photochromic lenses that adjust to the light.
This brushed cotton flannel is one of our go-to tops. The Junction’s medium cut and colorful plaid pattern looks good around any mountain town, and we dig the shirt’s two western-inspired chest pockets.
These sweats are among our Gear Guy’s favorite athleisure pants. Workout from home in these pants or leisurely binge watch Netflix, we won’t judge. “Their perfect medium-to-light weight meant I stayed cozy without overheating,” he wrote.