Gear Picks
Leather Hiking Boots to Pass Down to Your Grandson
There’s something to be said for going with a classic leather boot
Featured
$200.00
$150.00
from REI
25% off
For years, Vasque has been known for its straight-out-of-the-box comfort and has made a substantial contribution to the world of leather hiking boots with its classic Sundowner. The sportier St. Elias has a full-grain all-leather upper with a Gore-Tex waterproof liner, a soft EVA footbed for cushion, and a urethane shank for support and protection against sharp rocks.
$160.00
from Moosejaw
Hoka One One went for an uncharacteristically subtle approach to the day hiker with the Tor Summit. You get the maximum cushion and rocker you’re used to with Hoka but also a Vibram Megagrip outsole with extra sticky lugs and a nubuck and suede upper with a eVent membrane bootie. Put it all together it’s a surprisingly stylish package that’s warm, waterproof, and agile on the trail.
$245.00
$170.00
from REI
31% off
The Thyrus boot is built for day hikes and quick weekend backpacking trips. With a Perwanger waterproof leather upper and Gore-Tex liner, it’ll be a completely dry hike, regardless of how hard it’s raining. The upper and dual-density footbed are complemented by the popular Vibram Megagrip sole for traction on the worst terrain. You can get it in brown, but we dig the Johnny Cash black.
All Gear
$175
$131
from Backcountry
25% off
Outside Business Journal contributor Amelia Arvesen put the Abisko Trekking Tights through the wringer: “I’ve worn them on hikes, on multi-pitch climbs, to my circuit class at the gym, and to keep me warm when hanging around town,” she wrote. “Needless to say, they’ve become my go-to pants.”
$95
$71
from Huckberry
25% off
“It’s easy to spend upward of $500 on field binoculars, but for the beginner or intermittent enthusiast, Nocs makes a solid pair at an affordable price,” our tester wrote. “[The Nocs] are the pair I reach for when I’m scoping out a new face at the birdbath.”
$23.00
$18.00
from Backcountry
22% off
“This sock did everything extremely well, but mostly it was just damn comfy,” wrote our Gear Guy. The Hiker provides a nice cushion for the heel and forefoot without being too bulky, and the fit is super snug. The merino-nylon-spandex blend is odor-resistant and never itchy.
$230.00
$161.00
30% off
This was our favorite sport climbing pack in our 2021 Summer Buyer’s Guide. “Minimalist looks hide this hauler’s true capabilities,” our testers wrote. “A guidebook sleeve, three external pockets, and a clamshell opening keep you organized.”
Sponsor Content
ATG by Wrangler™ Mixed Material Shirt (Women’s)
$40
from ATG by Wrangler™
Bring comfort and style with you on your next outdoor adventure. The Women’s Mixed Material Shirt made with 85 percent recycled materials is quick drying with UPF 50 to keep you cool and protected from the sun. The comfortable stretch and zipper pockets add the functionality you need to play (or work) hard outside.
$280
$140
from Backcountry
50% off
The Flight Futurelight is one of our favorite shells for trail runs in any type of weather. “The Futurelight membrane acts like a nano-sieve: it’s permeable to air but not water, so it’s fully weatherproof and remarkably breathable,” wrote tester Martin Fritz Huber in our 2020 Summer Buyer’s Guide.
$25
$22
from Amazon
12% off
“This torturous-looking device is my go-to tool for relieving pain and relaxing stubbornly tight muscles,” wrote tester Aleta Burchyski. “With one or two consecutive daily uses, I feel more mobile and free of discomfort for a few days.”
$70
$50
from Huckberry
29% off
Outside columnist Jakob Schiller penned an ode to these shorts and praised them for their versatility. “Buy two pairs, and I promise that they’ll be all you need from June through October for the next five years,” he wrote.
$65.00
$55.00
from Huckberry
15% off
There’s no better way to aprés than with this set of four hand-blown whiskey glasses. Each glass features a raised topographic map of the Rocky Mountains.
$128
$90
from Huckberry
30% off
Outside contributor Jason Heaton loves this Huckberry line: “Flint and Tinder, a collection made entirely in the U.S., enables lots of mixing and matching right through shoulder season." The Crossback Work shirt is built from a burly looseweave twill flannel.
$130
$98
from Backcountry
25% off
After 315 demanding miles in the Bushido II, tester Andrew Skurka praised it for its “superb traction” and “excellent durability for a 10.5-ounce shoe.” Tip: it does run a little small, so we recommend trying a half-size up.
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. Whenever possible, we 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.