Apparel
ArchiveYou could wear any old pair of glasses to ride in, but more likely than not they'll fog up, get spattered with sweat, pinch uncomfortably beneath your helmet, and, when it's all through, your eyes will likely sting anyway. I'm ambivalent about how expensive sunglasses have gotten (all cycling gear…
The perfect riding jacket is tiny enough to tuck into a jersey pocket, but it's also able to stave off a chill on ripping descents or when clouds unexpectedly obscure the sun. Louis Garneau's Super Lite Jacket is not only packable but light as air…
At this week's first keynote at Google I/O 2012, Sergey Brin unveiled a live adventure-packed demo of Project Glass. J.T. Holmes and crew wingsuited out of a plane, pulled their chutes, and…
Outside picks the best woodsy sunglasses of July 2012, including Oakley Jupiter Squared.
This past Sunday I forewent a gorgeous afternoon in the sun, opting for the headquarters of frog, a global innovation firm (they design/re-design products and experiences for major companies). Frog and LRN, a consultancy, were hosting a weekend “hackathon.” Unless you're a computer programmer…
Five ten makes shoes for all pursuits. It's latest and greatest are a new trail-building shoe, the Diddie, and a stunt riding shoe, the Danny. Diddie Schneider has built more than 300 bike tracks from Germany to Malaysia to Dubai, and has been a stunt rider in more than 700…
You can now control up to 50 GoPro cameras via a remote. That's what skateboarder Ryan Sheckler did—with a little help from four other people—to record his journey from the Manhattan Bridge to a Lower East Side skate park for a short called…
In the past 12 months, Columbia, Mountain Hardwear, Polartec, Gore-Tex, and Stoic have introduced new waterproof-breathable membranes. We won’t bore you with the wonky details of their lofty claims; all you need to know is that each is more breathable than many of the jackets we’ve been raving about for years.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2012 Summer Buyer's Guide, including the Cannondale Bad Girl 1.
Our five favorite gadgets for everything from recording splits to rocking out, including the New Balance Tri-Viz with four built-into-the-brim LEDs that can operate in three different settings; the Timex Ironman Run Trainer With GPS; and the Motorola Motoactv, a lightweight wristwatch that packs music and heart-rate tracking.
Outside reviews the best gear for the 2012 Summer Buyer's Guide, including the Arc'teryx Incendo.
Several continents and many blisters later, we can tell you one thing: these were the six most versatile and adventure-ready kicks we wore this year, from the Sorel Derby LTR to Rockport Eastern Standard Casual Mid PT to the Clarks Originals Majorca, with a moccasin design that will conjure up our dad’s days as a scout.
These shells offer equal parts protection and comfort. We reviewed the Columbia Flyin' Dry, with its waterproof, breathable membrane and roomy back pocket; the Marmot Tempo Hoody, which kept our tester toasty on mountain runs and hikes during a windy season; the super-stretchy First Ascent High Season; and others.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2012 Summer Buyer's Guide, including the Merrell Mariposa waterproof jacket.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2012 Summer's Buying Guide, including the Prana Piggyback yoga-mat strap.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2012 Summer Buyer's Guide, including 2XU's 3/4-length compression tights.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2012 Summer Buyer's Guide, including the Oakley carry-on roller bag.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2012 Summer Buyer's Guide, including the Cannondale Ryker bike helmet.
I'm a proud owner of a new 800-fill down sleeping bag. I want to make sure it stays clean and warm for years to come. What should I do?
There are a lot of claims about merino, particularly around its anti-stink properties. Companies like Icebreaker are constantly claiming that you can wear their woolies day after day and they won't smell. A few weeks ago, because it was a rainy week…
Outside picks the best hiking gear of June 2012, including the Helly Hansen Odin Fastpack.
For centuries, Sherpas wore layers of heavy wool to handle the harsh Himalayan weather. Now, Sherpa Adventure Gear is bringing back Himalayan styles from the 1950s, but making them with modern materials. Tashi Sherpa, founder of Sherpa Adventure Gear, had two uncles involved in the first climb of…
I'm looking for good mixed-use rain pants for hiking, camping, and occasional cycling. I'm size large, but I can't find anything with a short-enough inseam. What do you recommend?
You won't have to worry about stinky flip flops this summer if you order yourself some Oka-Bs and have a dishwasher. Oka-B flips and slides are made from Microplast, a kind of anti-microbial PVC that you can hose clean or toss in the dishwasher for a low labor scrub…
Cycling season is upon us and as soon as the legs are shaved and oiled, its time to don this season's kit. Whether or not you are fast, these kits will make you look and feel fast, which is half the battle. Hincapie Gran Premio Jersey and Bib Shorts: The kit…
Because it’s durable, insulates when wet, and is naturally stink-free, wool has long been a favorite material of outdoorsy folks of every stripe. If you’re reading this, chances are high you own at least a few pairs of merino wool base or midlayers. Over the last decade, companies have also…
Most camp slippers are shapeless insulated muppet feet—warm enough, and acceptable fashion at a remote hut, but mal-suited to prolonged exposure to snow and nothing you'd want to wear in public. Holden's first entree into the footwear category, new sneaker-styled slippers, not only take camp shoes to a…
Winter is waning, but summer is not here yet. Keep mud season muck at bay without cooking your feet with new weather resistant shoes and boots from manufacturers you already know and love. Blundstone Stout: Blundstone has been making sturdy and unique boots since 1870. This season, the brand…
I am looking for a convertible jacket with a 7-in-1 system. I can't find any. Do they exist?
I love the outdoors, but I'm at risk of developing melanoma (my mom passed away a few years ago from it) which limits my ability to be outside. What can I wear to reduce my risk of melanoma and remain comfortable?
Yesterday was the first day of spring and, to my chagrin, Ski Santa Fe reported 10 inches of powder and it it was cold, windy, and flurrying in town. After the last few weeks of shorts and short sleeves thanks to unseasonably warm conditions, I simply couldn't bring myself to…
I need a pair of gloves for springtime hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and maybe even some late-season ice climbing. What do you recommend?
Betabrand, manufacturer of quirky menswear with playful names, like pants called Sons of Britches, now offers formal sweatpants. At first glance, you might think that these high-end heathered gray French terry pants are in fact wool trousers. The front slash pockets and…
Two new shirts that can handle double duty fall, winter or spring. Dakine Chuck Plaid: Made from two layers of no-stink, non-bulky, polyester fabric that trap warm air in between, Dakine's button front baselayer easily swings from slope to aprés, but you won't get double takes when…
What to do with old airbags? It’s a question the designers at Keen were asking themselves when they came up with the Harvest III, a new limited edition series of bags for 2012. Keen “harvested” pre-consumer automobile airbags for its new Harvest III tote, backpack, and wallet. Here's a quick…
The North Face and skate shop Supreme have teamed up on hip-hop meets safari Nuptse down jackets and Rolling Thunder bags in Kenyan camo animal prints. These limited edition jackets have not yet been seen on the worlds highest peaks–maybe because…
In honor of blues rocker Garrett Dutton, a.k.a. G.Love, Kaenon Sunglasses took their classic Burnet shades and blinged them up. The Burnet Special Sauce shades have a tortoise/matte black finish and a white inlaid logo with Kaenon's proprietary SR-91 polarized lenses, for maximum glare reduction and smoky…
If you are wearing wool socks or long underwear, it’s likely that they’re made from sheep fleece shipped from half way around the world. New Zealand and Australia have been breeding Merino sheep—with long-staple, non-itchy wool—for a long time. Now, Montana ranchers have become adept at raising merino sheep. And…
I just got back from a soggy week on the East Coast with my kids. New York hasn’t had much of a winter, and we arrived to overcast skies, milder-than-normal temps, and lots of rain. Not that we minded. Where we live, moisture falling…
Clothes make the man, as the old adage goes. In the case of clothing that uses Schoeller energear fabric, in fact it's certified to be true by scientific researchers, and claimed better than your average tee by race car drivers. How it works: Energear, according to Schoeller, “is…
Nordic skiers and cold-climate runners will love this aerobic-oriented jacket, which has a wind-blocking front face and a thin, breathable back.
Even if you dad chucked his old wafflestompers and canvas backpack before you were born, you can still have legit heritage gear that's as functional as it is cool looking. Here are four of our favorite old-is-new pieces: LL Bean Maine Snowshoe: To celebrate its 100th birthday, LL Bean is…
Rollerblade Fusion 84 GM: Rollerblading was a 1990s phenomenon that is safely in the grave—except in France. Right? Apparently, for some, the verdict is still out. This month, the company is releasing a new urban skate, and marketing…
Outside picks the essentials for March, including the Arc'teryx Motus Crew.
Yes, there are many old outdoor companies that flourished in the 70s and 80s but unfortunately failed to make it to 2012. One of those companies is the infamous Wilderness Experience, which, to this author, is the best of the lot. Fans of the…
In 2005, I bought a Mountain Equipment Co-Op Composite 2 softshell jacket. It's the best purchase I have ever made. Unfortunately, seven years later it's starting to pile. I need a replacement. What do you recommend? Blair Turner, Saskatoon, SK
Outside picks the style essentials for February, including the Timberland Earthkeepers 2.0 Cupsole Moc Toe boots.
I’m looking for an all-purpose jacket that looks decent around town when it’s cold and wet, but also wouldn’t be out of place on a winter hike or snowshoe trip. Not a rain shell–something that has a little warmth. Any suggestions?
Outside picks the essentials for January, including the Patagonia Reversible Flannel jacket.
Outside picks the essentials for January, including the Westcomb Switch LT Hoody.
I didn't take my first cold-weather ride of the season until last week. I'd been dodging it like a hypochondriac recoiling from a sniffling child. It happens like this every year. Autumn in Santa Fe is bright and dry and crisp and glorious, and I…
Bear with us, here. We don't cover golf shoes—or any golf apparel or gear for that matter—very often. But we just had to share these. Adidas's new Golf Samba, which will be available this spring, looks exactly like the iconic soccer cleat we all grew up wearing, and…
If you're in New York City this holiday season, make your way downtown (Prince and Mulberry to be exact) to see AETHER's AETHERstream. Yes, it's been there since the middle of November, so you might be reading this and thinking, “Been there. Done that.”…
Outside picks the essentials for January, including the Icebreaker Oasis Crewe Razor Shirt.
Columbia, which has spent the better part of the past few years focusing on new technologies and products,just announced that it will aslo be getting back to its roots. Next Fall (2012), Columbia will reissue its famous Bugaboot, one of its most popular styles. Normally, we wouldn’t…
So you're shopping for someone who shuns modern technology? This rugged, timeless gear is sure to be a hit.
Classic boots, a backcountry-ready axe, and other awesome gifts for hikers.
The best holiday gifts for climbers, from peak baggers to Himalayan mountaineers.
Love the idea of modeling, but don't have time for the agents, the makeup trailers, the long days on set in Hollywood? Send in a photo of yourself stripped down to your favorite Smartwool layer and a one sentence write up of what inspired you to do…
Like just about everybody else on the planet who skis or bikes, we've been using GoPros for several years. Naturally, when the company told us they were about to unveil a new one, we were interested. While the HD Hero 2 looks just like…
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2012 Winter Buyer's Guide, including the Patagonia Ultralight Down Hoody.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2012 Winter Buyer's Guide, including the CW-X Insulator Stabilyx tights.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2012 Winter Buyer's Guide, including the L.L. Bean Polartec Power Dry Quarter-Zip Lightweight base layer.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2012 Winter Buyer's Guide, including the Black Diamond Cayenne gloves
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2012 Winter Buyer's Guide, including the Oakley Holbrook sunglasses.
What are your ten favorite pieces of outdoor gear from the past ten years?
There’s no reason to be sheepish about switching those synthetic baselayers for a more natural alternative.
A behind the scenes look at the endoscope exam of the killer whale Keto at Orca Ocean in Loro Parque, Canary Islands.
Pedal there in good form with the Columbia Tech Trekker messenger bag.
Outlier founders Abe Burmeister and Tyler Clemens believe that clothing should be liberating. It should never restrict what you do with your day. They started their Brooklyn-based company in 2008 because Burmeister wanted an unrestrictive pair of pants he could ride his…
Save time and money by shopping online. Just don't get carried away.
Outside brings you the best adventure-specific dresses for your next late summer trip.