Gear
ArchiveYou 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…
You can extend or collapse the Kialoa Pupu according to your height and whether you’re surfing or touring, so if you need one paddle to do double-duty, this is it.
My wife and I are taking our two teenage kids on a trip to Europe. We'll be traveling for 15 days and to avoid hassle, we’ve decided to carry only backpacks. How do I choose the right packs?
https://youtube.com/watch?v=zdYWyY4zuGs Shimano unveiled two new gravity-oriented groupos at Sea Otter, a completely revamped version of the existing Saint components and a new, budget-minded groupset called Zee. The overhauled Saint group was apparently developed in conjunction with Aaron Gwin, and Shimano enlisted Anthill Films for the…
I recently purchased a pair of hiking boots online, only to discover that they make my feet blister and hurt. How can I make sure my hiking boots fit well?
Cycling apparel manufacturer Search and State was established in 2010, built on the belief that what you wear for the ride should motivate, inspire and do everything it can to keep you moving forward. It’s a company committed to American manufacturing and original pieces handmade in small runs. The…
Tommeke wins Roubaix. Photographer: Courtesy of Roxanne King on Flickr. With Liège-Bastogne-Liège on Sunday, the 2012 Spring Classics season drew to a close, and there were two big winners this year. Tom Boonen,…
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…
I live in Chicago and want to start carrying water with me on runs this summer. Any suggestions?
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…
First, assume an Australian accent. It'll help when you pronounce the name of this snazzy bike trailer setup: Midget Bushtrekka. This pimped out bike trailer has “duallies” (kind of) and is designed to pivot and absorb shock. It can be adjusted to fit on a range of bike…
I’ve always used panniers for bike touring in California, Montana, and Wyoming, but I'm beginning to wonder if a trailer is a better option. What do you suggest?
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…
The Minnow has landed! Texas is so vast it makes New Mexico feel as crowded as wall-to-wall suburbs back in Jersey. Two hours after leaving Truth or Consequences, we crossed the state line north of El Paso and saw a sign: “Beaumont: 831 miles.”…
Fluorescent colors and reflective stripes certainly make you more visible to drivers when you're running at dusk or in the dark. But a new study by Brooks Running shows that low light perception is more scientific than just throwing some glare at oncoming traffic. Brooks Running product…
One of the most common questions I get about bikepacking and endurance races like the Arizona Trail 300 is how you can carry everything you need. The answer, which I've come to after…
The Silver Minnow, in repose We were barreling south on I-25 doing 70 when we felt it: a weird shuffling sensation in the tires. The truck hitched slightly to the right and began to decelerate. I looked over at Steve to see…
Pinnacle Camper: Gourmet Kitchen on the Go According to the company, the specially-designed Radiance nonstick Teflon pots heat up 25% faster than regular nonstick pots “while withstanding absurd levels of abuse.” I can’t say that I tested either claim, but I was impressed with…
Beat the bulk of hard plastic, metal, and glass with a water carrying device that rolls up small enough to fit in your pocket when it’s empty. Vapur’s Element is high capacity (23oz-32oz) and high flow. The non-leaking, locking integrated carabiner cap flips open to let you…
It’s “the perfect fourteener shoe,” one Colorado-based tester proclaimed, which is perhaps the best compliment a running-hiking hybrid like the PeakFreak can receive.
I need a tent that will protect me from dust storms while I'm camping in the high desert. (I admit it—I'm a long-time burner). Should I go for a single-wall tent? My mesh tent with a rain fly doesn't keep the dust out.
Let’s just say you’ve pitched your tent at a campsite neighboring a crew of rambunctious teenagers. They have Theophilus London blaring out of their mom’s SUV, and who knows what else going on. The Kelty lantern will not only illuminate your tent…
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've got a confession to make. During my lifetime, I've purchased a fair amount of crappy gear that I found, for one reason or another, appealing. And because it was cheap. These days, I've got less stuff and I'm more selective about what I buy. I try to only spend…
As the winter sun starts to climb higher and the trails and roads dry out, it’s time to think about riding again. That probably means full service for bikes that have been neglected in the garage all winter. (Don’t you dare say you left them in the snow). Time to…
When society breaks down, it’ll be every man for himself alone in the wilds fighting for food and survival. Whether it’s Zombieland, a nuclear holocaust, the 2012 presidential elections, or another day when you might need to fillet small mammals to survive, be prepared with Gerber’s Apocalypse…
After 1,700 miles of testing and 27 flat tires, we bring you the must-have extras for bike commuting this year, including the Brooks Team professional saddle with a supple leather shell; DZR's Minna, a pimped-out black leather-and-canvas sneaker with lots of bike-friendly features; and the Club Ride Go West jersey.
Outside picks the best mountain bikes of spring 2012, including the Salsa Horsethief.
Outside picks the best utility bikes of spring 2012, including the Raleigh Furley.
Eight pieces of Outside-endorsed gear for your mountain or road bike, including the Shimano SH-M315s, complete with synthetic uppers that feel as supple as suede house shoes; Pearl Izumi Launch Kicker shorts, loaded with trail-savvy technology; and Castelli BodyPaint 2.0, the plushest bibs we've ever worn.
What are the best trail running shoes for handling spring mud and rain?
Outside picks the best road bikes of spring 2012, including the BH Zaphire/Tiagra.
Heat is a major problem for electronics. Even after you're computer is off, you want it to cool quickly. Two new protective devices help prevent overheating while buffering your gadgets against bumps. Sea to Summit Padded Soft Cases: Cameras, helmet cams, and other plug in devices can always use protection…
Go behind the scenes with Aaron Gulley and co. as they test more than 50 bikes for the 2012 Summer Buyer’s Guide and the Spring Cycling Issue. Video by Jen Judge.
With the Sea Otter Classic just around the corner, the flood of new products is on. A few of the most compelling things we've heard about are Shimano's interesting new Alfine Di2 electric internal-hub shifting system and rumors of a gran…
Remember the days when all the kids in the neighborhood would gather in someone’s yard for massive games of Man Hunt, Kick the Can, and SPUD? This was back before play dates and carpooling soccer moms, before parents decided it was insane to let their kids ride bikes home…
What's the best lightweight gear for a weekend backpacking trip?
A low price tag and a quality build make this among the best wetsuits for newbies.
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…
Climber Freddie Wilkinson demonstrates what it takes to get a shower when living in a 12×12 New Hampshire cabin without running water.
Photo: Fraunhofer IZM There was a time when the ski resort experience was not punctuated by the sound of ringtones and “hey, is my GoPro on?” But those days are gone forever. You may or may not lament this. But our desire to take technology with us…
Bike season is upon us, and we've been testing lots of 2012 product. From our test trip in Arizona to endurance races across the southwest, we've been beating up on lots of gear. Here are a few of our favorite new mountain bike products hitting the market.
I'm in the market for a new chair for car camping. I'm open to anything from a Crazy Creek to a folding frame, as long as it's comfortable and durable.
If you're currently on the Outside Blog reading this, then it's more than likely that at one point in your life you've happened upon Dick Proenneke's Alone In The Wilderness on PBS. (Or you've seen it on all those blogs and Tumblrs on the ol' Internets.) My…
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…
The beginnings of Jeffrey Smith's EV for the Baja 1000 Photo: Strategic Recovery Institute In its 44-year history, the Baja 1000 off-road race has been about speed, sand and full throttle. This coming November, the legendary race will also be about instant torque and low or zero…
My first reaction to SylvanSport’s Go was… meh. I’m not really a trailer guy, and the Go seemed a bit overpriced and gimmicky. Then the company loaned me one.
I'm planning a late spring or early summer canoe trip in southern Ontario and I need a new personal flotation device. The trip involves several portages per day, and the trip will take a week, so my new PFD needs to be light and comfortable. What should I get?
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…
As we prepare to ship our Spring Bike Special and Summer Buyer's Guide to press, I'm finishing up last-minute test rides on the top contenders and boxing up stacks of bikes to ship back. Of course we never stop testing (bikes trickle…
If you’re going to bring a multitool traveling or backpacking, this is the classic choice, thanks to an array of saws, pliers, blades, and screw-drivers.
Two-way radios might seem absurdly retro, but having an open channel of communication can be priceless on a multipitch climb or when trekking through rainforest in Costa Rica.
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…
The iconic brand Gore-Tex is under siege from newcomers who want a piece of the billion-dollar market for waterproof-breathable fabrics. The battle is both wonky and intense, complete with arcane science, trade secrets, industry flame wars, and confidential government-run investigations on two continents. MIKE KESSLER steps into the wet room.
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…
I'm putting a ski/bike rack on my new Subaru, and I'm wondering what to get: Thule, Yakima, or factory?
A cardio and resistance trainer inspired by surfing motions
I spend a lot of time exercising outdoors and I need a new heart rate monitor. What should I look for?
Nordic skiers and cold-climate runners will love this aerobic-oriented jacket, which has a wind-blocking front face and a thin, breathable back.
Goal Zero Yeti 1250: Here’s the scenario: a freak ice storm hits during the Super Bowl or March Madness. The TV goes black. Your Bud Lite is in danger of getting warm. How do you respond? With Goal Zeros’ Yeti 1250, you’ll not only be prepared–you'll…
https://youtube.com/watch?v=I-_pAVNwfT8%C2%A0 I was a little bit stir crazy last night, so around 9:30 I took our Salsa Mukluk 2 test bike out onto the state trust land behind my house. It’s a big swath of land, but I don’t ride out there much because…
What are the best running pants to wear in the dead of winter when the wind is blowing and the snow is flying?
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…
A year ago, Boreas was started by Tae Kim, the Creative Director behind Alite Designs. Kim showed he wasn’t afraid to take design risks, creating the two-legged balancing Monarch Butterfly Camp Chair and the zip-crotch Sexy Hotness sleeping bag. With Boreas,…