Gear
ArchiveIn the past, I've ridden men's frames. I'm 5'10″ and there's been a lack of options in women-specific frames, especially for taller women. But recently, a lot of companies have been logging R&D overtime in order to design frames fit for all women. Women tend to have shorter arms, narrower…
Over the past six months, I’ve been in charge of testing 56 bicycles, with the goal of picking the best bikes on the market for 2011. I’ve plowed road bikes to 10,000 feet in swirling New…
What is the benefit of compression clothing? The Editors Santa Fe, New Mexico
By Stephen Regenold In the past few years, a trend of super-sizing sports equipment like tennis racquets, golf clubs, and downhill skis has caught on with consumers. Whether it's more power,…
What is the best casual, but functional, mountain biking pant? I'm looking for something breathable, high-backed, durable, and not fully waterproof. In other words, something I can ride in Moab, then pull on a clean T-shirt and sit down for a served dinner. Eric San Diego, CA
Jake the Snake (2009) I put thousands of miles on my Jake the Snake before calling Kona to ask if my bike was really named after a reptile. Turns out Jake…
Over the past six months, I’ve been in charge of testing 56 bicycles, with the goal of picking the best bikes on the market for 2011. I’ve plowed road bikes to 10,000 feet in swirling New…
I am going on a Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim day hike in several weeks. I have done a lot of hiking mainly in light boots but I am wondering about using trail runners for this one. Any suggestions? Mark Henderson, NV
—Stephanie Pearson writes the Gear Girl column for Outsideonline.com As a general rule, moms rule. A great way to show your love and appreciation for the woman who likely nurtured you through pimples, proms, and pre-marriage jitters is…
By Stephen Regenold I previewed the fancy Salomon EXO Sensifit line in my column earlier this week, “Gear Junkie Runs ‘America’s Toughest Road Marathon.'” Today, I want…
What type of sleeping pad is best for backpacking, the self-inflating or the tubular kind? Also what's the best, thickest pad out on the market? Rich Sycamore, IL
I'm looking for a kid's bike helmet and would like to know if there is difference in a $10 helmet compared to a $50 model. In addition, are there any exchange programs when the child out grows the helmet? JonathanClegg, ME
By Stephen Regenold They are touted to combine the “versatility of a utility trailer” with attributes found in a haul-behind unit made for gear. SPACE Trailers, a new company based in Burnsville, Minn., has a neat product in its hitch-ready equipment haulers, which come in three…
Who can say no to free gear? Not too many here at Outside, that's for sure. If the same is the case with you, then you'll want to check out Transworld Surf's 30 Days of Giveaways before the month-long…
Oakley Inc. is known for its iconic (and often iconoclastic!) sports-oriented sunglasses, including innovative as well as simply strange frame and optics designs. Recently, I got a pair of relatively “normal” glasses from the company. Oakley's Deringer frame now serves as my “wear-everyday” prescription glasses for work and home life.
What are the best travel apps? The Editors Santa Fe, New Mexico
Louise Kobern earned the nickname La Ruta Lou by becoming the 4-time winner of arguably the hardest mountain bike stage race in Costa Rica. Recently, she set a new course record…
Louise Kobern earned the nickname La Ruta Lou by becoming the 4-time winner of arguably the hardest mountain bike stage race in Costa Rica. Recently, she set a new course record…
Outside magazine has chosen its Spring/Summer 2011 winners of the Gear of the Year awards, featured in the Outside Spring/Summer Buyer’s Guide, on newsstands April 26th. Outside's Buyer's Guide has 325 of our favorite products. Our testers and editors spent several months torture-testing the latest crop of…
What is the generally the best dog pack? I'm looking for maintained maneuverability, with loads up to 20 to 25 percent, maximum, of the dog’s weight, with priority on the dogs comfort and safety. Any ideas?Sa,Clemson, SC
Outside magazine has chosen its Spring/Summer 2011 winners of the Gear of the Year awards, featured in the Outside Spring/Summer Buyer’s Guide, on newsstands April 26th. Outside's Buyer's Guide has 325 of our favorite products. Our testers and editors spent several months torture-testing the latest crop of…
Do I have to have boots with a foot shank for hiking the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island? Donna Victoria, BC
By Stephen Regenold Inov-8 Ltd. is a U.K.-based shoemaker known for its trail-running shoes. The company's line — which spans from traditional supportive runners to footwear made for orienteering and equipped with carbide spikes — is one of my favorite brands.
By Stephen Regenold Inov-8 Ltd. is a U.K.-based shoemaker known for its trail-running shoes. The company's line — which spans from traditional supportive runners to footwear made for orienteering and equipped with carbide spikes — is one of my favorite brands.
The paddleboard craze is going wild. Whether you're a seasoned water rat or a total newbie, here’s how to get vertical.
I'm hiking the Arctic Circle Trail in Greenland. What's the best lightweight camp stove to bring? Adrian Plymouth UK
I am looking for a solid pack that is large enough for a bivy, a 32- to 45-degree down sleeping bag, an inflatable pad, and food for a night stay. But I also want to minimalistic. There are so many choices. Any suggestions? What should I be looking for? William Oakland, CA
Tips and advice on what to look for and where to put your money when buying a mountain bike.
Tips and advice on what to look for and where to put your money when buying a road bike.
By Stephen Regenold Clean drinking water in the wilderness is never guaranteed. No matter how pristine the lake or stream, microbes like giardia and cryptosporidium can inhabit the waters, threatening illness that might…
By Stephen Regenold Clean drinking water in the wilderness is never guaranteed. No matter how pristine the lake or stream, microbes like giardia and cryptosporidium can inhabit the waters, threatening illness that might…
The current state of bikes. With increased infrastructure funds for bike access, more flow trails, and safer cycle, now is an awesome time to invest in a new ride.
By Stephen Regenold Music is quick motivation for untold millions of exercisers running to stay in shape or training for that next big event. With its Ironman Series Earphones, Yurbuds, a company based…
I'm planning a three-month backpacking trip in Europe for the fall of 2011 with my girlfriend. I would like to know what bag should I buy and how big it should be?! I was looking at the Arc'teryx and Osprey bags but I really don't know what to look for! Mathieu Montreal, Quebec
By Stephen Regenold Music is quick motivation for untold millions of exercisers running to stay in shape or training for that next big event. With its Ironman Series Earphones, Yurbuds, a company based…
Good physiological data helps you make the most of shorter training sessions, because you know exactly how hard you're working.
What carry-on do you suggest for a week-long trip to New Zealand? The Editors Santa Fe, New Mexico
What is the best method, gear, and brand for water purification in the backcountry. Would you recommend a water filter, a pump, or something like Steripen, or just water purification tablets or even a mixture of both? Nick Bangor, ME
—Stephanie Pearson writes the Gear Girl column for Outsideonline.com There’s no better place to hike, mountain bike, and dehydrate than in Arizona’s Coconino National Forest, which also makes these red-canyon trails in the hot sun and high, dry air an ideal…
—Stephanie Pearson writes the Gear Girl column for Outsideonline.com There’s no better place to hike, mountain bike, and dehydrate than in Arizona’s Coconino National Forest, which also makes these red-canyon trails in the hot sun and high, dry air an ideal…
All you need is the right iron, two slices of bread, filling, and heat.
By Stephen Regenold Few campfire treats compare to steaming, golden-edged pocket pies cooked over hot coals. Since I was a kid camping with my family in Minnesota's North Woods, until today with my own children, clamp-shut pie irons have been a staple culinary tool. …
I'm looking for a good hiking shirt to wear this summer. I live in a country where temperatures can reach over 95 degrees. I would like something that is cool and quick-drying and will protect me from the sun. Karl Cape Town, South Africa
My wife promised me a new bike for my birthday. My current bike is a Marin San Rafael, which is serviceable, but heavy and not very fast. I am looking for more of a road bike that can also handle gravel and off-road trails. Will cyclecross bikes fit this bill? AlbertChicago, IL
By Stephen Regenold It weighs about 3 ounces and packs in a tiny stuff sack smaller than a fist. But the Cirrus Pull-On from Rab can add enough warmth to save the day on a hike or a remote climb. I have kept the thin shirt, which is made of…
By Stephen Regenold It weighs about 3 ounces and packs in a tiny stuff sack smaller than a fist. But the Cirrus Pull-On from Rab can add enough warmth to save the day on a hike or a remote climb. I have kept the thin shirt, which is made of…
Most sunglass frames give me a headache. What’s your recommendation for an ultralight, ultra-comfortable frame? The Editors Santa Fe, New Mexico
I will be thru-hiking the John Muir Trail this summer and would like your opinion on sleeping bag. I currently own a synthetic, zero-degree bag that is an unappreciated 4 plus pounds. I know this is too heavy (as I thru-hiked the Colorado Trail with it). My real question: can I get away with a 30-degree down bag, or should I look more at a 15- to 20-degree bag? I tend to be a somewhat cold sleeper. I am 6'2", 190 pounds. I know the temperature ratings are guestimates at best, but your input would help. DaveDolores, CO
Mention the term “fleece” in an outdoors setting and people automatically think of a synthetic fabric. For 30 years, since Malden Mills created its Polarfleece fabric, high-loft “fleece” jackets made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and other synthetic fibers have dominated the market. This year a New Zealand company has gone…
Mention the term “fleece” in an outdoors setting and people automatically think of a synthetic fabric. For 30 years, since Malden Mills created its Polarfleece fabric, high-loft “fleece” jackets made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and other synthetic fibers have dominated the market. This year a New Zealand company has gone…
I'm going to Nepal to trek the Annapurna Circuit and would like to send a message home letting family know I'm okay. Will the Spot or ACR personal locator beacons work, and, if so, which do you recommend? Steve Apple Valley, CA
I need a good, lightweight woman's hiking shoe that I can walk about 15 miles a day on hard surfaces and still use to hike a few trails when I go to China this summer. Breathable is a must, as its going to be hot.Charlie Los Angeles, CA
What jacket do you recommend for a great backpacking experience? I am looking for something synthetic (I'm allergic to down) that stuffs into a small bag, and keeps me warm. —Austin Burlington, North Carolina
What is the best trail running shoe for someone with flatish feet, that is 195 pounds, and runs between 7-10 miles a day on rocky trails? My shoes often wear on the outside first.ScottCamp Lejeune, NC
What's the warmest and lightest winter jacket for under $300 for a woman? JonWarren, VT
What is your recommendation for a windproof soft shell woman's jacket with good breathability and water resistance? I will be operating Zodiacs in 20- to 40-degree weather in the Russian Far East and need a good range of movement. Thank you.LaurieGaylord, MI
By Stephen Regenold With its distinctive “three-stripes” logo, an internationally-known name brand, and connections to top athletes in almost every sport played on the planet — not to mention a global workforce of nearly 40,000 people and billions…
I live in Tahiti and do some day hiking and getting ready to try more serious overnight trips. What's the best women's backpack adaptable for our climate : i.e., for hot, humid, and rainy in tropical to marine environments? Approximate capacity required: 3,000 cubic inches for one to two days Any suggestions? Mary AnneTahiti
BD athlete Kyle Dempster makes first ascent of Mount Edgar's east face—PART TWO from Black Diamond Equipment on Vimeo. –Joe Spring@joespring…
I have been looking for a good minimalist water purifier. I have been looking at Katadyn Pocket water filter with Output Hose, but $ 320.00 seems dear. I just can't pull that trigger since usually I just boil water. But now I'm looking for more instant gratification nowadays—for under $120? FredSanta Monica, CA
A portable kayak that's (finally!) both inexpensive and a cinch to put together.
I'm doing a one-day 30.1-mile hike on the AT in April to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis. What are the best boots for training/distance hikes?CharlotteCharlotte, NC
A man in skin-close, anatomically-contouring athletic tights is a man with his priorities in the right place. I am going to stake that claim. There are haters of the body-hugging look, no doubt. But I say vanity and self consciousness about style — decency even! — must at times be…
We all need 4G. No question. But more electromagnetic radiation may mean more interference. We’ve long known that cell phones and VHF radios interfere with avalanche beacons—keep them a few feet away, or turn off your phone and radio when doing a beacon search. Now, telecom LightSquared has FCC approval…
If you're getting ready for a spring break adventure now, you don't have a lot of time left for shopping. Here's a quick packing list that will allow you to maximize fun and minimize hot-weather maladies.—Stephanie Pearson writes the Gear Girl column for…
I am planning to participate in a knife-only survival course in the summer. What is the best survival knife on the market? Thank you in advance for your guidance.JuanMoreno Valley, CA
Is there such a thing as a bike-compatible leash? — Patricia Schneiderjohn St. Louis, Missouri
What would be the best digital camcorder for filming ski footage of my students on the slopes? Compact, optical zoom, easy buttons, a viewfinder or great screen that works in bright light, internal memory or flash memory, etc. Thanks! MarkToronto, Ontario
A boy in Ghana receives his bike (Photo by Dan Austin) The Seattle-based 88bikes Foundation announced travel plans today for their fifth and largest bike-giveaway project to date. Beginning with trips to the Republic of Mozambique and South Africa later this…
By Stephen RegenoldThey come in black and black only. They cost $188 a pair. These pants are made for men, no women's models available, and they are sewn one by one in a facility in Oregon. Thunderbolt Sportswear's…
Which snowshoes have the easiest binding system for gloved hands?ArtPhiladelphia, PA