Gear
ArchiveOutside Magazine, 1999 Annual Travel Guide Gear to Go Seaworthy Stuff Shield your camera from spray, your toes from rocks, your eyes from the sun By Robert Earle Howells WEATHERPROOF BAGS ————————— Whether the adversary is…
Summer 2000: A Gear Odyssey This year, at least, there wasn’t a tornado. A twister that struck before opening day became the biggest story out of last year’s Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Salt Lake City. But this year, new gear made…
Outside magazine, June 1995 Essentials: Water-Loving Sunscreens By Bob Howells Before you pick a sunscreen off the local beach shop shelf consider its tenacity along with its potency. Unless the concoction is waterproof–or, if you go by the Food and Drug Administration’s more accurate…
Outside magazine, May 1995 Trekking: The Nature Ear By Mike Steere Like binoculars, Walker’s Nature Ear is a field tool that makes nature seem closer and clearer–albeit less natural. Listening in on coastal Alaska with one of these tiny amps stuck in your ear…
Outside magazine, October 1996 Simply Sophisticated Cameras Single-lens reflex cameras give photographers of all abilities the power to choose By Glenn Randall Verse of a Natural Beat Mountains and Rivers Without End, by Gary Snyder (Counterpoint, $20). In…
Review, June 1997 Extras: Rounding Out the Two-Wheeled Wardrobe By Dan Wildhirt Louis Garneau Ergofit Route gloves A few accessories selected in the name of comfort can make cycling much more pleasant. Rarely do I ride without Pearl Izumi’s Sleeveless Base…
Outside magazine, August 1995 Buying Right: The Latest in Wicking Duds By Michael Hodgson Technical summer wicking-wear comes in two flavors these days: form-fitting, for achieving sweat equity with your spandex-clad compadres, or loose and comfortable, for assimilating to the rest of society. With…
1999 Family Vacation Guide, The Itinerant Toddler All the right stuff for toddlers By Gretchen Reynolds As new parents soon learn, the defining achievement of toddlers is not walking, it’s willpower. If your little one…
Family Vacations, Summer 1996 For Mega-Hauling, The Mini-Van Is Still Hard To Beat New this spring is Mercury’s Mountaineer The buzz in minivans for ’97 is the Chrysler Trifecta. Three years ago, the manufacturer scrapped its existing blueprints, whipped out a clean sheet of paper,…
Review: Hardware and Software, November 1996 Buying Right: Bombproof Duds for the Backcountry By Andrew Tilin Devoted backcountry skiers and snowboarders searching for new togs work from a different priority list than the rest of the downhilling populace. Features that add convenience…
Outside magazine, April 1995 Essentials: The Pads to Pack By Douglas Gantenbein It’s not all in the name: sleeping pads do smooth over the rocks and twigs, but they also insulate you from the cold ground. A roundup of pads that elevate your body…
Women Outside, Fall 1998 Crash Tested Hollywood’s most brazen stuntwomen demonstrate how to dress for the fall (and the car wreck … and the explosion … and the 20-story leap) Fashion by Vicky McGarry, Photographs by Andrew Eccles, Text by Sarah…
Winter Travel Guide 1996 The Always-Prepared Traveller By Bob Howells Pentax 8 x 24 UCF WR binoculars The stylish Pentax 8 x 24 UCF WR binoculars have rubber armoring and a sealed body to keep knocks, spray, and rain from sullying the…
Outside magazine, June 1995 Climbing: REI Spire and Sentinel By Douglas Gantenbein With the invention of the laminated-foam climbing harness, hanging after a fall or during repeated long rappels has become almost tolerable. Firm but conforming, foam greatly reduces the pinching and binding that…
Outside magazine, May 1995 Suspension Bikes for All Seven affordable off-road machines that make boinging a right, not a privilege By Alan Cote A mountain bike with front suspension isn’t what it used to be, and that’s worth three cheers. Just a…
Outside Magazine, October 1998 Review: Rain, Rain, Bring It On From backwoods anoraks to city slickers, the latest shells look good and repel even better By Andrew Tilin JACKETS | BUYING RIGHT |…
Review, June 1997 Buying Right: Roomy Packs for the Lower Back By Nancy Prichard Waltz into any reputable gear shop and announce that you’re looking for a fanny pack, and you’ll be politely corrected: They’re called lumbar packs, if you please. It’s…
Review: Hardware and Software, January 1997 PowderWings Lite Snowshoes By Rod Willard Modern snowshoes, with their lightweight frames, durable decking, and surefooted cleats, are a boon for winter athletes. But when it’s time to lash them to your pack, they’re every bit as…
1999 Family Vacation Guide, A Wheelie Good Time All the Right Stuff for Biking By Douglas Gantenbein This year, bicycle buyers will find more and superior features for the same or lower prices — goodies…
Dispatches, June 1998 History Camelot Exposed An intimate encounter with JFK’s base layer By Tizia Garden For all his virile athleticism, let it be said that John F. Kennedy was no icon of hard-core outdoor adventure. The man never…
Review: Hardware and Software, November 1996 Other Stuff: Cat Eye Stadium Light By Alan Coté Monday Night Football and a Monday night bike ride don’t have much in common except the same time slot–and now the same lighting system. The new…
Outside magazine, April 1995 Buying Right: A Stove for Every Fuel By Michael Lanza Your tried and true white-gas stove will reliably follow you many places, but across an ocean isn’t one of them: Outside North America, white gas is as rare as…
Women Outside, Fall 1998 Equipment The Girl-Gear Revolution State-of-the-art clothes and accoutrements that give unisex the boot. By Gretchen Reynolds and Cristina Opdahl GEAR | TRAVEL | FITNESS |…
Outside magazine, June 1995 Guide to Summer: Moral Superiority Wears Curve-Lasted Sneakers How to revel in those 95 degree, 70 percent humidity runs By Lynn Snowden Dawn must be breaking, since the only time a sane person runs in 95-degree heat and…
Outside magazine, May 1995 Accessories: Because One Does Not Ride on Frame and Wheels Alone By Bob Howells Air Zound Rechargeable Bike Horn ($30) The it’s-a-safety-device spin with which this horn is marketed is only part of the story. There’s also the…
Outside Magazine, October 1998 Review: Chained to Your Desk? Not Anymore. By Mark North JACKETS | BUYING RIGHT | THE OTHER STUFF | BOOKS…
Outside magazine, September 1996 Buying Right: The Backcountry Briefcase By Bob Howells AH, THE LAPTOP COMPUTER, EMBLEM OF freedom! Walls fall away as our definition of the workplace expands. But even in the age of the virtual office–anywhere from your airplane seat to…
Outside Magazine, February 1995 Mountaineering: Ortovox F1 Focus By Douglas Gantenbein An avalanche transceiver is a bit like bear repellent: best to know how to avoid needing it, but when you do need it, better be sure it works. And avalanche transceivers are about…
Outside Magazine, 1999 Annual Travel Guide Gear to Go Winter Ware Skating skis, snowshoes, and other toys By Stuart Craig The toughest part of a backcountry getaway is deciding what gear to bring. Do you cater to your…
Gear Up: All the right stuff for biking If you’ve considered trading in that 1972 Schwinn Collegiate for something a bit more…modern?, now’s a great time to do it. Visit any cycling shop and you’ll find…
Outside magazine, September 1999 GEAR High Design: Mountaineering’s Trick New Tools “I guess the Everest fascination has gotten folks interested in climbing,” says Tracy Roberts, “and now they want to get a good snootful of it.” As a guide on…
Outside magazine, August 1996 Apparel: Patagonia’s on-the-Go T By Bob Howells How does a t-shirt justify a $29 price tag? Well, it’s a smart combination of 70 percent environmentally correct organic cotton and 30 percent Capilene polyester, of wicking long-underwear fame. The key…
Review: Hardware and Software, November 1996 Merrell Millennium M2 Boot By Glenn Randall What shape will hiking boots take in the twenty-first century? Merrell’s answer, the Millennium M2 Superlight ($150, 800-869-3348), doesn’t look as radical as you might expect. Instead, the new…
Outside magazine, April 1995 Buying Right: Backcountry Watches By Gordon Black The wristwatch with a flip-out corkscrew has yet to appear, but there are backwoods timepieces that you can call tools. Whether you want to check your direction of travel, predict the weather,…
Winter Travel Guide 1996 The Well-Outfitted Skier The Outfit With hourglass-shaped skis, aerodynamic poles, composite boots, and an infinitude of accessories flooding the market, picking gear that’s right for you can be an ordeal. What all this super-sidecut and…
Outside magazine, April 1995 Kayaking: Kokatat Women’s Dry Suit By Karen Reed “Unisex” sizing still means “men’s.” When it comes to casual apparel, I’m willing to roll up my sleeves and revel in the extra room. When it comes to an expensive technical garment…
Outside magazine, September 1994 Camping: Outback Oven Ultralight By Douglas Gantenbein A few years back, the editor of these pages had to tone down a glowing review I’d written on the Outback Oven, a great gadget that lets backpackers enjoy fresh, hot baked goods without the…
January 1996 Review: Hardware and Software Insulated Jackets for One-Step Warmth When you don’t want to pile on the pile, down and synthetic-fill clothing still stands alone By Glenn Randall Buying Right: Winter-Wise Boots…
Outside’s Annual Travel Guide, 1999/2000 GEAR TO GO ANYWHERE FOOTWEAR Footloose and blister-free There I was, packing for a trip to British Columbia that I knew would entail some floatplane flying, and hence, weight- and bulk-fussy pilots.
Outside magazine, September 1996 Workaday Packs Expedition-grade features in bags for the short haul By Bob Howells I still have the old klettersack that as a mountaineering instructor I used to take on long day hikes, laden beyond the brim with the…
Outside magazine, March 1997 Happier Trails to You Put in a few minutes of practice, get back hours of carefree mountain biking. Not a bad investment. By James Rodewald That Old Black Top Magic If…
Family Vacations, Summer 1996 Essential Gear: In-Line Skates What better way to work out the kinks of a road trip than by taking a spin on some black ice far from home? Here are some of the newest models on the market. The K2 Spinner…
Gear Up: All the right stuff for taking photos With cameras becoming easier to use and ever more compact, you no longer need to sport the flopping-camera-on-the-belly tourist look, or beg the kids to hold still…
Outside magazine, October 1995 Shells That Almost Aren’t In a weatherproof-breathable jacket, you can never have too much of a lightweight thing By Bob Howells On extended runs, day hikes, trail rides–any excursion short of an overnight–my attitude toward foul-weather gear has…
Outside Magazine, 1999 Annual Travel Guide Gear to Go Cameras Shooter’s choice: Digital? Camcorder? Splashproof? Or just goof-around basic? By Peter Burian NO FILM NEEDED ——————— The latest trend is in digital cameras — especially those…
Outside magazine, August 1996 Crux Climbing Shorts By Nancy Prichard Climbing puts an unusual dual demand on your shorts: They have to be comfortable and nonchafing under-harness-wear as well as durable and functional outerwear. Summit Shorts from Crux Climb Wear ($38) meet the…
Winter Travel Guide 1996 The Ute For You By Lisa Twyman Bessone Sure, that sea-level-loving sedan might get you to the slopes. But when you’re heading for five-figure elevations full of ice or packed snow, you need a vehicle with postman-motto tenacity: Here are…
Outside magazine, January 1996 Insulated Jackets for One-Step Warmth When you don’t want to pile on the pile, down and synthetic-fill clothing still stands alone By Glenn Randall Once you’ve experienced the miracle of layering, it’s easy to forget that there are…
Outside magazine, September 1994 Essentials: If the Boot Fits. . . By Glenn Randall Boots that fit poorly when new won’t get better with time–your feet will give out first. Here’s how to get the size right on the initial go-around: Width Matters…
Outside magazine, March 1995 Layering: Power Stretch Fleece By Douglas Gantenbein Does the world need yet more fleece? The answer would seem to be yes — that is, if the question is asked of Mountain Hardwear’s new line of garments made of Malden Mills’s…
Outside’s Annual Travel Guide, 1999/2000 GEAR TO GO SOFT WEAR FOR HARD TRAVELS Durable but softer-than-you-realize synthetics and blends rendered in travel-specific configurations (like neat-o hidden pockets) are the key to packing light and looking earnestly presentable when…
Outside magazine, September 1996 No-Sweat Waders By Jerry Gibbs Simms Micro Fiber Chest High Guides No self-respecting outdoorsperson would be caught in the elements wearing one of those yellow vinyl slickers. Yet the waterproof-breathable fabrics that keep others cool and dry…
Give your barking dogs some luxe love with the new generation of super socks
With these intelligent devices, going digital is the fastest way to hotwire that great big analog world outside
My son loves his waterproof shell, my rickety knees love my hiking poles, my feet love my boots, and we eat well using our stove, all of which you've helped educate us about... Now what about tarps for two? We mostly do cool-weather camping along the AT, so bugs aren't too big a problem. Are there any moderately priced models that you recommend? One other question: Back in the Middle Ages, when tarps were called pup tents, we trenched them to stay dry in the rain. Is this still standard practice in these enlightened times? J.P. Raleigh, North Carolina
I pretty new to hiking and wondering about clothing. Is there a list of recommended clothing to take on a three-day hike up a mountain (e.g., Washington's Mount St. Helens or Mount Ads?). Mike Marysville, Washington
I'm a teacher looking for a 100-percent waterproof backpack to use while ferrying from lesson to lesson in Japan. It needs to have a capacity of up to 30 liters, be strong, and be completely waterproof to survive the downpours we get out here. I'm thinking about an Ortlieb Messenger-style bag, but do you have any other possible alternatives? Daniel Hiroshima, Japan
I need some advice about personal flotation devices for sea kayaking. Are they compatible with CelBak hydration systems? I'm also told that U.S.-certified PFDs may not be appropriate for Canadian use. How come, eh? Charles Montreal, Quebec
How do I know when it's time to change the filter in my PUR water filter? I haven't used it much but have had it for several years. Can they go bad or expire? Adrienne Moab, Utah
In January 2004, top female kayakers from all over the globe joined medical doctor and expedition leader Jessie Stone in Uganda, to form the world’s first all-woman White Nile expedition. But this team’s goal was unique: Not only did they plan to conquer the river’s gnarly whitewater, they also hoped…
I'm trekking to Everest Base Camp in October and want to buy a new camera for the trip, probably the Yashica T4 Zoom. As I can't find any advice on photography at high altitudes, would you recommend this camera or go with a digital? Thanks, Gear God. Adam Bethesda, Maryland
I'm planning to hike the Grand Canyon in June. Do I need a high-top hiking boot? I have very comfortable, worn-in low-tops but have read that high-top shoes are recommended. What do you think? Danielle Peoria, Illinois
I recently bought a Talus tent from The North Face for camping in the Shenandoah and Blue Ridge Mountains this summer. Afterwards, though, it occurred to me that thunderstorms can be vicious in the region at that time of year. Will I be safe and dry in the Talus if a T-storm suddenly hits, or did I make a poor choice? Also, are aluminum tent poles dangerous if lightning strikes? Marshall McLean, Virginia
I really like canister stoves but concerned about the throwaway nature of the fuel containers. Other than the Coleman Xtreme stove, most seem to use canisters that are non-recyclable, including all the new ultralight stoves. Is any manufacturer currently working on the recycling issue? Jeff Shoreview, Minnesota
Last year I completed the 340-mile-long Trondheim-Oslo bike ride. I was in great shape but broke no less than four spokes on my fairly new Trek 1200 road bike. This left me concerned about weight and now I'm considering dropping the rear rack and rack-top bag in favor of a lighter hydration system like the CelBak M.U.L.E. I think I'll also switch to 28-millimeter tires to spare the rims, but is this worth the extra weight and drag? Jarle Bergen, Norway
I'm 42 years old and need to get back into regular exercise since a lower back problem curtailed my jogging career. I was thinking about biking the five miles to my workplace, as well as maybe some longer weekend rides over hard-dirt trails. What should I be riding, and with the back problem, should I sit more upright than hunched over? Mark Bethesda, Maryland
Does the sun protection in clothing deteriorate with washing? I referring to Columbia Sportswear's sun-shielding gear. Is there any information on how long it remains effective? Regina Boise, Idaho
I plan on doing a sea-kayaking expedition, so in the market for a durable, easily compactable single- or two-person tent to take with me. Something that stashes away and sets up easily. Any ideas? Arthur Spartanburg, South Carolina
My wife and I love snow-camping in the Teanaway in spring, and would like to reduce the bulk and weight of packing both a self-inflated and closed-cell mattress. I have heard about new, Primaloft-equipped products from the likes of Therm-a-Rest, Big Agnes, and InsulMat that insulate with Primaloft, and they all seem much lighter and less bulky. But would they do the job without also having to carry closed-cell foam? Scott Maple Valley, Washington
A lot of training guides I consult for my running and cycling training talk of heart-rate "zones." I have been looking at the wide range of heart-rate monitors and wondering if you could suggest one that's reasonably priced and good for running and cycling? Michael Providence, Rhode Island
Go fast and furious in the (1) TAG HEUER FORMULA 1 dive watch ($595; 866-260-0460, www.tagheuer.com). The (2) OAKLEY GMT watch ($650; 800-403-7449, www.oakley.com) has two dials—one for your present location, the other for where you’d rather be. The Swiss-made (3) ORIS XXL FULL…
Want to go from day tripper to trail ripper? Lose the weight, hit the throttle, and have a 21st-century blast.
I will be traveling through a number of countries next fall and every guidebook I've read suggests traveling with just one small, carry-on bag. What's a good bag, then? And any ideas on what kind of clothes to pack? All synthetic, or is cotton OK? Jake Surprise, Arizona
Over the winter I've been commuting to work on my bike and using a set of CatEye headlights. The light they throw out, though, is pretty weak. What headlight system would you recommend for biking at dusk and in the dark? Rob San Francisco, California
Last month I purchased an older Climb Light rainjacket from The North Face, but the fabric "wets-out" as soon as rain or snow hits the surface. I treated it with Nikwax TX-Direct wash-in solution, but to no avail. It's not the first time I've had such a problem with a TNF jacket, either. What can I do?
I love the athletic look of soft shells and would love to buy one. The only problem is I've heard they're just that: shells, meant more for layering than for providing a single layer of protection. In your opinion, are there any soft shells that can provide both heavy-duty warmth and stand up to the rain and snow? I'll use this shell more for "getting around town" than I would for aerobic activities, so I want something that would keep me very warm in cold temperatures. Megan Spokane, Washington
My son and I went backpacking with our brand-new down sleeping bags over the weekend to help us get in shape for a longer trip this spring. It had rained for several days earlier, so things were pretty wet and humid. During the day we stuffed our down bags into plastic zip-type bags in case it rained more, but I guess the bags were a little dp from all the moisture in the air. Anyway, when we got home and unpacked, our bags stank of mildew. I can't imagine what they would smell like after ten-days on the trail. Is this common for down bags, and is there a way to prevent this? Kevin Omaha, Nebraska