Tools & Tech
Archive
If you’re asking, “What the heck is a bug out bag?” you clearly have some work to do before the four horsemen arrive. A bug out bag is basically a fully stocked survival kit that’s ready to grab in the event of a zombie attack or other emergency. While…
In 2012, Brent Sass won Rookie of the Year at the Iditarod, one of the planet’s most extreme competitions. The dog musher, who's run almost a dozen 1,000-mile races, knows the right gear can mean the difference between life and death. These are the items he deems worthy of going on his sled.
From a treadmill that forces users into a classic mid-foot stride to a device that tells you when to ditch your shoes, this is the gear you need to prepare for next season.
Earlier this week, The North Face launched a clothing line that includes free web training. It’s shaping up to be a pretty great fitness ally.
There’s a ferocious battle for snowsports business being waged right now between these two western states. So who’s going to win the Wasatch-Front-versus-Front-Range wintry gear smackdown? Marc Peruzzi weighs in.
Professional whitewater kayak photographer Darin McQuiod is tougher on camera equipment than anyone else I’ve met. The Dagger-sponsored kayaker built his career by boating into some of the most remote, terrifying rivers in the world with a camera in tow. Think Tank Streetwalker…
Camera-equipped flying robots have quickly become a staple of the adventure world, filming first ascents and nailing poachers. But that’s just the beginning. As Eric Hansen found out during a cross-country test drive, affordable consumer drones will revolutionize how we experience the outdoors.
Questionable use of wearable cams is causing a surge in accidents
Expedition-worthy technology to keep you warm and comfortable—and maybe even save your life.
This land photographer ocean tested Sony’s RX-100 II and the GoPro Hero 3+. His tips on which camera to use—and how to visually record your watery adventure.
Polar explorer Eric Larsen is no stranger to extreme cold. The Boulder, Colorado-based adventurer has skied both the North and South Poles and has spent up to 72 days on ice in temperatures that didn’t get warmer than 30 degrees below zero. Larsen carries an SOS…
Seven modern watches that are as classically handsome as they are adventure-worthy
Easy gear upgrades to get you race-ready without mortgaging the house
We all know the saying. It’s the thought that counts on Valentine’s Day. The same holds true when buying gear for the outdoor enthusiast in your life. No matter how much money you have to spend, it’s the experience you have with your loved one that makes the holiday special.
The bike components behemoth enters the action cam arena.
I know. It’s the middle of winter and unless you live in Southern California, T-shirts are likely not high on your shopping list right now. But I would argue that a solid short-sleeve, next-to-skin layer is essential year-round. It’s your first line of defense when it comes to wicking sweat…
We’re always on the lookout for bold designs while walking the aisles at Outdoor Retailer, the outdoor industry’s largest trade show. These are the gutsy, sometimes bizarre ideas that make us want to give the designers a round of applause for being willing to try something new. We’ll see how…
There was definitely some very expensive gear on display at this year’s Outdoor Retailer. I strolled by one parka that was beautiful, functional, breathable, and would protect you in virtually any weather—for only $900. So while extremely high-end gear is fun to talk about and often what we focus on…
There are some things you just can't leave home without. We're not just talking about your smartphone—there are more important things in life, especially if you're headed outside.
In an effort to prevent yet another extinction, DODOcase has teamed up with Ink-dwell, artist Jane Kim’s project to bring endangered species into the public eye, to publicize the plight of the Nevada Big Horn Sheep.
My family has a rule that stocking stuffers must to be sub-$25 and fit inside a stocking. Help!
You might not find a brand-name puffy, but keep an eye out for these six items.
REI makes a big investment in one of their adventure destinations
The 411 for planning your ski trip around the weather
I'm in search of the Holy Grail of water bottles. Something that keeps my coffee hot and my G&T cold. It should also be able to take a serious beating.
Speciality ski and snowboard manufacturers team up to tell snow sliders to buy local
It’s not too late to reboot your career. Just ask David Lang, who bounced back from a layoff by launching a thriving underwater-exploration startup in a matter of months.
The GoPro founder on failure, finding a passion, and making your hardest-working decade count
Women’s different hydration needs have historically been ignored because research on women in sports has lagged. Until now.
I'm in search of the Holy Grail of water bottles. Something that keeps my coffee hot and my G&T cold. It should also be able to take a serious beating.
A camera can capture things the human eye can't—including star trails.
This titanium-body chronograph is the smallest, sharpest-looking personal beacon we’ve seen.
The outdoors can be deadly if you're unprepared. But these gear items will help you make it home alive—even if everything else goes wrong.
Next-gen satellite phones make it easier than ever to stay connected
Hiking is a gloriously simple activity, but that doesn't mean that there isn't room for improvement. These five products, including waterproof cell phones and rescue-ready drones, could make you look at backpacking in a different light.
Outdoor retailer is here. Get plugged in with the latest and greatest new electronics.
Fitness tech to measure your effort, keep you motivated, and let you know when to go hard and when to back off.
I work on trails to help my local mountaineering club. Is there anything light enough to carry along in my backpack?
Finally, a waterproof gadget fit for an outdoorsman
Stay comfortable and illuminated with LuminAid's TPU pillow lantern
R&D at outdoor companies is being revolutionized by 3-D printing. The result: Better gear that gets to you faster.
But, seriously, can what you sleep on really make a difference?
Three Kickstarter-esque projects that caught our eye this week
You can't control the elements, so may as well keep track of their goings-on. These handy apps will keep you on top of things.
Green Mountain Digital re-launches its award-winning bird field guide app, complete with a slew of new social media and geo-tagging features
Green your showers with this easy upgrade
Outside reviews the best gear in the Summer 2013 Buyer’s Guide, including the GoPro Hero3 Black Edition
With a sleek and lightweight design, plus superb clarity, these binoculars are great for wildlife enthusiasts
This traditional, dedicated GPS is user-friendly but fit for serious backcountry navigation
My girlfriend is looking for a new phone, and she’ll be using it outdoors a lot this summer. Which one has the most protective case available?
I’m looking for something waterproof and rugged for the ocean, but that polishes up for a meeting at work.
The Pong case can help to reduce your radiation
Outside picks the best iPhone cases of May 2013, including the Lifeproof Fre
I’m looking for a new, relaxed way to get from point A to point B. One of my friends suggested longboarding, but I haven’t touched a skateboard since junior high. What kind would you recommend?
Get your dog airborne with the Doggie BASE Rig from Caninsanity.
GoPro shrunk the latest Hero to the size of a dental-floss dispenser and still managed to pack a lot of power.
The Solarmonkey Adventurer and Solargorilla-eXtreme are both specifically designed for use in the outdoors
I'm looking to upgrade my camera, but I don't want to lug around a heavy—and pricey—DSLR. What are my options?
The weather's been bad, and all I've been doing is sitting at home and practicing my knots. Is there an app for that?
My kids have convinced me to rig up a zipline on our property, but I don't know where to start. Got any ideas?
A full-sized headlamp that adjusts its output automatically, a quick-fix buckle repair system, and a multitool made specifically for skiers