Gear Reviews

The DryGuy DX Forced Air Boot Dryer is a life-changing product that I wish I’d discovered years ago. When you hike and ski as much as I do in winter (4 to 5 days per week), it’s hard to get your boots dry before you need to use them again. …

Unigear Ice Cleats are virtually identical to Hillsound’s Trail Crampon Ultra winter traction system but cost less than half the price. They have the same stretchy elastomer harness and come with 18 stainless steel spikes for winter hiking on ice and packed snow. I’ve used them for winter hiking up …

The Osprey Aether 65 is a multi-day expedition-style backpack with an adjustable torso length frame, adjustable length shoulder straps, and an adjustable length hip belt length so you can dial in a custom fit without having to swap out components or heat them in an oven at a store. It’s …

The Sea-to-Summit Ascent Ac II is a 15-degree down men’s sleeping bag that can be used for camping and backpacking. It has a versatile zipper system that lets it be configured in a wide variety of ways to fit different sleeping styles and temperature needs. For example, you can use …

The Osprey Tempest 30 is a super comfortable, women’s specific lightweight pack with an adjustable torso length that is good for a variety of adventures from day hiking to ultralight backpacking trips. It has all of the typical features and useful pockets found in backpacks, combined with a female-friendly body-hugging …

The MSR Thru-Link Inline Water Filter is a 0.2-micron hollow-fiber water filter designed for use with a hydration system. It connects inline between the reservoir and the hose, allowing you to fill up the hydration bladder directly at the source and drink clean water on the go. In addition to …

The North Face Chilkat 400 II is an insulated waterproof/breathable winter hiking boot rated to -40F/-40C. Available for both men and women, these boots come up to mid-calf for maximum heat retention and feature metal lacing hardware for durability, a gaiter ring above the toes, and a ridged heel counter …

The Gossamer Gear DCF One is a one-person, single-wall ultralight trekking pole tent that weighs 15.3 oz and costs $539. It has an all-mesh front door and vestibule and requires two trekking poles to set up. While it has a Dyneema DCF rain fly, the floor is made with a …

The REI Trail Hut 2 is a two-person tent double-wall tent with two doors and two vestibules. It’s exceptionally easy to set up with a freestanding dome structure and includes a ground cloth to protect the floor from abrasion. Priced at $199, it’s a great tent for car camping or …

Weighing at 3.17 oz, the Knog Bilby is a 400-lumen rechargeable LED headlamp ($60) with red and white lightning modes including a spot, wide-angle, red, and special reading mode. Ideal for hiking and trail running, it comes with a comfortable bounce-free silicone headband and has an integrated USB plug that …

The Western Mountaineering Versalite 10 sleeping bag is the sleeping bag I would choose if I could have only one. It can be used very comfortably between 10 and 40 degrees and pushed a little further in either direction. I’ve taken it below 10 wearing some layers and have draped …

The Gossamer Gear DCF Two is a single-wall, two-person ultralight trekking pole tent that weighs 20. 8 oz and costs $589. While it has a Dyneema DCF rain fly, the floor is made with a 7 denier Sil/PU nylon, an innovative combination that reduces the price of the shelter and …

The Garmin inReach Mini (MSRP $350) and the inReach Explorer+ (MSRP $449) are satellite-based communicators that share a common set of capabilities in terms of emergency communication, two-way messaging, tracking, and navigation. Both units require the purchase of a satellite messaging subscription plan, which costs the same regardless of which …

The Warbonnet Diamondback Quilt (stock model, sewn footbox, 0 degree model) is a very lofty quilt for use either in hammocks or on the ground. It has a 15D shell and liner, comes in a number of sizes, and several color configurations. With 19.36 oz of 850-fill down inside, it …