Gear Reviews

The MSR TrailShot Water Filter is a highly compact and portable water filter that lets you drink directly from natural water sources like streams, rivers, lakes and ponds. It has an unusual design that’s a lot like a water fountain (with a …

The Black Diamond ReVolt is a fully featured rechargeable headlamp that can also be run using regular lithium-ion or alkaline AAA batteries. So-called dual-mode headlamps provide users with a way to ease into the rechargeable headlamp paradigm, which requires carrying a USB-compatible power …

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 …

Compression socks can help reduce swelling and improve blood circulation in your feet and lower legs if you’re recovering from a sprained ankle, plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, which many hikers experience at some stage in their hiking “career”. I’ve used them …

The Seirus Combo Clava is a fleece balaclava with an integrated face mask to protect your nose and face from frostbite. I use the Combo Clava for above-treeline winter hiking in the mountains, where frostbite is a real concern on windy days. …

The REI Passage 2 is a comfortable two-person camping tent that’s ideal for car camping, base camping, and short backpacking trips. It has two doors and two giant vestibules with plenty of external gear storage. But what sets this tent apart from …

Do you find the jargon and terminology around camping and backpacking tents confusing? This handy illustrated guide helps demystify tent terms and technology, so you can find the tent that best suits your needs. A-Frame Tent Classic pup-style tent patterned after old …

Western Mountaineering is a California-based company that has been making ultralight down sleeping bags in San Jose for over 35 years. Ask anyone who owns one of these: they are fantastic! But they are expensive, because every model that Western Mountaineering manufactures …

The OneTigris Black Orca LITE Roamer UL 55L+5L Backpack is a pretty good value for $80, provided it fits you and you’re willing to make a few small mods to it. Weighing 38.8 oz (2 lbs 6.8 oz), it’s an internal frame …

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 …

If you hike in England or Scotland, it’s pretty common to see hikers wearing a map case around their neck. But map cases are relatively rare in the United States. They can be quite useful however if you have a lot of …

Expedition Foods is a UK-based freeze-dried camping meal manufacturer that makes really good 1000 calorie and 800 calorie meals. You can buy their meals in the USA from Racing the Planet, an organization that runs extreme ultramarathon events in deserts around the …

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Thru-Gaiter is a mid-height (10″) softshell gaiter that can be used with trail runners, mids, or hiking boots. While it is similarly named a Thru-Gaiter, it’s completely different and inferior in terms of construction, durability, and breathability from …

The Gregory Arrio 24 is a lightweight ad streamlined, ventilated daypack. With three external zippered pockets and hydration compatible sleeve, it’s a solid all-around choice for local hikes, peakbagging, and hut-to-hut trips. Specs at a Glance Volume: 24 L / 1356 cu …