After Thru-Hiking 223 Miles, My Take on the Mountain Hardwear ALUULA Alakazam Backpack

We tested the Mountain Hardwear Alakazam backpack to evaluate ALUULA fabric durability, waterproof performance, comfort, and load carry on long-haul backpacking trips.

I Tested the NEMO Pulse Ultralight Backpacking Quilt From Sequoia Snow to Desert Heat

We tested the NEMO Pulse on the Appalachian, Timberline, and Grand Enchantment Trails. Here's whether 1000 fill power and full recyclability justify the $550 price tag.

After Hundreds of Ski Days in the Smith Optics 4D MAG Ski Goggles, Here’s What Stood Out

We spent six seasons testing the Smith Optics 4D MAG ski and snowboard goggles, premium goggles with cylindrical lenses that offer the best clarity and field of view.

Keeping My Balance in the Astral Loyak AC Water Shoes on Slick Terrain

We tested the Astral Loyak AC water shoes paddleboarding, lounging at beaches, and hiking riversides—they have excellent traction and drainage for any water excursion

HOKA Transport 2 Walking Shoes Proved More Versatile Than I Expected

The HOKA Transport 2 walking shoes balance cushioning and support for all-day comfort, the Vibram outsole handles a wide range of technical terrain with ease, and they’re simple and stylish enough for casual wear, and are the best trail-to-city crossover shoes we’ve tested.

footwear, single productBecca DownsFebruary 28, 2026becca downs, hoka transport 2, walking shoes

Warmth and Weatherproofing Wrapped Up in the Norrøna Lofoten GORE-TEX Insulated Ski Jacket

We tested the Norrona lofoten GORE-TEX Insulated Jacket on the slopes, finding it best for skiers and riders who want warmth, weather protection, and great features

From Creek Crossings to Town Streets With the Astral Brewer 3.0 Water Shoes

We tested the Astral Brewer 3.0 water shoes in creeks, rivers, and along beaches, and found their comfort and traction to work well in the water and in town.

The Most Packable Ski Shell I’ve Used — Outdoor Research Carbide Ski and Snowboard Jacket

The Outdoor Research Carbide Ski and Snowboard Jacket is the lightest waterproof shell we’ve tested, great for high-output days splitboarding or uphill on the slopes.

Can Magnetic Lenses Really Work? My Test of the Smith Optics Squad MAG Ski Goggles

We tested the Smith Optics Squad MAG ski and snowboard goggles on the slopes to assess their lens technology and interchangeability, ventilation system, protection, comfort, and more.

How the Outdoor Research Hemispheres Team Ski Jacket and Bibs Handled Every Weather Swing

We tested the lightweight Outdoor Research Hemispheres Team jacket and bibs at the resort and in the backcountry to test weather protection, fit, ventilation, durability, and more.

I Took the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 Running Shoes on Varied Runs — Here’s the Verdict

We ran in the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 on trails, roads, and gravel paths to test their fit, comfort, cushion, responsiveness, support, traction, performance, and more.

footwear, running, single productSam SchildFebruary 5, 2026sam schild, nike pegasus trail 5

I Tested the HOKA Hopara 2 Water Shoes — Here’s How They Handled Wet Terrain

We tested the HOKA Hopara 2 water shoes, a comfortable and versatile hiking-sandal hybrid for trail, water, and travel, in rivers, beaches, and muddy trails.

footwear, hiking, single product, Water SportsEbony RobertsFebruary 4, 2026ebony roberts, hoka hopara 2

Lightest Yet Still Grippy: Kahtoola MICROspikes Ghost Impressions

We tested the Kahtoola MICROspikes Ghosts on snow and ice to assess traction, fit, durability, ease of use, and versatility compared to other winter traction devices.

hiking, running, single product, snow gear, backpacking, winterDean KrakelJanuary 30, 2026dean krakel, kahtoola microspikes ghost

I Tested the NRS Kicker Wetshoes — Simple, Warm, and Ready for the Water

We tested the NRS Kicker Wetshoe water shoes for insulated comfort and reliable traction in cold-water adventures, from SUP paddling to packrafting and kayaking.

Water Sports, single product, footwearEbony RobertsJanuary 29, 2026ebony roberts, nrs kicker wetshoes

How the REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated Ski and Snowboard Jacket Performed in Wind and Snow

We tested the REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated Ski and Snowboard Jacket on the slopes, from resort to backcountry, to assess its warmth, breathability, waterproofing, fit, and more

How the Salomon Quest 4 GTX Hiking Boots Held Up on 100 Miles of Rocky Trails

We submerged the Salomon Quest 4 GTX Hiking Boots in the sink, crossed creeks, and hiked in the Rocky Mountain alpine to test waterproofness, durability, comfort, traction, and more.

I wore the REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L Rain Pants for months — this is what I learned

We tested and reviewed the REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L Rain Pants, which are roomy, lightweight, and relatively breathable waterproof pants for rainy outdoor excursions.

I tested the Outdoor Research Foray 3L Rain Pants in freezing rain—here’s what held up

The Outdoor Research Foray and Aspire rain pants are ideal for cool and cold-weather activities, and are the first outdoor technical gear to be certified carbon neutral.

Why the Outdoor Research Prevail Heated GORE-TEX Gear Is Worth It for Extremely Cold Hands

We spent 3 years testing the OR Prevail Heated GORE-TEX gloves and mittens for warmth, battery-life, waterproofness, dexterity, and ease of use

La Sportiva Lumina Down Jacket: Ultralight Warmth That Packs Small

We tested the La Sportiva Lumina 100 and 200 down jackets to see how their warmth, weight, and packability compare. Here’s who each model is best for and how they perform in real cold-weather conditions.

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