Smith Optics Engage Mips Review: Comfort, Coverage, and Mips Without the Premium Price

Smith's Engage packs Mips, KOROYD, and 21 vents into a $150 trail helmet. We tested it in Utah and Colorado to see if it's worth your money.

Triple Crowners Tested the Nitecore NU25 MCT Series Headlamp. Here's the Honest Verdict.

A long-term, in-depth review of the updated Nitecore NU25 UL with MCT (Multi Color Temperatures). We consider battery life, comfort, brightness, ease of use and more.

HOKA Mach 7 Review: A Fast, Lightweight Daily Trainer That Won't Break the Bank

We tested the HOKA Mach 7 road running shoes, a versatile, lightweight, shoe that balances cushion and responsiveness for daily training runs and workouts.

footwear, running, single productBecca DownsMay 4, 2026becca downs, hoka mach 7, road running shoes

The Garmin Enduro 3 GPS Watch Is the Longest-Lasting GPS Watch I've Tested

Hands-on Garmin Enduro 3 review from a double Triple Crown thru-hiker. Solar charging, multi-week battery life, training tools, and how it stacks up in 2026.

Singletrack, Fire Roads, and City Commutes: The Surly Straggler Gravel Bike Does It All

Thru-axles, 50mm tire clearance, and the first real update in a decade. Our full review of the refreshed Surly Straggler steel gravel bike after months of testing.

Bicycle, single productChris MeehanApril 20, 2026chris meehan, surly straggler gravel bike

Scarpa Instinct VSR Climbing Shoes Are My First Reach for Outdoor Boulders

We tested the Scarpa Instinct VSR climbing shoes to see how their fit, sensitivity, downturn, and rubber perform for outdoor and indoor climbing and bouldering.

Weeks of Front Range Testing Showed Me What the Garmin Alpha LTE GPS Dog Tracker Can Do

We tested the Garmin LTE GPS dog tracker to see how its connection speed, tracking capabilities, and battery life performs for daily walks, hikes, and remote outdoor adventures.

dog gear, electronics, single productJae ThomasApril 13, 2026jae thomas, garmin alpha lte dog tracker

HOKA Speedgoat 7 Trail Running Shoes Fixed the Issues I Had With the 6

Our in-depth review of the men's and women's versions of our new favorite all-around trail running shoe, with balanced cushion and excellent traction for trail running, hiking, and backpacking

The Smith Optics Vantage 2 Ski Helmet Stood Out as an Upgrade Over the Original in Testing

We tested the Smith Optics Vantage 2 ski helmet on the slopes–lightweight, comfortable, feature rich, protective, and our top overall pick in ski helmets.

The Osprey Talon & Tempest Are the Most Comfortable Day Packs We've Tested at This Size and Weight

We tested the Osprey Talon and Tempest packs across multiple volumes to see how their lightweight frames, breathable suspension, and versatile designs perform for day hiking and fast-moving adventures.

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.

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