Innehållsförteckning för 2022 Summer Gear Guide från Outside

New Beginnings This is a gear guide unlike any other. It is a partnership between five magazines—Outside, Backpacker, Beta, VeloNews, and Climbing, all siblings under Outside Interactive Inc. These pages represent the collective efforts of ten gear editors, 40 category managers, and nearly 150 testers. It is the biggest, most comprehensive, and most exhaustive gear guide any of us have produced. That’s saying a lot, seeing as the editors who worked on it have more than five decades of combined experience. How did this work? Team members from each magazine spent weeks planning as a group, then divided and conquered. Outside and VeloNews worked together on road and gravel biking. The Beta crew handled mountain biking, including vital data from their week-long bike test in British Columbia (see Mountain Bikes,…

A small joy on the trail—actually, no, make it a large one—is finding an item exactly where you thought it would be in your pack, tent, or stuffsack. (And yes, I am fun to hike with. Why do you ask?) On the flip side, going into a trip disorganized can ruin your sojourn in the woods. Staying organized on the trail has always involved varying degrees of gear Tetris, which requires lots of finagling and usually leaves dead space; the Hillsound PackStack changes that. The PackStack is a zippered, half moon-shaped nylon pouch that expands to fit layers, accessories, or whatever else you choose to store in it. Using one PackStack even begets using another: one nests neatly on top of the first, so you can maximize every inch of…

Here’s the truth: it’s been years since a hiking boot impressed us. Are our grading criteria too rigorous? Possibly. Are we jaded? Almost certainly. But the fact remains, nothing blew us away for almost half a decade. That is, until now. The Anacapa Mid GTX ($180) is the all-purpose boot we’ve been waiting for. We put the Anacapa through almost every conceivable hiking scenario—rocky alpine, muddy jungle, dirt singletrack—and it kept our feet comfortable, our strides natural, and our footing secure through all of them. The boot’s chunky EVA midsole (37 millimeters thick at the heel) cushions weight, the wide last allows feet to splay, and the tapered toe lends it the feel of a heavy duty trail running shoe. On a four-day trip in Wyoming’s Wind River Range, the…

Most approach shoes are uncomfortable to walk in for long distances. And that makes sense, given their typical construction: a thick upper designed for extreme abrasion resistance, and a tight toe box and flat, stiff sole intended for climbing precision on fourth- and fifth-class terrain. The design is effective on small foot holds but clunky, heavy, and hot the rest of the time—not ideal for casual hikes or outdoor hangs. Scarpa’s new Rapid ($159) offers a solution. It’s light (10.4 ounces per shoe), airy, conducive to fast hiking or even running, and flexible enough to lend confidence on slabby, smeary rock—a situation when stiffer approach shoes can actually feel less secure. In fact, we loved the Rapid not just for climbing but for hiking as well. That’s because it looks—and…

BEST SOLO BAG NEMO Jazz $300 Everything about this 30-degree synthetic bag feels indulgent, from the 77-inch girth (roomy enough for side sleeping) to the removable, washable microfiber liner sheet that buttons into the inside for added coziness. That’s in addition to an oversize draft collar and an extra-large insulated hood. The Jazz is stuffed with synthetic insulation designed to mimic the warmth and packability of down. On a 40-degree night in Tofino, British Columbia, one tester stayed so toasty he had to crack the two full-length zippers for ventilation. When it’s time to break camp, just drop it in the storage duffel, no stuffsack cramming required. Bonus: the fill and silky 50-denier ripstop polyester fabric are fully recycled. 6 lbs BEST SOLO PAD Hest Foamy $299 Three Benjamins for…

a. Gerber Armbar Slim Cut multitool $34 This 0.6-inch-thick gizmo ditches all but the most commonly needed trail tools: a 2.5-inch-long plain-edge folding knife, spring-loaded scissors, and a bottle opener. You can open the tools one-handed, and the slim frame slips easily into your pocket. “It covered all my precision cutting needs, like trimming duct tape to fit a tear in my tent,” said one tester after a trip to West Virginia’s Dolly Sods. 2.1 oz —Justin La Vigne b. Ledlenser NEO5R headlamp $80 There was a time when you had to choose between a bright headlamp and a compact one. The rechargeable NEO5R shows us that’s no longer the case. This light can put out up to 600 lumens but weighs just 3.7 ounces, less than half what a…

a. Sea to Summit Camp Kitchen Toolkit ten-piece set $40 Never forget cleaning or cooking accessories again. This kit rolls up with Velcro tabs and holds an included spatula, serving spoon, scrubber, towel, cleaning cloth, biodegradable soap, and bottles to fill with cooking oil or condiments. Each tool tucks into one of eight pockets. b. Hydro Flask Tandem Cooler Cup tumbler $30 This double-walled, vacuum-insulated cup fits 26 ounces of liquid or two 12-ounce cans. There’s no lid, but a rubber gasket holds the cans in place; still, the vessel delivered two chilled sparkling waters on a New Mexico summit after three hours of hiking. The narrow design fits in most camp-chair cup holders. c. Primus LiTech frying pans from $40 Premium pans aren’t just for your home kitchen. This…

This is not the most glamorous bike released in the past year. It’s not the lightest or the sleekest. There’s no new linkage design or innovative carbon technology. In fact, there’s no carbon at all. Privateer does things differently. The rider-driven company makes no-nonsense aluminum-framed bikes that you could buy and immediately enter a race with. It’s in the name—a privateer racer is one without a sponsor. There are only two spec levels and no fancy frills—just performance where you need it. We tested the Privateer 141 ($4,379 and up), named quite plainly after its rear travel. As far as travel for trail bikes goes, 141 millimeters is somewhere mid-pack, but there’s nothing mid-pack about the rest of this bike. It’s got the head angle of an enduro bike (64.5…

Bicycles designed with more than one intended use often fall short of the mark. So we were skeptical of Allied’s “go fast everywhere” claim that its new Echo ($8,475) is a one-bike solution for road riding and gravel racing. It turns out the Arkansas-based carbon-bike manufacturer may be onto something. Flip chips mounted to the fork and chainstays allow riders to change this bike from an endurance roadie into a gravel rig in less than ten minutes. Flip the orientation of these adjustable inserts to slacken the head angle from 73 to 72.5 degrees and lengthen the chainstay from 415 to 425 millimeters. These small adjustments have a meaningful impact on the Echo’s handling, adding stability on rough gravel roads and increasing the maximum tire clearance from 30 to 40…

a. Shimano Dura-Ace and Ultegra $4,280 and $2,566 Shimano launched its first electronic drivetrain in 2009. From ten to 11 and now 12 speeds, the Japanese company’s Di2 drivetrains have always set the bar for shift speed and precision. This year, in a departure from its previous launches, Shimano introduced the newest versions of its second-tier Ultegra group and its premium, lighter Dura-Ace, at the same time—a boon for budget-conscious cyclists who previously had to wait longer for updated drivetrains in their price range. Both of these new 12-speed groups aren’t completely wireless, but they are wireless where it matters. Shimano ditched the E-Tube lines that connect the shift levers to the front and rear derailleurs, to declutter cockpits and reap aerodynamic gains. A pair of small, coin-size batteries power…

a. Giro Merit Spherical $220 Giro’s new Merit helmet boasts the brand’s Spherical Technology: a rotational impact protection system that employs MIPS, but without a plastic disc next to your scalp. Instead, Giro built the Merit using two distinct foam layers (dense EPS foam on the outside and softer EPS foam on the inside to mitigate low-speed impacts). The interior surface of each layer is coated in MIPS plastic compound, which allows them to rotate against one another to disperse rotational forces. The fit is comfortable on a wide range of head shapes, the retention system offers a depth adjustment, and the visor tilts high enough to offer goggle-storage space. Ventilation is ample. b. Specialized Gambit $300 The park rats (their term, not ours) in our testing crew couldn’t believe…

a. MRP Baxter gravel fork $990 Adding suspension to your gravel bike can reduce fatigue and open up new routes. MRP’s Baxter comes in 40- and 60-millimeter versions. We appreciate the ability to tweak compression (open, mid, or firm) to suit conditions, and leg mounts for extra cargo or water bottles. Plus, you can customize the color. b. Garmin Rally RS200 pedals $1,099 This pedal-based power meter is easy to switch between bikes—you can even swap the power spindles between road and mountain/gravel pedals. They track left and right power data, plus cadence and time spent riding seated and standing. Over a year of testing, they’ve proven accurate and reliable. c. Routewerks Handlebar bag $179 This clever bag attaches to your bike via aluminum arms (not Velcro), so it didn’t…

a. Ostroy Resort unisex shirt $98 A silklike polyester-lycra blend elevates this short-sleeve button-down above your typical tropical shirt. It dries quickly, has a small rear buttoned key pocket, and comes in an array of cycling-themed prints. (2XS–2XL) b. Showers Pass Elements jacket $219 We have spent years testing rain jackets on our commutes, and the Elements is our favorite, both on and off the bike. This seam-sealed, 2.5-layer shell boasts a deep, zip-off drawstring hood, a drop tail to protect from road spray, two phone-size chest pockets, and two large vents so you can dump heat but still keep your core dry. (men’s S–XXL, pictured / women’s XS–XL) c. SKS Raceblade Pro fenders $75 Fenders are critical for commuting in wet weather. While most need to be screwed to…

Last year, the paddling industry saw record-breaking sales of inflatable watercraft. This year we predict that trend will continue. Already, the increased demand for blow-up boats is pushing high-end technology into more affordable models. What does that mean for you? Better performance for a better price. These were the three new models that really caught our attention. If you’re into pack rafting, you’ve probably heard of Alpacka Raft. This year, the brand updated the Scout ($695) to deliver more packability and capability, which are often at odds. Designers increased the tube diameter by nearly an inch (to ten inches), which produces a more stable ride in whitewater. They also lengthened the boat, giving taller paddlers more legroom and improving tracking. The new Scout is still only 3.8 pounds and rolls…

Since carbon-plated shoes were introduced, countless world, national, and personal records have fallen. But most pairs are helpful for only a certain group of runners: the rigid carbon-fiber plate combined with a soft foam favors those with efficient strides over those with less-than-perfect form. The new Hoka Tecton X ($200), one of the few carbon-plated trail kicks on the market, defies that pattern. This is a high-tech shoe for all abilities. “It’s one of the few carbon-plated shoes that I—a not-fast runner with poor form—can actually appreciate,” noted one tester. What’s the secret sauce here that makes everyday athletes feel like superstars? For starters, designers ditched the standard single carbon plate in favor of two parallel ones positioned next to each other. These plates move independently, producing a more forgiving,…

BEST LONG-RUN SHOE a. Craft Pro Endur Distance $150 This Swedish-made shoe has an off-the-charts weight-to-cushioning ratio. At just 8.2 ounces for men and 6.3 ounces for women, it delivers 34 millimeters of foam in the heel and 24 up front. Credit a thermoplastic midsole foam that’s similar to Pebax—a material often found in carbon-plated super shoes that delivers more energy and impact resistance than traditional EVA or TPU, but at a fraction of the weight. That speedy midsole is bolstered by the airy one-piece engineered-mesh upper, which fits snugly yet unobtrusively around the midfoot. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more comfortable, cushioned neutral trainer that feels this lively. 8.2 oz (men’s, pictured) / 6.3 oz (women’s); 10 mm drop BEST SUPPORTIVE SHOE b. Adidas Ultraboost 22 $190 This…

BEST FOR SHORT RUNS a. Osprey Dyna LT / Duro LT $80 With just two 360-milliliter soft flasks up front and a rear mesh pocket big enough for a shell (no space for a reservoir) the Dyna/Duro is an ideal minimalist option for tempo runs or races. Still, there’s plenty of room for the essentials: up front, those two stretch mesh pockets fit flasks or snacks, and a vertical zippered pocket on the right lower chest strap secures your phone. The only difference between the Duro and the Dyna is in the fit: the latter has a shorter torso and narrower-set shoulder straps. BEST FOR LONG ADVENTURES b. Deuter Ascender 7 $130 With a zippered compartment big enough to carry layers and even a stove, this seven-liter vest (Deuter’s first…

a. Hoka Performance 3/4 Sleeve shirt $58 Made of Polartec Power Dry fabric, this top kept our body temperature even during long aerobic sessions. Testers also appreciated the UPF 50-plus sun protection; the wide collar that let our necks breathe on sweltering summer days; and the three-quarter-length sleeves, which were perfect for when the temps started out chilly and heated up by the afternoon. (XS-XL) b. Reigning Champ Polartec Delta tee $80 Breathable and soft, but with a heavier weight that exudes quality, the Delta shirt was our most-used tee this summer—both on and off the track. Credit its Polartec Delta fabric, made with hydrophobic yarn that prevented the shirt from clinging to our sweaty skin, thus cooling it with more airflow. “It’s meant to be worked out in, but…

a. Yeti Rambler 36 oz bottle with Chug Cap and Rambler bottle sling $50 and $40 Proper hydration is key to achieving that deep release. The Rambler’s narrow chug cap is perfect for getting a quick, slosh-free sip of water in the middle of a session, and it screws off to reveal a wide mouth for easy cleaning. Pair it with the Bottle Sling and put an end to awkwardly juggling your stuff in and out of the studio. It even has a pocket for your class pass. b. Jungmaven Jung tee $50 Sometimes a highly technical top feels antithetical to yoga’s simplistic spirit. The Jung’s five-ounce hemp-cotton material is similar to your favorite worn-in natural-fiber tee—more comfortable than something you’d wear while running. It stays cool and breezy during…

Bose SoundLink Flex $149 Bose’s newest portable Bluetooth speaker is a case study in great things coming in small packages. It measures 7.9 inches long, 3.6 inches high, and 2.1 inches wide and lacks the kind of flashy aesthetics that make you instantly curious. But trust us: you should be. Travel speakers have historically been the kind of gear that’s nice to have, but none that we’ve tested has ever achieved downright greatness. That’s just physics: until now, outside of five- or ten-pound breadbox-size speakers, no brand has been able to pack in enough power to fully envelop you in the music. The SoundLink Flex achieves that—yet weighs only 1.3 pounds and is smaller than a brick. Bose engineered it with powerful drivers that produce more bass than you’d believe…

a. Norrøna Trolley bag $329 The problem with most giant rolling duffels is that the internal frame takes up almost as much room as the gear you’re packing. But Norrøna’s Trolley duffel offers a cavernous 120 liters of storage space, thanks to a simple yet smart design feature that nixes the telescoping handle—and therefore the internal frame—in favor of flat-lying handles sewn into the top. This keeps the bag’s weight low, making it easier to stay under an airline’s 50-pound limit. Half-inch-thick, cushy trekking-style backpack straps make carrying this thick-skinned, 450-denier recycled nylon duffel over rough terrain more comfortable—even when it’s fully loaded. b. STM Goods Dux 30L backpack $250 STM stands for “smarter than most,” which sounds pretentious until you try the Australian brand’s Dux backpack. With 360 degrees…

There’s never been a better time to be in the market for an adventure rig. Sure, waitlists may be long, thanks to overlanding’s explosive popularity combined with a pandemic that sent folks seeking outdoor experiences. But thankfully, there are more, better choices than ever before. Bringing the whole family along? Taxa Outdoors’ Mantis Overland ($57,874 and up) sleeps four adults (or more with an optional hammock and rooftop tent) and is one of the most unusual trailers we’ve tested. The center of the roof pops up for ample standing room, yet maintains aerodynamics and towing ease when collapsed. Everything inside is adjustable, from the rear dinette that converts into a bed to the bunks that collapse to make room for bikes. There’s even a fold-away wet bath. With a dry…

If you’re like us, odds are you’ve probably never thought too deeply about portable solar panels. As long as they harness energy from the sun and charge your devices on a long trek, they’re all the same, right? Actually, no. The Box Synergy Solar 7 ($85) is the first such product to earn an Editors’ Choice Award, checking all the boxes with an extra-thick Sharpie: it’s light, compact, durable, and powerful—everything a backpacking solar panel should be. In fact, we couldn’t find another contender that delivered the same combination of size, weight, and performance. The Solar 7, which collects but doesn’t store solar energy, only eats up a tiny bite of pack space and can even tuck into a roomy pants pocket; it’s perfectly designed for hikers who want unlimited…

a. Smartwool Merino Sport Ultra Light anorak $130 When you need something lightweight to stave off a cool breeze, grab this thin windbreaker. It scrunches down to the size of an apple, with merino mesh arm panels and button-shut side slits that provide good airflow. (XS–XL) b. Outdoor Research Chehalis overalls $109 Roomy enough to hike in, these overalls are a perfect anchor for your travel wardrobe. They’re made from a thin, breathable DWR-treated cotton-polyester ripstop and boast seven pockets, including a phone-size one on the chest. (XS–XL) c. Columbia Pleasant Creek Stretch dress $80 This warm-weather dress has built-in spandex undershorts and a bra that provides low-impact support for a range of chest sizes, whether you’re hiking or beach lounging. The water- and stain-repellent polyester-elastane fabric is stretchy and…

Ultralight-curious? Want to make the leap without making sacrifices? Meet your gateway drug. The Deuter Aircontact Ultra ($240) impressed us with a smart balance of weight, features, and durability. Plenty of sub-three-pound packs skimp on capacity and comfort. The Aircontact Ultra doesn’t. We stuffed the main pack bag with 45 pounds, including several bottles of champagne for a surprise marriage proposal in the Alaskan backcountry. Credit the load carry to a unique frame shape: a spring steel wire runs down the center and around the perimeter of the back panel. Because this geometry traces both the vertical curvature of the spine and the lateral curve of the hips, it transfers 70 percent of the load to the hipbelt while still permitting enough torsional flexibility for the pack to move with…

BEST FOR WEIGHT SAVINGS The North Face Chrysalis 20 $375 If pack space is limited and distance is the goal, the Chrysalis is a trustworthy companion. It weighs just under two pounds and packs down to the size of a bread loaf, courtesy of 900-fill down. For this reason, one tester brought it along for 50 miles and two 22-degree nights in Utah’s Bears Ears National Monument. “After beating up my body all day, the anticipation of crawling into this soft cocoon was the motivation I needed to finish the hike back to camp,” our tester said, crediting the 64-inch shoulder, 59-inch hip, and extra-roomy 47.5-inch footbox girths. On another trip, into Wyoming’s Wind River Range, our tester packed the Chrysalis among climbing equipment. Its abrasion-resistant ripstop nylon compression sack…

MOST VERSATILE Tecnica Magma S Mid GTX $190 Most of Tecnica’s Magma line takes its DNA from trail-running shoes, and the new S Mid model is no exception. It has “backpacking boot” written all over it yet does not abandon its speed-focused roots. The S Mid is certainly light, and its snug last encourages nimbleness. Still, the 24-millimeter (in the heel) EVA midsole prevented sore feet both on Rocky Mountain trail runs and while carrying a 35-pound pack in Montana’s Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. An airy, synthetic-mesh upper and a Vibram Megagrip LiteBase sole keep weight at just over 1.5 pounds for a pair, and an oversize heel counter adds stability on descents whether you’re running or hiking. “As someone who appreciates the dexterity of trail-running shoes but the support of midcut…

BEST VALUE Kelty Asher 35 $100 A 35-liter pack weighing under two pounds for just $100 is almost unheard of, but the Asher nails those specs and provides performance to boot. Its impressive host of features includes a U-shaped zipper that wraps around the top and halfway down both sides, so you can easily flay the pack open to dig out that buried hat. Water bottles fit into twin side pockets, while extra layers tuck into a stretchy dorsal pocket. We’ll note that while the shoulder straps are padded, the waist belt is cushioned only at the hip bones, and the flat nylon back panel lacks the weight redistribution required for loads over 20 pounds. Some testers found it most comfortable carrying less than ten pounds. This pack is best…

Attention, lady hikers: finally, a company has designed plus-size technical pants that actually feel and look good. From waistband to hems, the Ponderosa pants ($139) are drawn from founder Raquel Vélez’s experience as a plus-size hiker. The pants are available in two fits, each in sizes 14 to 24 (the brand plans to expand up to size 36). The Mountain silhouette (pictured) is for women with narrower waists and wider hips; the River has more of a straight fit. Both models feature waistbands with a built-in adjustable belt to reduce gapping in the back. But the real fit highlight is in the upper thigh. Many plus-size technical pants are cut too tight, so that the groin seam winds up falling several inches below your actual crotch, causing skin-on-skin chafing. The…

Nobody’s ever said water duty is their favorite part of hiking. With the Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter System ($45), though, the task just got a whole lot easier. This affordable, compact, 3.3-ounce kit comes with two components: a durable, one-liter soft-sided reservoir—helpfully labeled “dirty”—and a hollow-fiber filter that’s small enough to fit inside a toilet-paper roll. To get clean water, simply fill the reservoir (a hard plastic handle helps with skimming it through streams and lakes), screw the filter onto the top, and squeeze. The QuickDraw’s 0.2-micron pores sift out bacteria and protozoa (but not viruses, which are removed only by purifiers). And believe us, this thing is fast: by applying constant pressure on the reservoir, we filled a one-liter Nalgene in about 20 seconds—the fastest rate on the market for…

a. Keen Newport Shoe booties $65 Kids can now wear Keen’s classic sandals year round. The Newport Shoe features the same grippy, lugged soles and durable webbing straps, but with a neoprene liner that acts like a wetsuit in chilly creeks. (4T–7) b. Sunday Afternoons Kids’ Sun Guardian hat $25 With its three-and-a-quarter-inch straw brim, we assumed the Sun Guardian would be too unwieldy for our wee testers. But at under four ounces, with an elastic sweatband that dials in the fit, this hat quickly became a favorite for hot river days. c. Knockaround Sunglasses Rainbow Blues Kids’ Premium shades $22 Knockaround’s lenses offer UV400 protection (among the highest level possible) and emerged unscathed after months of being dropped and shoved into backpacks. Still, they’re affordable enough to risk losing.…

Specialized S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL $15,000 Say what you will about Specialized and its $15,000 e-bikes, but damned if the brand doesn’t make a good $15,000 e-bike. The Kenevo SL provides just enough assist with its 240-watt, 35-newton-meter SL motor. It’s not the sort of e-bike we could soft-pedal up every widowmaker climb, but this 42-pound welterweight monster with 170 millimeters of travel (front and back) is remarkably capable and handles much like a traditional bike. The motor’s main benefit is getting us to more downhill, though it makes technical climbs and descents a lot more fun too. That’s because the extra sprung weight makes a steady bike even steadier, without feeling like the juggernaut that so many full-powered e-bikes are. (Still, the lower-link Enduro suspension system is plenty supportive,…

Trek Checkpoint SLR 7 $8,350 Trek’s redesigned Checkpoint ticks all the boxes of what a modern gravel bike should be. Think: forgiving handling suited to daylong adventures and a wide range of cargo-carrying options, including bolt-on bags (sold separately) that fit each frame size perfectly. It breaks away from the pack with Trek’s vibration-defeating IsoSpeed system, which increases flex at the top tube so you can remain seated, even on rough surfaces. The result is one of the most comfortable gravel bikes we’ve ever ridden, especially on chunky gravel and washboard. Bonus: the integrated down-tube storage compartment fits a couple spare tubes, tools, a pump, and a rain shell. The combination of that impact-absorbing carbon frame with Shimano’s 2x11 gravel-specific GRX Di2 drivetrain is perfect for endurance riding. Specialized Crux…

a. Blackburn Switch Wrap bag $40 For our testers who weren’t comfortable strapping tools and CO2 cartridges under a glorified rubber band, Blackburn made the Switch Wrap. It can securely hold a tube, two cartridges of any size, and even an inflater head and plug kit (not included). b. Fox DHX Factory shock $570 Why should long-travel enduro bikes be the only ones with the buttery-smooth feel of a coil shock? Fox introduced the DHX shock to be lower-profile and fit in more bikes than the gravity-focused DHX2. We loved the added speed and traction this upgrade offered to many otherwise humdrum trail bikes. c. Trail Boss 3-Piece Handle Set with Steel Segment Upgrade, 3 Heads $480 Trail Boss makes the greatest collapsible trail tools you can buy. This set—which…

a. Zoic W’s Premium bib liner $80 Many people find bib liners more comfortable than chamois shorts for layering. But they can be inconvenient for nature breaks. The Premium offers stretchy crossover straps and a zippered butt panel so you don’t have to strip to pee. With a quality Italian pad and six-panel construction designed to mitigate chafing, it’s a comfortable, convenient upgrade. (XS–XL) b. Pearl Izumi Women’s Launch trail pants $150 We’re glad trail pants have caught on. The loose-fit Launch give you all the protection and knee-pad compatibility you’d expect, with side phone pockets and tapered ankles that stay out of your drivetrain. The water-shedding Cordura is lightweight, but runs warm—better suited for cooler rides. (2–14) c. Machines For Freedom Foundation liner $88 These liners are for commutes,…

a. 7mesh Colorado arm warmer $6 Decent arm warmers are easy to find. These are next level: thin and silky yet warm and water-repellent. They pack down small to stuff in your jersey pocket and boast silicon grip strips and a compressive fit to prevent sliding or bunching (XS–L). b. DeFeet Cush Wool Blend socks $21 DeFeet makes its socks in North Carolina with recycled polyester and merino wool. Our go-to pair is the Cush, which is wicking, slightly padded, highly durable, and perfect year-round. Our favorite features: the padded, minimally-seamed toe box and the arch compression. (S–XL) c. POC Muse jersey $150 This soft and wicking merino-polyester top excels in a wide range of temperatures yet holds shape so loaded pockets don’t sag like the ones on wool jerseys…

Infinity Whiplash $3,495 Do you like going fast and far on glassy water? The Infinity Whiplash is your ride. No brand has put more into SUP research and development over the years than this company, and it shows here. This ultralight, hollow-carbon race board is one of the best on the market for getting from points A to B as quickly as possible. The one we tested was 21 inches wide, which helped it track extremely straight in calm conditions, but required some experience to paddle (and is not necessarily suitable for rough-water or downwind paddling). We were struck by its initial instability but quickly came to trust the secondary stability from the cockpit’s dugout walls, which put our center of gravity lower to the water. It’s also available in…

a. Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoot waders $600 After months of bushwhacking through heavy brush, crawling over logs, and sliding down steep banks, the G3 emerged with nary a tear. No surprise: a new four-layer Gore-Tex fabric on the lower portion increases puncture resistance by 23 percent. These sturdy, versatile waders are perfect for shoulder-season outings and cooler summer days. (men’s XS–XXL / women’s XS–XXL) b. Loon Outdoors Ergo Quick Release tool $19 This 6.75-inch tool makes it easy to release trout and other midsize fish without touching them. Simply slide the notched cylinder down the tippet to the fly and twist your wrist, freeing the hook. If you’re likely to drop it in the water, opt for the easy-to-spot yellow-handled version. c. Redington Aurora boots $160 These lightweight women’s boots…

BEST ALL-TERRAIN SHOE Saucony Peregrine 12 $130 Designers managed to slim down the Saucony Peregrine 12 by over an ounce compared to its predecessor. The result feels more flexible and sensitive than the heavily cushioned Peregrine 11, allowing for fast, precise footwork through technical terrain. Much of the credit goes to the redesigned rock plate, which is now lighter and more flexible, allowing your foot to bend and move naturally with the trail. The five-millimeter outsole lugs offer excellent traction on a wider variety of surfaces, from wet grass to loose kitty litter. Testers with wide and narrow feet alike agreed that the fit was on-point thanks to a pliable recycled-polyester upper with laces that cinch smoothly around the midfoot. 8.3 oz (women’s, pictured) / 9.7 oz (men’s); 4 mm…

Spandex short shorts might seem simple, but they are surprisingly hard to nail. Most runners have stories of hems that ride up, fabric that bunches, and waistbands that squeeze. Indura Athletic offers an alternative. Founder Abby Drach, a 25-year-old cross-country ski racer, has set out to create active apparel for muscular bodies—the kind of clothing she and her teammates had always wanted. To that end, the brand’s five-inch Stay Put shorts ($58) boast an innovative cut designed with sizable quads and glutes in mind. First, there’s the graduated hem, which is shorter on the outside and longer on the inside of the leg. This prevents inner-thigh chafing and keeps the bottom hem from creeping crotchward. Drach also fortified each leg opening with a strip of rubbery dots, which cling to…

a. Black Diamond Capitan MIPS helmet $100 The new Capitan MIPS boasts large vents and weighs just 285 grams in size small, without compromising protection. A two-part ABS plastic shell covers a layer of lightweight EPP foam with a stiffer EPS foam puck at the crown, plus MIPS technology. b. Wild Country Offset Zero Friends camming devices $390 for five Boasting the narrowest head width of any cams on the market—28.1 millimeters on the 0.1–0.2—the Zero Friends are ideal for weird fits like flares and pin scars. Their soft aeronautical-aluminum heads boost friction, and the wide, 17.6-degree camming angle yields more expansion for small sizes. They range from 49 to 78 grams and feature flexible stems and adjustable Dyneema slings. c. Trango Physic locking carabiner from $17 The small and…

Sports bras have vastly improved over the past decade. But for anyone whose body falls outside the narrow set of industry sizing standards, fit is still a challenge. Many wind up buying bras that are either painfully tight or too loose without enough support. Lume Six is out to change that. In 2021, the fledgling brand debuted the Alta Medium Impact sports bra ($100) and the Cirra High Impact sports bra ($120), both of which are available in extended sizing. Pick a cup size between XS and XL (XXL and 3XL coming later in 2022). Then choose the matching band—or one band smaller or larger. Testers with 34C and 30D chests found medium-medium and small-small worked best, while a 32B tester with muscular lats preferred a medium bra with a…

a. Apple Watch Series 7 $399 and up The Apple Watch has been the best smartwatch for years (as long as you use an iPhone), and the Series 7 makes a number of small but welcome improvements. The screen is thicker, and thus tougher, and it now takes up nearly the whole face of the watch, offering 20 percent more display space. It also charges 30 percent faster than the Series 6, and has a brighter screen. b. Garmin Epix (Gen 2) $899 and up Garmin has one-upped itself with the Epix Gen 2. It packs in all of the features you find in the standard Fenix 7: tracking for everything from triathlon to snowboarding, detailed 24/7 health data, pulse oximetry, daily recovery scores, and stress-level monitoring. The big difference?…

We’ve long been fans of Thermacell’s mosquito-shield technology because it actually works. How? A small heater releases a compound that includes the active ingredient metofluthrin—a synthetic version of a substance found in chrysanthemum flowers. The chemical cocktail repels mosquitoes without posing health risks to mammals or birds. The brand utilizes this technology in a range of devices, from hybrid lanterns to palm-size travel pods. The new Rechargeable Adventure EX-Series EX90 ($50) is its best hiking and camping model yet. The softball-size unit weighs only nine ounces, yet yields a 20-foot radius of bug-free bliss. Its plastic shell held up to a summer’s worth of field abuse (dropping it, stuffing it into packs) and was water-resistant enough to survive a drizzly night on a picnic table with no loss of performance.…

BEST FOR GOING FAST a. POC Elicit $250 This drastically minimal performance shield is like wearable Zen. It weighs just 23 grams, with a single frameless, synthetic lens that stretches high and wide, so you’ll lose track of where the Elicit ends and your face begins. The color- and depth-enhancing lens encourages high velocity, because you see so much so fast. BEST VALUE b. Nathan Sunrise $50 Nathan designed its debut sunglasses for runners, but this street-sport crossover is a do-it-all option for any outdoors enthusiast. In quality and aesthetics, the Sunrise rivals shades twice the price. Polarized synthetic lenses yield a crisp view, while the light, springy thermoplastic frame fits snug but not too tight. (Grippy inserts at the ears help.) Plus, the medium-size frames offer ample protection and…

a. Tailgater Original Standard Steel Tire table $140 This table attaches to any vehicle via a steel frame that slides over your tire. (An extendable leg supports the opposite side.) It fits an XL pizza box or two-burner stove and packs into a 1.5-inch-thick, 29-by-23-inch rectangle. b. Outdoor Research CarryOut 80L duffel $199 Thanks to a 600-denier polyester that’s more supple (read: packable) than most TPU-coated fabrics, this duffel saves closet space between trips. It’s less burly than expedition luggage, yet held up to a season of use, and kept our gear dry on a particularly stormy Utah campout. c. Kelty Galactic Down blanket $130 This 550-fill duck-down quilt bested stacks of synthetic-filled blankets when it came to quickly warming testers on 35-degree fall evenings in Colorado’s Never Summer Range—without…

a. Chacos Chillos sneakers $65 This sandal-sneaker love child proved extremely versatile for warm-weather travel. The breathable canvas lace-up is snug and supportive enough for day hikes, sleek enough to wear with jeans, and has a crushable heel, so you can wear it as a cushy slip-on. (7–14) b. Royal Robbins ReadyDry briefs $22 Comfortable, moisture-wicking underwear is the unsung hero of a precision travel kit. The ReadyDry is made from wildly soft recycled polyester and was supportive enough for testers to wear on ten-mile trail runs. Plus, it dries extremely fast, ideal for hand-washing in hotel-room sinks. (S–XXL) c. Marmot X Pendleton waist pack $40 This three-liter waist pack weighs four ounces and is stuffed with travel-nerd features like gear loops, a covert passport pocket that rests against your…

a. DJI Mavic 3 $2,200 Our favorite upgrade to the Mavic 3 drone is the new Hasselblad-made 4/3 CMOS sensor that shoots 20-megapixel photos with great color and improved range. The result: incredible high-contrast images and crisp shots in low light. Other notable features include 5.1K video; a second, built-in 162-millimeter-equivalent zoom lens; and improved obstacle avoidance. 31.6 oz b. Insta360 GO 2 $300 This action camera makes our list because of its size. About the dimensions of a baby carrot, it nearly disappears on your body—significantly more so than similar, better-known models. The video quality isn’t quite as nice as a GoPro’s, but you still get buttery smooth and richly colored clips that are perfect for Instagram. 0.93 oz c. GoPro Hero10 Black $500 The Hero10 costs only $100…

BEST FOR COMFORT Arc’teryx Bora 60 / Bora 65 $320 The route ahead may be long and challenging, but the Bora will carry you (and tons of gear) through it all comfortably. Testers heaped praise on the pack’s swiveling hipbelt, which attaches to the back panel via a single point that glides up and down within a 1.2-inch-long notch. This system allows the belt to pivot with your hips and adjust vertically as your back stretches and contracts on technical terrain. Together with a rigid, load-transferring framesheet made of Tegris (a woven plastic composite) and two aluminum stays, the hipbelt kept one tester stable under a 45-pound load in Olympic National Park. We appreciated the waterproof pouch in the roomy top lid for keeping electronics safe in Pacific Northwest showers,…

MOST VERSATILE HARD SHELL Picture Organic Abstral 2.5L $165 If you’re looking for a solid jacket for most conditions, at less than half the cost of the competition, this is your shell. From Appalachian drizzles to Rocky Mountain downpours, the Abstral kept us protected. It offers the full suite of features, including an adjustable hem and cuffs, a helmet-compatible hood, and two zippered hand pockets, and it packs up to the size of a grapefruit in its stow pocket. The catch? The details aren’t as dialed as they are on more expensive shells. The zippers are finicky, the cuff-adjustment strips are uncomfortably stiff, and the hood struggles to stay up over a ponytail. The 2.5-layer construction kept us comfortable on a rainy run in Montana, but got steamy backpacking on…

This is an exciting time to buy a big tent, as designers tinker with everything from architecture and durability to patterning and pockets. The dome-style NEMO Aurora Highrise 4 ($400, 13.75 lbs) prioritizes indoor comfort. Two crossbeam poles lift the roofline enough for a six-foot tester to stand up, and tilt the sidewalls outward, yielding enough elbow room to keep three men comfortable without any turf wars. Details also helped: eight pockets, two mesh windows with fabric shutters, a plaid patterned floor, and two 19.5-square-foot vestibules. Critically, the 68-denier polyester fly and 150-denier PU-polyester floor stood up to brambly tent sites and trampling by bike shoes without a scuff. In the case of the Big Agnes Wyoming Trail 2 ($600, 12.25 lbs), innovation comes in the form of a covered…

a. Nathan Essential 7" shorts $55 At their best, shorts make you feel like you’re walking around in your birthday suit (with more protection, of course). The Essential Short achieves that sensation thanks to a skin-hugging liner, which never rode up or hindered movement as we hopped over logs in Panama. The airy polyester-elastane outer layer dried in about 45 minutes, and four pockets (including a stretchy liner pocket and back zippered pocket) provide plenty of small item storage. 6.9 oz (XS–XXL) b. Kuiu Gila LS Crew shirt $69 This long-sleeved crew kept testers cool and dry on high-exertion, high-exposure treks. Its UPF 50-plus poly-spandex blend warded off UV rays and bug bites without smothering or clinging, as many synthetic tops are wont to do—even as temps in Panama rose…

a. Vssl Java coffee grinder $160 After a rough night at 11,000 feet in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, this six-inch-long bean machine saved the day by helping us prepare the perfect cup. Stainless-steel burr blades keep the grind size consistent, aided by a clearly labeled dial that adjusts from fine to coarse. The Java has a lightning-fast grind compared to other manual models, with an extendable cranking lever that transforms into a carabiner. 13.9 oz b. Hydro Flask 12 oz Outdoor tumbler $25 From fireside cocktails to morning rocket fuel, this double-wall-insulated 12-ounce tumbler wins out over any old aluminum mug thanks to thoughtful details. Not only does it keep drinks hot or cold for hours at a time (with the gasketed lid on), but the 3.5-inch diameter happens to…

a. OllyDog Tilden collar $24 River dogs—and their owners—rejoice: a laminate coating makes this collar waterproof and stink-resistant. Still, thanks to a webbing core, it remains soft and flexible, which wards off chafing, even when it’s wet. b. Yeti Trailhead dog bed $300 Even the strongest chewers and most aggressive diggers couldn’t wear a hole in the Trailhead’s thick polyester. It’s also multi-use: the center foam pad pops out and transforms into a more portable travel bed that you can toss into your car on your next camping trip. c. Kurgo Surf N Turf Dog life jacket $50 Three points of adjustment—at the chest, upper ribs, and lower ribs—allow you to dial in the fit of this puppy PFD. When the water gets rough, a perpendicular handle on the spine…

Pinarello Dogma F Disc $14,500 Pinarello’s Dogma line of race bikes has won seven of the past 10 Tour de France overall titles. The eighth-generation Dogma F has the same muscular curves as its predecessors, with a slightly lighter carbon chassis and aerodynamic refinements such as a narrower seat tube and seatpost. Success comes at a cost—for which the brand makes no excuses—but riders who are not turned off by the price of admission can choose from one of the widest fit selections of any production bicycle: a staggering 11 sizes, as opposed to the typical five to seven. Combine this expansive frame range with 16 different handlebar and stem configurations and you have a level of fit adjustment that borders on full custom. On the road, the Dogma’s handling…

Bote HD Aero 11'6" Bug Slinger Echo $1,049 and up Fish-catching platforms are what Bote does best, and its Bug Slinger is no exception. At 34 inches wide, with thick, six-inch rails, it provides a virtually unsinkable base for fly-fishing, spearfishing, tossing worms from a rod and reel, or just lazily cruising on a lake. Simply put, it’s extremely versatile. The Bug Slinger is intended for catching big fish, and deep pools and estuaries are where it shines (with its stiff, ten-inch plastic fin and two built-in side bites, testers found out the hard way that it’s not made for shallow, rocky spots). We loved the nifty paddle holder to stow your blade as you concentrate on landing fish. And it all packs down into an included backpack. If that’s…

The surfboard industry continues to branch in a hundred different ways, from performance fish to traditional longboards and everything in between. This can make it hard to decide which board is right for you. Our answer? Pick two. We found a pair that were so good that we couldn’t choose a favorite. One’s a modern take on a classic and the other is as futuristic as you can get. The Lost Rad Ripper ($725 and up) is a shameless throwback to the eighties. Think: bright logos, thick rails, flat rocker, and a wide tail. Packed with foam—the stock 5'6" we tested is a beefy 27.25 liters—this offering from master shaper Matt Biolos was designed for uninspiring waves. Testers found that the extra volume under the chest made the board extremely…

It’s hard to get excited about socks. Despite all the marketing hoopla about strategically placed cushioning and support panels, most pairs wind up feeling the same. And by the end of a long day, even the best are usually just smelly, damp, and stretched out. Swiftwick’s Flite XT ($27) is one of the first to grab our attention. Also available in quarter-crew ($24) and crew heights, the Flite XT boasts a host of features that amount to the best-fitting, most resilient sock we’ve ever put on our feet. For starters, there’s the synthetic fiber, called olefin, that spans the sole; it’s hydrophobic and thus promotes incredibly fast wicking. Then there are the toe and heel portions, which are lightly padded with polyester-olefin nanofibers that grip the inside of your shoe…

a. Nathan Dash Long Sleeve tee $50 This über-soft nylon-polyester-spandex long-sleeve tee from Nathan is ideal for layering on cooler days or as a do-it-all piece for spring running. The cut is flatteringly trim, but a healthy amount of stretch means it’s not constrictive. (XS–XXL) b. Tracksmith Strata shorts $88 These stylish three-inch-inseam shorts are constructed from a comfy nylon-elastane fabric that’s been treated with an antimicrobial finish—we wore them for a week before realizing they were due for a wash. The interior back pocket is divided into three compartments for easy access to gels and credit cards. (S–XL) c. Smartwool Men’s Merino Sport Ultralite tank $50 Thanks to a blend of merino wool and Tencel lyocell, this silky tank from Smartwool dried within a few hours of putting it…

BEST FOR THE GYM a. Unparallel Duel $120 It was designed for Olympic speed climbing, but this soft, sensitive flat also makes a stellar gym trainer. Reason: it’s comfortable enough to wear for hours on end. The pliable build excels on slabs, though the 4.2-millimeter sole is a bit too soft to weather regular abuse on real rock. (unisex 3–13) BEST FOR TRAD AND BIG WALLS b. La Sportiva TC Pro $199 With input from Tommy Caldwell and Alex Honnold, the latest TC Pro is built for the long haul, thanks to a single-piece rand (less chance of delamination over time) that extends higher up the foot for increased protection, and reinforcements on all the lace eyelets (extra on the lower ones). Thinner webbing on the lace harness improves jamming…