Innehållsförteckning för May/June 2024 från Outside

This issue is all about the equipment, apparel, and tools that help make the outdoors so much fun. The centerpiece: 50 pages of reviews, covering 156 products—with links to reviews totaling nearly 500 in all. Check it out starting on page 62. As you can imagine, the logistics involved were enormous, and we’re lucky to have gear editors Jenny Wiegand, Jonathan Beverly, Benjamin Tepler, and Kelly Klein. This team wrangled 48 experts who spent months testing products. Wiegand, the project leader, is well suited to the challenge, since she’s been around outdoor gear her entire life. She grew up in an Alpine resort town in southern Germany, where her dad was a professional ski instructor and a golf pro for the Armed Forces Recreation Center, which provides outdoor opportunities to…

OUTSIDE FESTIVAL DENVER, COLORADO JUNE 1–2, 2024 The vision for the new Outside Festival, which takes over downtown Denver’s Civic Center Park for a weekend at the beginning of June, is to create a first-of-its-kind gathering for people who love the outdoors. (The event is put on by Outside Inc., this magazine’s parent company, in partnership with the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office and Visit Denver.) The fest brings together live music, adventure films, speakers, a pro climbing competition, skills clinics, and the latest gear. Musical headliners Thundercat and Fleet Foxes are joined by lineup of athletes and changemakers like Oscar-winning filmmaker Jimmy Chin, distance-swimming legend Diana Nyad, model and climate-justice advocate Quannah ChasingHorse, and snowboarding icon and Protect Our Winters founder Jeremy Jones. Festival experiences include climbing walls, yoga and…

BEST MUMMY SIZING a. REI Magma Co-op 30 $379 When REI Co-op’s designers realized that its existing men’s and women’s sleeping bags fit only 50 percent of its demographic, the company ditched its gender-specific bags and, this year, released nine new unisex sizes in its popular Magma line. The 30-degree mummy, which packs down to the size of an airplane pillow, was a Minnesota-based tester’s favorite this year. At five feet ten inches and 175 pounds, he found that the generous, medium-size Magma’s updated shape, roomy trapezoidal footbox, and snug hood had a Goldilocks fit for his body. While cowboy camping in early autumn, when overnight temps dropped to just above freezing, he snoozed away without so much as a shiver. DWR-coated, 15-denier recycled nylon on both the interior and…

BEST ULTRALIGHT HARD SHELL a. Mountain Equipment Katam $240 In the category of ultralight shells, where some waterproof layers weigh in at less than three ounces, the Katam is just average. Its breathability and weatherproofing, though? Exceptional. Vermont’s summer flooding forced one tester out in biblical rain to clear a clogged drainage ditch: “Despite the fact that it was like standing under a fire hose, I didn’t get wet at all,” she said. The proprietary 2.5-layer construction, with its PFC-free, DWR-treated face, also handled hikes, mountain-bike rides, and rainy trail runs into the sixties without steaming us out. (However, its wispy, 20-denier fabric can’t handle bushwhacking or scraping on rocks.) The superthin 15-micron PU membrane is hydrophilic, sucking in sweat and wicking it away. Like most ultralight shells, this slim-cut…

a. Radius Outfitters Large Kitchen organizer $139 With its Cordura exterior and easy-to-clean PVC lining, this organizer is “tough, well-designed, and built for life on the road,” said one tester. Three levels of sleeves accommodate 12-inch utensils, and two zippered compartments house15-inch tools (grill masters, slot your spatulas and tongs here). There’s also a cutting-board pocket and an integrated bottle opener to get the party started. b. Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight collapsible pot $80 Whether boiling water or cheffing up a “real” meal, this pourable pot has the perfect balance of packability and cooking capacity. The 2.2-liter body is made of silicone and hard-anodized aluminum; it’s impressively strong and lightweight, coming in at just 10.5 ounces. After making risotto, one tester was impressed with the even heat distribution from…

Esquif Huron 15 $2,099 This 15-footer has a hull based on Esquif’s popular Prospecteur design, but it’s trimmed slightly lower (from 14.5 to 12.5 inches), making it lighter, sportier, and easier to paddle in a breeze. The Huron 15 is designed for cottagers and recreational canoeists who want a rugged boat for calm water and small rivers, but don’t need the depth and capacity of a larger craft. One Washington tester praised its efficiency and agility. “It carved turns right when needed and tracked when we wanted to go straight,” he said. He also noted that the low sidewall prevented it from being blown off course. Another tester appreciated the seat height and the inward curve of the hull above the waterline—referred to as tumblehome—which he said “allows for efficient…

a. Xtratuf Riptide sandals $55 These sleek molded-foam sandals were some of the more comfortable and versatile we tested. Lightweight and waterproof, they’re ideal for wet and dry conditions, and the slip-resistant soles provide exceptional traction for stability on slick or uneven surfaces. (Unisex 4–14) b. Carve Designs Korbyn Compression top and Lani Pocket Compression bottom $72 and $64 This timeless two-piece became a summer staple, thanks to its high spandex content and a double-layer construction that’s supportive without feeling too tight. The back cutout adds a fresh edge to the simple scoop-neck top, while the thick fabric and high waist on the bottom smooths and flatters the front. (XXS–XL) c. Keen Hyperport H2 sandals $120 A collapsible back converts the cushioned and lightweight Hyperport H2 from a shoe to…

BEST CASUAL MODEL a. Black Diamond Circuit 2.0 $130 The Circuit 2.0 isn’t our top choice for technical climbing or big hikes, but it did win us over for comfort, weight, and versatility. These shoes look as good as a pair of Vans or Converse, except you can tackle easy fifth-class climbs in them. The BlackLabel Street rubber is grippy, the lining and footbed are fully recycled, the Bloom algae-infused foam midsole is extremely comfortable, and the rubber toe cap adds protection. 9.5 oz (men’s) / 7.8 oz (women’s) BEST FOR LONG APPROACHES b. Scarpa Mescalito Planet $219 Of all the shoes in our lineup, this is the one testers recommended most for long trail approaches, especially with a heavy pack. It holds up well mile after mile, with a…

MOST COMFORTABLE a. Brooks Caldera 7 $150 This monster of a shoe is best when comfort and protection are priorities. “Brooks nailed the sweet spot for cushioning,” said a Pennsylvania tester, noting that while comfortably soft, the midsole wasn’t so squishy that instability and energy loss became factors. The midsole, a nitrogen-injected blend of EVA and rubber, extends up into high sidewalls, creating a cupping effect around the heel; coupled with an extra-wide footprint, it helped make the Caldera 7 one of the stabler rides we tested, rolling like a 4x4 through moderately rough terrain. (We suggest steering clear of steep, rocky trails.) Beneath the thick midsole is a full-coverage outsole thickly studded with four-millimeter lugs, instilling a grip-it-and-rip-it attitude. 10.6 oz (men’s), 9.4 oz (women’s); 6 mm drop MOST…

BEST VALUE a. Tifosi Sanctum $35 The lens quality on these shatterproof shades punches above its price class, and testers who wore them biking, running, and gardening had no issues with slippage or fogging. “I was impressed by how well they stayed on my face without applying too much pressure,” a tester reported. The straight frame—made from plant-based castor oil—paired well with hats. MOST ATHLETIC b. Oakley Sutro Lite Sweep $194 For running, cycling, and other sweaty pursuits, the Sutro Lite Sweep was a champ. “Great combo of ventilation and coverage for a hard training ride,” said a mountain-biking tester. In mixed lighting through forests and on dimly lit roads, the sporty, minimalist shield lenses helped color and light pop without distortion. MOST STYLISH c. Article One x Mission Workshop…

BEST ALL-AROUND a. Marshall Motif II noise-canceling earphones $200 The Motif II delivered the most impressive sound of all the earphones we tested this year, with styling that made everyone take notice. Marshall’s buds use the same distinctive stem design as Apple’s AirPods Pro but stay more firmly seated in the ear. The textured black stems invoke Marshall’s guitar-amp pedigree and help prevent drops. The Motif II produced such faithful highs, mids, and lows that we felt like we were in the studio with the band. Battery life is the only downside: you get just six hours with ANC engaged or nine hours without. BEST FOR TRAVEL b. Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S2e headphones $399 This year’s top-rated travel headphones come from a legendary British brand long known for superior…

In 2019, Bill Donahue profiled Swiss adventurer Sarah Marquis for Outside. The story opens with an anecdote about Marquis completing a solo trek across Tasmania with a broken arm. “Off-balance, thanks to her pack and her gimp arm, she fell, over and over,” Donahue writes. “She met the copter, and then, two weeks later, against doctor’s orders, returned to her hiking route.” Marquis is one of the athletes featured in Donahue’s new book, Unbound: Unforgettable True Stories from the World of Endurance Sports, out June 4 ($34, Rowman and Littlefield). The collection includes some of Donahue’s best reporting on people testing the limits of the human body. With thrilling dispatches from five continents, Unbound illustrates what it takes to conquer the world’s hardest runs, hikes, and climbs. In August 2000,…

A few years after quitting his job to pursue a longtime dream of becoming a whitewater guide on the Colorado River, former Outside senior editor Kevin Fedarko was approached by his best friend, the adventure photographer Pete McBride, with a bold and unlikely vision. Together they would embark on a 750-mile expedition, by foot, through the Grand Canyon, moving from east to west—a journey McBride promised would be “a walk in the park.” Fedarko agreed, unaware that the tiny cluster of experts who were familiar with this particular trek billed it as “the toughest hike in the world.” In keeping with the two men’s time-tested habit of cutting corners and flying by the seats of their pants, Fedarko and McBride proceeded to fast-talk a group of long-distance desert hikers into…

WZRD After working in the bike world for more than a decade, EMMA MAY started making her own frames in 2019. Each Wzrd bike has a few signature design features, including a steel frame, a rigid or low-travel fork, and a long chainstay. Other elements, from the number of water-bottle holders to the vibrant paint jobs (courtesy of May’s partner, April Lockwood), can be customized. Wzrd’s mission is personal. “I came out about a year into Wzrd,” May says. “And I had so many queer people in the bike industry reach out to me—not just to buy something but also to talk about being queer in the industry. I don’t want to just be a brand that sells bikes. I want Wzrd to be a welcoming space for queer and…

a. Outdoor Research Astroman Air hoodie $99 A longtime favorite sun shirt, the Astroman Air now comes in a lighter, recycled-nylon and spandex fabric that testers loved for its breezy, weightless feel. The hoodie features micro perforations under the sleeves and a half-zip at the chest for breathability, along with UPF 50+ sun protection. 5.6 oz (men’s S–3XL) / 5.5 oz (women’s XS–XXL) b. Beyond Clothing Alpha Aura jacket $180 Polartec Alpha Direct, a featherweight fleece-like fabric, has been popular in the ultralight world for years. The Alpha Aura brings the exceptionally breathable material to a wider market with features like a full-length zipper, hand pockets, and (in the men’s version) nylon at the shoulders and in the hood to protect the warm but fragile material from pack straps and…

a. POC Kortal Race MIPS helmet $270 The Kortal Race is a great choice for all kinds of mountain biking. It offers extended coverage in the back and at the temples, excellent ventilation, and an easily adjustable visor. The helmet also meets European e-bike safety standards. And our testers loved the style, which fits oval-shaped heads best. 13.8 oz (XS/S–XL/XXL) b. Velocio Delta Trail jersey $79 The Delta Trail was a welcome companion on a sweltering midsummer ride in Moab, Utah. The Polartec Delta fabric is a blend of recycled polyester and Tencel, with a tiny grid pattern that keeps it from clinging to skin when things get sweaty. It’s also available with long sleeves for added sun protection. Velocio’s repair shop will tend to normal wear and tear. (Men’s…

a. Whoop 4.0activity tracker $239 for 12-month membership (device included) Whoop’s latest wearable collects cardio data day and night, providing you with stats like resting heart rate and heart-rate variability. Bonus: it can be paired to a cycling head unit to display live heart-rate info on the road. b. Tailwind Nutrition Rapid Hydration mix $19 for 12 Colorado’s Tailwind Nutrition produces both calorie-light and calorie-rich drink mixes. The 45-calorie Rapid Hydration mix, available in five flavors, did the trick for sub-two-hour rides, but testers found they needed more nutrition on longer days in the saddle. c. Feedback Sports Velo Hinge 2.0mounting system $40 The Velo Hinge is Feedback’s most affordable wall-mounted bike-storage solution, offering multiple vertical hanging positions. Installation is quick: simply mount it to a stud with three screws.…

Isle Pioneer Pro$895 and up Isle’s top-selling Pioneer gets a performance boost with the Pro series, which adds carbon fiber to the board’s already-bomber Air-Tech construction, increasing glide, rigidity, stability, and efficiency. How it works: a proprietary carbon and thermoplastic matrix gives the board high “flexural modulus”—engineering-speak for how resistant a material is to bending. Translation: you can roll this board up for ease of storage and transport, yet when inflated, the material is rock-hard, giving you the glide and stiffness of a rigid board. Every time a board flexes, it loses energy to the water, so the added rigidity elevates the Isle Pioneer Pro’s performance, especially when combined with its six-inch drop-stitch construction. “It’s incredibly stable,” noted one 200-pound tester. “I was able to jump up and down on…

a. Patagonia Forra wading boots $299 Patagonia’s Forra is lightweight, laces tightly, and offers excellent toe and heel protection, making it ideal for all-day hikes and overnights. The upper dries fast and helps keep the weight down, which is nice for backcountry missions and flights. If you’re planning to wade a river like the Madison, Clearwater, or Lochsa, you’ll definitely need the stud kit ($49). b. Costa King Tide sunglasses $349 The removable side shields on these shades offered excellent light and wind protection, and the adjustable nosepiece held the frame off our cheeks and facilitated airflow to prevent any fogging. Rubber nonslip pads (on the top of the shields) kept the glasses in place when we set them down, even while we were pitching on the Pacific. c. Simms…

a. Tracksmith Strata singlet $125 The Strata’s nylon-elastane blend and high-tech finish reduce heat absorption like nothing we’ve seen. “I’m used to wringing out gear after a run. But when I wore the Strata, although my shorts and socks were drenched, very little sweat had soaked into the singlet,” said our lead tester. Despite a week of daily running during a particularly humid week, it smelled the same on day seven as it did onday one. (S–XL) b. Walter Sky Merino T-shirt $75 This shirt has become a year-round mainstay of our running and daily-life wardrobes. Innovative Nuyarn merino (70 percent wool, 30 percent nylon) exposes more fibers to the air, so there’s less moisture buildup and more efficient cooling. Testers said that the lightweight fabric wicks and breathes superbly,…

BEST VALUE a. Coros Pace 3 $229 Dollar for dollar, the Pace 3 led the pack among the watches we tested. It wasn’t the most feature rich, but it costs a fraction of other high-end sports watches and still performed at a very high level for common workouts. A discerning tester used it for hundreds of hours—running, backpacking, stretching—and said it quickly became a valued training partner. She loved the small size (she’s five feet tall), noting it felt light and comfy, and praised the graphed running stats, which helped her identify areas for improvement. Also impressive: the easy-to-read screen and ample battery life. BEST FOR EVERY DAY b. Apple Watch Ultra 2 $799 The Ultra 2 was perfect for a weekend-warrior tester. He loved how the watch integrated into…

This June 1 and 2, we’re hosting a dream gathering for the outdoor community in downtown Denver, with fantastic music, rousing speakers, stirring films, and a carnival of activities like you’ve never experienced. Here are a few of the many reasons this is the can’t-skip event of the summer. 1: The Fleet Foxes are just the start of our musical lineup. Other headline performers include Thundercat, Andrew Bird, Lettuce, Say She She, and The Heavy Heavy. 2: Jimmy Chin and Quannah ChasingHorse have something to say. They and other inspiring athletes, adventurers, and change makers will be speaking in the festival’s Film x Ideas series. 3: Diana Nyad is bringing her bugle. Because there’s no better way to announce the start of something amazing, whether it’s breaking a world swim…

A COUPLE YEARS ago, when two footfuls of plantar fasciitis caused me to switch from running to cycling for my daily cardio workout, I was excited to be reunited with my beloved but long-dormant 2007 Specialized Tarmac road bike. But there was one problem: I live amid the steep hills of the inhospitable-to-cyclists city of Los Angeles. As usual, when faced with any obstacles to my addiction to exercise and outdoor fun, I turned to gear. “Surely,” I said, “there’s a solution to this problem that a guy might purchase with his hard-earned lucre.” If I had a nickel for every time I’ve said that, I would have enough money to buy even more sweet, sweet gear! I’ve always found it powerfully gratifying that beautiful, well-designed outdoor products enable me…

Channel Islands CI Log 9' $1,495 The CI Log is the outcome of a longtime passion project from Channel Islands, resulting in a contemporary longboarder’s longboard. We love the classic styling, but its versatility is what truly impresses. Want to walk the nose? Go for it. Want to put it on rail for some radical turns? Be our guest. It outperformed other boards in its category by being maneuverable without sacrificing stability. “The funny thing about a good traditional log is it can work for beginners and intermediates really well,” said a tester in Malibu, California. “But if a high-level pro gets on this board, they’ll be able to unlock features that allow them to do their best surfing in and around the wave pocket.” If you’re looking for a…

BEST SHOE FOR INTERMEDIATES a. Butora Rubicon $140 The Rubicon is proof that well-designed intermediate shoes exist. It combines a mild downturn, a semi-pointy toe box, a sock-style upper, and a scooped-out, four-millimeter rubber half sole with forefoot support (courtesy of a half-length ABS midsole) that novice climbers need as their feet strengthen. The result is a shoe that teaches you to properly feel and stand on small holds. The Rubicon might be overkill for its target climber, but those moving up through the grades will mature nicely into this shoe. 8.7 oz BEST EDGING SHOE b. Ocun Sigma $180 The Sigma is a true redpoint all-rounder, with a strong emphasis on edging and face tech. It’s an asymmetrical lace-up with a likewise offset lacing system and features a hyper-plush…

BEST DAILY TRAINER a. Nike Vomero 17 $160 Stepping into this shoe is like pulling on an old sweatshirt and a pair of pajama pants: it’s insanely comfortable. Beneath the well-padded upper, the midsole features a slab of Nike’s high-rebounding, soft PEBA-based ZoomX atop a base of firmer compression-molded EVA. The combination has an impact-dampening effect when going long, but also feels peppy when picking up the pace. “They’re springy without being overly bouncy, supportive without being clunky and heavy, and speed inspiring,” said a tester from Colorado. The absence of a plate lets the forefoot flex more than many of today’s shoes allow, and testers noticed their toes and arches engaging, particularly during up-tempo training. 10.6 oz (men’s), 8.5 oz (women’s); 9.5 mm drop BEST STABILITY SHOE b. Brooks…