13
YEARS TESTING
300+
ITEMS TESTED
4
GEAR TESTERS
2.5
MILLION READERS
Best Down Jacket

Best Down Jacket

Men's

A good down jacket is nice to have in the shoulder months and an essential piece of gear in the winter. Even if it never comes out of your backpack, it's nice to know that it's there.

We've ripped...

Trip Reports

See where we've been testing gear ...

Castle Towers Mountain

Castle Towers Mountain

Castle Towers is a remote peak in Garibaldi Park that is far enough away from main areas of the park that you might just have the whole mountain to yourself. It's also far enough that it requires...

Kees and Claire Hut

Kees and Claire Hut

Kees and Claire hut is a large, modern backcountry hut, located just above Russet Lake in Garibaldi Park. It's popular with hikers and backpackers in the summer, and backcountry skiers in the...

Blowdown Pass

Blowdown Pass

Blowdown Pass is a underrated backpacking trip and hike that is easy to get to. The lake makes a great camping spot where you can take a dip, and the surrounding peaks are great day hikes if you...

Wedgemount Lake

Wedgemount Lake

Wedgemount Lake is difficult to get to but well worth the effort. It's a beautiful alpine lake, surrounded by tall mountains in Garibaldi Park. It has a more remote feel than many of the other...

Read More Trip Reports

Hike & Camp

More Hike & Camp
Best Backpacking Backpack

Best Backpacking Backpack

Hike & Camp

A good backpacking backpack will go far with you and can last years, but getting the right one is also important. If you don't get something comfortable, that fits you reasonably well, you might be...

Best Climbing Rope

Best Climbing Rope

If climbing mountains is your type of adrenaline rush, you must know that the rope you bring along can either make or break your climb – literally. For climbing and such outdoor adventures, the...

Best Climbing Quickdraw

Best Climbing Quickdraw

If you're an adventurer always seeking to climb higher heights, then you know that having dependable gear is key. On that note, we would specifically like to focus on an indispensable piece of...

Best Climbing Shoes

Best Climbing Shoes

Unlock your climbing potential with the perfect pair of climbing shoes. The right hardware, from footwear to belay devices, is essential to your climbing success and safety on any vertical...

Best Climbing Harness

Best Climbing Harness

When it comes to climbing, the right gear can make all the difference. Between navigating sheer cliffs or conquering that challenging indoor route, the climbing harness you choose can impact...

Best Rain Jacket

Best Rain Jacket

Men's

A rain jacket is not something you want to skimp on. Being dry in a rain storm makes you feel great, and wearing a sopping wet 'rain jacket' is not so much fun.

We've tested a whole lot of rain...

Women's

More Women's
Best Women's Rain Jacket

Best Women's Rain Jacket

There's maybe no piece of gear more important to throw in to your backpack than a dependable rain jacket. But where does the balance lie between style, function, and cost? Read on, we've got you...

Best Women's Hiking Pants

Best Women's Hiking Pants

A good pair of hiking pants is an essential piece of gear for anyone that spends a good amount of time in the outdoors. We definitely own more than 1 pair.

We've spent a lot of time sweating in...

Best Women's Rain Pants

Best Women's Rain Pants

No one wants to use their rain pants when out backpacking or hiking, but everyone is glad they brought them when a good day turns ugly.

We've dug our rain pants out when a bluebird day turns in to...

Best Women's Down Jacket

Best Women's Down Jacket

A good down jacket is as essential as a great pair of hiking boots. The right one can make you feel toasty and warm, even when you're halfway up a freezing mountain. In the shoulder season our down...

Footwear

More Footwear
Best Hiking Shoes

Best Hiking Shoes

Footwear

Hiking shoes are a great option if you're looking for something a little lighter, more breathable and more nimble than the typical hiking boots.

We've scrambled up chimneys and boulder fields,...

Blog

Expert Advise

 Staking a Tent in Sand

Staking a Tent in Sand

I've pitched tents in all sorts of places, and sand is definitely the most challenging kind of ground to get your tent properly staked out in. But I have picked up some gear, plus a few tips and...

What is a Tent Vestibule and What is it Good For

What is a Tent Vestibule and What is it Good For

One gear feature that doesn’t get enough attention but can really make or break your comfort while camping is the humble tent vestibule. Let’s dive into what it is and why it matters.

A tent...

Do You Need a Backpack Rain Cover

Do You Need a Backpack Rain Cover

The question of whether or not to buy a backpack rain cover is more about when you'll use it rather than if you'll use it. Here's my advice, based on my own treks through drizzles, downpours, and...

How Long Does a Climbing Harness Last

How Long Does a Climbing Harness Last

After having gone through a few harnesses and ropes in my climbing career I feel like I have a pretty good understanding of how long a climbing harness will last for. I've also checked with some...

Backpacks That Are Made in the USA

Backpacks That Are Made in the USA

Most of the camping, backpacking and hiking backpacks out there on the market are not made in the USA. Making outdoor gear in the USA definitely ups the costs a little bit, so many companies ship...

What is a Tent Footprint, and Do You Really Need One

What is a Tent Footprint, and Do You Really Need One

You've probably seen them at your local camping store. Maybe your tent even came with one. So what exactly is that tent footprint, and will your tent survive if you leave it at home? Let's find...

What Size Ice Axe Do You Need

What Size Ice Axe Do You Need

When you're sliding down the side of a mountain is not the right time to figure out that you bought the wrong ice axe. Ice axes come in a surprisingly wide array of lengths, so it's understandable...

 What to Wear Hiking in Hot Weather

What to Wear Hiking in Hot Weather

When it comes to hiking in hot weather, figuring out the right gear is really, really important. I've sweated through enough miles to know what works and what's just going to weigh you down and...

Read More Blog Posts