Patagonia Micro Puff Storm Jacket
The Patagonia Micro Puff Storm Jacket is essentially a waterproof version of a Blister favorite, the Micro Puff Hoody. So is the Storm just as impressive as the original? Check out our review.
Apparel
Index: Base Layers
We just updated our Base Layer Index with several new options — from versatile year-round pieces to warm layers for the coldest winter days.
Strafe Alpha Direct Insulator
There are lots of specialized layers out there, but not many that work well for a wide range of conditions, temperatures, and activities. The Strafe Alpha Direct Insulator is one of the few that falls into that versatile second category, and here you can check out our full review.
Strafe Scarlett Bib Pant
Most of us want ski pants to do 2 things: keep us comfortable and look good. Strafe’s Scarlett Bib Pant accomplishes both of those things and more, and you can now check out our full review for more info on this “Best Of” winner.
Scott Couloir 2 Helmet
For people who like to climb up mountains and ski down them, the Scott Couloir 2 helmet — which passes skiing and mountaineering certifications — is a very compelling option.
The North Face Flight RKT Jacket
The North Face Flight RKT jacket is one of the lightest wind shells we’ve ever reviewed. But what’s the cost of that low weight, and is it strictly a running piece, or could you also use it for activities like biking and hiking?
Anon M4 Goggle
Anon goggles feature the best lens-swap system we’ve used, and this year, they have a new goggle that lets you use two different types of lenses. Check out our review of the Anon M4.
Rock Climbing Pant Roundup — 2018
Previously a bit of an afterthought, climbing pants now come in a wide variety of styles and designs. We spent over 100 days climbing in a few of the current options, and here we've detailed what sets each one apart.
Casual Jacket Roundup — Fall 2018
The season is turning, so we’ve gathered a few of our favorite casual jackets to keep you in style on chilly fall days and nights.
Strafe Cham Jacket and Pants
We’ve been big fans of Strafe’s Cham Jacket and Pants, and this year they updated them with an all-new fabric. So how does the new kit compare to the previous version, and to the rest of the competition?
Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody
We’ve now used the Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody for around 125 days, and we’re still huge fans of this jacket (which is why it received a “Best Of” award in our 18/19 Winter Buyer’s Guide). Check out our updated review.
Outdoor Research Hemispheres Jacket
Gore-Tex has been around forever, but they just recently released a brand-new fabric. And the backcountry-oriented Outdoor Research Hemispheres Jacket is one of the first pieces to utilize it.
Ski Sock Roundup — 2018
The wrong pair of ski socks can screw up your day. So we’ve rounded up 17 pairs — from ultra-thin to thickly cushioned — and noted what sets each apart, and which will likely work best for you.
The North Face Morph Vest
Down vests have been around forever, but The North Face Morph Vest brings some interesting new tech to this classic insulation piece.
Flylow Cooper Jacket
The Cooper is a brand-new shell from Flylow that uses their new air-permeable waterproof fabric. It also offers a rare combination of traits that make it a great shell for both inbounds and backcountry use.
Open Wear Open One 3L Shell Jacket & Pants
Open Wear is a new Swiss outerwear brand focused on sustainability, transparency, and moderate prices, and we were so impressed with their Open One 3L jacket that it earned one of our “Best Of” awards.
Petzl Boreo Helmet
Climbing helmet standards have typically been focused on protecting against impacts from above (e.g. rockfall). But Petzl’s new Boreo helmet is also tested against the front, side, and rear impacts that are common in actual falls. The idea certainly makes sense, but how well is that idea executed here? Check out our review.
Black Diamond Vector Helmet
Once upon a time, climbing helmets were pretty much all the same. Not anymore. There are ultralight helmets on one end, and durable but heavy options on the other. The Black Diamond Vector falls in between, making it a versatile option. Check out our full review, with comparisons to several helmets from Black Diamond, Petzl, and Mammut.
Outdoor Retailer Summer 2018 Highlights
We just wrapped up a few days at the Outdoor Retailer summer trade show where we took a look at a ton of brand-new 2019 products. Check out the highlights.
Running Shorts Roundup — 2018
There are too many running shorts in the world, so we’ve rounded up seven of our favorites (for everything from quick jogs to long trail runs) and laid out which ones might work best for you.