Everyday Backpack Roundup — 2018
We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite backpacks that we use for everything from early-morning trips to the gym, urban commutes, and long day hikes.
Reviews
2020-2021 Spark R&D Surge Pro Splitboard Binding
We’re big fans of Spark R&D’s simple and reliable splitboard bindings, and they just released an even lighter version of their Surge binding. So what, if any, compromises are made by going with the new, lighter Surge Pro?
2019-2020 Lange XT Free 130 LV
The previous Lange XT 130 Freetour was one of the best tech-binding-compatible AT ski boots we’ve used in terms of downhill performance, and Lange updated it this year. So how similar or different is the new Lange XT Free 130?
2018 Nicolai Ion G13 GPI
With the geometry numbers of a DH bike, the travel of a Trail bike, and a belt-driven gearbox drivetrain, the Nicolai Ion G13 GPI is probably the most unconventional Trail bike we've ever reviewed.
2018 Ibis Ripmo
The new Ibis Ripmo is supposed to occupy the middle ground between Ibis's more uphill-oriented Ripley LS and their more downhill-oriented Mojo HD4. So does it really hit that middle ground? And where does it fall in the spectrum of Trail bikes?
Zerode Taniwha Trail
We always go in-depth, but this might be the most in-depth we’ve ever gone. Check out our review of the gearbox-equipped (no derailleur, no cassette) Zerode Taniwha Trail bike.
2019 Rockshox Lyrik RC2 Fork
Updated forks and shocks are often cases of evolution rather than revolution. But the new Rockshox Lyrik RC2 provides very discernible improvements over prior iterations, and you don’t need to be a world-cup-level racer to appreciate them.
Interbike 2018 — Recap
Check out the most interesting things we saw at Interbike this year — including banana holsters, new Maxxis tires, Wonder Woman's bike, and ... lots of eBikes.
Race Face Turbine R Dropper Post
Reliability. That's what we really want out of a dropper post, and that's exactly what the Race Face Turbine R has provided.
Race Face Next R Bar and Turbine R Stem
Frames and fancy wheel sets are super sexy, but let’s not forget about those bars and stems. We’ve found the Race Face Next R bar and Turbine R stem to be reliable, well-built, and versatile options.
Altra Olympus 3.0
We’ve now run about 300 miles in the Altra Olympus 3.0, and we can now say that it’s become our favorite max-cushioned shoe. Check out our update on its durability; an in-depth comparison to the Hoka Stinson ATR 4; and how well the Olympus 3.0 works as a road-to-trail shoe.
Petzl Sitta Harness
The Petzl Sitta harness is one of the lightest on the market, but Petzl says it's still fully featured, comfortable, and durable enough for technical rock and ice climbing. So what (if any) compromises did they make by going so light?
Showers Pass IMBA Shorts and Apex Merino Tech T-Shirt
While they’re best known for their waterproof road-biking jackets, Showers Pass also makes some high-quality, lightweight apparel for the hottest days on the trail. Check out our review.
Black Diamond Shadow
Black Diamond entered the climbing-shoe market only a year ago, and the Shadow is their most aggressive offering. So how does it compare to similar shoes like the Scarpa Instinct VS and La Sportiva Testarossa & Kataki? Check out our review.
Hoka One One Evo Mafate
The Hoka Evo Mafate is the newest and most race-oriented version of Hoka’s original trail shoe, and we think many runners could get along well with it — even non-racers. Check out our review, including comparisons to the Hoka Speedgoat 2 and Torrent.
2019-2020 Blizzard Brahma 88
The more time we’ve spent on the Blizzard Brahma, the more dialed we think it is. Check out our full review
2018 Pivot Firebird 29
Our reviewer calls the Pivot Firebird 29 the “Firechicken,” because it's a long-travel 29er that descends like it’s on fire, and has a speed limit that's primarily defined by how chicken you are. Check out our full review.
Kenda Nevegal 2 Pro Tire
We thought the old Kenda Nevegal left a lot to be desired. But the Nevegal 2 Pro is far more compelling. Check out our review.
CAST Freetour Upgrade Kit
The CAST Freetour is the only option out there that lets you ski down on a dedicated alpine binding, and skin up with a tech toe. Check out our full review, including comparisons to the Atomic / Salomon SHIFT binding and other touring bindings.
2018-2019 Black Crows Orb
If you want your ~90mm-wide ski to perform well even when there isn’t fresh corduroy anywhere in sight, the Black Crows Orb is worth a look. Check out our full review.