Switchback Travel | Adventure, Outdoor Gear & Photography

Hiking Gear Guides

A complete look at the best hiking gear of 2018, from light and packable tents and sleeping bags to proven backcountry footwear and clothing

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On Location: Valle Cochamó

A climber reflects on magic and fragility in Chile's Cochamó Valley

See The Article
The Best Camping Tents

For your home away from home in the outdoors, we break down the year’s top tents for camping

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Review: Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX

We put Salomon’s updated backpacking boot through its paces on Patagonia’s Huemul Circuit

See Our Review
Look Up, Stand Still, Breathe

An interview with Quinn Brett on the risk of climbing, fear, and the long road to recovery

Read The Interview
Lightweight Hiking Shoes

For those that want to move fast and light on the trail, see our picks for the year’s top hiking shoe models

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On Location: Peru's Huascarán Circuit

An epic alpine adventure through the heart of the Cordillera Blanca, on two wheels

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The Best Camping Stoves

Calling all camp chefs: your portable cooktop is ready

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Review: REI Co-op Half Dome

We take the revamped 2018 Half Dome tent backpacking in Patagonia and the Great Smoky Mountains

See Our Review
Baby Carriers for Hiking

To keep you and your child happy on the trail, our top carrier packs excel in comfort, safety, and build quality

See Our Picks

Adventure Travel

On Location: Valle Cochamó

A shadow passes over. “What was that?!” “I don’t know. But it was big. Not big. HUGE. And it was close.” “Did you hear that rush of wind?” “Yeah… like a parachute opening!” “But where did it go?” Megan and I look around...

10 Great Day Hikes from Seattle

From the peaks of the Cascades, across the coastal rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula, to towering volcanoes like Mt. Rainier, hiking Washington’s diverse landscapes...

On Location: A Winter Float of the Grand Canyon

Millions travel just to stand on the edge of the Grand Canyon, gaze across the expanse, and peer into the abyss. When you’re lucky enough to see the river far below, it seems like...

On Location: The West Coast Trail

I can’t think of a better way to experience a unique coastal landscape of crashing waves, tide pools, rock formations, old growth forest, birds, and wildlife than to meander along a beach for a week and soak it all in...

Lofoten Islands Hiking

The Lofoten Islands are a grand stage for hiking. Many of the trails have far-reaching views of the mountain spires and sea, and they range from easy beach walks to steep, challenging treks into the Lofoten backcountry...

New Zealand's Best Adventure Towns

New Zealand firmly has established itself as one of the world’s top adventure destinations. Queenstown receives much of the attention—it is indeed chock-full of adventure opportunities—but a host of other...

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Norway’s Lofoten Islands are referred to as the Lofoten Wall because, quite literally, they are vertical rows of granite shooting out of the Arctic Sea. A number of colorful fishing villages hug the shoreline and a majority...

Kenai Peninsula

The Kenai Peninsula offers Alaska’s widest variety of activities in one of its most accessible regions. People come from all over the world to whale watch in Seward, see glaciers calve in Kenai Fjords National Park...

Skiing the Haute Route

When I first moved to Chamonix, skiing wasn't a priority. As a mountain photographer I was there for the climbing and the landscapes. However, I soon discovered why Chamonix is considered to be...

On Location: Valle Cochamó

A shadow passes over. “What was that?!” “I don’t know. But it was big. Not big. HUGE. And it was close.” “Did you hear that rush of wind?” “Yeah… like a parachute opening!” “But where did it go?” Megan and I look around...

10 Great Day Hikes from Seattle

From the peaks of the Cascades, across the coastal rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula, to towering volcanoes like Mt. Rainier, hiking Washington’s diverse landscapes...

On Location: A Winter Float of the Grand Canyon

Millions travel just to stand on the edge of the Grand Canyon, gaze across the expanse, and peer into the abyss. When you’re lucky enough to see the river far below, it seems like...

On Location: The West Coast Trail

I can’t think of a better way to experience a unique coastal landscape of crashing waves, tide pools, rock formations, old growth forest, birds, and wildlife than to meander along a beach for a week and soak it all in...

Lofoten Islands Hiking

The Lofoten Islands are a grand stage for hiking. Many of the trails have far-reaching views of the mountain spires and sea, and they range from easy beach walks to steep, challenging treks into the Lofoten backcountry...

New Zealand's Best Adventure Towns

New Zealand firmly has established itself as one of the world’s top adventure destinations. Queenstown receives much of the attention—it is indeed chock-full of adventure opportunities—but a host of other...

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Norway’s Lofoten Islands are referred to as the Lofoten Wall because, quite literally, they are vertical rows of granite shooting out of the Arctic Sea. A number of colorful fishing villages hug the shoreline and a majority...

Kenai Peninsula

The Kenai Peninsula offers Alaska’s widest variety of activities in one of its most accessible regions. People come from all over the world to whale watch in Seward, see glaciers calve in Kenai Fjords National Park...

Skiing the Haute Route

When I first moved to Chamonix, skiing wasn't a priority. As a mountain photographer I was there for the climbing and the landscapes. However, I soon discovered why Chamonix is considered to be...

On Location: Valle Cochamó

A shadow passes over. “What was that?!” “I don’t know. But it was big. Not big. HUGE. And it was close.” “Did you hear that rush of wind?” “Yeah… like a parachute opening!” “But where did it go?” Megan and I look around...

10 Great Day Hikes from Seattle

From the peaks of the Cascades, across the coastal rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula, to towering volcanoes like Mt. Rainier, hiking Washington’s diverse landscapes...

On Location: A Winter Float of the Grand Canyon

Millions travel just to stand on the edge of the Grand Canyon, gaze across the expanse, and peer into the abyss. When you’re lucky enough to see the river far below, it seems like...

On Location: The West Coast Trail

I can’t think of a better way to experience a unique coastal landscape of crashing waves, tide pools, rock formations, old growth forest, birds, and wildlife than to meander along a beach for a week and soak it all in...

Lofoten Islands Hiking

The Lofoten Islands are a grand stage for hiking. Many of the trails have far-reaching views of the mountain spires and sea, and they range from easy beach walks to steep, challenging treks into the Lofoten backcountry...

New Zealand's Best Adventure Towns

New Zealand firmly has established itself as one of the world’s top adventure destinations. Queenstown receives much of the attention—it is indeed chock-full of adventure opportunities—but a host of other...

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Norway’s Lofoten Islands are referred to as the Lofoten Wall because, quite literally, they are vertical rows of granite shooting out of the Arctic Sea. A number of colorful fishing villages hug the shoreline and a majority...

Kenai Peninsula

The Kenai Peninsula offers Alaska’s widest variety of activities in one of its most accessible regions. People come from all over the world to whale watch in Seward, see glaciers calve in Kenai Fjords National Park...

Skiing the Haute Route

When I first moved to Chamonix, skiing wasn't a priority. As a mountain photographer I was there for the climbing and the landscapes. However, I soon discovered why Chamonix is considered to be...

Outdoor Gear Guides

Hiking and Backpacking Gear Reviews

Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking and backpacking are two of the dearest to our hearts. They are some of the easiest ways to get outdoors for people...

Best Backpacking Packs of 2018

Gone are the days when backpacking consisted of strapping on a huge external frame and lumbering through the forest with an aching body. Trends in backpacks these days err towards minimalism and thoughtful, ergonomic design...

Best Camping Tents of 2018

Spacious, user-friendly, and feature-rich, tents for camping are made for a relatively luxurious experience in the outdoors. Many of these behemoths offer enough room to set up cots or even chairs and a table for card games on a rainy day...

Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes of 2018

The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable. You do lose some ankle support when carrying...

Best Hiking Boots of 2018

Hiking boots are critical to your comfort and performance on the trail, but this no longer means a stiff and burly model that will weigh you down. The trend is toward lighter materials that still offer decent support, and waterproof boots...

Best Travel Duffel Bags of 2018

Whether you’re traveling by air, driving up to a cabin for the weekend, or venturing across the world on an expedition, you’ll likely be using a duffel bag to get your gear from one place to the next. Duffels are popular among all kinds of travelers...

Best Backpacking Tents of 2018

An ideal backpacking tent is lightweight, packs down small, and is tough enough to handle inclement weather. The good news is that tent technology has come a long way even over the past few years, and weights are dropping...

Best Hiking Pants of 2018

A great pair of hiking pants provides comfort, freedom of movement, the versatility to perform well in a range of environments, and durability over the long haul. Many of today’s top hiking pants are made from lightweight nylon...

Camping Gear Reviews

From car camping with your family to base camping at the foot of your next serious adventure, you’ll want to have the right gear for the occasion. Below our staff at Switchback Travel breaks down the best camping gear of...

Best Rock Climbing Shoes of 2018

We love rock climbing shoes, and we bet you do too. The good news for climbers is that there are more quality products and styles to choose from than ever before. Impressive new models...

Best Mountain Bike Helmets of 2018

If your mountain biking gear budget has been stretched thin and you’re tempted to skimp on the helmet, don’t. Skip that extra bit of carbon instead. It’s true, mountain bike helmet prices are creeping up...

Backpacking Footwear Tips and Advice

Backpacking footwear has come a long way from the burly and heavy all-leather boots of your grandparent’s generation. Now you can choose from everything from waterproof hiking boots dominated by lightweight...

Hiking and Backpacking Gear Reviews

Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking and backpacking are two of the dearest to our hearts. They are some of the easiest ways to get outdoors for people...

Best Backpacking Packs of 2018

Gone are the days when backpacking consisted of strapping on a huge external frame and lumbering through the forest with an aching body. Trends in backpacks these days err towards minimalism and thoughtful, ergonomic design...

Best Camping Tents of 2018

Spacious, user-friendly, and feature-rich, tents for camping are made for a relatively luxurious experience in the outdoors. Many of these behemoths offer enough room to set up cots or even chairs and a table for card games on a rainy day...

Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes of 2018

The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable. You do lose some ankle support when carrying...

Best Hiking Boots of 2018

Hiking boots are critical to your comfort and performance on the trail, but this no longer means a stiff and burly model that will weigh you down. The trend is toward lighter materials that still offer decent support, and waterproof boots...

Best Travel Duffel Bags of 2018

Whether you’re traveling by air, driving up to a cabin for the weekend, or venturing across the world on an expedition, you’ll likely be using a duffel bag to get your gear from one place to the next. Duffels are popular among all kinds of travelers...

Best Backpacking Tents of 2018

An ideal backpacking tent is lightweight, packs down small, and is tough enough to handle inclement weather. The good news is that tent technology has come a long way even over the past few years, and weights are dropping...

Best Hiking Pants of 2018

A great pair of hiking pants provides comfort, freedom of movement, the versatility to perform well in a range of environments, and durability over the long haul. Many of today’s top hiking pants are made from lightweight nylon...

Camping Gear Reviews

From car camping with your family to base camping at the foot of your next serious adventure, you’ll want to have the right gear for the occasion. Below our staff at Switchback Travel breaks down the best camping gear of...

Best Rock Climbing Shoes of 2018

We love rock climbing shoes, and we bet you do too. The good news for climbers is that there are more quality products and styles to choose from than ever before. Impressive new models...

Best Mountain Bike Helmets of 2018

If your mountain biking gear budget has been stretched thin and you’re tempted to skimp on the helmet, don’t. Skip that extra bit of carbon instead. It’s true, mountain bike helmet prices are creeping up...

Backpacking Footwear Tips and Advice

Backpacking footwear has come a long way from the burly and heavy all-leather boots of your grandparent’s generation. Now you can choose from everything from waterproof hiking boots dominated by lightweight...

Hiking and Backpacking Gear Reviews

Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking and backpacking are two of the dearest to our hearts. They are some of the easiest ways to get outdoors for people...

Best Backpacking Packs of 2018

Gone are the days when backpacking consisted of strapping on a huge external frame and lumbering through the forest with an aching body. Trends in backpacks these days err towards minimalism and thoughtful, ergonomic design...

Best Camping Tents of 2018

Spacious, user-friendly, and feature-rich, tents for camping are made for a relatively luxurious experience in the outdoors. Many of these behemoths offer enough room to set up cots or even chairs and a table for card games on a rainy day...

Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes of 2018

The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable. You do lose some ankle support when carrying...

Best Hiking Boots of 2018

Hiking boots are critical to your comfort and performance on the trail, but this no longer means a stiff and burly model that will weigh you down. The trend is toward lighter materials that still offer decent support, and waterproof boots...

Best Travel Duffel Bags of 2018

Whether you’re traveling by air, driving up to a cabin for the weekend, or venturing across the world on an expedition, you’ll likely be using a duffel bag to get your gear from one place to the next. Duffels are popular among all kinds of travelers...

Best Backpacking Tents of 2018

An ideal backpacking tent is lightweight, packs down small, and is tough enough to handle inclement weather. The good news is that tent technology has come a long way even over the past few years, and weights are dropping...

Best Hiking Pants of 2018

A great pair of hiking pants provides comfort, freedom of movement, the versatility to perform well in a range of environments, and durability over the long haul. Many of today’s top hiking pants are made from lightweight nylon...

Camping Gear Reviews

From car camping with your family to base camping at the foot of your next serious adventure, you’ll want to have the right gear for the occasion. Below our staff at Switchback Travel breaks down the best camping gear of...

Best Rock Climbing Shoes of 2018

We love rock climbing shoes, and we bet you do too. The good news for climbers is that there are more quality products and styles to choose from than ever before. Impressive new models...

Best Mountain Bike Helmets of 2018

If your mountain biking gear budget has been stretched thin and you’re tempted to skimp on the helmet, don’t. Skip that extra bit of carbon instead. It’s true, mountain bike helmet prices are creeping up...

Backpacking Footwear Tips and Advice

Backpacking footwear has come a long way from the burly and heavy all-leather boots of your grandparent’s generation. Now you can choose from everything from waterproof hiking boots dominated by lightweight...

In-Depth Gear Reviews

Review: Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX

Salomon’s Quest 4D boot has headlined their backpacking lineup for years. Updated for 2018, they fine-tuned the design with a new outsole and reworked platform that offers a little more flexibility...

Review: Osprey Levity 60

Osprey has expanded their formidable backpacking pack lineup for 2018 with the highly anticipated sub-2-pound Levity. Coming in 11 ounces lighter than their popular Exos, the new design targets thru-hikers and minimalists. We took the 60-liter model...

Review: Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2

The new Tiger Wall tent from Big Agnes blends two of their best backpacking designs—the popular Copper Spur and Fly Creek—into one intriguing ultralight package. We took the UL2 model...

Review: Adidas Terrex Swift R2 GTX

Adidas has come on strong in the world of hiking footwear, and for 2018 released the latest rendition of its Terrex Swift series. The R2 GTX is a low-cut hiking shoe that comes in at just 1 pound 8.6 ounces...

Review: REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus

Beloved by backpackers for years, REI Co-op has updated their iconic Half Dome for 2018. Now offered in a full line of spacious 1, 2, 3, and 4-person “Plus” models, the new tent is...

Review: Osprey Talon 22

Osprey’s Talon is the daypack we see on the trails more than any other. And there’s good reason for its popularity: it’s light, has a nice fit, is made in a wide range of sizes and bright colorways, and hits a desirable price point. We’ve used the...

Review: Granite Gear Crown2 60

Granite Gear is a market leader in ultralight packs, with a strong following among thru-hikers and other minimalist backpackers. Arguably, their best design is the Crown2...

Review: Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody

Synthetic jackets are hot ticket items these days, and the buzz has been particularly strong around Patagonia’s new Micro Puff. Taking the polyester fill game in a different direction than their Nano-Air...

Review: Gregory Baltoro 75 (2018)

Gregory’s flagship men’s Baltoro and women’s Deva packs are long-time favorites for those carrying serious weight. Updated for 2018, these deluxe haulers have been modernized with better ventilation, new...

Review: Arc'teryx Alpha FL

For spring of 2017, Arc’teryx introduced a new version of their Alpha FL hardshell. The Alpha series is climbing and alpine-focused and the “FL” represents fast and light. True to its name, this updated jacket remains minimalist and...

Review: Hilleberg Allak

Hilleberg has set the bar high, creating some of the most finely tuned and well built tents on the market. Therefore we were extremely excited to test the Allak, a 2-person freestanding tent that falls into Hilleberg’s “Red Label” category...

Review: The North Face Ventrix Hoodie

The release of The North Face Ventrix has been well hyped and for good reason. This new synthetic jacket rivals the uber-popular Patagonia Nano-Air in both comfort and performance, yet comes in considerably...

Review: Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX

Salomon’s Quest 4D boot has headlined their backpacking lineup for years. Updated for 2018, they fine-tuned the design with a new outsole and reworked platform that offers a little more flexibility...

Review: Osprey Levity 60

Osprey has expanded their formidable backpacking pack lineup for 2018 with the highly anticipated sub-2-pound Levity. Coming in 11 ounces lighter than their popular Exos, the new design targets thru-hikers and minimalists. We took the 60-liter model...

Review: Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2

The new Tiger Wall tent from Big Agnes blends two of their best backpacking designs—the popular Copper Spur and Fly Creek—into one intriguing ultralight package. We took the UL2 model...

Review: Adidas Terrex Swift R2 GTX

Adidas has come on strong in the world of hiking footwear, and for 2018 released the latest rendition of its Terrex Swift series. The R2 GTX is a low-cut hiking shoe that comes in at just 1 pound 8.6 ounces...

Review: REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus

Beloved by backpackers for years, REI Co-op has updated their iconic Half Dome for 2018. Now offered in a full line of spacious 1, 2, 3, and 4-person “Plus” models, the new tent is...

Review: Osprey Talon 22

Osprey’s Talon is the daypack we see on the trails more than any other. And there’s good reason for its popularity: it’s light, has a nice fit, is made in a wide range of sizes and bright colorways, and hits a desirable price point. We’ve used the...

Review: Granite Gear Crown2 60

Granite Gear is a market leader in ultralight packs, with a strong following among thru-hikers and other minimalist backpackers. Arguably, their best design is the Crown2...

Review: Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody

Synthetic jackets are hot ticket items these days, and the buzz has been particularly strong around Patagonia’s new Micro Puff. Taking the polyester fill game in a different direction than their Nano-Air...

Review: Gregory Baltoro 75 (2018)

Gregory’s flagship men’s Baltoro and women’s Deva packs are long-time favorites for those carrying serious weight. Updated for 2018, these deluxe haulers have been modernized with better ventilation, new...

Review: Arc'teryx Alpha FL

For spring of 2017, Arc’teryx introduced a new version of their Alpha FL hardshell. The Alpha series is climbing and alpine-focused and the “FL” represents fast and light. True to its name, this updated jacket remains minimalist and...

Review: Hilleberg Allak

Hilleberg has set the bar high, creating some of the most finely tuned and well built tents on the market. Therefore we were extremely excited to test the Allak, a 2-person freestanding tent that falls into Hilleberg’s “Red Label” category...

Review: The North Face Ventrix Hoodie

The release of The North Face Ventrix has been well hyped and for good reason. This new synthetic jacket rivals the uber-popular Patagonia Nano-Air in both comfort and performance, yet comes in considerably...

Review: Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX

Salomon’s Quest 4D boot has headlined their backpacking lineup for years. Updated for 2018, they fine-tuned the design with a new outsole and reworked platform that offers a little more flexibility...

Review: Osprey Levity 60

Osprey has expanded their formidable backpacking pack lineup for 2018 with the highly anticipated sub-2-pound Levity. Coming in 11 ounces lighter than their popular Exos, the new design targets thru-hikers and minimalists. We took the 60-liter model...

Review: Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2

The new Tiger Wall tent from Big Agnes blends two of their best backpacking designs—the popular Copper Spur and Fly Creek—into one intriguing ultralight package. We took the UL2 model...

Review: Adidas Terrex Swift R2 GTX

Adidas has come on strong in the world of hiking footwear, and for 2018 released the latest rendition of its Terrex Swift series. The R2 GTX is a low-cut hiking shoe that comes in at just 1 pound 8.6 ounces...

Review: REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus

Beloved by backpackers for years, REI Co-op has updated their iconic Half Dome for 2018. Now offered in a full line of spacious 1, 2, 3, and 4-person “Plus” models, the new tent is...

Review: Osprey Talon 22

Osprey’s Talon is the daypack we see on the trails more than any other. And there’s good reason for its popularity: it’s light, has a nice fit, is made in a wide range of sizes and bright colorways, and hits a desirable price point. We’ve used the...

Review: Granite Gear Crown2 60

Granite Gear is a market leader in ultralight packs, with a strong following among thru-hikers and other minimalist backpackers. Arguably, their best design is the Crown2...

Review: Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody

Synthetic jackets are hot ticket items these days, and the buzz has been particularly strong around Patagonia’s new Micro Puff. Taking the polyester fill game in a different direction than their Nano-Air...

Review: Gregory Baltoro 75 (2018)

Gregory’s flagship men’s Baltoro and women’s Deva packs are long-time favorites for those carrying serious weight. Updated for 2018, these deluxe haulers have been modernized with better ventilation, new...

Review: Arc'teryx Alpha FL

For spring of 2017, Arc’teryx introduced a new version of their Alpha FL hardshell. The Alpha series is climbing and alpine-focused and the “FL” represents fast and light. True to its name, this updated jacket remains minimalist and...

Review: Hilleberg Allak

Hilleberg has set the bar high, creating some of the most finely tuned and well built tents on the market. Therefore we were extremely excited to test the Allak, a 2-person freestanding tent that falls into Hilleberg’s “Red Label” category...

Review: The North Face Ventrix Hoodie

The release of The North Face Ventrix has been well hyped and for good reason. This new synthetic jacket rivals the uber-popular Patagonia Nano-Air in both comfort and performance, yet comes in considerably...

Photography

Digital Camera Buyer's Guides and Reviews

Welcome to our Darkroom! What started as one camera article has expanded into a burgeoning section of information covering everything from inexpensive point-and-shoots to full-frame...

Best Mirrorless Cameras of 2018

The mirrorless camera revolution is in full swing. These impressive digital cameras pack large sensors into compact bodies, offering image quality that is far superior to point...

Best Cameras for Hiking and Backpacking

Hiking and backpacking requires a lightweight and durable camera that captures great images. Depending on your budget, the options abound in categories from compact point-and-shoots...

Best DSLR Cameras of 2018

Digital SLR cameras are among the best of the best: they have the largest sensors, the most megapixels, and the highest quality selection of lenses. We break down the leading DSLRs on the market from...

Lenses and Focal Lengths for Landscapes

Choosing lenses and focal lengths for landscape photography has a lot of layers, and it’s a topic I wish I researched more before jumping in. Accordingly, below is detailed information...

Best Full-Frame Cameras of 2018

Full-frame cameras are the best of the best—they have the largest sensors, the most megapixels, the highest quality components, and lenses that are unmatched by any other class of camera. Despite the larger size...

Best Travel Cameras of 2018

An ideal travel camera is lightweight, versatile, and captures great images. Point-and-shoots are the smallest and least expensive option, but they have some limitations in terms of image quality. Mirrorless interchangeable-lens...

10 Great Canon EF (Full Frame) Lenses

Buying a Canon full-frame DSLR is a very exciting prospect, but deciding on the right lenses can be challenging. To help you wade through the masses of Canon EF (full-frame) lens models...

10 Great Sony FE (Full Frame) Lenses

Sony’s full-frame mirrorless cameras have created a lot of buzz in the photography world, and they keep improving with each rendition. It’s true that the FE lens options for Sony still...

Fujifilm 18-55mm lens Delicate Arch photo

10 Great Fujifilm X-Mount Lenses

Fujifilm’s mirrorless camera systems have come on strong, with models like the X-T2 and X-Pro2 garnering serious followings among photography enthusiasts...

10 Great Canon EF-S (APS-C) Lenses

The EF-S lens options for your Canon DSLR are immense, from standard kit zooms to specialty primes and third-party lenses. To help you wade through the fray, we’ve picked the...

Lens Buyer's Guides and Reviews

Experienced photographers know that a great lens is every bit as important as a great camera. Don’t make the mistake of focusing solely on your DSLR or mirrorless camera purchase and buying a cheap lens as an afterthought...

Digital Camera Buyer's Guides and Reviews

Welcome to our Darkroom! What started as one camera article has expanded into a burgeoning section of information covering everything from inexpensive point-and-shoots to full-frame...

Best Mirrorless Cameras of 2018

The mirrorless camera revolution is in full swing. These impressive digital cameras pack large sensors into compact bodies, offering image quality that is far superior to point...

Best Cameras for Hiking and Backpacking

Hiking and backpacking requires a lightweight and durable camera that captures great images. Depending on your budget, the options abound in categories from compact point-and-shoots...

Best DSLR Cameras of 2018

Digital SLR cameras are among the best of the best: they have the largest sensors, the most megapixels, and the highest quality selection of lenses. We break down the leading DSLRs on the market from...

Lenses and Focal Lengths for Landscapes

Choosing lenses and focal lengths for landscape photography has a lot of layers, and it’s a topic I wish I researched more before jumping in. Accordingly, below is detailed information...

Best Full-Frame Cameras of 2018

Full-frame cameras are the best of the best—they have the largest sensors, the most megapixels, the highest quality components, and lenses that are unmatched by any other class of camera. Despite the larger size...

Best Travel Cameras of 2018

An ideal travel camera is lightweight, versatile, and captures great images. Point-and-shoots are the smallest and least expensive option, but they have some limitations in terms of image quality. Mirrorless interchangeable-lens...

10 Great Canon EF (Full Frame) Lenses

Buying a Canon full-frame DSLR is a very exciting prospect, but deciding on the right lenses can be challenging. To help you wade through the masses of Canon EF (full-frame) lens models...

10 Great Sony FE (Full Frame) Lenses

Sony’s full-frame mirrorless cameras have created a lot of buzz in the photography world, and they keep improving with each rendition. It’s true that the FE lens options for Sony still...

10 Great Fujifilm X-Mount Lenses

Fujifilm’s mirrorless camera systems have come on strong, with models like the X-T2 and X-Pro2 garnering serious followings among photography enthusiasts...

10 Great Canon EF-S (APS-C) Lenses

The EF-S lens options for your Canon DSLR are immense, from standard kit zooms to specialty primes and third-party lenses. To help you wade through the fray, we’ve picked the...

Lens Buyer's Guides and Reviews

Experienced photographers know that a great lens is every bit as important as a great camera. Don’t make the mistake of focusing solely on your DSLR or mirrorless camera purchase and buying a cheap lens as an afterthought...

Digital Camera Buyer's Guides and Reviews

Welcome to our Darkroom! What started as one camera article has expanded into a burgeoning section of information covering everything from inexpensive point-and-shoots to full-frame...

Best Mirrorless Cameras of 2018

The mirrorless camera revolution is in full swing. These impressive digital cameras pack large sensors into compact bodies, offering image quality that is far superior to point...

Best Cameras for Hiking and Backpacking

Hiking and backpacking requires a lightweight and durable camera that captures great images. Depending on your budget, the options abound in categories from compact point-and-shoots...

Best DSLR Cameras of 2018

Digital SLR cameras are among the best of the best: they have the largest sensors, the most megapixels, and the highest quality selection of lenses. We break down the leading DSLRs on the market from...

Lenses and Focal Lengths for Landscapes

Choosing lenses and focal lengths for landscape photography has a lot of layers, and it’s a topic I wish I researched more before jumping in. Accordingly, below is detailed information...

Best Full-Frame Cameras of 2018

Full-frame cameras are the best of the best—they have the largest sensors, the most megapixels, the highest quality components, and lenses that are unmatched by any other class of camera. Despite the larger size...

Best Travel Cameras of 2018

An ideal travel camera is lightweight, versatile, and captures great images. Point-and-shoots are the smallest and least expensive option, but they have some limitations in terms of image quality. Mirrorless interchangeable-lens...

10 Great Canon EF (Full Frame) Lenses

Buying a Canon full-frame DSLR is a very exciting prospect, but deciding on the right lenses can be challenging. To help you wade through the masses of Canon EF (full-frame) lens models...

10 Great Sony FE (Full Frame) Lenses

Sony’s full-frame mirrorless cameras have created a lot of buzz in the photography world, and they keep improving with each rendition. It’s true that the FE lens options for Sony still...

10 Great Fujifilm X-Mount Lenses

Fujifilm’s mirrorless camera systems have come on strong, with models like the X-T2 and X-Pro2 garnering serious followings among photography enthusiasts...

10 Great Canon EF-S (APS-C) Lenses

The EF-S lens options for your Canon DSLR are immense, from standard kit zooms to specialty primes and third-party lenses. To help you wade through the fray, we’ve picked the...

Lens Buyer's Guides and Reviews

Experienced photographers know that a great lens is every bit as important as a great camera. Don’t make the mistake of focusing solely on your DSLR or mirrorless camera purchase and buying a cheap lens as an afterthought...

Perspective

Outdoor Profile: Photographer Jack Brauer

Landscape photographer Jack Brauer is one of the best: his images combine technical mastery with a command for capturing the subtleties of nature’s brilliance. More, he is a true outdoorsman...

Quinn Brett: Look Up, Stand Still, Breathe

Quinn Brett does a handstand every day. She snorts when she laughs, is known to dye her hair with vibrant streaks of color, and simply does not sit down. As a climbing ranger in Rocky Mountain National Park...

The Cochamó Journals Part I

I had the dream again last night. The dream is always the same—some details change here and there, different faces emerge and fade, lines of travel crisscross and follow different plans or lack thereof—but the dream is always...

Jason Hummel: An Alpine State of Mind

Jason Hummel is a leading adventure photographer and ski mountaineer based in Tacoma, Washington. He authored Alpine State of Mind, a beautifully presented book of adventure stories and photographs...

Mapping Patagonia National Park: An Interview with Marty Schnure

Marty Schnure spent the austral summer of 2013 exploring and mapping the vast terrain of the new Patagonia National Park as a National...

The Cochamó Journals Part III

When it rains in Cochamó, it rains long and hard. Now, it is raining. It has been raining, it is raining, it will continue to rain. The Cochamó season is finally over. And well enough, after a stellar February with fantastic weather, my body needs a...

Outdoor Profile: Photographer Jack Brauer

Landscape photographer Jack Brauer is one of the best: his images combine technical mastery with a command for capturing the subtleties of nature’s brilliance. More, he is a true outdoorsman...

Quinn Brett: Look Up, Stand Still, Breathe

Quinn Brett does a handstand every day. She snorts when she laughs, is known to dye her hair with vibrant streaks of color, and simply does not sit down. As a climbing ranger in Rocky Mountain National Park...

The Cochamó Journals Part I

I had the dream again last night. The dream is always the same—some details change here and there, different faces emerge and fade, lines of travel crisscross and follow different plans or lack thereof—but the dream is always...

Jason Hummel: An Alpine State of Mind

Jason Hummel is a leading adventure photographer and ski mountaineer based in Tacoma, Washington. He authored Alpine State of Mind, a beautifully presented book of adventure stories and photographs...

Mapping Patagonia National Park: An Interview with Marty Schnure

Marty Schnure spent the austral summer of 2013 exploring and mapping the vast terrain of the new Patagonia National Park as a National...

The Cochamó Journals Part III

When it rains in Cochamó, it rains long and hard. Now, it is raining. It has been raining, it is raining, it will continue to rain. The Cochamó season is finally over. And well enough, after a stellar February with fantastic weather, my body needs a...

Outdoor Profile: Photographer Jack Brauer

Landscape photographer Jack Brauer is one of the best: his images combine technical mastery with a command for capturing the subtleties of nature’s brilliance. More, he is a true outdoorsman...

Quinn Brett: Look Up, Stand Still, Breathe

Quinn Brett does a handstand every day. She snorts when she laughs, is known to dye her hair with vibrant streaks of color, and simply does not sit down. As a climbing ranger in Rocky Mountain National Park...

The Cochamó Journals Part I

I had the dream again last night. The dream is always the same—some details change here and there, different faces emerge and fade, lines of travel crisscross and follow different plans or lack thereof—but the dream is always...

Jason Hummel: An Alpine State of Mind

Jason Hummel is a leading adventure photographer and ski mountaineer based in Tacoma, Washington. He authored Alpine State of Mind, a beautifully presented book of adventure stories and photographs...

Mapping Patagonia National Park: An Interview with Marty Schnure

Marty Schnure spent the austral summer of 2013 exploring and mapping the vast terrain of the new Patagonia National Park as a National...

The Cochamó Journals Part III

When it rains in Cochamó, it rains long and hard. Now, it is raining. It has been raining, it is raining, it will continue to rain. The Cochamó season is finally over. And well enough, after a stellar February with fantastic weather, my body needs a...

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