Switchback Travel | Adventure, Outdoor Gear & Photography

Hiking Gear Guides

A complete look at the best hiking gear of 2017, from light and packable tents and sleeping bags to proven backcountry footwear and clothing

See Our Picks
On Location: Kanab Creek

A journey into the largest northern tributary of the Grand Canyon

See The Article
The Best Rain Jackets

Tested in the rainy Pacific Northwest, we break down the year's top rain jackets from ultralight shells to versatile jackets for hiking and everyday use

See the Review
Review: Rab Neutrino Endurance

Built with true winter warmth and protection, we give Rab’s legendary down jacket a thorough test

See Our Review
Norway Guide

Europe’s true wilderness is not found in the Alps, but the northern reaches of the continent from the 57th parallel north well into the Arctic Circle

Learn More About Norway
The Best Backcountry Skis

From lightweight models for efficient climbing to wide planks for dreamy powder days, we break down the top alpine touring skis

See Our Picks
Review: Patagonia Micro Puff

Packed with down-like synthetic fill and ultralight features, we put Patagonia’s bold new insulated jacket to the test

See Our Review
The Best Hiking Boots

From lightweight day hikers to heavy-duty footwear for serious backpacking, we break down the year’s top hiking boots

See Our Top Picks
Annapurna Circuit Trek

One of the world’s great trekking routes is threatened but alive (and recovering)

See The Guide

Adventure Travel

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...

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...

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...

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...

Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp trek passes through the land of the Sherpas to the foot of the world’s highest mountain, Sagarmatha, Nepalese for Mount Everest. The fullest views of Mt. Everest actually are from the Tibetan side, but...

On Location: Kanab Creek

Imagine that there is a place out there right under your nose that defies all logic and description. A place that is both unmistakably desert, and at the same time oasis. A place with dripping ferns, bubbling springs, and waterfalls—but all contained...

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...

Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown has been dubbed the “Adventure Capital of the World” and the reputation is well earned. In close proximity are seemingly endless adrenaline-inducing activities such as bungee jumping, skydiving, jet boating, whitewater rafting, heli-biking...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp trek passes through the land of the Sherpas to the foot of the world’s highest mountain, Sagarmatha, Nepalese for Mount Everest. The fullest views of Mt. Everest actually are from the Tibetan side, but...

On Location: Kanab Creek

Imagine that there is a place out there right under your nose that defies all logic and description. A place that is both unmistakably desert, and at the same time oasis. A place with dripping ferns, bubbling springs, and waterfalls—but all contained...

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...

Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown has been dubbed the “Adventure Capital of the World” and the reputation is well earned. In close proximity are seemingly endless adrenaline-inducing activities such as bungee jumping, skydiving, jet boating, whitewater rafting, heli-biking...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp trek passes through the land of the Sherpas to the foot of the world’s highest mountain, Sagarmatha, Nepalese for Mount Everest. The fullest views of Mt. Everest actually are from the Tibetan side, but...

On Location: Kanab Creek

Imagine that there is a place out there right under your nose that defies all logic and description. A place that is both unmistakably desert, and at the same time oasis. A place with dripping ferns, bubbling springs, and waterfalls—but all contained...

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...

Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown has been dubbed the “Adventure Capital of the World” and the reputation is well earned. In close proximity are seemingly endless adrenaline-inducing activities such as bungee jumping, skydiving, jet boating, whitewater rafting, heli-biking...

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...

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 Hiking Boots of 2017

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 Backcountry Skis of 2017-2018

Unlike their lift-assisted alpine cousins, backcountry skis have two jobs: getting you uphill efficiently while retaining enough power to make the downhill worth the effort (and fun). The good news is...

Best Down Jackets of 2017-2018

Nothing beats a great down jacket, whether it’s for causal use or tearing around the backcountry. Below we break down the best down jackets of 2017-2018, including the top down sweaters, ultralights...

Best All-Mountain Skis of 2017-2018

If you're searching for that elusive one-ski quiver, this is the category to find it. The definition of “all-mountain” varies by manufacturer and retailer, but generally includes skis from 85mm to 105mm...

Best Hardshell Jackets of 2017-2018

Hardshell jackets are designed for the alpine: they’re highly windproof, waterproof, breathable, and durable. This is the outer layer you turn to for ultimate protection while backcountry and resort skiing...

Ski Gear Reviews

If your ski gear is even a few years old, there’s new technology out there that will help make good days on the snow even better. There are important considerations when making a purchase...

Best Fleece Jackets of 2017-2018

There are a wide variety of insulating jackets available, but the most comfortable and affordable choice is the classic fleece. These polyester jackets have been providing cozy warmth...

Best 4-Season Tents of 2017-2018

From backcountry ski tours to mountaineering in some of the most inhospitable weather on Earth, a 4-season tent is the last line of defense between you and the elements. Accordingly, these tents are much stronger...

Best Vests for Hiking of 2017-2018

For cool fall and spring conditions, it’s hard to beat a vest. This simple layering piece is super cozy, adds warmth to your core, is easy to throw over a flannel, and less bulky and cheaper than a full jacket. But...

Best Hiking Pants of 2017

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...

Does Your Down Jacket Need a Hood?

A down jacket is a wonderful insulating piece: it’s light, packable and offers premium warmth that you simply can’t find in a synthetic equivalent. In choosing your perfect puffy, one of the forks in the road...

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 Hiking Boots of 2017

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 Backcountry Skis of 2017-2018

Unlike their lift-assisted alpine cousins, backcountry skis have two jobs: getting you uphill efficiently while retaining enough power to make the downhill worth the effort (and fun). The good news is...

Best Down Jackets of 2017-2018

Nothing beats a great down jacket, whether it’s for causal use or tearing around the backcountry. Below we break down the best down jackets of 2017-2018, including the top down sweaters, ultralights...

Best All-Mountain Skis of 2017-2018

If you're searching for that elusive one-ski quiver, this is the category to find it. The definition of “all-mountain” varies by manufacturer and retailer, but generally includes skis from 85mm to 105mm...

Best Hardshell Jackets of 2017-2018

Hardshell jackets are designed for the alpine: they’re highly windproof, waterproof, breathable, and durable. This is the outer layer you turn to for ultimate protection while backcountry and resort skiing...

Ski Gear Reviews

If your ski gear is even a few years old, there’s new technology out there that will help make good days on the snow even better. There are important considerations when making a purchase...

Best Fleece Jackets of 2017-2018

There are a wide variety of insulating jackets available, but the most comfortable and affordable choice is the classic fleece. These polyester jackets have been providing cozy warmth...

Best 4-Season Tents of 2017-2018

From backcountry ski tours to mountaineering in some of the most inhospitable weather on Earth, a 4-season tent is the last line of defense between you and the elements. Accordingly, these tents are much stronger...

Best Vests for Hiking of 2017-2018

For cool fall and spring conditions, it’s hard to beat a vest. This simple layering piece is super cozy, adds warmth to your core, is easy to throw over a flannel, and less bulky and cheaper than a full jacket. But...

Best Hiking Pants of 2017

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...

Does Your Down Jacket Need a Hood?

A down jacket is a wonderful insulating piece: it’s light, packable and offers premium warmth that you simply can’t find in a synthetic equivalent. In choosing your perfect puffy, one of the forks in the road...

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 Hiking Boots of 2017

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 Backcountry Skis of 2017-2018

Unlike their lift-assisted alpine cousins, backcountry skis have two jobs: getting you uphill efficiently while retaining enough power to make the downhill worth the effort (and fun). The good news is...

Best Down Jackets of 2017-2018

Nothing beats a great down jacket, whether it’s for causal use or tearing around the backcountry. Below we break down the best down jackets of 2017-2018, including the top down sweaters, ultralights...

Best All-Mountain Skis of 2017-2018

If you're searching for that elusive one-ski quiver, this is the category to find it. The definition of “all-mountain” varies by manufacturer and retailer, but generally includes skis from 85mm to 105mm...

Best Hardshell Jackets of 2017-2018

Hardshell jackets are designed for the alpine: they’re highly windproof, waterproof, breathable, and durable. This is the outer layer you turn to for ultimate protection while backcountry and resort skiing...

Ski Gear Reviews

If your ski gear is even a few years old, there’s new technology out there that will help make good days on the snow even better. There are important considerations when making a purchase...

Best Fleece Jackets of 2017-2018

There are a wide variety of insulating jackets available, but the most comfortable and affordable choice is the classic fleece. These polyester jackets have been providing cozy warmth...

Best 4-Season Tents of 2017-2018

From backcountry ski tours to mountaineering in some of the most inhospitable weather on Earth, a 4-season tent is the last line of defense between you and the elements. Accordingly, these tents are much stronger...

Best Vests for Hiking of 2017-2018

For cool fall and spring conditions, it’s hard to beat a vest. This simple layering piece is super cozy, adds warmth to your core, is easy to throw over a flannel, and less bulky and cheaper than a full jacket. But...

Best Hiking Pants of 2017

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...

Does Your Down Jacket Need a Hood?

A down jacket is a wonderful insulating piece: it’s light, packable and offers premium warmth that you simply can’t find in a synthetic equivalent. In choosing your perfect puffy, one of the forks in the road...

In-Depth Gear Reviews

Feathered Friends Eos down jacket (header)

Review: Feathered Friends Eos

Feathered Friends is a boutique down specialist birthed out of Seattle’s climbing scene in the 1970s, and they still lead the pack in down outerwear construction and design. The company is known for making high quality, unflashy products for...

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: 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: Rab Neutrino Endurance

Winters are harsh in the U.K., and British alpinists are known for getting out in all types of conditions. So if there’s anyone we can trust to make innovative gear for the cold and wet, it’s Rab. This England-based...

Review: Lowa Renegade GTX Mid

Nearly every major hiking boot brand has its signature model, and for Lowa, it’s the Renegade GTX. We took the popular mid-height boot out backpacking and day hiking...

Review: Merrell Moab 2

More than 10 years after the original Moab was released, Merrell has given us the Moab 2 for 2017. The first edition reached legendary status, so we were excited to see what Merrell had done for the reboot. To cut right to the chase...

Review: MSR Remote 2

The ideal 4-season tent is a delicate balance of roominess and comfort, ventilation, and extremely durable stormproof construction, all in a package that doesn’t weigh you down too much. With a short weekend on...

Review: Arc'teryx Cerium LT Hoody

Always designed with a specific purpose in mind, we consider Arc’teryx as the outdoor industry’s equivalent to Tesla Motors. Both create super high-end products where...

Review: Nemo Dagger 2P

Nemo has come on very strong in the tent market with a number of quality offerings for backpackers. We took the 2-person version of their high-end Dagger for a series of summer trips into the Alpine Lakes of Washington State and the...

Review: La Sportiva TX3

As an alpine rock climber and climbing guide, my feet frequent a great deal of trail, rocks, and snow—especially during the summer months. I took on the La Sportiva TX3 as my faithful companion this season, from high-mileage...

Review: MSR Access 3

Tent manufacturers constantly are pushing the limits of weight and weather protection, and 4-season tents designed to withstand harsh conditions tend to fall on the heavy side of the spectrum. Yet MSR essentially created a new category with their...

Review: REI Co-op Traverse 70

REI has made an in-house line of backpacking packs for years, but it wasn’t until recently that it truly became competitive with heavy hitters from brands like Osprey and Gregory. We took the large capacity 70-liter Traverse out for a jaunt...

Review: Feathered Friends Eos

Feathered Friends is a boutique down specialist birthed out of Seattle’s climbing scene in the 1970s, and they still lead the pack in down outerwear construction and design. The company is known for making high quality, unflashy products for...

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: 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: Rab Neutrino Endurance

Winters are harsh in the U.K., and British alpinists are known for getting out in all types of conditions. So if there’s anyone we can trust to make innovative gear for the cold and wet, it’s Rab. This England-based...

Review: Lowa Renegade GTX Mid

Nearly every major hiking boot brand has its signature model, and for Lowa, it’s the Renegade GTX. We took the popular mid-height boot out backpacking and day hiking...

Review: Merrell Moab 2

More than 10 years after the original Moab was released, Merrell has given us the Moab 2 for 2017. The first edition reached legendary status, so we were excited to see what Merrell had done for the reboot. To cut right to the chase...

Review: MSR Remote 2

The ideal 4-season tent is a delicate balance of roominess and comfort, ventilation, and extremely durable stormproof construction, all in a package that doesn’t weigh you down too much. With a short weekend on...

Review: Arc'teryx Cerium LT Hoody

Always designed with a specific purpose in mind, we consider Arc’teryx as the outdoor industry’s equivalent to Tesla Motors. Both create super high-end products where...

Review: Nemo Dagger 2P

Nemo has come on very strong in the tent market with a number of quality offerings for backpackers. We took the 2-person version of their high-end Dagger for a series of summer trips into the Alpine Lakes of Washington State and the...

Review: La Sportiva TX3

As an alpine rock climber and climbing guide, my feet frequent a great deal of trail, rocks, and snow—especially during the summer months. I took on the La Sportiva TX3 as my faithful companion this season, from high-mileage...

Review: MSR Access 3

Tent manufacturers constantly are pushing the limits of weight and weather protection, and 4-season tents designed to withstand harsh conditions tend to fall on the heavy side of the spectrum. Yet MSR essentially created a new category with their...

Review: REI Co-op Traverse 70

REI has made an in-house line of backpacking packs for years, but it wasn’t until recently that it truly became competitive with heavy hitters from brands like Osprey and Gregory. We took the large capacity 70-liter Traverse out for a jaunt...

Review: Feathered Friends Eos

Feathered Friends is a boutique down specialist birthed out of Seattle’s climbing scene in the 1970s, and they still lead the pack in down outerwear construction and design. The company is known for making high quality, unflashy products for...

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: 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: Rab Neutrino Endurance

Winters are harsh in the U.K., and British alpinists are known for getting out in all types of conditions. So if there’s anyone we can trust to make innovative gear for the cold and wet, it’s Rab. This England-based...

Review: Lowa Renegade GTX Mid

Nearly every major hiking boot brand has its signature model, and for Lowa, it’s the Renegade GTX. We took the popular mid-height boot out backpacking and day hiking...

Review: Merrell Moab 2

More than 10 years after the original Moab was released, Merrell has given us the Moab 2 for 2017. The first edition reached legendary status, so we were excited to see what Merrell had done for the reboot. To cut right to the chase...

Review: MSR Remote 2

The ideal 4-season tent is a delicate balance of roominess and comfort, ventilation, and extremely durable stormproof construction, all in a package that doesn’t weigh you down too much. With a short weekend on...

Review: Arc'teryx Cerium LT Hoody

Always designed with a specific purpose in mind, we consider Arc’teryx as the outdoor industry’s equivalent to Tesla Motors. Both create super high-end products where...

Review: Nemo Dagger 2P

Nemo has come on very strong in the tent market with a number of quality offerings for backpackers. We took the 2-person version of their high-end Dagger for a series of summer trips into the Alpine Lakes of Washington State and the...

Review: La Sportiva TX3

As an alpine rock climber and climbing guide, my feet frequent a great deal of trail, rocks, and snow—especially during the summer months. I took on the La Sportiva TX3 as my faithful companion this season, from high-mileage...

Review: MSR Access 3

Tent manufacturers constantly are pushing the limits of weight and weather protection, and 4-season tents designed to withstand harsh conditions tend to fall on the heavy side of the spectrum. Yet MSR essentially created a new category with their...

Review: REI Co-op Traverse 70

REI has made an in-house line of backpacking packs for years, but it wasn’t until recently that it truly became competitive with heavy hitters from brands like Osprey and Gregory. We took the large capacity 70-liter Traverse out for a jaunt...

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 Travel Cameras of 2017

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...

Best DSLR Cameras of 2017

Digital SLR cameras (or DSLRs for short) 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...

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 Mirrorless Cameras of 2017

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 Full-Frame Cameras of 2017

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...

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...

14 Great Micro Four Thirds Lenses

Micro Four Thirds cameras have exploded over the past few years, with a wide variety of options now on the market from budget to professional. Our picks of 14 Great Micro Four Thirds lenses...

Best Cameras Under $500

With the quality of digital cameras continually improving and prices falling, $500 or less can buy you an excellent digital camera in 2016. All within this price range, you can get an entry-level digital SLR, a mirrorless...

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 Travel Cameras of 2017

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...

Best DSLR Cameras of 2017

Digital SLR cameras (or DSLRs for short) 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...

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 Mirrorless Cameras of 2017

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 Full-Frame Cameras of 2017

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...

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...

14 Great Micro Four Thirds Lenses

Micro Four Thirds cameras have exploded over the past few years, with a wide variety of options now on the market from budget to professional. Our picks of 14 Great Micro Four Thirds lenses...

Best Cameras Under $500

With the quality of digital cameras continually improving and prices falling, $500 or less can buy you an excellent digital camera in 2016. All within this price range, you can get an entry-level digital SLR, a mirrorless...

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 Travel Cameras of 2017

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...

Best DSLR Cameras of 2017

Digital SLR cameras (or DSLRs for short) 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...

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 Mirrorless Cameras of 2017

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 Full-Frame Cameras of 2017

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...

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...

14 Great Micro Four Thirds Lenses

Micro Four Thirds cameras have exploded over the past few years, with a wide variety of options now on the market from budget to professional. Our picks of 14 Great Micro Four Thirds lenses...

Best Cameras Under $500

With the quality of digital cameras continually improving and prices falling, $500 or less can buy you an excellent digital camera in 2016. All within this price range, you can get an entry-level digital SLR, a mirrorless...

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...

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