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Here at Switchback Travel, we’re passionate about our down jackets. We’ve tested a huge range of models over the years, from entry-level options from Outdoor Research and Columbia to premium alternatives from Patagonia, Arc’teryx, and Montbell. While...

Salomon’s X Ultra lineup is legendary in the world of hiking footwear, and they overhauled the flagship collection a few years back. We brought the mid-height version of the X Ultra 4 into Washington’s Hoh Rainforest and found that it retained most of...

From smooth and flowy post-work rides to rough and rowdy all-day backcountry epics, the trail mountain biking category covers a wide range. And with rapidly changing technology and an ever-growing number of options, it can be hard to nail down the best...

The Ultra Raptor has long been a staple in La Sportiva’s lineup, spoken of with reverence by trail runners and hikers alike. While the jury might be out on whether this is a hiking shoe or a running shoe, one thing is certain: It’s in its element on...

Rooftop tents have come a long way since their dusty beginnings in the wild outback of Africa and Australia. Originally designed for overlanders with rugged off-roading vehicles, they’re now popular among campers and casual weekenders worldwide. And...

Comfort is the number one consideration for many campers (ourselves included), and a quality camping blanket can go a long way toward keeping you warm and cozy in the wilderness. These simple yet endlessly versatile items typically feature a durable...

Bouldering is climbing’s most popular and accessible discipline. All you need is a pair of shoes and a chalk bag—until the lure of real rock brings you outside, that is. For outdoor bouldering, a crash pad (or multiple pads) is vital to climbing safely...

Shopping for camping gear is no small feat, whether you’re a first-time camper or a seasoned veteran. But once you set up your tent, lay out your sleeping bag, and settle in by the campfire, the effort is well worth it. After researching and testing...

The sleeping pad you bring on an expedition can be the difference between a comfortable outing in nature and a sleepless night spent tossing and turning. But how do you decide which pad to buy and how much warmth you’ll need? Looking at R-value is a...

For getting outdoors on cool fall and spring days, it’s hard to beat a vest. This simple layering piece adds warmth to your core and is cozy, compact, and cheaper than a full jacket. But, like all sectors of the clothing industry, vests are varied...

Released a couple years ago, La Sportiva’s Spire GTX is a backpacking-ready hiking shoe. In many ways, it performs like a low-top boot: the shoe is sturdy, moderately stiff, and offers solid protection on the trail...

Once considered an unfashionable fad of the '90s, fanny packs—also known as waist, lumbar, and hip packs—are making a serious comeback in 2023. From replacing a purse while running errands around town to keeping the essentials handy on the trail, many...