Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX Hiking Shoe Review

Last Updated: May 9, 2023

Adidas has come on strong in the world of hiking footwear, and its Terrex Swift series is a notable standout among the competition. The R3 GTX is a low-cut waterproof hiking shoe that’s reasonably...

Osprey Ariel 65 Backpack Review

Last Updated: April 27, 2023

Osprey makes some of our favorite packs on the market, and the Ariel (the women’s counterpart to the Aether) is their dedicated heavy hauler that’s backed by years of proven performance. We recently brought the latest model to Patagonia for testing...

Editor's Picks: Mountain Running Gear Guide

Last Updated: April 21, 2023

Mountain running can at times be a misnomer. “Mountain” is a broad term that can take a lot of forms, from gentle Colorado Fourteeners, dreamy French-Alp singletrack, and sub-alpine hills in the Southeast...

Osprey Aether Plus 70 Backpack Review

Last Updated: April 20, 2023

Osprey’s Aether is a longstanding and highly capable heavy hauler, and the upgraded “Plus” packs retain that proven performance but with more exterior storage and a convertible top lid that doubles as a daypack. I recently brought the mid-range 70...

Helly Hansen Verglas Hooded Down Insulator Jacket Review

Last Updated: April 19, 2023

Norway-based Helly Hansen doesn’t have a huge presence in the U.S., but their insulation and hardshell collections compete with the likes of Arc’teryx, Patagonia, and other leading outdoor brands...

Sea to Summit Ikos TR2 Tent Review

Last Updated: April 13, 2023

Still a relative newcomer to the tent market, Sea to Summit has added a third backpacking model for 2023: the Ikos. At $429 for the two-person capacity, it’s the most affordable of the bunch but retains the space-enhancing Tension Ridge pole and high...

Gregory Jade 63 Backpack Review

Last Updated: April 12, 2023

Gregory has been pumping out quality packs since the late 1970s, and the Jade—the women’s counterpart to the Zulu—is another high-quality and well-built design. I recently tested the pack in Patagonia and came away pleased by its effective balance of...

Nemo Hornet Osmo 3P Tent Review

Last Updated: April 11, 2023

NEMO is a leader in the lightweight backpacking tent market, and their Hornet stands out for its two-door-and-vestibule layout in an ultralight package. My wife and I recently took the three-person version to...

KEEN Terradora Flex WP Hiking Boot Review

Last Updated: April 11, 2023

KEEN’s Terradora is one of just a few women’s-specific designs on the market, and the latest “Flex” version sticks to a similar formula but with added flexibility and cushioning. I recently brought the boots to Patagonia and put them to the test while...

Hoka Kaha 2 GTX Hiking Boot Review

Last Updated: March 20, 2023

The Kaha 2 GTX is Hoka’s top-of-the-line hiking boot, with Gore-Tex waterproofing, a leather upper, and Vibram tread. We’ve had largely positive experiences with Hokas, but the Kaha 2 underwhelmed on a challenging backpacking trip in Southern Patagonia.

NEMO Dragonfly OSMO 2P Tent Review

Last Updated: March 16, 2023

NEMO’s Dragonfly fills a nice niche in their backpacking tent lineup, offering better livability than the ultralight Hornet at a lower weight than their popular Dagger. I recently brought the latest two-person version to southern Patagonia for testing...

Osprey Exos 58 Backpack Review

Last Updated: March 16, 2023

For a time, Osprey’s Exos was the ultimate ultralight pack and a favorite among thru-hikers. The competition has grown lately, but the recent Exos (updated in mid 2022) offers a very strong mix of carrying comfort, ventilation, and organization...