Best Sport Sunglasses of 2025

Last Updated: June 17, 2025

The right pair of sports sunglasses should do more than just make you look good—they need to deliver top-notch optics for whatever activity you’re tackling. For casual hikes, climbs, or runs, a basic lens...

Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20 Review

Last Updated: June 16, 2025

Feathered Friends is a legendary name in the down-products world, and for good reason: Their gear is top-notch and consistently delivers when it comes to performance...

Freestanding vs. Non-Freestanding Backpacking Tents

Last Updated: June 13, 2025

If you’re in the market for a backpacking tent, you’ll probably notice that designs are categorized as “freestanding” or “non-freestanding.” But what do these designations mean, and how do you know which style is right for your objective? Below we...

About Switchback Travel

Last Updated: June 11, 2025

Switchback Travel is the premier online resource for those who love the outdoors. On the site, we cover two main content areas: outdoor gear (round-ups covering product categories and in-depth reviews) and adventure travel...

Best Fitness Watches of 2025

Last Updated: June 11, 2025

Despite their diminutive size, fitness watches can really pack a punch. These modern timepieces put the power of a GPS device onto your wrist, allowing you to track your movements, follow a preloaded route, or even navigate complex terrain—hands-free...

Best Women's Fleece Jackets of 2025

Last Updated: June 6, 2025

Nothing spells cozy quite like a fleece jacket, whether it’s a high-pile heavyweight or a sleek performance layer. And they’re more than just soft: Fleeces’ breathability and affordability make them an excellent option for everything from daily use to...

REI Co-op Base Camp 6 Tent Review

Last Updated: June 5, 2025

Featuring high-quality materials and a traditional dome shape, REI Co-op’s Base Camp has been a long-time staple in their tent lineup. Offered in four- and six-person capacities, the car camping-focused model is a top choice among those looking to...

Best Hydration Bladders of 2025

Last Updated: June 5, 2025

Whether we’re hiking, biking, running, or climbing, on-the-go hydration is an essential part of our kit. There’s simply no better way to encourage drinking consistently during activity, which is vital to performance and enjoyment (after bonking one too...

Best Ultralight Tents of 2025

Last Updated: June 4, 2025

In the ultralight backpacking world, The Big Three refers to the most important (and heaviest) pieces in your kit: your backpack, sleep system (sleeping bag and pad), and shelter. Shaving a pound or two off of each of these items can go a long way...

Best Softshell Jackets of 2025

Last Updated: June 4, 2025

For high-output activities, it’s hard to beat a softshell jacket. Their breathable and stretchy fabrics offer fantastic performance and a really comfortable fit that moves with you. As long as you don’t take them out in a rain storm, their durable...

Best Backpacking Tents of 2025

Last Updated: May 30, 2025

In choosing the right backpacking tent, you have a wide range of options from minimalist ultralight shelters to inexpensive and heavier entry-level models. Uses and budgets vary, and the ideal tent for beginners and those taking shorter trips differs...

Best Camping Lanterns of 2025

Last Updated: May 29, 2025

Camping lanterns have come a long way since their inception. Nowadays, the market is flush with modern options that combine impressive brightness alongside fun features like multicolor lighting modes, USB ports for powering your electronics, and even...