Best Climbing Backpacks of 2025

Last Updated: May 19, 2025

Gone are the days when climbing consisted of swami belts, hobnailed boots, and weeks spent nailing pitons into swaths of granite. Current trends in climbing gear have moved toward functionality, performance, and thoughtful design, and packs have...

Osprey Mutant 52 Climbing Backpack Review

Last Updated: May 19, 2025

Osprey might be best known for their impressive lineup of backpacking packs, but they took that expertise and tailored it to the alpine with the climbing-focused Mutant. We took the 52-liter version on an expedition in the Alaska Range, using it both...

Backcountry Memorial Day Sale: 2025 Gear Guide

Last Updated: May 16, 2025

Summer is approaching quickly, and Backcountry’s Memorial Day Sale—which runs through Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day)—is a prime opportunity to save on top-rated outdoor gear. From backpacking tents and sleep systems to duffel bags, rain shells, and...

REI Co-op Anniversary Sale: 2025 Gear Guide

Last Updated: May 16, 2025

The time has come: REI Co-op's biggest sale of the year kicks off on Friday, May 16. The outdoor retailer hosts their Anniversary Sale each spring, and this year, it runs through Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day). For many outdoor enthusiasts (ourselves...

Best Soft Coolers of 2025

Last Updated: May 16, 2025

Traditional hard-sided coolers lead the charge in ice retention and durability, but for those who don’t need a week’s worth of cold food and drinks, a soft-sided cooler can be a viable alternative. Compared to hard models, soft coolers are considerably...

1Up USA Super Duty Bike Rack Review

Last Updated: May 14, 2025

1Up UPA, based in the Midwest mountain bike mecca of Wisconsin, has long been a leader in making beautiful, hardwearing bike racks. The newest version of their rugged Super Duty, released in April of 2024, is the result of years of perfecting their..

Best Duffel Bags of 2025

Last Updated: May 14, 2025

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 Backpack Coolers of 2025

Last Updated: May 14, 2025

Backpack coolers offer the ultimate in portability for covering longer distances, whether you’re headed to a campsite deep in the woods or hiking in for an afternoon paddle at your favorite lake. While a step down from traditional hard-sided coolers in...

Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar Watch Review

Last Updated: May 13, 2025

When it comes to GPS watches, few brands rival Garmin. Their venerable Fenix series has long been a favorite among long-distance runners, backcountry explorers, and everyday athletes alike. The Fenix 7 Pro delivers the premium tracking and navigation...

REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus Tent Review

Last Updated: May 9, 2025

Beloved by backpackers for years, REI Co-op’s Half Dome received some notable updates this year: The latest version uses thicker fabrics, boasts a larger floor area, and features an updated pole design to provide even more head and shoulder room. I...

Best Women’s Hiking Pants of 2025

Last Updated: May 9, 2025

Women know the struggles in finding a good pair of hiking pants: Fit, comfort, and storage considerations all can be difficult to dial in. But the market has improved significantly of late, with a range of designs that offer impressive performance and...

Best Running Shoes of 2025

Last Updated: May 7, 2025

Running is among the most approachable forms of fitness, requiring only a pair of quality shoes to get you going. But the sport’s widespread popularity has led to a dizzying array of shoe brands, styles, and available features. Below we break down our...