I've watched hundreds of climbers at the crag, and the pattern is unmistakable. Most climb with bare hands, chalked and callused. But then I see someone at the belay station with gloves, or a crack climber with taped hands. So what's the actual deal? Do Rock Climbers Wear Gloves? Most rock climbers do not wear […]

I spent three winters testing heated jackets while working construction in Minnesota. My fingers stopped going numb during 6 AM site prep. That alone made the investment worth it for me. Are heated jackets worth it? Yes, if you spend extended time outdoors in cold conditions for work or recreation. They provide 3-10 hours of […]

There's something mesmerizing about watching a master craftsman transform raw materials into precision instruments. When Clickspring released his fire piston build video, he brought together two worlds that rarely intersect: ancient Southeast Asian survival technology and modern precision machining. Is a Fire Piston Worth Your Time? Yes, a fire piston is a fascinating blend of […]

After spending three seasons testing the Hennessy Ultralite Asym Zip with Hex Fly on everything from weekend overnights to a week-long section hike, I can tell you exactly who this hammock is for. The Hennessy Ultralite Asym Zip is an excellent choice for ultralight backpackers and thru-hikers who want a complete sleep system under 1.5 […]

I've carried the Leatherman Skeletool daily for over two years. In that time, this 5-ounce tool has helped me fix a bike chain on the side of a mountain, tighten cabinet handles in three different Airbnbs, and open countless bottles at backyard BBQs. After testing more than 15 multitools over the past decade, I can […]

The Joby Gorillapod changed camera supports forever when it launched in 2006. That flexible, wrappable design became iconic. Photographers everywhere recognized the distinctive octopus-like tripod wrapped around tree branches, fence posts, and bicycle handlebars. Fast forward to , and the original Gorillapod has evolved. The Joby GorillaPod 325 is the modern equivalent for lightweight cameras. […]

The Leatherman Squirt PS4 is a compact keychain multi-tool featuring 9 tools, including spring-action pliers, scissors, a knife blade, and screwdrivers, measuring just 2.25 inches closed and weighing 2 ounces. I've carried this tiny tool daily for six months, and it has saved me more times than I can count. After testing 12 different keychain […]

The wind cut through my running jacket at 28 degrees Fahrenheit. I had been testing base layers for three winters, searching for something that could handle my early morning training runs without the bulk of heavy thermal underwear. Under Armour ColdGear Infrared technology uses a thermo-conductive ceramic coating that absorbs your body heat and reflects […]

After spending hundreds of days on the trail wearing everything from cotton t-shirts to high-end merino, I learned the hard way that base layer fit makes or breaks your outdoor experience. That time I wore a loose base layer on a 14-mile hike in the Rockies? My sweat-soaked shirt turned into a cold, clammy nightmare […]

If you have ever spent a shivering night in a hammock, you know the problem well. Cold air underneath steals your warmth through any insulation compressed beneath your body. The Outdoor Vitals Down Underquilt exists to solve exactly this problem by providing suspended insulation that works with your hammock instead of against it. After spending […]