Blog
Gear reviews, trail guides, and outdoor tips from our team
Glacier National Park: Planning the Trip of a Lifetime
Vehicle reservations, the Logan Pass parking game, the four hikes that earn the hype, and why you should book your lodge 13 months out. Everything worth knowing before a first trip to Glacier.
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White Mountains, NH: Our Favorite Presidential Range Day Hikes
From the knife-edge of Franconia Ridge to the summit of Mount Washington, six classic White Mountains day hikes worth coming back to — with real mileage, honest weather warnings, and practical parking advice.
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So You Want to Get Into Mountain Biking
Hardtail or full suspension? Flats or clips? The honest first-year guide to mountain biking — what to buy, what to skip, and the free skills that beat any upgrade.
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The Best Outdoor Sunglasses of 2026: From Alpine Glare to Boat Ramps
Six pairs worth owning, from a budget do-everything pick to glass lenses that let you read a river — plus the honest truth about what premium prices actually buy.
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Camp Cooking That Doesn't Suck: From Instant Ramen to Cast Iron Glory
The stove tier list, cast iron care, four foolproof recipes, and the cooler tricks that keep food cold for five days. Everything tastes better outside — here's how to make it actually good.
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Fly Fishing for Beginners: Everything We Wish We'd Known
A 9-foot 5-weight, three flies, and a pond full of forgiving bluegill — the honest starter guide we needed on day one.
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Summer Gear Guide by Activity
Fishing, biking, paddling — summer opens up a whole new world of gear. Here's what's worth buying this season, organized by the way you actually spend your weekends.
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Kayak or Paddleboard? Getting on the Water This Summer
Kayak or SUP? An honest breakdown of stability, storage, workouts, and the dog factor — plus the safety gear, transport tips, and first-outing advice to get you paddling.
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Adirondack High Peaks: A Trail Guide
The Adirondack High Peaks are wild, rugged, and completely addictive. From the classic Cascade summit to the legendary Great Range Traverse, here's our guide to the best hikes in New York's most dramatic mountain range.
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Best Trail Running Shoes of 2026 (Even If You Never Run)
Trail runners have quietly replaced boots for a huge share of hikers. Our six favorite pairs of 2026, the honest truth about ankle support, and when boots still win.
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Colorado & Moab Summer Adventure Guide
From beginner-friendly 14ers to Gold Medal fly fishing to Moab's legendary red rock mountain biking — everything you need to plan a summer in the Rockies and beyond.
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Sleep Warm Outside: The Sleeping Bags and Pads Worth Buying
Comfort ratings decoded, R-value explained, and why your pad matters more than your bag — plus the six bags and pads we'd recommend without hesitation.
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Vermont Trail Guide: Top Day Hikes
There's something special about the damp, mossy woods of the Green Mountains. Whether you're looking for a quick sunset view or a leg-burning ridge walk, these are our favorite ways to spend a day in Vermont.
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The Best Daypacks and Backpacking Packs of 2026
A pack that fits disappears; a pack that doesn't ruins the prettiest trail on earth. From a do-everything daypack to a two-pound Dyneema hauler, these are the six packs we'd actually tell a friend to buy this spring — plus how to size, load, and fit one so the weight rides on your hips, not your shoulders.
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Essential Camping Gear Checklist
We've all been there—getting to camp only to realize the stove fuel is still on the kitchen counter. Here's the checklist we use to make sure our nights under the stars are actually comfortable, not a survival test.
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The Best Bike Racks of 2026: Hitch, Trunk, and Everything In Between
Six racks we'd bolt to our own cars — from the buy-it-once hitch platform to the budget-friendly trunk classic — plus the truth about tongue weight, receivers, and hauling e-bikes.
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Rain Jackets That Actually Keep You Dry: Our 2026 Picks
We compared this year's rain shells on specs, materials, and owner feedback. Five picks that actually keep you dry, what waterproof ratings mean in plain English, and the $15 fix for a jacket that 'leaks.'
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Spring/Summer Gear Guide 2026
The snow is finally melting and we're itching to get out there. We've been geeking out over the new 2026 catalogs—here's the gear that's actually worth clearing some space in your closet for this season.
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Bend, Oregon: The Ultimate Outdoor Town
Bike world-class singletrack in the morning, fly fish the Deschutes in the afternoon, summit a volcano before dinner, and grab a craft beer after. Bend does it all — here's our guide.
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Best Tents of 2026: From Car Camping Palaces to Featherweight Shelters
Six tents we'd spend our own money on this season, from a stand-up-tall family palace to a two-pound ultralight, plus the spec-sheet lies to watch for.
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Best Hiking Boots for 2026
Nothing ruins a trip faster than a bad blister. We compared the newest 2026 boots on specs, materials, and owner feedback — from jagged peaks to muddy local trails. Here's what actually stands out for 2026.
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How Our Sweepstakes Work
We love gear, and we love giving it away even more. Here's the lowdown on how our rewards work, how you earn entries just by grabbing the stuff you already need (no purchase necessary), and how winners will be chosen.
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