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buyer’s guide THE ULTIMATE GEAR RESOURCE

New Summer Gear Is Here

GEAR OF THE

YEAR 2021

340

PRODUCTS TESTED + REVIEWED

+ KEEP PACE ROAD AND TRAIL SHOES THAT FLY

KEEP TRACK WEARABLES BUILT TO MAXIMIZE YOUR HEALTH

KEEP COOL SWIMSUITS FOR SURFING, LOUNGING, AND MORE

BD Athletes Joe Grant & Kyle Richardson Photo by Christian Adam

THE DISTANCE COLLECTION

RUN THE DISTANCE The ﬁnish is overrated. The start is only the beginning. But the space between, where the miles and moments become an ocean between the waves, that’s where the magic happens. The experience waits in the distance.

The Black Diamond Distance Collection is built to take you there.

SHOP THE FULL COLLECTION AT BLACKDIAMONDEQUIPMENT.COM

Contents

COVER AND THIS PAGE PHOTOGRAPHS BY

Inga Hendrickson

1.Float GEAR OF THE YEAR 14 Stand-Up Paddleboards

+ 18 Boats 20 Water Shoes 22 Surfboards 24 Men’s and Women’s Fishing 26 Women’s Swimwear and Men’s Boardshorts 28 MEET YOUR MAKER: HARI PARUMAL OF KEEN

2. Hike and Camp GEAR OF THE YEAR 30 Jackets 36 Tents 40 Hiking Shoes 46 Sleeping Bags and Pads 52 Packs

+ 58 Men’s and Women’s Hiking 60 Camp Kichen 61 Base Camp 62 Grills 63 Summer Happy Hour 64 Knives and Multitools 66 Kids’ Gear 67 Gardening 68 Dog Gear 70 MEET YOUR MAKER: GAMU MOYO OF FJÄLLRÄVEN

3. Travel GEAR OF THE YEAR 72 Luggage 74 Sunglasses

+ 77 Watches 78 Women’s and Men’s Travel 80 Trailers 82 Cameras and Drones 83 MEET YOUR MAKER: DAVID EPP OF SCOUT TRAILERS

O U TS I D E B U Y E R ’ S G U I D E 2 0 2 1

Outerknown Apex Trunks by Kelly Slater (page 27)

Don’t feed the moths.

Feed your restlessness.

Contents 4. Bike GEAR OF THE YEAR 86 Mountain Bikes 90 Road Bikes

+ 94 Men’s and Women’s Cycling 96 Bike Commute 97 MEET YOUR MAKER: GLORIA HWANG OF THOUSAND

5. Run GEAR OF THE YEAR 98 Trail Running Shoes 102 Road Running Shoes

+ 106 Men’s and Women’s Running 108 Mountain Running 109 MEET YOUR MAKER: ANGELICA JENETT OF BROOKS

6. Fitness GEAR OF THE YEAR 110 Audio

+ 112 Men’s and Women’s Workout 114 Climbing 115 Wearable Tech 116 Recovery Tools 117 Fuel 118 Yoga 119 MEET YOUR MAKER: ADRIENNE MOSER AND KATHLEEN MCNALLY OF SAXX 12 BETWEEN THE LINES 124 PARTING SHOT

ON THE COVER Clockwise from top left: Black Diamond TreeLine rain shell (page 30); Garmin Descent Mk2 dive watch (page 115); Zeal Lolo sunglasses (page 75); Saucony Ride 14 running shoes (page 112) THIS PAGE Shimano S-Phyre SH-RC902 road-bike shoes (page 94)

O U TS I D E B U Y E R ’ S G U I D E 2 0 2 1

P H OTO G RA P H BY

Inga Hendrickson

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102

GEAR OF THE

Gear of the Year Index

YEAR 2021

P H OTO G RA P H S B Y

Inga Hendrickson

110

B I K E S A N D T E N T C O U R T E SY O F T H E C O M PA N I E S

buyer’s guide CEO Robin Thurston

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FOUNDER Lawrence J. Burke

O U TS I D E B U Y E R ’ S G U I D E 2 0 2 1

ATHLETES | ART | MUSIC | MOUNTAINS

JUNE 10-13, 2021 | VAIL, COLORADO IN-PERSON COMPETITIONS | NIGHTLY CONCERTS | LIVESTREAMS | MOUNTAINGAMES.COM

In Search of Perfection I’M NOTORIOUSLY bad at controlling my

body temperature. Nine times out of ten I’m either hot or freezing, which has lead to a fixation on layers. Maybe this will be the one, I think as I pull out yet another jacket that promises to keep me warm or cool at exactly the right time. The result is a closet stuffed with fleeces and puffies. But the jacket I come back to most is a seven-year-old Patagonia Nano Air. I bought it before I knew “gear editor” was a job. The cuffs are blotched with mystery stains, the right arm marred with sticky residue from a patch I’ve replaced more than once. Recently, for a time, I resisted the urge to wear it, stubbornly assuming that one of my newer jackets—including an updated version of the Nano Air—had to be better. Finally, I accepted that amid a sea of top-notch breathable midlayers, the original is my favorite. It just fits, feels, performs, and looks exactly the way I want.

The gear world is fast paced. Every year, running shoes seem to get speedier, down jackets lighter, and shells more waterproof and breathable. This is a good thing. Gear advancements make the outdoors safer and more comfortable. But it’s also easy to get caught up in all the development. With so much changing from year to year, purchasing equipment has never felt more difﬁcult—to say nothing of deciding whether to buy something at all. Much of the hype is just noise: the best products are not necessarily the techiest or even the newest. They’re simply the ones that do exactly what you need them to do. We know this is an ironic way to preface a 124-page Buyer’s Guide. Do we intend for you to ditch your duffel because the updated North Face Basecamp (page 73) has slick new features, or replace your tent because the Sea to Summit Telos TR 2P (page 36) maximizes space with an innovative pole design? Absolutely not. Objective measures of performance are only part of what makes a piece of gear “good.” The

rest depends on you—your climate, your body, the demands of your outdoor life. Our goal isn’t to convince you to buy new gear, but to help you ﬁnd what you truly need. Ideally, of the 340 products here, you’ll ﬁnd one to adventure with for years to come. —Ariella Gintzler ( @abgintzler)

C O U R T E SY O F H AY D E N C A R P E N T E R

BETWEEN THE LINES

C LO C K W I S E F R O M TO P L E F T: C O U R T E SY O F J E S S I C A H AY DA H L ; E VA N G R E E N ; W I L L TAY LO R ; 7 M E S H ; A L E X T E M B L A D O R

Meet the Testers

Jen Ripple, WOMEN’S FISHING KIT (PAGE 25) Our women’s ﬁshing gear test was fruitful in more ways than one. Over the course of a month on Tennessee’s Caney Fork and Kentucky’s Cumberland River, Ripple caught ten rainbow trout, six brown trout, and three walleye—and tried out more than 40 new products.

Evan Green, CAMP KITCHEN (PAGE 60)

Alex Temblador, WOMEN’S TRAVEL

Will Taylor, BIKE COMMUTE (PAGE 96)

KIT (PAGE 78) A 10-day road trip through southern Texas was the perfect way for Alex Temblador to suss out the best new travel clothing and accessories for women. Those that made the cut held up to days of hiking, sightseeing, and driving in temps that reached up to 90 degrees.

Testing bike-commuting goods was a family affair for Outside’s gear director. Will Taylor and his wife, Thea, took turns pedaling seven e-bikes with daughter Everette in tow—most often to school and to socially-distant park picnics. “‘Bike” was a really early word for her,” Taylor says.

To put the newest camp-cooking gear to the test, Green spent ten nights under the stars, from desert climbing trips to mountain-biking escapades in the Rockies. His go-to meals: burgers on the grill and anything that can be made in one pot. “I like to do chili or pasta,” he says.

Every pair of Oboz footwear is crafted to comfortably take you as far as you need to go. The way we see it, anything less just wouldn’t be true to the trail.

Find The Sweet Spot Identifying the most budget-friendly gear is easy; so is ﬁnding the fanciest, techiest, most expensive gear. What’s hard is ﬁnding the items that sit in the middle, offering top-level quality at a mid-range price, without adding cost for extra features you don’t necessarily need. Throughout this issue, you’ll see a Killer Value logo next to certain products. These are the pieces that offer an ideal balance of price and performance.

Killer Value! 13

STA N D - U P PA D D L E B OA R D S

N O.

GEAR OF THE

YEAR 2021

Fresh Air Inﬂatable SUPs are getting even better BY JOE CARBERRY

Badfish 10'6" Flyweight $1,199 Inflatable SUPs have become increasingly popular over the past few years because they’re good for so many different kinds of paddling—lake, ocean, surf, whitewater—and are easy to transport, store, and use. But they’ve often lacked rigidity and thus sacrificed performance. Brands are finally addressing that issue. From more advanced materials to smarter fin placement, companies are making changes that translate to better inflatables. This year, none have done it better than Badfish. The Salida, Colorado, brand has strong river DNA, via its roots along the Arkansas River, and has long manufactured solid surf-inspired performance paddling boards. The brand hit paydirt with the Flyweight, which can truly do it all. The star is a new technology that reduces excess PVC along the drop stitching, which creates a lighter, more streamlined craft. Grandmas can easily get this svelte 30-inch board in the lake, while the younger set can use it for easy river running, racing, flatwater paddling, and more. We’d love a single fin box for a longer touring skeg (like Badfish’s new race-inspired 12'6" iShape), but the thruster setup works for shallows and mellow surfing with the smaller fins, giving it a versatile feel. It’s a sleek, all-around ride worthy of your hard-earned coin.

O U TS I D E B U Y E R ’ S G U I D E 2 0 2 1 | F LOAT

P H OTO G R A P H B Y

Inga Hendrickson

Visit our website

American Assembled Ocean-Ready Watches Starting at $199

STA N D - U P PA D D L E B OA R D S

a. SIC Maui Tao Tour Air Glide 12'6" $750 SIC Maui has long been a stalwart of open-ocean SUP design, thanks to the brand’s background in downwind paddling (surfing wind swell with long boards). The Tao Tour Air Glide stays true to that origin while adding versatility. It offers top-notch downwind performance with rocker in the nose, so you can take advantage of wind bump on the lake. Meanwhile, a durable drop stitch and a system of PVC-reinforced rails and stringers lend a stiffness almost similar to a solid epoxy or polyurethane board. Still, that pronounced rocker, combined with a stable feel, 30-inch width, and plenty of tie-downs, means recreational paddlers can use it for touring, overnighting, fitness paddling, or surfing the occasional small swell. If you’re looking for a performance-oriented inflatable the whole family can still use, the Tao Tour Air Glide is it.

b. Red Paddle Co. 12'6" Voyager Twin Fin $1,649 When it comes to stable boards for touring, fishing, and flatwater paddling, the Voyager is one of the best. Like all of Red Paddle’s inflatables, it comes with two rail-stiffening rods that you insert before blowing it up, which increase rigidity. This year it gets even better. Designers swapped in a new V-shaped hull that displaces water and helps the board track much better than its predecessors, lending a sleek, speedy, canoe-like feel. A new twin-fin setup, which includes two large fins, improves glide and adds another layer of stability for the uninitiated. At 32 inches, the Voyager was the widest board in our test. This translates to plenty of cargo space, with bungee tie-downs to lock in your gear. It’s a perfect rig for overnighting, lake-island hopping, or even the occasional booze cruise.

O U TS I D E B U Y E R ’ S G U I D E 2 0 2 1 | F LOAT

Follow fun all summer long. A new weekend. A new adventure. Cruise into the Sea-Doo Life and explore new shores in your backyard. We’re ready when you are. Visit Sea-Doo.com © 2021 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, TM and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its afﬁliates. In the U.S.A., products are distributed by BRP US Inc. Carefully read the operator’s guide and safety instructions. Observe applicable laws and regulations. Always wear appropriate protective clothing, including a personal ﬂotation device and wetsuit bottoms. Riding, alcohol and drugs don’t mix. See your authorized BRP dealer for details.

B OATS

Know When WR )ROG ·(P Stowable craft that can handle whatever the water deals you BY JOE JACKSON Sales of relatively cheap, easy-to-store inflatable boats have blown up (pun intended) in recent years. At long last, that demand has begun to fuel innovations that significantly improve both performance and ease of use while keeping price points low. This year, folding-boat disruptor Oru Kayaks answered the call for accessibility and made its entire line significantly easier to assemble and more water capable. Beefier clipping buckles and a tension strap over the deck give the updated Beach LT ($1,199) some welcome rigidity. This increased tension helps the hull maintain its shape, so the boat tracks better in flatwater. Sturdier footplates enabled testers to really lean into wide turns and crank tight ones with confidence. Getting your craft from the car to the water can be a struggle. Boats featuring Hobie’s industry-defining MirageDrive system are always remarkably efficient and a breeze to navigate, but previous models were bulky and difficult to transport. That’s why the Hobie Mirage iTrek 9 Ultralight ($2,199) blew even the saltiest old testers’ minds. It weighs just 37 pounds with its drivetrain and accessories (20 pounds without) but still offers top-notch performance. The beloved drive system is just as efficient as those on Hobie’s hard-shelled offerings. The strong PVC build is so light that one tester lugged it for three blocks before feeling any fatigue. Meanwhile, rigid pontoons (inflatable up to ten psi) and surfboard-like geometry made this craft extremely playful at full speed, even in choppy lake waters. Those who want one watercraft for both flatwater family paddles and mellow whitewater should look no further than the Star Rival ($945), which looks like a SUP with a seat but paddles like an inflatable kayak. We found that its extremely rigid drop-stitched hull had just the right amount of rocker to effortlessly navigate small rapids. That sturdy hull, coupled with rigid pontoons, makes standing up in flats and slow-moving water easy—and provided a stable play space for a water-savvy toddler. Two spacious bungee tie-down zones and a whopping 64 gear loops at the bow and stern allowed us to secure a full load of fishing gear and a soft cooler for a serious lunch break.

O U TS I D E B U Y E R ’ S G U I D E 2 0 2 1 | F LOAT

WAT E R S H O E S

Flutter Kicks Splash and wade with abandon BY JILL K. ROBINSON

a. Astral TR1 Loop $125 For hikes with lots of stream crossings, protect your feet with this full-coverage shoe. The recycled-polyester mesh upper cradles the foot and dries quickly. It’ll pass for a casual sneaker when you head into town, but the ﬁve-millimeter lugged tread is hardcore enough to handle any adventure.

b. Teva Hurricane Verge $80 The Verge pairs a robust and rugged EVA foam footbed with an adjustable cross-strap upper to keep your foot locked in. The polyester webbing is lined with lightweight padded mesh to dry fast and prevent chaﬁng. Our favorite part: unclip the buckle to free your feet without undoing the ﬁt.

c. Ecco X-Trinsic $100 This is a performance sport sandal you won’t want to take off after the expedition is over. Its shock-absorbent footbed is supportive and prevents fatigue for all-day wear. The rubber outsole grips even on slippery rocks, and the three adjustable, quick-fastening Velcro straps make the ﬁt fully customizable.

d. Body Glove Dynamo Vortex $60

The Dynamo looks like an athletic river sandal but has the protection of a water shoe, yielding a comfy hybrid that will stay secure through ocean waves and river rapids. The footbed drainage system and stretchy mesh upper shed water, and the ultra-grippy rubber outsole keeps you on your feet. Two adjustable straps cinch easily when wet.

e. Keen Terradora II Strappy $110 Don’t be fooled by its casual look: this sandal is based on Keen’s popular women-speciﬁc Terradora hiking boot, with an all-terrain rubber outsole and multidirectional lugs. This strappy number is best for those who want the wind on their toes, even on technical terrain. (Men: check out the Targhee Open Toe sandals.)

f. OluKai Moku Pae $120

Don’t want to choose between a sneaker and a slide? OluKai’s signature foldable heel gives you both. The Moku Pae’s minimally lined upper and mesh tongue are designed for breezy sockless wear. Meanwhile, the dual-density anatomical foam footbed has a gel insert for maximum cushion, and the wet-grip rubber outsole provides stability on deck.

O U TS I D E B U Y E R ’ S G U I D E 2 0 2 1 | F LOAT

W W W. R A I N B O W S A N D A L S . C O M

Designed by Gerry Lopez, pipeline master and yogi guru, the Holoholo features our signature Rainbow® single layer arch support, a dynamic density rubber top sole, a serrated molded bottom, and a PU leather outer strap with a neoprene lining for instant comfort. Their truncated domes (US. Pat. No. D794,922) stimulate the nerve endings, energy channels, and pressure points that start and end in your feet and toes. Wearing them is like getting a personal foot massage.The Holoholo reminds us to always live with Aloha.

HOLOHOLO TO GO OUT AND HAVE A GOOD TIME

S U R F B OA R D S

Gone Fishing This hybrid twin fin will change how you hunt for waves BY ZANDER MORTON For a few years prior to 1980, twin fins were the gold standard for performance surfing. But they were left behind for progressive and competitive surfing when the threefin thruster—which generally offers greater control—debuted that year. There have since been many modern iterations of the twin. But when freesurfer Parker Coffin asked boardmaker Channel Islands to meld two of his favorite designs from the brand, something magical happened. “The FishBeard is all I want to ride,” Coffin says. “Frontside, backside, small waves, big waves, reef breaks, beach break. It makes every other board not as fun.” I tested a stock FishBeard $720 (5'6" by 19" by 2 5/16") in San Diego and quickly fell in love. The thinner width above the front foot (compared with a traditional twin’s) allows for precision surfing, while the absence of a third fin creates more speed. And because the proprietary keel fins have more splay (outward angle) and less surface area than traditional offerings, the board holds better on rail. In bowly three-foot surf, it allowed testers to push off the bottom and vertically into the lip without sliding out, a rarity on other twins. At a local winter slab, we had no issue swinging late and taking off under the lip. Testers made a few tubes and didn’t skip out once. Ride the FishBeard longer and narrower than a traditional twin and just a couple of inches shorter than your shortboard. It’s a hybrid of the two, but you might find it replaces both.

O U TS I D E B U Y E R ’ S G U I D E 2 0 2 1 | F LOAT

MEN’S FISHING

Live Streaming

Your ticket to trout-ﬁlled waters

BY GREG THOMAS AND JEN RIPPLE

b. a. Howler Brothers Shoalwater tech pants $99 With articulated knees, a gusseted crotch, cinchable ankles, and seven pockets, these pants are armor for long, brushy walks.

b. Simms Flyweight Stockingfoot waders $550 Stretchy Gore-Tex in the crotch and upper thighs makes the Flyweight perfect for hiking into untouched waters. A 5.11 hex grid on the chest integrates with accessories like mounts for bottles ($30) and ﬂy pods ($80).

c. Greys GR80 9-Foot 5-Weight Streamflex fly rod $376 High-modulus graphite rods under $500 are rare. This versatile nine-footer boasts a five-weight line and medium-fast action.

d. Airflo Superflo Universal Taper fly line $100

Killer Value!

d. e. f. g.

This taper excels on small to medium waters and even launches big drys. A polyurethane coating, thin running line, and low-stretch core let you reach bankside sippers easily.

e. Ross Colorado reel $335 Ross’s classic click-and-pawl reel got better. A semi-caged body boosts strength, while bushings made of internally lubricated thermoplastic (instead of brass) are more durable and easier to maintain. f. Columbia PFG Zero Rules Ice Longsleeve shirt $60 The UPF 50 PFG uses a unique polymer that rapidly absorbs moisture, which makes its fabric feel cool next to skin.

g. Korkers River Ops wading boots $260 and up The River Ops is ready for your worst, with a polyurethane exoskeleton, a TPU heel counter, and protected stitching, plus lockdown laces and interchangeable felt and studded Vibram soles.

h. Umpqua ZS2 Ledges 650 waist pack $130 The 650’s main compartment ﬁts several ﬂy boxes, while six small pockets, a net slot, and a hemostat sheath stow other tools.

i. Costa Tailwalker sunglasses $269 The Tailwater’s lenses cut glare, so you can spot ﬁsh that others miss.

O U TS I D E B U Y E R ’ S G U I D E 2 0 2 1 | F LOAT

P H OTO G R A P H S B Y

Inga Hendrickson

WO M E N ’S F I S H I N G

a. Odlo Kumano Check Short Sleeve shirt $70 This expertly tailored top (also available in longsleeve for $75) feels more like a hug than a shirt. It’s made from a dense yet soft UPF 30 polyester-elastane blend and infused with silver ions to ﬁght odor.

b. Fishpond Upstream Tech vest $200 The Upstream is perfect for those who don’t want to leave anything behind. It boasts 14 pockets, including two up front that ﬁt ﬂy boxes, plus a slot in the back for a net and an abundance of spots to hang tools.

c. Smith Era sunglasses $99 and up The Era’s crisp optics make each trout pop, even in deep cover. Better still: the soft rubber nose pieces don’t get stuck in long hair when they’re on top of your head.

d. Rising Travel net $240 Not only does this net collapse for easy transport, but its handle converts to different conﬁgurations for handheld, wading, and boat use. It also doubles as a ﬂask.

e. Columbia Women’s PFG Tidal II pants $55 No-fuss design at its ﬁnest. These light, stretchy pants have tailored legs and wide elastic cuffs that stay in place under your gear. Water-repellent and UPF 50 treatments are handy when the waders come off.

f. Patagonia W’s Swiftcurrent waders $499

Trout live in cold water, so waders are key even in midsummer. The breathable Swiftcurrent converts from chest to waist height for scorching days, while a buckle-operated drop seat makes bathroom trips easy.

Killer Value!

g. Buff Sun Bucket Hat $35 Buff made the classic grandpa ﬁshing hat our favorite all over again, with a wide brim that’s protective yet unobtrusive. A toggle in back yields a snug ﬁt even on small heads.

h. Scott Centric Fly rod $895 Whether you favor dry flies or streamers, this rod does it all. It has a fast action, a powerful butt to fight big fish, and flex at the heart for turning over articulated patterns with ease. i. Cheeky Launch 350 fly reel $239 This reel has a smooth drag with high tolerance, so you can use light tippets for big fish without any slack to break off your catch. At 4.9 ounces, the five-weight is super light, with a large arbor that holds five yards of 20 braid.

F LOAT | O U TS I D E B U Y E R ’S G U I D E 2 0 2 1

WO M E N ’S SW I M W E A R

Tidal Pool This batch is up for adventures big and small BY ABIGAIL WISE AND JOE CARBERRY

a. Roxy Beach Classics Athletic bikini top and Full bikini bottom $40 each With clean lines and bright colors, the Beach Classics lives up to its name. Our testers liked this no-nonsense set best for relaxing poolside, with its simple top, low-rise bottoms, and strappy back that made for minimal tan lines.

b. Patagonia Nanogrip top and bottom $75 each We’ve featured the Nanogrip on these pages before, and it still ranks among the best for athletes who don’t want to compromise on style. Why? It looks like a classic two-piece but is actually a performance bikini in disguise. The magic is a polyester-polyurethane lining that grips your skin when it gets wet, which enables you to tackle waves and beachside jogs in total security.

c. Body Glove Chloe Paddle Suit $139

Killer Value!

Body Glove combined UPF 50 treatment and full-length sleeves with a cheeky cut for stylish sun protection. Even better: the buttery nylon-spandex blend won’t chafe, whether you’re kayaking, canoeing, or SUPing.

d. Nike Essential Scoop Neck midkini and High Waist bottom $52 and $50 This poly-spandex suit is the only two-piece we’ve been able to swim laps in without slipping a nip or mooning onlookers. With sizing that goes up to the equivalent of a DD, even busty testers felt plenty of support. There’s more: the bottom has a key pocket at the small of your back.

e. Prana Marina D-Cup top and Datum shorts $70 and $55 The Marina’s double-layer construction—an underwire top hiding beneath a second band of a recycled nylon blend—gives well endowed women a boost without looking like a bra. Meanwhile, we love the Datum for its sporty, modest cut and wide waistband, perfect for waterfall hikes or playing in the river.

f. September the Line Malibu one-piece $168 This nylon-elastane, UPF 50 one-piece is made to stay put while you surf. A high mesh neckline and full bottom keep your boobs and butt covered, while the cut reveals a little skin around the waistline, so you can look good lounging on the beach.

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M E N ’ S B OA R D S H O R T S

a. a. Outerknown Apex Trunks by Kelly Slater $145 With 11 world titles and a lifetime in the sea, Kelly Slater knows what he wants in a pair of shorts. The Apex remains among our favorites, thanks to its trim, athletic ﬁt. Testers appreciated how quickly the soft recycled polyester dries and how the welded seams add comfort down below. You can also fold the shorts into their back pocket, which has a hardy rubberized zipper.

b. Patagonia Stretch Planing $79 The Planing is a perfect blend of hipster and jock: it’s a whopping 19 inches long, with a ﬁt that’s tight through the legs but still plenty stretchy. Quick-drying recycled polyester and minimal seams make for a comfortable, chafe-free all-day wear, regardless of how you like to play in the water.

b. c. Driftline Drifties $89 Driftline made an old concept look sleek with these boardies, which feature an outer polyester layer over a skintight neoprene lining—like trunks over wetsuit bottoms. The half-millimeter cushioning prevents inner-thigh rash when you’re gripping your surfboard. Testers also found it kept them warm on cool tropical mornings, during July dips on the East Coast, and in the late Southern-California summer.

d. Vans Voyage $65

In a word, the Voyage is sleek. The 18.5inch-long trunks boast a snug ﬁt through the hips and legs, which lends a slim silhouette, and the deep mesh pockets shut with subtle zippers, so they blend into the fabric. We also love the polyester, which is at once durable and soft.

d. e. O’Neill Hyperfreak Hydro $100 Sometimes one small design tweak makes a world of difference. O’Neill uses a svelte rubberized strap in place of a traditional string closure. This means the Hyperfreak Hydro is easier to adjust and to get on and off. Plus, no wet drawcord. A secure waistband and a zippered key pocket round out this pair of trunks.

f. Prana On the Rocks $65 If you like barely-there boardies, Prana’s latest is for you. With its 7.5-inch inseam and slim cut, the On the Rocks ﬁts tighter than others on this list. It’s also minimalist: one back pocket with standard Velcro anchors, and a polyester-spandex material that feels like silk pajamas. Testers loved it for everything from boogie boarding to surﬁng to hiking.

e. f.

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M E E T YO U R M A K E R

Hari Perumal Senior Vice President of Global Supply Chain, Keen When Hari Perumal got recruited out of engineering school to work at a German shoe factory, it was the first time he’d been farther than 100 miles from his hometown of Pondicherry, India. He never intended to make footwear, but he appreciated the engineering principles he had to apply to each step of the manufacturing process. “It was eye-opening to see it all come together,” he says. “I really enjoyed it and found my passion.” Perumal eventually moved to the Bay Area to work at a boot factory during the day and pursue his MBA at night. Today, he supervises product development and innovation for Keen and is always striving to find ways to make its products a sustainable reflection of the company’s values, and his own. —GABRIELA AOUN

Invest in People “Keen makes a third of its product in factories that we own, and we might get that number up to 40 percent. In the U.S., our factory workers get the same benefits that I do, and we try to stay above the wage rate to attract the best talent. Instead of focusing on cheap labor, we find efficiencies so we can hold down our costs.”

Embrace Some Automation “Some jobs are overly repetitive or safer for a robot to do, but we can teach an operator to control three robots and to manage the computer program. Offering training for that kind of value-added work improves employees’ lifestyles and wage rates, and helps them to grow as people.”

Detox “We took the most stringent list of restricted chemicals we could ﬁnd and went one step further. We’re PFC-free. We only work with tanneries that have zero liquid waste

O U TS I D E B U Y E R ’ S G U I D E 2 0 2 1 | F LOAT

discharge. We’ve eliminated pesticides. We’re dramatically reducing the use of solvent-based cements and have a threeyear plan to get rid of cement all together.”

Get Sustainable “You have to start asking questions in everything you do. How do you heat your water? Can you use solar energy? How much waste are you producing? You have to breed that culture throughout the company, but especially in the supply chain. The energy you save can be humongous.”

Pave a Path “The outdoor industry is predominantly white. I ended up in this position because my ﬁrst job out of school was making shoes. Now I travel all over the world. It’s extremely demanding, but I enjoy every bit of it. I want people who are graduating college— especially people of color or of South Asian background—to see that supply-chain management is a great opportunity.”

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J AC K E TS N O.

GEAR OF THE

YEAR 2021

Shelter from the Storm Barriers for whatever the atmosphere dishes out BY KELLY BASTONE AND RYAN STUART

Black Diamond TreeLine Rain Shell $129 Making a cheap waterproof jacket is easy—after all, any trash bag can keep you dry. What’s hard is engineering one that’s also breathable and doesn’t cost more than a month’s groceries. The TreeLine achieves all that at a backpacking-friendly weight. It’s

simply the shell most of us need. The proprietary waterproof membrane and PFC-free Bluesign-approved DWR repelled precipitation just as well as spendier shells. Meanwhile, a sweat-dissipating slit across the upper back and two hand pockets (plus a chest pocket on the men’s version) that double as vents boost airﬂow above most budget options. One tester “barely felt damp after 2,500 feet of uphill.” We also love the ﬁt, which is comfortably trim yet retains enough range of motion for

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testers to freely extend their arms. It even has a helmet-compatible hood. And, the whole thing packs into its own pocket, yielding a ﬁve-by-six-inch parcel. The caveat: Black Diamond used a 2.5-layer construction, which saves dollars but sacriﬁces some waterproof durability. That matters for those who routinely experience extended exposure to torrential rain. For the rest of us—that is, most outdoorists—the TreeLine is brilliant. 10 oz (men’s, pictured) / 9 oz (women’s)

P H OTO G R A P H B Y

Inga Hendrickson

ANY PATH. YOUR WAY.

IN BETWEEN THE CAIRNS, BE YOU. Lighter than ever and equipped with a new chassis and improved grip, this re-designed best seller is now even better at protecting your feet on any terrain without compromising freedom of movement.

NEW XULTRA 4 MID GTX

J AC K E TS

BEST FOR ADVENTURE TRAVEL a. Fjällräven Abisko Lite Trekking $235 Here’s the jacket you need for trips that toggle between city and trail. The fabric, a blend of recycled polyester and cotton treated with a wax-based water repellent, feels more like performance denim than plasticky tech material. That comfort hides under a clean, urban design. But in testing, the Abisko Lite also blocked 40-mile-per-hour wind and rain—surprising storm chops for a non-waterproof shell. Zippered side vents and thin stretch panels under the arms and across the back dump enough heat to avoid clamminess, while a drawcord hem, an adjustable hood, and backpack-compatible pockets round out the hike-ready feature set. Still, at about a pound, it’s light enough to stow in your carry-on luggage. 1.09 lbs (men’s) / 15 oz (women’s, pictured)

BEST FOR PACKING LIGHT b. Patagonia Storm10 $300

BEST FOR SUMMER NIGHTS c. Arc’teryx Atom SL Anorak $209

Even at $300, the Storm10 makes an impressive value proposition: sustainable ultralight construction with a durable three-layer design. For starters, its nylon fabric is 100 percent recycled and sewn in a Fair Trade–certiﬁed factory. Second, and most important, it performs. Our Canadian tester deemed the shell “totally stormproof” after staying dry through sideways rain on Vancouver Island’s west coast. “The hood ﬁt well without blocking visibility, and it kept droplets off my face effectively,” he said. A thin seven-denier liner yields incredible breathability, perfect for strenuous backpacking, climbing, and even running, which is something few three-layer shells can claim. Plus, it’s packable enough to please the gram-obsessed. 8 oz (men’s) / 7 oz (women’s, pictured)

Arc’teryx’s Atom jackets are as much a part of the outdoor uniform as Blundstones and flannel, but they’ve always been a bit too warm for summer. So in 2016, the brand launched the SL, a lightweight version that boasts 40-gram fill instead of 60 (none at all in the hood), with thin, stretchy, fleece side panels that boost breathability. It’s just insulated enough to cut the chill of a 45-degree morning and retains the weather-deflecting, nylon exterior the Atom is so well loved for. This year’s new anorak silhouette weighs less than ten ounces and provides the same technical benefit of its predecessor but with the feel of a pullover sweatshirt and a deep front zip for dumping tons of heat fast. It’s the midlayer we’re taking on every summer camping trip. 8.6 oz (men’s) / 8.1 oz (women’s, pictured)

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H O R I ZO N D R I N K W A R E

C O L L E C T I O N

CAMELBAK.COM/DRINKWARE

J AC K E TS

BEST FOR MIXED CONDITIONS d. Backcountry Mad Creek $110

BEST FOR LONG DOWNPOURS e. Norrøna Falketind Gore-Tex $469

More breathable than a wind shell and lighter than most soft shells, the Mad Creek is just right for moving fast in changing weather. The secret is Pertex Quantum Air fabric, a half-recycled open-weave nylon that’s stretchy, lightweight, highly air permeable, and treated with DWR. Perforated underarm vents bolster the material’s inherent breathability. The result all but blocked an icy wind and kept a tester comfy in steady drizzle in temperatures ranging from 30 to 55 degrees, even when worn over nothing more than a long-sleeve tee. Bonus: the quiet fabric suits trail running, and the hood stows in the collar. The whole thing also packs into its pocket and clips to a climbing harness. 5.5 oz (men’s, pictured) / 5.1 oz (women’s)

In truly wet conditions, be it a choppy boat ride or a three-day trip with four inches of deluge, we reach for the Falketind jacket over all others. The recycled Gore-Tex membrane is bomber, but this shell’s true superiority is its ﬁt. The pockets sit high, out of the way of pack straps, and the cuffs extend halfway down over the backs of the hands, which helps keep your mitts warm and dry. We also love the hip-length cut that sheds water away from the midriff, the extra-high collar, and the adjustable hood. “Cinched up, I had everything but my eyes covered,” noted one tester. The 30-denier fabric perfectly straddles the line between summertime lightness and burly enough for year-round use. 14.5 oz (men’s, pictured) / 13 oz (women’s)

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BEST FOR WET AEROBIC PURSUITS f. The North Face Flight Lightriser Futurelight $300 The Lightriser is made for endurance athletes who get out on the trail no matter the forecast. It starts with the North Face’s electro-spun Futurelight membrane, which we’ve found better than Gore-Tex for breathability and nearly as good for water resistance. “An hour of running in sideways rain and I’m just a little sweaty,” reported an incredulous tester. It’s impressive for a shell that’s just over six ounces, since weight savings often sacriﬁce ventilation. The cut— cropped in front and longer in back—is not ideal for hiking, but we love it for trail running, mountain biking, and ﬁtness paddling. It’s an aerobic junkie’s foul-weather bestie. 7 oz (men’s) / 6.3 oz (women’s, pictured)

Our revolutionary new Telos tent provides unmatched versatility, more space and superior ventilation.

LEARN MORE AT:

seatosummit.com/tents

HUNKER

T E N TS

Room to Spare These shelters make vast wilderness feel like home BY RYAN STUART

Sea to Summit Telos TR2 $499 A rookie rarely wins Gear of the Year, but our favorite tent this season impressed us with fresh ideas. For its first-ever shelter, Sea to Summit focused on space and ventilation. The key is inverted brow poles, which arc upward like bird wings at each end. (Traditional center poles are flat or concave.) It lifts the doors up and out for easier entry and exit while also deflecting rain from the interior and adding elbow room. At 28 square feet, the TR2 is pretty standard for the category, but thanks to the pole design, two large humans can comfortably sit up inside to play cards. It also makes space for huge roof vents that kept the inside nearly condensation-free in conditions that left other tents drippy. These slits, positioned at the shelter’s apex, also help baffle wind to lessen its force on your home away from home. And then there’s versatility. You can pitch the fly on its own for a quick rain cover, or prop it into an open shelter using trekking poles. The fly, body, and poles pack into three separate bags for easy load sharing. At camp, the pole bag clips into the roof to double as a light diffuser, and the other two bags become corner pockets. There are lighter and roomier tents in this category, but none that improve the camp experience like the TR2. 3.7 lbs

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GEAR OF THE

YEAR 2021

H I K E A N D CA M P | O U TS I D E B U Y E R ’ S G U I D E 2 0 2 1

T E N TS

Killer Value!

BEST FOR DOING IT ALL a. REI Half Dome SL 3+ $329

BEST FOR CAR CAMPING b. Marmot Torreya 4P $499

The newest iteration of the Half Dome is more than super light—it’s a bargain. Here’s a tent that easily sleeps three (four in a cuddle), personal gear included, and weighs about two pounds per person. That’s with a removable footprint, four pockets in the corners and two on the ceiling, and all the fixings to anchor in a storm. (It even held steady in a 40-mile-per-hour gale.) Still, set up at a front-country campground, it didn’t look or feel like a backpacking home, with its 50-square-foot interior, 44-inch peak height, close-to-vertical walls, big doors, and vestibules that prop up into sunshades. The all-mesh body and lightweight 40-denier nylon floor and fly limit the SL 3+ to three-season use, but for first-timers and budget-conscious campers alike, this could be your one and only. 5.9 lbs

Sure, a wallet-friendly price and standing room are nice, but when it comes to a base-camp tent’s crucial function—shelter in a storm— we want the Torreya. Oversize webbing straps, dome architecture, and thick aluminum poles secured with a sturdy system of sleeves and clips yield winter-worthy stability. The rig held ﬁrm in a prairie windstorm, and its full-length polyurethane-coated polyester ﬂy shed sheets of rain. “We were comfortable when other tents were imploding,” noted a tester. The inside has eight pockets and is comfortable for four, while two extra poles turn the vestibule door into an awning. At 64 inches, the head height is shorter than many car-camping mansions (a six-foot tester had to stoop to get dressed) and the price is steep. But when the weather turns, none of that will matter. 14.8 lbs

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TRAIL 2650 CAMPO Inspired by the hot, dusty stretches of the Pacific Crest Trail, the Trail 2650 Campo was designed for warm-weather hiking. Breathable materials and superior traction allow you to move confidently through a variety of terrain. DANNER.COM/TRAIL2650CAMPO

HIKING SHOES

Fairy Trails

GEAR

Your foot’s one true love is ﬁnally here

OF THE

YEAR

BY KELLY BASTONE AND JAKOB SCHILLER

2021

The North Face Vectiv Exploris Mid Futurelight $169 Performance advantages have always come with trade-offs. Want stability? You’ll need to sacrifice agility. Need waterproofing? Expect sweatier feet. Trim weight, and you’ll forfeit protection. But the Vectiv Exploris changes that calculus, stacking benefits like stability, traction, and ventilation, all in a single appealingly light mid-height boot. Underfoot, designers paired a high-rebound rockered EVA midsole with a TPU support plate that has sidewalls to cradle the heel and forefoot. The

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result offers both the propulsive feel of a running shoe and the lateral support hikers need on rugged, uneven terrain. Our team barely registered the foot-pummeling rocks of Colorado’s Park Range. “I feel fast,” one tester announced. Another reported that “turning an ankle seems like an impossibility— that’s how stable this boot is.” The design eliminates the need for a rigid cuff. Instead, the Vectiv’s collar is soft and hugs the ankle to keep out debris. Grip is excellent, too: the bottom lugs conform to rough terrain. At the same time, a smooth pad at the back end of the outsole improves the transition from heel to toe. The upper—ultralight, ultratough Cordura ripstop fabric with TPU overlays—stood strong against sharp talus. Even ventilation is standout, thanks to Futurelight, the North Face’s proprietary air-permeable waterproof membrane. It expels vapor before it condenses into water, keeping feet drier than most other boots designed for foul weather. 14.7 oz (men’s, pictured) / 13 oz (women’s)

P H OTO G R A P H B Y

Inga Hendrickson

ELEVATED DOG COT. ANYWHERE.

A super lightweight elevated cot for your furry best friend. The wide base prevents tipping and the sturdy design delivers outstanding comfort for your next adventure. Check it out at Helinox.com

HIKING SHOES

BEST FOR HOT DAYS a. Danner Trail 2650 Campo $140 “As comfy as going barefoot, only cushier,” reported one hiker after wearing this quick-drying breathable shoe through scorching desert and waterlogged marshes. The linerless upper foils clamminess by reducing the number of layers that sweat must push through. (It also sacrifices insulation, making this a dedicated warm-weather tool.) Ultrafine mesh adds ventilation, but it’s shingled to keep out debris, so the shoe won’t fill with grit as many similar low-cut light hikers do. Meanwhile, drainage ports in the light EVA midsole oust water. Stack that system atop a protective TPU plate and a Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole, and you get a stable platform that’s ready for punishing terrain. 11 oz (men’s, pictured) / 9 oz (women’s)

BEST FOR GOING FROM OFFICE TO TRAIL b. Vasque Satoru Trail LT Low $150 Marie Kondo would approve of these shoes. They pull double duty and therefore simplify your life. Bold color-blocked mesh uppers make them stylish enough to wear with jeans to work or dinner, but they also have strong outdoor chops for weekend and after-work adventures. An aggressive hiking-boot-style sole grips rocky terrain, while the TPU mesh upper is breathable enough for peak summer and protective enough for short bushwhacks or scrambles. The EVA midsole and bouncy footbed made of open-cell polyurethane kept our feet happy on outings as long as eight miles. 1.25 lbs (men’s) / 1.06 lbs (women’s, pictured)

c. b.

BEST FOR BACKPACKING c. Lowa Taurus Pro GTX Mid $180 Go ahead, pack the camp chairs and chardonnay. This boot is light but burly, and it’s supportive enough to carry luxury-laden loads into the backcountry. A leather overlay at the ankle joint provides support without stiffening the cuff, which is soft for all-day comfort, while a springy, polyurethane-injected midsole and full-length nylon shank add stability underfoot. Thin nylon in the upper improves breathability beyond many GoreTex models, and the rubber lugs are like Spider-Man’s ﬁngertips on wet and dry trails alike. Optimized lasts for men and women mean the ﬁt is dialed. 1.1 lbs (men’s) / 14.5 oz (women’s, pictured)

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HIKING SHOES

BEST FOR RUNNING AND HIKING d. Tecnica Magma $140

BEST FOR WET HIKES e. Columbia Escape Summit OutDry $150

BEST FOR SUSTAINABILITY f. Oboz Sypes Mid Leather B-Dry $165

Lots of people hike in trail-running shoes because they’re comfortable. But doing so sacriﬁces support, which means your feet can get beat up over time. Enter the Magma, which perfectly bridges that gap. These svelte kicks had us feeling fast and light on our feet. But a meaty outsole, polyurethane shank, and forefoot rock plate offer so much grip, stability, and protection that we weren’t afraid to bash around on challenging trails. It’s perfectly suited for a mellow afternoon hike, but you’ll also be happy taking it Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim across the Grand Canyon or scrambling up one of Colorado’s more technical fourteeners. 11.3 oz (men’s, pictured) / 9.5 oz (women’s)

We’ve long been fans of Columbia’s waterproof technology in jackets, because it keeps precipitation out and moves internal moisture exceptionally well. Turns out it also excels in midcut hiking boots. In hot, wet conditions, the Summit breathed better than anything else in our test. We raced up trails during muggy New Mexico monsoons and were ﬂabbergasted by how well the membrane pulled sweat off our feet, keeping them dry and blister-free. That tech is bolstered by a seamless mesh upper, which airs out fast and ﬁts like a glove around the forefoot and ankle. A wide, well-padded heel boosts stability and cuts down on fatigue. 13 oz (men’s) / 10.7 oz (women’s, pictured)

Oboz makes what we’d call archetypal boots: ones that are comfortable out of the box, capable on a wide variety of terrain, and rugged enough to put up with years of hard abuse. That balance has landed the brand in the Buyer’s Guide before. This year’s offering is just as well made as those we’ve loved before. Even better, it also uses environmentally friendly materials, including a tough reinforcement strip at the heel collar made from repurposed Cordura and a surprisingly supportive insole made largely out of algae. On the trail, it’s comfortably stable and protective, without unnecessary clunk or bulk—perfect for long days on rugged terrain. 16.6 oz (men’s) / 13.8 oz. (women’s, pictured)

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Featuring ‘more space for trail snacks’ technology.

S L E E P I N G B AG S A N D PA D S

GEAR OF THE

Hit Snooze Drifting off under the stars

YEAR 2021

has never been this easy BY STEPHANIE PEARSON AND RYAN STUART

Big Agnes Sidewinder SL 20 $280 and up If there’s one we’ve learned in the past year, it’s that we all need space—for both health and sanity. The 20-degree Sidewinder SL offers it in spades. Unlike a tight mummy, this 650-fill down bag is designed for restless folks who need room to wiggle into the perfect position, including those who like to sleep on their sides. For starters, the zipper—which drives straight up the middle—is sheathed in a protective down baffle, so your face won’t press up against plastic teeth all night, whether you sleep supine or in the fetal position. Traditional mummy design puts most of the fill on the front of the body for maximum core insulation, but Big Agnes distributed the Sidewinder’s down evenly throughout. The brand also added a layer of fully recycled synthetic insulation in the hip area for extra warmth and a bit of padding. Even the shape of the 36-inch square footbox (33 square inches for women) mimics the position of feet on their side. Regardless of your preferred sleeping pose, the bag performs. Both the ripstop-nylon shell and the silky taffeta lining sport a PFC-free water-repellent coating, which kept us dry on a late-summer paddling trip to the Canadian border despite three days of rain. We even stayed toasty when temps dropped into the thirties. A stretchy pillow pocket inside the hood makes for seamless, adjustable comfort all night long. 2.3 lbs (men’s, pictured) / 2.6 lbs (women’s)

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P H OTO G R A P H B Y

Inga Hendrickson

STEP FURTHER

FASTER

Sneakers taken a step further to take you places not made for sneakers. Merrell.com/moabspeed

S L E E P I N G B AG S A N D PA D S

BEST FOR DOING IT ALL Rab Solar 2 Women’s bag $120

BEST FOR BACKPACKING Kelty Cosmic Ultra Down 20 bag $200

The 30-degree Solar 2 hits just the right notes. It’s long enough for a ﬁve-foot-nine tester (rare for a women’s bag), stuffed with synthetic ﬁll made from recycled water bottles, and packs to the size of your stove—all at a killer weight and price. On a wet, near freezing Minnesota night, we stayed comfortable. An internal zippered stash pocket keeps important items close. 2 lbs (women’s)

Kelty took its popular 20-degree Cosmic, changed rectangular bafﬂes to trapezoidal ones (which retain more heat), swapped 550-ﬁll down for 800, and added a taffeta liner. The upgrades shave only a couple ounces, but the comfort boost feels like going from a Motel 6 to the Four Seasons for less than $40 extra. There are lighter backpacking bags in this category, but few that are so plush and affordable. 2.4 lbs (men’s, pictured) / 2.9 lbs (women’s)

Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme Rectangular Unisex pad $199

Nemo Quasar 3D Regular pad $130

An insulated air pad with a 6.2 R-value may seem like overkill for summer, until you’re parked on a slab of cold granite gazing up at the Milky Way. The XT Extreme’s air cells deform independently, allowing the four-inch-thick pad to mold around your body. Warmth comes from layers of synthetic insulation in each cell. Bonus: it inﬂates in about four pumps with the included mechanism. 2.1 lbs

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Bowing is usually a sign that a mattress has seen better days. Not with the Quasar 3D. Its 3.5-inch horizontal baffles start level at the feet, grow subtly concave through the middle, and then level out again, with a raised “pillow” at the head, so testers stayed centered but could switch positions easily. When deflated, the 3D is completely flat. “It packs like a minimalist pad but sleeps like a luxurious one,” noted a tester. 1.4 lbs

HOLY YOLLA BOLLY!

Outside with Pride We’re proud to collaborate with our friends at The Venture Out Project to promote LGBTQ+ awareness, access, and inclusion in the outdoors. Celebrate with us this summer in a cozy and colorful Yolla Bolly 30, the perfect combination of warmth, weight, and comfort. For a few ounces more than a mummy bag, you get semi-rectangular roominess, an oversized foot box, and the temperature regulating comfort of a unique two-layer top. Learn more about the Venture Out Project at ventureoutproject.com

S L E E P I N G BAG S A N D PA D S

BEST ON A BUDGET Backcountry Stoic Groundwork bag $85 We were shocked to learn that this 20-degree synthetic mummy rings up under $100. With a cozy draft collar in the hood to seal out gusts and a DWR-coated 20-denier nylon exterior, the Groundwork was as warm and protective as higherpriced options and only slightly bulkier. It’s a great pick for car camping or even short backcountry jaunts. 3.2 lbs

Ust Freestyle Short pad $90 Despite its sub-four-foot cropped length, which hits anywhere from knee to mid-calf, the Freestyle Short delivers surprising comfort, courtesy of a body-mapped design that puts more cushioning at the hips and shoulders. One tester stuck an empty pack under his feet and a ﬂeece beneath his head and slept none the worse. The whole rig also inﬂates in three swift pumps and packs down smaller than a bike bottle. “It’s just enough pad, especially given the weight savings,” said the tester. 12 oz

Killer Value!

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BEST FOR CAR CAMPING Zenbivy MotoBed bag $299 and up Cranky campers, here is the nighttime setup you’ve been looking for. The MotoBed integrates a sleeping bag, a pad, and a sheet into a bulky but simple roll that sets up and packs down in seconds. The two-layer foam and air mattress smooths out even the roughest tent sites, and it zips together with an insulated quilt to create a roomy cocoon. One tester even claims it’s “cozier than the guest room at my parents’ house.” Now that’s high praise. 8.6 lbs

Klymit Klymaloft pad $150 and up This unique 2.5-inch-thick hybrid combines an air mattress with a plush polyester foam topper for an R-value of 2.1, ideal on 60-degree summer nights. It comes in three generous sizes (regular single, extra-large single, and double). Even the latter packs down to the size of a standard foam roller. Invest in the pump ($25) to save your own hot air. 2.4 lbs and up

PAC K S

GEAR OF THE

YEAR 2021

You Haul Technical bags for going the distance BY ELIZABETH MILLER AND JUSTIN NYBERG

Granite Gear Perimeter 50 $220 The Perimeter was one of the most versatile packs in our test: equal parts big-load mule and gram-counter’s dream, and suited to a huge spectrum of body types. With a quick flick of two buckle latches, you can adjust the shoulder width and torso length to your frame. The pivoting waist belt also expands from 26 to 42 inches on the unisex version and 24 to 40 inches on the women’s version. (You can also opt for a larger belt that goes up to 52 inches.) Granite Gear is one of the few packmakers to deliver such a wide fit range while preserving comfort and capacity. On paper, the Perimeter is a 50-liter pack, but the top-loading, potato-sack-shaped hull simply devours cargo. Partial thanks goes to the frame, which is just curved enough to enhance fit without getting in the way. Compression straps, four stretch-woven pockets, and extendable top and bottom flaps for securing bulky items further broaden its capability. We easily stuffed in 40 pounds of gear, and the lightweight back panel still held its shape. That’s impressive for a pack that weighs almost half of some others in our test. Don’t expect luxuries, like extra cushioning or even a key clip. But if you’re looking for a pack that can fit both Mom and Dad and pivot from through-hiker to family wagon, the Perimeter is hard to beat. 3.1 lbs

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P H OTO G R A P H B Y

Inga Hendrickson

BRING THE

INSIDE COOL TO YOUR OUTSIDE SPACE

THERE IS A PORTACOOL FOR EVERYONE!

PAC KS

BEST FOR HIKING IN THE HEAT a. Gregory Kalmia 50 $260

BEST FOR BACKPACKING ON A BUDGET b. REI Traverse 60 $229

BEST FOR BRINGING THE KITCHEN SINK c. Osprey Aether Plus 60 $340

The Kalmia 50 (and men’s Katmai 55) utilizes the same trampoline-style mesh back panel that helped Gregory’s Deva/Baltoro, nab Gear of the Year honors in 2018. That breezy suspension does push the load a bit farther from your center of gravity, but its form-hugging shape and superior ventilation yield blissful comfort on the trail. This pack combines all of that with a host of niceties, like rugged 210- and 420-denier fabrics, six zippered compartments, a stashable water-bottle hip holster, extendable tongues that pad the waist buckle, and pivoting shoulder straps. Still, the pack somehow weighs in below the magic ﬁve-pound mark that so many other feature-rich models exceed. Polygiene anti-odor treatment quells stink on long trips. 4.7 lbs (men’s) / 4.4 lbs (women’s, pictured)

The Traverse proves that fancy technology is never a substitute for smart design. This dual-compartment utilitarian workhorse may not have the high-tech fabrics or cutting-edge suspension of its competitors, but it excels in what matters most: carrying heavy loads comfortably, without fuss. A deep air channel bisects the back panel, which is made of thick mesh-covered foam and contoured to keep loads close to your spine. That and a meaty waist belt lend stability, which was handy on gear-intensive family outings in Colorado’s Elk Mountains. Still, the Traverse has plenty of extras, like a lid that doubles as a daypack (with padded straps) and forward-leaning water bottle pockets you can actually reach while hiking. 4.4 lbs (men’s, pictured) / 4.3 lbs (women’s)

Meet the everything bagel of backpacks. The new Plus generation of Osprey’s Aether (and women’s Ariel) line is so bedecked with features, pockets, and external storage mechanisms that you need GPS just to navigate them all. With thickly padded straps and a stout suspension system, this multi-day rig easily handled loads over 50 pounds. You can even shorten or lengthen the suspension on the ﬂy, with a drawcord located near your kidneys. At camp, ditch your heavy gear and explore with the breakaway lid, which doubles as a 17-liter summit pack complete with a sternum strap and hydration sleeve. Accordingly, the Plus weighs almost six pounds, but for those who prize comfort under oxen loads, it’s pure decadence. 5.8 lbs (men’s, pictured) / 5.5 lbs (women’s)

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PAC KS

BEST FOR ULTRALIGHT BACKPACKING d. Gossamer Gear G4-20 42 $180

BEST FOR GOING FAR FAST e. Arc’teryx Aerios 30 $190

BEST FOR DAY HIKING f. Patagonia Altvia 22 $119

When it launched over two decades ago, Gossamer Gear’s G4 set a standard for shedding base weight while still fitting a full-size backpacking kit. That tradition continues with the new G4-20, an ultralight bag built with through-hikers in mind. The roll-top closure expands to fit gargantuan loads, then cinches down with side compression straps when you want to minimize your setup for lighter trips. We like the front stretch pouch and asymmetrical side pockets for water bottles and layers; but the left one is deep enough for a rolled tarp or sleeping pad. While the pack is frameless, with a removable closed-cell foam back panel that doubles as a seat pad, we comfortably carried up to 30 pounds. One downside: the unisex design offers little fit adjustability. 1.6 lbs

Whether you’re loading up for a long day out in the mountains or stripping down your gear for a fast-and-light overnighter, the Aerios delivers big on technical details. The body fabric, a ripstop Cordura grid impregnated with liquid-crystal polymer, is supremely durable. In testing, it held up against snagging tree branches and even the occasional squeeze through a sandstone slot canyon. A heat-molded back panel breathes well, even on steep climbs in hot weather. Meanwhile, two zippered shoulder pockets and two padded pouches on the waist belt (one zippered and one stretch) hold on-the-go sundries like energy bars and sunscreen. Stretchy loops on each shoulder keep folded trekking poles at the ready. 2 lbs (men’s) / 1.9 lbs (women’s, pictured)

Our ideal go-to daypack is just technical and featured enough to handle a big mission without needing an instruction manual to operate. The Altvia fits the bill. It’s simple yet covers all the most elemental needs, with a padded waist belt and shoulder straps, included rain cover, and stretch-mesh pockets on either side of the body. Aside from the main compartment, it has just one small zippered pocket that’s big enough to fit a trail map but not so big that you’ll need to mount a search and rescue mission to find your keys. Stretchy compression cords on the back are perfect for quickly stashing a spare jacket, while the main zippered interior area swallows more layers and a sizable lunch. We also love that the polyester-nylon body fabric is entirely recycled. 1.5 lbs

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INSPIRING BOLD FUTURES

Photo: David Montero

INSPIRING BOLD FUTURES

Bringing Outward Bound to Every Student, Everywhere Outward Bound USA is taking bold steps as the leader in outdoor education. Our programs are serving more students everywhere in partnership with communities and public schools from New York City and Baltimore to San Francisco. Outward Bound’s local and regional programs allow young people to explore their personal potential through nature-based experiences in their own neighborhoods. As a result, young people nationwide are cultivating a passion for the lifelong adventure of learning, and discovering greater success in school, work and life.

Learn more at www.outwardbound.org/inspiring-bold-futures @OutwardBoundUSApage

@OutwardBoundUSA

M E N ’S H I K I N G

b. a.

i. g.

h. j.

Walk Away Let the good times stroll BY JAMES EDWARD MILLS AND ABIGAIL BARRONIAN

a. Suunto 7 smartwatch $399 Smaller and more streamlined than previous models, the 7 has everything you need for tracking workouts and navigating. Even without cellular reception, it gives accurate data, including location, elevation, heart rate, and weather.

b. Leki Cross Trail 3

Carbon trekking poles $190 The Trail 3 Carbon’s long cork grips are ergonomically shaped for all-day comfort, and the wrist straps release with the push of a button to free up your hands quickly.

c. Mountain Hardwear Quasar Lite Gore-Tex Active jacket $375 The Quasar Lite weighs just eight ounces and stuffs into its own pocket, but still boasts ultrabreathable waterproof protection, a helmetcompatible hood, and stormproof zippers.

d. Royal Robbins Global Expedition II Long Sleeve shirt $80 This shirt might look business casual, but the rugged recycled-polyester fabric resists stains, wicks moisture efﬁciently, and dries quickly.

e. Deuter Futura Air Trek 50+10L pack $250 This pack’s nylon-mesh back panel and springy steel-wire frame are incredibly ﬂexible and keep the load off your back. The result: unparalleled comfort and stellar ventilation. The detachable lid is great for summit bids.

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f. Helinox Speed stool $80 At just a pound, this perch packs small and deploys easily—perfect for lunch breaks. The aluminum legs and ripstop seat can take a beating.

g. Primus Firestick backpacking stove $90 The steel Firestick ﬁts in your hip pocket, weighs 3.7 ounces, and can simmer soup yet also boils water in minutes.

h. Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX hiking shoes $150 Welded seams make the X Ultra as comfortable as

a sock, but the Gore-Tex liner, deeply lugged soles, and secure speed laces will keep you moving in nature’s worst.

i. Ledlenser H19R Core headlamp $250 Two powerful lights from the H19R form one beam, or you can switch to a single light for camp. The rechargeable battery lasts up to 20 hours.

j. Outdoor Research Balebreaker pants $89 Made from stretchy nylon-spandex, these pants are comfortable and can take a beating. The built-in belt is icing.

WO M E N ’S H I K I N G

a. b.

c. h. j.

e. d. f.

a. Gossamer Gear the DCF One tent $539 This one-person shelter goes up with two trekking poles and weighs under 19 ounces. The ﬂy and interior are attached, simplifying setup. Forty-ﬁve inches of headroom and a vestibule keep you and your gear comfy and dry.

c. Therm-a-Rest Women’s NeoAir Xlite pad $180 The 2.5-inch-thick NeoAir Xlite packs down to the size of a Nalgene and weighs just 12 ounces. It was designed for women, who tend to sleep cooler, with a 5.4 R-value that works year-round.

b. Sea to Summit Cinder CD1 quilt $180

d. Flylow Davis jacket $135

For warm nights, spread out this 17-ounce, 750-ﬁll down quilt, rated to 50 degrees. Straps and snaps secure it to your pad, around your neck, or to another CD1 to make a queen-size blanket.

For blustery ridges and cool mornings, grab this windbreaker. It’s breathable and UPF 50+, so it doubles as a sun hoodie on mild days. The DWR treatment makes it a great oh-shit layer.

e. Hoka One One Torrent 2 shoes $120

g. Lowe Alpine Cholatse 42:47L pack $185

This update to Hoka’s popular trail shoe combines cushion and support with a relatively low-proﬁle sole, offering agility and stability. It’s a fantastic crossover for runs or multi-day treks.

Sized for light multi-day trips, the 47-liter Cholatse has a plush hipbelt, a breathable back panel, and ample pockets. Compression straps make it a great option for summit pushes and day hikes, too.

f. Mammut Runbold Light pants $99 The Runbold Light has a wide elastic waistband that makes it as comfortable as a pair of leggings, but the durable, stretchy, and wonderfully breathable polyamide-elastane blend is up for long treks.

h. Ortovox CoolTec

Fast Upward T-shirt $90 Buttery soft, featherlight, and tough, this merino layer is the ideal summer shirt. The wool-tencel blend keeps you cool in the heat, and the athletic cut is just right—svelte but not too tight.

i. Skida Brim hat $48 Catch some shade under this quick-drying packable flat-brim hat. Skida, a woman-owned brand from Vermont, is known for taking simple items and adding major flair—like this whimsical flower print.

j. Icebreaker Sprite Racerback bra $60 This no-itch wool bra from Icebreaker is best suited to small chests and low-impact activities. It has a narrow racerback, meaning there’s less fabric to sweat through while you’re moving, and it’s quick to dry in camp.

H I K E A N D CA M P | O U TS I D E B U Y E R ’S G U I D E 2 0 2 1

CA M P K I TC H E N

Killer Value!

h. g.

Feast Your Eyes This setup looks as good as it cooks BY EVAN GREEN

a. MSR Guardian Gravity purifier $250 This ten-liter filter removes 99.9 percent of bacteria, protozoa, viruses, sediments, and microplastics via two-stage 0.02-micron hollow-fiber and activated-carbon filters. Just hang it from a tree and you’ll have a liter of water in two minutes.

b. Igloo Reactor 24-Can Backpack cooler $120

d. Stanley Legacy Quadvac TriggerAction mug $25 and up

Soft coolers still reign for portability. Igloo’s ﬁts food and drink for a weekend, and performs as well as pricier models.

The legacy prevents spills with a push-to-sip lid you can use one handed. It also ﬁts in most small camp-chair cup holders

c. Hydro Flask Outdoor Kitchen Collection 1 Quart bowl $25

e. VSSL Java coffee grinder $145

This hefty double-wall insulated steel bowl holds big portions, perfect for after a long day out on the trail. It also comes with a lid (we used it as a cutting board) for storing leftovers.

The Java’s hand-powered burrs produce a wide range of grinds, from French-press coarse to AeroPress ﬁne. f. REI Co-op Camp Prep table $100 Adjustable legs mean the

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Camp Prep stays level even if the ground is not. The steel and aluminum build is stable yet light and easy to haul.

g. Camp Chef 4 Piece carving set $72 Don’t compromise at camp. Both the sevenand ten-inch knives in this set (which includes 16-inch tongs and a carving fork) have balanced blades that handle meat and veggies easily.

h. Yeti Roadie 24 cooler $200 Yeti made its popular

model just over a pound lighter, upped the insulation by 30 percent, and removed the drain plug, which bumps up the volume by 20 percent. The tall cubic shape is even better for packing.

i. Eureka Sprk+ camp stove $55 This stove sets up in seconds, and its 11,500-BTU burner brings a liter of water to a boil in four minutes. More impressive is the precise temperature control that kept our pancakes ﬂuffy and our eggs over easy.

P H OTO G R A P H B Y

Inga Hendrickson

B A S E CA M P

c. a.

Killer Value!

Launch Pad Relax hard so you can adventure harder BY MAREN LARSEN

a. REI + West Elm Outward Rope chair $70

ury. This one is ﬁrm and not crinkly. A tester said it was “the best sleep I’ve ever had camping.” c. The North Face Dolomite One Duo sleeping bag $199

campsite with uni- and omnidirectional settings. For emergencies, it has a red ﬂasher, a hand crank, and a USB port so you can charge your phone.

e. Ledlenser Flex7 power bank $80

This surprisingly comfy folding chair won’t collect dirt, and the handle makes transport easy.

The double-wide Duo bag will keep you and your partner cozy. Two zip-off top pieces customize it to temperature ratings of 50, 30, and 15 degrees.

b. NEMO Roamer Self-Inﬂating double mattress $400

d. GoalZero Lighthouse 600 lantern $70

f. Hults Bruk Agdor 28 felling ax $109

A full-size sleeping pad is the height of camp lux-

This adjustable light can illuminate your whole

We love midsize axes because they’re beefy

P H OTO G R A P H B Y

Inga Hendrickson

You can charge your phone several times over with the water-resistant Flex7. A lighted indicator shows how much juice you have remaining.

enough to split small logs yet nimble enough to make kindling. This one has a high-carbon blade and a hickory handle.

g. Birkenstock Sahara sandals $160 Birks have always been great camp shoes. The Sahara simply adds to that legacy, with a grippier, more robust sole that stands up to short hikes and Velcro straps that are easy to adjust.

h. Ravine card game $28 Adventures build friend-

ships; so do cooperative games. In this one, three to six players work together in the aftermath of a plane crash. The goal is to survive long enough to be rescued.

i. Exped Outer Space III tent $499 Most tents are made to be portable bedrooms. The Outer Space III brings the living room, too. Set up normally, it offers comfortable sleeping and hangout space for three. You can also pitch the ﬂy on its own to create a shelter for six campers.

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GRILLS

Fire in the Belly Cook naturally with these open-flame barbecues BY WILL TAYLOR There’s nothing better than cooking with live flames. Whether you’re searing over high heat or smoking low and slow, hot coals are the most versatile—and fun—fuel for barbecuing. These three options are great for different scenarios, but they all lead to the same place: tasty fire-prepared meals. The Ñuke Delta ($1,999) is inspired by the gaucho grills of Argentina, where cooking over fire is considered an art. The grill itself is handmade there, too. Ignite hardwood or charcoal in the suspended metal basket and

use the included shovel and poker to arrange the coals as they fall through the bottom. Then get cooking on the massive 26-by-21inch grate, raising or lowering it as needed. Bricks line the whole cooking area, efﬁciently radiating heat upward. There’s a hood for covered cooking, a grill plate for pan-like searing, and a warming drawer to keep your food toasty. The Nomad Grill and Smoker ($599) is the most convenient portable we’ve ever used. It closes up like a suitcase for transport, keeping ash, grease, and the grate contained. There’s no need to fuss with separate bags, and you don’t have to worry about spills in the back of your rig. A burly handle with silicone patches makes for easy toting. To set up the Nomad, simply unfold it, load one half

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with coals, and cook on the 212-square-inch grate. If you’re grilling for a big group, slap an additional grate ($119) on the other half. You can also use it as a smoker: just get your coals to the right heat, open the vents, close the lid, and keep an eye on the temperature with the built-in thermometer. Made in America from food-grade stainless steel, the Breeo Outpost 24" standalone grate ($189) is built for years of cooking over an open ﬁre wherever you go. Pound the T-shaped anchor into the ground next to your ﬁre ring, insert the post, slide on the grill, and secure it over the coals. It’s stable enough to simultaneously cook veggies in a cast-iron pan and four steaks on the 24-inch-diameter surface. A soft case helps keep things clean in transit.

S U M M E R H A P PY H O U R

Glass Half Full Essentials for creating the

home patio bar of your dreams BY KELSEY LINDSEY

a. BioLite AlpenGlow 500 lantern $70 Don’t let your hangout set with the sun. BioLite’s new lantern is waterproof, USB rechargeable, and rigged with a variety of lighting modes.

b. Trek Light Gear Positive Vibrations blanket $108 We love the versatility of this handwoven blanket. Take it on a picnic, then use it as a throw for your couch.

c. Wave pitcher $215 This pitcher is handblown by artist Sophie Lou Jacobsen with durable, light borosilicate glass and features a whimsical rippled handle.

d. Strainge Beast Passion Fruit hard kombucha $5 a can Subtly tart with a fruity kick, this gluten-free carbonated brew is easy drinking, despite a 7 percent ABV that rivals a strong IPA.

e. Aprch CBD sparkling water $13 for 4 For those who don’t drink alcohol, CBD beverages are where it’s at. Aprch’s cans have 30 milligrams of broad-spectrum hemp extract.

f. Republic Restoratives Purpose Rye $70 This ﬁve-year-old, 100-proof whiskey is smoother than others twice its age, with both charred and sweet notes.

g. New Belgium Dominga Mimosa Sour Ale $13 for 6 Summer in a can is how we’d describe New Belgium’s latest, thanks to a tart ﬂavor and milky mouthfeel.

h. Iruai Arcana Trinity Lakes Savagnin $32 This subtle, dry white has a mineral ﬁnish and spicy herbal notes that pair well with both fancy cheeses and potato chips.

i. Madre Mezcal $50 Madre’s mezcal, made from Oaxaca’s espadin and cuishe agave varieties, has ﬂoral notes and a smoky proﬁle.

P H OTO G R A P H B Y

Inga Hendrickson

H I K E A N D CA M P | O U TS I D E B U Y E R ’S G U I D E 2 0 2 1

K N I V E S A N D M U LT I TO O L S

Killer Value!

On Point The carvers and gadgets for every task that needs cutting

two inches long and ﬁts on a key chain. Ceramic roller bearings and a ﬂipper create a smooth, one-handed opening action.

e. Zippo SureFire $20

BY MAREN LARSEN

a. James Brand Hells Canyon $295 Weighing just under four ounces, the Hells Canyon is a backcountry foodie’s dream. The 5.4-inch chef-style blade is an ideal length for camp-kitchen tasks, and holds an edge ﬂawlessly courtesy of premium steel that resists corrosion. It’s also tough as nails.

b. WESN Microblade 2.0 $70 f.

Don’t be fooled by its size: this 1.5-incher is constructed from high-carbon tool-grade steel that’s up for any chore, from opening packaging to cutting paracord and guylines. Closed, it’s just over

and durability aside, it also looks good, with stylish blue highlights on the thumb stud and lanyard hole.

c. CRKT Biwa $50 At 1.6 ounces, the Biwa is the lightest hunting and angling knife we’ve seen, but it still holds up to tougher jobs like cleaning ﬁsh. The threeinch full-tang blade resists corrosion, and the slim G10 ﬁberglass-laminate handle is maneuverable for paring.

The SureFire has everything you need to start a blaze in one neat package. A saw cuts small branches for kindling, a tinder grater and fire paracord create fuel, and a flint wheel sets the spark. A penknife, a flathead screwdriver, and a bottle opener round out this multitool.

d. Benchmade 535-3 Bugout $300

f. CRKT Bona Fide $125

Benchmade keeps upping the ante on ultralight everyday carry. The newest addition to the brand’s popular Bugout line has a 3.2-inch drop-point blade made of wear-resistant steel and a carbon-ﬁber handle, which brings the 535-3 in at just over two ounces. Tech

Life’s full of adventure.

The newly updated Bona Fide makes cleaning and disassembling even easier than before—just slide the button on the handle to separate the knife into three pieces. During all our tests it never came apart accidentally, and the supremely smooth bearing system made it an absolute joy to use.

WHERE ARE YOU HEADING?

KIDS’ GEAR

Killer Value!

Time Out

b. Sunday Afternoons Kids Wheelie hat $24

Keep family adventures tantrum-free

Sharp looks and comfort—it has a soft top and back—made the Wheelie stand out in our test. But this lid took the win because when it wasn’t on our child’s head, it stuffed easily in a shorts pocket.

BY JOE JACKSON

a. Helly Hansen Kids Bergen rain kit $80 The Bergen was our secret weapon during multi-day Oregon showers. It’s waterproof and boasts a remarkably athletic cut, while adjustable suspenders and stretchy stirrup loops make for a snug ﬁt. One tester braved a puddly skate park with a scooter for a whole rainy hour and came home dry.

c. Polar Kids Insulated water bottle $10 Well-insulated water vessels are often too heavy for little hikers to haul. This one weighs just 3.6 ounces (it won’t weigh down your kiddo) and keeps water cool all day, even in full sun.

d. Patagonia Baby Standup Shortalls one-piece $55 This practical play suit is made from the same materials as Patagonia’s workwear line, so it lasts long enough to hand down to the cousins. It stood up to hundreds of slide runs and dozens of spills. And, thanks to secure suspenders, it didn’t budge during even the wildest games of tag.

e. Manda Sun Paste sunscreen $28 Most of the ingredients in this paste, like foodgrade organic coconut oil, cinnamon powder, and

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cacao, could be found in Gwyneth Paltrow’s pantry. In practice, this meant we applied it to irritation-prone one-year-old skin without any reaction. We also found that the mudlike substance protected little cheeks four to ﬁve times longer than other sunscreens in wet conditions.

f. Bogs Kicker Strap Dragonﬂy shoes $45 With its stretchy neoprene upper and small hands-friendly Velcro tightener, the Kicker Strap Dragonﬂy was easy for our toddler tester to slip on and off by herself.

Once secured, the shoe was comfy and sturdy enough for a multi-mile trek and playground rock-wall expedition. Best of all, it’s machine washable.

g. Fjällräven Kanken Art Mini pack $85 We love the Kanken Art Mini for the same reasons we’re obsessed with its full-size parent. Its squat, square shape swallowed an entire change of clothing, a water bottle, and a snack, but it was sleek enough for our threeyear-old tester to wear on full-day excursions without complaining.

GARDENING

b. c.

d. a.

j. e.

g. i. h.

Can You Dig It Tools to give anyone a green thumb BY BLAIR BRAVERMAN

a. Foxgloves Gardening Gloves-Grip $27 These form-ﬁtting nylon gloves are soft and light, with silicone dots on the palms for a secure grip. The snug extended cuffs protect your wrists from thorns and scratches and won’t gap open.

to armor against prickers but ﬂexible enough for crouching and bending all day long.

c. Stream2Sea Sun+Sting soothing gel $4 Between poison ivy and UV rays, summer isn’t always the happiest time for human skin. This gel combines aloe with wakame seaweed, green tea extract, and other natural ingredients to help calm and nourish.

b. Jungmaven Campy pants $198

d. Mountain Hardwear Sunshadow hoodie $80

The comfy Campy is made of a hemp-cotton twill that’s thick enough

The Sunshadow offers breezy protection with stretch-woven antimi-

crobial fabric and a cut built for mobility. (Hello, armpit gussets.) A generous zip pocket in front is handy for holding your gloves or phone.

stretch-polyester fabric boasts UPF 40-plus sun blocking and an odorless insect repellent that lasts up to 70 washes.

g. Muck Outscape Low sneakers $100

e. Merrell Hydro mocs $50 This clog has it all: arch support, a heel strap, and a grippy sole. The foamlike plastic helps on wet, slippery ground, and you can hose it off when you’re done.

f. Buff UV Insect Shield sleeves $27 Tuck these lightweight arm covers in your pocket and you’ll have protection at a moment’s notice. The silky

Muck’s pull-on neoprene Outscape has a breathable lining, a memory-foam footbed, and a nylon stability shank—perfect for days when you want more protection than clogs but less coverage than boots.

h. Dramm watering can from $12 Dramm made its can out of thick injection-molded plastic, with a comfortable handle and a

long spout for reduced spilling when watering hard-to-reach plants.

i. Hemlock Goods bandana $14 Even classics deserve an upgrade. Hemlock Goods’ screen-printed bandanas showcase gorgeous hand-drawn patterns on 100 percent cotton.

j. Nisaku Full Tang Hori Hori knife $30 Trowel-like digging knives are beloved by gardeners for weeding, digging, and even cutting small branches and roots. Nisaku’s has a full tang for stability and a stainless-steel blade that holds an edge nicely.

H I K E A N D CA M P | O U TS I D E B U Y E R ’S G U I D E 2 0 2 1

DOG GEAR

)XU $ÀHOG Equip your best friend for camping out BY LUKE WHELAN

a. Lifekey Fetch tag $25 Fetch lets passersby pull up a lost dog’s contact info and health data by scanning this tag with the Tap phone app. Worried owners will get an instant notiﬁcation with their pup’s GPS location.

b. Ruffwear Switchbak harness $60

d. Klymit travel dog bowl $15

f. Helinox dog cot $150

The Switchbak’s sleek, low-proﬁle pockets have just enough room for the essentials—a bowl, some food, and poop bags.

This collapsible nylon bowl was the lightest we tested, and also the best designed. It’s ﬂexible, it’s stable, and it folds down to ﬁt into a pant pocket.

c. Atlas Pet Company Lifetime leash $58 After getting chewed, dragged, and tugged, this climbing-rope leash showed no sign of wear. The stainless-steel clip is easy to use with one hand and is extremely secure.

e. Nite Ize NiteDog Rechargeable LED collar $25 Keep track of your fur baby at your campsite with this light-up collar. It’s waterresistant and lasts just over six hours on a charge.

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With an elevated mesh base, this cot is perfect for all seasons. It’s quick to assemble and has wide feet to prevent mishaps when getting on and off.

g. Vapur EZ Lick foldable dog bottle $20 Similar to a hamster bottle, this 23.7-ounce water vessel has an ingenious cap that drips water slowly as your dog licks it, dispensing only what Buddy wants and nothing more.

h. Hurtta Outback Dreamer Eco sleeping bag $115 and up Keep your pup warm with this waterproof sleeping bag, which has a foil-lined polyester interior that reﬂects body heat.

i. Carhartt Canvas and Felt Chew toy $10 It’s simply a block of wool felt covered in duck canvas, but this was the only toy we tested that withstood months of abuse. It’s great for tug-of-war.

MAKES YOU FORGET THE WEEK.

REMEMBER THE WEEKEND.

Nutrition to help bring out their best.

M E E T YO U R M A K E R

TRAILBLAZER

Gamu Moyo R&D Designer, Fjällräven Gamu Moyo got her passion for fashion and the outdoors from her father, a farmer with a deep appreciation for well-tailored clothing. She was born in Harare, Zimbabwe, and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, in the years just after its emergence from decades of racial apartheid. She grew up embracing the ideals of personal excellence, perseverance, and academic discipline, and cultivated a deﬁned sense of style and an abiding love of the natural world. These values led her to the Parson’s New School of Design in New York City for a degree in ﬁne arts and—no surprise—a career crafting women’s outdoor and active apparel. —JAMES EDWARD MILLS

Strive for Excellence

Applaud the Effort

“My parents raised us to excel and reach for the gold because it was always going to be hard for people who looked like us. And they instilled in us a ﬁerce sense of pride and a belief that no matter what we wanted to do, we could achieve it.”

“Ableism is the main issue I see in the outdoors community. I wish that would dissolve a little bit, because it would help us get more people to just enjoy spending time outside. We really need to do a better job of celebrating people who get to the hill down the street, because that’s a feat in itself. That is being outside.”

Create with Love “I want the women I design for to feel strong and supported. I want them to know they can go farther and see more, because the gear that I’m working on will allow them to.”

Make It Work “Our key challenges when designing for women are ﬁt, feel, and function. Fit is particularly difﬁcult, because women demand more and because body types vary so much. I try to think about complementing things that could live in a woman’s closet already.”

O U TS I D E B U Y E R ’ S G U I D E 2 0 2 1 | H I K E A N D CA M P

Make the Journey “I don’t want to put pressure on people to think that they have to be at the highest level of performance just to enjoy the outdoors. I want them to know that being in nature is also about the experience you get from going out there—feeling independent and empowered, knowing that you’ve accomplished something. Then you can take those core values learned on the trail into living with other people and living in cities as well.”

P H OTO G R A P H B Y

Andreas Sjöberg

l a e R t I ’ n i p Ke e 9 9 9 1 e c n i S

LU G G AG E

N O.

Bag of Tricks With haulers this featured and well designed, you’ll be ready for anything BY KAELYN LYNCH

Wandrd Fernweh Backpacking $349 Hybrid bags are great in theory: they promise to combine the organizational features of a suitcase with the long-distance comfort of a backcountry pack, perfect for hostel hopping around Europe and hoofing it through foreign mountain ranges. But finding one that is truly good at both is a challenge. Enter the Fernweh. This 50-liter pack combines an ultra-cushy heat-molded foam suspension system with brilliant organizational features, like a fabric bucket that zips into the top and acts as a stuff sack for dividing your clothes. You can also pick from two sizes each for the frame, hipbelt, and straps to dial in the fit for your body shape. The result is total comfort under even the heaviest load. Four access points—on top, on the side, a front clamshell opening,

and a zippered back panel—make it easy to ﬁnd what you need when you need it. A waterproof hydration-bladder pocket protects against leaks, while weatherproof zippers and 420-denier nylon fabric keep everything safe inside. Photographers will appreciate the ability to integrate with Wandrd’s full line of camera cubes, which sequester heavy tech equipment at the bottom of the pack while still allowing entry through a side pocket. On a three-day backcountry trip, our tester hauled a DSLR, two lenses, and a tripod. She reported that the Fernweh felt like air compared with similar loads in other packs. Four grab handles, a pass-through for a roller-bag handle, a secret passport pocket, and external cinch straps round out what might just be the most versatile adventure pack ever created.

O U TS I D E B U Y E R ’S G U I D E 2 0 2 1 | T RAV E L

GEAR OF THE

YEAR 2021

P H OTO G R A P H B Y

Inga Hendrickson

BEST CARRY ON a. Dakine Terminal Spinner 40L $220 Dakine may have read our minds when it designed this smooth four-wheel roller, which addresses some of the biggest pain points of carry-on travel. Our favorite feature is the removable sleeve that holds a laptop, a tablet, headphones, and other accessories. When you board, free the sleeve from the Velcro mechanism that keeps it in place and slip it under the seat in front of you for easy in-ﬂight access, then stow the rest of the bag in the overhead compartment. With a host of other niceties, like an internal dirty-clothes or shoe compartment and a molded cup rest beneath the handle to hold your layover coffee, you’ve got all you need for an unrufﬂed experience on your next air trip.

BEST WEEKENDER b. Matador Seg30 Segmented $150 A cross between a backpack, a duffel bag, and a set of packing cubes, the Seg30 will turn even the messiest traveler into an organization master. It’s horizontally divided into a stack of four zippered compartments ranging from four to twelve liters, so you can separate items by use or day. Matador also managed to squeeze in a padded laptop sleeve and an oversize bottom clamshell compartment for bulkier cargo like shoes. Our tester was initially skeptical of the seemingly small 30-liter volume but wound up ﬁtting in everything she needed for a three-day socially distanced road trip, including two pairs of boots and myriad electronics. Waterproof 420-denier fabric and stormproof zippers kept everything protected in bad weather.

BEST DUFFEL c. The North Face Base Camp Voyager 42L $135 The North Face took its beloved Base Camp duffel, shaved off some weight, and improved the layout. The resulting offspring, called the Voyager, retains its progenitor’s signature gear-swallowing capability and now features more backpack-like add-ons, such as a laptop sleeve in the lid and a water-bottle pocket on the outside. There’s also a shoe compartment, internal and external zippered pockets, and an adjustable, removable mesh divider for inside the main body, which helps you stay tidy even if you’ve overpacked. The duffel also sports a new 300-denier tarpaulin polyester fabric coated in PFC-free DWR. The whole thing weighs just 2.2 pounds and packs into its own pocket for easy storage.

T RAV E L | O U TS I D E B U Y E R ’S G U I D E 2 0 2 1

SUNGLASSES

GEAR OF THE

YEAR 2021

Now You See Me Shades that’ll make you, and the scenery, stand out BY MIKE STEERE

Smith Castaway $239 and up When it comes to optics, glass lenses have always beat out synthetic ones. Smith’s new Castaway levels the playing field. These shades are available in both synthetic and glass construction, but even the former produce a visual acuity so eye-popping that we actually thought we were looking through glass the first time we took them out. Luckily, while plastic lenses are easier to scratch, they’re far less prone to shattering, so you get a truly top-notch view even during rough sports like trail running, biking, and climbing. Just remember to swaddle your shades in microfiber pouches to protect those great optics. Smith’s proprietary polarized coating filters out two narrow bands of wavelengths between primary colors, further boosting definition. The lenses curve around to the sides, where wide temple pieces take over to protect from lateral wind and light. Smith markets this frame for fishing, where detail can be the difference between catching a fish or not, but it’s a winner for just about anything—even casual running. Hefty glossy frames, spring hinges, and a detachable leash make them look like a classy redo of the sports-wrap shades your dad wore back in the nineties. They’re not cheap, but the high-quality build and cross-generational vibe will last.

O U TS I D E B U Y E R ’ S G U I D E 2 0 2 1 | T RAV E L

P H OTO G R A P H B Y

Inga Hendrickson

BEST FOR BOOSTING YOUR MOOD a. Zeal Lolo $149

BEST FOR TRIATHLONS b. Rudy Project Spinshield $170

BEST FOR SPORT AND STYLE c. POC Avail $180

The most infectiously cheerful sunnies in this bunch, the Lolo boasts see-through tangerine frames so bright you can practically taste citrus just by looking at it. But these sporty fashion shades offer more than just aesthetics. Zeal’s polarized brown-tinted synthetic lenses make details, depth, and contrast pop, so you’ll get a clear view whether you’re checking out a surf break or a summit vista. Meanwhile, rubber grips at the nose and ears keep everything in place for rec-level play. With its sassy, overstated Wayfarer-style frames, the Lolo looks like what it’s made for, which is pure and simple fun.

Aesthetically, this go-fast beauty hearkens back to road-bike shields from the eighties, which were basically just goggle lenses with temple arms attached on the sides like popsicle sticks—simple and functional, without sci-ﬁ aesthetics. Thankfully, Rudy Project married that purity to a crisp, modern single-blade synthetic lens in color-neutral gray, which is great for road racing. Fiery red ﬂash mirroring reduces glare. But the real headline here is those spectacular looks: maximal where it counts (in coverage) and gracefully minimal everywhere else. The price isn’t bad for such quality and class.

Many stylish street-sport crossover shades only come sized for those with small heads. We’re grateful that the Avail is big enough for the rest of us to get in on the fun, too. Made for weekends ﬁlled with multiple activities, the Avail boasts large round synthetic lenses that are stylish yet provide copious coverage and a host of features perfectly suited to all manner of sports and workouts. This includes feathery plastic frames, rubber-tipped arms, and adjustable nose pieces that grip when you sweat. Lightly tinted lenses with anti-glare mirroring take good care of your eyes in all but the brightest conditions.

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SUNGLASSES

Killer Value!

BEST FOR TRAILS d. Spy+ Dirty Mo Tech $130

BEST FOR DRAWING ATTENTION e. Oakley Deadbolt $316

BEST FOR RIVER DAYS f. Ombraz Dolomite $140

Until sports wraps with neon mirroring make a comeback as acceptable streetwear (if ever), these blue-eyed monsters are just the thing for hitting dirt and rock that might hit back. High-deﬁnition synthetic lenses boost depth perception and enhance contrast, so you can quickly read your line and react to obstacles even as you dart in and out of shade. That optical quality is matched by equally solid coverage, protection, and security, thanks to large lenses that curve slightly around the sides of your face. Wide temples block lateral sun and grippy rubber-clad frames hang on no matter what.

Oakley goes art-gallery hipster in this street-smart fashion piece. The lightweight titanium frame is built like a bench-made watch, with precisely constructed individual segments that screw together. A downward kink in the temples will catch the eyes of passersby even from a distance. The relatively small frames are scant on coverage, making these best for the city. But optics are still tip-top, with deep-gray, mirrored, polarized synthetic lenses that kill glare and reveal amazing detail in noonday sun. These frames ﬂatter all genders but look best on small to average-size heads.

Instead of the usual hinged temple pieces, Ombraz’s shades have an adjustable cord that runs from one side of the frame to the other, around the back of your head. Cinch it down to keep the Dolomite in place on even the rowdiest rapids; in the shade, loosen the cord and let the sunglasses hang around your neck for quick deployment. The mechanism takes two hands to operate, so these won’t be your go-to for driving. But for river days or mellow hikes, they’re the ticket. We also love the detailed glare-free view through the polarized synthetic lenses. Style points for the frame’s sculpted side shielding.

O U TS I D E B U Y E R ’S G U I D E 2 0 2 1 | T RAV E L

WATC H E S

Time to Go

These stylish pieces are ready for adventure BY WILL PALMER

a. Fossil Hybrid Smartwatch HR Latitude Smoke Stainless Steel $215 Few companies have successfully disguised a smartwatch as a stylish analog model. This one tracks your heart rate and workout data, and it connects to your phone notiﬁcations, weather, and more. The matte e-ink display reads clearly in daylight and boosts battery life (two weeks on a charge). With a 50-millimeter body, the Latitude takes up a lot of real estate on your wrist, but it’s a perfect ofﬁce-to-trail companion.

b. Bell and Ross BR V2-92 Military Green $2,990 Bell and Ross has always produced original designs with exceptional quality. The BR V2-92 ﬁeld watch continues that tradition, with 100-meter water resistance and ultraprecise automatic movement. Olive can be a drab color, but here designers made it shine, with oversize pale green numerals at three, six, nine, and twelve o’clock, and matching Super-LumiNova markers that glow after dark, all sitting atop a comfy Nato stretch strap.

c. Vaer Atlantic USA Diver $549 What makes the Atlantic a rare creature? Few 200-meter water-resistant automatic divers are assembled in the states. A sleek design—classic dive-watch bezel, see-through case back, luminous minute markers—put it over the top. We also love the double-domed sapphire crystal, which lends readability from any angle. Those who eschew overbuilt watches will appreciate its downscaled 39-millimeter size.

d. Nixon 5th Element $400 Nixon’s latest combines handsome everyday looks, 100meter water resistance, and Japanese automatic movement at a great price. The 5th Element’s injection-molded stainless-steel case houses a brushed silver dial, which shows nothing but illuminated markers and a subtle date window. Lime-green accents on the hands add pop. But its most distinguishing feature is a hardened-mineral crystal that juts up from the top of the dial, allowing more light in.

e. Seiko Prospex Built for the Ice Diver $900 A wafﬂe-textured face gives the Prospex a distinctive aesthetic, and a magniﬁed date window makes the daily numeral pop. It’s all powered by Seiko’s precise automatic movement and housed in a heavy-duty stainless-steel case that’s water-resistant to 200 meters. We particularly appreciate that the four o’clock crown placement won’t poke your wrist.

f. Hamilton Khaki Aviation Converter GMT Auto $1,445 Adventure travelers, meet your watch. In addition to hours, minutes, and seconds, a fourth hand tracks Greenwich Mean Time using a ring of 24-hour markers on the dial, so you can stay on track even when you switch time zones. The slide rule on the bezel—traditionally used by pilots to measure ﬂight speed and fuel consumption—is handy for things like metric-to-imperial conversions. An antireﬂective, scratchresistant mineral crystal and 100-meter water resistance round it out.

WO M E N ’S T R AV E L

c. e. d. b.

Hit the Road

Make your next trip more comfortable than the last BY ALEX TEMBLADOR AND JOE JACKSON

a. Branwyn Essential bralette $38 Our tester took this bra on an 11-day road trip and had to force herself not to wear it every day. The merino-wool fabric holds its shape and keeps cool.

b. Title Nine Round Trip Wide Leg pants $119 With a simple clip behind the knee, these high-rise

pants go from wide-leg to an eye-catching narrow pleated silhouette. That trick, plus a stretchy recycled-polyester-spandex fabric, means you can go from hiking to a night out.

c. CamelBak MultiBev bottle $50 Two products in one, the MultiBev combines a 22-ounce stainless-steel water bottle with a 16-ounce coffee cup (silicone lid included) that twists off the bottom.

d. Prana Narkanda top $69 This shirt, made from Tencel, modal, and polyester, can be cinched at the waist to ﬁt a range

O U TS I D E B U Y E R ’ S G U I D E 2 0 2 1 | T RAV E L

of body types. Our tester paired it with tights for hiking and a jacket for a nice dinner out.

e. Under Armour Sportsmask $30 With a water-resistant exterior and a structured interior that keeps it away from your mouth, this is the ultimate mask for active pursuits.

f. Caraa Nimbus Medium bag $225 Caraa fans have long asked for a smaller version of the brand’s popular Nimbus Large. The Medium delivers, with 14 compartments that collectively hold up to 23 liters.

g. Stream2Sea Reﬁllable Twist-Up Pocket hand sanitizer $13 Made from 62 percent ethanol sourced from citrus, and with eucalyptus, camphor, and Vitamin E, this moisturizing spray doesn’t leave a sticky feel.

h. Hari Mari Fields Puebla flip-flops $80 You’ll last all day in these flip-flops, thanks to their firm arch support and memory foam-lined straps. The soft, vegetable-tanned leather comes in four colors.

i. Dragon Aria LL sunglasses $129 The Aria’s lenses use color-optimizing tech-

nology for high-deﬁnition vision and reduced eye fatigue. That translates to total comfort on all-day drives.

j. Urbanears Alby earphones $69 We love the Alby for its sweatproof design, 15 hours of charge, and great call quality—and the fact that the buds turn off automatically once placed in the case.

k. Allbirds Wool Cardi sweater $145 Allbirds’ casual wool cardigan layers well and is easy to slip off when on the move. Its merino fabric also stays stink-free for long periods of travel.

P H OTO G R A P H S B Y

Inga Hendrickson

M E N ’ S T R AV E L

b. c.

d. g. b.

Killer Value!

a. Icebreaker Merino Dowlas Short Sleeve crew $90

c. Stanley Stay-Hot Titanium Camp mug $90

We’ve tested a lot of wool short sleeves, but this one stood out for its justright cut—loose but not slouchy—and soft feel. Plus, it mitigated odor enough to go straight from a trail run to an outdoor happy hour.

At only 6.8 ounces, this vessel is light and sturdy enough for backpacking. But its perfectly angled handle, thin lip, and classic shape create such a pleasant drinking experience, you’ll want to use it every day.

b. Eagle Creek Pack-It Mixed Cube Set $65

d. Coal Ergo face mask with ﬁlter pocket $21

Cover all your bases with this set that includes a mesh cube for toiletries, an antimicrobial one for smelly clothes, and one that’s made of burly TPU, so you can safely carry everything from crampons to books.

The right travel face mask needs to be comfortable, reliable, and stylish. Coal’s ticks all of those boxes with ear fasteners that are secure and easy to adjust, a full-coverage, ﬁlter pocket, and tasteful prints like gingham.

e. Filson Tin Cloth Waist Pack $80

g. Aether Drive jacket $425

i. Article One X Ciele sunglasses $275

This utilitarian pack is one of the most versatile accessories you could add to your kit. The large clamshell opening seals with a waterresistant zipper, and the tin-cloth fabric is durable yet stylish enough to dress up.

Aether’s latest is like the love child of a hooded soft-shell vest and a cashmere cardigan. The water-resistant polyester outer and synthetic core insulation handled a drizzly, 40-degree walk. Knit sleeves give it the vibe of a ﬁne sweater.

We only want to travel with one pair of sunnies, so versatility is key. These are as comfortable on long runs as they are in the car, according to one tester who wore them for an adventure-packed weekend bookended by 12-hour drives.

f. Otterbox Fast Charge Qi Wireless Power Bank $40

h. Lululemon Bowline 30-inch Utilitech pants $128

j. Vans Trek slip-on shoes $55

Power banks usually aren’t a product we’re excited to test. That changed when this charger juiced up an iPhone 11 in less than a third of the time of any other model we’ve tried.

With an elastic waist and four-way stretch, these pants are just as comfortable for lounging as they are for strenuous hiking. The tapered ﬁt and dressy look pair nicely with a collared shirt.

These slip-ons are made from 100 percent thermoplastic, but they look more like Vans’ classic skate shoes than cheap sandals. They fully collapse for quick packing, rinse off easily, and still pair well with jeans.

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CA M P E R S A N D T R A I L E R S

Four Seasons

Luxury accommodations all year long, no hotel required BY BRYAN ROGALA Most hard-sided truck campers are too large and ungainly to venture anywhere more rugged than a paved campground loop. Scout Truck Campers has changed the game, with options that fit short-bed Tacomas and Ram 2500’s alike. Instead of wood structural panels, the brand went with fiberglass-fortified high-density polyurethane foam, which is strong and light enough for off-roading, won’t rot, and will protect against the elements all year. Our favorite in its lineup is the 6.9-foot-wide, 1,161-pound

Olympic ($21,750 and up). It sleeps four to six people and comes with amenities like a Goal Zero Yeti 1500X lithium power station, a 175-watt solar panel, LED ceiling lights, a stainless-steel sink, and a 4.9-gallon Lifesaver portable jerrican filter. It’s the perfect four-season rig for truck owners. Another option for pickups: wedge campers that combine a shell and a rooftop tent. We like the versatile Super Pacific Switchback X1 ($9,495 and up), which offers fitments for most trucks. The bottom half functions like a regular topper, with side doors to access gear. Enter the pop-up tent from inside your truck bed through the movable floor panels (or from outside by adding your own ladder). If you like the idea of a small teardrop trailer but want inside standing room, the GoBe Nomad ($21,900 and up) is your

O U TS I D E B U Y E R ’ S G U I D E 2 0 2 1 | T RAV E L

match. Even a Subaru Outback can tow this 1,850-pound ﬁberglass camper. Still, six feet of interior height, sleeping room for two, a sink, underbed storage, and plentiful cabinets make it extremely livable. We also love the off-road tires and 12.5 inches of ground clearance, which allow the Nomad to make light work of even the gnarliest roads. For adventurous families, the latest addition to Airstream’s Basecamp line is close to perfect. Inside the 20x ($48,900) you’ll ﬁnd a kitchen, a full bathroom, and two seating areas that convert to beds. A rear hatch door makes it easy to haul unwieldy gear like kayaks or bikes, while a three-inch lift and rock protection allow you to navigate farther into the backcountry. Opt for the base-model 20 ($45,900) if you want to skip the lift and rock guard.

Switch to GEICO and see how easy it could be to save money on RV insurance. Simply visit geico.com/rv to get started.

geico.com/rv | 1-877-434-2678 | Local Office

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2021 GEICO 21_5507299281

CA M E RA S A N D D R O N E S

Picture This Capture your adventures like never before BY JAKOB SCHILLER

a. DJI Mini 2 $450 Flying a drone and recording beautiful footage at the same time is difﬁcult. The Mini 2 still takes practice to master, but with features like preprogrammed ﬂight modes, you can worry less about maneuvering and more about recording your friends. We also like that DJI upgraded the Mini 2’s hardware to shoot 4K video and RAW images. At 8.8 ounces, the device is light enough that it doesn’t have to be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration. Folded up, it’s about the size of a thin paperback—small enough that it’s easy to throw in your pack and take into the backcountry.

b. iPhone 12 Pro Max $1,099 Pro-level cameras have full-frame sensors that drink in loads of light to create superior image quality. That technology isn’t available in a phone (yet), but with the 12 Pro Max, Apple has gotten much closer. Along with expanding the sensor behind its 26-millimeter lens by an impressive 47 percent, the company improved its stabilization and increased pixel size. The result is noticeably better image quality than past models offered, both during the day and in low light. Paired with Apple’s ProRAW, a new ﬁle format that allows photographers more control when editing, you get detail-packed ﬁles that move the iPhone an important step closer to its pro-camera cousins.

c. GoPro Hero9 Black $450 To test the Hero9 Black, we attached it to the hood of a side-by-side off-road vehicle and rocketed through the desert, sailing over bumpy sections and through sandy washes. The ride itself was jolting. The footage? Polished. That’s thanks to Hyper-

Killer Value!

Smooth 3.0, GoPro’s improved electronic image stabilization system. It doesn’t match what you’d get from a pro-level gimbal, but it’s still damn impressive for an action cam. Other worthy upgrades include 30 percent better battery performance (one charge lasts roughly two hours) and a 1.4-inch front-facing screen to record yourself.

d. Sony Alpha 7C $1,800 If you’re looking to graduate from taking photos with your phone, the Alpha 7C is

O U TS I D E B U Y E R ’ S G U I D E 2 0 2 1 | T RAV E L

the upgrade you should buy. It’s quite compact—in between a point-and-shoot and a DSLR—but its powerful 24-megapixel full-frame sensor produces gorgeous shots that look just as good on your wall as they do on Instagram. Pair it with Sony’s robust group of interchangeable lenses, from a light pancake lens to a high-quality zoom. The battery lasts a surprisingly long time (about two days), and it captures up to ten frames per second, so you’re almost guaranteed to nail the action shot.

M E E T YO U R M A K E R

Epp’s grandmother, Ruby (left), camping

F R O M L E F T: A DA M S T E V E N S / S C O U T; C O U R T E SY O F DAV I D E P P ( 2 )

Epp (center) poses with his parents and brother at the Adventure Manufacturing plant, 1986

CAMP COUNSELOR

Find Your Roots

David Epp

“My grandmother was living in Prince George, British Columbia, in about 1959, and was stripped of her kids as part of the Sixties Scoop [when Indigenous children were put up for adoption without their parents’ consent]. We’ve been able to ﬁnd a couple cousins who shared some images, including one of my grandma in front of a trailer—turns out she liked to camp.”

CEO, SCOUT TRAILERS The Paciﬁc Northwest’s wet climate got David Epp thinking about what rain does to a camp trailer’s longevity. He grew up in British Columbia and now runs a family business there—Adventure Manufacturing—that’s been building RVs for more than 50 years. He wanted to make a truck camper that could withstand the environment and enable people to be self-sufﬁcient. In 2020, Scout Campers was born. The year also brought a personal revelation that changed his approach to business. Epp’s mother, who was adopted as a child, traced her maternal roots to the Papaschase First Nation. “She knew she was Indigenous,” Epp says. “But she knew nothing else about her biological family.” —KELLY BOUTSALIS

Represent “The outdoor industry is Indigenous. Everything about Indigenous culture is based on connectedness with the outdoors. The tie-in there is huge, yet you don’t see Indigenous people in this industry.”

Build for Adventure “Time away is so important. I don’t want that being limited by product quality. So we focused on minimalist designs that are

portable, lightweight, and energy efﬁcient. Scouts are made with many detachable components that you can use not just with our trailers but on other adventures, too.”

Foster Independence “We designed a camper that can go farther, to more remote places, and is less dependent on plug-ins, hookups, and resources. It has a charcoal water-ﬁltration system, so instead of trying to pack in water you can go to a lake or a stream. For the structure of the shell, we wanted something that will stand up to the environment, so we went with wood.”

Pay It Forward “I believe that there are a lot of kids in many Indigenous communities who do not have a lot of opportunity. I grew up privileged. My family has always been involved in business. Knowing that, I feel driven to create more positive inﬂuence and get more involved.”

T R AV E L | O U TS I D E B U Y E R ’S G U I D E 2 0 2 1

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L E A R N M O R E A N D B E CO M E A M E M B E R N O W AT O U TS I D E O N L I N E .C O M /O U TS I D E P L U S

M O U N TA I N B I K E S

Noble Steeds These rigs are royally fun BY JOSH PATTERSON

Evil Offering $7,599 as tested Over the past two seasons, we’ve seen a resurgence of well-rounded mountain bikes with 140 to 160 millimeters of travel. These are the models most mountain-bike riders should consider when shopping for one rig to cover the broadest range of terrain. Evil’s Offering hits the sweet spot, with 140 millimeters of very efficient rear suspension mated to a 150-millimeter fork on 29-inch wheels. It’s a long bike, but its 66.6-degree head angle is not the slackest in the category. That’s a good thing. We’ve found there are limits to how long and slack a trail bike can be before it feels like an under-shocked downhill bike. The best in this category blend frame geometry and suspension to produce an agile yet confidence-inspiring ride. The Offering nails this cocktail. Thanks to that rangy wheelbase, it’s eager to blast through rock gardens, while the moderately slack front end boosts maneuverability and lends an energetic feel on flow trails and jump lines. But the Offering balances that descending prowess with impressive aptitude on climbs. Credit a steep, 77-degree seat-tube angle that shifts the rider’s weight forward to tackle climbs and tight switchbacks with ease. Ultimately our testers appreciated how playful the Offering felt on a wide variety of terrain. Whether we were sending park lines with berms and jumps, or riding natural trails littered with roots and rocks, it was a steadfast companion.

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N O.

GEAR OF THE

YEAR

2021

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BEST LONG-TRAVEL ENDURO Salsa Cassidy $6,399 as reviewed Salsa is best known for its gravel, adventure, and fat bikes. So we were surprised that the brand would launch not one but two new 29-inch mountain bikes: a trail model called the Blackthorn, and an enduro bike (the brand’s ﬁrst) called the Cassidy, which boasts 180 millimeters of front travel and 165 millimeters of rear suspension. Initial skepticism of Salsa’s entry into the crowded enduro category gave way to hoots and hollers of excitement as our testers put the Cassidy through the wringer. It outclassed its competitors in performance, thanks in part to the highly tunable Fox Float X2 shock and ground-hugging Split Pivot suspension system. The long wheelbase and slack 63.8-degree head angle favor high speeds and reward riders with a daredevil attitude. Thoughtful frame features, such as integrated mounts for a repair kit and feedbag, prepare it for daylong missions on rugged terrain. But that’s not all. Riders can swap in a suspension linkage ($150 from Salsa) and fork and shock (choose your own) to transform their backcountry brawler into the Blackthorn trail bike.

BEST SHORT-TRAVEL CROSS-COUNTRY Revel Ranger $7,699 as reviewed Revel’s 29er trail bike, the Rascal, won our Gear of the Year award in 2020. This year, the upstart Colorado company rolled out the Ranger. The modern cross-country rig blends the pedaling efficiency of a thoroughbred race bike with the confident handling we’ve come to expect from the best trail offerings. There are lighter, more purpose-built options in this category, but none in our test had the same poise through rocky terrain or left us as excited (and delightfully exhausted). The Ranger’s suspension is efficient on the climbs, but on trails usually reserved for long-travel bikes it allowed us to push far beyond what we expected out of a rig with just 115 millimeters of rear travel and a 120-millimeter fork. The Ranger is for those who like cross-country suffering with a side of stoke. It’ll be our weapon of choice for grueling stage races.

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BEST HARDTAIL Kona Honzo ESD $2,899 as reviewed Launched in 2012, Kona’s Honzo was one of the first 29-inch hardtails with modern long-and-slack geometry. The new Honzo ESD (Extra Slack, Dude) pushes the envelope with a 150-millimeter suspension fork and a very relaxed 63-degree head angle. The raked-out front end gives this steel hardtail a point-and-shoot demeanor when it comes to riding fast. As a result, unlike most hardtails, the ESD performs best on the same trails you’d ride on a full-suspension bike. Our testers had many different reasons for loving it. Some appreciated the combination of a hardtail’s pedaling efficiency with the fit and ride feel of an enduro rig. Others saw it as the ideal bad-weather bike that won’t start creaking in the suspension pivots. We all enjoyed how it made well-worn trails feel new again. The lack of rear suspension kept us more engaged, alert to upcoming obstacles and attentive to line choice.

BEST E-MOUNTAIN Trek E-Caliber $12,999 as reviewed Most e-mountain bikes fall squarely into the trail category. The E-Caliber is a disruptor. This lightweight, 35-pound ride is built around Trek’s Supercaliber cross-country racing platform (with 120 millimeters of front travel and 60 of suspension at the rear) and adds a bit of motorized assistance. It’s fast and nimble, perfect for cyclists who want speed and efﬁciency without too much excess weight. Unlike most e-bike drivetrains, the Fazua Evation system merges the motor and battery into a single removable unit. It provides a boost of power up to 20 miles per hour but also comes off, so you can pedal unassisted without extra drag and weight. (Ditching the system saves 6.4 pounds.) An included downtube cover turns the space into a cargo pod when you take the electric-drive unit off. As expected, the E-Cal made us feel like the World Cup racers we wish we were, but the real beneﬁt was that we were more willing to ride, rather than drive, to our favorite trails. Logging more miles in the same amount of time is a win in our book.

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R OA D B I K E S

Passing Lane Bike design is evolving so you can go farther and faster BY JOSH PATTERSON

Cervélo Caledonia $4,500 as reviewed Road bikes continue to diverge further from the pro peloton and toward the everyman and -woman. Realistic gearing for recreational riding, wider tires for varied surfaces, and forgiving handling are all becoming the norm. That’s not to say this new strain of road bikes shuns performance—it’s a matter of redeﬁning what performance is. The Caledonia typiﬁes this trend, covering the broadest range of uses in one thoughtfully designed package. Its sleek frame builds on Cervélo’s extensive expertise in aerodynamic tube shaping, with geometry that strikes a balance between the company’s road-racing and gravel bikes. A slacker head angle and longer chainstays than most road bikes’ gives it relaxed handling. It also has clearance for high-volume, 700c x 35-millimeter tires, which lends go-almost-anywhere capability. Though it’s neither a purebred road racer nor a gravel grinder, the Caledonia is suited to almost any ride, from Sunday morning hammerfests to daylong dirt-road adventures. In a time when so many categories have been divided into subgenres, it’s nice to see a bike that can shine in myriad situations. The Caledonia encouraged us to explore new routes and link together pavement and dirt roads that we would have passed up on traditional road bikes. It’s the rig we would choose if we could have only one bike in the garage. That’s the highest compliment we can give.

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GEAR OF THE

YEAR 2021

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R OA D B I K E S

BEST PERFORMANCE ROAD Specialized Aethos $5,500 as reviewed The Aethos is best defined by what it’s not. It’s not a race bike, though its geometry is similar to Specialized’s Tarmac. It’s not an endurance bike, though it’s comfortable enough for long hauls. It is, however, an ultralight bike with striking good looks. The top-end versions dip below the UCI’s minimum weight requirement of 15 pounds. The Expert model we tested is still a flyweight, tipping the scales at just 15.17 pounds, with a more approachable price tag than its top-tier siblings. Even if you’re not a gram counter, you’ll find a lot to like about this bike. For one thing, the classic round tubes and understated paint scheme give it a timeless elegance that’s absent from many modern road bikes, yet it has a phenomenal ride quality to back up those handsome lines. Its carbon frame transmits just the right amount of road feedback without feeling harsh, to keep the rider engaged. It also feels quick during accelerations, and its handling borders on telepathic.

BEST GRAVEL RACER Ridley Kanzo Fast $4,498 as reviewed In the span of a decade, gravel cycling has gone from niche to mainstream. That explosive growth spawned rapid development of tires, drivetrains, and bikes to take riders far beyond the pavement. The category is now so diverse that it includes everything from bikepacking rigs to aerodynamic race bikes. Ridley’s Kanzo Fast falls into the latter category. It is one of a small but growing number of gravel machines designed with wind-cheating performance in mind. The company adapted its Noah Fast aero road bike, tweaking the oval frame tubes, lengthening the fork blades, and borrowing its integrated cockpit. Those features save seconds and watts on shorter rides and can add up to minutes over the course of an endurance event. While efﬁcient, aero frames aren’t known for being the most comfortable. Fortunately, the Kanzo Fast’s 700c x 40-millimeter tires absorb most of the road chatter. It’s precise, agile, and ready to race from the ﬁrst pedal stroke.

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BEST E-ROAD AND GRAVEL Orbea Gain V2 $4,299 as reviewed The original Gain won our Gear of the Year award in 2019. New and improved for 2021, version 2.0 features a more reﬁned motor, connectivity with ANT+ wireless devices, and improved tire clearance. The Gain hardly looks like an e-bike, which is one of the many reasons our testers continue to like it. The hub-mounted motor has a very natural ride feel, with a subtle maximum assistance of 250 watts that cuts off at 20 miles per hour—like a tailwind that follows wherever you go. Our test team also appreciated the Gain’s integrated front and rear LEDs, which we’d like to see come standard on all e-bikes. Tech aside, the latest Gain is also more adventurous. The stock version comes shod in 30-millimeter-wide tires, which are versatile enough to traverse pavement and smooth dirt roads, but the frame ﬁts rubber up to 40 millimeters for dedicated gravel riding.

BEST BUDGET BIKEPACKER State 4130 All-Road

Killer Value!

$800 as reviewed Bikes and backpacking are both expensive on their own. Combining the two can add up quickly. Thankfully, State’s entry into the bikepacking market proves that you don’t have to spend a mountain of cash in your search for two-wheeled adventure. What the 4130 All-Road lacks in high-end tech and whiz-bang componentry it makes up for in utility. The steel frame and fork have mounts for racks, fenders, and cargo carriers for daily commutes and weekend excursions. As a consumer-direct brand, State makes it easy to upgrade the bike with a second set of wheels or a carbon fork, or add on smaller accessories like upgraded pedals, saddle, and bottle cages. We recommend investing in a fast-rolling 700c wheelset for gravel rides and a 650b wheelset with high-volume 27.5-inch mountain-bike tires for more demanding terrain, like singletrack. If you’re torn about which way to roll (or don’t have the dough to do both), our testers felt the latter best suited the bike’s expedition-ready attitude.

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M E N ’ S CYC L I N G

Killer Value!

j. g. h.

Joy Ride Carefree pedaling starts with a great kit BY JOSH PATTERSON AND STEPHANIE PEARSON

a. PNW Loam Dropper seatpost $199 We’ve never tested such a customizable seatpost. Tune the return speed, or tweak travel in ﬁve-millimeter increments. Its stack height lets smaller riders run a longer dropper. Bonus: it’s affordable.

the outside for durability and wicking polyester ones on the inside. It also integrates leg grippers sans seams (no chafing). We barely felt the high-density chamois, even on grueling rides.

c. Shimano S-Phyre SH-RC902 road shoes $425 Shimano’s ﬂagship road shoe is light, breathable, and comfy all day. The carbon soles give optimal power transfer, while new Boa dials enable precise adjustments.

b. Rapha Pro Team Powerweave bibs $375

d. Garmin Varia RTL515 radar $200

Rapha’s stretchy weave positions nylon ﬁbers on

The third generation of this radar tail light

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detects rear-approaching vehicles from more than 150 yards, then warns you about them on your cockpit-mounted device.

valve-core remover, and a valve-cleaning tool to unclog sealant.

e. CamelBak M.U.L.E. Pro 14 pack $150

This tee’s fabric—a blend of modal and elastane—feels like your favorite cotton shirt but with amazing wicking properties.

The M.U.L.E. carries its share for big adventures. The 14-liter pack features an included tool roll, a dedicated slot to carry an e-bike battery, and a new ventilated back panel.

f. Wolf Tooth Components 8-Bit Pack pliers $70 Fix mid-ride mechanicals with this innovative 17-function tool that includes rare implements like master-link pliers, a

g. Velocio Micromodal Trail tee $89

i. Bontrager Rally WaveCel helmet $150 Sure, the Rally is comfortable and easy to adjust. What won us over: the proprietary impact protection system. A wavy polyester polymer structure deforms simultaneously in multiple directions, potentially dissipating force better than EPS foam.

h. Wahoo Elemnt Rival Multisport GPS smartwatch $380

j. Smith Shift Mag sunglasses $259

The Rival tracks segments and automatically detects transitions, for accurate triathlon recording. We appreciate the watch’s simple interface, which is customizable via the Wahoo app.

With its full coverage, the Smith Shift Mag is the only pair of riding shades you need. Large interchangeable lenses offer options for everything from harsh light to dim forests.

WO M E N ’S CYC L I N G

c. a.

Killer Value!

f. j.

i. g.

a. 7Mesh Copilot jacket $250

c. Roka x Machines GP-1 sunglasses $250

The Copilot is an ideal ﬁckle-weather companion. It’s made from recycled nylon, with a wind- and waterproof Gore-Tex membrane, and it scrunches into a palmsize 7.9-ounce bundle.

Even on the sweatiest rides, we forgot we were wearing these wraparound shields, which never slipped or caused hot spots. The dark gray lenses worked well in bright light and in a variety of conditions on both road and trail.

b. Garmin Edge 1030 Plus GPS computer $600 With touchscreen navigation, 24 hours of battery life, and real-time location sharing, the 1030 Plus is an important safety tool, especially on solo rides. Sensors automatically alert your emergency contacts in the event of a crash.

d. Flylow Tia Mountain Bike shorts $100 These 12.25-inch shorts from Flylow are made for big rides. The stretchy, wicking nylon-spandex blend and elastic waistband deliver comfort, while a nearly invisible side pocket stows gels or cards.

e. Hydro Flask 5L Down Shift Hydration hip pack $100 We stashed energy bars, keys, air cartridges, a multitool, an EpiPen, and a rain jacket in the four zip pockets of this expandable hip pack. With a 1.5-liter bladder plus water-bottle sleeves on each side, we never got thirsty.

f. Machines for Freedom Summerweight jersey $168 We like the silky feel of this light UPF 50 jersey. Three pockets in the back, plus a side zip pocket offer plenty of storage. It comes in sizes from XXS to XXXL.

g. POC Oseus VPD knee pads $140

i. Pearl Izumi Gravel X shoes $250

Thanks to a highly ﬂexible pad, the Oseus stays in place and feels like an extension of the knee, even while pedaling rigorously. The foam on the front stiffens on impact, dispersing the blow and protecting your precious joint from damage.

The Gravel X has the stiff, lightweight feel of a road shoe, courtesy of its full-carbon sole and knit upper. But it’s dirt-road tough, with a low TPU band above the mud-shedding sole.

h. Wild Rye Alice chamois $109

Twenty-one vents, sweat-wicking pads, and a ponytail-friendly design make the Rev Pro MIPS ideal for scorching summer spins. One tester crashed during testing, and the MIPS brain protection system helped her walk away concussion-free.

With a wide yoga-style waistband, a buttery Italian chamois, and smart silicone placement to keep the legs from creeping up, the Alice is a good choice for long days in the saddle, with or without shorts on top.

j. Liv Rev Pro MIPS helmet $260

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BIKE COMMUTE

Killer Value! d. b. c.

i. h.

Crush Hour Cycle your way around town with these smart solutions BY WILL TAYLOR

a. Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi seat $230 The Yepp Nexxt Maxi quick-mounting system straps easily to rear racks, so parents can seamlessly swap their kiddo’s seat between rigs. It’s made of a soft but durable foam that wipes clean, and two shoulder straps and a sturdy plastic buckle make it simple to secure your little one for safe transport.

b. Merrell Men’s Burnt Rock Travel shoes $100 Merrell’s no-nonsense, stylish casual shoe can pedal you from the ofﬁce to the trailhead and then provide the stability you need to hike to the summit. It’s stiff enough for good power transfer, and the light upper breathes well on warm days.

c. Hiplok DXF lock $100 The 2.6-pound DXF is one of the lightest Sold Secure Gold–rated U-locks out there. Two beefy plastic clips and a frame bracket make for convenient carrying, and a lifetime warranty ensures it’ll last for years.

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d. Arc’teryx Women’s Phelix pants $99 Transition straight from an ofﬁce chair to a bike saddle wearing the Phelix. A gusseted crotch, articulated knees, and stretch-cotton twill let you move freely. The trim ﬁt and minimalist design keep you looking sharp.

e. Fidlock Twist 590 bottle and base $45 Magnets secure the Twist to a low-proﬁle frame mount, so you can carry your water worry-free. Taking a drink is as easy as rotating the bottle 45 degrees to slide it off. But locked down, the mechanism stayed put, even on rocky trails that sent other bottles ﬂying.

f. Tern GSD G2 bike $5,099 and up A burly rear rack and a carrying capacity of 440 pounds make this e-bike a workhorse. Storage is easy: stand it on end indoors, and fold the handlebars ﬂat to slide it into a trunk. Plus, the carbon belt drive (no lube required) and reliable internally geared drivetrain require little maintenance.

g. Chrome Industries Blckchrm 22x Lako 3-Way tote $105 Testers loved the Lako’s padded laptop sleeve and separate wet-dry compartments. The tough water-resistant shell fends off the elements.

h. Pearl Izumi Men’s Rove Barrier jacket $150 This lightweight polyester-elastane shell offers great mobility in the cycling position and features a stowable neon tail ﬂap for visibility. It cuts the wind, breathes well, and has a DWR treatment, but doesn’t look too techy.

i. Thousand Chapter MIPS helmet $135 Highly protective yet sleek in design, the Chapter MIPS is ideal for style-conscious riders. It comes with a magnetic rear light, and has a hole hidden behind a pop-out logo, so you can lock your helmet with your bike.

P H OTO G R A P H B Y

Inga Hendrickson

M E E T YO U R M A K E R

HEAD MISTRESS

Gloria Hwang, 34 CEO, Thousand Gloria Hwang rode her bike to work every day for years without a helmet. She thought it looked goofy. Then her career mentor died from a head injury sustained in a bike crash—sans helmet. Committed to shifting habits, she merged style and safety in a design that overcame all her reasons for not wanting to wear one. Thousand is the result. —KIM CROSS

Observe “Commuting around Los Angeles, I would count how many riders were wearing helmets. It was only about 10 to 15 percent. For people riding a hundred miles a week, wearing a helmet is standard. For the recreational community, less so.”

Identify Problems “Design isn’t just supposed to be beautiful. It’s supposed to solve problems. For example, people hate carrying helmets around, but they also worry about leaving them behind. So we designed a feature that lets you thread your bike’s U-lock through the helmet.”

Follow Through “If your lid gets stolen when it’s stashed outside with our Pop-Lock

P H OTO G R A P H B Y

Heather Young

system, we’ll replace it. We also have an accident replacement policy. If you’re ever in a crash, we’ll send you a new helmet for free. Since 2016, we’ve replaced 389.”

Embrace Change “I believe there is an authentic desire among people in the bike industry to attract diverse riders. But that requires more than a pipeline or good marketing. It means creating a culture that’s equitable and inclusive, where people feel valued and safe. Women, or the BIPOC and queer communities, might enjoy cycling. But if they always feel like outsiders, they won’t stay.”

Stand Out “As a woman of color in the bike industry, I’d go to a trade show and never see anyone who looked like me. In the beginning, I tried to blend in. Later, though, a mentor told me that my otherness was the reason Thousand was succeeding. I had a different perspective on what the market wanted. Now I believe that outsider perspective is the most valuable thing I can offer to an industry I’ve really come to love.”

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T RA I L R U N N I N G S H O E S N O.

GEAR OF THE

YEAR 2021

Dirt Devils Make quick work of messy terrain BY LISA JHUNG AND CORY SMITH

The North Face Flight Vectiv $199 The Flight Vectiv brings high-tech speed to the dirt. Like record-setting carbon-equipped road shoes (think: Nike Vaporfly), it has a full-length carbon-fiber plate that enhances forward propulsion and makes for a more efficient stride. Uniquely, the plate sits directly under the foot, between the footbed and midsole (instead of deep within the cushioning) and also extends up around the heel. This improves lateral stability off-road (though it’s a bit tippy on very rocky trails) and generates an energetic, smooth ride that begs to go fast all day. “The rocker makes transitions at high speed on mellow terrain an effortless joy,” raved one tester. Meanwhile, the 3.5-millimeter lugs grip well on everything from rock slabs to mud while still rolling smoothly over buffed dirt. The stretchy, single-layer, TPU-infused mesh upper is sleek, yet boasts Kevlar midfoot reinforcements, which minimize weight and bulk. Testers of all foot shapes and speeds felt locked in—and fast. Trail-shoe companies, take note: the carbon-fiber bar has been set. 10 oz (men’s, pictured) / 8.6 oz (women’s); 6 mm drop

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P H OTO G R A P H B Y

Inga Hendrickson

DISCOVER A CUSHION EXPERIENCE UNLIKE ANY OTHER. Introducing the new Glycerin 19, packed with DNA LOFT cushioning to make it our softest shoe yet. Step inside and let its ultra-cushioned ride transport you to a world where you can forget your feet and free your mind—reaching a state of Runfulness. Now available in neutral and support.

T RA I L R U N N I N G S H O E S

BEST FOR ALL-DAY COMFORT a. Hoka One One Mafate Speed 3 $170

BEST FOR ROAD TO TRAIL b. Brooks Caldera 5 $140

BEST FOR ZERO-DROP FANS c. Altra Lone Peak 5 $130

A fan favorite among the ultrarunners in our test group, the Mafate Speed 3 was the best all-conditions, all-day trail shoe we tested. It’s on the ﬁrm end of Hoka’s cushioning spectrum, but according to one runner, it offers “great pop and bounciness.” It isn’t going to help you break any short-distance records (it’s among the heaviest models in our test), but it’s just the ticket for long days when comfort matters most. “This would be my 100-mile shoe,” another tester declared. If you’re looking for a durable workhorse for mega miles and ﬁnd Hoka’s Speedgoat or Challenger ATR too soft, the Mafate 3 is for you. 10.7 oz (men’s, pictured) / 8.9 oz (women’s); 4 mm drop

Everything about the new Caldera is designed with cushion and flexibility in mind. Start with the 27 millimeters of midsole foam in the heel. Add on large grooves in the outsole, which help the shoe morph over rocks, roots, and uneven terrain. Testers loved the plush ride, which dampened hard surfaces like pavement and fire roads, and applauded the shoe’s overall comfort. Relatively shallow, four-millimeter lugs add to this shoe’s smooth feel on hardpack. The revised upper—a blend of hydrophobic and quick-drying polyester fibers—hugs the foot via stretchy bands that pull taut around the instep when you tie the laces. 10.6 oz (men’s, pictured) / 9.4 oz (women’s); 4 mm drop

Like a fine wine, the Lone Peak keeps improving with age. “Every update gets incrementally better,” noted one tester and longtime fan. At first glance, the changes on this iteration aren’t too apparent. It retains the same wide forefoot, zero-drop profile, and moderate 25-millimeter stack height. But underfoot, designers swapped in a softer, more durable midsole (the same that’s in the brand’s beloved Escalante). One tester described the resulting ride as comfortable, energetic, fast, and nimble—she felt like she could run forever. In a nutshell, Altra’s stalwart has cemented its legacy as the quintessential nofrills, zero-drop trail shoe. 10.5 oz (men’s) / 9.2 oz (women’s, pictured); 0 mm drop

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Killer Value! a.

BEST FOR RUGGED RUNS d. La Sportiva Cyklon $160

BEST FOR VERSATILITY e. Saucony Peregrine 11 $120

BEST FOR ALL TERRAIN f. Topo Athletic Ultraventure 2 $135

Step into this bad boy, give the Boa dial a spin, and you’re ready to charge on the most rugged terrain. The bootie-style upper extends higher over the back of the Achilles, where a stretchy cuff hugs the ankle to keep out trail gunk. Meanwhile, TPU shanks in the dual-density EVA midsole add stability and protect against underfoot jabs. Durable mesh and a TPU cap armor against stubbed toes. We felt equipped to go all out on steep, rocky trails, and loved the reliable traction that the generously lugged outsole provides when the going gets messy. The Cyklon was designed for European sky races, but for mortals it’s a perfect peak-bagging shoe. 11.1 oz (men’s) / 9.2 oz (women’s, pictured); 8 mm drop

The Peregrine offers great security on a range of trail conditions. Credit a wonderfully tacky rubber outsole and arrow-shaped lugs that point forwards in front for uphill traction and backwards under the heel for downhill braking. The shoe’s EVA-TPU cushioning (27 millimeters in the heel) is neither too bouncy nor too stiff, and allows good ground feel for added surefootedness. A rock plate increases protection, and a new dual-layer mesh upper is both breathable and durable. For a shoe that can handle rocky, rooty terrain, the Peregrine 11 is notably lightweight and even speed inspiring, making it an excellent quiver of one. 10.9 oz (men’s, pictured) / 9.5 oz (women’s); 4 mm drop

The Ultraventure 2 may not be as ﬂashy as some competitors, but it is one of the best go-anywhere, do-anything trail shoes we tested. The three-piece injected-EVA midsole is ﬁrmer in the medial arch and softer in the lateral heel and main body, yielding a supportive ride. Meanwhile, toothy six-millimeter lugs kept us feeling stable. “I plowed through just about whatever,” exclaimed one tester. Apprehensive about the nontraditional wide toe box? Don’t be. Strategic minimal midfoot overlays and a well-designed lacing system lock you in perfectly. Besides, your toes will appreciate the extra room. 10.4 oz (men’s) / 8.3 oz (women’s, pictured); 5 mm drop

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GEAR OF THE

YEAR 2021

Pick Up the Pace Kicks for getting faster, from race day to recovery jog BY LISA JHUNG AND CORY SMITH Nike ZoomX Invincible $180 When Nike introduced the Vaporﬂy 4% in 2017, no other shoe received more attention. Now there’s a new supreme in town. The ZoomX Invincible might not break speed records, but it rules for recovery runs. Calling it thick-soled would be a gross understatement. The heel stack starts at 35.1 millimeters and goes up incrementally with each size (36.6 millimeters in men’s 10). It’s one of the most generous maximum-cushion road shoes we’ve seen, and perfectly executed, too. The massive Pebax midsole feels fun and playful, like a moon bounce for your feet—a pleasant surprise for such a high-stack shoe. It pairs that responsiveness with plentiful shock absorption. One perpetually sore-legged tester noted that the shoe minimized all of her aches and pains. Meanwhile, the engineered knit upper is soft and airy. From top to bottom, Nike has created the best max-cushion shoe we’ve ever tested. Performance-oriented runners: pair the Zoomx Invincible with the Vaporﬂy 4% for an A-plus race-recovery two-shoe quiver. 11 oz (men’s) / 8.9 oz (women’s, pictured); 9 mm drop

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P H OTO G R A P H B Y

Inga Hendrickson

R OA D R U N N I N G S H O E S

BEST FOR EVERYDAY MILES a. Asics Gel-Nimbus Lite 2 $150

BEST FOR LONG, SPEEDY RUNS b. Hoka One One Mach 4 $130

BEST FOR COMFORT c. Salomon Predict 2 $160

From recovery runs to up-tempo days, the Nimbus Lite 2 proved to be a smooth, reliable neutral trainer. It feels like a well-worn favorite right out of the box, with a plush design underfoot (the heel stack is 25 millimeters for men and 27 for women) and a wellpadded upper that’s made with 80 percent recycled polyester. The part-EVA midsole, which also incorporates bio-based cellulose nanoﬁbers, features a futuristic protruding heel for a remarkably stable ride. As one tester put it, the shoe “easily disperses impact without clunkiness.” Overall, it’s a refreshing departure from the traditionally stiff and ﬁrm Asics platform. 9.1 oz (men’s, pictured) / 7.8 oz (women’s); 10/13 mm drop

When Hoka introduced the Mach in 2018, it earned our Gear of the Year award. “Thick, quick, and easy to love,” was how we described it. Version four made us fall in love all over again. It loses a few ounces while adding an extra five millimeters of soft but energetic dual-density midsole. (The heel stack is 27 millimeters for women and 29 for men). “Not too firm and not too soft,” said one tester. A wide platform with a flared, fishtail-style rear adds stability and dampens impact for heel strikers without compromising efficiency for fore- and midfoot runners. “It checks all the boxes,” said one runner. “It’s comfortable, lightweight, and stable.” 8.2 oz (men’s) / 6.8 oz (women’s, pictured); 5 mm drop

The updated Predict retains its predecessor’s anatomical design—segmentation in the midsole and outsole that matches the major joints of the foot. The goal is to support a natural yet cushioned foot strike, which reduces hip and knee stress. Outsole grooves (deeper in version two) help these foam platforms move somewhat independently for a smooth heel-to-toe transition. But it’s the new midsole that wowed us. Salomon uses injection molding to infuse plastic with nitrogen gas, creating a soft, more responsive foam. A padded, 3D-molded heel cup and socklike mesh upper boost comfort, while TPU overlays add structure. 9.7 oz (men’s) / 9 oz (women’s, pictured); 8 mm drop

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Killer Value! e.

BEST FOR MARATHON RACING d. Puma Deviate Nitro $160 If the Nike Vaporﬂy had a less famous, slightly heavier, more affordable cousin, the Deviate Nitro would be it. From the carbon-ﬁber plate to the tall stack height (38 millimeters in the heel) to the über-soft foam, not to mention the bright colors, the two bear striking similarities. Words like “bouncy,” “springy,” and “fun” echoed across our crew’s test notes. Some felt the midsole was “excessively soft.” On the other hand, the cushion addicts in our test group praised its responsiveness. “Puma has entered the next-level racing-shoe game,” reported one happy runner. Note: these run about a half-size small. 9.4 oz (men’s, pictured) / 7.6 oz (women’s); 8 mm drop

BEST FOR TRAINING e. Under Armour Flow Velociti Wind $160

BEST FOR A QUIVER OF ONE f. Brooks Launch GTS 8 $100

Even without the embedded sensor that connects to Map My Run, the Flow Velociti Wind is the ideal training partner. It’s lightweight and secure, with a low stack (26 millimeters under the heel) and a rubber-free outsole—just exposed midsole foam that offers surprisingly tacky traction for a quick toe-off and great ground feel. That slim proﬁle, combined with a peppy ride that’s ﬁrm but not too hard, is perfect for fast road efforts or squats and box jumps. Pair it with the app for real-time coaching cues or leave your headphones at home and geek out on your data post-run. 8.5 oz (men’s) / 8 oz (women’s, pictured); 8 mm drop

Brooks took its feathery, ﬂexible Launch 8 and beefed it up ever so slightly for those who need extra support. The new Launch GTS 8 provides light stability by way of small sections of dense foam integrated into the top of the midsole. These strips run from the inner and outer heel to the midfoot to limit pronation. Meanwhile, the midsole foam changes viscosity based on the force applied to it. This means it adapts to your stride, weight, and speed to both absorb pounding and return energy. “These feel snappy,” raved one tester. Our crew reached for the Launch GTS 8 for long runs and short, speedy efforts alike. 8.8 oz (men’s) / 8.1 oz (women’s, pictured); 10 mm drop

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MEN’S RUNNING

d. e.

h. g.

Hot toTrot Cool clothing for

b. Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Graphic shirt $45

quick laps and high-mileage days

The Cool Daily’s fully recycled polyester fabric is so stretchy and comfortable, you’ll want to wear it every day. Luckily, an antimicrobial treatment means you can.

BY MARTIN FRITZ HUBER AND SVATI NARULA

a. Hoka One One Gore-Tex Shakedry Run jacket $250 This shell uses a Gore-Tex fabric that exposes the waterproof membrane rather than sandwiching it between fabric for truly lightweight protection. It ﬁts over a small hydration pack and has two zip slits for accessing soft ﬂasks.

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d. Garmin Forerunner 745 smartwatch $500

f. Salomon Sense Pro 5 Set pack $160

h. Dragon Ridge X sunglasses $239

The 745 is $100 cheaper than its sibling, the 945, but retains core features like heart-rate zone alerts and cadence tracking. It also gauges distance with an accelerometer and GPS.

The Sense Pro’s mesh fabric boosts sweat wicking to minimize chafing and odor. It’s got two 500-milliliter flasks, two zip front pockets, and a back chute and a tunnel pocket for stuffing layers.

These shades come with three sets of changeable lenses, so you can optimize them for the light. Rubberized earpieces help prevent sore spots and headaches.

c. Smartwool PhD Pro Endurance Print Crew socks $26

e. The North Face Flight Ventrix vest $175

Ultrarunning maestro Rob Krar helped design this merino-wool sock, which has a crosshatch construction that uses two types of elastic to hug your foot for a snug ﬁt.

Up front, this vest has 25gram Ventrix insulation, which becomes more air permeable as you move. Mesh in the back kept testers comfy even on hard efforts.

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g. Janji AFO-Vent Multi shorts $74 Fashioned from a nylon-spandex blend, these shorts have a stunning ﬁve pockets below the waistband. The larger ones at back and side ﬁt gloves, while keys or gels go in the two up front.

i. Isko Vital+ Supreme face mask $18 for three Isko treats its cotton masks with an antimicrobial coating that keeps them clean on your skin. They’re breathable enough to run in and come in three sizes, which means you can get the right ﬁt.

WO M E N ’S R U N N I N G

b. a. c.

h. e.

a. Tracksmith Session pants $118

c. Ultimate Direction Cumulus tank $65

The slim-ﬁt Session is made of buttery nylon-elastane fabric that’s breathable and quick-drying. It’ll become your favorite warm-up layer for early-morning sessions.

When it’s hot, this soft, ﬂattering tank is the ticket. Its Polartec Delta fabric uses a combination of hydrophobic and hydrophilic yarns to cool the body, while a proprietary anti-odor treatment keeps it fresh.

b. Smartwool Merino Sport Ultra Light hoodie $130 This top is ideal for cool, wet, or windy days. A nylon outer protects against the elements while merino panels dump heat. Reﬂective hits help you stand out on the road.

e. Bombas Women’s Merino Wool Running Ankle socks $22 After wearing Bombas, it’s hard to go back to other running socks. These have a Y-stitched heel to cradle your feet and boast a blend of merino, nylon, and spandex that wicks with the best of them.

d. Adidas Sport SP0007 sunglasses $140

f. Janji AFO Middle shorts $64

These shades boast a snug, no-slip ﬁt. Testers liked the stress-resistant plastic frames, which have 12 tiny vents on the rims to prevent fogging.

Paper-thin and only three ounces, with a threeinch inseam that’s short enough to feel airy, the AFO has been among our favorites for years.

We also love the Bluesign-certiﬁed, 88 percent recycled polyester fabric. The latest version is made even better with a beeﬁer waistband.

g. Outdoor Research Helium Wind cap $35 Durable ripstop nylon and mesh panels make this hat our go-to for all summer weather. The inner band feels cool to the touch, courtesy of a fabric with moistureabsorbing xylitol crystals.

h. Brooks Drive 3-Pocket Run bra $50 Compressive but com-

fortable, the 3-Pocket provides high-impact support for sizes up to 40 DD/E. Even better is the stealthy storage: a pocket between the shoulder blades to hold your phone, plus two smaller side pouches for carrying cards and keys.

i. Knog Bilby headlamp $65 Made from a medical-grade silicone that’s light and easy to clean, this 3.2-ounce headlamp puts out 400 lumens from ﬁve LED bulbs. The rechargeable battery is icing on the cake.

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M O U N TA I N R U N N I N G

a. c. b.

Killer Value!

e. i.

Dust Up Top-notch gear for wrangling singletrack adventures BY ARIELLA GINTZLER

a. BioLite Headlamp 750 light $100 BioLite’s newest headlamp goes up to 500 lumens, with a 750-lumen burst and a red safety light in back that’s easy to activate midstride. It’s also remarkably comfortable for such a powerful device, with a soft, wicking band and an ergonomically curved battery pack.

b. Goodr Mach G sunglasses $35 Who says running shades have to be expensive and

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dorky? The Mach G marries classic aviator design with UVA-protective lenses and sturdy plastic frames that are light, grippy, and strong enough to stuff into hydration-vest pockets.

c. Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20 pack $150 Between the roll-top main compartment, three stretch pouches, a dedicated phone sleeve, and six pockets on the shoulder straps (plus compression straps and pole holsters), this 20-liter run-hike crossover ﬁts enough for a huge day or an ultralight overnight. The 2021 update has a more breathable mesh-foam back panel.

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d. Coros Apex Pro Premium Multisport watch $500 In 2019, the original Apex earned a place in the Buyer’s Guide for being rich with features— heart-rate monitor, barometric altimeter, training analysis—yet simple to use. The new version gets better, with a touchscreen and 40 hours of battery life in GPS mode.

e. Brooks Chaser ﬁve-inch shorts $58 Finally, high-coverage shorts that have real cargo capacity but don’t chafe or stiﬂe. The updated Chaser 5” retains the soft poly-spandex blend we love, now with a notched leg that yields an airy, thigh-skimming

ﬁt. Three waistband pockets ﬁt keys, earbuds, snacks—even gloves.

f. On Cloudultra shoes $180 The Cloudultra was made for going long and fast. Two layers of light, stiff oleﬁn foam with air channels in between make for a protective and stable ride. Flip a plastic toggle at the instep to loosen the laces when your feet swell.

g. Ultimate Direction Ultra jacket $190 The Ultra is all about details. Our favorites: ﬂip-out hand mitts and slits in the hood and arms that funnel air across the body, even when you’re wearing a hydration vest.

h. Leki MCT Superlite poles $200 These ﬁxed-length foldable carbon poles weigh just about a third of a pound. A new strap combines the brand’s hallmark quick-release system with the molded cork grip of a hiking pole, so you get efﬁcient power transfer and long-distance comfort.

i. Rabbit EZ Tee Perf Short Sleeve shirt $45 The secret to the EZ Tee Perf’s greatness is in the fabric: a poly-spandex blend that’s perforated like old-school gym shorts and softer than any other running tee we’ve tried. It’s impossibly breathable without feeling slippery.

P H OTO G R A P H B Y

Inga Hendrickson

M E E T YO U R M A K E R

JUGGERNAUT

Angelica Jenett

C O U R T E SY O F B R O O K S R U N N I N G

Senior Apparel Designer, Brooks Running Angelica Jenett’s interest in fashion design started early: she grew up running around her family’s garment factory in Lima, Peru. “We did knit T-shirts and screen printing—fun stuff,” she says. “I always had an eye toward that.” The decision to go to art school and become a clothing designer was easy. Her ﬁrst job was at Old Navy. After several years and a stint at business school, she found her way to the outdoor world. “There’s just so much more empathy in the activewear industry,” she says. “When we talk about the product, it’s not as much about what

someone thinks is cool or what’s trending. It’s more about how we serve the actual needs of the customer.” —SVATI KIRSTEN NARULA

yoga, because there are some moves where you put your hands behind your back. Those moves helped me think, OK, I can actually reach a pocket in this or that spot.”

Put Yourself Out There “I didn’t know I wanted to be a runner until I was 20 years old. Because I’m Latina, I didn’t see myself in a lot of spaces. I didn’t want to do yoga or run because I never saw people like me doing it. But once I ﬁnally did those activities, I was like, Why isn’t everyone doing this? For me, working in activewear is about discovering this for myself and wanting to share that feeling with a bigger audience.”

Appreciate the Effort “I’ve done apparel day in, day out for my whole career. But bras are a whole new world for me. I’m so happy that there are people who dedicate their lives to studying the movement of breasts as you’re running, because it just makes the product so much better.”

Get Personal Find Inspiration “The Drive 3-Pocket Bra (page 107) was born out of the need to keep your phone on you while running, but the design was inspired by

“I’ve actually been a model in some of the bra ﬁttings. It’s very interesting to join a meeting and have someone say, OK, it’s bra-ﬁt time. Let’s take your top off.”

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AU D I O N O.

Tune Out Equipment to help you get lost in the music BY WILL PALMER

GEAR OF THE

YEAR 2021

Sony WF-XB700 Truly Wireless Headphones with Extra Bass $130 This year, inexorable improvement in true wireless earbuds took a sonic leap forward. Nearly every model we tested boasted impressive sound quality. What’s more, certain old annoyances—difﬁculty in syncing, dropped connections—have largely gone away. Meanwhile, prices have continued to drop. The Sony WF-XB700 is a shining example of how good things have gotten. Start with the design. A compact, three-inch-long charging case holds the buds in place magnetically. The buds sync ﬂawlessly once you pop them out. An ergonomic wedge helps them slide in place in your ears and stay put. This, plus the fact that they’re incredibly light, means you’ll hardly know they’re there. The WF-XB700’s are also IPX4 water-resistant—enough to handle sweat and rain, not a full dunk—and hold nine hours of play time on one charge. Plug them into the case for ten minutes to get another hour. But what puts these over the top is the extra bass. Without crowding out high and midrange notes, the rich, undistorted low-end sound simply makes your music livelier, like an extra shot of acoustic adrenaline. The Sonys don’t have active noise cancellation or wear detection like other high-end buds, but sometimes those add-on features only get in the way. With these, you just pair, play, and head out the door.

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P H OTO G R A P H B Y

Inga Hendrickson

a. c.

Killer Value!

BEST OVER-EAR HEADPHONES a. Bowers and Wilkins PX7 Carbon Edition $400 Like all top-notch travel headphones, this comfortable, expertly engineered headset boasts ultraclear sound and active noise cancellation—in this case, three levels, including a setting that adjusts automatically to ambient noise. A handy sensor pauses your audio when you lift one earcup, while the battery goes for an impressive 30 hours. Though not water-resistant, the PX7 Carbon is less bulky than many of its peers and has tough carbon-ﬁber arms, so you can conﬁdently stuff this expensive piece of gear in your bag.

BEST RUNNING BUDS b. Bose Sport $179 Bose has made its top-notch audio technology more affordable with this pair of buds. You only get ﬁve hours of run time, and the charging case is slightly bulky. (Though it does supply two additional charges.) But the ﬁt on the well-sealed, sweat- and water-

resistant Sport is more secure than anything else in our test: it come with three sizes of rubber ﬁns. As with everything Bose makes, the sound is clear, crisp, and plenty bassy.

BEST SPEAKER c. Ultimate Ears Hyperboom $400 This is the best-sounding and loudest Bluetooth speaker to come along in years. It allows two DJs to connect at once, and uses a mic-enabled equalizer to adjust the sound proﬁle to ﬁt your space. It’s also IPX4 water-resistant. At 13 pounds and measuring roughly the size of a toaster, it’s not for travel, but a rubberized exterior means it’s durable enough to lug around. Play it for 24 hours at medium volume, then plug it in at home, where the sleek, black design blends in.

BEST VALUE BUDS d. Tribit FlyBuds NC $50 A great example of how much you can get for $50 these days, Tribit’s FlyBuds sound every bit as good as Bluetooth earbuds

that went for $250 just three years ago. Impossibly, they also come with active noise cancellation—not as thorough as what you’d get with spendier models, but respectable for the price. Borrowing the dangly shape of Apple’s AirPods, the FlyBuds are effective for making calls but equally capable when you want to shut out the world, even in moderate rain: they’re IPX4 splashproof.

BEST COMFORT BUDS e. Amazfit PowerBuds $100 Those with small ears might find chunky models like those from Sony and Bose to be painful. If that’s you, this demure option from Amazfit is worth a look. Size aside, it’s also dust- and water-resistant and has built-in heart-rate monitoring, which works through the accompanying app. Pop on the included magnetic behind-the-ear hooks to get a more secure fit. For the price, this is a very capable pair. It lacks noise cancellation but offers a clever bass-boosting feature that turns on whenever you’re in motion.

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M E N ’ S WO R KO U T

g. f. e.

Come and Sweat It What you need for pushing hard and feeling good afterward

BY JEREMY RELLOSA AND JENNY EARNEST

a. Patagonia Capilene Cool Merino shirt $59 This wool-polyester top is cooler on the skin than its all-synthetic counterpart, and it wicks so well that our tester stayed dry on even the longest, hottest runs and bike rides. Unlike some merino shirts, it didn’t lose its shape or color after multiple washes.

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b. Protekt Primer workout supplements $40

d. Lululemon More Miles Active backpack $128

Our bodies felt less battered after cardio sessions when we drank water infused with these watermelon-ﬂavored tablets during workouts. They contain vitamin C and BCAAs, which help delay muscle fatigue.

Lululemon’s sleek 17-liter bag holds more than it looks like it can. Outer mesh pouches swallow socks and shoes, and a big top-loading interior pocket ﬁts a change of clothes and everyday essentials. An internal water-bladder pocket comes in handy for hikes.

c. Saucony Ride 14 running shoes $130 At 9.9 ounces, with a 32-millimeter heel stack and an eight-millimeter heel-toe drop, the Ride 14 provided ﬁrm cushioning that was kind to our knees during big training weeks on the pavement.

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e. Ten Thousand Interval shorts $58 and up A four-way-stretch poly-spandex outer fabric makes the Interval shorts ideal for weight lifting and leg-intensive

sessions. We love the ﬁve-inch inseam with the optional liner, which never bunched, snagged, or chafed during our sweatiest HIIT rounds.

f. Aloha PlantBased Protein drink $15 for four Out of all the protein-rich food products we tried, this was the only one that made us go back for more. Aloha’s plantbased powder has none of the bitter, medicinal taste sometimes found in recovery shakes. The coconut ﬂavor has 18 grams of protein per serving to help you refuel after grueling workouts.

g. CamelBak Tritan Renew Eddy+ water bottle $15 In a world dominated by stainless-steel vessels, the Tritan Renew line is refreshingly simple. It’s lightweight, made from 50 percent recycled plastic, and has a ﬂip-up straw for easy sipping between sets.

h. Saxx Hot Shot boxer briefs $38 These exercise undies were the most breathable in our test. We credit its panels of extremely wicking polyester-elastane mesh along the backside and inner thighs.

P H OTO G R A P H S B Y

Inga Hendrickson

WO M E N ’S WO R KO U T

b. a.

c. e.

f. d. g.

a. Bowﬂex SelectTech

2080 adjustable barbell with curl bar $549 What makes this rig stand out is fast and easy weight swapping: set the barbell on the weight stacks and adjust the dial to your desired setting, from 20 to 80 pounds. The square plates make a stable platform for both overand underhand pushups on the ground.

b. Arc’teryx Quadra Crew Neck long sleeve shirt $69 Even in summer, it’s important to warm up your body before diving into a

workout. This lightweight long sleeve lets you do that without overheating.

c. Handful Adjustable bra $54 This medium-support number fits every kind of body. It offers three strap configurations—straight, crossback, and halter— and sturdy padding that’s easy to remove. The polyester-spandex blend is so soft you’ll forget you’re wearing a bra at all. d. Inov8 F-Lite 235 V3 shoes $140 These kicks’ lightweight knit upper, foot-hugging elastic mesh liner, and flexible sole create a

natural feel but doesn’t sacriﬁce grip or durability. The sturdy, supportive toe box is handy for intense strength training.

e. Roka Cade prescription glasses from $225 Roka’s stylish prescription frames stay put during sweaty workouts, thanks to grippy nose pads and arms that don’t apply unwanted pressure.

f. Under Armour Play Up Wrapback hat $28 This cap’s nearly backless design—it has a thin strip of fabric around the base of the skull, connected by snaps—accommodates a variety of head shapes.

g. Tracksmith Van Cortlandt Grand shorts $65

i. Feetures Elite Max Cushion No Show Tab socks $16

Loose, breathable performance mesh makes these track shorts great for HIIT workouts. The four-inch inseam and waist-high rise keeps everything covered during weighted squats.

These socks are some of the most comfortable we’ve tested. Thick recycled-polyester fabric cushions your feet, and a secure heel tab keeps them from slipping down.

h. Hydro Flask Trail Series Lightweight Standard Mouth bottle $40 Hydro Flask’s lightest stainless-steel bottle has all the features we love, like durability and insulation, but in a slimmer shape that’s easier to handle on the move.

j. Lululemon Double Roller Mini $38 Save space in your gear closet with this two-inone ten-inch foam roller. The outside has a mellow pattern for arms and legs, while the inside hides a removable core tube with a more aggressive shape that lets you attack your back muscles.

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CLIMBING

c. b.

Killer Value!

Send Train Get on track to ﬂash your hardest routes BY ARIELLA GINTZLER AND JEREMY RELLOSA

a. Mountain Hardwear Crag Wagon 45 backpack $230 Minimalist looks hide this hauler’s true capabilities. A guidebook sleeve, three external pockets, and a clamshell opening keep you organized. Meanwhile, the expandable cinch top accommodates a 70-meter rope.

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b. Black Diamond 9.6 Dry Bi-Pattern 70m rope $290 At 9.6 millimeters— enough girth to lend durability without too much bulk—this dry-treated rope is our favorite workhorse. The bi-pattern design is key on rappels.

c. Black Diamond Onsight 375 headlamp $60 The Onsight 375 has a distance beam for route ﬁnding and a wide one for climbing—switch with just a tap. A rear battery reduces forehead bulk.

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d. Scarpa Booster climbing shoes $189

f. Prana Sol Defender hoodie $79

Scarpa’s beloved all-around shoe got a new last that’s wider up front and narrower in the heel. Increased precision comes from a light, grippy, durable synthetic patch in the toe box.

The Sol Defender looks like a normal hoodie, but it’s packed with technical qualities, like its UPF 30+ rating, durable polyester blend, and wicking grid interior.

At 3.5 ounces apiece, with stiff dogbones and rubber vices that make clipping easy, these are our new favorite quickdraws for projecting.

g. Petzl Corax LT harness $60

i. Arc’teryx Konseal FL 2 approach shoes $145

The latest iteration of Petzl’s popular sport harness is even more comfortable, with a wider waist belt and leg loops. The foam kept our legs happy (and awake) during long hangs.

Most approach shoes are either stiff for climbing or supportive for hiking, but the Konseal does both. A layer of TPU lends a springy feel to the thin midsole, which has a beveled edge for support.

e. Arc’teryx Oriel 28 leggings $89 We love the Oriel for its durable, breathable nylon and opaque black elastane. This year, a higher rise (8.7 inches) means you won’t moon your belayer.

h. Wild Country Session quickdraws six-pack $95

P H OTO G R A P H B Y

Inga Hendrickson

WEARABLE TECH

Inspector Gadgets

Garmin’s new T1 transmitter, which uses sonar to monitor ﬁve different tanks up to 30 feet away.

Devices for passing the toughest training milestones

b. Core Body Temperature sensor $285

BY BRENT ROSE

a. Garmin Descent Mk2 smart dive watch $1,300 Like its predecessor, the new Descent Mk2 has a digital compass, GPS, ﬁve dive modes, and a host of ﬁtness functions like heart-rate monitoring and sleep tracking. Now it offers pulse oximetry, and its screen is roughly 15 percent larger, while only increasing the body by one millimeter. The pricier Mk2i ($1,500) pairs with

Until now, determining your internal temperature in real time required complex measures like swallowing an electronic pill. Core Body Temperature’s new sensor tracks thermal energy transfer for incredibly accurate readings. Wear it under an included waterproof sticker or via a chest strap (BYO). It pairs with Garmin and Wahoo devices to give up-to-the-minute info, so you know when to ease back or push harder.

c. Apple Watch Series 6 smartwatch $399 Apple’s Series 5 was already the best smartwatch money could buy. This year’s update adds blood-oxygen monitoring and sleep tracking. It also integrates with the new Apple Fit subscription workout platform. It still doesn’t work with Android, but if you have an iPhone, it remains the everyday wearable to beat.

d. Airoﬁt Pro breathing trainer $299 The Airoﬁt Pro looks like a high-tech mouth guard, but it’s actually a tool for strengthening your lungs. It pairs with a phone app that runs exercises designed to build respi-

ratory strength, vital lung capacity, and anaerobic threshold. It’s perfect for helping freedivers and surfers hold their breath longer, or giving endurance athletes a boost.

for ascents and descents in running or biking mode, including pace, distance, and vert. Still, the watch weighs just 52 grams.

e. Polar Vantage V2 smartwatch $500

Forget streaming music; these earphones are strictly for sleep. They’re small enough to ﬁt deep in your ear (you can even wear them side sleeping), with rubber tips that block noise. Use the Bose app to download a soothing soundscape, like waterfall or ocean, straight to the buds. Then disconnect from Bluetooth and listen for up to ten hours. They’re pricey, but a good night’s rest is worth it.

The Vantage V2 provides more granular data than any other watch we’ve tested. In addition to typical metrics like GPS, optical heart rate, and sleep tracking, it offers tests for leg recovery and VO2 max (both runningand cycling-speciﬁc versions of the latter), and a function that alerts you when it’s time for more calories. Another feature breaks down all your data

f. Bose Sleepbuds II earphones $250

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R E C OV E RY TO O L S

Killer Value!

Repair Shop Take your body and mind in for a tune-up BY HAYDEN CARPENTER

a. Goldwin Inspiration calf sleeves $49 Goldwin’s Lycra compression sleeves help increase circulation and reduce muscle soreness for faster recovery, and they won’t slip down your calves when you’re walking or running.

b. Yoga Design Lab Cork mat $65 and up Made from natural rubber

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and cork, this yoga mat is grippy even when sweaty. The symmetrical mandala design creates visual markers to help with body alignment.

c. Momentous Collagen Peptides drink mix $55

chia seeds. Bonus: Orgain’s powder mixes beautifully for a smooth texture and taste.

e. Roll Recovery R4 Deep Tissue body roller $50

Momentous sources its collagen from grass-fed cows and adds vitamin C for better absorption. The mix dissolves easily and adds no noticeable ﬂavor.

The R4 has a center groove to relieve tension in the IT band, Achilles, neck, and muscles near the spine, while the scooped sides target larger groups, like the quads and glutes.

d. Orgain Sport Protein powder $45

f. Ned Sleep Blend CBD oil $96

Recover from hard workouts with 30 grams of protein blended from peas, brown rice, and

Say goodbye to counting sheep. This powerful full-spectrum hemp oil is made with about 29 mil-

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ligrams CBD per serving, plus other sleep inducing botanicals like valerian, skullcap, and chamomile. Take one dropper before bed and you’ll be out like a light.

and menthol and is both soothing and moisturizing to help raw skin heal faster. It’s intended for rock climbers, but you can also use it to alleviate chaﬁng or dry skin.

g. Avocado Molded Latex pillow $99

i. Addaday BioZoom Edge with Bluetooth percussion massager $150

Unlike foam and feather pillows, this eco-friendly model boasts a natural-latex core that won’t go flat over time. It’s firm and supportive, plus it has internal channels that promote airflow.

h. Rhino Skin Solutions repair cream $11 This lotion is made with natural oils, willow bark,

No need to empty your wallet for a solid massage gun. This one uses Bluetooth to connect with the user-friendly app ($1 per month), which has recovery and warm-up routines designed by experts. It even offers plans you can personalize with your own metrics.

FUEL

a. e.

Clean Energy Real food for serious adventures BY HAYDEN CARPENTER

a. Perfect Snacks Peanut Butter Cups $24 for 8 More than an indulgence, these refrigerated peanut butter cups boast seven to eight grams of protein per package. The ingredients include organic whole foods like kale, flax seeds, and kelp, but you’d never know it by taste. They’re a sweet—but not too sweet—treat that will help you bounce back from your hardest workouts, both body and mind. Definitely don’t skip the dark chocolate mint flavor.

b. Skratch Labs Sport Superfuel drink mix $40 for 8 For high-intensity endurance days, this powdered drink adds 400 calories to 16 to 20 ounces of water, so you can refuel without slowing down. It’s made with complex carbohydrates for a steady release of energy without GI distress plus electrolytes for effective hydration.

c. A Dozen Cousins Classic Refried Pinto Beans $30 for 8 Beans, beans, the magical fuel. Simply reheat these mashed frijoles via microwave or stovetop, then add to a burrito or eat as dip for a healthy hit of ﬁber and plant protein (ﬁve grams per serving). They’re simmered with onions, garlic, mild

green chilis, and other spices for a rich homemade taste, no matter how you serve them.

d. Taos Bakes Bites $7 For those moments when you don’t need a full meal, Taos Bakes now offers bite-size chunks of its satisfying bars in a resealable bag. These scrumptious snacks, made in northern New Mexico with mostly organic ingredients, are the perfect pick-me-up whether you’re on the trail or stuck at your desk. You’ll dig the sweet and nutty taste of the Toasted Coconut + Vanilla Bean.

e. Chef’s Cut Zero Sugar Jerky $24 for 4 Zero sugar? Who cares— we can’t tell. Our mouths are ﬁxated on the savory and tender U.S.-sourced

d. g.

beef. For the meat eaters out there, this high-protein snack will power you through tough adventures, and then you’ll crave even more. The zesty Black Pepper ﬂavor is our favorite.

f. RX A.M. Maple Oats $40 for 30 These not-so-average instant oat packets contain almonds, dates, egg whites, and maple sugar for a surprisingly ﬁlling breakfast that’s high in protein (ten grams). The single-serving sachets are convenient for camping or a quick and easy morning meal.

g. Moonvalley Oats and Dates Organic Energy Bar $3 Energy bars are our favorite fuel for long days in the mountains, but

not all are created equal. Swedish company Moonvalley, founded by three professional athletes, uses organic plant-based ingredients and an ideal balance of carbohydrates, fat, and protein. Did we mention these bars are soft and delicious? We love the earthy-tangy combination of the Red Beets and Orange ﬂavor.

h. Spring Energy Gel $35 for 10 If you’re not a gel fan, you’ve never tried Spring Energy. The Canaberry ﬂavor is made with real foods like basmati rice, bananas, strawberries, maple syrup, and coconut water, so it goes down easy, tastes like a smoothie, and provides sustained energy without the spike and crash of additives like maltodextrin.

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YO G A

Stay Om

b. Garmin Venu Sq smartwatch $200

Cultivate calm with these home-studio essentials

The Venu Sq works with you on the mat. A yoga-speciﬁc interval timer helps you hold poses longer, while guided breathing, heart-rate tracking, and activity logging encourage you to stick with your practice. And unlike traditional circular faces, its sleek square proﬁle doesn’t dig into your wrist during planks and down dogs.

BY ALETA BURCHYSKI

a. The Avocado Meditation pillow $79 A comfy, supportive seat can be the difference between fidgeting for ten minutes and getting deep into your breathing for an hour. Avocado’s pillow is stuffed with buckwheat hulls for a beanbag-like firmness that won’t make your butt go numb. Bonus: the tweedy organic-cotton cover repels floor fuzz.

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c. Athleta Elation 7/8 tights and Warrior Longline bra $89 and $54 Your leggings and bra

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should stay comfy from morning sun salutations to lunchtime power yoga to bedtime meditation. This set provides the support you need without digging into your skin, and the nylon-Lycra blend is silky, not stiﬂing.

d. Prana Epiquator tank $49 For a little more coverage up top, reach for this dreamy high-neck tank. Its extra-soft Tencel jersey feels cozy during warm-up and breathes when you sweat. Knot the dovetail back hem at the waist or leave it ﬂowing loose.

e. Bennd Yoga Chakra Ayurvedic mat $180 Bennd’s gorgeous sweat-absorbing, woven-cotton Ayurvedic mat is beautifully dyed with herbs like madder root, indigo, and turmeric. Ridges at the ends provide grip during wheels and warriors. Layer it over a foam or rubber mat for extra cush.

f. Patagonia Capilene Cool Merino shirt $59 Patagonia’s Capilene Cool tee has long been our favorite for hot practices, and the brand’s new featherlight merino-blend iteration is

even better. Like the original, it wicks sweat with ease, but the wool and recycled-polyester fabric means you’ll end your practice without smelling like a studio.

g. Manduka Agility shorts $68 Baggy shorts sag during inversions, but a toosvelte ﬁt can make lunges awkward. Manduka’s four-way-stretch Agility nails the balance, with a nine-inch inseam and 22inch leg opening that feel just right. The ﬂat drawstring waistband makes it look polished enough to run errands in.

M E E T YO U R M A K E R

Adrienne Moser

Kathleen McNally

BALLERS

Adrienne Moser and Kathleen McNally VICE PRESIDENT AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT, SAXX Over the course of ﬁve years working together in leadership roles at Columbia Sportswear, Adrienne Moser and Kathleen McNally became inseparable. “I’m following Adrienne wherever she goes,” McNally says. “We are a package deal.” When Moser got a job at Saxx, she knew nothing about the brand but she was certain that McNally had to come with her. Luckily, the pair isn’t embarrassed to talk about anatomy. —JOE JACKSON

Embrace TMI “How would I describe my job? The fun answer is: I am head of product for a men’s technical underwear brand. People ask, ‘How can underwear be technical?’ I tell them,

P H OTO G R A P H S B Y

Celeste Noche

‘Well, it solves the problem of ball chafe.’ Then you learn more about their life than you ever wanted to know.” —A.M.

Stay Impartial “I don’t think your gender matters when you’re developing products. But there is a beneﬁt to stepping outside of what you think and what works for you, because then you can be very objective. We can get insight from the consumer without being biased by thinking, What do I want in my drawer?” —A.M.

Have Fun “We have lots of formal avenues for getting feedback, but there is something precious about focus groups where guys just tell it like it is. We try to get sets of friends, because there is this disarming thing that has to happen. We do a quick warm-up session that loosens them up a little bit, but it doesn’t take much. Humor takes the edge off, and then guys will tell you everything.” —K.M.

Offer Something Better “In a recent focus group, we asked what the guys do for hot weather. One said, ‘I wear white maternity panties because they’re baggy.’ Men are such a make-it-work group. So when I do hear it click for them—they’re like, This is a better mousetrap—I think, OK, we got them.” —A.M.

Test Blind “We love sending a new product to someone and saying, ‘Wear this and tell us what you think.’ They don’t know if it should be warming or cooling or tight. They just know they got a pair of medium whatevers and they give us their honest feedback.” —A.M.

Just Say It “We are very serious about what we deliver, but we realize that the way men talk about guy problems is hilarious. We have a good time even with our most technical products. You have to be able to just say it.” —A.M.

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Marketplace XL

The most "go anywhere" carbonated growler means cold, fresh draft beer wherever your trail leads. GrowlerWerks.com

SIERRA VALLEY, CA/SIERRA BUTTES Your Backpacking, Hiking & Mountain Biking Paradise!

www.eastsierravalleychamber.com VISIT OUTSIDEONLINE.COM/MARKETPLACE TO FIND OUT MORE

Picture of the Sierra Buttes provided by Sierra Booster

Marketplace FIRST GEAR

OWN YOUR TIME We make apparel for life on and off the trail. FLYLOWGEAR.COM

R o a d • G r a v e l • M o u n t a i n • B i k e p a c k i n g • To u r i n g • C i t y

The high-performance bicycle. And now,, ebike.

The new Jones LWB HD/e bicycles and ebikes. HD/e stands for heavy-duty and electric. The frame is built stiffer, stronger, and longer.

Electric Bike

Pedal Bike

JonesMotorbikes.com To advertise in Marketplace, contact Kathleen Chambers / kchambers@outsideim.com

If you’re in need of a heavy-duty frame for ebiking, commuting, bikepacking, mountain biking, gravel, or road riding, the Jones Plus LWB HD/e has you covered!

JonesBikes.com

Marketplace FIRST

GEAR

www.coolerclips.com

Hook, Line & Sea Eagle All you need to catch your limit is hook, line & the Sea Eagle 285fpb Frameless Pontoon Boat. Lightweight, inflates in 5 minutes, packs in a car trunk and goes anywhere the real lunkers lurk! Get into the shallows and tighter spots that big boats can’t get to.

• 30 lb. hull • 9’ x 4’ • Takes up to 3 HP Inflatable 285fpb • Holds 1 adult & gear packages starting at $799 • Fits in a car trunk

800-944-7496 for a FREE catalog VISIT OUTSIDEONLINE.COM/MARKETPLACE TO FIND OUT MORE

Dept. OU051B

PA R T I N G S H OT

Boise, Idaho P H OTO G R A P H B Y

Ben Herndon

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Our 5 Panel Cap, adventure-ready for whatever you’re planning next.

BUFFUSA.COM