Author: Henry

Keeping hunting gear organized and close at hand in your climber or ladder stand is always a challenge. Chest packs or even a fanny pack are great ways to have items easily accessible, but if you have to tote a decent amount of stuff backpacks are the obvious choice. But they can be difficult to get into while 20 feet in the air and are usually made of noisy material. The new Mystery Ranch Treehouse 20 though, solves both of those problems. 

Described as a “hanging gear quiver” by Mystery Ranch, the pack initially shows off it’s hunting bona fides by the outer material it’s made from—a soft, brushed face polyester fabric that’s virtually silent when touched or moved. The pack also uses stiff side panels that help keep it open when sitting in your tree stand. Add to that a long strap for wrapping around a tree and you have the perfect hunting gear organizer.

I used it recently on some October bowhunting outings and was impressed by all of those details plus some extras like lots of pockets and inner and outer sleeves for quick and silent retrieval of gear, a top lid that is oriented to open away from the tree you have it attached to, long front compression straps with velcro loops to take up extra strap tails, and adjustable bungee straps for more outside storage.

If you need to upgrade an old, worn out hunting pack, or are looking for something new to splurge on, I’d say the Treehouse 20 is an almost-perfect option. It’s quiet, well-thought out, durable, and comes in two camo colors (Mossy Oak Bottomland and Realtree APX) and one solid greenish-brown.—Adam Bible, Gear Editor

[$229; mysteryranch.com]

Fleece jackets have become a staple in everyone’s wardrobe, but after owning quite a few types over the years, I can attest that not all fleeces are on the same level. Gorewear, known for high-end cycling gear, has released a lifestyle line and you can tell they brought the same level of thoughtful design to this release.

Having tested their Berber Fleece jacket, I can confidently say it’s the most comfortable and warmest fleece I’ve ever worn. Equipped with Windstopper technology, this fleece jacket is ready for the cold and can absolutely be worn as a single top layer instead of just a mid-layer. It’s also worth mentioning this garment leans on the bulkier side, so it may not be your first choice if you are trying to pack light. The inner liner is also soft so you can comfortably wear it over a T-shirt.

A completely underrated rated feature that this jacket has is fleece-lined pockets, which is a nice touch for keeping your hands warm. The front pockets have a reinforced Cordura fabric which can also be found on the elbows, making the jacket a bit more durable while adding a unique element of differentiation.—Peter Matlashweski, contributor

[$170; gorewear.com]

It’s October 24 and in the southern Yukon, we are digging out our latest snowfall. La Niña is delivering. Luckily for me, I stocked up on snow removal supplies last spring and one piece of equipment that didn’t think I would use much has become my favorite tool.

Garant, the Canadian tool knows a thing or two about snow removal. When I first saw the Innovative Pivoting Head Scratch-Free EVA Foam Snow Brush with Ice Scraper is a mouth full and it is a funny looking contraption but oh, so useful.

For starters, the Eva Foam Brush has a wide foam head that works seamlessly to wipe off various densities of snow and, on the other side, a smaller foam head that you can use to wipe off pesky spots like at the base of the windshield where ice and snow clumps develop. The foam is safe to use on your vehicle. The handle has nice foam grip that is adjustable so you don’t have to touch freezing metal.

When you flip around the device to the other side, there’s a double-sided ice scraper. Similar to the foam side, the scraper side has two sizes allowing you to scrap off a variety of ice patches on your windows. You can also use that side to poke out the snow build-up that collects behind wheels.

While the brush isn’t really a tool that you’d keep in your car, it is a handy homebound device that can make or break clean up on a snowy day.—Kate Erwin, contributor

[$92; walmart.com]

Fall fishing can yield some of the largest catches of the year, but it’s also the coldest and sometimes most unpredictable time to be on the water. Having spent the last few weeks fishing in the Grundens Full Share Bibs, I can say they effectively block out the cold wind while keeping me dry from light rain and splashing waves. 

Grundens describes these as medium-duty bibs, which I find quite accurate because they are still relatively thin and lightweight compared to other bibs on the market. However, being lightweight is not a bad thing because they are easily packable, so if you’re unsure before heading out, it’s not a hassle to toss them in a bag or keep them in your boat compartment just in case. While they may not have heavy-duty, storm-grade protection, they are well-suited for unpredictable fall fishing and lighter rainfalls.

The design is minimalist, with a single chest pocket that’s roomy enough to fit a few smaller essentials. The ankle cuffs have a zipper and Velcro combination that overlaps nicely with boots, and the suspenders are heavy duty enough that they will never loosen up on you. For the price, I’d say they are a solid option for bibs, offering 10k waterproofing and good breathability.—Peter Matlashweski, contributor

[$130; grundens.com]

The term “game improvement” club is a bit of an oxymoron—if you play with irons that are easier to hit, how can you advance from journeyman hacker to local hustler? Lucky for us fledgling golfers, Callaway keeps improving their design metrics to make irons that are plenty forgiving but have the feel and consistency of their “players” edition meant for more experienced practitioners.

Enter the Apex Ai300 irons, which offer the best of both worlds for those of us courageous enough to hit “forged” versus “cast” clubheads. For the record, forged irons are pressed and milled from a single piece of metal, while cast irons are constructed using molten metal and, well, a cast. The latter are more durable, produce increased ball speed and more distance than their highbrow cousins. Forged clubs allow better players to work the ball—from left to right and vice versa, and higher and lower launch angles. Because the forged face is softer, the ball stays on the clubs an instant longer—thus, the ability to spin the ball more and wow your competitors with Bubba Watson-style benders.

So get this: The impressive Apex Ai300s do have a cavity back that corrects off-center strikes, but is indeed forged, giving double-digit handicappers the ability to produce the sound and feel of a pro club, but with plenty of power and consistency. That’s owed to the Ai Smart Face technology that sampled swing data points from actual golfers and then AI’d the results to increase speed, spin and a ball flight that actually gets the ball to stop once it hits the green (should one be so lucky!).

Though it seems superficial, the very look of an iron can inspire confidence (or lack thereof) in amateur golfers, and the Ai300s have a sleek, compact profile instead of the fat and bulky look of the usual game-improvement club. The face also appears to be steep rather than shallow, which aids in the production of a higher launch angle. The higher the launch angle, the softer the ball lands on the green and comes to a stop. A lower and deeper center of gravity helps as well and the lofts are fairly strong meaning more distance with less effort—nothing wrong with that picture at all. Highly recommended for golfers ready to advance to the next level.

[From $1,400; callaway.com]

Chalk it up to poor planning, but a few days before a recent trip to southwest Montana, to do some hiking, fly fishing, shooting, and be on my feet for most of the day, my hiking boots bit the dust. While they hung in there for years, the laces, outsoles, and stitching didn’t look like they’d survive TSA, let alone the wilderness. It’s risky business breaking in boots over a six-hour fight, but the Panorama Mid felt like an old friend right out of the box. 

Initial comfort aside—which can be hit or miss for other folks—these boots felt far more secure than you’d think, considering they look style forward. The Panoramas have Danner’s inner bootie to keep it waterproof to the top of the D-ring eyelets, which this time of year is important in the muck of damp fall. Underneath, the outsole, made in-house by Danner, has an extensive and toothy lug pattern, with valleys channeling water away and giving a good bite on gravelly trails, over downed trees, along rocky streams, and up steep trails. Between the boot and the outsole is a rand—a fancy footwear term for a band of TPU—that reaches in front of the toe box, along the arch, and up the heel, for more protection against scuffing. On the trail, the feel was a tad stiff at first, but by the end of the week, it started to relent a bit. These didn’t feel like they needed an extensive break-in period. 

Inside, the build is classic Danner: removable, cushioning footbed, which is nice if you tend to use your own inserts. The foam under your foot is designed to mitigate heat so you don’t get swampy. Outside, the Panorama’s styling is a nice mix of a classic hiking boot, with abrasion-resistant suede, and, in my case, a contrasting red tongue that looks great and means the boot isn’t so technical you can’t walk into a coffee shop or pub after. While these are not insulated, they kept me plenty warm without feeling sweaty. They weigh under 2.5 pounds for the pair with a 6-inch-tall ankle. If you’re looking for a boot with a lot of ankle support, the Panorama probably isn’t going to be sufficient.—Sal Vaglica, contributor

[$160; amazon.com]

Coolers have gone through a sort of renaissance in the past decade or so as YETI-style ice boxes with thicker insulation and tougher construction have prevailed over styrofoam or thin plastic options. RTIC has been part of that reimagining of cooling science, and their latest cooler is a small, personal-sized unit that’s perfect for road trips or short events where you don’t need a big, heavy cooler. 

The RTIC Road Trip, natch, is ideally sized and able to hold 12 cans in a less-than 12x8x12 box, while still using 2 inches of closed cell foam to lock in cold. I found it easy to slip behind a seat or nestle into your packed gear close to the driver’s seat so cool refreshments are always close at hand. As with all coolers, you should only fill an already cold cooler with cold stuff before heading out, which I relearned when I went on a road trip with the cooler straight out the box—which had been sitting in a UPS truck all day. My drinks and snacks stayed cool with the addition of a few cold packs, but did not get as cold as I would’ve liked. On subsequent trips, proper cooler seasoning proved that the Road Trip works well on day-long trips—RTIC claims a 40-hour cold span in ideal conditions.

The light and strong, but spartan, cooler does has a few cool tricks: The lid stays locked when the handle is in the upright position, and then opens once you stow it away. The handle also has a nice-feeling, no-slip, ribbed rubber grip in the middle. And the underside of the lid has a generous, silicone cargo-net-covered cavity that’s perfect for stashing snacks you don’t want to get soggy in the main compartment. It comes in a variety of color combos and you can even get it personalized for an extra $15.

[$55; amazon.com]

As cooler weather settles in, now could be a good time to invest in a fall classic that won’t ever go out of style. Buck Mason’s Seafarer Cotton Rib Crew is just that, and although there are many like it, I found this one to be a great choice in terms of quality and fit. I’m about 5’9 with a medium build and the size medium fit quite nicely. This crew is made of 100 percent cotton which is ideal for those brisk morning commutes or warmer fall afternoons. It keeps you warm while still allowing airflow, so you don’t overheat when you step inside. What I like about this model is that it’s not as chunky as other cable-knit style sweaters, yet still gives off that timeless old fisherman-style sophistication.

I’ve worn this piece on multiple occasions with just a T-shirt underneath and felt no irritation at all from the fabric. The seven-gauge knit cotton also retains its shape quite well when washed compared to some of its wool counterparts. If you’re looking for a versatile sweater that can be dressed up or down, the Seafarer Crew from Buck Mason is worth considering.—Peter Matlashweski, contributor

[$168; buckmason.com]

I love to sleep. And although I’m not one of those people who obsessively tracks their hours, I do aim to snooze for the NIH-recommended seven to nine per night. Once I fall asleep, I’m conked until my inevitable 6:30 a.m. bathroom break. But that’s just my trouble; it takes me a while to relax and let sleep take hold.

Enter Ozlo Sleepbuds. Founded by former Bose engineers, the tiny Bluetooth earbuds are designed to help people fall asleep and stay asleep. Once activated, they mask outside noise and play a selection of ambient sounds available on the Ozlo app. I enjoyed the app’s stock sound of a crackling fire, but you can also listen to music if you like.

The Sleepbuds are packaged with three different bud sizes, which easily pop on and off the headphones, to effectively formfit to your ear size. In my case, it took some trial and error. I initially used too small a size, and the buds fell out of my ears during tosses and turns. But once I sized up, they stayed in place all night.

I definitely noticed a reduction in time spent falling asleep. Since I have no problem staying asleep, it’s hard to say how much Ozlo Sleepbuds helped me out in that department. But as long as I’m out within a few minutes of my head hitting the pillow, I’m not going to complain. Especially because Ozlo plans to add sleep metrics to the app in the near future. Guess I’ll soon be a sleep obsessive after all.

[$299; amazon.com]

The Breville Control Freak Home is the most technologically advanced piece of home cooking equipment I have ever tested. This impressive 9.5-inch induction cooktop device can heat your pan and food with such precision that it almost guarantees a perfect cook that can be replicated time and time again. The Control Freak can also be a safer cooktop option for certain cooking applications like deep frying because it doesn’t transmit heat through the surface of the appliance. Instead, it heats the pan directly through electromagnetism. This technology allows the Control Freak Home to rapidly reach and maintain precise and consistent temperatures to the single digit degree level. Imagine cooking a carbonara where it never gets hot enough to scramble your eggs, or a hollandaise sauce that you can add all ingredients at once without it splitting.

The Control Freak Home also comes with a built-in library of pre-programmed cooking settings for specific foods and categories. For example, if you select “egg” followed by “scrambled,” it will heat your pan to the exact temperature needed to make perfectly fluffy scrambled eggs without burning. The Control Freak Home takes all this a step further by including a probe that allows you to directly control the temperature of a water or fat-based liquid such as a stock or oil for frying. The probe will make micro adjustments to the liquid itself so it won’t fluctuate.

What’s also great about this machine is it’s portable. You can take it anywhere as long as you have access to power. If you want to help at the next brunch you’re invited to and be the hollandaise master or set up a pancake station that makes the greatest pancakes of all time, the possibilities are endless.

There’s no denying the price tag is a on the high side; however, the Control Freak isn’t necessarily designed for everyone. If you are passionate about cooking, love pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the kitchen and enjoy perfecting your dishes, I can’t think of a more scientifically advanced tool to help you. Alternatively, if you’re a mediocre cook and want a device that will take your culinary output to a consistently higher level, the Control Freak Home can certainly help.—Peter Matlashweski, contributor

[$1,300; breville.com]

Over the past few months, we’ve reviewed several noteworthy chainsaws in this column. However, after testing the Husqvarna 450 Rancher on some substantial stump leveling and winter firewood processing, it’s clear that this model also deserves a mention. With a 50cc motor, it delivers enough power to handle larger jobs, while effortlessly slicing through medium to small logs of all kinds.

What’s great about this chainsaw is how reliable and quickly it fires up, even on cold mornings, an issue that often plagues other models on the market. The vibration reduction technology allows for long hours of use without too much body strain, and I also found the saw itself to be quite ergonomically balanced when carrying it around. I used this to chainsaw to level a few stumps that were well into 30 inches, and the Rancher 450 handled it with ease.

This model also has all the same safety features you can find in most modern chainsaws like a chain brake system for kickback protection while being easy to operate entirely with gloves on. However, like any chainsaw, it will require regular maintenance and if you ever do any chain work and remove the clutch cover just make sure the chain brake is disengaged. Luckily on this newer model, Husqvarna included a tool that makes this unlocking process a lot easier.

There are a bunch of great battery-powered chainsaws on the market, but I still prefer gas-powered saws just for that extra level of reliability. I live in a rural area and when winter arrives, the power goes out and trees start falling it’s nice to know you don’t need to depend on a battery to remove a tree from your driveway or be able to help a neighbor at a moment’s notice. The Rancher 450 can be a bit overkill if this is your first chainsaw or plan on using it for small jobs. However, if you’re looking to upgrade to a more powerful model that can handle larger jobs with ease and is capable of operating for long days in a row, the Rancher 450 is the great future-proof option.—Peter Matlashweski, contributor

[$479; husqvarna.com]

Flashlights have come a long way in just a decade or two with the rapid rise of LED technology for bulbs. The gold standard back in the day was the might Maglite, especially the long and large, full-size versions that cops often toted around on their gear belt. But, hefty and cool as they were, the old incandescent bulb output wasn’t very bright. But now everyone has switched to LED bulbs with their high output of lumens and low power requirement (even Maglite). 

A recent LED flashlight I tested, the Infinity X1 5000L, offers a similar profile to the big aluminum flashlights of yore, with a few nice upgrades that make it a great choice for a tough and rugged light to stash in your go bag or truck storage bin. In addition to the solid, aircraft-grade aluminum body (7×3.5×14.5 inches, 3.5 pounds) that’s rated for drops and IPX waterproofness, you get three lighting modes—low, medium, and high, which hits 5,000 lumens—and a front bezel that you can twist to focus the beam from a wide angle. The beam will illuminate up to almost 600 feet. 

One of the unique features is the ability to power up other devices with the rechargeable battery, and it comes with a battery carrier that you can use to fill up with nine regular AAs—a single charge will last around 5 hours. It also uses “heat lock” tech that will automatically turn off the light if it senses something blocking it, which could cause over-heating.  

In my few months of testing the Infinity X1 held up well to living in the back of a side-by-side and in my truck. It got scratched and beat up a bit, but still performed well and never flickered or failed when I needed a bright light. The focusing bezel always turned smoothly. The thick aluminum shell also gave me a bit of confidence—when skulking around the woods at night or when stashed in my vehicle—that I could reliably use it for self-defense.—Adam Bible, Gear Editor

[$40; costco.com]

I make no claims to being a great angler. But I do know great anglers when I see them. And most of them…are birds. Specifically for saltwater fishing, feeding birds are the best indication of where the fish are. You look for birds, identify the avian species and watch how they’re behaving. Birds are chasing the same bait as gamefish.

As the Atlantic Ocean starts to cool, I am overly excited about the fall run on account of my new prescription Hopedale RX from Bajio. Saltwater fishing is a big playing field and I happen to be nearsighted. In the past, I’ve struggled to see birds that are off in the distance. And so, I’m alternating between polarized shades, binoculars and my prescription glasses, at times with all three bouncing around the console or falling all over my skiff as we run from blitz to blitz. With the Bajio Hopedale RX, it’s one pair of performance glasses that offer unmatched optical clarity and enhance your vision with prescription lenses, whether you are near or far sighted.

In its four short years in existence, Florida-based Bajio has basically upped the performance eyewear game. They block harmful UV rays and those harsh yellow and blue lights. The polarization makes it so much easier to read what’s going on in the water. The fit and comfort are about the best you can get. Now adding prescription options to 25 of their frames, they’ve essentially created the ultimate eyewear for angling. The Hopedale are made for sight fishing featuring double barrel hinges, narrow temples, ergo rubber nose pads and built-in sun ledge. They have a large fit and great style. These may become your new go-to for daytime driving as well.

Perfect for following the birds, no matter how far off they might be.

[$565; bajio.com]

One of the reasons why I love Japanese camping gear is its blend of innovation, excellent craftsmanship, and aesthetically pleasing design. DOD’s Good Luck Sofa is the perfect example of redesigning a camp essential like a foldable chair but made it a little bit more interesting, arguably more useful and quite frankly better looking. This low-profile portable sofa can comfortably seat two people, though it might feel a bit snug depending on the person’s size. While it’s slightly larger than your traditional camp chair, it folds completely flat making it easy to carry around and pack into a crowded trunk.

Though designed to be a piece of comfortable camping furniture, it’s become my go to for backyard fires, watching a sunset somewhere off the beaten path, or just bringing to a friend’s place for a barbecue. In typical Japanese innovative fashion this chair also comes with a removable and washable cushion cover designed to keep you a little warmer while adding a whole lot of comfort. The Good luck Sofa has become by far my favorite chair to bring around with me whether I’m solo or sharing with someone.—Peter Matlashweski, contributor

[$219; dodoutdoors.com]

Here’s a cool idea for the multi-tasker on the move: Lenovo’s ThinkVision M14t Gen2 mobile monitor—an ultra-slim and ultralight 14-inch IPS LCD screen with touch capabilities. The latest iteration of the M14 boasts a higher resolution of 1440p, an aspect ratio of 16:10 and a boosted-up contrast ratio of 1500:1. More functional for Windows users than Mac devotees (who won’t be able to access the touchscreen feature), this barely-there, bright and sharp display is perfect for web-browsing and video editing rather than gaming. There is no HDMI port but there is a USB-C connection that attaches to your laptop and also keeps the monitor powered up.

The M14t would work perfectly with Lenovo’s new Chromebook Duet 11, but is compatible with any Windows laptop or Android device. The 2024 Duet is also the zenith in portable computing—perfect for Zoom calls and emails and a steal at around $350. It has a spill-resistant, magnetically attached keyboard that when jettisoned leaves a 2K-resolution screen perfect for streaming, gaming, and ebook reading. Also, your kids are likely using Chromebooks in school and can access assignments when they’re not goofing off on YouTube.The Duet 11 also supports USI 2.0 pens, perfect for taking notes or doodling.

The M14t display’s sleek, all-black design features a hinge that enables additional height, and USB-C ports on either side—as well as a cable lock, power button and brightness controls. It can adjust from horizontal to vertical automatically, and it can also be laid flat to accommodate drawing with the provided stylus, which is really responsive and tracks accurately and smoothly. Also, depending on your brand, you may be able to connect a smartphone to the M14t— great for a compact streaming experience when traveling without a computer.

All of the innards and the screen itself come with a carrying case, which is rather handy given the glass-covered display—not the cheaper matte plastic variety of its competitors. Said screen is supernova bright and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. But finally it’s the 14t’s dainty footprint that makes this display most appealing. It weighs in at a scant 1.5 pounds and measures 12.39×3.8×9.26 inches at its thickest point. 

P.S., the touchscreen and stylus work best with Windows 10 or 11 users. But given its color accuracy, ergonomic kickstand and stunning resolution, this $400 wonder is currently best in class when it comes to portable monitors.—David Weiss, contributor

[$399; lenovo.com]

Now that it’s finally getting chilly at night for most of the country, gathering around a campfire is one of the most enjoyable parts of being outdoors. But getting them started is not always the easiest part, especially for newbies. The new Spark Infinite Firestarter though, makes getting a blaze going super simple and, like the name suggests, you can use it over and over again. 

Stamped from 304 stainless steel into a tri-point star shape that can hold liquid, the Spark is unique in the fire starter world since it’s reusable. That’s achieved by pouring some type of accelerant into the hollow created when the steel is pressed into it’s final form—rubbing alcohol is recommended. Once you fill it up (10 ounces is suggested but I’ve used less to get many fires going), just light the liquid and the flames will appear, though in bright sunlight they can be hard to see. Then build a wood structure of your choice around it—I had best luck making a small teepee of sticks, then switching over to the log cabin style once the fire began building. After that it’s just a matter of kicking back and enjoying the easiest fire you’ve ever made. 

It’s a great idea and perfect for car campers or overlanders (just remember to pack some rubbing alcohol), and I could see a smaller version being handy for backpackers or hunters. One thing to be aware of is that unless you are unusually deft at retrieving hot items from fires without disturbing the build, you’ll have to leave the Spark in until it cools down, nominally the next day. Which means pulling it out before you hit the hay if taking off in the morning. An addition of a small attached chain with a ring for a stake would make it easier to pull the Spark out when the fire is raging, allowing for it to cool down well before you head out the next day.—Adam Bible, Gear Editor

[$59; sparkfirestarter.com]

Since the 1950s, the Japanese brand Fujiiryoki has been producing massage chairs and their newest release, the Calm Plus, is in my opinion the Cadillac of massage chairs. Having spent an embarrassing amount of time in these types of chairs at airports, trade shows, and countless visits to massage therapists, I can confidently say nothing comes close to the cloud-like experience this chair provides.

The Calm Plus customizes each session by first measuring your body size, while allowing for adjustments in compression strength, massage intensity and seat inclination. Unlike many other massage chairs on the market, it can massage in any position from completely upright to fully flat. With 12 pre-programmed massage cycles to choose from, a custom menu for targeting specific body areas, and seven distinct massage techniques, you’re guaranteed to be able to target whatever is feeling most tense. This chair is also equipped with the best foot rollers I’ve come across and the oscillating calf compression works wonders after long days on your feet.

The Calm Plus also has some advanced features typically only found in higher-end chairs like a full body stretch function. This mode grips your calves while reclining the rest of your body, arching your back completely as two perfectly placed rollers glide up to your shoulders. The result is a deep sense of relief and realignment. This chair also includes two head-height Bluetooth speakers so you can listen to your audio book or podcast while you relax. It’s also designed to accommodate various body heights from those who are 5′ all the way up to 6’3″, ensuring everyone you have over can enjoy its restorative benefits. The Calm Plus from Fujiiryoki is one of those home additions that you may not think you need but once you try it out it starts to make a lot more sense.—Peter Matlashweski, contributor

[$3,699; syncamassagechair.com]

I’ve tried all of the usual fly rod holders from the big brands, and they all worked fine, just were a little clunky and cumbersome, along with not being very user friendly. The latest to grace my truck is the Riversmith River Quiver, and it’s by far the best built and most well-thought-out rod holder I’ve had the chance to use. 

Out of the box it was easier to assemble than some of the others that required you to tighten and re-tighten and adjust to get things lined up just right. The “double barrel” tube construction—the two tubes are one piece—makes it much sturdier and lends to a quicker and more satisfying set up. These are lined with soft polypropylene sheaths for maximum rod protection. They also have T-slot in the middle which accepts the T-bolt on the mounting brackets, which is simple to figure out and makes for a solid and strong mounting point. (You can also choose between standard mounts, low-profile T-track mounts, quick-release mounts, and truck bed mounts so you’ll be able to fit them to almost any rig.) A wide and strong steel connecting plate uses four bolts to securely mate the two halves. This set-up is so sturdy you can actually use it as mini rack to mount or hold lighter objects you may not have room for on the rest of your rack.

For the business end of the River Quiver, you get a tough, lockable plastic reel box that’s rated to hold up to intense UV rays and uses a unique type of tongue-and-groove fitment for the hatch lid, making it harder for thieves to pry the box open. Another nice feature is hinge for the box (which opens to the side, not the user-unfriendly top or bottom) is constructed so it binds a bit when fully open so an errant gust of wind won’t slam the lid shut on your delicate rods when pulling them out. You can fit rods up to 10’4″ (and there’s a Euro extension if you need to hold rods up to 11’4″) and can select from a two- or four-rod holder.

I took it loaded up on a three-hour trip to the N.C. mountains over the summer, going 79 mph (natch) on the highway and then bouncing around rutted dirt roads in the mountains. It held up well at highway speeds with minimal vibration or thrumming, and was fast and easy to deploy rods while hunting down brookie streams. I would add the additional Reel Box Pads ($30), or make my own, just for more security and to save a step of wrapping and rewrapping your reel with its neoprene case.

Overall, this is an excellent rooftop fly rod holder, with thoughtful features and better engineering than you’ll get on holders from other popular brands, plus it’s around the same price or even cheaper than some. It’s also assembled in the U.S. and was founded by two fly-fishing buddies in Colorado.

[From $500; riversmith.com]

Picking outdoor furniture is a quagmire. There is a dizzying number of styles, using an endless number of colors, all crafted from a handful of materials. While life is full of-you-get-what-you-pay-for gear, outdoor furniture—not something most homeowners baby—is near the top of that list. Make it easier on yourself: the right answer is always teak. This tropical hardwood resists the elements, rot, and bugs and is usually fashioned into easy-to-love shapes that range from square and chunky to rounded and furniture-like.

While teak is an investment, this Rio seven-piece set is a great value, made from solid wood. The chairs use blocking and screws in the corners and feel rock solid. The seat, about 18 inches off the ground, is sturdy, with squared parts and eased edges so it doesn’t look blocky or chip easily. The woven backrests mean plenty of airflow on hot days for chronic back sweaters. I like the nice touch the seat cushions have—a hook and loop strip—which secures them to the chairs. Another nice detail: the legs have plastic bumpers on the ends, which prevents the end grain from wicking up water like a straw. Castlery also has the option to replace the chairs with a long bench.

The table ships flat pack and requires a touch of DIY assembly, which helps lower the cost a bit. The angular legs fasten to the underside of the table with a handful of stainless-steel bolts. Turned over the top is a wide expanse that comes in three lengths, from 63 to 94.5 inches (the widths range from 31.5- to 41.3-inches wide), and plenty of room for six comfortably on the middle-sized option, about 6.5-feet long. The legs have levelers on them to help adjust the table about a half inch. A removable teak round up to 2.3-inches wide in the center accommodates an umbrella. The table has handsome box joints on the ends of the legs.

Even in the fall, a set like this makes it enjoyable to work from home. While springing for the covers is a smart idea, an additional $240 to protect six chairs and the table, teak is tough stuff, and Castlery covers this set with a three-year warranty. While you should keep it covered when not in use, and especially during the off-season, if you leave it raw it will, over time, age to a warm, silvery gray. It will void the warranty, but if at any point you want to refresh it to the warm wood tone, you can sand it. And if you want to keep the golden tone, treat the wood with a penetrating oil made for teak—which prevents water from seeping in and UV degradation—and reapply that coating every year or so. That minimal care and feeding means this set should last decades on your patio or deck.—Sal Vaglica, contributor

[From $2,279; castlery.com]

The certified B Corporation and Indigenous-owned brand Manitobah has been making moccasins, mukluks, and more since 1997, but they have been supporting Indigenous artists since before they were a global company. Founder and Métis entrepreneur Sean McCormick established an artist trading post for artisans to trade their work. Manitobah’s Indigenous Market is an extension of this, while the artist collaborations are an expansion. It is truly remarkable how many beautiful artist collaborations Manitobah has done with artisans from all over. The latest Woodland Tipi collaboration with multidisciplinary artist Janae Grass from Tulsa, Oklahoma is one of the latest offerings of this expansion.

Grass, who is a member of the Sac and Fox Nation, and descends from the Mvskoke and Absentee Shawnee Nations, has added a simple, yet elegant beadwork design to for the vamp (top of the moccasin) with a subtle and chic multi-color print on the the lower portion of the moc. The unique design gives modern vibes in the classic slipper. Grass also designed a few other Manitobah styles like the Modern Moccasin, if you’re looking for something a little more subdued and classic.

The Woodland Tipi would make a fantastic gift for anyone. Made of canvas, suede, and rabbit fur, the Woodland Tipi’s are soft and mold quickly to your feet (always a good sign!) Note, if you are in-between sizes to size down, they’ll fit a little tight at first, but will break in quickly. The fleece inside is breathable and doesn’t sweat, keeping your feet toasty and dry. Although the Woodland Tipi’s are made to be worn inside, the sole is not thin, but rather it is soft allowing you to still feel connection to ground.—Kate Erwin, contributor 

[$85; manitobah.com]

We’ve all witnessed the rapid improvement in noise cancelling technology across the consumer audio market, but sometimes staying aware of your surroundings is crucial for both safety and attentiveness. London-based tech brand Nothing recently came out with their Ear (open) model, which is designed specifically for those situations. What’s great about these earbuds is that they maintain excellent sound quality while still allowing you to hear what’s happening around you. They use their sound seal system which directs the speaker exactly where it’s needed to maximize clarity while keeping you connected to your environment.

As someone who enjoys listening to immersive loud music, I did not expect to like these earbuds as much as I do. They provide a refreshing experience of listening to a podcast with excellent clarity while walking down a busy street and being completely aware of both worlds. Another feature that makes the Ear (open) ideal for commuting or office work is how comfortable they are to wear for an extended period of time. This model offers 7 hours of battery life on a single charge, with up to 30 hours when using the charging case, making it quite unlikely you’ll ever end run out of power.

Overall, the new Ear (open) offers a unique experience that doesn’t necessary replace an existing pair of headphones but instead complements them for those occasions where you want to be more tuned into your surroundings.—Peter Matlashewski, contributor

[$149; us.nothing.tech]

I’m someone who always keeps my backpack stuffed with books, journals, pens, chargers—everything necessary for tossing on the straps and getting out the door quickly. But I used to favor those inexpensive back-to-school bags with one big pocket and one small pocket. So whenever I arrived at my destination, all time saved by pre-packing was immediately ruined by 10 minutes of untangling my headphones (yes, I still used corded headphones) and digging for writing utensils.

Then, I tried Troubadour’s new Pioneer Backpack 3.0. It arrived in the mail just days before I had to leave for an international vacation, the perfect opportunity to test out its features. I fit three books, a notebook, a 17-inch laptop, over-ear headphones, earbuds, a digital camera, and various chargers into the bag’s assorted interior sleeves and pockets. I tucked my passport, wallet, and boarding pass into a handy zippered side pocket, and my phone into a zip pocket on the sleeve for quick access. Whenever I needed my laptop to write a quick email, I didn’t have to rip open the whole damn bag—there’s a side sleeve that zipped open so I could slide it right out. In short, I was organized and prepared for every airport security line and hotel check-in, no digging necessary. And a sleeve on the back allowed the Pioneer to slip right over my roller bag handle to save my shoulders some heavy lifting.

I don’t like to peacock with my gear, so I also fell in love with the sleek, no-frills design and plain black colorway. But plain, in this case, doesn’t mean unsophisticated; even the small details were clearly pored over by the manufacturer. Lightweight fabrics, waterproof lining, and breathable fabrics proved essential as I rushed from train to train in steady rain, so neither perspiration nor precipitation soaked the paper items inside.

Needless to say, I now have a reliable backpack hanging by my front door, ready to be nabbed on-the-go. While it’s on the pricier side ($275), the brand also offers other less expensive options, like its award winning Apex Backpack ($245) and its smaller sibling Apex Mini ($195). Regardless of which you choose, you won’t need a new backpack for years to come.—Chris Hatler, Senior Editor

[$275; troubadourgoods.com]

Bike racks have come a long way over the past several years and today’s cyclist has a lot of options to choose from. We like the Küat Piston Pro for ease of use, but it’s expensive. The Thule T2 Pro is the most versatile for when you are loading up a lot of different sized bikes. But for folks who enjoy a rack for the rugged simplicity and durability, the 1Up Heavy Duty Bike Rack is hard to beat.

My group of hard-riding Oregon-based testers put the 1Up Heavy Duty Bike Rack through its paces. We drove it to dozens of trailheads, up windy forest roads in Hood River and Government Camp, along the Mckenzie River Trail, throughout the Deschutes National Forest, and all over Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. Of all the racks we’ve tested, 1Up was hands down the fan favorite. Visually, the rack gets a perfect score as it’s sleek and aerodynamic. The clever pivot system allows the rack to efficiently and discreetly fold up against the car when not in use and drop down low for easy access to your rear hatch. And it is extremely heavy duty.

1Up Heavy Duty Bike Rack features a clever tray-style design that securely holds a bike’s tires, so your frame and fork stay scratch-free. Loading the bike is simple—you just lift the lever, unfold the arms, set your bike on the tray, and push the arms closed. There’s a satisfying click that lets you know your bike is locked in tight.

A 2-inch receiver means it fits most vehicles hitches and fits 3-inch tires out of the box. 1Up makes their racks modular, you can always add on storage for an extra bike or two, and if you have a fat bike they can also extend the trays out to accommodate 5-inch fat tires. And you can carry bikes up to 65 pounds, nice for people who have gone electric. The 1Up is ideal for cyclists looking to get a rack that can grow with them.

When you order your rack, you can also upgrade with locks, an EZ Pull Handle (that lets you tilt the rack without having to reach underneath), and LED Light Bars. I didn’t add the handle, but the LED Light bar that lets you hook up turn signals and brake lights is a nice addition. And get the locks; they are a lifesaver when you leave your bike on the car when you’re having a post-ride beer or picking up groceries.

1Up boasts no plastic parts for their rack and in the real world, that seems to make a difference. On the road, the integrated anti-wobble corner expander ball keeps everything stable, while the hitch bar’s depth adjustability ensures a snug fit. We put this rack through nearly a year of heavy use, it shows little signs of wear. The robust aluminum construction paired with stainless steel hardware makes it resistant to rust and corrosion. It’s built to last. It’s held up to the incessant dust and PNW loam and rain, and plenty of hard use with heavy loads and bumpy roads. 

That durability and all metal construction comes with a cost however. I often struggle under the brute weight of the rack’s lever to get the rack in the upright position when loading my bike. Moving the lever up and down can be heavy—especially when you are carrying more than two bikes—and difficult to operate one-handed. Lifting the rack into the “lock” position with four bikes takes two people and some muscle.—Nancy Bouchard, contributor

[From $455; 1up-usa.com] 

Successfully packing light for a trip is one of life’s luxuries but sometimes you just have to bring a bit of extra gear and that shouldn’t necessarily translate to oversized inconvenience. The Dakine Split Roller 85L Bag is one of those pieces of luggage that fits a ton of gear, keeps you organized and doesn’t feel cumbersome to lug around.

It doesn’t have four wheels like many new pieces of luggage on the market but having the tilt and pull system means you can more easily manoeuvre it across uneven terrain over obstacles and up sidewalks, without having to lift your entire luggage every time. This model also has five sturdy handles placed around the bag so you can lift and stack it easily weather you’re loading it onto bus, a train or into the trunk of your car.

This bag has a been a staple in the ski and snowboard industry for about a decade and it shows—with plenty of upgrades over the years, it’s become the perfect travel companion. To name a few, the reinforced wheels are large enough to climb stairs, the split design lets you separate product categories (or dirty and clean items) while staying organized and the sturdy YKK zippers are now lockable. The outside fabric is made of a durable 600D recycled polyester and the bottom is a hard shell to withstand rough handling, whether on conveyor belts or being tossed into the back of a pickup truck.

We’ve all experienced overpacking, where closing the bag feels tighter on the way back than it did when we left. Fortunately, the compressions straps on the side relieves pressure off the zippers which in turn will keep your bag stronger for longer. If you’re looking for a travel bag that makes it easy to be organized on the road, this 85L roller is the perfect size and companion for you.—Peter Matlashewski, contributor

[$128; amazon.com]

I’ll get straight to the point: American Giant American Vintage Unisex Pullover is the best hoodie I’ve ever owned. Made in the U.S. from 100-percent cotton, it’s soft and comfortable, yet incredibly durable because of its hefty 16 ounce fleece fabric.

The silhouette is relaxed through the chest and arms, but tapers right around the waist. I tend to flip the bottom cuff inside, which flatters my torso without sacrificing the coziness expected from a slightly oversized sweatshirt.

But my favorite detail—which might not be as important to other customers—is the lack of drawstrings. I never tighten my hood anyway, so I’ve found drawstrings a nuisance whenever washing or drying. They get lost in their own loop, tangle, or fall out far too often to be worth inclusion.

Luckily, the hood is deep, wide, and heavy enough that there’s no need to tighten it anyway. It envelops my head perfectly to keep my ears warm, block the sun, or even just provide some extra privacy while strolling about town.—Chris Hatler, Senior Editor

[$148; americangiant.com]

They all have two wheels, a big slab of lithium-ion, and handlebars so it can be easy to dismiss most scooters as kid toys. But the KQi 300X is not that—though it is a lot of fun to ride. This handsome, polished scooter is a near-perfect blend of speed, handling, safety, utility, and with a willingness to get down and dirty. I’ve been using it for a few weeks to ride around town, on paved trails, and dirt paths to help with everything from running errands to managing writer’s block with a quick joyride (which is the most fun a procrastinator can have).

At about 49 pounds, the folding handles turn this scooter into a tidy, 21×46-inch package that you could take to work, on public transportation, and then stash by your desk. The max rider weight is 265 pounds and even pushed to that limit—and if I’m honest, a bit beyond it—I was still able to reach the top speed of 23 mph. As you stand over a 48-volt battery that pumps out up to 1,000 watts of juice you feel in control with a pair of disc brakes that did a good job of bringing me to a slow roll during emergency breaking tests. 

Take the 300X off-road, or off a curb, and the hydraulic suspension travels about 1.75 inches to take the sting out which keeps you balanced. After about six hours plugged into the wall, you can get about 37 miles of range on the Niu, and an impressive 25 percent uphill climb, which was enough to concur my driveway which dips down more than six feet from the garage to the street.

On the road, the daytime running lights, along with a blinker on the right handle grip, help to keep you visible. On the left handlebar, an effective mechanical bell alerts others as you pass by. The beefy 10-5×2.5 inch tubeless tires are low maintenance free and will self-heal. The deck is 6.5 inches wide with plenty of room for my pair of size 14 shoes. While we’re not pulling tricks on this, the Niu doesn’t hesitate to go off-road on dirt trails, grassy fields, or gravel paths, where the suspension really helps.

The app makes this a dream to own, especially if you plan to share this with other, younger riders. You can adjust the maximum speed and the acceleration so younger riders have an easier time controlling the scooter. Our biggest complaint about riding—the awkwardness of having to rotate the throttle ring towards yourself on the right handlebar—is easy to resolve in the app by initiating the cruise control feature that sets the speed once you’ve been riding for a few seconds, leaving you to hold the handlebars very naturally. You can also use the app to track the bike, lock it, and see your ride history. The only thing this scooter is missing, really, is an attachment system that would allow for carrying some cargo, which would help for take-out night.—Sal Vaglica, contributor 

[$892; shop.niu.com]

There’s nothing like hoisting a heavy, solid flagon to your lips when lusting after an adult beverage, whether it be you favorite new Czech-style lager or a skillfully shaken cocktail. If that’s your jam, then a copper mug from Handlebend should be on your list of new drinking buddies. They offer a few different styles of these hand-crafted vessels, from hefty mugs to slim whiskey sippers, but I checked out one in the middle, The Rambler.  

Though shorter than the Original mug, the Rambler is still a stout boy that makes it’s presence known while cradling a drink. It stands 4.5 inches tall and holds 23 ounces of liquid, plus weighs in at about 1.5 pounds without any fluid (over 2 full up). So you definitely notice it in hand when quaffing. You can get two versions, either cleaned up and shiny, or left wit the patina created when being brazed together. I chose the later for that distressed and used feel. 

In use they are fun and certain conversation starters. If you make a cocktail with ice, be aware that, depending on the outside temp, the outsides will sweat quite a bit. So don’t put it down on wooden surfaces that aren’t made to hold up to the elements. The outside also gets quite cold when filled with a chilly brew as the copper is an excellent thermal conductor. 

If I had to choose again, I’d probably go with a smaller cup as the Rambler is a bit too large for my tastes. But they are well made, great looking, and sure to get the party started whenever you and your friends hang out.—Adam Bible, Gear Editor 

[$225 for 2; handlebend.com]

Fall is upon us, and wet and cold weather is on it’s way. And in the case of my testing period for these Muck Boots Apex Mid Zips, Hurricane Helene had just blown through when I was wrapping it up. Needless to say, you’re going to get a quality mud and rain boot from Muck, no matter the style. But these zip ankle boots shined when scouting for upcoming hunts, slopping through messy farm fields, and walking the dog through creek beds and flooded areas after a tropical storm. 

I was drawn to them mainly because I can get lazy when it comes to putting on boots—I almost always default to Crocs unless it’s particularly cold or rainy. But with the Apex Mid Zips, they have a short waterproof zipper over the tongue of each, so slipping them on and off and getting them ready for soggy stuff is a cinch. They are also super comfy, with breathable mesh lining, flexible neoprene liner, memory foam footbed, and lightweight but rugged outsole. 

These are 100-percent waterproof, a statement that bore out as true when I put them through their paces in exceptionally wet conditions. The front zippers lock down and have a velcro tab that keeps the tops tight. The rubber outsole is plenty beefy with deep lugs that helped me keep my traction on all sorts of slippery terrain. And the antimicrobial cover for the footbed helped knock down any potent aromas. These are also Muck’s lightest outdoor boot, coming in a 2.7 pounds and are rated to be comfortable below freezing on up to 65 degrees.—Adam Bible, Gear Editor

[$165; muckbootcompany.com]

The James Brand is known for turning out well-considered, thoughtfully designed, sleek creations. One of their flagship products, The Carter knife, follows that ethos to a T. The newest version of that minimal and sexy blade includes warm carbon fiber scales that class it up just a bit more while lightening your EDC load. At just 2.8 ounces, the debut of the carbon fiber version makes it the lightest Carter ever.

Like the classic version, you get a stout VG-10 stainless steel blade with a reversible pocket clip that carries deep into your pocket so no knife handle shows. The blade uses a knurled disc to facilitate easy thumb opening, though I found it took a bit to get used to coming directly from a thumb stub knife. Once I adjusted my thumb positioning though, it was easy to flick out and flicked back into it’s home just as smoothly. That’s helped by the slide-lock, which is intuitive and, with the reversible clip and thumb disc, makes it fully ambidextrous. 

The Carter is also available in an XL version if you’ve got meaty paws or just like toting around big blades. The regular has a blade length of 2.8 inches and an overall length of 6.5, while the XL bumps that up to 7.8 with a blade size of 3.3 inches. Alas, the carbon fiber option has not yet been released for the XL size.—Adam Bible, Gear Editor

[$199; thejamesbrand.com]

The latest trend in adventure or outdoor belts has been adding stretch to textile bands. This gives you more comfort and freedom when engaging in active outdoor pursuits, which has been well received. The one downside is that they are kind of floppy, tend to stretch out or lose their form over time, and don’t offer much support for belt-mounted accessories. 

The new Groove Belt Max Leather though, addresses those shortcomings by using real leather in their slightly stretchy adventure belt. They mated full-grain leather with their special Stretch-Tech technology to get a more durable, stouter, and still-comfortable belt that looks as good in the office as in the backcountry. The buckle is also tough and secure as it’s made from anodized aluminum and uses magnets to keep it secure. Over my weeks of testing, I found it to be easy to use and never once popped off when riding dirt bikes, driving side-by-sides, shopping for groceries, or climbing tree stands.

It’s super easy to set up, just click the tiny button to advance the buckle along the integrated track on the inside of the belt and then put the belt on and use it to fine tune your fit. Cut the extra off—or leave for future beer belly you—either way, any excess hides smoothly under the buckle-side of the belt and doesn’t get in the way.—Adam Bible, Gear Editor

[$100; groovebelt.com]

Battery-powered chainsaws have come a long way from just a few years ago when most outdoorsmen scoffed at the thought of performing any arborist activities with one. New lithium-ion battery tech and more powerful brushless motors have made current electric chainsaws compact and lightweight wood-chewing machines.

I tested one of the newest and lightest saws out there, the Echo eForce DCS-2500T Top Handle Chainsaw. Though it’s ostensibly made for the professional arborist, this little 12-inch demon became my best friend while using on a friend’s farm over the summer. It’s powerful, boasting a 56-volt system (compared to most tool brand’s 20 volters) with a 2.5Ah battery that runs a stout brushless motor. 

Whether toting along while hiking trails that needed random trees cleared, strapping to the front of an ATV for longer sessions in the woods, or just processing wood around the campfire, I found this saw to be very powerful and high-performing. It definitely rivals the same size gas saws in slicing through chunky trunks, but gives you the benefit of being quiet and always starting up. Echo claims up to 60 cuts before crapping out, but I’m not sure what that actually measures. I never had a problem in the field with it dying as long as I charged it up every night when stowing it.

Other notable features include the easy-to-access adjustment nut on the side of the bar (no having to take off a panel to get to it), ability to run on full power before the battery cuts out, and the rear harness ring that was handy when climbing up tree stands to clear branches.—Adam Bible, Gear Editor

[$500; homedepot.com]

Brooklyn-based running brand Bandit has released their Micromesh Long Sleeve Performance Tee and it has quickly become an all-around favorite of mine. Whether I’m going for a jog, working out, hiking or cycling, this garment is ready to keep up with any type of outdoor activity you get up to.

This long sleeve is perfect for those early morning runs or walks where it’s a too chilly for a t-shirt but not quite cold enough for a hoodie. The mesh fabric is lightweight and incredibly breathable to the point where you can feel the wind pass through it, almost giving you the sensation of not wearing anything at all. 

The fit leans slightly on the relaxed side but still tailored for physical activity, with plenty of stretch throughout, so there’s no restriction when in movement.Even in the midday sun, this piece doesn’t feel overbearingly hot because the fabric traps very little heat. Overall, this piece of gear can be a great choice for all your upcoming outdoor activities.—Peter Matlashewski, contributor

[$78; banditrunning.com]

A smartphone or laptop’s camera might work for impromptu calls or while on the road, but if you work remotely—or work with colleagues who do—a dedicated camera is a smart investment. Most are plagued with the same problem: with a camera perched above the screen, the user is either looking straight ahead or up high, and in either case, not making great eye contact. 

The iContact Camera Pro fixes that and it’s a breeze to use. Like all video call cameras, it clamps onto the top of the screen, and receives power from USB-C (it comes with a USB-A dongle). From there you install the PC or iOS software, all of which takes only a few minutes. That software allows for tweaks to your appearance, like white balance, clarity, and brightness. To jump on a call, you fold down the camera so it hangs about 4.5 inches down from the housing. The camera shoots in 4K, has speakers, and noise-canceling microphones built in. 

The result is you’re making better eye contact with friends, family, and colleagues. iContact says studies that kind of direct eye contact leads to 23 percent better information retention. And it’s natural to look straight ahead while on a call so there’s not much of a learning curve. The calls we’ve been making are clear and the sound from the speakers works well. The optional, rechargeable 160 LED light panel fits on top of the camera and has dials in the back to adjust lumens and Kelvins, so you get the right amount of light, at the right temperature, for a better appearance on camera. When you don’t need the camera, it folds up and out of the way. 

Our only nitpick with the system is I can see the camera hanging down being a small issue if you need to read something on your screen while presenting, though the camera body itself is only about the size of a penny.—Sal Vaglica, contributor 

[From $179; icontactcamera.com]

Mammut describes their Broad Peak IN Hooded Jacket as “reliable mountain companion.” I have been wearing Mammut’s Broad Peak IN Hooded Jacket for about three months and I’d say the description is accurate.

The Broad Peak IN (note: this is the new generation version) is a lighter weight down jacket that is insulated with 800-fill power Dry Down insulation, meaning, it can get wet and still perform—to a point (I have yet to find a down jacket that doesn’t have some sort of Gore-Tex or waterproofing material that will withstand downpours). 

Like the previous version, the Broad Peak IN has a two-way zipper, something that often gets neglected on the lighter weight jackets, which seems silly because when your climbing in the heat of summer, you don’t often bring a big belay jacket, you’re likely going to want something lighter and if you’re belaying off your harness on a multi-pitch, instant warmth and two-way zippers are always welcomed. 

Mammut dependably keeps small details like these in mind. Unlike the previous Broad Peak IN jacket, the new version uses a recycled, abrasion-resistant Pertex Quantum outer fabric is a fantastic upgrade and not only offers maximum thermal performance by keeping moisture out, it is just more durable. Limestone edges and sharp dog nails have not yet wrecked the new Broad Peak IN.

Other features—like one interior and the two handy zipper pockets, and a simple drawstring hem—are quality, but the in-pocket stuff sack makes stowing the jacket easy and practical—you’ll never lose your stuff sack!

After months of wearing the Broad Peak IN this very cold summer, I have no intention of stowing it away for the even colder fall and winter. It will just be layered with other jackets (since it has such a low-profile fit) and will truly be my year-round, “reliable mountain companion.”—Kate Erwin, contributor

[$329; rei.com]

Restaurant-grade pizza at home has become more achievable than ever, but depending on what type of oven you’re using it can sometimes require a lot of prep and time. The Ooni Karu 16 multi-fuel pizza oven fires up past 800 degrees in under 10 minutes and if you include cook time you can be enjoying fresh homemade pizza in 15 minutes.

This model requires about 10 minutes of easy, out-of-the-box assembly and after a quick burn-off it’s ready to use. What makes the Karu 16 unique is how you can use various fuel types to cook your pizza from propane, wood to charcoal. Propane is great for fast and easy temperature control but the flavor you get from wood or charcoal adds that special touch. The gas burner outputs an almost flame thrower like heat source which gives the oven end to end heat distribution so you seldom have to rotate your pizza more than once while cooking. 

It’s important to note that the gas burner attachment does not come included with the Karu 16, but it’s well worth the extra investment, though not necessary for cooking excellent pizza. Another point worth highlighting is the oven’s capacity; it can accommodate pizzas up to 16 inches, so you’re not limited to smaller four-slice pizzas. All the components of this oven feel robust and when you lock the door or hatch in place it feels snug and airtight. 

The level of insulation has me thinking this oven will work wonders all year round as long as it’s stored properly and away from the elements. The Karu 16 still weighs a fair amount and although feasible to carry alone, it’s a little awkward given its size so it’s best to be two people if you’re planning to take it on the go. Overall, the Karu 16 multi fuel oven takes pizza night or “easy dinner” to a whole new level.—Peter Matlashewski, contributor

[649; ooni.com]

Headphones are a personal affair—some folks like a boomy bass, others prefer a crystalline high-end, while the prosumer crowd goes for realism and accuracy when recording, mastering and mixing. Sennheiser has been serving the latter contingent reliably for a long while, and their HD 490 Pro’s are a worthy addition to the line, both in terms of comfort and sonic detail. Yes, the open-back, dynamic driver phones are targeted for audiophiles and studio usage, but will deliver more than satisfying sound for lay-listeners in search of the golden chord.

The open back design ensures proper ventilation, and makes for a snazzy look and see-through view of the driver assembly. The build is solid and the 490’s are accessorized to the max—there are two sets of ear pads, one designed for mixing and the other for producing. And the durable, hard plastic travel case makes for easy storage and carefree traveling. There are zippered compartments and a mesh pocket for the earpads, as well as for the proprietary 3.5mm, mini-XLR cable and an extra headband pad. Again, comfort is key when wearing headphones for long stretches, whether at home or in the studio.

As for the sound quality, Sennheiser 490s deliver warmth and clarity without unduly emphasizing the high or low end. I tested them with classical music and sub-bass heavy hiphop and didn’t detect a decibel of distortion, even when listened to at high levels. A low-frequency cylinder system is responsible for that fat bass response, and the company’s “neodymium” magnets with ultralight voice coils promote consistency and reliable performance. Home studio pro’s and earnest amateurs would do well to add these cans to their arsenal, as well as those whose yen for sonic honey warrants the formidable price tag.—David Weiss, contributor 

[$448; amazon.com]

For the longest time, there wasn’t much choice when selecting a walkie talkie for venturing outdoors. The main choices are standard, similar-looking two-way radios that work well—and made by multiple companies—but aren’t made to be that rugged. They are usually built with a cheaper grade of plastic for the shell that can crack easily if dropped during a summit bid, and aren’t that well-sealed to stand up to the elements. 

Rocky Talkie, started by adventurers Bryce Jones and Alex Page in Colorado in 2019, bucked that solid-but-kind-of-fragile radio trend with the creation of their Mountain Radio. They made sure it was outfitted with a special lithium-ion battery that can get you more than four days of charge in up to 20 below zero weather. The Mountain Radio also has an upgraded shatterproof LED screen with a thermoplastic covering for increased durability all around. And then, instead of slapping another delicate plastic clip to stow it on your belt or backpack, they pivoted to tough and light aluminum carabiner, plus added in a coiled leash to make sure your radio doesn’t go skittering down a mountain trail at the least opportune moment.  

Powerwise, the FRS radio is the maximum power allowed without a license at 2 watts, but you can still get 35 miles of range (line of sight), but in hilly country you’ll get up 5 miles usually. It’s also rated to the IP56 standard, which means it’s splash- and dust-proof, but not submersible. And, even though it’s beefy, it’s only weighs 6.5 ounces. (If you’re looking for more battery life, more range, and waterproofness, step up to their recently released 5 Watt Radio.)

I found the Mountain Radio fun to use (once you have a quick tutorial) as it’s simpler than most radios with only five buttons to mess with. Once you get used to the interface it’s more intuitive and easier to manipulate without looking at the screen. I tested it over a few months in a variety of situations, from climbing Mount Whitney and scouting for the upcoming hunting season to keeping tabs on folks during the opening day of dove season and communicating while working on a backhoe and tractor during farm chores. It worked well in all situations and the solid-feeling (and cool-looking) radio was a pleasure to use, especially knowing it wouldn’t fail or break very easily.

[$110; rockytalkie.com]

When a lousy product has a good story, it’s still a lousy product.

Combat Flip Flops is not a lousy product and it has a great story. This is a veteran owned brand that makes footwear and apparel. And while it could drip of overtly masculine cliches, the folks at Combat actually profess to doing positive, like “stopping the cycle of violence and human suffering around the world.” That’s admirable. And they made a solid slap as well. “Bad for running. Worse for fighting” should be an award-winning tagline. 

No matter what our politics, we can all support those who serve our country. And they certainly deserve to enjoy the benefits of the outdoors after their service. These guys were on the front lines in combat zones. And now they want to chill…Flip flops are chill.

The Coyote Floperator (three colorways in mens and two in womens) are designed with a fully contoured zero-drop sole, not for coordinated assault missions through Fallujah, but more like climbing over rocks to get a quiet beach. They offer all the features you’d expect from active slaps—injection molded arch support, rubber outsole and EVA-contoured midsole, as well as other features you won’t find in any other flip flops, like military-grade tubular nylon upper. They also have a lifetime warranty and a fair price tag.

Best of all, they’ve funded efforts to support young girls in Afghanistan and continue to support groups like One More Wave, which is empowering and healing veterans through the surf community.—Jon Coen, contributor

[$50; combatflipflops.com]

As someone who is obsessed with tracking weather patterns and knowing what the forecast is, testing Ambient Weather’s WS-902 Home Weather Station was a real pleasure. Not only does this device provide an accurate forecast but it offers extensive real-time local weather data wherever it’s installed. The WS-2902 comes with WiFi capabilities allowing you to access your data remotely which can be especially handy if you’re away and want to check in on what’s happening at your house.

This device tracks wind speed along with its direction, rainfall accumulation, UV levels, solar radiation, barometric pressure as well as temperature, humidity, the dew point, heat index, and wind chill. This information is stored remotely and accessible via the Ambient Weather app. However, this weather station also comes with a sleek 6-inch color LCD dashboard you can place inside your home to access all this information at a glance. This is especially nice when you’re about to head out and you want to know if you should bring an extra layer or not. The installation process is easy and straight forward to the point where the biggest obstacle is finding the perfect spot to mount it.

One feature I particularly enjoy is the ability to view your weather data in real-time or as a graph over a custom period of time. Tracking rainfall after a storm can be fascinating, as it shows millimeters per hour, how much fell during a specific rain event as well as cumulatively per day, week, month or yearly. This system also comes with an inside temperature monitor, which is nice to keep an eye on and lets you know when it’s time to turn the AC off and start opening the windows. 

Another interesting feature on the app is a map function, which connects you to other weather stations in your area, allowing you to compare local conditions which can surprisingly vary quite a lot. As extreme weather events become more frequent, the WS-2902 proves to not just be a useful tool, but it’s also a whole lot of fun to see visual data sets of what is going on right outside your home.—Peter Matlashewski, contributor

[$189; amazon.com]

Your living room sofa has it easy—even if it endures a dog. When it comes to outdoor furniture, not only do you have to sift through a dizzying number of styles, but the materials play a far more important role since the chairs and tables are exposed to the elements. If you embrace modern styling, East Oak’s outdoor furniture’s aesthetics cut through the noise with clean lines and simple color combinations that match any stone, brick, or paver patio or decking. 

I’ve been using the Courtyard set this summer and what I love about it are the generously sized chairs, which have a seat cushion about 25 inches wide and 16 inches deep. The rear of all the seating is angled away so your torso is more relaxed and you can really sink into the 10-inch-thick back cushion. The love seat, like the rest of the set, has 3.9-inch-thick foam, and all of the fabric has a TPU coating to shed water, and a UV resistant to prevent fading, though if the latter is a concern in a bright backyard, you might want to opt for one of East Oak’s lighter colors like beige or light gray. 

The four-piece Courtyard comes in seven combinations, where the powder-coated iron frame matches the seat cushions. An easy way to ensure you get a complementary outdoor setup is to pair the cushion color with the surface of your patio or deck.

The nearly 40×22-inch coffee table is a comfortable height to set down a drink or prop up your feet and the top is tempered glass, for safety. All of the pieces have adjustable feet underneath to help level off uneven surfaces, protect the metal legs from scuffing, and avoid trapping water on deck boards. Assembling is easy and requires driving stainless steel hex head bolts, though you might want to speed things up with a drill/driver set to a low speed. 

While the frame is thin, to keep the look modern, it’s plenty strong: the loveseat can support up to 600 pounds and half as much for the chairs. Try as we might, we couldn’t get the sofa cushions to distort, which is nice because they won’t turn lumpy over time. The cushion covers hold in place with hook and loop tape, and are removable to toss into the washing machine. While the metal can get toasty in the sun, the composite wood look material on the armrests won’t get as hot. 

What’s nice about a four-piece set is the setup’s versatility: You can set them up linear to watch a movie outside, make an L shape to take advantage of your patio, or set the chairs on the other side of the table from the loveseat to encourage conversation.—Sal Vaglica, contributor

[$510; amazon.com]

Wilson Staff Irons have been around a good long while, but are often overlooked given the massive marketing push behind competing clubs: think Callaway, TaylorMade, and Titleist for starters. Not that there’s anything wrong with those premium sticks, but dollar for dollar the latest iteration of the Staff brand—dubbed “Dynapower”— makes them an appealing choice for those journeyman players in need of both distance and forgiveness.

Don’t be put off by the game-improvement category that these irons fall into. If you’re a mid- to high-handicapper, there’s no shame in a cavity-back game, as it rewards slightly off-center strikes, and even “toe” hits aren’t unduly punished by diminished distance or control. Shorter irons produce admirable ball speed and enough spin to stop the ball when it hits the green. On longer irons, the advantage is discernible by a bump in overall distance, as they produce a consistently mid-altitude launch and spin. Think Tiger’s penetrating “stinger” shot even if you haven’t notched 14 major titles. Low and fast is not a bad thing.

Wilson managed to outdo their last generation of D9 irons with the help of, what else?, artificial intelligence to optimize the face-design for consistent strikes, and the capacious offset and wide sole are encouraging for double-digit handicappers like yours truly. Lofts are admittedly pretty strong, which means you’ll likely be hitting your eight iron as far as a seven iron from a comparable set. And the all-important sonics are satisfying, especially in the longer irons, where a palpably explosive whip-crack sound helps boost confidence and may even impress your buddies, an all-important X-factor.—David Weiss, contributor

[$700; wilson.com]

Menus while car camping shouldn’t suck. Having a decent stove that is small enough to pack away but big enough to actually cook real meals is crucial. The 2 Cook 3 Pro by Front Runner Outfitters is a simple, no fuss gas barbecue that ticks all the boxes.

The stove weighs 13.44 pounds and is slightly slimmer than other stoves in the two burner category. The 2 Cook 3 Pro has two independent burners that can allow you to cook at different temperatures.The stove comes with a non-stick (GreenGrill) flat grill and a griddle top—both are made with die-cast aluminum and both are interchangeable for either burner. The stove also comes along with two pot stands, a coffee pot holder and a carry bag.

The gas fixture works for tabletop cooking using a 1 pound gas cartridge but also comes with a fixture compatible with a 12 foot quick connect propane hose. This stove has a consistent flame that cooks evenly and can stay on a low setting without going out. The grill and griddle top are easy to clean and pack away neatly in the carry bag. The 2 Cook 3 Pro is an efficient stove that makes camp cooking fun so you can focus on the recipes, not the equipment.—Kate Erwin, contributor

[$200; frontrunneroutfitters.com] 

The Laugardalur pants from the Icelandic brand 66°North is a piece of gear that I didn’t know I needed. Considered “stylish, functional streetwear” the Laugardalur have had more walks with me on dirt roads and trails than any pavement.

With a nod to ’90s fashion, the Laugardalur pants are a loose-fitting, lightweight tracksuit mesh pant with a drawstring and two pockets. Named after the hot spring valley in central Reykjavík, this collection pays homage to the brand’s hometown.

There isn’t anything particularly techy about these pants—they are made from 100-percent recycled nylon, have an elasticated waist and hems. They are baggy, but that’s the genius of these pants. While the rest of the market is going for slender pants, the Laugardalur pants go over anything—shorts, jeans, etc., and when you have mosquitos trying to eat you or random rain storms that like to take the sun away, the Laugardalur pants are super handy. I stash them in my car to have for hot buggy hikes, light rain protection, or just a light layer.

The simplicity of the pants are nostalgic of a time when gear wasn’t so specialized or complicated. I also love the print and am a huge fan of 66°’s unique lichen-inspired prints. Although the Laugardalur comes in black and off white for those who don’t need to blend into the tundra.—Kate Erwin, contributor

[$210; 66north.com]

Lately, I haven’t been getting excited about gear. Although I can appreciate good design and esthetics, I have been hard pressed to enjoy and review a piece of gear outside of a utilitarian perspective. That has changed since getting the Japanese brand’s DOD Kamaboko Super Tent, and that emotional connection to gear that has been dormant has been awakened.

I love this tent. It has changed my view and relationship to outdoor living. This statement might seem a bit superfluous, but hear me out, I’ll still honor my utilitarian roots.

The DOD Kamaboko Super Tent, in large, covers 312 square feet in area and the footprint is 25×12.5 feet. The height of the tent is 6.5 feet (yes, if you’re shorter like me, you can do sun salutations no problem). The packed size of the Kamaboko is 20×15 x13 inches—imagine a lightweight four-person tent and two-person tent wrapped together. When packed, the tent doesn’t take much space and can easily be stowed in a car (think behind a seat) or trunk or ski box. It is a bit heavy at 53 pounds, but it is a massive tent. Most of the weight comes from aluminum-alloy poles.

Setting up the tent is surprisingly easy. The directions came in Japanese, and I do not read or speak Japanese, so I was at the mercy of the images (you can find the directions online here, but setting something up blind is often where you can gauge the intuitive qualities of a product). The Kamaboko is erected with just four tent poles and a handful of steel stakes. It does require two people to erect the tent, but once it is up, that’s when the fun starts.

All of the 12 panels on Kamaboko Super Tent are adjustable for ventilation—the eight main panels (three on each side and two on either end) have two zippers with three settings—open, rainfly, and mesh. There are straightforward toggles that secure the various configurations. These configurations allow the user to change the space throughout the day and make a comfortable and, in my case, an inspiring space to interact with. 

The Kamaboko is big enough that you could fit a smaller tent inside to have a fully enclosed sleeping space within the cavernous tent, however DOD makes various accessories that are perfectly compatible with the Kamaboko. The Kam Zashiki floor mat is a removable tarp that fits within four panel sections and has four hooks a cinch to fasten or remove. This can come in a set of two or in a single. When clipped it has a slight lip that helps keep out dirt, sand, and whatever other elements are around your tent. This floor can serve as the “mud room” for the tent or can be used as a tarp to go under the Inner Tent for the Kamboko Super Tent that hooks up on either end.

Both of these accessories transform the tent into a home. They also are water resistant as I found out after leaving the Kamboko Super Tent, Inner Tent, and Floor Mat out for three days in the rain and didn’t experience any leaks. The durability of both the Floor Mat and the Inner Tent’s bottom was impressive. I thought for sure there will be a wet floor, but the sturdy 210D woven polyester and polyurethane coating makes the floor and tent bottom waterproof to 5,000mm. Even more impressive was the rainfly of the main tent—at the bottom of each panel there is a little extra material that serves as a gutter in a storm and helps keep out water.

I have used this tent for over a week consecutively. I read in it, write in it, watch movies in it, sleep in it, and just live in it. I didn’t know a tent could bring so much joy. It has single handedly removed my FOMO of having a big trailer or Sprinter (for now…) and is a cost-effective option for an adventure basecamp.—Kate Erwin, contributor

[From $1,049; dodoutdoors.com]

Up until a couple weeks ago, with the exception of a few days, the 60th parallel has been wet and cool, and, at times, downright cold. While this can be favorable for riding in a fairly dry place (the rain makes the sandy, dry dirt more pleasant) it is also favorable for mosquitos. Wearing shorts mountain biking hasn’t always been an option, but wearing pants has been a requirement.

The era of the mountain bike pant is upon us—from BMX-inspired enduro race pants, to waterproof pants, and even denim, there are more styles than ever to choose from for your trail ride. Somewhere in the middle are the Curious Creatures’ Sun Dog Pants.

These lightweight riding pants are as comfortable as sweatpants, as functional as a super sporty tech pant, but casual enough that you can wear them for other sports. The Sun Dog features two nice big zippered side thigh pockets, a very agreeable knit waistband (with an adjustable drawstring), a back pocket, and are knee pad compatible. The Sun Dog pants also feature a snap cuff to cinch in the bottom of  each leg.

The majority of the pants are made with a four-way stretch polyester fabric that has a PFC-free DWR finish and a 100-percent polyester midweight breathable fabric that’s extra soft. The “extra soft” is not an exaggeration—these pants are curiously soft, which I suppose is on brand for this cool brand.—Kate Erwin, contributor 

[$180; wearecuriouscreatures.com]

Barbecue grills have come along way over the years, especially in terms of incorporating smart technology. However, sometimes keeping it simple works just fine and not every component needs to be digitally controlled. After testing the Weber Genesis S-435 gas grill over the past few months, it’s clear that this model is a true master of its domain when it comes to straightforward, propane fueled grilling. 

While it doesn’t feature remote heat controlling or real-time meat temperature tracking, it excels where it counts. This impressively large grill heats up quickly, sears meats and veggies effortlessly and retains heat exceptionally well.

This model can reach 450° degrees in just over 4 minutes and after conducting the infamous toast test, the heat distribution is even across the length with a slightly warmer lean towards the rear. This S-435 is equipped with four burners and a side burner, totaling just under 1,000 square inches of grilling space which may sound like overkill for some but once you grill on an area this large it’s hard to go back. 

There’s something very satisfying about laying out a dozen burgers plus all your veggies at once and still have room to manage your rotations effectively. We all live a busy life these days and being able to do your veggie or meat meal prep for the week outside in a single go can be a major time saver. The 7mm stainless grates give your food a nice thick and quick sear, and once removed make it easy to clean the insides.

If you’ve ever assembled a Weber, you know they arrive in quite a number of pieces, so you’ll need to budget a good chunk of time for assembly. However the instructions are clear and although more labour intensive than other barbecue assemblies, it’s still beginner friendly. This barbecue is by far the best I’ve come across in terms of quality of components, heat distribution and knowing it’s going to fire up every time and get the job done.—Peter Matlashewski, contributor

[$1,499; weber.com]

We took the new Nemo Tensor Trail out on an overnighter. It was just one night, not all that technical, nothing crazy cold or challenging (except for a gassy dog in a tent). I carried more food for my family that we needed and some unnecessary gear.

In short, there was dead weight on my back. But the one thing that certainly didn’t weigh me down was my Tensor Trail. In terms of weight to function ratio, the 1 pound Tensor is worth every ounce and then some. At 3.5 inches thick, it is stable and comfortable, customizable for how inflated you like it.

The Tensor Trail is a three-season pad, an updated version of Nemo’s original Tensor, with a Spaceframe baffle design that separates it from the cheap version you’ll find at a department store, a well-designed balance of support and softness. The other thing that sets it apart from other blow-up pads is durability. If it’s a cheap and light pad, it’s probably going to puncture at some point. Nemo has taken care to add premium 20D top and 40D nylon to the top and bottom respectively, so you will have this for many miles, many nights and many stinky dog butts.

The Tensor is made to keep you warm most seasons, with a suspended layer of ultra-thin metaliized Thermal Mirror film to return your body heat back up to your sleeping bag. And because it’s suspended, you don’t hear the cracking and crinkling every time you move in the night. Imagine—quiet in the great outdoors.

It comes complete with its own pump sack for more efficiently bow up time and the Nemo Lifetime warranty. There are also several versions for different body types.—Jon Coen, contributor

[From $180; rei.com]

Philips recently came out with their all new Barista Brew semi-automatic espresso machine and I’m here to let you know it’s an easy to operate machine that brews an excellent cup of coffee. Like any espresso machine, it will require some initial tweaks depending on the type of bean you use. However, the user friendly pre-programed functions does almost all the work for you. The interface is elegant and simple by design with just one click to make a single, double espresso or Americano coffee. There is also a pressure gauge that helps ensure you’re pulling that perfect cup while letting you know if you need to make any adjustments. Once you dial it in, the machine is very consistent.

The Barista Brew is a great choice for those who are new to home espresso, want something relatively plug and play but still want that manual process of turning a portafilter in the morning. This espresso machine arrives ready to go out of the box with just a few small assembly tasks required. The water reservoir is larger than most espresso machines of this size and the bean hopper holds 250 grams of coffee, making it likely that your morning routine will be maintenance free. 

The portafilter sits level on your counter and the calibrated tamper has a nice premium feel when pushing down on your grounds. Another feature that makes this machine easy for beginners is the temperature gauge on the milk jug that lets you know once you’ve reached optimal temperature for pouring those cappuccinos. Overall, this is a display worthy espresso machine that checks all the boxes for making a good morning brew.—Peter Matlashewski, contributor

[$546; amazon.com]

A few years back, Oru Kayak came out with their origami-inspired foldable kayaks that brought portable watercraft into the modern age. No more canvas and wood kayaks that took over an hour to assemble, or flimsy inflatable versions that didn’t track well or hold up to much abuse. Using a tough corrugated plastic (similar to the material used for the USPS white mail bins, but way sturdier) with baked in creases and straps with buttons, they were able to create a light and fast kayak that folded up in minutes and was small enough to stow in a compact car trunk. Now they have a whole line of fantastic foldable kayaks, but their latest innovation was moving that design and engineering language over to camp furniture. 

Released this year, Oru Camp Furniture includes three styles, a chair, a short table, and a large table; called PopLounge, FlipCube, and SwitchTable. I was able to test out the lounger and small table on a few trips this summer and I found them easy-to-use (once you set them up one or two times), very lightweight, and useful around camp. (I didn’t test the large table, which some reviews said feels wobbly and unstable.)

The chair and table have a similar set up procedure, where you open up the flat pack and push two panels down to make the base of each. This floor also serves to form a storage area underneath the seat which is handy when hanging around a campsite while car or canoe camping. To wrap up constructing them, you then locate the relevant snaps and tighten everything up with the buttons on the straps. 

They are clever and cool, bringing a modern look to your campsite. The chair is comfortable though not quite as comfy as a compact fabric and aluminum sling style seat—you are sitting on what is basically hard plastic. The small table is great, offering easily accessible storage and is sturdy on a variety of surfaces. My only drawback to both is that though they do fold up fairly flat, they are a still a bit bulky when storing in a truck or canoe compared to camp furniture that breaks down into a more-easily stowed cylindrical package.—Adam Bible, Gear Editor

[$59, table, $109, chair; orukayak.com]

Take a premium Android tablet with all the whistles and bells— fingerprint sensor, quick-charge USB-C port, SD card storage—and what do you have? Truth be told, good as it looks and performs, it’s just another tablet in a crowded retail war-zone. But wait, there’s more! Equipped with built-in stereoscopic cameras (with the 120hz display yielding images up to 5K resolution), Leia Lume Pad 2 becomes a 3D-dabbler’s dream gadget. Fascinated by View Master toys as a kid? This is the 21st century’s digital answer to perusing the Giza pyramids and feeling a goodly dose of awe and wonder—and all from the privacy of your boudoir! Pretty dope tech.

As a party starter—especially for children, who will gasp and grab at the magic box’s life-like illusions—it is a 10-out-of-10 and then some. Snap a shot with the stereo-cam and then marvel at what appears to be the five-inch depth of the image. You will reflexively be reaching into the screen like you did in the theater watching Avatar, only to find your fingers slipping through empty space. The picture might jitter or flicker just a tad, but the goggle-free sensation of three-dimensional rendering is a mind-bender.

Once the party has broken up and you’ve temporarily regained your actual five senses, the Lume Pad 2 is a beyond-capable tablet for surfing, YouTubing and the rest. By the numbers, it competes with rival screens with its Snapdragon 888 chipset and Qualcomm Kryo 680 octa-core processor. Add to that 8GB of RAM and a 128 GB Flash UFS 3.1 for storage and you’ve got all the firepower you need to stream and game. 

The high-strength, 12.5” Gorilla Glass display and an anodized aluminum enclosure give it a solid feel and well-protected innards. There is not a plethora of 3D content available quite yet, though third-party game developers are bee-busy working on more. Pre-rendered 3D movies are available on a rental app as well. Toy or tool? When it looks this good, who really cares? Prepare to be dazzled.—David Weiss, contributor

[$499; amazon.com]

Plain white tee’s don’t necessarily need to be plain anymore. If you’re looking for a piece that performs like a tech T-shirt but feels and fits like a luxury shirt, the new NTRT Shirt from Ciele is worth checking out. This shirt is part of their new LE (Life Edition) collection which is still designed for physical activity but with a touch more versatility which makes it a great shirt for a post run meet-up or just casual wear on a hot day.

The material feels soft to the touch while still providing UPF protection, a good amount of stretch, concealed reflective accents and has quick moisture wicking properties. The fabric also has a micro waffle texture, giving it a subtle but unique look compared to other performance shirts on the market. 

The fit is slightly more relaxed than your traditional tech shirts, but it offers zero restriction whatsoever and feels really comfortable. If you’re in the market for a versatile and functional active lifestyle shirt this is a great choice.—Peter Matlashewski, contributor

[$115; cieleathletics.com]

With so many TV display variations on the market it’s sometimes hard to decide which option is best for you. The good news is you don’t always have to buy the latest or most expensive model to enjoy a great viewing experience. I tested TCL’s QM7 QD-MINI LED smart television, which offers features comparable to TVs that cost thousands of dollars last year but available now for just a few hundred.

What sets this TV apart is its ability to deliver next-level dynamic brightness with vivid QLED colors, while looking sharp in any lighting condition. I found that switching your picture profile to match what you’re watching—whether its sports, movies, gaming or just leaving it in smart HDR mode makes a world of difference. The ability to do that isn’t new but the enhancements the QM7 offers in these profiles makes a significant impact. 

Sometimes the out of box settings can be a little different from expectations but this model allows for a lot of customization in terms of brightness and saturation, so you get the most out of your TV. Combine stunning image quality with a fast 120 Hz refresh rate and your action movies or sports games becomes ultra-smooth lifelike spectacles.

The QM7 is powered by Google which means all you have to do is log into your Gmail account and you’ll have access to all your apps and entertainment platforms. The user interface is intuitive, but I was blown away by how snappy and fast it is to navigate through the menus. I tested the 65-inch model which is more than large enough to command a living room, but this model also comes in sizes ranging from 55-inch all the way up to a 98-inch.

Chromecast is directly built in, but you can also operate Alexa or Apple Homekit. The QM7 also supports Dolby Vision, Atmos and IQ so you can unlock a full cinematic experience. If you’re upgrading from an older TV or an entry level 4K model, you’ll instantly notice a significant improvement in picture quality. You’ll also be fully equipped for compatibility with new image and audio formats and have all the outputs you might want to use in the future.—Peter Matlashewski, contributor

[$698; bestbuy.com]

Paranoia seems to be more in accord with reality than ever before, thus a couple of eagle-eyes on the rooftop can’t hurt when bad actors are hatching a heist. Enter the Reolink Argus 4 Pro, a whip-smart security camera that delivers crisp dual images stitched into one glorious, 180-degree view of who or what is skulking around the perimeter of chez vous. Billed as a “blindspot free” field of vision, the Argus 4 captures full-color imagery in true-to-life detail no matter the time of day or night. A 1/1.8-inch CMOS sensor snags four times more light, resulting in crystalline video that ought to stand up in a court of law, heaven forbid.

Looking cute and benign and bearing a strong resemblance to Wall-E, the camera is wireless and solar-powered when plugged into Reolink’s companion panel. Battery life is robust when fully-charged (in just 10 minutes!), offering up to 12 extra days of standby time. Seamless 4K images are handled by Wi-Fi 6 tech, facilitating improved stability and lower latency. The proprietary app allows for customized motion zones and smart real-time alerts without the burden of ponying up an annual subscription fee.

As for storage, Argus 4 Pro tucks up to a 128GB microSD card in its weatherproof port, and of course it integrates with your Google Assistant for handy-dandy voice control. And if you’re inclined to growl or shout at any would-be intruders, that too can be done in real-time as the camera captures audio and video. 

Setup with the Reolink app is intuitive and relatively simple, though getting used to its advanced features involves a slight learning curve. Tweaking the cam’s sensitivity to make sure passing moths don’t summon the cavalry is not a bad idea.—David Weiss, contributor

[$200; amazon.com]

I recently tested out a upgrade to my usual everyday carry (EDC) knife—the new Benchmade Claymore Tanto with serrated blade, and my first thought when picking it up was, “This knife means business.” It’s heavy-duty and well-constructed, and exactly what you’d expect from Benchmade. The thick, tough 60-62HRC steel powder blade is impressive, especially for its wear and corrosion resistance, which is great since I put this knife through daily tests to challenge its durability.

As my new EDC, I use it for everything. From opening packages (I can almost hear the knife laughing at such a feeble task) to handling all sorts of tasks in my shop—cutting paracord like a hot knife through butter, shaving, prying, and slicing through thick, braided rope with the serration. It handles plastic and just about anything else I throw at it with ease.

A word of caution: the auto spring strength is no joke. The first time I opened it, it almost flew out of my hand. But after several hundred deployments, it’s still strong but has settled into just the right snappiness. The belt clip is also robust and hasn’t bent or warped at all.

Sharpening can be a challenge, but that’s true for any tanto-style knife, especially with a serrated blade. The good news is it holds an edge longer than any other knife I’ve used, and Benchmade offers free, lifetime sharpening—you just have to send it in to them. 

I tried something interesting with the safety switch, which shows red when ready to deploy. I pressed the deploy button with the safety on, then switched the safety off, expecting it to deploy. But it stayed locked as expected, which is reassuring for accidental presses in the pocket.

Overall, I’m thrilled with the Benchmade Claymore Tanto automatic knife. It’s tough, reliable, and was ready for anything I threw at it, whether in the backcountry or around home.—David Farrell, contributor

[$260; smkw.com]

The all new Metanium DC 70 from Shimano is a state-of-the-art baitcasting reel that replaces its long-time predecessor of 10 years and comes with significant upgrades. The first thing you notice about this reel is how small the body is and how nicely it palms in your hand. The feeling of holding the entire reel in your hand gives off a natural connection to the action and a great level of sensitivity when retrieving. This model also has the new MGL Spool III technology which allows for incredibly long casts no matter what size lure you’re using. 

What really sets this reel a part is it’s DC (Digital Control) technology which magnetically adjusts the braking settings for you when casting while significantly reducing the chances of over spooling (birds nest). There are dial adjustments you can set based on any lure from 3/16th oz all the way up to 1 oz but there is also an auto setting that lets the reel handle it all for you. 

Casting light lures into the wind without having to deal with line tangle is something pretty unheard of with casting reels and really opens the door for more possibility in terms of pinpointing your cast exactly where you want it without worrying about external factors. 

There hasn’t been a day of fishing this season where the Metanium DC was not used because it’s so plug and play for a variety fishing application but more so it’s incredibly fun to cast with all day long. The sound on this new DC reel is also much more muted than previous models which might come as a relief for some. 

This reel was primarily used to target freshwater fish from perch and walleye to bass and pike and the new Metanium handed all species flawlessly. If you’re looking to add a new casting reel to your lineup that has a large range of capabilities for a wide variety of fishing techniques, the new Metanium DC is a hard one to beat. This reel does come at a higher cost than many of its peers but it this case you certainly get what you pay for.—Peter Matlashweski, contributor

[$500; basspro.com]

The last few years have seen a glut of compact, portable, rechargeable air compressors that offer a ton of features and promise a lot of power. One that I got the chance to test on a recent road trip across the East Coast is the sleek and modern Hoto Air Pump Master. Before heading out on my 1,000-mile trip from North Carolina to Brooklyn and then upstate New York, I used the pump to make sure my truck’s tires were inflated to the proper PSI, and then, during the trip it kept my mountain bike tires filled up and worked to pump up an inflatable SUP and quickly deflate it after a day on the water.

For such a small package—3x6x7.5 inches at 3.5 pounds—the Air Pump Master packs in a lot of features. It uses an easy-to-read OLED screen within the dial on the top of the pump that displays icons for each pump modes, nine in all that cover everything from bike and car tires to inflatables off all kinds. I found it simple to spin to select your required PSI—then all you have to do is press the dial to start it. It’s not super quiet, but quiet enough to not be annoying. There two options for inflation, a higher pressure screw-on hose for car and bike tires, and then a flexible hose that locks in to inflate 

You can use the Hoto as a stand-alone since it has a rechargeable 7,500mAh battery pack (USB-C) but it can also be operated through the 12-volt outlet in your car. And one charge is good for topping off around 16 car tires. A small, integrated LED light offers decent illumination at night and helps to locate hard-to-read PSI numbers on tires. All in all, it’s a great little pump that earned a permanent spot in my truck.—Adam Bible, Gear Editor

[$170; hoto.com]

If you’ve become an avid golfer over the years and you’ve reached a consistent level of play, it might be time to consider further honing your game with a rangefinder. This tool can be incredibly valuable not only for selecting the right club but also for strategizing how to play more effectively and learn from the data that it provides. We tested Vortex’s new Blade Slope Rangefinder and it’s just as impressive as their line of binoculars.

The user interface is quite analog in the sense that it’s not complex, it’s easy to navigate, confirm your stats and generate accurate information rapidly because the last thing you want to do when playing golf is fiddle around with too many digital settings. The PinSpotter mode confirms when you’re properly targeting the flag rather than something in the background, which is surprisingly helpful. 

Additionally, the Scan Mode continuously updates the distance you’re looking at so you can really set yourself up for hitting the green on those dog-leg par 4’s. This rangefinder also comes with a slope function which takes into consideration drops and height changes so you can better pinpoint your distances when shooting down or up at the green. 

After testing its accuracy all summer both in the driving range and on the course with players much better than I am this device has proven to be a huge aid in better understanding my gameplay. Sometimes after a great drive or shot I’ll stand where my ball landed and aim back to my starting point to get an accurate reading on my distances, which has been very insightful.

Other features that make this a dependable choice is its excellent optics with 6x magnification, a rugged shockproof and waterproof body, and a handy magnetic strip that allows you to stick it on your golf cart or bag for easy access. 

If you’re looking for a rangefinder that you won’t feel the need to upgrade the next season and that’s built to last with a lifetime warranty, the Blade Slope edition from Vortex is worth looking into.—Peter Matlashweski, contributor

[$250; cabelas.com]

I’ve lived with enough smart thermostats over the years to know that what makes one better than the other can come down to user experience. That’s why the Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Generation) isn’t likely to come off the wall anytime soon—even as Google releases its newest generation, which has a sleeker look. 

Out of the box the Nest is a breeze to install and it requires little more than taking a photo of your existing thermostat’s wiring, so you know which wire goes where. Trust us, neither you nor the home’s previous owner or its HVAC contractor took the time to label those wires. To follow best practice, you should confirm your existing wiring includes a C wire to provide constant power to the Nest, which usually is included with homes built within the last 40 years. If you have a central air conditioning system you likely have the C wire.

Unlike my previous thermostat, which would log itself out of its app and sometimes just not work, the Nest has a rock-solid connection to your Wi-Fi network when you’re home or out. Both the thermostat and the app are easy to navigate so adjusting settings feels intuitive. After 15 minutes of installing, and another 10 or so setting up the thermostat, it was off and running. Upgrading to an Energy Star-certified smart thermostat can trim about 8 percent off your heating and cooling bills, and is a no-brainer even if you have a basic programable version. 

After the initial setup, Google’s AI goes to work understanding what you find comfortable over about a week. What’s been helpful during the summer heatwave is the Nest and app communicating in real-time how long it will take to cool the house down to your preferred setting. You can pair the system with puck-like sensors, to stash in other rooms, so the Nest can average out the temperature across the house.—Sal Vaglica, contributor

[From $109; amazon.com]

When I first switched from the Garmin 45mm Instinct Solar to the 50mm Instinct 2X Solar smartwatch, my immediate and dubious reaction was: “Damn, this watch is huge!” But it didn’t take long for me to realize that the bigger face was exactly what I needed. The larger display made it so much easier to read the digits clearly, and the updated software now offers more functionality. I can more easily see my steps, battery life, sunrise and sunset times, calories, altitude, temperature, and date, all at a glance. There’s also the addition of numerous face options for customizing the display for highlighting different activities like working out, biking, or hiking.

One major difference—unlike any other smartwatch I’ve used—is the additional solar panel built into the face. The increased surface area keeps the watch charged for an incredibly long time. Seriously, I rarely need to charge it. If the battery is down to just two days, it can recharge to 30 days in less than an hour. It’s an incredible feature and one that makes the watch that much more useable on a daily basis.

I also love the Garmin Connect app that pairs with the watch. It provides detailed reports and tracks trends for weight loss, sleep and stress patterns, heart rate, and more—there are so many more features I still haven’t even had time to explore yet. You can control music, use Garmin Pay for contactless payments, send quick customizable responses to texts, view your calendar, mark waypoints with GPS, monitor blood oxygen levels, and more. The capabilities of the Garmin 2X Solar are just crazy. Writing this review makes me appreciate how awesome this watch really is. In my eyes, it has earned its smartwatch moniker—it is an advanced computer on your wrist.

And the best part is that Garmin actively sends updates whenever developers add new features or enhance existing ones. One last cool feature I use way more than I expected is the “torch” or light. You can quickly activate it with a double click and choose between a white light or a red light. The red light is there to keep your night vision intact, and it’s surprisingly bright at the highest setting. Nice job, Garmin!—David Farrell, contributor

[$450; amazon.com]

The barefoot shoe craze seems to have died down in the running shoe scene—most brands have turned toward maximalist designs like those pioneered by Hoka—but for lower impact pursuits like hiking, hunting, and backpacking, there’s a good variety of options to choose from. Vivobarefoot, who have been the standard-bearers of barefoot-style shoes since 2012 and haven’t let up. One of their newest, and most daring, pair of boots are the Jungle ESCs. 

Specifically made for hot and humid environments, natch, these expedition-grade minimalist boots use mesh to allow fast drainage and quick drying without allow dirt or pebbles in. Though obviously not waterproof, they are made from water-resistant materials to limit water absorption. Other jungle-fighting touches include synthetic vegan materials made to resist decomposition, brass hardware that won’t rust, gusseted tongue to keep creepy crawlies out, and long Dyneema laces that you can wrap around your cuffs to further up pest protection. 

I wore them over the hot and humid summer in North Carolina and Virginia, and though not technically a jungle, heat indexes hit near 110 degrees for a few days, along with lots of rain falling during that time. They performed well while hiking through in slippery pine plantations and mossy, fern-filled hardwood forests because the luggy Michelin outsole provided lots of grip with 7mm deep tread which bit into muddy spots and gripped slick logs. 

I liked the looser fit of the upper which allowed for lots of mobility and breathability. The “bio-inspired” construction was comfortable enough for all-day bushwhacking and let my feet with a good, workout-like soreness that showed my feet were actually getting stronger, instead of the worn-out pain and soreness you get with heavy, inflexible boots with rigid soles. Walking through deep puddles or small streams did get my feet wet, which was to be expected, but they were still comfortable and didn’t cause any hot spots.

If you want to try out the barefoot boot experience but want something a little closer to a traditional hiking boot, try out the Tracker II FGs or Tracker Forest ESCs.

[$280; vivobarefoot.com]

If you’ve shopped around for a laptop recently, you’ve probably noticed that they seldom come with enough storage to house all your files unless you pay a premium for marginally more storage. SanDisk recently came out with their all new Desk Drive that aims to solve this issue with one single high performing solid-state drive (SSD) that can fit in the palm of your hand.

The processing speed on this piece of tech has blown past most other external hard drives on the market and makes you feel like the additional storage space is a part of your computer’s hardware with the added benefit of portability. This device is compatible with both Windows and Mac via USB-C and comes in a 4TB or 8TB capacity providing ample storage for all your data in one of the most secure ways of storing your files remotely.

While the desk drive does need to be plugged into a power source to operate, it runs completely silently, a feature not commonly found in other powered drives. The desk drive takes mobile workstation to a whole new level and is perfect for photo or video enthusiasts who want to store their content libraries separately from their computer but still be able to work on them with lighting fast speeds.—Peter Matlashewski, contributor

[$380; westerndigital.com]

If you’re in the market for a sturdy shelter that can serve as an outdoor lounge or large sleeping quarters, the Rover Scout Tent from White Duck is one of the best we’ve tried. We got our hands on the 8×13-foot model which can easily house a picnic table or five to six people with chairs while still leaving room for coolers and totes. This shelter can also be used as a tent and comfortably accommodate three to four sleepers plus a small lounge area for sheltered relaxation not to mention the roof extends well over 6 feet tall which makes it feel quite roomy. The Rover Scout also comes in a 8×9-foot footprint if you don’t need that extra square footage.

The fabric is made of Dynatek canvas which is nice to the touch while also being able to repel water effectively. If temperatures rise and you need a break from the sun, the Rover Scout can be a shade solution that still makes you feel like you’re outside thanks to its ability to roll up all four walls and take full advantage of a passing breeze. 

The design is not only aesthetically pleasing and a nod to old military tents, but it’s also built like a tank. The flooring is made of a heavy-duty thick tarp like material so if you bring your furry friend along on your camping trip you have nothing to worry about. The tent comes with a well-stocked toolkit and an oversized stuff sack that makes set-up and take down organized and easy. While I didn’t have the chance to test it, there’s also a stove jack so you can really turn up the cozy factor when it gets cold.

The only drawback with this large tent is it’s a little on the heavy side. However, if you are car camping or setting up camp with a small approach the carry bag is still manageable to handle solo and quite easily with two people. One of my favorite parts about this tent is how easily air flows through it so it never feels stuffy and gives you the sensation of truly sleeping outside. The Rover Scout tent allows for ample flexibility for small or large parties while providing all the space you need to create the perfect outdoor living area or bedroom.—Peter Matlashewski, contributor

[$670; whiteduckoutdoors.com]

Furniture assembly no longer needs to be cumbersome and what if I told you, it can even be an enjoyable experience. We recently tested Silk & Snow’s wooden bed frame and it’s an absolute stunner in person. Made from solid and sturdy rubberwood and acacia wood, this bed frame has a rich wood grain tone that pops and a nice smooth to the touch finish. This model came with a matching headboard, though you can order it without one if you prefer.

After several weeks of use, there is very little noise at all when moving around at night and all the components still feel very solid. With six points of contact on the floor with built in rubber beneath each leg the entire bed feels well balanced and supported. The bed frame arrived in just a few boxes and was extremely satisfying to set up thanks to the use of Japanese joinery to stitch it all together. There were no wrenches, screws or nails used during the process and on top of that it took under 10 minutes from start to finish. There’s also something oddly satisfying about putting together your bed with just your bare hands. 

If you’re in the market to upgrade your bed frame to one that looks and feels a lot more expensive than its retailed price—this model is worth checking out.—Peter Matlashewski, contributor

[$1,170; silkandsnow.com]

People have a lot of different feelings about soft surfboards. If you learned to surf and ride competently on a straight-up fiberglass board, you undoubtably see them as a toy used by people who tend to get in the way. However, they serve a purpose. And if you’re a parent and your kid is surfing in a group where every set is a party wave, a soft top has saved you trips to the ER.

But it’s important to note that they’re not all the same. There are certain soft tops that are basically a block of foam and plastic. They aren’t made well and they don’t ride well. The Isle Coronado longboard falls into the category of soft tops that do ride well. They’re going to serve a purpose for helping beginners learn to surf safely. And when its lying on the beach, an experienced surfer will be able to glide along just fine. It’s the largest of Isle’s surfboard at 7’6″ a stable squash tail funshape.

Isle has made its mark in the outdoor world by creating a good inflatable SUP board—easy to pack and store with a rigidity comparable to a fiberglass board. The Coronado, while not inflatable obviously, has a similar solid feel, where other SUPs bend and flex.

They’ve used their PowerFuse construction for performance but also to keep it lightweight. It’s made of two layers of 6 ounce fiberglass on top and one layer of 4 ounce fiberglass on the bottom, underneath the EVA foam. The bottom is a durable 1.3mm polycarbonate skin. The entire deck is an EVA pad that offers traction, though you still might want to rub a little wax on there,

The Isle can be ridden as a singlefin or a 2+1 (center fin with two sidebites) all included as well as a leash. If you’re adding a softie to the quiver or looking for a board to learn on, the Coronado is a good choice and far better than the big box store offering.—Jon Coen, contributor

[$495; islesurfandsup.com]

There was a time when plug-in electric pressure washers had a bad reputation. Perhaps because they were lumped in with early versions of battery-powered pressure washers, which had anemic power and runtimes—although that category is getting better too. If you have routine cleaning tasks around the house, from your car to a patio, this Greenworks 3000 PSI pressure washer with 2 GPM (gallons per minute) of flow is all the power you need. Are there some with higher PSI at the home center that run on gas engines? Yes—but not many, and those all come with far more maintenance. 

Here’s our take on the convenience of a cordless pressure washer powered by gas or batteries: You’re already tethered to the house through a garden hose so chances are a power outlet is nearby. Using an electric pressure washer isn’t as restrictive as you think. And while this Greenworks had all the power we needed this summer, the PSI and GPM listed on the box are maximum numbers and not likely what you’ll experience all the time. Marketing the max performance is something all manufacturers do and is worth keeping in mind.

We worked with the 48½ pound Greenworks to blast winter crud off a concrete patio, outdoor furniture, bricks, grills, vinyl fencing, and siding. The cord gives you about 35 feet of length to reach an outlet and the steel-braded hose—a step up from what you normally find with pressure washers—adds another 25 feet of reach. If you need more you can upgrade to longer hose as an aftermarket part. 

Operation is one button simple and, maybe even better than the effortless power and not having to yank a ripcord to start it is not having to listen to an idling gas engine. The steel frame and big wheels make this unit easy to move around, especially over grass, and you can store it vertically against the wall in a garage or shed to save floor space. Along with the standard rainbow of spray tips for 15 (yellow), 25 (green), and 40 (white) degree tips, along with the black soap dispenser, Greenworks includes a longer turbo tip, which spins the water as it exits the machine cleaning a wider surface area without having to move the gun back and forth. This is the tip you’ll want to use to clean large horizontal or flat surfaces, like a patio, deck, or fence. 

The flow rate is closer to 1.1 gallons, which is still enough volume to move crud away, and the soap tank holds about a gallon of cleaner with a secure lid. The Greenworks only calls for detergent when it senses the low pressure called for by the black soap tip. While we don’t always put them in the correct spots, we appreciate dedicated storage for the cord and the hose.—Sal Vaglica, contributor

[$450; amazon.com]

Benchmade inarguably makes some of the best mass market knives around—they are constantly breaking out new styles and models, while continually refining their current blades. This new version of their Osborne (in regular size and the Mini featured here), which has been a longtime EDC fav, ups their game again by adding 6061-T6 aluminum scales anodized in a eye-catching Burnt Copper color. 

The aggressive tanto-style CPM-MagnaCut—laser cut from high-grade steel—blade also gets an upgrade with a more durable (and handsome) DLC Battlewash, stonewash-like finish, and the hardware is black oxide-coated. All blades and knives are put together by hand and sharpened in their factory in Oregon. 

I was lucky enough to try out both the normal-size Osborne and the Mini, but ended up gravitating more toward the easily everyday-carried smaller blade. Fit and function is excellent, which is the norm on most Benchmade knives, and though the pivot screw was a little stiff out of the box, a quick tweak with a Torx bit and I had the blade flipping in and out effortlessly. As an EDC knife, the Mini was a treat, being light enough (2 ounces) to not notice in your pocket and felt deft and nimble in my hand when performing regular chores like breaking down cardboard. In the woods, it also performed admirably, with the sharp, 2.92-inch reverse tanto nicely handling outdoor tasks like making feathersticks, slicing meat, and cutting cordage. All in all, this upgraded Osborne with copper scales is a welcome and robust addition to the long-revered knife model.—Adam Bible, Gear Editor

[$261; bladehq.com]

There’s nothing quite like a duffel that delivers additional organizational features beyond its main storage compartment. We tested Peak Design’s all new 50L travel duffel and it’s a one of a kind bag that marries durability and versatility quite flawlessly. Whether you’re using it as a weekender bag or a larger pack for all your tech gear, this duffel can handle the elements with its weatherproof zippers and 600D nylon shell which as a bonus makes it easy to clean.

This 50L duffel is rigid yet soft enough to pass most carry-on regulations making this a great choice for travel. This duffel has external side pouches to store easy to access essentials while the interior has mesh pockets on either side to stay organized and conceal more important belongings. Being a big fan of high-density nylon bags this duffel feels as premium as many other backcountry grade duffels we’ve tested and alleviates the worry of whether your gear will be protected on your next journey or adventure.—Peter Matlashweski, contributor

[$155; peakdesign.com]

Towels make OK pillows when you’re camping. So does the folded over end of your ground pad or a hoodie crammed into an empty stuff sack. But you’re not sleeping on any of those in your bed at home. And an inflatable camp pillow isn’t a whole lot more comfortable than any of the above mentioned.

Luno is a brand that specializes in car camping gear, understanding that if you’re doing more than one night in a vehicle, it’s a much different thing than backpacking where every ounce matters, or even tent camping.

When you aren’t carrying your gear on your back, there is less worry about weight. But it still has to be packable. The Luno Camp Pillow weighs 2.8 pounds. And for the small amount more space it takes up, it’s a whole lot more comfortable. Really, it’s a travel pillow more so than just a camp pillow. Made of plush memory foam fill, it’s close to the size of a regular pillow, easily packable and super comfortable.

There is literally always “the other side of the pillow” too. One side is spandex to keep cool in the heat and other is a poly jersey blend for a cozier feel on colder nights. The cover is easily removable for easy washing. This is a pillow you would actually sleep on at home.—Jon Coen, contributor

[$70; luno.com]

If you’re looking to take your fishing to the next level, the Garmin Echomap Ultra 2 chartplotter is one of the most capable sonar devices on the market that will no doubt enhance your odds of putting fish in the boat. Having used multiple fish finders over the years, none come close to the clarity, processing power, easy to use interface and high end features this model has to offer. 

The Ultra 2 is compatible with forward facing sonar, has a 10-inch high resolution touch screen display that can remain crystal clear in full sun and for those who run multiple units, it can be paired wirelessly to other Gamin devices on your boat. The Echomap Ultra 2 delivers some of the best SideVü and ClearVü data I’ve come across which allows you to make out with precision what type of structure lies beneath the surface. That data alone has increased my catch rate significantly and more importantly helped me better understand fish behavior in relation to bottom structure. 

Navigating new waters has never been easier thanks to Garmin’s Navionics mapping network which delivers all the data you’d ever need to map out points of interest while giving you the peace of mind of knowing where you can safely navigate. With the depth range shading feature turned on you can set colors to corresponding depths so you can target areas that might hold fish much more easily.

This unit is not necessarily meant for the entry-level fisherman but more for anyone who is looking to upgrade their current sonar device to one that has state of the art mapping and imaging technology while also being as future proof as it gets. The Echomap Ultra 2 will not catch the fish for you but it will certainly help you find where they are, teach you a lot along the way but most importantly make for a great day on the water.—Peter Matlashweski, contributor

[From $1,899; basspro.com]

There are lots of choices for chainsaws these days, including quite a few stellar electric saws that can perform as well as some of the best gas saws. But there’s still no substitute for a well-made gas saw to really rip through a day’s work felling trees and processing wood. Stihl’s new MS 212 C-BE saw is one of the best mid-range, all-around choices for the tasks most homeowners or small farmers/ranchers will need.

The 212 hit the sweet spot for me while dealing with downed trees on ATV trails around my friend’s farm, cleaning up multiple trees felled by storms, and making sure wood for the fire pit was cut and stacked for future bonfires. It’s light enough (10.8 pounds for the power head) to be easily toted around—whether on an ATV, in the back of SXS, or walking through the woods—but its punchy, 38.6cc two-stroke engine provided me plenty of power to quickly slice through a thick bough junction of a downed tree. The 18-inch bar is also made to be extra lightweight but still durable. 

Modern features like Quickstop chain brake helps cut the risk of injury from kickback by stopping the rotation of the chain within fractions of a second if you hit it or it will also activate by inertia if the saw kicks back hard enough, which I didn’t have to experience, thankfully. Anther great feature is the the built-in anti-vibration system, which made it comfortable to use of extended sawing sessions throughout the days.  

Tops on the list though is the Easy2Star system, which makes starting the 212 super easy. All you have to do is switch on the choke, pull the cord out a bit, until you feel tension, and then just lightly pull. One cough, then turn off the choke and pull the cord the same way and the 212 started up every time for me. (You do have to remember not to crank down on the cord like you’d usually do for older saws, it won’t start with that much force.)

Other great additions that make modern saws like the 212 a no-brainer for those who need a robust but idiot-proof saw is the IntelliCarb carburetor which will automatically adjust the air/fuel ratio to maintain the correct RPM at all times. You don’t have to fiddle with idle adjustment screws (and you can’t as there are none) to keep performance up when the air filter gets dirty or clogged. And for those of us that hate the balancing game that comes with adjusting and tightening the chain with an old school wrench, the Stihl comes with a Quick Chain Adjuster—similar to some new electric saws—that lets you dial in the chain with a dial, no tool needed.—Adam Bible, Gear Editor

[$360; acehardware.com]

21st-century golf shoes ain’t what your daddy used to wear, with or without green-destroying metal spikes. These days, forward-thinking companies like TRUE Linkswear blur the line between an athletic shoe specific to golf, and a casual sneaker you can walk right off the course and into the 19th-hole lounge for cold beer and squabbling over bets with your mates.

Putting innovative materials to use, the new Lux G is waterproof and easy to clean, as well as lightweight and breathable. Comfort is a big deal in a golf shoes—especially for us Luddites who still walk instead of ride—and these kicks are beyond gentle on your heels and toes alike. Too often, I’ve finished a round in actual pain from an ill-fitting shoe, but TRUE’s shoes can be worn all day without need of pharmaceutical intervention.

How they achieve the stability necessary for a vigorous golf swing and still remain comfortable is owed to a rubberized saddle and a mountaineering grade tread system working in tandem. The new upper is designed to remain flexible, and the Wanderlux midsole makes for a supportive and cushiony feel. Add to that a padded heel lock system and an Achilles heel pad and you’ve eliminated the enemy: friction. Last but not least, Lux G’s are style-forward—even in the potentially squaresville saddle shoe, black and white motif pictured here. Better to feel good than look good but these achieve both.—David Weiss, contributor

[$175; truelinkswear.com]

Nowadays, the idea of developing one’s golf game without high-tech gizmos seems terribly retrograde. Data is king in the new millennium, whether you’re running for political office or trying to nudge your handicap down a few digits. The good news is that the price of participation in this brave new world keeps getting more affordable–what used to cost $10K is down to a reasonable entry fee: The Garmin Approach R10 launch monitor is a number-crunching marvel at less than $600.

Even better news is the reliability and accuracy that Garmin offers, as well as a smallish footprint given its ability to collect and store an immense amount of data points. Paired with Garmin’s proprietary app and a handy-dandy smartphone, the R10 is a true unbox-and-swing bit of technology: fire up the power, pair with your iPhone or Android and sync the monitor with the app. After doing the setup routine once, the rest is automatic.

The following metrics are available seconds after setup. Distance (both carry and total), club speed, ball speed, launch angle and direction, club face angle and path, backspin and sidespin, spin axis and rate, attack angle, apex height, and smash factor. Of course, if you’re human and subject to slight user error now and again, it will also track total deviation measured in yards, as well as carry deviation in degrees and yards.

Not only is the R10 affordable, it is consistent and accurate enough to warrant everyday use on the driving range, or at home if you’ve got the room for a full simulator experience.—David Weiss, contributor

[$600; amazon.com]

Just when disappointment and despair were curbing my zeal for golf, along comes Callaway with their new Paradym Ai Smoke HL irons, tailor-made for players who pray for higher launch, more distance and consistent ball-striking. Along with a realization that my preference for stiff shafts no longer matched my diminished swing speed, I’ve recently started using the Smoke HL’s with a Project X Cypher graphite shaft and dramatically changed my ball flight and carry overnight. Hallelujah.

The Smoke HL’s are definitely a game improvement design, but without apologies: The company used data collected from thousands of real golfers to incorporate face orientation, swing speed and club delivery, resulting in a face that launches higher and with more spin. As a result of all that number-crunching, Callaway increased the club length in the long and mid irons without giving up control. When the clubs are even a half-inch longer, distance follows, aided by the Ai Smart Face and a deep cavity-back construction to aid and abet tight dispersion.

Give credit to the sci-fi eggheads in Callaway’s R&D department for the design of the Paradym HL’s, but also their handy supercomputer that simulated untold thousands of impacts to create a face that improves launch and spin and thus keeps the ball in the air longer. For those of us who dream of hitting high, feathery shots into Augusta’s unforgiving greens, these irons are heaven-sent. Forgiveness, distance and more spin? Yes please! 

For the record, the Smoke HL’s have restored my faltering faith in the game, and addicted me to the pleasures of golf once again. Will wonders never cease?—David Weiss, contributor 

[From $1,000; callaway.com]

Montana Knife Company has been turning out some of the most-sought-after hunting, fishing, and outdoor knives since their founding by Josh Smith in 2020. Adhering to a small-batch, hand-crafted ethos that resonates with most outdoorsmen, whether hunting or not, they’ve built up a cult-like following that eagerly awaits their website-advertised countdowns that drop every week or so. And they are so in demand that MKC has to have a separate page for the knives that actually in stock, since so many get snapped up in minutes after going live. 

MKC’s latest venture in the knife world is called MKC Tactical, which takes the same small run, extremely well-designed blades to the world of the military and law enforcement, and for those who want a blade that can help defend their lives. The first knife in that line up is called the Wargoat—a variation on their nimble Speedgoat 2.0, which is a ultralight hunting/fishing/skinning knife. The new blade is near-identical to the Speedgoat, with a barely shorter length (3.5 inches vs. 3.6), but is slightly thicker (0.125 vs. 0.095) to increase its robustness in the field, plus they added jimping and a choil to the Wargoat. (Bonus: if you already have a Speedgoat, the Wargoat will fit perfectly into your Kydex sheath, only a slight adjustment in tension needed.)

The most radical change is the addition of a ring at the rear to help with deploying the knife quickly from the included Kydex sheath and to help maintain control of the knife in dicey situations. It also has a bit of jimping on the back of the outer ring to help with control and defense. And instead of a paracord-wrapped handle, MKC upgraded to a super-grippy G-10 that feels great in your palm. 

I’m not an operator or involved in law enforcement, but to me, this knife is just as well suited to the life of an outdoorsman. You get all of the benefits of the Speedgoat, plus added enhancements that can only help when in the woods—whether skinning an elk, cleaning a fish, or even defending yourself from man or animal. It served me well during a weekend in the forest at my friend’s farm, completing all manner of tasks—including a few fish filets—quickly and deliberately. I like the ring for its sure-handed deployment compared to my usual dangling lanyard, no matter the situation. I’m looking forward to the upcoming hunting season to put it further to the test.—Adam Bible, Gear Editor

[$325; montanaknifecompany.com]

A pool is many things: a place to cool off during this infinite summer heatwave of 2024, a great source of entertainment for families, and a good reason to host a party. A pool is also absolute misery to maintain. Pricey pool robots can help you keep an already relatively clean pool looking tidy between dips by scrubbing the floor and walls in a random pattern. 

But the Beatbot AquaSense Pro promises to go beyond that. It includes a mode called surface cleaning, which is why we wanted to test it. Skimming the surface of a pool is something, if you have leaf-dropping trees nearby, that happens before you get into the pool. There are always leaves or other debris to fish out before your first cannonball. And since the leaves that end up on the floor of your pool where they are harder to clean were, not too long ago, ones that rested on the surface (ignored), it pays to get to them early. 

To see if the Beatbot is worth the steep price tag we charged it with cleaning our suburban New York pool, which is right underneath a neighbor’s leaf-dropping birch tree. 

Beatbox claims it’s the first 5-in-1 cleaning robot with the ability to help with walls, floors, waterline, surface, and clarification (though the cleaning bottles range $30 to $40 depending on what they resolve). Nearly all robots handle the first three, and we have a filter and chlorinator to handle clarification once the chemistry is balanced, so we were most interested in overall cleaning ability and surface cleaning. 

The AquaSense acts more like an indoor robot vacuum: Instead of a random pattern, it runs across the floor back and forth, the way you’d mow a lawn. That’s much different than the random pattern most pool vacuums clean—and kind of fun to watch. In surface cleaning mode the bot cruises around the pool, with about a quarter of the machine sticking out above the water line as you see a stream of water pushed out a bubbling stream of water. It didn’t get every leaf in our oval pool, but it did nab most of them. 

When it comes to cleaning surfaces, the four brushes clean more effectively than bots with only two brushes. Unlike robots that are tethered to a cord, which you use to yank the bot up, you’ll need to fish the AquaSense out of the water when the cleaning is done with a hook, we attached ours to the end of the skimmer poll. 

The app shows the mapping of your pool, which is cool, but it won’t let you surface the robot once it’s underwater, which is a handy feature to have—you either have to wait for the robot to finish or chase it down with the hook. Also, the setup can be tricky if your home’s Wi-Fi network does not prioritize 2.4Ghz, which is what the Beatbox wants to pair to. 

If you loathe pool maintenance, this one robot might be able to handle most of what you need cleaning.—Sal Vaglica, contributor

[$2,200; amazon.com] 

Having just moved into a new home a few weeks ago that had been neglected over the years, we found ourselves in the best environment to test the Coway Airmega 400 air purifier. This machine can handle up to 3,120 square feet of coverage but worked wonders as we tackled the entire home room by room removing dust, cat odors, and other VOCs from painting. This model has a powerful air pull that can propel and circulate air very efficiently, even in a room with high vaulted ceilings.

The Airmega 400 is also equipped with various smart settings that make it easy to keep up with routine maintenance that ensures its always running at optimal efficiency. There is a light on the front of the unit that indicates air quality and can be programmed to turn on only when it senses purifying is needed. The Airmega 400 comes with two sizable replaceable filters on each side of the unit and each has two layers of filtration. The initial layer is a true green HEPA filter that traps bacteria, pollen and other airborne particles while the active carbon filter component targets food smells, pet odors and other VOCs.

The overall design is quite sleek, making it easy to blend into most rooms without standing out too much. Depending on the setting, it can be hardly noticeable when in operation especially if you program it to run at night. With the previous owners of our home having two cats and my wife being allergic, the odds were stacked against us but with a bit of cleaning paired with the Airmega 400 there are no longer any traces of cats to trigger her allergy.—Peter Matlashewski, contributor 

[$339; cowaymega.com]

I once slept in a fishing net hammock in a little shack on a remote beach in Mexico. We’d surfed all day and driven half the night in search of a wave that we never found. We did find this little shack and decided to crash there for the night. Not that comfortable but I had no trouble sleeping. The fishermen made us coffee in the morning. Good memories.

If you’re going to buy a hammock, it better be comfy. Yellow Leaf handcrafted hammocks check every box for a good lounging—perfect after a long day of building a shed or ripping two surf sessions.

I dig these because they are 100-percent handwoven in a community in Thailand. Each hammock is hand signed by the actual weaver. The Vista is super comfortable, specifically far softer than your standard big box store yard hammock with a lush weave. You won’t wind up with crisscrossed lines on your back like a fishing net in Mexico. There are over a dozen fun colors and patterns to choose from and the Weathersafe performance yarn won’t fade, even in the tropics where the sun blazes all year. It also stands up to moisture and won’t rot or grow mildew. They’re also designed to not flip or wobble, which makes for less adult stress at the next party in your yard when the kids are swinging it back and forth all hopped up on sugar.

Ideally, this would hang between two trees at your beach or lake spot. But it’s easy to hang in the yard too, if you have ample trees or fence posts. Yellow Leaf also has a few options of hangers you can buy separately to fit your rooftop, deck, lanai, etc.

I may or may not be writing this review from the Yellow Leaf.—Jon Coen, contributor

[From $399; yellowleafhammocks.com]

Benchmade just launched a Water Collection that is made in Oregon and I don’t know that there is a finer knife than the Fishcrafter 7-Inch out there for salt or freshwater anglers. You pretty much just hold it next to the fish and the filets just fall right off.

When gear is made in the U.S., you can certainly tell the difference. This is made of ultra-premium corrosion-resistant CPM-MagnaCut stainless steel and it’s simply a joy to clean fish with. The 7-inch is a perfect size for smaller- to medium-sized catch and the trailing point blade has an incredible flex to move across bone and separate with ease.

Imagine a knife that won’t ever corrode. It’s almost hard to believe—especially in salt water communities—you could literally be using it for the rest of your fishing life.—Jon Coen, contributor

[$240; bladehq.com]

It is truly baffling (no pun) how warm Rab down jackets are. The Mythic Alpine Down Jacket is ultra lightweight for its warmth and packs down into a very small pouch. Filled with 900FP European goose down with a Nikwax fluorocarbon-free, hydrophobic finish, each baffle in the Mythic Alpine Down jacket packs a punch of heat above most jackets in its class. Also, the 10D recycled Pertex Quantum nylon ripstop outer fabric makes this jacket more durable than other down jackets that rip by just looking at them. 

However, what is often the most overlooked feature of the Mythic Alpine Down jacket is its breathability. It is surprisingly efficient with temperature regulation and moisture management, meaning you can ski or do other higher output activities and it doesn’t get too hot but is a perfect layer for cold conditions when you take a break. Last but not least, the comfort factor is off the charts with nice big square baffles that are just downright cozy.—Kate Erwin, contributor

[$330; backcountry.com]

Lightweight and fully functional. Mystery Ranch has really hit its stride in the outdoor world by not only telling good stories but making quality gear. First off, note that the new backpacking pack, the Radix, comes with men’s and women’s harness options for a more ergonomic fit.

We recently did a few miles on and around the Appalachian Trail in New Jersey (don’t laugh, some through hikers say it’s one of the nicest stretches of the whole 2,190-mile slog) and the Radix met every expectation. I chose the 47, which was ideal for relatively warm weather hiking, as in I did need to carry a jacket but not a ton of heavy clothing. It easily and carried my gear and shouldering some of my 12-year-old’s as well. The harnessing is lightweight and easy to customize.

A few days of use and it was clear that the Radix is plenty durable, made with Ultra-PE “Birdseye,” which is a technical, strong polyethelene and recycled 100D Robic Ripstop. It’s well designed to evenly spread the load on your body. As for usability, I appreciated the full vertical off-centered zipper; makes it much easier to find my gear without emptying half the contents. It’s also compatible with your hydration reservoir. One external pouch held my tent, the other a small camp chair and the third was able to easily carry a first-aid kid and a few other items should I need to access them quickly. My sleeping bag easily strapped to the pack loops.

I can see using this pack for not only the trail, but road trips or other outdoor journeys, for a day trip or a few nights.—Jon Coen, contributor

[$249; mysteryranch.com]

Outdoor speakers are great to have around the backyard or when on a camping trip (as long as you are mindful of any other campers nearby). And technology has gotten so advanced that portable Bluetooth speakers can rival the soundscape from expensive indoor speakers made only a few decades ago. The one annoyance with portable speakers, whether in your backyard or campsite, is that they need power, whether a cord or battery. 

The Lodge Solar Speaker eliminates that problem by integrating a solar panel into all sides of the speaker so your battery will always be topped off as long as the sun is shining. And not only will the Lodge erase any charging anxiety, it also produces stunning sound that blew me away the first time I heard it.

The Lodge mates a 50-watt amp with specially tuned tweeter and bass driver with a passive radiator for a full range of sweet sounding audio. And it boasts the latest Bluetooth tech so you can stay connected up to 100 feet away—which I tested extensively and found to be true. 

It’s rated to IP66, meaning it’s waterproof and dustproof, and you can link an unlimited number of Lodge’s together for an immersive experience across your yard. It comes with a yard stake to keep the speaker at an optimum height and attaches via magnet so it’s easy to relocate to a table.—Adam Bible, Gear Editor

[$399; amazon.com]

It’s not every day that we get the chance to test out some cutting-edge optics technology and when we do it’s always a treat. The new Vortex Razor UHD 10×32’s are state of the art binoculars that are compact enough to easily bring around with you anywhere and are optically strong enough to handle a wide variety of everyday situations. Although the Razor UHD series comes in various sizes the 10×32 is a great balance of compact meets performance. If you primarily scan across long flats and open plains, you might want to size up but if you’re walking in the woods or scouting for specific details within 200 to 300 feet, the 10×32 range will offer crystal clear clarity.

This model excels in low light conditions so if you’re up early on a walk or hiking up a mountain for sunset these binoculars can pick out the slightest detail in color and shape in otherwise difficult to see conditions. In terms of build quality, it doesn’t get any better than this as they are shock, water and fog proof, while also having a scratch resistant Armortek coating. This model comes with an intuitive protective carry case that makes it easy to stow away on the go. Packing a pair of quality binoculars when you go camping or hiking can really open your eyes up to your surroundings beyond what’s just in front of you not to mention it’s really fun passing them to friends and family to share what you’re looking at. 

Whether you’re using these for hunting, animal watching or just curious about what’s around you the Razor UHD 10×32’s are a great all-around pair that will give you more than enough performance that you’ll never need to upgrade.—Peter Matlashewski, contributor

[$1,499; amazon.com]

I have bamboo. It’s mostly contained but that doesn’t stop those roots from running horizontally a few inches underground right across the yard. Specifically this time of year, if you don’t venture to one area for a few days, you can come back and find a four-foot tall vertical green shoot coming out of the ground. It’s terrifying.

Every spring I have the daunting task of scraping back the landscaping stone and attacking the errant roots with a pickaxe and shovel, then ripping the lateral roots from the ground back to the original stand and cutting them. If I didn’t, it would swallow my house. I have to get stone delivered to fill in the mess left where the roots had spider webbed out.

In the season I’ve worn Ariat’s Rebar Chukkas, a basic but quality work boot, I have done both sides of my yard in addition to the stone refresh, staining, rearranging, planting, mowing, and painting. I’ve put these through the ringer and the full grain leather held up great. They are light (the sole is Ariat’s SmartLite material) and ergonomic support for a full day on my feet. The bamboo days were exhausting but without these, my legs would have been jelly. And any pair of sneakers would be in the trash.

They have a solid, classic aesthetic. The DryShield waterproof construction has kept my feet dry through spring rain and a bit of power-washing, but they’re also breathable. The lining is made of 50 percent recycled polyester. They meet American Society for Testing and Materials F3445 Standards for slip resistance and F2892 standards for electric hazard resistance too. 

Great boots. And that wall of bamboo is almost worth it.—Jon Coen, contributor

[$170; ariat.com]

Sometimes a product comes around that you didn’t think you need but then, after multiple uses, you realize that you wouldn’t want to live without it. Enter the Widget Pump by Exped! The Widget is a rechargeable little cube that has three main functions—as a lamp (with three brightness settings), as a power bank, and as a tiny electric pump that makes inflating pads easy with its universal valve adapter. It is absolutely an essential piece of gear in my camping kit that makes my trips more enjoyable.—Kate Erwin, contributor

[$50; exped.com]

In 2022, the airline industry worldwide lost, damaged or delayed about 26 million pieces of luggage. Things have gotten better but beyond luggage fees there’s good reason everyone is trying to smash their belongings into the overhead compartment. A good amount of bags don’t come cruising along on the correct carousel.

Knog has taken this to heart and created a luggage tag that does everything. The Scout is the exact same price as an Apple Airtag, but the Knog works with Apple’s Find My function, so in addition to the tracking it has an 85 decibel alarm, should it be stolen. The other huge advantage is the Digital ID. Through the app, you load in your contact information. When the airline or hotel finds your bag, they can access all your information by bringing up the QR code printed on the tag.

In addition, it’s FAA compliant, rechargeable, (no need to replace batteres) and it comes with a bolt & braided stainless-steel cable. There’s no saying your bag won’t get lost, but your chances of finding it are now greatly improved.—Jon Coen, contributor

[$60; knog.com]

When you are camping you don’t have to lose your skincare regime. Or for some folks you can start your skincare regime. Like many people, I want to keep things simple when I am home and camping and I am not keen to bring a bunch of products. Although the Ursa Major Essential Face Wipes are single use and have the potential to create more trash, the packets are small and can roll up small that you can stash in your pack trash. The wipes “clean, exfoliate, soothe and hydrate” as Ursa Major says on their site and I don’t disagree. The benefits of using the Essential Wipes is that they are just big enough to use on your face and body and smell amazing and are energizing. 

If you aren’t familiar with the small Vermont brand, they are a plastic negative natural skincare brand who make a variety of products that unburden the process of taking care of your skin. Using ingredients like cedar, aloe, birch sap, willow bark, witch hazel, white and green tea, Ursa Major makes fresh products that are all natural, but work. Unlike some natural products that typically have good intentions, but don’t really clean, Ursa Major actually works and doesn’t leave any residue or b.o. behind.—Kate Erwin, contributor

[From $6.50; ursamajorvt.com]

I have long carried a Leatherman tool in my fishing bibs or on my belt. The Portland brand remains at the top of the game where it comes to quality functional multi-tools. My faith in the brand was even bolstered recently when I broke a blade on the Leatherman Free and they they simply replaced it under their 25-year warranty. 

The Free isn’t heavy but you certainly know it’s in your pocket. And that’s why the Skeletool CX is so clutch. It features seven tools and only weighs 5 ounces! In a piece that weighs the same as your keychain, you’re carrying needle-nose pliers, regular pliers, wire cutters, hard-wire cutters, a 2.6-inch knife blade, a carabiner/bottle opener and large bit driver (with option for regular or Phillips). 

Clip it to a belt loop or slide it in your hip pocket and you don’t even know it’s there. The blade’s upgrade to 154CM stainless steel means it stays sharp longer and resists corrosion. This is an essential if you’re trying to reduce weight or just looking for an easy carry, easy access multi-tool.—Jon Coen, contributor

[$90; leatherman.com]

Getting old is not for the faint of heart. With two shoulder tears that my surgeon will not operate on, I have to manage neck, shoulder, hand pain constantly. Part of that regime includes belay glasses. I learned the hard way that not having belay glasses, even for just a few hours while a friend hangdogged on a climb outside of their ability. After seeing my osteopath and getting a few massages, I promptly ordered the Upshot belay glasses from Metolius.

Prior to the Upshot, I had a metal pair of belay glasses and a cheaper plastic pair. The metal pair sagged with the weight of the glass lens and although they were lightweight and weren’t obtrusive on my face, they weren’t that comfortable. The cheaper plastic pair were made of hard plastic that wasn’t supple.

The Upshot’s meet in the middle. Weighing 1.6 ounces, the Upshot’s are light, but also have a nice structure with the plastic. The plastic is supple and doesn’t hurt after long use like some cheaper harder plastic glasses. The Upshot’s are comfortable and you can wear over sunglasses and still have a good field of vision. The Upshot come with a lanyard and a durable case that hangs well on a harness.—Kate Erwin, contributor

[$49; backcountry.com]

If your goal is landing big fish this year and you’re looking for a casting reel that can handle strong hits and powerful runs, the new Lexa LX400 series reel from Daiwa offers a ton of bang for your buck. If you’re using a reel this size it’s likely you’ll be casting big lures and the Magforce magnetic control system makes it easy to cast very accurately with big baits. This magnetic control system is a spool braking system that allows the rotational speed to slow down gradually throughout your cast and the result is a lot less bird nests and much more time fishing.

Having brought in several big pike and an elusive musky on this reel the retrieve felt powerful, and I was able to land them effectively thanks to the very ample 25 pounds of drag. The reel is rather large but has a great feel to it in the palm of your hand, almost like a baseball and the EVA knob on the handle is a nice touch for grip and control when you’re cranking down on an important fight. Tossing big baits around for hours at a time can sometimes get tiring but this reel makes it easy and quite frankly a whole lot of fun thanks to how efficient and smooth the gears work for you.—Peter Matlashewski, contributor

[$280; westmarine.com]

Modern patio furniture doesn’t have to break the bank. While wood versions, usually made in teak or some other tropical hardwood that resists decay, come with clean lines they often also pack a hefty price and are cumbersome to move around—just ask anyone who has scuff marks on a deck under wood furniture. 

Aluminum is lightweight, rust resistant, and, in this set from Udpatio, packs all the minimalist lines you want. We assembled this four-piece set, which includes two generously sized chairs, a three-seat sofa, and a coffee table in about 45 minutes. The directions were easy to follow and the machined bolts worked well. We’ve put together enough ready-to-assemble furniture to know you’ll want to speed things along by using a hex head bit in your drill/driver, or in a ratchet, and disregard the included Allen key, which is inherently slow. We also added a dab of WD-40 to the bolts to ensure we didn’t cross-thread any fasteners. The setup works in either an L shape or with the chairs next to one another and opposite the sofa.

We like the wide armrests on the chairs, the squared-off legs, and the adjustable feet. The seat cushions are a chunky 5 inches thick, which is more than standard, and the foam inside is substantial enough to support you through a long hang after dinner. The underside of the cushions are covered in grippy dots, which keeps them in place on the frames, though it also means you can’t flip them over if there’s an accident. 

Like all outdoor seating, the fabric here resists water, stains, and fading, but the Udpaio set comes with covers so you can protect everything, even with the cushions in place, at the end of each night—Sal Vaglica, contributor

[$750; amazon.com]

The road to popularity for adventure motorcycle riding has been thrilling, with the sport growing exponentially year over year and anticipated to reach $64.4 billion in the next decade. Actors Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman might have sparked that passion in riders almost 20 years ago with their film Long Way Round, but a variety of factors like the explosion of the motorcycle tourism industry (you can’t travel around an island in the Mediterranean without seeing a BMW GS), social media, and an aging riding population with disposable income have all cemented a sport that is here to stay.

For riders destined to live out their own version of Motorcycle Diaries, Fox Racing recently premiered their first collection of ADV riding gear that caters to the needs of the weekend warriors, credit card tourers, and those willing to go the distance. With decades as a leader in the motocross and mountain bike gear world, the design team took their time to address every single detail to ensure the gear riders wear is as reliable as the machines they ride.

The collection is split into three different styles built on the same chassis that cater to the various needs and conditions of the ADV rider. We tested the Defend pants and jacket that boast a “not-too-hot, not-too-cold, just right for the right-now adventures–pure, and functional,” perfect for the microclimates we experienced ripping across the California ranges with Fox athletes Ricky Carmichael and Carey Hart.

The pants and jacket fit better than any ADV gear we’ve worn over the course of the last twenty years. Where competitors over-engineer theirs, the Defend top and bottom feel minimalist in comparison while still providing guaranteed GORE-TEX waterproofing for water crossings or precipitation and the confidence of D30 technology for crash protection. That’s all tied together with various stretch fabrics, easy access ventilation, and plenty of storage pockets for all your carry needs.

Defend sits right in the middle of the higher-end Recon ADV pants and jacket that have a similar fit but are built for the longer haul. That would be our one-stop pick for spring trips through Idaho or Montana, where the feel of the Ranger ADV pants and jacket is a lighter style with a more accessible price point. Whatever pairing you choose, Fox guarantees that you get out and back with safety and style.—Dustin A. Beatty, contributor

[From $500; foxracing.com]

If you’re like us and enjoy making coffee in the outdoors, the new French press from YETI is quite likely the most durable option available on the market. While the price tag may be a bit high compared to its peers, you gain a very sturdy device that is very unlikely to fail you. Anyone who has brought a French press camping knows that glass and plastic can crack very easily in transit and there’s nothing worse than not being able to make coffee after crawling out of your tent on a cool morning.

Aside from its durability it also offers a level of insulation that is not commonly found on the market. If ever you’ve used an insulated YETI product before then you know it will hold its temperature efficiently and this French press is no exception. The strainer component is also designed with the same approach with overengineered durability.

We tested the 34-ounce version which can comfortably serve three large cups of coffee or four smaller ones. However, if you find yourself making coffee for five or more people in the morning you might want to get the 64-ounce version. In the end, you may not need a YETI French press but if you’re tired of breaking generic one’s over and over by accident like me and want an option that is built to last, this is the one.—Peter Matlashewski, contributor

[$110; yeti.com]

If you’re someone who wakes up stiff or sore every time you go camping, a proper sleeping pad could be the solution you’re looking for. We recently tested the new insulated Klymaloft sleeping pad from Klymit and they definitely made some great design choices with this model.

Firstly, and most noticeably, the fabric you sleep on feels more like a bed sheet than the typical nylon like surface found on other mats. This soft but foam like fabric provides better grip throughout the night so you don’t slide around in your sleeping bag and It’s also quiet which helps to not disturb your partner throughout the night. Sometimes you don’t have to upgrade your sleeping bag if you venture out on colder nights, all it takes is a versatile sleeping mat like this with built in insulation to further isolate you from the ground.

This model comes in a slightly oversized carry pouch, which makes it easier to pack up in the morning but also doubles as an inflator if you’re in a pinch and forget your pump. This model would not be my first choice if I had limited backpack space but for car camping or any other occasion it certainly would be. While the insulated klymaloft is designed to handle colder evenings it’s still a very comfortable sleeping pad for warmer summer nights. When it got too warm, I found myself using my sleeping bag as a cover and just slept directly on the mat because it’s that comfortable to the touch. If you’re trying to get your partner or friend into camping and they always say no because they don’t sleep well, this pad is likely to change their mind.—Peter Matlashewski, contributor

[$190; klymit.com]

While just about everyone you know made a loaf of bread during the pandemic, sourdough is seeing a bit of a resurgence as of late. The thing about making your own sourdough is there aren’t many shortcuts and plenty of variables. Temperature is a big one when it comes to how active the bacteria is in a starter. Sourhouse’s Goldie works like a mini greenhouse to keep the starter at an ideal temperature because the bacterial hot tub that is your mixture of flour and water wants to live in a range between 75 and 82 degrees. That temperature is a little too toasty for most of us, especially in summer. We’ve been testing the Goldie for a few months to make loaves of sourdough and the device is pretty simple so there aren’t many things that can go wrong.

The base warms to the high 70s, transferring that energy to the jar holding the starter, all held under a tall glass cloche. We used it with Sourhouse’s pint-sized starter jar ($17), which has dots denoting increments so you can gauge when the starter has doubled, though we found the included rubber yellow band easier to track. If you’ve got a Mason jar that’ll work just as well (nearly anything glass that is less than 4×7 inches should fit). 

Over weeks, once we dialed in a starter from scratch which was a bit fussy, we found the Goldie worked well in keeping the water and flour mixture ready to go when we wanted to bake. While finding a warm spot in the house isn’t all that difficult for most of us during the summer, it might be harder than you think if your air conditioner is cranking from now until mid-September. 

In the Goldie our starter proofed nicely, consistently doubling, and adding way more control to the entire sourdough baking process. There is really only one button so there isn’t much to mess up here and it looks nice sitting on the countertop. If, in the winter your house struggles to keep a nook somewhere that is about 78 degrees, or conversely, if your air condition thermostat is set below that in summer, the Goldie could help even the temperature playing field.—Sal Vaglica, contributor

[$130; sourhouse.co]

Sometimes a traditional cooler is a bit inconvenient to bring along for certain outdoor activities but that doesn’t mean you have to skip out on bringing some cold beverages. We tested the Pelican Dayventure Sling Cooler and found it to be a great solution for keeping your drinks cold when you’re on the go. True to Pelican’s reputation, this water-resistant sling cooler is built to last with a rugged tear-proof outer shell that can handle a whole lot of abuse. This narrow sling cooler is great for day trips on a SUP or kayak, floating down a river, hiking up a mountain hands-free or just tossing it in the back of your golf cart.

The cooler weighs just over 2 pounds empty so if you add your drinks, it’s not cumbersome at all to bring around. In terms of capacity, it can comfortably accommodate thirteen 12-ounce cans but if you’re adding ice or an icepack you’ll need to subtract accordingly. The double walled insulation is more than enough to keep your drinks cool all day long even if you’re in the sun for most of it. If you’re looking for that in-between sized cooler than doesn’t quite feel like it’s a cooler the Dayventure sling from Pelican is a solid choice.—Peter Matlashewski, contributor

[$156; amazon]

If you have yet to experience the benefits of a self-propelled lawn mower, it might be time to check out what’s available on the market. We tested out the W520 push lawn mower from Husqvarna which is equipped with a commercial grade Kawasaki FJ180 motor and it’s an absolute powerhouse. It arrives with minimal assembly required and fires up right out the gate. Depending on the size of your yard, you may not need a self-propelled push mower like this but for medium to large lots or hilly terrain, the AutoWalk drive system on the W520 makes mowing feel much closer to walking your dog than pushing a machine. The rear-wheel propulsion makes it easy to rotate the lawn mower when looping back around and is only engaged by pulling the hand lever which gives you a lot of control when negotiating turns. The variable speed drive allows you to propel slowly around edges but speed up on longer straight lines to save time.

The blade height on this model can be adjusted mid-mow with a single lever that moves the entire deck up and down giving you a cutting range of 1.5 inches up to 4.5 inches. This lawn mower also comes with a sizable collection bag which gives your lawn that overall cleaner look and doesn’t spray clipping in unwanted areas like your walkways or driveway. While I haven’t tested it for leaf removal yet, with a motor this powerful I anticipate this will be a great tool for picking up leaves as they fall. Another feature that is really underrated is the handlebar’s ability to easily fold down when not in use effectively taking up less space in your garage.

I used to enjoy the exercise of using a standard push lawn mower but as time becomes more scarce getting the job done faster has become a priority and the W520 from Husqvarna certainly does that while making it easier at the same time.—Peter Matlashewski, contributor

[$1,299; husqvarna.com]

Over the past few weeks, we tested the Timberline pellet grill from Traeger, and it is indeed the luxury car of pellet grills. If you have a decent budget and you’re looking for a turnkey solution for quality smoking without having to actively manage temperature yourself, this barbecue is a top-shelf option. The Timberline can easily produce fall-off-the-bone ribs and moist pork butts with next to no smoking experience, and still function as a barbecue for grilling up some quick burgers for friends and family.

With the ability to control the temperature of the grill with a click of a button while simultaneous monitoring your meat’s temperature all in one place, this style of barbecue can be as hands on (or off) as you’d like. The Timberline comes with two wired temperature probes that connect directly to the pellet grill and two wireless meat thermometers so you can track a variety of proteins all at once to ensure a perfect cook. This model can roll smoke as low as 165 degrees or fire up to 500 degrees and thanks to the convection function and double walled construction the smoke only exits through the back which gives it a leg up over a lot of other pellet grills on the market.

When it comes to pellet grills, Traeger is no stranger to streamlining the process of making great tasting food. This model comes with an induction cooktop unit right beside the grill so you can work on your sauce or toss on the cast iron pan and sear your meat right at the grill without having to go into the kitchen. The grill stacking system is customizable but also convenient for food management and capitalizes on the full 880 square feet of cooking real estate. All in all, this grill is the king of convenience with ample storage for all your grilling accessories, pellets and even has a built-in, magnetically attached cutting board on top of the hopper.

As any barbecue enthusiast knows, clean-up is an important part of the game but this model makes it easy and convenient to scrap away grease or food debris into a safety located ash keg bellow that is easy to access. Given its price tag, this pellet grill may not be for everyone but if you want the Ferrari of pellet grills with an abundance of premium features that stack all the odds on your side to making perfect cooks every single time, the Timberline from Traeger should be your next grill.—Peter Matlashewski, contributor

[From $3,000; acehardware.com]

When it comes to outdoor activities, having a few waterproof storage options handy can really take the edge off when dark clouds start rolling in. We got our hands on the Mustang Survival Highwater 60L Gear Hauler and it checks all the boxes in terms of keeping your gear dry while being easy to lug around. When empty it can pack down fairly small and the roll-top design for sealing it makes it easy to reduce it’s size to accommodate changing gear quantities as needed. Equipped with a rugged, 420D double-coated nylon fabric it helps keeps the rain away from all your belongings no matter how hard the downpour. 

If you’re an avid canoe camper, a bag like this is the ultimate cheat code to keep all your belongings dry while heading out on the water. The shoulder straps make it easy to travel longer distances hands free, but the real kicker is the many anchored handles that make it easy to pass along from boat to shore. This bag is also great for day trips to the beach when you just want to throw everything in one bag and go, while not having to worry about your stuff getting wet.—Peter Matlashewski, contributor

[$165; amazon.com]

Our Place has consistently been pushing out new and innovative cookware and the Titanium Always Pan Pro is their latest release. This coating-free, non-stick pan with an elegant chrome finish is made with titanium which is significantly more durable than traditional stainless steel. With a temperature rating of up to 1,000 degrees, this pan can handle pretty much any type of cooking application from stove top to oven or even deep frying. I was skeptical about its non-stick properties at first but after a couple weeks of frying eggs, searing steaks and whipping up stir fries this pan is the real deal. The Always Pan Pro is not lightweight by any means given its very tough composition but still light enough to sauté or flip your food with ease.

There is a bit of a learning curve with a pan of this caliber, but it’s still beginner friendly and actually demands a more hands-off cooking approach where you let your food cook enough to unstick itself before flipping. This pan produces that sought-after deep golden sear on your food and conversely, when it comes time to clean the grime or burnt ends, it all comes off quite easily. Although their catalog mentions it’s dishwasher safe, out of habit, I chose to hand wash it which has proven to be not a bother at all. 

If you’re looking for a frying pan capable of doing it all that is completely free of harmful toxins and is built to last, the Always Pan Pro could be for you.—Peter Matlashewski, contributor

[$195; fromourplace.com]

Barbecue season is in full swing. This means it’s officially time to gear up and get your backyard barbecue setup in order. And we’re not talking heading to Lowe’s and grabbing the bargain grill off the sidewalk sale…we’re talking about seriously upgrading your backyard kit so that all the neighbors will be buzzing about your pitmaster paradise. We recently got our hands on some new products from perhaps the best one-stop-shop offering in the whole barbecue space.

Introducing NewAge Products. Not only do they offer every tool of the trade for grill masters and enthusiasts of all types, but you can customize, and piece together dozens of styles and sizes, as well as every type of backyard cooker you can imagine—achieve that perfect haven for all your backyard gatherings this summer. And they also have a full line of home products outside of the barbecue space like outdoor furniture, garage storage, and indoor bars.

For our dream outdoor barbecue setup, we kept things relatively simple, and went with the full NewAge Outdoor Kitchen Set. The whole set comes to your door almost completely assembled. This full package is certainly not small, but this a huge benefit for people seeking plug-and-play operation. Once in the backyard, the whole setup took less than half an hour. A few screws here and there to help secure pieces together, but overall, it came 95 percent ready to rock and roll.

This was a stellar first impression of NewAge products for us. We got the weather-resistant 304 stainless steel finish all around—which we think looks so badass in our backyard ensemble—but they also offer a really nice Grove wood veneer finish for the same package. We got the 33-inch propane grill which is equipped with three main burners (each 12,000 BTUs). The grill itself is very well-built, easy to operate, and the lid is delightfully weighted which makes for a very solid, premium feel when lifting up and down. We love this grill. It has a very handsome design, thoughtfully engineered for a luxurious look and feel.

The whole set comes with a grill cabinet underneath the main grill for a propane tank and other storage, a 32-inch 3-drawer cabinet with ample room for all your grill accessories like cast ironware, tongs, spatulas, pizza stones, grill gloves, and all your grill cleaning tools. The amount of space within each drawer is very impressive. The additional storage from this kit freed up ample new cabinet space and drawer real estate in our kitchen. This was a huge added bonus we hadn’t really anticipated.

Last, but not least, the 32-inch bar cabinet is perhaps our favorite feature in the whole set. Within this cabinet space, you get dual trash cans, a dedicated spice and sauce rack, as well as multiple smaller compartments for condiments, utensils, cooking knives, and turners, as well as a very handy bottle opener that’s always at the ready. Not to mention that all drawers and cabinets are soft-closing (which we can’t get enough of—we love the premium feel).

The possibilities for organization are quite limitless when it comes to these customizable sets from NewAge. If you can dream it up, chances are, NewAge has a solution for you (without having to hire a contractor or consultant to come and evaluate your space). You’re in complete control of this project without the added costs.

This handsome outdoor kitchen has become a beloved and permanent fixture in our backyard, and is now the new spot for all the dads in our neighborhood to gather, drink beer, and small talk about the mouthwatering food we’re all about to devour. That’s what summertime is all about, right? If you’re looking for your next home upgrade, we suggest you check out the NewAge site for your next new addition (or additions) to your home entertaining arsenal. [Bonus: At the time of this writing, the whole set is on sale for $3,999, marked down from $5,809]—Jon Perino, contributor

[$3,999; shopnewage.com]

If the Groove Belt Ultra isn’t the best belt we’ve ever tried, it’s pretty damn close. The list of places where we wouldn’t wear this thing is pretty small and might just include formal events like a summer wedding—although if Groove Life managed to make a version that looked like rich leather, we’d wear it with a suit too. The Ultra is a dynamic belt, meaning its webbing stretches and contracts as you move, which keeps your pants up regardless of how you bend, reach, or run. A cowhide belt can’t do that. The 11/4-inch-tall webbing resists curling over on itself too, which can happen when you pack on the pounds turning a leather belt into a long strip of the letter “C.” The webbing, unlike leather, doesn’t have memory in that direction, so it won’t easily deform over time.

Besides the lightweight, which is about the same as a handful of pencils, the strap locks in and is easily adjustable—it works a lot like backpack straps. We’ve been wearing this out socially, while doing yard work, and on hikes, and in every case, it has kept our pants exactly where they’re supposed to be. The buckle is magnetic too, which makes a satisfying click when the two parts come together. The result is a very clean-looking, matte finish belt that almost disappears with darker-colored pants.—Sal Vaglica, contributor

[$40; amazon.com]

If you’ve ever thought about ditching your bus pass or got tired of getting caught in traffic over small distances, there has never been a better time to buy an e-bike. Having tested a few over the past few years I can say with confidence that the new Radster commuter bike from Rad Powered bikes is a market leader in terms of comfort, power, riding distance, and safety features. This model arrived almost entirely assembled with only minor assembly needed, making it a great choice for first timers.

They offer two frame sizes for cyclists of all heights, and although I was on the edge of qualifying for a large frame at 5’9″ the added size still felt very manageable to manoeuvre. The bike itself is a little on the heavy side so it would not be my first choice if I had to bring it up and down stairs every day. The seat was a little stiff but still quite comfortable over long periods of time and the height of the handlebars puts you in an ergonomic position. The front hydraulic suspension also made for a very smooth ride even on bumpy roads.

This model handled hills flawlessly, which might be due to the upgraded torque sensor, but it certainly climbed faster than any other bike I’ve been on including other Rad bikes. This new model has an upgraded battery that extends the cycling range to 65 miles depending on the terrain so you can likely go a few days without having to charge it. If the weather suddenly shifts and you get caught in a rainstorm, you have nothing to worry about because this bike is also rated to a IPX6 weatherproofing.

Once you hop on a bike of this caliber, you’ll without a doubt be sharing the road with motorized vehicles which means safety features should always be a big consideration when purchasing an e-bike. This bike has a powerful 200 lumen headlight along with many reflective accents all over the bicycle including on the wheels for those riding into the night. The Radster Road also comes equipped with a break light and turn signals which gives you that extra margin of security when signaling a turn. Another safety feature is that the motor automatically shuts off anytime the brakes are used, giving you more control when you need to stop. Like most other e-bikes there is a throttle you can use if you suddenly want to take a break from peddling and it’s also equipped with 8 gears to match your desired speed.

Another great new feature is its ability to be digitally locked when you park. It can only be unlocked with the use of a passcode or an RFID chip that you can attach to your keychain. The peace of mind you get from knowing your bike cannot be operated without you is definitely a game-changer. Finally, what further sets this model apart is its ability to be programmed to operate as a class 3 bike meaning it can reach speeds of 28 mph. Overall, the Radster Road bike is packed with so many great features that make it both enjoyable and safe to use for all type of cyclists.—Peter Matlashewski, contributor

[$1,999; radpowerbikes.com]

There are dozens of cheapo screwdriver sets sold at the local pharmacy or dollar store. And there are dozens of sprawling tool sets at the hardware store that probably have more complex bits than you’ll ever need.

Now, imagine a top quality (as in, the best you can get) screwdriver set in a tiny, streamlined tool. The James Brand is known for taking every day items and reinventing them into something easy to use, cool to carry and supremely stylish. The Warrick is the latest example. This could likely fit on your key ring and easily in your pocket—even into that sleek little coin pocket. (And really, how many coins are you carrying around anymore?)

There are four bits—two flat, two Phillips, the most common WIHA bits that all fit snugly inside the lightweight aluminum body and slip into the magnetized bit receiver for handy functioning. And if you use a specific bit size, you can swap out to store whatever you need most. Plus, the body is designed to give you extra torque for those tight ones. Extremely functional with a fantastic look and feel.—Jon Coen, contributor

[$85; thejamesbrand.com]

With so many Bluetooth speakers on the market these days, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. If you’re looking for an ultra-portable and rugged speaker, the SongBook MAX from Tivoli may not be your first choice. However, if you want a portable speaker that becomes a statement piece in your home and also delivers great sound, it is definitely a solid contender. Equipped with a 4-inch subwoofer, a 4-inch midrange driver, and a 0.75-inch tweeter, it effortlessly fills a large living room or backyard with great sound. This portable Bluetooth speaker not only looks great with its retro analog appearance, but it’s also packed with useful and enjoyable features as well. The battery lasts just under 10 hours at normal use and recharges relatively quickly through USB-C.

The SongBook MAX can stream music from your preferred streaming service, but true to its retro look, it is also equipped with a telescopic antenna and plays FM/AM radio. The EQ levels are adjusted with physical sliders on the face of the speaker, and there’s something oddly satisfying about turning it on with a flip of a toggle switch. There is also a ¼-inch auxiliary input, so you can plug in a microphone for an at-home event or even a guitar on the go. The built-in carry handle makes it easy to move from room to room, and it’s also coated with IPX4 weatherproofing, so it can be taken outside without too much caution.

Whether you’re trying to fill a nostalgic void from your younger years with a stylish analog looking speaker or you simply want a portable speaker that can play loud great sound, the Tivoli SongBook MAX is worth looking into.—Peter Matlashewski, contributor

[$599; amazon.com]

We recently tested Gorewear’s Spinshift GORE-TEX jacket, which is their newest completely PFC-free waterproof and windproof cycling garment. This model incorporates their new ePE GORE-TEX membrane, and it undoubtedly matches the performance of its predecessor. Having tested numerous GORE-TEX jackets over the years across multiple brands, this one beads water off as effectively as most and definitely better than some. Through prolonged rain, the Spinshift kept me dry while still being breathable enough to not overheat when the sun came back out.

The jacket itself is quite thin and lightweight making it easy to pack up and stuff into a pocket or bike pouch. In a size medium it weighed a mere 145 grams and is fairly minimal in the sense that it only has one zippered pocket on the rear that can house your smartphone but also doubles as a pouch for the jacket itself. The fit has a slim cut, I typically wear a medium and went with that but probably could have sized up into a large for a tad more roominess. The Spinshift GTX has zero bulking anywhere on it and offers unrestricted movement once you’re on the saddle.

It’s not always easy to find a muted color cycling jacket given the need to be seen on the road, but the utility green looks incredible in person and still offers reflective accents. The Spinshift GTX jacket is definitely an investment, but its ability to keep you cycling regardless of the weather makes it well worth it.—Peter Matlashewski, contributor

[$270; competitivecyclist.com]

For many of us, knife sharpening is either a guessing game or simply not part of our household maintenance routine due to fear of doing it wrong. We tested out the Tumbler Diamond rolling knife sharpener, which aims to remove all the guesswork and provide a straightforward, methodical way to get your angles just right.

The true artists of knife sharpening understand the importance of applying the right amount of pressure and using consistent, long strokes at just the right angle. This device ensures you work with the perfect 15- or 20-degree angle and the rolling action ensures you target the full blade. With the static pressure of the resting knife on its rear and the consistent rolling of the diamond disc, the knife gets progressively sharper, making it easy to match both sides. In a matter of minutes (or longer for more neglected knives), your dull kitchen knives can snap right back into tomato-slicing machines. One slight drawback is that this sharpener only comes in a D35 grit, so there’s no further honing beyond that. However, this level of grit is still more than enough to get the job done—it might just take a bit longer to achieve the desired results on certain knives.

If you value the longevity of your cooking knives, the Tumbler diamond sharpener is a very beginner friendly option that delivers great results. As a little bonus, it’s easy to transport so you can be a hero and take care of your friends’ or family’s knives as well.—Peter Matlashewski, contributor

[$136; tumblerware.com]