Guide

How to Choose Between a Quilt & Sleeping Bag for Your Next Backcountry Trip

Though often made of the same performance materials, small design variations makes sleeping bags and quilts better suited for different conditions

The Untold History of Outdoor Research, One of America's Great Gear Brands

How the PNW-based outfitter launched from a failed summit attempt on Denali and grew to hometown hero status over 40 years by putting function first

Inside the Two-Sided Philosophy of Purple Mountain Observatory

With thermo-mapping fabrics, fashion-informed silhouettes, and group hikes, the East London label explores accessibility through performance apparel

Sole Searching: How Norda Made the 005 the Ultimate Running Shoe for Trail Racing

Just four years after launch, the Montreal-based brand has designed what they hope to be the lightest, fastest, most durable trail racing shoe yet

How to Wash a Down Jacket: A Comprehensive Guide

Step-by-step instructions and pro tips from a professional guide and gear tester to help you maximize the lifespan of your lightweight down items

A Winter Hiking Guide to Colorado's Tallest Mountain and Classic 14er, Mount Elbert

Which route to take, what to wear, and all else to know about summiting the tallest mountain in Colorado (and 2nd highest in the continental U.S.)

The Best Outdoor Brands for Hikers, Campers, and Climbers

Our gear expert has tested thousands of rain shells, day packs, and base layers over the last few decades. Here are the labels he trusts the most.

Down Fill Power Guide: Everything to Know About Down Apparel Insulation

Experts answer what down fill power means and explore goose down vs duck down, fill power vs fill weight, sustainable synthetic alternatives, and more

Light as Air, Warm as a Furnace: A Guide to the Best Ultralight Down Jackets

Everything you should know about lightweight down jackets, from how they're made—and what they're made of—to tested and approved recommendations

Life Lessons and Film Photos From Adventure Biking in Morocco

Over the Atlas Mountains and through the Sahara desert, 125 miles in the saddle and an exploration of the Berber approach of finding harmony in nature

Stay Dry & Comfortable in All Conditions: The Best Waterproof Hiking Boots for Women

Don't let the weather rain on your outdoor parade—here's how to keep your feet warm and dry with the best waterproof hiking shoe options

The Ultimate Hiking Gear Checklist for Beginner Hikers: Where to Start & What to Pack

Hit the trails prepared with our complete guide and checklist to hiking gear, from shoes to backpacks, according to pros

We Fastpacked the Toughest Trek in Europe So You Don't Have to

A comprehensive overview of the legendary 112-mile trail, from history to what I learned while fastpacking it, and what I would do differently

Lightweight vs. High-Capacity Hiking Backpacks: A Comparison Guide

Multi-day backpacking trips require the right kind of pack -- here's how to choose the right style for your needs

How to Select the Perfect Hiking Backpack: Pro Tips & Recommendations

Using the right backpack makes all the difference for comfort and convenience when hiking - here's how to find the right one for you

16 Japanese Outdoor Brands You Need to Know About

Japan's longstanding culture of hiking, camping, skiing, and taking in nature is alive and well thanks to a growing group of design-minded gear makers

The 11 Best Film Cameras for Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced Photographers

All you need to know about the most legendary, underrated, and rightly hyped 35mm and 120 medium format rangefinders, SLRs, and point & shoot cameras

Why the Nikonos V Is the Ultimate Film Camera for Outdoor Adventure

Developed by Jacques Cousteau and perfected in 1984 with the fifth generation, this legendary Nikon is beloved by both water and land photographers

The Best 35mm Film for All Weather, All Conditions, and All-Around Incredible Pics

Not sure which kind of 35mm film to use for a cloudy day? What about for a Wes Anderson look? We've got the answers

120 Film Guide: All You Need to Know About Shooting Medium Format Film

Looking to move beyond 35mm and into the increasingly popular realm of medium format film? We got you (Spoiler: it's 120, not 120mm)

Everything You Need to Know About Buying & Shooting With Slide Film

Color negative film, reversal film, transparency film, E-6—slide film goes by many names but understanding and using it is much more straightforward

The 10 Best Medium Format Film Cameras to Buy in 2024

With larger negatives, medium format film cameras produce images that have more detail, dynamic range, and depth

38 Scandinavian Outdoor Brands That Should Be on Your Radar

38 influential outdoor brands making outerwear, apparel, camping equipment, and so much more—with characteristically cool, modern design

From Sustainability to Design, These Are the Top Hiking Apparel Trends to Watch

Where is the world of outdoor apparel heading? We identified some of the top trends to keep an eye on