Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew (men’s) review: guaranteed for life
Blister-free over rough ground, cool in heat and backed by an unconditional lifetime guarantee. Runs snug, so size up and keep it out of the dryer.
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Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski 3-Finger review: warm, workable, and built to last
A three-finger leather mitt with a removable liner: among the warmest handwear you can still work in, and built to last for years. For demanding winter trips in cold, dry conditions.
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Smartwool Merino 250 (men’s) review: the base layer to buy once
The men’s base layer to buy once — benchmark merino warmth and odor control with the best cut, seam placement, and durability in the category.
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Salomon Quest 4 GTX (men’s) review: the backpacking boot for heavy loads
Strap on a heavy multi-day pack and point yourself at steep, rough, rooty terrain, and a light trail shoe stops being enough. Your ankles and feet need real support and protection. The Salomon Quest 4 GTX is built for exactly that: a supportive, waterproof backpacking boot engineered to carry a load over hard ground trip…
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Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer (men’s) review: packable down warmth
The packable-warmth benchmark for men — 800-fill down warmth for half a pound that stuffs into its own pocket, prized by people who live in the backcountry.
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Outdoor Research Foray 3L (men’s) review: the venting Gore-Tex shell for hard weather
A durable 3-layer Gore-Tex hardshell with full hem-to-bicep side venting for hard mountain weather. Our field review of the Outdoor Research Foray 3L.
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Altra Lone Peak 9 (men’s) review: the long-trail shoe with room for your toes
The long-trail favourite: a foot-shaped toe box on a zero-drop platform. Superb fit for high-mileage hikers, with average wet traction and a transition that needs respect.
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La Sportiva TX4 Evo (men’s) review: a technical approach shoe with a fit you must check
Vibram Megagrip, a climbing zone and a resoleable leather build for scrambles and talus. Superb on rock, but narrower and shorter than the original TX4, so fit it before you trust it.
