Columbia Steens Mountain (men’s) review: the first fleece midlayer
The first fleece midlayer for men — soft, warm even when damp, fast-drying, and cheap, with a track record few jackets can match.
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Columbia Arcadia II (women’s) review: the best-value first rain jacket
The best-value first women’s rain jacket — waterproof, breathable, packable, with a proper adjustable hood, for everyday and casual-hike rain.
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Columbia Benton Springs (women’s) review: the first fleece midlayer
The first fleece midlayer for women — soft, warm even when damp, fast-drying, and cheap, with a track record few jackets can match.
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Columbia Watertight II (men’s) review: the best-value first rain jacket
A genuinely waterproof, seam-sealed rain shell that packs into its own pocket for the price of a dinner — the best-value first rain jacket. Our field review of the Columbia Watertight II.
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Columbia Newton Ridge (women’s) review: the budget first hiking boot
The women’s hiking boot to buy first — waterproof, supportive, and comfortable out of the box for day hikes and travel, at a genuinely entry-level price.
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Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II (men’s) review: the budget boot that punches up
The value pick for a first hiking boot: waterproof, comfortable out of the box, grippy, and easy on the wallet.
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Danish Endurance merino hiking socks review: merino by the multi-pack
Merino hiking socks sold in multi-packs, so you can rotate a full set. Dry feet and real cushioning at a low cost, with an honest durability trade-off.
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Thermajohn Thermal Set (men’s) review: the budget first base layer
The men’s base layer to buy first — a soft, warm, stretchy thermal set for cold, easy days and camp, and the natural stepping-stone to merino.
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Thermajane Thermal Set (women’s) review: the budget first base layer
The budget base layer to buy first — a soft, warm, stretchy women’s thermal set for cold, easy days and camp, and the natural stepping-stone to merino.
