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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Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew (women’s) review: the last sock you buy
Long days without blisters, strong odour resistance and a lifetime guarantee, in a women’s cut. The leg runs compressive, so try one pair first.
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Outdoor Research Aspire 3L (women’s) review: the vented Gore-Tex storm shell
The women’s storm shell for hard weather — durable 3-layer Gore-Tex with TorsoFlo hem-to-bicep venting, built for sustained rain, wind, and alpine objectives.
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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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Lowa Renegade GTX (women’s) review: the backpacking boot to buy once
The women’s backpacking boot to buy once — a supportive, precise-fitting Gore-Tex boot that carries a loaded pack over rugged ground for years.
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Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer (women’s) review: packable down warmth
The packable-warmth benchmark for women — 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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Smartwool Merino 250 (women’s) review: the base layer to buy once
The women’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 (women’s) review: a trail shoe shaped like a foot
A wide, foot-shaped toe box, zero drop and a wide option. The trail runner for long days when your toes need room, with average grip on wet ground and early collar wear.
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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 (women’s) review: sure-footed on rock, if the fit suits you
A precise, sticky, supportive approach shoe for scrambles and rock approaches. Excellent if it fits, but it runs narrow and small, so try it on first.
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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.
