Joe Jackson

Ashland

Columnist at Outside Magazine

Contributing Editor & Gear Tester at Field Mag

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Articles

New Cottage Industry Brand Makes the Best Beanies for the Alpine

2 weeks ago | fieldmag.com | Joe Jackson

When Fielding Miller handed me an unbranded beanie before he and I climbed and skied Mt. Shasta together almost eight years ago, I had no idea the concept would one day turn into one of my favorite accessories. Over the years had helped Polartec, whom he worked with as a PR rep, make an extremely limited run of proof of concept beanies using their then-new Power Wool material.
How to Turn Your Garage Into the Ultimate Home Gym

1 month ago | outsideonline.com | Joe Jackson

Two years ago, I had a mild midlife crisis when I turned 40. I say “mild” because I did not make any negative life-altering choices or obsess over opportunities missed in the first 40 years of my life. I did, however, make the stereotypical massive purchase which had a toe hold in vanity. Driven by the determination to maintain some level of athleticism as I age, I cleaned out my garage—which had long been a gear hoarding space—and turned it into my ultimate home gym.
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Guide: 21 Years Later It Remains the Best

1 month ago | fieldmag.com | Joe Jackson

Field Mag may receive a minor commission from purchases made via affiliate links. The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel became an outdoor gear icon almost immediately upon release 21 years ago. Its basic design hasn’t changed—it is still a bag with, as the name suggests, a cavernous opening that accommodates heaps of clothes, gear, and equipment without fancy compartments or strap-down systems.
How to Wash a Down Jacket (and When You Should)

2 months ago | fieldmag.com | Joe Jackson

Joe Jackson Joe Jackson has 25 years experience as a guide, retail employee, magazine editor, and gear tester. As Outside Magazine's Gear Guy, he has tested thousands of pieces of gear across running, hiking, backpacking, camping, water sports, etc. Goose down is a true gift from nature. It is a wonder insulator that can be used to create lightweight down jackets that can keep us warm at the top of freezing mountains where we were not built to survive.
6 Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Outdoorsy Couples

2 months ago | outsideonline.com | Joe Jackson

Gear is a generous Valentine’s Day gift. Picking something other than the usual chocolate, flowers, or booze shows that you acknowledge your partner’s interests and listen to their needs. Beyond that, the right gear gift can enable you and your Valentine to plan a romantic outdoor getaway. Below we list some of our favorite gear specifically designed for two.
The 8 Best Outdoor Clothing Brands from North America

Jan 15, 2025 | fieldmag.com | Joe Jackson

Joe Jackson Joe Jackson has 25 years experience as a guide, retail employee, magazine editor, and gear tester. As Outside Magazine's Gear Guy, he has tested thousands of pieces of gear across running, hiking, backpacking, camping, water sports, etc. My relationship to outdoor gear runs deep. I have written about the industry for the last decade, after spending years using all manner of equipment to stay comfortable and safe as an outdoor guide.
Are Wool Socks Really the Best Choice for Winter Wear?

Jan 9, 2025 | outsideonline.com | Joe Jackson

Having tested outdoor gear as my main gig for over a decade, I am used to finding myself on the same side as the experts when it comes to gear advice. We agree that cotton doesn’t always kill; waterproof running shoes can actually make your feet wetter on runs; and yes, you should always pack a headlamp. One area where I heartily disagree? Socks. I am a big proponent of wearing synthetic (rather than wool) socks for winter pursuits.
4 Tips to Make Shopping for Ski Boots Way Less Intimidating

Dec 11, 2024 | outsideonline.com | Joe Jackson

I have a confession to make: I am super intimidated by ski boots. I have written about ski boots many times in the past decade and interviewed more than a dozen experts; I’ve skied hundreds of days in that time frame and worked as a professional ski instructor; and I still have a ton to learn about this complicated product. Without doubt, ski boots are the most challenging piece to buy in a ski kit.
The 6 Black Friday Deals Gear Guy Has Been Waiting For

Nov 27, 2024 | outsideonline.com | Joe Jackson

There’s a whole lotta hubbub about Black Friday in the outdoor industry. If you’re on one side of the issue—i.e., hating Black Friday and the capitalist excess it stands for—you are unlikely to get pumped about the rest of this article. But if you’re like me and you do research beforehand and hold out on purchases until they are on sale, then Black Friday is a great way to save on things you were planning to buy anyway.
Ultralight Down Jacket Guide: Materials, Tech, Care & Which to Buy

Nov 21, 2024 | fieldmag.com | Joe Jackson

Joe Jackson Joe Jackson has 25 years experience as a guide, retail employee, magazine editor, and gear tester. As Outside Magazine's Gear Guy, he has tested thousands of pieces of gear across running, hiking, backpacking, camping, water sports, etc. The more loft, a.k.a thickness, a puffy jacket has, the warmer it will be. Basically, more material equals more warmth, as well as more weight.