-
2 weeks ago | 
gearjunkie.com | Nick LeFort |Nick Lefort |Nick Belcaster
A solid set of binoculars will drastically enhance any outdoor experience. Sure, they’re an essential piece of equipment for birders, and hunters use them daily to find game. But packing a set of binoculars on a hike, backcountry ski trip, or kayaking adventure will allow you to slow down and appreciate the wilderness around you in ways you never have before. We get it. It can be hard to slow down when you’re trying to bag your next 14er or reach the next camp on a multi-night backpacking excursion.
-
3 weeks ago | 
gearjunkie.com | Nick Belcaster
“Whoops” is not typically the word you want to hear from your partner as he’s running a rapid. Moreso when he’s trying out the loaned packraft you’ve brought — and then plants it headlong into a wicked little boulder garden, smearing across granite the whole way. We quickly eddied out to inspect the damage. “Hear any leaks?” We splash water across the bottom, scanning for bubbles, but the new NRS Neutron Packraft has shouldered the hazing like nothing has happened.
-
3 weeks ago | 
gearjunkie.com | Nick Belcaster
I may have been slightly dismissive of the wind before coming down here. Patagonia is known for its unsettled weather, and people who talk about Patagonia talk about the wind — frequently. Which can lead some (like myself) down the path of, well, how bad can it be? I found out just how bad. At roughly 10:30 p.m. on the first night of our 4-day Huemul trek, a tempest bleeding off the Patagonian Icefield turned its might directly down the valley.
-
3 weeks ago | 
gearjunkie.com | Nick Belcaster
I typically know winter is here by the first fishtail my pickup truck does getting onto the highway. It’s generally early November — and raining — and for a few adrenal-squeezing moments, I recon just how long it’s been since I put on new tires. To say the new Nitto Terra Grappler G3 came at the perfect time would be an understatement.
-
1 month ago | 
gearjunkie.com | Nick Belcaster
“So, is it really kayaking, then?” A small crowd had gathered around the dock to inspect the Old Town Ocean Kayak Malibu ePDL+, the first recreational kayak to incorporate an electric pedal drive. I’m not sure they were immediately sold. The neo-Luddite in me was steadfast: of course not. But, softening, I reconsidered. Yes, of course. Maybe? The Malibu is undoubtedly kayak-shaped and can be paddled with a paddle.
-
2 months ago | 
gearjunkie.com | Nick LeFort |Nick Lefort |Nick Belcaster
We tested the best binoculars from NOCS Provisions, Celestron, Nikon, Maven, and more to help you find the best option for your needs and budget. There are limitless ways to enjoy the outdoor world and just as many tools to do it, but perhaps no piece of equipment is as rewarding and versatile as the best binoculars for your needs. We tapped one of our expert writers, Nick LeFort, who’s spent a lot of time looking at the world through a set of clear lenses to test an abundance of binoculars.
-
Feb 4, 2025 | 
gearjunkie.com | Maddie Downie |Nick Belcaster |Chris Kassar
The best traction devices will keep you safe and secure this winter; (Photo/Maddie Downie) Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More Whether you call them microspikes, ice cleats, trail crampons, or something else, the best winter traction devices will help you stay firmly planted all season long.
-
Dec 18, 2024 | 
gearjunkie.com | Nick Belcaster
After struggling against a headwind for the better part of an hour, I had some flagging confidence in our inflatable canoe. The concept was good — great, even — but facing a persistent wind in your larger-than-average rubber duck will make anyone question whether the trade was worth it. My doubt was short-lived, however. Later that day, we met another group along a portage trail.
-
Nov 20, 2024 | 
gearjunkie.com | Mary Murphy |Nick Belcaster
For everything from winter hiking and running to skiing and snowboarding, we’ve found and tested the best midlayers out there for the 2024-2025 season. Check out our top picks from Patagonia, REI, The North Face, and more. Midlayers are the insulation pieces that run between your baselayer and shell, and these are the best we've found to date; (photo/Honey McNaughton)Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article.
-
Nov 11, 2024 | 
gearjunkie.com | Austin Beck-Doss |Nick Belcaster |Ian Graber-Stiehl
No matter how you like to get your swing on, there’s bound to be a hammock made for you. Here we review a variety of styles to satisfy a wide range of budgets and needs, including winners from Warbonnet, ENO, and more. Whether you use is just for kicking back, or as a full-blown camping shelter, a good camping hammock can really elevate your camp life; (photo/Nick Belcaster)Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article.
