Zach Joseph Lovell

United States

Review Editor at OutdoorGearLab

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Articles

The 8 Best Walkie Talkies of 2025

2 weeks ago | outdoorgearlab.com | Zach Joseph Lovell

By Zach Lovell, Gray Grandy and Clark Tate ⋅ May 1, 2025 The Best Walkie TalkiesThe best walkie-talkies provide dependable range and clear communication to keep you connected during outdoor activities. Our experts have tested nearly 50 different models in the last decade. For each product, we spend months using them across mountains, lakes, cities, deserts, and forests. And the hardest test of all: can you stay easily connected with multiple generations during a family picnic?
Smith Engage Mips Review

2 weeks ago | outdoorgearlab.com | Zach Joseph Lovell

Price: $130 List Manufacturer: Smith By Zach Lovell ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Apr 25, 2025 79 OVERALL SCORE RANKED #7 of 23 Impact Test - 30% 4.9 Comfort - 20% 9.8 Ventilation - 20% 9.0 Usability - 15% 8.5 Weight - 15% 9.5 Our Verdict The Smith Engage Mips mountain bike helmet boasts top-tier comfort in a lightweight package. Smith has long been a leader in head protection, with an impressively broad range of offerings, and this helmet further confirms their commitment to quality. While the Engage...
Jetboil Stash Review

1 month ago | outdoorgearlab.com | Zach Joseph Lovell

Price: $150 List Manufacturer: Jetboil By Zach Lovell ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Mar 31, 2025 79 OVERALL SCORE RANKED #2 of 22 Fuel Efficiency - 25% 9.1 Weight - 25% 8.9 Simmering Ability - 20% 5.5 Ease of Use - 15% 8.1 Boil Time - 15% 7.0 Our Verdict The Jetboil Stash is a phenomenal option if packability and minimal weight are your top priorities. After years of testing backpacking stoves, this is one of the lightest models we've ever seen, with an included pot that can still fit the stove and an 8...
Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Shell Review

2 months ago | outdoorgearlab.com | Zach Joseph Lovell

Price: $180 List Manufacturer: Black Diamond By Zach Lovell ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Mar 5, 2025 77 OVERALL SCORE RANKED #7 of 19 Water Resistance - 45% 7.4 Breathability - 20% 7.7 Comfort and Mobility - 15% 8.5 Weight - 10% 8.6 Construction Quality - 10% 7.1 Our Verdict The Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Shell, formerly named the Stormline, is the latest and greatest rain jacket update from Black Diamond. Throughout weeks of testing, we loved the two-way stretch woven fabric for a variety of...
Arc'teryx Beta SL Review

2 months ago | outdoorgearlab.com | Zach Joseph Lovell

Price: $500 List Manufacturer: Arc'teryx By Zach Lovell ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Mar 5, 2025 88 OVERALL SCORE RANKED #1 of 19 Water Resistance - 45% 9.4 Breathability - 20% 8.5 Comfort and Mobility - 15% 8.2 Weight - 10% 7.9 Construction Quality - 10% 8.5 Our Verdict The Arc'teryx Beta SL is the latest update in the iconic Beta jacket line, which has long been a favorite of the outdoors community. After weeks of testing this jacket, we're happy to report that the Beta SL furthers the Beta line's...
The 10 Best Softshell Jackets of 2024

Nov 13, 2024 | outdoorgearlab.com | Zach Joseph Lovell |Kate Pitts |Mary Witlacil |Ryan Huetter

We put top softshell jackets from brands like Patagonia, Arc'teryx, Outdoor Research, Rab, and others through the test on every kind of terrain and through all possible weather possible By Zach Lovell, Kate Pitts, Mary Witlacil, and Ryan Huetter ⋅ Nov 13, 2024 The Best Softshell Jackets for 2024Fans of year-round adventure activities like hiking, climbing, running, or skiing are always on the hunt for the unicorn of all layers: breathable weather protection.
The 7 Best Softshell Jackets of 2024

Nov 12, 2024 | outdoorgearlab.com | Zach Joseph Lovell |Ryan Huetter

By Zach Lovell and Ryan Huetter ⋅ Nov 12, 2024 The Best Men's Softshell Jacket for 2024Do you love breathable weather protection? For over a decade, our gear experts have tested dozens of the top softshell jackets on the market to help you find the best garment for your needs. From the glaciers of the Pacific Northwest to the granite walls of the Sierra, we've relentlessly pushed these breathable jackets in a variety of activities and weather, taking extensive notes along the way.
How to Choose a Softshell Jacket for Men

Nov 12, 2024 | outdoorgearlab.com | Zach Joseph Lovell |Ryan Huetter

Are you in the market for a new softshell? These jackets are a fantastic blend of weather protection, breathability, and mobility. It's thanks to this blend that their use has grown so much in popularity over recent years — they have become one of the most versatile layers for a myriad of different conditions. In this article, we'll expand on a variety of considerations to help you make a more informed purchasing decision.
How to Choose a Softshell Jacket for Men

Nov 12, 2024 | outdoorgearlab.com | Zach Joseph Lovell |Ryan Huetter

Are you in the market for a new softshell? These jackets are a fantastic blend of weather protection, breathability, and mobility. It's thanks to this blend that their use has grown so much in popularity over recent years — they have become one of the most versatile layers for a myriad of different conditions. In this article, we'll expand on a variety of considerations to help you make a more informed purchasing decision.
Olukai Moku Pae Review

Oct 31, 2024 | outdoorgearlab.com | Zach Joseph Lovell

The Olukai Moku Pae was a joy to test, offering an excellent blend of comfort, performance, and style. These aren't as ideal for intense water sports, but this slip-on footwear does surprisingly well in many settings. Performance ComparisonSince a shoe must be, first and foremost, comfy on one's feet, we gave this metric 25% of the total score of the Olukai Moku Pae.