Wilderness Log
From the Field
— EDITOR'S PICK —
June 08, 2026
The Best Father's Day Gifts for the Outdoor Dad Who Already Has All the Toys

The twelve Father's Day gifts that made the cut, field-tested and laid out on Joe Jackson's back deck.(Photo: Joe Jackson)

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June 04, 2026
Ford and Filson Just Teamed Up to Build the Ultimate Backcountry Bronco

A truck wearing an outdoor brand’s name is not a new idea. Ford has done this dance before. In the early nineties there was an Eddie Bauer B…

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June 02, 2026
3 Ways to Put the Wild Back in Hiking

Sure, hiking is just walking. But consider this: Walking is also the most primal thing we do, exploring the world through the power of our f…

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May 28, 2026
Why You Should Rent a Camper Van Before Buying One

Ten years ago, I started road tripping in a 1976 Toyota Chinook. After the motor blew up, I got into a 1978 Toyota Sunline and unfortunately…

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May 21, 2026
These Mountain Bikes Under $2,000 Are Better Than You Think

We teamed up with Pinkbike to test six affordable mountain bikes under $2,000 on Sedona's technical terrain.(Photo: MIike Kazimer)

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May 20, 2026
The Absolute Best Coolers to Buy Before Another Heat Wave Hits

A high-quality hard cooler is an essential piece of gear that keeps food safe and extends your outdoor adventures for days.(Photo: Joe Jacks…

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May 19, 2026
12 Ways to Upgrade Your Summer of Biking

If you’re feeling the pull of two-wheeled adventure, this list is for you. Backcountry’s robust inventory of mountain biking and gravel ridi…

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May 12, 2026
The Best MTB Shorts of 2026, According to Riders Who Obsess over Fit and Pockets

Testers Annick Chalier and Matt Patterson riding desert singletrack in La Ventana, Baja California Sur, during Outside's 2026 MTB shorts tes…

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May 11, 2026
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May 08, 2026
What Podiatrists Recommend in a Stability Running Shoe and the Best Available Today

After testing every new stability running shoe and comparing them to models already tested, we named eight new category winners, including a…

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May 06, 2026
These 4 "Fancy Sweats" Are the Secret to Stress-Free Travel

When I’m travelling in a plane, train, or automobile, the last thing I want to be wearing is a stiff pair of jeans. And, while I love the wa…

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May 03, 2026
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April 30, 2026
Our Favorite eMTB of 2026 Proves It’s Not All About Motor Power

After rigorous testing in Bentonville, Arkansas, these eMTBs stood out for power, handling, and all-around performance.(Photo: Jason Lucas)

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April 28, 2026
We Tested Dozens of Marathon Running Shoes Over Two Years—These Are the 11 We Recommend

Your marathon shoes are the most important part of your raceday kit.(Photo: 101 Degrees West)

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April 27, 2026
The British Are Coming and You’re Gonna Love It

Back in the 1960s, when pioneering climbers were pushing the limits of alpine exploration, they were ahead of their times—and ahead of the g…

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April 21, 2026
I Traded My Favorite Daypacks for This $70 REI Sling—and I’m Never Looking Back

Lightweight and low-profile, the REI Co-Op Trailmade Hydration Sling is an ideal companion for short day hikes where a full backpack feels l…

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April 20, 2026
This Surprising $14 Item Saved My Beach and River Trips Last Year

Over the past decade, a large piece of thin, lightweight, colorful fabric has become the single most important thing I travel with. I wish I…

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April 17, 2026
Is This the Only Trail Shoe You Need?

When the team at Salewa decided to make shoes that would be perfect for exploring their backyard—the Italian Dolomites—they probably didn’t…

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April 10, 2026
A 50th Anniversary Every Watch Fan Should Celebrate

In the world of outdoor products, any technology that lasts 50 years is amazing. And technology that lasts 50 years and isstillinnovative ev…

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April 08, 2026
The (Surprisingly Cheap) Guide to Making Your Hiking Boots Last Forever

Clean your boots after each trip to keep them in good shape(Photo: Andrew Peacock / Moment via Getty)

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— LATEST —
June 10, 2026
I'm a Queer Mom Raising My Daughter Outdoors. These Are the LGBTQ+-Inclusive Brands I Swear By.

For a long time, beingoutand being anoutdoors personfelt like two separate identities. The wilderness was a place I went to escape stress an…

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June 04, 2026
9 Father’s Day Gifts for Outdoorsy Dads

These are the perfect gifts for any outdoor-loving dad.(Photo: Alchemy Advertising)

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June 03, 2026
9 Sleeping Bags and Camping Quilts as Comfy as Your Duvet at Home

New additions to our sleeping bag guide: the versatile Exped MegaSleep Duo and ultra-comfy Zenbivy Overland Double.(Photo: Inga Hendrickson)

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June 02, 2026
First Look: Fenix LD31 RENEGADE Flashlight

The Fenix LD31 RENEGADE Flashlight.(Photo: Fenix Lighting U.S.)

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May 27, 2026
7 Roomy, Comfortable Camping Tents That Are Easy to Pitch and Built for Bad Weather

The wheelchair-friendly The North Face Universal Wawona 3 and the spacious and simple-to-pitch Kelty Wireless 8.(Photo: Tim Rechetniak)

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May 27, 2026
My Friends Call Me a Total Coffee Snob. Here’s the Gear I Use to Brew The Perfect Cup Outside.

From manual grinders to insulated travel mugs, the best camping coffee gear means you never have to chose between a café-quality cup and a b…

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May 20, 2026
I Tried the Newest Exoskeleton for Hikers. It Could Help Millions Enjoy the Trail.

Forget walking a mile in someone’s shoes. We’re beta testing with an exoskeleton now.

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May 18, 2026
We Tested 18 Running Shirts for Summer. Our Favorite Costs Less Than $60.

The best running shirts keep you cool, move with you, and make you feel fast.(Photo: Nick Presniakov PC)

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May 15, 2026
I Used to Think Car Awnings Were Ridiculous. Here's Why I Was Wrong.

The Kammok Crosswing deploys in five seconds flat—no poles, no guy lines, no fuss.(Photo: Graham Averill)

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May 08, 2026
Sleeping Outside Is Already Nice. This Gear Makes It Even Better.

Key Takeaway:Looking for the best car camping gear beyond tents and sleeping bags? This guide covers useful camping accessories—from organiz…

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April 23, 2026
We Tested Yeti and RTIC in a 72-Hour Ice Retention Showdown. Here’s Which Cooler Won.

After six weeks of testing, here’s how Yeti’s Tundra Haul stacks up against RTIC’s 52-quart Ultra Light.(Photo: Graham Averill)

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April 21, 2026
We Tested 81 Sports Bras. Our Favorite Is Surprisingly Budget-Friendly.

Finding the best sports bras requires a balance of style, support, and comfort to keep you moving through every outdoor activity.(Photo: Lis…

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April 16, 2026
I’m a Chronic Hot Sleeper. I Tested 7 "Performance" Sets and Finally Stopped Waking Up Drenched.

Writer Joe Jackson tests the versatility of modern performance sleepwear, showcasing technical kits that transition seamlessly from a high-i…

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April 15, 2026
You’ve Probably Never Watched Mountain Bikes Take Hits Like This

Every year,Pinkbike’s Field Testbrings together a curated selection of thebest mountain bikes of the season, putting them through a week of…

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April 14, 2026
GoPro Just Announced the New Mission1 Line. Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The new GoPro Mission 1 lineup, featuring the Mission 1 Pro and the groundbreaking Mission 1 Pro ILS (right), the brand’s first camera desig…

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April 14, 2026
Treadmill Running Shoes Exist Now. Turns Out, That May Be for Good Reason

Finding the right balance of stability and breathability can transform your indoor miles from a chore into a highlight. From treadmill-speci…

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April 13, 2026
Spring Sales on Kicks for Everyone

Safe to say everyone likes stepping into a new pair of comfortable, good-looking shoes. Right now Zappos makes that easy with sales on all k…

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April 09, 2026
Expand Your Running Horizons with Road-to-Trail Routes

Brooks Ghost Trail.(Photo: Brooks Running)

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April 09, 2026
The Seven Wonders of the Trail Running World

There are so many reasons to love trail running. The benefits for mind, body, and soul. The community. The thrill of races. The places it ta…

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April 09, 2026
Meet the Massive CO2 Machines Rescuing Your Old North Face

Imagine you’re browsing the gently used gear at an REI Re/Supply and come across asleeping bag. It’s in good shape and priced right. You nee…

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— MOST READ —
June 09, 2026
10 Water Shoes and Sandals That Work as Hard on the Trail as They Do on the River

From technical river sandals to water sneakers built for the Narrows, we tested 25 pairs to find the best water shoes for hiking, paddling,…

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June 08, 2026
We Tested Swim Trunks at Surf Camp in Costa Rica. Here's the Only Pair You Need to Buy This Summer.

We live in a golden age of swim trunks for men. You can now buy hyper-specific trunks for almost every conceivable activity: surf trunks wit…

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June 05, 2026
We Tested a $100 Rain Jacket Against a $375 Splurge. Here's Which One Performed Best.

We found the best budget, mid-priced, and splurgy rain jackets so you can stay dry on any budget.(Photo: Katie Botwin)

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June 04, 2026
Our Testers Are Extremely Picky When It Comes to Running Shorts: These Are the Ones They Keep Wearing

Regardless of your body type or style preference, the ideal running shorts should disappear during your run—never bunching up, chafing, or r…

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June 04, 2026
We Asked Parents What's Missing from Camp Packing Lists—and One Item Came up Over and Over Again

We asked parents who have been there for their best summer camp packing hacks. Their answers? Fans, fans, and more fans.(Photo: Getty Images…

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June 01, 2026
My High-Drive Aussies Destroy Everything. These 5 Trail Products Actually Survived.

Any high-drive dog parent knows that getting outside with your adventure pup is key to keeping them calm, comfortable, and—let’s be real—a l…

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May 28, 2026
We Just Got Back From Overland Expo West 2026. Here's a Sneak Preview of the New Overlanding Gear We're Dying to Try Out.

At this year's Overland Expo West in Flagstaff, Arizona, we saw overlanding gear get more refined — new iterations of vans, bike racks, kniv…

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May 21, 2026
The 9 Memorial Day Gear Sales Actually Worth Your Time This Weekend

Memorial Day is here! If you’re not already camping and enjoying the holiday weekend outside—chances are you’re not, as we hope you’re not r…

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May 19, 2026
8 Running Shoes That Don't Scream 'Runner' When You're Traveling

No one will know your cool kicks are high-performance running shoes.(Photo: Lisa Jhung)

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May 18, 2026
I’m a Professional Gear Tester. Here’s the Secret to Organizing Decades of Equipment In My 900-Square-Foot Home.

A former "gear slob" tested the best gear storage systems that actually get him outdoors more often.(Photo: Joe Jackson)

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May 13, 2026
I Found 17 Pieces of Pro-Level Backpacking Gear Under $100

High-quality outdoor gear is notoriously expensive, but you don't have to spend a fortune to stay safe and comfortable. These 17 essentials…

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May 04, 2026
6 Sustainable Eco-Drive Watches for Grads and Dads

For some occasions, there’s no gift like a really good watch. That’s because a high-quality timepiece is both elegant and practical, and tha…

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May 04, 2026
One Shoe, Every Surface

Nike ACG’s new Pegasus Trail(Photo: Nike)

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April 30, 2026
We Tested 50 Running Hydration Vests from Suburban Streets to the Swiss Alps: These 11 Are the Best

After months of testing the best running hydration vests, thePatagonia Slope Runner Vestearned the title of best all-around for its lightwei…

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April 27, 2026
Spring Migration Is Here. These Are the 7 Birding Tools I Use to Spot Rare Warblers.

The best bird watching gear for spring migration, from binoculars and rain jacket to hiking sandals and hip pack.(Photo: Erica Zazo)

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April 24, 2026
Forget the Flowers. Here Are 16 Rugged Gifts for Moms Who Actually Use Their Gear.

From versatile apparel to travel gear and recovery essentials, these picks are designed for active moms who want to spend more time outside.…

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April 23, 2026
2,500 Miles Later, This Is the Only Bike Commuting Gear I’d Actually Buy Again

For this article, Jakob covered thousands of miles while bike commuting to work over the past 20 years. During that time he’s tested well ov…

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April 17, 2026
I've Tested "House Brand" Gear for Years. Here's How REI and Decathlon Match $500 Name Brands for 30% Less.

High-quality house brands like REI and Decathlon offer essential camping equipment, such as durable tents and portable chairs, at a fraction…

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April 16, 2026
First Look: Norco Sight VLT Bosch A

The Norco Sight VLT Bosch A.(Photo: Cam Mackenzie)

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April 15, 2026
You're Storing Your Sleeping Bag Wrong. Here's What to Do Instead.

Taking the time to properly clean, dry, and store your sleeping bag ensures that your insulation stays lofty and warm for years of adventure…

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