On holiday, off grid
No matter the destination or pursuit, there’s one unpredictable constant that entwines throughout the spirit of adventure — the ever-changing natural elements. Rather than limiting your lifestyle or altering your approach, we’ve compiled this list of 10 critical items that belong in your outdoor gear arsenal. Some you may be familiar with, some you may [...]
The fabric of active lives
Outdoor activity is unpleasant when: A). you are wet; B). your pack is too heavy; or C) when you are not wearing and Outdoor Research Axiom Jacket with Gore-Tex Active Shell (which, conveniently, solves all of these problems). Gore-Tex –- a name that needs no introduction — recently unveiled the latest advancement in its long [...]
Surviving a Cold Romance
Should you ever be in the unfortunate situation of being stranded in the winter, most survivalists advise that you stay in your vehicle and wait for help. This, of course, is the wisest course of action. Should you find it absolutely necessary to leave your vehicle to get help (for a loved one in medical [...]
A Pack With An Identity Crisis
Outdoor Research calls the DryComp Ridge Sack a perfect pack for peak bagging and summit pushes. Well, living in Minnesota, there aren’t a lot of peaks to be bagged but we have a few thousand lakes and countless rivers, so I’m re-positioning this waterproof bag as the perfect paddling pack.
Wicks Quick
Around the country, humidity and temperatures seem to be on the rise. That bodes well for outdoor activities, but means that sweat stands to soon be your constant companion. That’s why, whether hiking, camping, or just cutting the grass, the Outdoor Research Swift Tee is a good choice to keep you cool and covered. The [...]
Hardly Inert
The best rain jacket is one that you don’t know you’re carrying in your pack and when you’re wearing it, you can’t tell it’s on. The Outdoor Research Helium is one of these jackets, achieving that holy trinity of outdoor gear design – light, minimal and functional.
Look Smart
Let’s face it, most winter headwear is pretty dorky-looking. What looks good in the backcountry usually looks sloppy après-ski. Granola’s OK around a campfire, but sometimes you’ve got to clean up your act. On the other hand, stylish headwear, which we think is starting to make a comeback for men, often fails when it comes [...]
The Technical Ice Climber's Glove
Ice climbing requires both protection and dexterity, two requirements that typically mix like oil and water. The stout Outdoor Research Alpine Alibi Gloves utilize Gore-Tex and shell X-TRAFIT technology designed to conform to the hand’s shape (the leather palm grip that extends around the thumb provides superior grip) while using EndurLoft insulation on the backside [...]
Taking Warmth and Comfort to a Higher Plane
For those of you living on the half of our planet situated above the equator, fall is here; about this there can be no doubt. Some of us revel in the cool, damp mornings and crisp evenings that autumn brings. Whether or not you love the weather that comes with this season, you can’t deny [...]
Classic Gore-Tex For Your Gourd
With parts of the country experiencing record rainfall this summer, it no doubt pays to be prepared for inclement conditions. Whether strolling the streets, umbrella in hand, or doing something a bit more naturific in a hydrophobic jacket, don’t neglect your noggin when it comes to dryness protection.
