Gear Patrol

It’s pretty clear that our staff is passionate about gear, and as we strive to bring you the best of the best, we also want to take the time to share our own personal favorites. For the next eleven weeks, we’ll bring you each of our writers’ 10 personal favorites. The selection runs the gamut, from heirloom pieces to the most practical of gear that can be easily procured. Last but not least, each man will share one “holy grail” item that remains the stuff of dreams: out of reach, and hopefully only temporarily so. Our inaugural Staff Favorites features Mr. Jason Heaton, one of GP’s most seasoned writers and a consummate adventurer.

There aren’t many situations or locations that preclude pulling out your smartphone. Your anniversary dinner with your wife should probably be at the top of that list. Out on the ski slopes the phone also doesn’t see much daylight, but because of the chore it requires versus the acrimonious stink eye. Outdoor Research Stormsensor Gloves…

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…

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…

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…

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.

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…

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.

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…

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…

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…

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.