Gear Patrol

He shows up at Christmas dinner with new scars and less digits from his latest cage dives and winter Alpine ascents. His tales, most of them true, scare Aunt Betty to tears and enchant the kids. And while the adventurer’s gifts for you usually amount to a carved tribal trinket or a rock from a…

The North Face Back-to-Berkeley Low Down ($110) hiking shoes are a perfectly executed throwback to a simpler time, when bell bottoms and hang-glider-sized collars were all the rage. But their retro good looks belie the cutting-edge technology infused throughout: a waterproof suede and polyurethane coated ballistic mesh upper, an inner HydroSeal waterproof membrane liner, 100g…

Adventure filmmakers big and small have more tools than ever for producing their work in the wilderness, thanks in part to the continuous improvements of camera equipment and filmmaking technology. Of course, the vision wouldn’t be anything without the dedicated creativity put forth by the storytellers — the writers, directors, cinematographers, editors, and producers. Lastly,…

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…

All too often, you find a truly great product with a truly unfortunate name. Take the iPad, for example. Well, that ubiquitous device’s name has nothing on The North Face Hoser Hat. But don’t let the tragic moniker dissuade you from purchasing this ridiculously practical and “just-shy-of-bespoke” nugget warmer. With Heatshield Optimal Technology to keep…

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…

Beat the winter chills with some down. The North Face Thunder Jacket is new for the 2009 Fall/Winter season. Designed for freezing conditions, the Thunder Jacket is an ultra-lightweight 800 fill goose down jacket intended for athletes and backpackers. The compact fit and dimensions make it easy to pack (and wear) and even stuffs into…

The Rucky Chucky is a high-perforance long-distance mountain/trail running shoe that excels in all the areas most important to a trail running shoe. Support, traction, and stability. Not unlike a good set of off road tires (Ed: Full disclosure: Brian’s SUV wears BFGoodrich AllTerrain T/A’s) The Rucky Chucky’s uppers are made of abriasion-resistant bomber synthetic…