Gear Institute

08/02/2026

Go Team USA!

17/06/2025

Merrell's lineup extends well beyond the classic MOAB. Ralph Mroz breaks down several models of Merrell's light-hiking footwear in his latest article:

Evaluating the Merrell Speed 2, Merrell SpeedARC Matis, and Merrell Maipo Explorer Aerosport.

27/03/2025

Looking for your next favorite day hiking pack? Read about why the Gregory Zulu 30 impressed us on the trails.

There are times when a day pack that’s larger than you normally need is handy. You may need to carry more than usual to accommodate the expected weather; you may want to carry some of a companion’s or a child’s gear; you may need to bring along more water than usual; maybe you have to Read mo...

27/02/2025

Gear Up for Spring! ☀️🏕️🚴‍♂️

Spring is almost here, and soon it’ll be time to hit the trails, campsites, and road with the best new gear. Editor Dan Nelson highlights some top picks to help you make the most of the season. 🌿💨

As the dreary days of winter give way to the refreshing days of spring renewal, thoughts of outdoor recreationists turn to all things wild. Using some great new adventure gear can ease this transition into the bright days of spring. Fortunately, we found such gear Trxstle CRC Rod carrier, v.3 When w...

17/01/2025

“The outdoors is not a niche. It’s essential to our lives and who we are as a species. With Open Container, we wanted to create a space for more in-depth conversations,” says Schnitzspahn. Rock Fight

The Rock Fight Podcast Network has announced the launch of its latest show, Open Container, hosted by award-winning outdoor journalist and Gear Institute contributor, Doug Schnitzspahn. Premiering January 21, the podcast delves into the deeper stories shaping outdoor culture and community, offering....

27/11/2024

Looking for a case for your iPhone 16? Nick Lefort has got you covered with the best of the best!

Apple threw a couple of curveballs at case makers this time around. So, I wanted to get my hands on a bunch of different models to see what pairs well with my active lifestyle. After considerable research, I selected five cases that seemed like they would keep my new iPhone safe and sound while I li...

20/11/2024

Enhance your autumn adventures with Editor Dan Nelson's top gear picks for ultimate fall comfort.

Autumn is the ultimate hiking season for most of the northern hemisphere – temperatures are cool, colors are bright, and crowds are diminished. Though most adventurers don’t need incentives to get out come fall, we found a few gear items to make your pre-winter excursions more enjoyable. Biolite...

13/09/2024

🚨 Looking to gear up for your next adventure? 🏕️ Check out Gear Institute's recommendations to Complete the Kit & elevate your camp game. 🌟

Get ready for your next multi-day adventure with our expert guide to base camp essentials. Discover the must-have gear and tips from our seasoned outdoor expert to ensure a safe, comfortable, and stress-free experience in the great outdoors.

04/09/2024

"All-in-all, the ExoShell 270 is not only well thought out and very well made, but it’s also an effective form of coverage for you, whether from the sun, the elements, or the bugs that fall from the trees while you’re trying to sleep at night."

Last year, iKamper released their ExoShell 270 vehicle awning. This review of the ExoShell 270 finds that it is not only well thought out and very well made, but it's also an effective form of coverage for you, whether from the sun, the elements, or the bugs that fall from the trees while you’re t...

20/08/2024

Dan Nelson details Born Outdoors modern take on the classic bedroll —

For centuries, those who slept outside – armies, travelers, stock herders, hikers, etc. – relied on a ‘bedroll’ for their sleeping needs. The classic bedroll consisted of only a canvas ground sheet, a blanket or two, and maybe a small pillow. Today, though, the bedroll looks a bit different,...

12/08/2024

Nick LeFort gives us his take on personal coolers and the new YETI Roadie 15 in his most recent review — check it out below.

I was looking for a personal-sized cooler that would work for my kids and me, as well as when I head out on my own. The Roadie 15 filled that void. It also fills a void in the market where people are buying cheaper hard coolers or soft-sided coolers that don’t get the job done as well as this one ...

15/07/2024

Considering a new mountain bike? Learn how to select the best bike for you with our comprehensive guide — How to Select the Best Mountain Bike for You:

Our experts extensively field-tested the best Mountain Bikes of the year and rated the best based on transparent, objective criteria. Here are the results.