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Bags, tools, and little extras to make camp feel like your home away from home

The post The Best Camping Gear and Accessories to Add Comfort and Organization to Your Trips appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

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The Best Camping Gear and Accessories to Add Comfort and Organization to Your Trips

If backpacking is a minimalistic pursuit, car camping is a celebration of excess. Thanks to trunk space and truck beds, racks and rails, campers have room for all the essentials鈥攑lus some luxurious extras. For outdoor enthusiasts with outsized toy collections, there鈥檚 no better way to travel.

Whether you鈥檙e chasing swell, singletrack, steelhead, or some other white rabbit, this top-rated, thoroughly-tested camping gear will ensure that you feel right at home no matter where you choose to park it.

Updated March, 2025: We added four new picks to our list and updated product information and pricing throughout.听

At a Glance


Helinox Beach Chair
(Photo: Courtesy Helinox)

Helinox Beach Chair

Weight: 3.4 lbs (packed)

Pros and Cons:
Comfortable
Stable
Low to the ground
Cumbersome setup

After an embarrassing and painful incident involving hot pizza, an affable black lab, and a tippy camp chair, we鈥檝e come to appreciate stability in camp furniture. Thanks to a low-slung design and wide, splayed feet for beachside buoyancy, the Helinox Beach Chair is stable and secure, even when you lean back.

The stout yet lightweight anodized aluminum frame is tilted at the perfect reclined angle for comfort and support. (It鈥檚 also crafted by the same folks who make your favorite tent poles, and rated up to 320 pounds.) The hard-wearing, 600-denier polyester fabric stretches between the four poles, cradling the rump and lumbar with hammock-like suspension. There鈥檚 even a headrest flap to turn your puffy into a pillow. In a word, we find the Beach Chair napable.

Demerits are few and far between.. Although the setup of the frame is painless, stretching the fabric seat into place requires some tugging. Additionally, the chair is so low and comfortable that it鈥檚 best suited for campfire lounging over mealtime or card games 鈥榬ound a camp table.


Xtratuf Riptide Sandal
(Photo: Courtesy Xtratuf)

Xtratuf Riptide Unisex Sandal

Weight: 8 oz (men’s 8)
Sizes: men’s 4-14; women’s 6-16

Pros and Cons

Lightweight
Comfortable
Heel strap isn’t adjustable

A more streamlined and stylish alternative to the ubiquitous, crocodile-stamped clogs, Xtratuf鈥檚 Riptide Sandal is the car camping slip-on you never knew you needed. It鈥檚 so versatile, our testers continued to wear the Riptide well after testing was wrapped.

Pair it with a cozy sock, and it鈥檚 a comfy camp slipper. Walk the dog or go for a little hike, and the heel strap keeps your foot locked in place while the textured outsole provides a modicum of traction. The foam construction is comfortable for all-day use and floats, too, making these a welcome replacement for water shoes on paddle and rafting adventures. Hell, one of our testers did his first kickflip in over a decade wearing these things.

鈥淭hey鈥檙e super lightweight, flexible, and comfortable. I use them for everything from my sandals on backpacking trips to a slipper for midnight bathroom runs when I鈥檓 camping in my van,鈥 reported one Tahoe-based gear tester. Our biggest gripe is that 鈥渟port mode,鈥 as it were, is permanently engaged. If you try to slip into the Riptide without pulling the heel strap in place, you鈥檙e inevitably stepping down on the strap, which isn鈥檛 comfortable for more than a minute or two.


Onwrd Supply Single Seat Organizer
(Photo: Courtesy Onwrd Supply)

Onwrd Supply ON2 Single Seat Organizer

Weight: 5.5 lbs

Pros and Cons
Modular design
Durable
Hidden laptop compartment
Adjustable components
Expensive
Patches felt unnecessary

Smart car campers stay organized and turn underused nooks and crannies into dedicated gear storage. Onwrd Supply鈥檚 ON2 Single Seat Organizer helps tick both of those boxes. The system is built around an adventure-proof, 900-denier base panel designed to hang over most driver and passenger seats (we also tested it by hanging it on the backdoor of a custom van build and the wall of a gear room).

The panel features a flat, stealthy zippered pocket for hiding your laptop or other valuables鈥攁 welcome and unexpected stash spot for the wary wanderer. The main attraction? Six rows of MOLLE-style velcro loops, which are designed to house and hold Onwrd鈥檚 ever-expanding lineup of modular components. The result, according to our test team, is a system that鈥檚 endlessly customizable.

The ON2 comes with six components, including a water bottle holder (which we also used as a mini trash can), an insulated soft cooler perfect for refrigerating gas station booty, an organizer that doubles as a briefcase and triples as a shoulder bag, a nifty tool roll, and a collapsible tote that saved us from having to buy plastic grocery bags on multiple occasions. The seventh is a patch kit that, honestly, we could鈥檝e done without, especially if that kept the price more palatable. We care less about the aesthetic of a seat organizer than its gear-hauling abilities, but that鈥檚 the beauty of modular systems鈥攖o each their own.


Radius Outfitters Laundry Bag

Radius Outfitters Camp Seatback Laundry Bag

Weight: 1.5 lbs

Pros and Cons
Various hanging options
Breathable, odor-proof mesh
Versatile
Expensive

What to do with dirty laundry while camping? If the answer is to cram it in an airtight bag or bin, sealing it off like radioactive waste in a nuclear entombment facility, we have a less stinky solution: the Radius Outfitters Camp Seatback Laundry Bag.

Like all of the Radius Outfitters gear we鈥檝e tested over the years, the Camp Seatback Laundry Bag is well-made and off-road-ready. A combo of thin yet bomber straps, g-hooks, and velcro allow you to hang the bag on seatbacks, grab handles, tree branches, and more.

The mouth of the bag is robust and rigid, while the mesh portion is collapsible. Crafted from a resilient PVC material, the mesh is strong and, most importantly on longer adventures, breathable and aroma-proof. There鈥檚 even a zipper down the center, so you can empty the guts from the bottom of the bag or access a specific item without digging through every sweat-soaked sock and garment.

For longer-term trips or full-time vanlifers, this useful accessory lets you stay on top of your laundry. But don鈥檛 let the word鈥檚 鈥淟aundry Bag鈥 fool you. This utilitarian accessory won鈥檛 be pigeonholed, and along countless road trips, we鈥檝e also deployed it as a trash can, recycling bin, ski pole receptacle, you name it. It is, however, more expensive than the sleeping bag stuff sacks we鈥檝e been using for camp laundry.


Nemo Double Haul 55L Convertible Duffel & Tote
(Photo: Courtesy Nemo)

Nemo Double Haul Convertible Duffel and Tote

Weight: 3.1 lbs (55L)
Sizes: 30L, 55L, 70L, 100L

Pros and Cons
Multiple carry options
Wide range of sizes
Durable recycled polyurethane-coated nylon fabric
Mesh pockets helpful for smart camp storage
Soft-sided storage isn鈥檛 ideal for electronics

We tested plenty of gear boxes and bags last summer and fall, but Nemo鈥檚 Double Haul Duffel was a shoo-in favorite thanks to its brilliant design that transforms this bag from duffel to pack to tote.

鈥淭he options are outrageous,鈥 commented tester and outdoor photographer Katie Botwin, who chucked her camera gear, clothes, watercolor supplies, and hiking essentials in the 100-liter version for a three-day trip in the Sierra and still had volume to spare. Her personal favorite hauling configuration was backpack mode: the comfy, cushioned straps made hauling the heavy pack a breeze and simultaneously freed up her hands.

Others preferred to unzip and prop the Double Haul open, converting it into a massive, rectangularly-mouthed tote. Thanks to the rigid trusses incorporated into the lid of the bag, the Double Haul stays open and doesn鈥檛 flap in transit, allowing you to pack heaps of gear in this thing when it鈥檚 in tote mode.

We also appreciated the interior and exterior organizational mesh pockets and included zippered storage sack, which doubles as a gear organizer for smaller essentials otherwise destined to disappear in a 100-liter duffel.

Testers agreed that the ability to sling the Double Haul over the shoulder like a traditional duffel or grab the reinforced handles when loading the rig only increased its utility for serious expedition use. 鈥淚鈥檇 happily use this for backyard car camping trips, international mountaineering trips, and everything in between,鈥 summed up Botwin.

The Bluesign-approved, polyurethane-coated recycled nylon fabric was durable and weatherproof, according to Utah overlander and aircraft mechanic Emerson Bowling, who tested the 55 liter version on trips to Wyoming, Montana, and throughout his home state.

鈥淚t got rained on for about eight hours when I left the bag outside overnight after a few too many campfire beers with some friends. Luckily, everything inside was completely dry after my dumb mistake.鈥


Rux Waterproof Bag
(Photo: Courtesy Rux)

Rux Waterproof Bag

Weight: 1.2 lbs
Volume: 25L

Pros and Cons
Inner liner unfurls into a roll-top dry bag
Heavy-duty
Waterproof
Expensive

At first glance, Rux鈥檚 Waterproof Bag looks like an overpriced tote. But this sack is burly, crafted from a waterproof, resilient, 840-denier TPU-coated nylon, and sports sturdy handles and lash points. The best feature? A hidden liner that unfurls into a roll-top dry bag, boosting carrying capacity, increasing camping utility, and justifying the price tag. “If James Bond had a tote bag this would be it,” said one tester. “Technical yet simple, rugged yet sophisticated.”

Impressed by the two-in-one bag鈥檚 durability and waterproofing, testers also used this bag for hauling wet surf gear. 鈥淣ever went to the river surf wave without it,鈥 commented one. He appreciated that he could count on the bag to keep his change of clothes and personal effects dry while he was surfing, then stash his wet gear on the way home.

鈥淚t鈥檚 ideal for vanlifers, car campers, and everyday adventurers鈥攜ou can use it tote-style to haul groceries one day and as a dry bag the next.鈥


Radius Outfitters Tool Roll
(Photo: Courtesy Radius Outfitters)

Radius Outfitters Tool Roll

Weight: 2.5 lbs

Pros and Cons
Construction is rugged, easy to clean
A variety of pockets and sleeves
Cinching straps ensure any tool stays put
Pricey

The Radius Outfitters Tool Roll is 鈥渁 great way to keep your vehicle tools organized,鈥 according to Utah overlander and aircraft mechanic Emerson Bowling. 鈥淵ou can carry a surprising amount of tools for how small this packs,鈥 he reported, noting that if you do carry a smaller kit, the roll鈥檚 cinching straps still allow you to batten down the hatches and ensure a rattle-free ride.

That said, Bowling filled it to the brim, and he was subsequently appreciative of the three stacks of tool sleeves鈥揾is go-to for stashing wrenches, adjustable wrenches, a ratchet, and a pipe wrench that he joked doubles as his hammer. He also loved the multiple zippered pockets: In the two narrower pockets, he carries a screwdriver with interchangeable apex tips, sockets, wire stripper-crimper tool, and hex key set, while the massive main zippered compartment holds consumables like wiring, connectors, duct tape, and other bits and bobs.

Although the simple yet well-executed design earned two thumbs up from Bowling, it鈥檚 the roll鈥檚 construction that makes the piece worthy of trailhead show-and-tell with fellow off-road-trippers. 鈥淭he materials they chose for this are top-notch,鈥 said Bowling, referencing a durable Cordura exterior fabric and easy-to-clean PVC interior. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e nice to the touch yet hold up well to heavy use, and tools don鈥檛 mar up the inside at all.鈥


Gregory Alpaca Gear Wagon
(Photo: Courtesy Gregory)

Gregory Alpaca Gear Wagon

Weight: 28.8 lbs
Volume: 140L

Pros and Cons
Collapsible construction
Heavy-duty build and 8-inch wheels
Can handle 250-lb load
Can get bogged down on sand
Pricey

While Gregory is best known for its backpacks, its new Alpaca Gear Collection of totes, gear boxes, and storage solutions is a slam-dunk. Our favorite piece of Gregory camping gear? The collapsible 140-liter Gear Wagon, which sits on beefy, eight-inch, all-terrain wheels, can haul 250 pounds of gear, and folds up to fit in a relatively easy-to-store carrying case. 鈥淚t collapses small enough that we can easily pack it car camping in our Subaru Outback,鈥 noted outdoor photographer Katie Botwin.

While recovering from back-to-back shoulder and knee injuries, Botwin relied on the wagon heavily, whether she was packing for a camping trip, unloading groceries, or organizing equipment for a photo shoot. It makes camping easier for everyone else, too.

鈥淚f you鈥檙e tent camping, and the site is a short walk from the car, or you鈥檙e heading to the beach for a picnic, the wagon will save you time and energy鈥揳nd maybe save you from an injury of your own,鈥 said category manager Drew Zieff, who appreciated this wagon鈥檚 ability to navigate especially rugged terrain.

Testers鈥 sole complaint was that the wheels could be overwhelmed in deep sand, especially when the wagon load was imbalanced toward the rear.


Therm-A-Rest Honcho Poncho Kids
(Photo: Courtesy Therm-a-Rest)

Therm-A-Rest Honcho Poncho Kids

Weight: 11.5 oz

Pros and Cons
Comes in kids-specific sizing
Available in rad colors and animal prints
Expect it to get covered in sticky s鈥檓ores

Last year, we included the adult version of Therm-A-Rest鈥檚 Honcho Poncho Down鈥攁 campfire cloak that鈥檚 admittedly silly, but extremely comfortable. This year, the brand released a kid鈥檚 version that鈥檚 stuffed with synthetic, hollow-fiber insulation and designed to fit most five to 10-year-olds. If our adult testers loved the Honcho Poncho, our kid testers were borderline elated.

According to one Bend-based tester, her 7-year-old kiddo loved the snug, warm poncho during afternoon thunderstorms and late-night meteor showers on a road trip to Montana. 鈥淚t was uncharacteristically cold and wet in southwest Montana, so this poncho got more use than expected,鈥 she reported. 鈥淲e probably wouldn鈥檛 have stayed up to see the Perseids meteor shower if it wasn鈥檛 for this poncho鈥攊t added the warmth and fun factor needed to stay up late.鈥

Mom鈥檚 one gripe? The Poncho鈥檚 鈥渂illowy sleeves鈥 will inevitably get spattered with s鈥檓ores. 鈥淎fter a few weeks of use, we definitely have several marshmallow goo stains.鈥


UCO Flatpack Smokeless Firepit & Grill
(Photo: Courtesy UCO)

UCO Flatpack Smokeless Firepit & Grill

Weight: 14.9 lbs

Pros and Cons
Rugged construction
Packs flat, easy to store
Firepit doubles as a grill
Sharp metal can cut your fingers

This is a packable, multi-purpose fire pit primed for any car camper or vanlifer who enjoys a contained campfire, has limited trunk space, and prefers an open-flame char.鈥淚t鈥檚 perfect for sunset beach hangs with friends,鈥 reported a vanlifer and gourmet chef who took the UCO Flatpack Smokeless Firepit & Grill on a circuitous California-to-Colorado road trip. He loved that the flat-packing design was easy to set up, take down, store, and clean.

Durability was excellent, which our tester vetted by chucking the firepit off a 40-foot cliff at San Onofre, confirming 鈥渋t鈥檚 still sturdy as a rock鈥 after retrieving it from the ravine. He happily noted that the pit fit several full-sized logs, and nerded out over the double-wall construction and smoke-siphoning air channels.

鈥淭he design allows the sediment to flow down and not accumulate, and there鈥檚 good airflow, which is ideal for the burn,鈥 he reported.


Luno Packable Camp Pillow
(Photo: Courtesy Luno)

Luno Packable Camp Pillow

Weight: 2.8 lbs

Pros and Cons
Comfy
Compressible
Easy-to-clean, two-sided pillowcase
Pricey
Smaller than your pillow at home

Smaller and more compressible than your average pillow at home, at 24-by-13-by-6.5 inches (flat), Luno鈥檚 Packable Camp Pillow is a worthy addition to any camping setup. 鈥淚 was asleep within six minutes of unboxing,鈥 reported one tester, a Sierra hut keeper and snowboard guide.

A shredded memory foam filling makes it soft; those scraps are also removable, enabling campers to customize firmness to taste. The pillow also comes with an easy-to-clean two-sided pillowcase: one side is a polyester jersey blend meant for warmer weather, and the other is a polyester spandex blend best employed on chilly nights.


Dometic GO Area Camp Light
(Photo: Courtesy Dometic)

Dometic GO Area Camp Light

Weight: 1.2 lbs

Pros and Cons
Area light, hanging lantern, or flashlight
Color and brightness settings help find lost gear, set the mood, or banish bugs
Removable, replaceable light diffuser
Pricey
Bulky

This 400-lumen lantern sports four brightness settings, eight color settings (including an amber option that doesn鈥檛 attract bugs), and a hook and handle combo for a multitude of carry and campground possibilities.

Category manager Drew Zieff, who took the Area Camp Light on a van trip down Highway 1, loved the misted plastic light diffuser, which softens and spreads the otherwise brilliant bare light. 鈥淲hen I鈥檓 trying to keep a low-profile camping in a residential neighborhood, the diffused glow comes in clutch鈥損lus, it鈥檚 easy on the eyes, whether you鈥檙e having dinner at camp, reading before bed, or putzing around at dawn, looking for a bar of surf wax while your partner sleeps in,鈥 reported Zieff.

Another tester took the lantern on a climbing trip in the Sierra and offered similar praise. He loved the vibe-enhancing color settings, 鈥渟oft and pleasant鈥 dimmable light, long-lasting battery life, and USB output. If your speaker or phone is running low on juice, you can plug into the lamp and charge up.


(Photo: Courtesy of Yeti)

Yeti Loadout GoBox 60 Gear Case

Weight: 17.2 lbs

Pros and Cons
Removable divider and caddy
Built-in pockets in the lid
Durable
Expensive
Few included accessories

Yeti is famous for its bombproof coolers. But if you鈥檙e storing gear instead of beer, the uninsulated Loadout GoBox 60 Gear Case is cooler than any cooler. The cargo box is pricey (who鈥檚 surprised?), but our testers found the cost to be worth it. For one thing, the GoBox comes with multiple zippered storage pockets integrated into the lid, a removable divider, and a partitioned caddy. That made it easy to stay organized both in camp and on the road.

On a surf road trip from Canada to California, we filled the box with bulky gear like ratchet straps, a massage roller, and tools, and we organized smaller items鈥攍ike fin screws, fin keys, and wax鈥攊n the compartmentalized pockets and caddy. Testers loved the organization system, but they did wish the GoBox 60 came with multiple caddies and dividers rather than just the one each. That said, you can always accessorize further by tacking on more pricey extras at checkout. (An is $15, a , $20.)

Testers found the hard plastic box quite durable. It meets IP65 and IP67 ratings鈥攎eaning it鈥檚 dust-proof and submersible to one meter for up to 30 minutes. It’s also quite sturdy. 鈥淎 couple of days after filling the tub with tools, I found myself using those tools (and the GoBox as a step-stool) for an hour to fix a broken surf rack on the van,鈥 reported category manager Drew Zieff.

He appreciated that the build was sturdy enough to hold his 155-pound frame, though later research revealed Yeti doesn鈥檛 recommend standing on the GoBox鈥攑erhaps because heavier folks can max out the plastic lid. It’s not a bad suggestion: the longer, skinnier dimensions of the box feel a little tippy, so it鈥檚 generally best deployed as a camp stool rather than a casting platform while fly fishing. But in our experience, the impact-resistant plastic was sturdy enough to take a bit of beating and show no worse for wear.


(Photo: Courtesy of Nocs)

Nocs Provisions Field Tube

Weight: 8 oz.

Pros and Cons
Easy to use
Compact
Focus dial is smooth and intuitive
Too big or bulky for certain ultralight adventures
Pricey

The Nocs Provisions Field Tube is the definition of big fun in a small package. The fog- and waterproof monocular is five inches long with a 32-millimeter front lens, making it packable for road trips, day hikes, and car camping adventures. The simple, one-handed design is intuitive, too鈥攋ust look through the eyecup, aim, and roll the smooth, outsized focus wheel to dial in sharpness and clarity through the multi-coated lenses.

The monocular boosts vision with either 8x or 10x magnification, depending on the version you choose, and provides crisp visuals. We found it handy for everything from scoping potential campsites to spontaneous bird- and whale-watching outings, although dedicated birders may prefer the , which we also tested and appreciated.

But for its price and convenience for most in-camp uses, the monocular won out. 鈥淚 could watch fish rise from way down river in California, and check out waves from way up the beach on the Oregon coast,鈥 reported one tester.


(Photo: Courtesy of The North Face)

The North Face Base Camp Gear Box

Weight: 4.1 lbs

Pros and Cons
Sets up and packs down quickly
Folds flat for efficient storage
Duffle-style grab handles
Multiple compartments for smaller gear
Doesn鈥檛 hold as much weight as hard-sided storage cubes

From hauling ski boots to organizing climbing gear, The North Face鈥檚 Base Camp Gear Bins are infinitely useful. (We tested the 65-liter medium size, but the Base Camp is also available in a for $175 and a for $99.)听 鈥淚t鈥檚 like a picnic basket鈥攂ut for gear,鈥 noted one tester.

She added that she loved the multiple carry options. When loads are light, the ergonomic, duffle-style carry handles enable one-handed hauling from trunk to campsite. When you’ve got more cargo, the reinforced grab handles on all four sides of the box come in handy: they let us carry up to 45 pounds without issue

The Base Camp sports four internal mesh pockets, which let us organize small items like headlamps or sunscreen, and the water- and abrasion-resistant, TPU-coated polyester fabric features a transparent window so you can remember what you鈥檝e stashed inside. The lid and base of the box are both padded, inspiring one tester to flip the empty box open and use it as a changing mat in gravel and concrete parking lots.

Aside from a trace of dirt and grime, the fabric is no worse for wear.听 The soft-sided box retains its shape thanks to a pair of foldable metal kickstands, which pop up or stow away in seconds. The resulting structure is sturdy enough to stack gear on top, though not sturdy enough to stand on.


How We Test

  • Testers: 15
  • Products Tested: 55
  • Miles Road-Tripped: Approximately 17,144
  • Highest Elevation Driven: 11,000 feet
  • Longest Road Trip: A 2,500-mile, detour-stacked adventure down the California coast, through Nevada, Utah, and Colorado
  • Longest Stint on the Road: Eight weeks

To find the best camping gear and accessories of the year, we enlisted a diverse crew of road-tripping testers, ranging from a wildfire-chasing podcaster in the Pacific Northwest, to outdoor photographers in California, to a Utah-based aircraft mechanic who works on his overland rig in Utah鈥檚 Uintas.

Road-tripping and car-camping rigs were similarly diverse. They ranged from the two-door Nissan Versa鈥攁n atypical adventure mobile that only turns heads when it鈥檚 putzing along in your blind spot鈥攖o a handful of double-take-worthy machines, including a well-loved 2000 Toyota Tundra with a platform camper bed; a 2006 Chevy Express with 30-inch topper and wood stove; a custom-built 2008 Sprinter 3500; a powerful 2021 GMC Canyon Diesel with a camper shell; a 2023 Ford Bronco Badlands; and more. One even included a Sprinter van made famous on the hit Netflix show 鈥.鈥

We asked this squad to hit the road, put 42 products to the test, and report back. After road trips, surf chases, bike journeys, camping weekends, and more, they filled out review forms. Testers rated gear on a quantitative scale for aspects like durability and practicality, and dove deep on qualitative feedback, discussing everything from pros and cons to installation woes and favorite features. Finally, our category manager, Drew Zieff, sifted through these review forms, picked winning products, then penned the reviews on this page.

Several of our top camping accessories
Several of our top camping accessories

Meet Our Testers

Drew Zieff

is a Tahoe-based freelancer who writes for Backcountry Magazine, REI, Gear Junkie, and Forbes, among others. A regular 国产吃瓜黑料 contributor, he heads our snowboard gear coverage in the winter. A few years back, he and his partner turned a plumbing van into their dream adventure mobile. After a couple years of vanlife, the highlight of which was surfing from Canada to Mexico, the couple put roots down in Tahoe, though they still take van trips to the coast when there鈥檚 swell. Familiar with the needs of both weekend warriors and full-time road trippers, Zieff happily directs our camping accessories and camping kitchen coverage each summer.

Amanda Monthei

is a writer, public information officer on wildfires, and the host of the podcast. A former wildland firefighter herself, she applies knowledge gleaned from the front lines to educate the public. She鈥檚 written about wildfires and natural disasters for 国产吃瓜黑料 as well as NBC, The Atlantic, and The Washington Post. She鈥檚 also an avid angler, surfer, and skier, and she pens stories on a range of outdoor subjects. Monthei tested gear while camping for business and pleasure in her 2000 Tundra throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Cody Buccholz

is a professional chef who enjoys surfing, snowboarding, and adventuring in his 2008 high-top Sprinter with his pup, Jefecito. Even when he鈥檚 not slinging gourmet grub, you can often find Buccholz posted up in a beach or trailhead parking lot, whipping up savory meals for new and old friends. He tested a small mountain of gear while on a long, detour-filled road trip from California to Colorado.

The post The Best Camping Gear and Accessories to Add Comfort and Organization to Your Trips appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

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14 Camp-Kitchen Essentials to Elevate Your Outdoor Cooking /outdoor-gear/camping/best-camp-kitchen-accessories/ Wed, 19 Mar 2025 16:00:12 +0000 /?p=2663607 14 Camp-Kitchen Essentials to Elevate Your Outdoor Cooking

Our favorite knives, coffee presses, coolers, and cook sets for outdoor meal prep

The post 14 Camp-Kitchen Essentials to Elevate Your Outdoor Cooking appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

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14 Camp-Kitchen Essentials to Elevate Your Outdoor Cooking

Everything tastes better when you鈥檙e camping鈥攖hat鈥檚 just a fact. Unless, of course, you char the pancakes over an overenthusiastic stove, or the milk curdles in a cut-rate cooler, or you impale yourself on some flimsy, dull excuse for knives, cutting your trip short (not to mention your precious fingers). You get the picture鈥攈azards abound.

Luckily, our fearless team of 13 testers put 50 pieces of camp kitchen gear on the chopping block to bring you the seven best accessories we could find.

Updated March 2025: We’ve added three new picks to complete your camp kitchen setup. Other product and price info have also been updated.听

At a Glance


VSSL Java G25 Coffee Grinder
(Photo: Courtesy VSSL)

VSSL Java G25 Coffee Grinder

Weight: 15.2 ounces

Pros and Cons
Durable
Well designed
Kitchen-ready aesthetic
Precise, adjustable grind
Small capacity
Heavy

VSSL鈥檚 sleek and adaptable Java G25 Coffee Grinder is another piece of gear that鈥檚 equally at home on a granite countertop and a granite outcrop. Crafted from aircraft-grade, adventure-ready aluminum with stainless steel grinding componentry, the G25 is as rugged as it gets. 鈥淪uper well-built,鈥 reported a Seattle coffee lover and longtime gear tester.

VSSL trimmed the G25鈥檚 diameter down last year by two millimeters so it can be stashed inside the company鈥檚 ($75) and the ($50), and increased the catch capacity to 30 grams. Still, testers reported that the heft (15.2 ounces) means the G25 isn鈥檛 coming on backpacking trips. Instead, it鈥檚 best suited for car campers and coffee enthusiasts who want to achieve a barista-quality grind both at home and on the road.

Whether you鈥檙e using a French press or a Moka Pot, the G25 has you covered with 50 grind settings. A combo of high-carbon stainless steel conical burrs, dual ball bearings, and an expandable handle that increases leverage deliver a precise and even grind every time. 鈥淭he grind quality is incredible and super adjustable,鈥 commented our Seattle tester, who primarily uses the G25 for pour-overs.

Our category manager relied on the G25 daily during a month-long van trip in the Pacific Northwest, pairing it with an AeroPress. He loved everything from the multitude of grind settings and easy-to-open push tab to the hand feel, heft, and mechanical smoothness of the componentry. His biggest compliment? He鈥檚 used it nearly every day at home since the trip.

Just one ding: This is really a single-serving grinder. If you need more capacity, peep the double-cup ($220).


Camp Chef Mesa Aluminum Table
(Photo: Courtesy Camp Chef)

Camp Chef Mesa Aluminum Table

Weight: 22 lbs

Pros and Cons
Straightforward setup
Generous surface area
Adjustable height
Not the most packable
Tallest setting is a little unsteady
Legs are tricky to adjust

We鈥檝e tested a number of camp tables over the years and the Camp Chef Mesa is our current favorite thanks to its portability and practicality. A durable, collapsible, easy-to-clean roll-top aluminum table with four height settings, the Mesa is ideal for campers who love cooking and sharing elaborate meals outdoors.

The Mesa features a two-piece design, with folding legs that pop up in seconds and a roll-top piece that quickly unfurls and snaps on top. One tester ignored instructions (setting up camp furniture shouldn鈥檛 feel like an Ikea nightmare) and had no problems erecting the table solo. Packing it require some forethought, though, as the four-foot side won鈥檛 fit longways in some trunks.

The matte-finished aluminum slats are easy to clean and create a spacious 27.5-inch by 47.25-inch eating or cooking surface. Our favorite element is the four height settings of the legs. The lower option (27 inches) is best suited for loungy camp chairs and is by far the sturdiest. Our 155-pound category manager laid across the Mesa without issue despite Camp Chef鈥檚 100-pound weight limit recommendation.

At the highest setting (39 inches), the Mesa is a little more wobbly but still stable enough to whip up involved camp recipes. The two highest settings (39 and 35 inches) work best for cooking and give chefs the option to choose what works best given campsite topography. (For reference, the standard countertop height in the US is 36 inches). If you hate bending over to cook or cooking while seated, the Mesa is the move. We also loved that the table seats four comfortably and six more cozily.

If we have to nitpick, adjusting leg height can be tricky once the table is already set up. For quicker adjustments, tweak the height during setup.


RovR ChillR 16oz Tumbler 4-Pack

(Photo: Courtesy RovR)

RovR ChillR 16oz Tumbler 4-Pack

Pros and Cons
No metallic taste
Durable exterior
Stackable set of four
No insulation

RovR is most famous for its ($399) that look as if their tires were sourced from a monster truck rally. But the brand鈥檚 drink ware ought to be on your radar, too. The ChillR 16oz Tumbler鈥攁 single-walled, ceramic-coated, dishwasher-safe pint glass that comes in a stackable set of four鈥攊s a great addition to any camp box.

Whether you鈥檙e pouring coffee for the crew after a night of camping, hydrating after mountain biking, or doling out microbrews from a growler around the campfire, the ChillR鈥檚 ceramic interior provides a clean, crisp taste. There鈥檚 none of the metallic finish that so often plagues steel vessels. The coating proved easy to clean, too, whether we were hand washing the cups at camp with diluted, biodegradable soap or tossing them in the dishwasher at home.

Apart from the taste (or lack thereof), what we love most about the RovR ChillR is that it does what most camping cups cannot: it fits into your daily life at home. The ChillR鈥檚 durable enough for camp use, yet the muted, powder-coated exterior looks sharp in any van, RV, or home kitchen. Stackability is another bonus for campers with limited trunk or cupboard space. Be warned, though鈥攖his isn鈥檛 a double-walled camp mug and doesn鈥檛 insulate like one.


Aeropress XL
(Photo: Courtesy Aeropress)

Aeropress XL Coffee Press

Weight: 1 lb

Pros and Cons
Easy to use and clean
Double the capacity of the original Aeropress
Filter cap doesn鈥檛 fit many mugs

The Aeropress XL incorporates the same plunging tech as the backcountry barista-approved original version, but with double the capacity鈥攁 volume boost that allows car-camping couples to streamline their mornings by fixing one batch of brew instead of two. 鈥淢y partner and I efficiently enjoyed excellent-quality coffee together every morning while camping thanks to the XL,鈥 reported Chris Cloyd, a June Lake-based hut keeper, ultra-runner, and coffee addict (with a 鈥淒eath Before Decaf鈥 tattoo to prove it). For anyone intimidated by the looks of this gizmo, Cloyd describes the XL as 鈥渆asy to use, and easier to clean.鈥

Testers reported that the XL filter cap does impede the press from being used directly with many mugs, making it important not to lose the included plastic carafe. If you鈥檙e rolling solo, try the more compact, single-serving .


Radius Outfitters Large Kitchen Organizer
(Photo: Courtesy Radius Outfitters)

Radius Outfitters Large Kitchen Organizer

Weight: 3 lbs

Pros and Cons
Extremely tough and well-made
Makes on-the-road organization easy
Pricey

When professional chef-slash-vanlifer Cody Buccholz got his paws on the Radius Outfitters Kitchen Organizer, he ditched his knife roll鈥攁 massive statement for any culinary pro. 鈥淚鈥檝e bragged about how efficient, protected, and organized my tool roll is now to every chef I鈥檝e gotten to cook for since I started testing it,鈥 said Buccholz after a California-to-Colorado road trip.

Three levels of sleeves accommodate 12-inch utensils, two zippered compartments house 15-inch tools (grill masters, slot your spatulas and tongs here), while a cutting board pocket, two additional transparent pockets for smaller essentials, and an integrated bottle opener get the party started. Crafted from a 1680D Cordura exterior and lined with a glossy, easy-to-clean PVC Tarpaulin, the Kitchen Organizer is 鈥渢ough, well-designed, and built for life on the road鈥搄ust like everything else we鈥檝e tested from Radius so far,鈥 commented test director Drew Zieff. Also available in a smaller version.


Sea To Summit Detour Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife
(Photo: Courtesy Sea to Summit)

Sea to Summit Detour Stainless-Steel Kitchen Knife

Weight: 5.2 oz

Pros and Cons
Weighty, reliable handle
Apt size for working in tight quarters
Affordable
Possibly too small if you鈥檙e cooking for a crowd

Sea to Summit鈥檚 new, comprehensive Detour line of mostly collapsible car-camping cookware has two main ingredients: stainless steel and hard nylon.

Testers offered mixed reviews of some of the company’s products: the collapsible pots are impressively compact, but the silicone siding wasn鈥檛 ideal for even heat transfer. But there were no mixed reviews on the Detour Kitchen Knife, a compact, dexterous, multi-purpose knife with a razor-sharp, five-inch stainless steel blade.

鈥淚鈥檓 working in a small space with a tiny cutting board and this small, sharp knife was perfect,鈥 commented Buccholz, who used the Detour kit to whip up his favorites on a road trip, among them butter chicken, green curry, and tortilla soup. 鈥淚 love the way this knife felt in my hand鈥攊t鈥檚 heavy and strong, and the shape of the handle felt secure in my palm.鈥


Coleman Cascade 3-In-1 Stove

PAID ADVERTISEMENT BY BACKCOUNTRY.COM
Coleman Cascade 3-In-1 Stove

To cover all of your camp chef bases, pack the Cascade 3-In-1 Stove when you hit the road. This camp-cooking package comes with the Cascade stove and two pieces of cast-iron cookware, so you can grill and griddle in addition to boiling, frying, and saut茅ing meals. Independent dials allow you to control the heat coming out of each burner, and rotary ignition means instant, match-free burner lighting. Plus, the cast iron pan supports lift out for quick cooktop cleanup.


Oyster Tempo
(Photo: Courtesy Oyster Tempo)

Oyster Tempo Cooler

Weight: 12 lbs 6 oz
Dimensions: W 20.1 x D 11.8 x H 12.6″
Volume: 23L
Capacity: 36 355ml Cans & 2 Ice Packs

Pros and Cons
Double-walled, vacuum-sealed design is thermally efficient
No ice required
Lid opens from both sides and is completely removable
Hefty price tag
One size only
No drain for rinsing or melted ice
Dents easily

The Oyster Tempo鈥檚 selling points are solid, and they better be鈥攖he sleek cooler is pricier than rotomolded options many campers already consider exorbitant. While status quo coolers call for a hefty ice-to-drink ratio, the aluminum Tempo skips ice completely. Instead, it pairs two flat, purpose-built ice packs with a thermally efficient double-walled design similar to that of your favorite water bottle.

The result gives campers more packable volume (a 23-liter Oyster with ice packs keeps 36 cans cold, while a 24-liter rotomolded cooler with ice only handles 18 cans), takes up less trunk space, and still keeps contents frostier longer than the competition.

When test director Drew Zieff arrived home after a three-day trip and emptied the Tempo, he noted that his leftover beers 鈥渟till felt as though they鈥檇 been plucked from a glacial stream.鈥 Another tester dug the sexy profile and compact build. 鈥淚t takes up less space than our rotomolded cooler, which made trunk management easier,鈥 he reported. When asked if he鈥檇 recommend the product to a friend, however, Cloyd joked, 鈥淒epends on their tax bracket.鈥


Miir 12 oz Camp Cup
(Photo: Courtesy Miir)

MiiR 12-oz Camp Cup

Pros and Cons
Nostalgic look gives off camp vibes
Push-tab lid is road-trip-friendly
12 ounces ain鈥檛 always enough

Were it a cocktail, MiiR鈥檚 Camp Cup would be equal parts contemporary and classic. The double-walled, vacuum-insulated, stainless steel mug sports an intuitive push-tab lid鈥攅verything a modern cup collector covets鈥攂ut it鈥檚 available in bright, speckled hues that salute the enamel mugs of yesteryear.

One tester packed the green-speckled Camp Cup for camping trip in the Umatilla and Gifford-Pinchot National Forests and loved both form and function from first sip. 鈥淚t doesn鈥檛 burn your mouth鈥攖hat鈥檚 the one thing I hate about real enamel mugs,鈥 she reported. 鈥淎nd then by the time the cup has cooled, that hot drink is also cold.鈥

The MiiR version offers campers the best of both worlds: it鈥檚 a clear stylistic homage to those cute, spatterware relics, but modern insulation minimize chances of a seared upper lip or, worse, a lukewarm drink.


Ignik FireCan Deluxe
(Photo: Courtesy Ignik)

Ignik FireCan Deluxe Portable Propane Fire Pit and Grill

Weight: 13.8 lbs

Pros and Cons
Dual-purpose fire pit and grill combo
Quick-and-easy fires no matter where you roam
Extremely compact
You may want to purchase a new 5-lb propane tank
Cooking for groups is challenging
Oven mitts aren鈥檛 a bad idea

Fire ban? Meet the FireCan Deluxe鈥擨gnik鈥檚 durable, shoebox-sized, propane-powered firepit and grill combo.* 鈥淚t鈥檚 a safer solution to campfires,鈥 commented one tester, a part-time vanlifer and Colorado-based digital nomad who loved having a warm and contained fire no matter where she parked. Having a powerful propane grill or a firepit at this size is a win for any car camper鈥攈aving both is the dream.

Grilling is simple: just attach a propane tank via the included Quick Connect hose to the marked grill input, light it with a long lighter, and drop in the grill attachment. It gets hot鈥攆ast. Another tester was blistering peppers within minutes.

Just a few drawbacks: removing the grill and adjusting the lid can be finicky, so one tester recommended bringing oven mitts. Also, three or four salmon filets max out the grill, so feeding a bigger group necessitates cooking in shifts. For the most part, though, FireCan feedback was warmer than its 38,000-BTU output. You may also want to get a smaller 5-pound tank鈥20-lbs tanks are overkill for a quick camping trip.

*In certain conditions, such as high winds or severe drought, all open flames may be banned. When in doubt, check in with local rangers, forest service, fire departments, etc.


Gerber Compleat Cutting Board Kit
(Photo: Courtesy Gerber)

Gerber Compleat Cutting-Board Kit

Weight: 4 lbs 4 oz
Dimensions: 9.6鈥 x 15.6鈥 (Bamboo cutting board), 8.9鈥 x 14.3鈥 (polypropylene cutting board), 6鈥 blade (Chef鈥檚 Knife), 3.25鈥 blade (paring knife)

Pros and Cons
Self-contained cutting board kit
Comes with kitchen essentials
Storage space for you to add your favorite tools
Cutting board lid can get dirty on the road

Nothing excites car campers like space-saving gear, and that鈥檚 exactly what Gerber鈥檚 new Compleat Cutting Board Kit is. Approximately the size of a casserole dish, the six-piece set features a striking bamboo cutting board that doubles as a lid, another polypropylene cutting board, two sharp, ergonomically handled knives (a 3.25-inch paring knife and a six-inch chef鈥檚 knife), and a two-piece set with nifty storage space for additional kitchen tools.

For category manager Drew Zieff, the set was a brilliant addition to the kitchen of his custom-built 2006 Chevy Express, replacing cutting boards that used to flop off the counter whenever he hit a pothole. Overall, the Gerber piece is a game-changer鈥攊t sits self-contained under the stove, no storage bin required.


Field Company No 8 Cast Iron Skillet
(Photo: Courtesy of Field Company)

Field Company No. 8 Cast Iron Skillet



Weight:
4.5 lbs
Dimensions:听10.3″ x 16.3″ x 2″

Pros and Cons
Durable
Versatile
Cooking surface improves with time and seasoning
Lighter-weight than other cast irons
Not non-stick, even when well-seasoned
Requires more care than other pans

There鈥檚 something magical about cast iron. What other cookware ages like fine wine and looks as good on a French range as it does over a campfire grate? Case in point: Field Company鈥檚 utilitarian No. 8 Cast Iron Skillet. This machined-smooth, 10.25-inch-diameter skillet is as durable as it is versatile, and it鈥檚 become our go-to pan over the last few years. From whipping up vegetable stir-fries in the van, to cooking fresh-caught trout over the campfire, to searing ribeyes at home, the skillet just does it all.

Field Company crafts its skillets from recycled iron here in the USA, using traditional sand-casting techniques. (Essentially, molds are made from a master pattern using a wet, untreated sand mixture, then molten metal is poured into the mold. The resulting casting is cleaned, thinned, and smoothed by machine before it鈥檚 pre-seasoned and prepped for your stove.) Field Company aims for a relatively lightweight construction, centering heft at the base of the pan for searing prowess and then thinning it out toward the sloped rim.

The 4.5-pound pan is about a pound lighter than standard cast-iron skillets. Testers also appreciated the ergonomic handle, which is convex and curved to fit comfortably in the hand. Thanks to the light weight and good grip, it was easy enough to pull one-handed from campfire to boulder. Still, cast iron isn鈥檛 ideal for the faint of wrist鈥攅specially when the skillet is loaded with a juicy, coiled tenderloin or packed with venison medallions. The handle can also get hot, so a ($29, sold separately) isn’t a bad idea.

The durability and versatility of cast iron is a major draw. Most testers were grateful to have a pan that could handle a high-powered two-burner camp stove and campfire cooking alike. And thanks to coils on the bottom, it can handle an electric range at home, too.

The biggest downside to the No. 8 is the same downside that befalls all cast-iron skillets: maintenance can be finicky. You shouldn’t use soap on the pan, and you may have to oil it regularly if you want to keep its seasoning鈥攊.e., cast iron’s natural, stick-resistant coating鈥攊ntact. The No. 8 skillet does come pre-seasoned with three coats of grapeseed oil, which we found plenty non-stick for most camping foods. Still we’d recommend cooking on it for a few weeks before you jump into something trickier, like fried eggs.


16 piece Gerber Gear ComplEAT Cookset
(Photo: Courtesy of Gerber Gear)

Gerber Compleat 16-Piece Cook Set

Weight: 10 lb
Dimensions:听10″ x 2.5″ (saut茅 pan), 10″ x 5″ (stock pot), 6.7鈥 x 2.6鈥 (bowls), 8.7鈥 x 1鈥 (plates), 8.8鈥 x 7.1鈥(mixing bowl)

Pros and Cons
Space-saving nesting design
Enough plates and bowls to feed 8
Generously sized pot and pan
High-quality stainless steel
Squeezing the kit back into its storage bag isn鈥檛 easy

Gerber鈥檚 Compleat 16-piece Cook Set is the Russian nesting doll of camp cookware. The stars of the show are the 2.6-quart saut茅 pan and 5.6-quart stock pot. Both are crafted from stainless steel with a substantial, three-ply base construction, which distributes heat better than most purpose-built camping pots and pans.

It鈥檚 easy enough to clean, too: even after we charred a chicken stir fry past the point of no return, distracted by the sunset on an Oregon surf trip, we were able to clean it with a pot scraper and a little biodegradable soap. Plus, the 2.5-inch rim of the saut茅 pan and five-inch-deep pot provide so much culinary real estate that cooking for four is no problem, and cooking for eight is possible with a little forethought.

When it comes time to dish up, the set also includes polypropylene dinnerware. You get four lipped plates that can handle chilis and stews, four bowls so deep they can double as helmets, and a large mixing bowl. The set also comes with a silicone-wrapped handle for the saut茅 pan that pops off for storage, a pair of perforated lids, and a nifty silicone heat pad.

If you鈥檙e doing the math, we鈥檝e only touched on 15 pieces. The 16th is the cherry on top鈥攁 dual-handled carrying case. This cinch-closure storage bag is about the size of a small bear canister, and it fits the rest of this gear鈥攕o long as it鈥檚 neatly stacked. If you鈥檙e packing components willy-nilly, however, zipping the bag shut can be difficult鈥攐ur testers’ biggest gripe. Do it right, though, and you’ll be rewarded with serious space savings.


New West Knifeworks The Tactical Chef knife
(Photo: Courtesy of New West KnifeWorks)

New West KnifeWorks Tactical Outdoor Chef

Weight: 7.7 oz
Dimensions:听12.1″ x 1.9″

Pros and Cons
Full tang provides durability
Sharp, high-quality steel
Versatile for a wide range of camp uses
Expensive
Sharpening serrated blades is tricky

New West Knifeworks鈥檚 Tactical Outdoor Chef may be pricey, but it’s one of the few chef’s knives we’ve found that you don’t have to baby. Over a summer of testing, it was capable of handling all the tasks we’d expect of a chef’s knife, as well as all the tasks we’d typically leave to a full-tang bushcraft blade. It’s durable, well-made, endlessly useful, and, to be quite honest, rad as hell.

As the name promises, the TOC is a mash-up of tactical military blades and every culinary artist鈥檚 go-to brush: the chef鈥檚 knife. Designed with the help of a Navy Seal, the TOC sports a razor-sharp, 6 鈪-inch blade that riffs off the classic, curved shape of the bowie knife, a weapon typically reserved for stabbing bad guys. We stuck to stabbing fungi during testing, and the TOC made quick work of Operation Shiitake.

Jokes aside, we loved cooking with the TOC, whether we were slicing garlic with the pointed tip or chopping chicken with the belly of the blade. The asymmetrically serrated section, however, is what made our test team fall head over heels for this knife as a utilitarian camping companion. 鈥淭his is a very weird use case, but I needed to shave off a millimeter or two from this one spot on my warped van bumper because it was catching the trunk door,鈥 reported one tester. 鈥淭hat serrated section carved off sliver after sliver of hard plastic bumper鈥攕omething I never would鈥檝e thought to do with any other chef鈥檚 knife.鈥

Whether you鈥檙e shaving bumpers or trimming pork tenderloins, the resilient, stain-resistant, American-made steel is ultra-sharp and resists dulling. The full-tang construction is balanced in-hand and beefy enough to tackle tasks like splitting squash or chopping rope. And while the ergonomically contoured handle looks like wood grain from afar, it鈥檚 actually a composite of G10 fiberglass and rubber, a combo we found confidence-inspiring while working with fresh fish, poultry, and other slippery proteins.

Yes, it’s expensive. But from blade to butt to the handsome leather sheath it comes in, you get what you pay for.


Miir New Standard Carafe
(Photo: Courtesy of Miir)

Miir New Standard Carafe

Weight: 1.8 lb
Dimensions:听6″ x 6″ x 10.5″

Pros and Cons
Sleek design
Two-piece construction makes for easy cleaning
Big enough to serve four
Included lid isn鈥檛 leakproof

Ever wished you could bring your Chemex camping without constantly fearing for the glass gizmo鈥檚 well-being? Miir鈥檚 got the answer with its indestructible and ingeniously designed New Standard Carafe.

The coffee contraption is crafted from double-wall, vacuum-insulated stainless steel, which is both ultra-durable and ensures your brew stays piping hot for hours. On chilly fall mornings in the Sierra, we were able to enjoy what hobbits affectionately call second breakfast, finishing off still-warm java up to two hours after brewing. The New Standard Carafe is easy to use and compatible with most carafe coffee filters. Our coffee-savvy testers found it did the job well鈥攁nd that the resulting pour-overs were crisp and smooth.

Testers in the Sierra loved that the carafe held a generous 33 ounces of brewed coffee. That was enough to caffeinate our group of four runners and climbers during a trip near Tahoe’s Donner Summit: each person got an eight-ounce pour to greet a sunrise over Frog Lake.

Our favorite feature, though, is the brilliant two-piece design. The top half of the carafe unscrews from the bottom, facilitating easy cleaning at home or on the road. One major con: the Carafe’s included lid isn’t leakproof. If you want your brew to be portable, you鈥檒l have to shell out for MiiR鈥檚 additional ($10). But we found the add-on worth it: simply screw the lid to the bottom section of the carafe to eliminate chances of spillage while driving to the trailhead or hiking up short spurs to watch the sun rise.


How We Test

  • Number Of Testers: 13
  • Pieces Of Gear Tested: 50
  • Miles Road Tripped: Approximately 9,779
  • Longest Stint On The Road: 3 months
  • Forearms Singed: 2
  • Cups Of Coffee Consumed: Enough to live, not enough to die. We’ll go with high triple digits.
  • Van Bumpers Shaved: 1

Our testers run the gamut, from car campers who care more about efficiently shoveling down calories than fixing ornate meals, to gourmet chefs whipping up five-star cuisine in teeny van kitchens and over bonfires on the beach. This diverse team road-tripped, car camped, boondocked, and vanned all over the American West for months, cheffing up meals and taking notes all the while. Upon return to civilization, they filled out review forms for each camp kitchen item, ranking aspects like durability and practicality on quantitative scales. Then, they dove deeper into qualitative questions. For instance:

  • What recipes did you whip up with this gear and where?
  • Did this piece of gear make your life on the road easier or harder? Better or worse? How so?
  • Would you use this product at home, too, or strictly at camp? Why or why not?

Last but not least, our lead tester and category manager, Drew Zieff, analyzed as much gear as possible himself, sifted through the review forms, then compiled the reviews.


Meet Our Testers

Drew Zieff

is a Tahoe-based freelancer who writes for Backcountry Magazine, REI, Gear Junkie, and Forbes, among others. A regular 国产吃瓜黑料 contributor, he heads 国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 winter snowboard gear coverage and summer car camping accessories and kitchen reviews. His appreciation for cooking can be traced back to his formative years in high school, when he inexplicably began to experience red eyes, a dry mouth, and a sudden, overwhelming passion for the Cooking Channel. In 2018, he and his partner turned a plumbing van into their dream adventure mobile鈥攁 speedbump-filled odyssey. After a couple of years of vanlife, during which he took the lead on camp cookery, the couple put roots down in Tahoe. They still take as many van trips as possible and love to whip up elaborate meals in BLM pull-offs and Walmart parking lots.

Amanda Monthei

is a , public information officer on wildfires, and the host of the podcast. A former wildland firefighter herself, she applies her knowledge gleaned from the front lines to educate the public. She鈥檚 written about wildfires and natural disasters for 国产吃瓜黑料 as well as NBC, The Atlantic, and The Washington Post. She鈥檚 also an avid angler, surfer, and skier, and pens stories on a range of outdoor subjects. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, she鈥檚 used to camping for extended stints in her 2000 Tundra, whipping up meals on backroads shoulders and backwoods campgrounds, and reviewing car camping accessories for 国产吃瓜黑料 along the way. Monthei tested camp mugs, pots, and more while road tripping throughout the Pacific Northwest this past summer and fall.

Cody Buccholz

is a professional chef who enjoys surfing, snowboarding, and adventuring in his 2008 high-top Sprinter with his pup, Jefecito. When he鈥檚 not slinging gourmet grub, you can often find Buccholz posted up in a beach or trailhead parking lot, whipping up savory meals for new and old friends. He tested a small mountain of gear for this article while on a long, detour-filled road trip from California to Colorado, and brings a discerning, professional perspective to our camp kitchen gear testing.

The post 14 Camp-Kitchen Essentials to Elevate Your Outdoor Cooking appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

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The Best Backpacks, Duffels, and Roller Bags for 国产吃瓜黑料 Travel /outdoor-gear/tools/best-travel-luggage/ Mon, 17 Mar 2025 16:00:28 +0000 /?p=2672355 The Best Backpacks, Duffels, and Roller Bags for 国产吃瓜黑料 Travel

Rugged bags designed to go wherever adventure takes you

The post The Best Backpacks, Duffels, and Roller Bags for 国产吃瓜黑料 Travel appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

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The Best Backpacks, Duffels, and Roller Bags for 国产吃瓜黑料 Travel

When it comes to planning your next big adventure, buying luggage is probably not high on your priority list. But take it from us: a well-designed carry-on suitcase, adventure-ready duffel, or rugged roller bag can go a long way toward mitigating travel woes.

We鈥檙e always testing new duffels, suitcases, gear totes, and backpacks to see which bags are best suited to an adventurer鈥檚 needs. Whether you鈥檙e a frequent flyer, a weekend warrior, or a full-time vanlifer, there鈥檚 something on this list for you.

Updated March 2025: We’ve added three new picks. Prices and info have also been updated for 2025.

At a Glance

  • Best Overall:
  • Most Rugged Roller:
  • Best Value Duffel:
  • Most Versatile:
  • Best Weekend Duffel:
  • Best Checked-Size Roller:
  • Best Carry-On Roller Bag:
  • Best Value Roller Bag:
  • Best Travel Backpack:听
  • Best for Parents:
  • Best Gear Tote:
  • Best for Camping:
  • How We Test
  • Meet Our Testers

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L
(Photo: Courtesy Patagonia)

Best Overall

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L

Weight: 2.6 lbs
Dimensions: 22.8鈥 x 13.3鈥 x 9.5鈥
Available Sizes: 40 L, 55 L, 70 L, 100 L

Pros and Cons
Large opening
Lightweight
Stash pocket to separate shoes or laundry
Backpack carries well
Lacks internal organization

笔补迟补驳辞苍颈补鈥檚 Black Hole has been the gold standard for adventure travel luggage for a long time, and with this newest iteration featuring 100 percent recycled body fabric, lining, and webbing, the brand continues to lead the way in sustainability.

One of the best features of this duffel is how comfortable it is to carry as a backpack thanks to cushy, removable pack straps. An innovative, recycled TPU-film laminate also makes the bag lightweight and exceptionally abrasion- and weather-resistant. It鈥檚 rugged enough for major expeditions, yet convenient for the casual traveler, which makes it our top choice for 2024.

鈥淚n the rain, water beaded right off the bag, and it proved durable for outdoor adventures,鈥 said one tester after taking the bag on a canoe camping trip in the Adirondacks and a camping trip to Moab, Utah.

The signature feature of the Black Hole, besides its pack straps, is its large main compartment that accommodates more gear than you鈥檇 think and makes finding said gear at a glance easy. The downside to this design is that the Black Hole doesn鈥檛 include a ton of internal organizational features found in other duffels, like zippered compartments to keep gear separated. The Black Hole has just one internal pocket on the zip-top lid to keep smaller items like toiletries organized.

However, it does include a surprisingly spacious external pocket for things you don鈥檛 want mingling with your other stuff (like wet or dirty items). That compartment also serves as the pocket you can stuff the entire bag into for compact storage when not in use.


(Photo: Courtesy Kuiu)

Most Rugged Roller

Kuiu Waypoint 3000 Roller

Weight: 7 lb 11.8 oz
Dimensions: 22鈥 x 14鈥 x 11鈥
Volume: 49 L

Pros and Cons
Rugged
Solid internal organization
Big, all-terrain wheels
Reliable handle
Not as protective as a hardside case

Ready to be crammed in overhead bins and overlanding rigs alike, the Kuiu Waypoint 3000 is the most rugged roller we鈥檝e tested as of late. It鈥檚 a hybrid of soft- and hardside luggage, pairing a molded polycarbonate bottom frame with an expandable, hard-wearing, TPU-coated nylon upper. This hybrid design gives travelers the benefits of a protective hard case on wheels and the packability and versatility of a duffel.

One tester was especially impressed by the bag鈥檚 durability after a stint of testing that included a cross-country work trip and a weeklong overlanding trip in Colorado. He called the waterproof, 420-denier, TPU-coated nylon upper and 840-denier nylon-wrapped polycarbonate frame robust. On his trip, he forcibly crammed the Waypoint into the passenger footwell of his vehicle, accidentally left it outside in the rain one night (everything inside was dry come morning), and used it as a stool. Even after all of that, it showed no visible signs of wear.

While the Kuiu鈥檚 rugged fabric and frame are its best features, our tester was similarly pleased by the smooth-rolling XL 3.5-inch-diameter wheels, collapsible handle, and burly, built-in grab handles.

Internal organization features also earned the Kuiu kudos, particularly the clamshell zip, integrated dividers (what our tester called critical for 鈥渉is and hers鈥 adventures), and a slew of sleeves and pockets perfect for tools and toiletries. Factor in the price, and the Waypoint isn鈥檛 just rugged鈥攊t鈥檚 a good buy.


Eagle Creek Migrate Duffel 90L
(Photo: Courtesy Eagle Creek)

Best Value Duffel

Eagle Creek Migrate Duffel 90L

Weight: 2.9 lbs
Dimensions: 13.5鈥 x 25.5鈥 x 12.25鈥 (90 L)
Available Sizes: 40 L, 60 L, 90 L

Pros and Cons
Wide-mouth opening for easy access to gear
Uses 100% recycled fabric
Good value
Top zipper isn鈥檛 stiff enough

The Migrate duffel was a tester favorite for its holding capacity鈥攜ou can fit a lot in here. The 鈥渄octor bag鈥 style zip-top allows for easier access and full visibility of all your gear and an additional five liters of packing space.

Good news for those who tend to overpack and end up schlepping heavy duffels: Tuck-away backpack straps allow for multiple carry options. The added pockets鈥攊nternal and front zippered pocket鈥攕et it apart from many other duffels in this category.

But perhaps the biggest pro of this bag: it incorporates 100-percent recycled 900-denier Polyester TPU and fully recycled 1680-denier ballistic Polyester RPVB that reuses windshield plastics from landfills and makes the bag abrasion- and weather-resistant.

Testers had just one complaint: the top zipper isn鈥檛 very stiff, so testers found the opening closing in on itself while they were packing the bag.


Nemo Double Haul 55L Convertible Duffel & Tote
(Photo: Courtesy Nemo)

Most Versatile

Nemo Double Haul 55L Convertible Duffel & Tote

Weight: 3 lbs
Dimensions: 63.5鈥 x 86鈥 x 147鈥
Available Sizes: 55 L

Pros and Cons
Wide compartment opening
Many ways to carry and organize the bag
Folds up small into carrying case when not in use
Too bulky and uncomfortable to carry for long distances
On the heavier side

Out of all of the duffels and luggage we tested this season, the Nemo Double Haul proved to be the most ingenious. It鈥檚 a combination of a duffel bag and tote bag, with a huge opening designed to stay wide open while you pack thanks to the stiff trusses that give the bag structure.

Astonishingly, considering its size, the bag also folds down neatly into a carrying case, making it easy to travel with or keep in your car. The shell is made from urethane-coated, bluesign approved 100 percent recycled nylon, while the liner is made from bluesign approved, solution-dyed 100-percent recycled polyester with PFAS-free DWR.

This bag is meant for hauling. 鈥淚t鈥檚 best for car camping, when you have dozens of items that may not have a home,鈥 said tester Troy Tetreault after a climbing trip in Kentucky鈥檚 Red River Gorge. 鈥淚t also holds up well when tossed around amongst other gear.鈥

However, our testers wouldn鈥檛 recommend this bag for extended airline travel. The bag itself weighs 3 pounds, and testers found it awkward to carry because of the multiple ways the straps are set up for carrying鈥攂ackpack carry, over the shoulder single arm carry, and suitcase carry.


Finisterre Nautilus 45L Duffel Bag
(Photo: Courtesy Finisterre)

Best Weekend Duffel

Finisterre Nautilus 45L Duffel Bag

Weight: 2.2 lbs
Dimensions: 21鈥 x 12鈥 x 10鈥
Volume: 45 L

Pros and Cons
Low-profile
Durable
Goldilocks organization
Backpack carry straps
Expensive
Laptop sleeve can鈥檛 fit bigger laptops

A British B Corp that鈥檚 been crafting gear for devotees of sea and surf for over two decades, Finisterre impressed our test team with the Nautilus 45. This dynamic duffel doubles as a backpack, meets most airline carry-on requirements, and has a simple, streamlined design.

One tester, a San Francisco-based surfer, called the Nautilus 45L the perfect weekend duffel. He loved that the velcro grip of the duffel-style handle unfurls to padded backpack straps. 鈥淭hey made carrying the bag a breeze, especially while also carrying a couple of surfboards,鈥 he reported. He also commended the waxed, DWR-treated exterior fabric that proved reliably water-resistant.

We took the Finisterre on trips to the mountains of Northern California and Nevada and appreciated the padded, TPU-coated bottom panel that protected the bag from moisture and grime. We also liked the black colorway, as it hides dirt well and is more subtle for travelers who want to fly under the radar.

All testers dug the cavernous main compartment, which features stretchy crisscrossing straps that helped lash clothes down, keeping contents organized on the road. They judged the array of pockets sufficient, not superfluous: The duffel features a pair of external zips, a single internal zip, and a padded laptop sleeve integrated into the opening flap.

We had just two dings: The laptop sleeve accommodated a 13.1-inch Macbook, but it doesn鈥檛 easily fit 15-plus-inch machines. The Nautilus is also relatively pricey compared to the Patagonia Black Hole 55L ($169), Nemo Double-Haul 55L ($180), and our top value pick, the Eagle Creek Migrate Duffel 90L ($139).

But between the subtle style, simple yet efficient organization, and durability that suggests this duffel will last for eons of adventures to come, our testers still gave the nod to the Nautilus as a worthy weekender, despite the higher price tag.


(Photo: Courtesy of Evoc)

Best Checked-Size Roller Bag

Evoc World Traveller 125

Weight: 9.3 lbs
Dimensions: 16鈥 x 34鈥 x 13鈥 (125L)
Available Sizes:听125 L

Pros and Cons

Excellent customizable and removable organization system
Heavy-duty, replaceable wheels
Well-built
Fabric can fray if you use the skateboard carry system

When category manager Drew Zieff lived out of the Evoc World Traveller 125 during a three-week road trip through New England this summer, it quickly stood out for its best-in-test combo of organization and durability.

鈥淭he wheels were on the larger side for a roller bag, and combined with that heavy-duty handle, the World Traveller cruises over uneven brick or packed dirt and gravel with ease,鈥 he reported. He also appreciated the taller, narrower profile of the World Traveller, which was easy to maneuver through tighter gaps at airport terminals and campgrounds alike.

The bag features two access points: an upper zipper reveals a small compartment, while a lower zip gives way to the main compartment. Both feature removable, adjustable dividers. One tester divided clothes between the two larger compartments and used the smaller ones for everything from socks and underwear to toiletries, a headlamp, and his derailleur and chain. He even left it packed once he got to his destination鈥攖he perfect portable dresser.

The bag sports two external pockets, too: a larger square one on the bottom, and a smaller semi-circle pocket on top. The two external straps can be used for carrying a skateboard, which Zieff did on one of his adventures. Testers were impressed by the overall durability, reporting no baggage handler-related damage (despite one loading the World Traveller with 62 pounds of mountain bike gear). However, Zieff did note that his skateboard鈥檚 gritty grip tape started to wear on the otherwise tough fabric. Still, we鈥檇 recommend the World Traveller as the perfect closet on wheels for all kinds of four-season adventures.


Best Carry-On Roller Bag

DB Ramverk Pro Front Access Carry-On

Weight: 9.3 lbs
Dimensions: 21鈥 x 16鈥 x 9鈥
Available Sizes:听Carry-On, Front-Access Carry On, Check-In M, Check-In L

Pros and Cons:听

Sleek, Scandinavian design
Front panel provides easy access
Durable build
Really expensive
Heavy

DB鈥檚 Ramverk Pro Front Access Carry-On is everything we love (and one thing we hate) about Scandinavian design. The Norwegian outfitter鈥檚 premium roller is clean, minimalistic, functional, and built to last鈥攁 masterful blend of elegant aesthetic and rugged utilitarianism. So what鈥檚 not to love? A price tag that鈥檒l have you cursing the kroner.

If the sky鈥檚 the limit for your carry-on budget, though, the Ramverk Pro is as good as it gets for frequent flyers. The roller features a tough, polycarbonate shell built around an aluminum frame.听 A stiff-yet-flexible, padded polyester front-access panel unzips to reveal a laptop sleeve, a few organizational pockets, and a spacious main compartment.

One tester, a Seattle doctor who moonlights as an ultra-discerning, multi-sport gear tester, loved the durability and construction. 鈥淭he frame is strong and this bag is quite durable鈥搃t feels like a lifetime piece,鈥 he reported after a summer of testing. He dug the 360-degree-spinning, 50-millimeter Hinomoto wheels and the telescoping handle, too. The resulting maneuverability was so impressive that he said he “felt like Lewis Hamilton whipping an F1 racecar while swerving through the crowds of SeaTac.”


Osprey Ozone 2-Wheel Carry-On 40L/21.5鈥
(Photo: Courtesy Osprey)

Best Value Roller Bag

Osprey Ozone 2-Wheel Carry-On

Weight: 4.5 lbs
Dimensions: 10鈥 x 14鈥 X 21.5鈥
Available Sizes: 40 L

Pros and Cons
Lightweight
Large wheels and high clearance
Seemed to hold less than other bags the same size
On the pricier side

The Ozone line from Osprey, featuring five pieces ranging from four-wheeled suitcases to smaller backpacks and boarding bags, was designed for frequent flyers and travelers who value ease of transport. Of those, the Ozone 2-Wheel Carry-On is perhaps the most convenient on-board option.

Made from an ultralight yet durable aluminum frame and nanofly recycled nylon fabric, it offers just enough organizational capabilities to make packing for a trip a little easier. This suitcase (like all pieces in this line) features a buttonless trolley handle and a YKK reverse coil coated zipper for improved water resistance鈥攂oth industry firsts. The Ozone 2-Wheel Carry-On also has a high clearance High Road LT frame, and oversized 90 millimeter wheels, making it rugged enough to handle terrain beyond concourse floors.

One tester takeaway: Despite this bag鈥檚 advertised 40-liter capacity, it didn鈥檛 seem to hold as much as softer duffel-style bags of the same size. That said, the sleek design combined with the function of this bag made it an obvious choice for our testers who needed a transport-friendly yet durable carry-on.


(Photo: Courtesy of Peak Design)

Best Travel Backpack

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

Weight: 4.5 lbs
Dimensions: 22鈥 x 13鈥 x 11鈥
Available Sizes: 30L, 40L

Pros and Cons
Adjustable volume system
Clean aesthetic
Good durability
Great organizational features
Heavy for a backpack
Expensive

鈥淚f you hate talking to strangers in the airport, then this pack might not be for you,鈥 joked a Denver-based tester who took the Travel Backpack on both a mountain biking trip to North Carolina and a sightseeing sojourn to Scotland this year. 鈥淚’ve never received so many compliments from strangers.鈥 And while it’s true that the Travel Backpack鈥檚 aesthetic is undeniably sleek, this bag doesn鈥檛 just look dapper in transit: it also impressed with its user-friendly feature set and surprising ruggedness.

Features include a padded, 16-inch laptop sleeve and easy-access stash spots for passports, sunglasses, keys, and other odds and ends. Macleod鈥檚 favorite pockets, though, were the massive, stretchy water bottle sleeves that Peak Design engineered to double as tripod storage; each fit a Nalgene easily.

Testers also praised the comfy, stowable hip belt and shoulder straps, as well as multiple zippered access points. A set of snaps and expansion panels lets the Travel Backpack 45 slim down to a more manageable 35-liter or 30-liter pack. When compressed, it could fit under an airline seat.

We weren’t worried about shoving it under there, either: Peak Design used a polyurethane-coated, DWR-treated, 400-denier nylon that鈥檚 seriously durable and water-resistant, and the bottom of the pack is armored with an even beefier 900D waterproof nylon.

Demerits were few and far between, but if we鈥檝e got to nitpick, it鈥檚 on the heavy side for daily use. It’s also pretty pricey.


no reception club hideaway carry on duffel
(Photo: Courtesy No Reception Club)

Best For Parents

No Reception Club Hideaway Carry-on Duffel 国产吃瓜黑料 Bundle

Weight: 3.3 lbs when empty, 5 lbs w/ shoulder straps, removable cubby, and included laundry sack
Dimensions: 22鈥 x 13鈥 x 9鈥
Volume: 42L

Pros and Cons
Smart organization
Multiple carry options
Thoughtful features
Almost too many organizational options

Staying organized on the road is challenging enough when you鈥檙e traveling solo. Throw a kiddo (or more) into the mix, and difficulty skyrockets exponentially. No Reception Club鈥檚 Hideaway Duffel solves lots of problems for parents with its many thoughtful design features.

It includes a removable cubby (with adjustable dividers) that drops into the main compartment, a smattering of internal and external pockets, and an easy-to-clean, water and odor-resistant laundry compartment for quarantining dirty duds. It even has an insulated pocket purpose-built for safeguarding milk, formula, or other perishable baby food鈥攁 feature one tester traveling cross-country with his infant daughter especially appreciated.

The carry-on boasts a multitude of carry options, including removable backpack straps, grab handles, and a luggage pass-through sleeve. 鈥淚t鈥檚 very versatile,鈥 commented another tester, a frequent flyer and dad of two, who appreciated the ability to use the Hideaway as a backpack between airport gates or pop it on top of his roller bag for longer slogs. He dug the debonair styling and overall aesthetic, too. However, he did find the sheer abundance of pockets and organizational features a tad overwhelming, recommending Hideaway haulers adopt a systematic packing style so little odds and ends don鈥檛 get lost.

You can scoop the duffel solo for $295, but our testers recommend the adventure bundle ($320), which comes with a hangable toiletries case. The ($45) has a hook for hanging and transparent windows that make it easy to keep stock of items.


(Photo: Courtesy of evo)

Best Gear Tote

Evo XL Utility Tote 95

Dimensions: 28鈥 x 19鈥 x 15鈥 (95L)
Available Sizes:听50 L, 95 L

Pros and Cons:

Durable
Versatile
Internal and external pockets
Affordable
No shoulder strap
Bulky when fully loaded

The biggest thing Evo鈥檚 XL Utility Tote 95 has going for it? It鈥檚 big. Really big. With a volume of 95 liters鈥攁 size typically reserved for expedition duffels and checked baggage鈥攖he Utility Tote is a massive gear hauler our testers quickly fell for. 鈥淚 travel with bulky gear all the time, and this makes it so much easier to keep those items together,” reported one tester. “It fits my entire bike or snowboard kit.”

That said, the Utility Tote isn鈥檛 a one-trick pony. The exterior is a thick, water-resistant, polyurethane-coated PET ripstop that hasn鈥檛 yet shown any signs of wear, while the tarp lining is both easy to clean and difficult to damage.

Evo managed to add a few organization features without sacrificing the cavernous main compartment, too. Another tester, an Arizona-based cyclist, appreciated the tote鈥檚 padded interior pockets. 鈥淚t鈥檚 nice to have designated spots for bike tools, gloves and cycling caps, and an extra pair of sunglasses,鈥 he said. Testers also dug the exterior pockets, which were perfect for separating wet or smelly gear, and the burly exterior loops, which were ideal for lashing wet towels, bike helmets, and shoes to the outside.

We just wish Evo had included a shoulder strap; hefting the fully loaded bag by the grab handles proved cumbersome over longer distances.


Closeup of woman putting camera in travel suitcase
Our gear testers consider everything from backpacks to duffels to roller bags and carry-on suitcases. The bags that make our list are those that make traveling with lots of gear easy. (Photo: Katie Botwin)

How We Test

  • Number of Testers: 21
  • Number of Products Tested: 35
  • Number of Miles Traveled: 18,500

Over the course of three years, we tested 35 pieces of luggage designed for the adventurous traveler who hauls their gear through more rugged environments than airport concourses. Think rafting adventures, camping getaways, climbing trips, and cross-country roadtrips.

As such, we primarily considered soft shell luggage between 20 and 100 liters made with abrasion- and weather-resistant materials to withstand plenty of use and abuse. We then rounded up 21 individuals who travel extensively鈥攊ncluding a professional photographer, an outdoor educator, a professional skier and mountain biker, a forest ranger, and mapping technology specialist鈥攁nd tasked them with schlepping these bags around the country to assess the best picks for adventure travel.

We asked them to home in on overall performance, feature-set, ease of transport, and durability, among other qualities. The bags on this list rose to the top of the pile after impressing testers in all categories.


Man squeezing into Evo Gear Tote bag in parking lot
Lead tester Drew Zieff climbs into the Evo Utility Tote to see how much you can really cram into the stated 95L volume. (Photo: Katie Botwin)

Meet our Testers

Drew Zieff

听is a Tahoe-based freelancer who writes for听Backcountry Magazine, REI, Gear Junkie, and Forbes, among others. A regular听国产吃瓜黑料听contributor, he heads our听snowboard听gear coverage in the winter. A few years back, he and his partner turned a plumbing van into their听dream adventure mobile. After a couple years of vanlife, the highlight of which was surfing from Canada to Mexico, the couple put roots down in Tahoe, though they still take van trips to the coast when there鈥檚 swell. Familiar with the needs of both weekend warriors and full-time nomads, Zieff happily directs our camping accessories, travel luggage, and camping kitchen coverage each summer.

Caitlin Kelly

Originally from the Coast of Maine, Caitlin Kelly studied creative writing and environmental studies at St. Lawrence University in Upstate New York. She has called the Adirondack Mountains home since, building community through her work with Women of the Adirondacks and The Adirondack Community Avalanche Project. She currently resides in Lake Placid, NY, and is the social and digital media specialist for North Country Public Radio. She is an avid backcountry skier and a ski patroller at Whiteface Mountain. Her writing has appeared in Powder Magazine, Adirondack Life Magazine, Freeskier, The Ski Journal, 国产吃瓜黑料 Magazine, and Ski Magazine, among other publications. If you sit too close to her on a chairlift, you may get some glitter on you.

The post The Best Backpacks, Duffels, and Roller Bags for 国产吃瓜黑料 Travel appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

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The 10 Best Winter Gear Deals on Arc’Teryx at REI and Evo /outdoor-gear/clothing-apparel/arcteryx-winter-gear-sale-2025/ Sat, 01 Mar 2025 14:00:14 +0000 /?p=2697530 The 10 Best Winter Gear Deals on Arc'Teryx at REI and Evo

Arc鈥檛eryx gear is quality, but expensive. But these tester-approved favorites are up to half off.

The post The 10 Best Winter Gear Deals on Arc’Teryx at REI and Evo appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

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The 10 Best Winter Gear Deals on Arc'Teryx at REI and Evo

Woe is the wallet of the outdoor enthusiast. High-quality gear typically comes with a high price tag. But if money isn’t an object, investing in Arc’Teryx gear is often your best move. The brand’s outerwear is consistently bomber, the insulators toasty, and hell, even the are so cozy I’ll wear them for days on end.

But affording Arc’teryx’s top-of-the-line equipment and apparel can be tough, even if you factor in the investment’s ruggedness and expected longevity. doesn’t have any discounts right now, but our team of Arc’Teryx aficionados hunted down some late-season savings on some of our favorite winter gear and . Our bounty? 10 serious sales on investment-worthy Arc’Teryx products. If you’re in the market for a new ski jacket, bibs, or even a pair of trail runners, check out the sales below and score Arc’Teryx finds for cheap(er).


Arc'teryx Sabre Pants
(Photo: Courtesy of Arc’teryx)

for $340 ($550)

Arc’teryx’s Sabre line is consistently rated highly by gear reviewers and customers. It’s some of the best outerwear in the game, and I fully back the high praise. The Arc’Teryx Sabre Pants have a three-layer, 80-denier nylon ripstop fabric over a Gore-Tex membrane that offers skiers and riders a balance between lightweight mobility and hardwearing, steadfast weatherproofing. The shell-style pants are uninsulated, making them versatile enough to handle any conditions from mid-winter to late spring. Speaking of spring, the Sabre pants also boast a pair of thigh vents for airflow and a soft-to-the-touch polyester backer that’s comfortable even when forgoing full-length base layer bottoms on warmer days.

from $305+ ($600)

The women’s version of the above, the Sentinel Pants are a dependable option for women looking for a resort-to-backcountry ski pant for daily wear. But at up to 49% off (depending on color), the available sizing is limited. For those looking for additional coverage, right now.

for $351 ($500)

Weighing in at three-quarters of a pound, the Arc’teryx Beta SL Jacket is a lightweight, breathable, and versatile style. With a waterproof Gore-Tex three-layer shell and a comfortable, minimalistic C-knit backer, it’s a stellar windproof style. It also offers a helmet-compatible hood, Recco rescue reflector, and ventilating pit zips. Although it’s not the most heavy-duty option in the Arc’Teryx lineup, the Beta SL is an ultra-packable rain jacket that plays double duty in moderate snow.

from $525+ ($750)

This burly ski jacket can handle in-bounds storm days, mechanized backcountry missions, and human-powered tours alike, making it ideal for serious skiers and riders. The regular-fit style incorporates thoughtful details from a helmet-compatible hood that you can cinch with one hand to pit zips for extra ventilation, an array of internal and external pockets (including a pass pocket for easy RFID use), and a Recco rescue reflector. The weatherproofing and ruggedness are also top-tier: the three-layer design utilizes a bombproof Gore-Tex material made from 70-denier nylon face fabric for ultimate protection.

Arc'teryx Sabre Index Mittens
(Photo: Courtesy of REI)

for $126 ($180)

I’m a huge fan of trigger mitts鈥攁 cross between classic gloves and mitts, or what Arc’Teryx brands here as an “Index Mitten.” These lobster-claw-like winter essentials keep your pinky, ring, and middle fingers grouped together, providing the warmth of a mitt. In contrast, your index finger and thumb are housed separately, so that you can enjoy the dexterity of a glove. The Arc’Teryx Sabre Index Mitts are ideal for cold days in the resort or backcountry, with a Gore-Tex membrane for reliable waterproofing, leather palms for durability and grip, and PrimaLoft inserts for trustworthy warmth. Plus, they’re currently 30% off.

for $126 ($180)

For those who prefer the feel of traditional mittens, or if you’re looking for maximum warmth and mainly stay in bounds, check out Arc’Teryx’s Sabre Mitts. They boast the same waterproof Gore-Tex membrane, robust insulation, and reinforced leather palms as the Sabre Index Mitts, but they offer skiers and riders the classic, toasty appeal of a standard mitt.

for $133 ($165)

If Arc’Teryx isn’t on your radar for trail running gear or footwear, consider this a PSA. Earning a coveted “top-rated” badge from REI customers, the Norvan LD 3 has an impressive score of 4.6 out of 5 stars at the time of writing. It’s also currently 19% off. Although I haven’t personally tried these out yet, I’ve been impressed after putting in some Tahoe trail mileage on the featherweight, currently sold-out .

Arc'teryx Atom Hoodie
(Photo: Courtesy of Arc’teryx)

from $205+ ($300)

I’ve never tested an Arc’Teryx mid-layer I didn’t like. Case in point? Arc’Teryx Atom Hoodie. The DWR-treated face fabric blocks wind well and moves fluidly, whether scrambling a summit ridge, touring in the backcountry, or just walking around town. The stretchy fleece side panels are cozy and breathable, and CoreLoft insulation adds warmth for maintaining body temps in cold weather. It’s practical from summer to winter鈥攁nd currently on sale for up to 30% off.

from $421+ ($600)

Get prepped for arctic adventures, mountaineering missions, and ski traverses with Arc’Teryx’s Cerium SV Down Hoody. The windproof ripstop shell is lightweight for packability and windproof and DWR-treated for moderate weather protection. However, it’s the puffy’s superior insulation that impressed me most. Arc’Teryx stuffed the baffled jacket with 1,000-fill power goose down鈥攙irtually the best warmth-to-weight ratio鈥攁nd added warm-when-wet synthetic paneling in zones where you need extra breathability. I’m a big fan of this piece, and it’s coming with me on trips to Revelstoke, BC, and Alta, Norway, this spring.

for $320 ($400)

If you need a new go-to puffy for daily adventures, check out the Arc’Teryx Cerium Hoodie. The standard Cerium design isn’t as heavy鈥攐r pricey鈥攁s the listed above. Comparatively, it’s less of an expedition-grade puffy and more of a midweight insulator for normal winter conditions, meaning it will definitely get more day-to-day use. A combo of 850-fill goose down and synthetic insulation panels provide impressive warmth, and it comes in a stuff sack for easy stashing in your touring pack.

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The 16 Best Presidents’ Day Sales on Gear We Love /outdoor-gear/clothing-apparel/best-presidents-day-sales-deals-2025/ Sun, 16 Feb 2025 21:30:05 +0000 /?p=2696521 The 16 Best Presidents' Day Sales on Gear We Love

Everything from ski jackets to swimwear is on sale this Presidents鈥 Day鈥攚ith some up to 75 percent off.

The post The 16 Best Presidents’ Day Sales on Gear We Love appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

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The 16 Best Presidents' Day Sales on Gear We Love

Presidents鈥 Day might not be as known for its deals like Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, or Labor Day are, but it鈥檚 actually an underrated time to score some savings. Whether you鈥檙e looking for discounted ski and snowboard equipment to make the most of winter, or you鈥檙e shopping for camping, surfing, or biking gear to get prepped for spring and summer, you鈥檒l find heavy discounts across gear categories this holiday weekend.

But where should you look? To help you narrow in on noteworthy bargains, our gear team parsed through hundreds of sales. Below, we鈥檝e rounded up some stand-out deals on beloved products you don鈥檛 want to miss, from , , , , and other retailers.

Updated Feb. 16: We鈥檝e added seven deals to the list, including the Oyuki Sencho Gore-Tex Gloves, Klymit LiteWater Dinghy, and Lib Tech A Lopez LT Surfboard. We also checked all links and prices.


Oyuki Sencho GORE-TEX Gloves
(Photo: Courtesy of Evo)

from $90+ ($160)

Oyuki鈥檚 best-selling Sencho Gore-Tex gloves, now up to 40% off, are emblematic of the Hokkaido-based brand鈥檚 approach to ski and snowboard essentials. An equal blend of form and function, the gloves are crafted from water-resistant leather and insulated with PrimaLoft鈥檚 tried-and-true synthetic insulation and non-slip grip. Everything from the stitching to the embossed emblem is oozing with style, while the slim cuffs fit in any jacket, and the low-profile silhouette provides impressive dexterity in low temps.

for $140 ($200)

At under 3 pounds, this inflatable dinghy isn鈥檛 exactly ocean-worthy or ready for heavy rapids. But it is petite and packable, making it a fun addition on backpacking trips. We鈥檝e used it to access islands in the middle of alpine lakes, fish backwoods ponds, and float lazy rivers. REI has also knocked 30% off at the moment, so the LiteWater Dinghy is a little lighter on the wallet this week.

for $2,150 ($3,599)

Since Singletrack season will be here sooner than later, get ready with Competitive Cyclist鈥檚 Presidents鈥 Day sale with up to 50% off. As part of the major deals event, you can save $1,449 on . With an aluminum frame, WTB aluminum wheels, 120mm of VPP suspension, and a dropper seatpost, this short-travel trail bike is an especially great value for entry-level riders at 40% off.听 鈥嬧

Season Pass Splitboard
(Photo: Courtesy of Evo)

for $559 ($799)

A split spin-off of Season鈥檚 popular Nexus snowboard, the is a medium-stiff, directional, floaty, backcountry quiver-killer. Thanks to poppy camber underfoot and minimal taper, it has some freestyle chops, while the elongated nose floats like a dream on the deepest of days. Normally, the Pass is a solid choice for any backcountry-bound bargain hunter, as it comes with pre-cut skins (often a $150+ add-on). Now, Evo鈥檚 selling split and skins for $559, an impressive deal, according to our test team.

for $810 ($950)

It鈥檚 rare you鈥檒l find Lib Tech surfboards on sale, especially online. These quality surfboards are made in the USA and showcase Lib Tech鈥檚 pioneering, remarkably durable, and eco-friendly construction. They鈥檙e a go-to for carving connoisseurs who love to chase remote waves and hate broken boards. And for a limited time, you can find several Lib shapes on sale at Evo, including collaborations with storied shapers like , as well as the best-selling .

for $540 ($1,000)

Sammy Carlson鈥檚 is on sale for $540, which means you can score these floaty freestyle-ready sticks for 46% off right now. Between the 121-millimeter waist and beveled, rockered tip and tail, these Whitewalkers are surfy, slashy, and buoyant as can be. If you鈥檙e planning a trip to Japan, British Columbia, or another powder-prone locale, these belong on your packing list.

from $75+ ($140)

The are just like regular mitts, except the pinky is free. Why? So you can throw the shaka鈥攄uh. A great gift for the snowboarder or skier who likes to treat the mountain like a surf break, these Oyukis are hands down the most fun-loving mitts on the market. But they鈥檙e also all about quality and warmth, especially for stormy shred days. The PrimaLoft-stuffed, lightweight, water-resistant leather mitts come in five sizes with a non-slip grip, for optimal control when you need it.

Stio Men鈥檚 Figment Jacket
(Photo: Courtesy of Stio)

for $349 ($499)

is on now, with outerwear up to 40% off. It’s is a highlight of the Jackson-based brand鈥檚 ski line, and you can currently save $150 on this piece. And if Mother Nature does hit you with a barrage of powder on the hill鈥攖he Figment can hang. The jacket is a consummate crusher in any weather thanks to Stio鈥檚 tester-approved, highly waterproof PeakProof membrane and hard-wearing face fabric. It also gets some style points, too!

from $17+ ($75)

Patagonia’s Winter Sale is still happening, but some of its warm-weather clothing is also discounted at Backcountry. If you鈥檙e gearing up for a tropical surf trip or some local water activities, have you covered鈥攍iterally. The fabric is a lightweight yet stretchy blend of durable polyester and spandex that鈥檚 water-resistant and moisture-wicking. We’ve tested and recommended them a number of times in the past few years. Plus, they’re super comfortable all day long with a fused waistband and back pocket. Certain sizes and styles are currently slashed by up to 75%.

from $314+ ($449)

Backcountry鈥檚 in-house brand is often our go-to recommendation when skiers and boarders are looking for Gore-Tex outerwear at a relatively reasonable price. That鈥檚 especially true now, as the is now up to 30% off. This technical shell has a freeride-friendly fit and is available in three colors. It鈥檚 also designed with a waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex two-layer construction with a rugged, recycled face fabric, and all the pockets and accouterments a resort ripper could want.

Backcountry Cottonwoods Women's Gore-Tex Pants
(Photo: Courtesy of Backcountry)

for $239 ($399)

Mismatching outerwear is so 2017. Get the whole ensemble with these Backcountry . They鈥檙e crafted from the same tough, weatherproof, Gore-Tex two-layer alpine armor as the , offering stellar protection on powder days. They also have an articulated fit for an unimpeded range of motion and a drop seat for stress-free bathroom breaks in the lodge (or in the backcountry).

for $185 ($231)

If you like to go fast鈥攁nd save money while doing it鈥擮akley鈥檚 RSLV sunnies are worth ogling. (Oakley often makes some of our favorite sunglasses.) Currently on sale for 20% off, these sport-friendly shades were designed to maximize coverage as well as your peripheral view. The wrapping lenses also have Oakley鈥檚 Prizm technology, created to enhance colors and contrast, helping wearers see more details. We particularly like the grippy contact points at the nose and ears for a reliable, secure fit, no matter if you鈥檙e railing singletrack or hop-turning down a technical couloir.

for $335 ($415)

We鈥檝e said it once, we鈥檝e said it a thousand times: we鈥檙e big fans of 笔补迟补驳辞苍颈补鈥檚 Black Hole line around here. This, in particular, is 笔补迟补驳辞苍颈补鈥檚 biggest wheeled . It has the same adventure-ready, weather-resistant, TPU-laminated polyester ripstop as the standard duffels, but it鈥檚 less back-breaking in transit thanks to large, smooth-rolling wheels and a strong, telescoping handle set into an internal frame. If you鈥檙e a world traveler who appreciates both portability and durability, this roller gives you the best of both worlds.

Oakley Line Miner
(Oakley Line Minder Snow Goggles, Photo: Courtesy of Oakley)

for $68 ($136)

If you want to save money on ski goggles, opt for a cylindrical lens (they鈥檙e cheaper than their more complicated and curved spherical or toric counterparts). You can also keep the price tag more palatable if you avoid goggles that have interchangeable lens systems. Although the doesn鈥檛 come with a spare lens, and there鈥檚 no quick-and-easy interchangeable lens technology at play, the lenses are replaceable (but you wouldn鈥檛 want to do it on the lift.) These Oakleys are some of the . They’re simple, stylish, and still offer top-notch optics on the slopes thanks to contrast-augmenting Prizm lens technology. Now slashed down to $68, they’re an absolute bargain.

for $30 ($70)鈥擶ith Code TREATYOURSELF

If you could use a new pair of sandals, there鈥檚 no better time to treat yourself to a pair of Chacos (We’ve written an entire article about them.) Use the code TREATYOURSELF to nab an extra 20% off at checkout. That code brings these already on-sale to more than half off. They鈥檙e almost half the weight of most of Chaco鈥檚 standard sandal options, too, making them a great pick for travelers who appreciate lighter, more streamlined footwear.

for $120 ($275)

If you need XL goggles鈥攁nd want an XL discount鈥攖hese frames have your name on 鈥榚m. This is an oversized iteration of Smith鈥檚 cult-classic, spherical I/O, which is consistently rated as one of the best goggles on the market, and you can save $125 off retail right now. Each goggle has an easy and secure lens interchangeability system that combines magnets and locking mechanisms and comes with both a low-light and sunny lens. Of course, those lenses boast Smith鈥檚 clarity-boosting, lightwave-filtering ChromaPop technology for excellent optics on the hill.

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The 9 Best Gear Deals at Patagonia’s Winter Sale /outdoor-gear/clothing-apparel/patagonia-winter-sale-gear-deals-2025/ Sat, 08 Feb 2025 15:00:56 +0000 /?p=2695675 The 9 Best Gear Deals at Patagonia's Winter Sale

Our favorite tester-approved duffels, jackets, and gear are up to 50 percent off

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The 9 Best Gear Deals at Patagonia's Winter Sale

笔补迟补驳辞苍颈补鈥檚 reputation precedes itself. In addition to a storied social and environmental ethos, the outfitter is renowned for its premium, well-designed apparel and outdoor equipment. Unfortunately for gear enthusiasts on a budget, that high-quality product usually comes with a high price tag. The operative word here is 鈥渦sually.鈥 笔补迟补驳辞苍颈补鈥檚 currently offloading last season鈥檚 styles for up to 50% off.

Our gear team sifted through hundreds of deals to find these tester-approved Patagonia offerings that we highly recommend. In particular, we focused on winter gear and apparel, seeing as ski and snowboard season is currently in full swing. However, there鈥檚 something for everyone, from practical packing cubes to stylish sling packs. Check out the gear below, and if you don鈥檛 find what you鈥檙e looking for, you can .

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside.听Learn more.


Patagonia Black Hole Duffel
(Photo: Courtesy of Patagonia)

for $118 ($169)

笔补迟补驳辞苍颈补鈥檚 are trusted by everyone from expedition skiers and climbers to grom-wrangling parents. The luggage line owes its popularity to the brawny, weather-resistant, TPU-coated fabric, not to mention capacious main compartments, smart organizational touches, and a multitude of carry options. We鈥檝e actually awarded this 55-liter version 鈥渂est overall鈥 honors in our annual luggage test, but you can鈥檛 go wrong with any Patagonia piece that bears the .

for $349 ($499)

Even at full price, the is a damn good deal. Why? It comes with a lightweight, insulated liner jacket that zips out of a separate waterproof and breathable shell. The liner features 60g of warm-when-wet synthetic insulation, and it can be worn solo in the mountains or around town. You can also rock the shell as a standalone outer layer on warmer ski days. When zipped together, the sum is greater than the parts, and the 3-in-1 Powder Town thrives as a warm and weatherproof ski jacket that鈥檚 an absolute steal at 30% off right now.

for $384 ($549)

If you typically run cold on the hill, adding 笔补迟补驳辞苍颈补鈥檚 to your winter wardrobe is a smart play. Stuffed with synthetic, recycled polyester insulation, the Insulated Storm Shift is 笔补迟补驳辞苍颈补鈥檚 warmest ski jacket. More specifically, the Storm Shift features 60g insulation in zones like the sleeves and hood for mobility, while heavier 100g in the torso provides the core with extra warmth. Essentially, this mapped insulation allows skiers to stay toasty without sacrificing any valuable range of motion. Not only that, but the coat boasts a two-layer Gore-Tex shell fabric, supplying top-tier waterproofing for snowy storm days.

Patagonia Men's R1 TechFace
(Photo: Courtesy of Patagonia)

for $164 ($329)

The ticks all the boxes we鈥檙e looking for in an insulator. The shell fabric is a lightweight, packable, windproof, DWR-treated nylon sourced from recycled fishing nets, and the baffles are generously stuffed with 800-fill down that鈥檚 responsibly sourced, according to the brand. Factor in a cozy adjustable hood and a well-designed array of pockets (including an interior chest pocket that doubles as a stuff sack), and this hoodie isn鈥檛 just a stylish winter puffy鈥搃t鈥檚 a reliable, utilitarian year-round essential.

for $69 ($139)

We mentioned earlier how you can鈥檛 go wrong with 笔补迟补驳辞苍颈补鈥檚 Black Hole line, and the outfitter鈥檚 cult-classic is similarly stellar. A technical thermal layer that鈥檚 perfect for layering over a light base layer T-shirt or long-sleeve, the provides extra warmth during chilly adventures. We love the pullover silhouette and the useful zippered chest pocket as well as the Polartec Power Grid fabric鈥檚 feel. This material is crafted from a recycled polyester and spandex blend, providing breathability as well as a stretchy fit. Not to mention, we love that it鈥檚 over 50% off right now.

for $131 ($219)

Our backcountry ski and splitboard testers are big fans of the TechFace rendition of 笔补迟补驳辞苍颈补鈥檚 R1. The breathable double-weave fabric (another polyester and spandex blend) feels soft and warm to the touch without trapping heat in, keeping things comfortable even if you鈥檙e rocking a T-shirt underneath and sweating up a storm. The exterior, though, is what makes this one of the most versatile midlayers in the R1 line: it鈥檚 purposefully smooth, durable, and treated with a DWR finish, allowing the aptly named TechFace to double as a softshell outer layer that withstands mild weather and howling winds.

Patagonia Black Hole Cube 3L
(Photo: Courtesy of Patagonia)

for $27 ($39)

Another major highlight from the Black Hole line, 笔补迟补驳辞苍颈补鈥檚 Cube packing cubes are a gamechanger for messy packers. The Cubes come in three sizes (, , and ), all of which are crafted from tough, travel-ready polyester ripstop with a TPU-film laminate for extra weather and abrasion resistance.

The Cube 3L is basically an over-built dopp kit that鈥檒l last forever. We鈥檝e mainly used the 3L for toiletries or electronics while traveling, but we鈥檝e also deployed this smaller size as a makeshift hip belt pocket while on a splitboard expedition in the Arctic Circle, threading backpack hip straps through the Cube鈥檚 external daisy chain loops. Long story short, this compact organizer is bomber and practical, and we can鈥檛 recommend it more highly. But a little extra advice: Mix and match sizes to build a kit that meets your needs.

for $45 ($65)

Unlike the Cube 3L, which is the smallest size option, the is the largest style. This supersized version sports a clamshell design and mesh dividers separating the two main compartments. You鈥檇 be surprised just how much you can stuff in these sizable packing cubes. We typically utilize this capacity for organizing shirts, pants, gloves, goggles, outerwear, and so forth.

for $45 ($65)

A sporty version of the increasingly popular cross-body sling pack, 笔补迟补驳辞苍颈补鈥檚 is a pragmatic, unisex accessory that any traveler will dig. Thanks to the comfortable padding and asymmetrical strap, the sling pack can handle all-day adventures and international travel. The main compartment features dual zippered pockets, facilitating on-the-go organization, and a front pocket incorporated into the shoulder strap is ideal for stashing anything from your phone to chapstick. While the packable volume is only eight liters, a pair of buckling straps multiply hauling potential, accommodating yoga mats, rain jackets, travel towels, and more. Whether we鈥檙e hopping on an international flight or grabbing a bite on a mountain town main street, chances are this Patagonia pack will come in handy.

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10 Favorite Last-Minute Deals On Gear From Steep & Cheap /outdoor-gear/clothing-apparel/steep-cheap-last-minute-holiday-sale/ Fri, 20 Dec 2024 14:42:06 +0000 /?p=2692327 10 Favorite Last-Minute Deals On Gear From Steep & Cheap

Last-minute holiday shopping? Steep and Cheap has you covered with its 12 Days of Cheapmas sale

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10 Favorite Last-Minute Deals On Gear From Steep & Cheap

There are certain stores that bargain hunters swear by. Costco, for instance, has an army of card-carrying loyalists, patrons who adore the bulk discounts, juicy rotisserie chickens, and inflation-proof, buck-fifty hot dogs. Steep and Cheap, we鈥檇 argue, has a similar allure for the penny-pinching ski bum or backpacker on a budget.

While Steep and Cheap is usually a go-to for bargain-hunting gearheads, that鈥檚 especially true now. The site is in the middle of its 鈥12 Days of Cheapness鈥 sale鈥攁 pre-holiday event full of half-off (and deeper) discounts. Whether you鈥檙e banging out last-minute holiday shopping or browsing for a bargain that might catch your eye, this sale is worth checking out. To help you navigate the holiday madness, we sifted through the deals to find 10 steals too sweet to pass up.

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside.听Learn more.


Granite Gear Blaze 60L Backpack
(Photo: Courtesy of Steep and Cheap)

from $165 ($300)

Engineering a lightweight backpack that can handle a heavy load is tricky, but Granite Gear does it well. The Blaze 60 is an award-winning pack that comes in at a cool three pounds (size regular) thanks to lightweight material choices like thin compression straps, small buckles, and a durable yet minimalistic 100-denier nylon fabric. The Blaze also has a removable lid鈥攁n added bonus for gram counters. But most impressively, the bag’s cush back panel, lightweight yet stout frame, and suspension system can handle maxed-out loads like a champ. At up to 45% off, this is a slam-dunk gift (or a sweet addition to your own backpacking kit).

from $90 ($225)

We did a double take when we saw the Foray II on sale for up to 60% off. A regular top pick from 国产吃瓜黑料‘s gear team, this jacket has reliable weatherproofing from Gore-Tex Paclite fabric and best-in-class ventilation thanks to Outdoor Research鈥檚 proprietary hip-to-pit zips. We鈥檝e tested this best-selling jacket on mountaineering trips, backpacking missions, rainy fly-fishing adventures, you name it. It鈥檚 notably versatile and, for the price, the best rain protection you can get鈥攁nd that鈥檚 before Steep and Cheap slashed the price.

from $132 ($245)

If you鈥檙e holiday shopping for a skier or snowboarder, here鈥檚 a pro tip: get them goggles. Even if they have multiple pairs at home, goggles are easy to scratch or lose, so adding another to the stockpile is always welcome. A more likely scenario? Their goggles are already thrashed, and a solid pair of gogs like these Smith Squad Mags will be a major come-up for their winter kit.

Why the Squad Mags? The cylindrical style of the lens is classic, looks sharp, and fits well with a variety of helmets. It鈥檚 also cheaper than Smith鈥檚 more complex lens shapes, like the . Last but not least, we love both Smith鈥檚 lens interchangeability system and the ChromaPop lenses themselves. All told, these goggles are high-quality and perform well in the high alpine.

Nemo Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair
(Photo: Courtesy of Steep and Cheap)

from $187 ($300)

NEMO鈥檚 Stargaze, a perpetual darling camp chair of 国产吃瓜黑料 staff, is an easy-to-erect mishmash of your favorite collapsible camp chair, granny鈥檚 rocker, and dad鈥檚 hammock. A low-slung seat hangs between two stable poles, allowing the camp chair to rock and recline. Paired with a cooler, stump, boulder, or another au natural footrest, the Stargaze is hard to beat when it comes to fireside comfort. It can be a pricey camp accouterment, but right now, it’s slashed for up to 25% off.

from $47 ($95)

Sometimes (most times), a funky fleece is the perfect gift. Instead of a potentially boring solid black, Kavu鈥檚 Teannaway Fleece Jacket is as loud as it gets. Available in psychedelic prints and retro squiggle patterns, the Teannaway looks debonair from trail to tavern and is always game for a good time. Kavu made sure the fleece isn鈥檛 lacking in the comfort department, either鈥攖he polar fleece is plush, thick, cozy, and warm. For cool afternoons at the crag, s鈥檓ore binges, and more, this cozy gift is always a hit.

for $347 ($630)

We鈥檝e been reporting on Rab鈥檚 insulation expertise for years now. The British outfitter鈥檚 puffies and sleeping bags are almost always, as our friends across the pond say, 鈥渕int.鈥 The Mythic series is no exception, and the Ultra 180 sleeping bag is stuffed with premium 900-fill goose down. This impressively lofty down鈥攁long with a 7-denier ripstop fabric and a slender silhouette鈥攌eeps the weight of this 32-degree bag at just over a pound and a quarter. If you鈥檙e a sleeping bag nerd, you already know that鈥檚 as light as it gets. And even if you鈥檙e not a sleeping bag nerd, you know that 45% off is a smokin鈥 deal.

All Around 105L Duffel
(Photo: Courtesy of Steep and Cheap)

for $80 ($160)

If you鈥檙e looking for solid gear at a reasonable price, Backcountry鈥檚 in-house brand is always worth a gander. This massive, 105-liter All Around Duffel is fairly affordable from the jump and is currently half off. It鈥檚 also crafted from a rugged, 300-denier polyester PVC fabric that can handle everything from air travel to donkeys, yaks, and more esoteric (and hard-wearing) modes of transportation. There鈥檚 more to love, too: zippered organizer compartments, a waterproof pocket for stashing wet duds, and multiple carry options (grab handles, duffel straps, and padded backpack-style harness).

for $182 ($260)

MSR鈥檚 Honcho Poncho Down is a hybrid between your favorite puffy jacket and a classic poncho. It鈥檚 somewhat ironic, isn鈥檛 it? Pairing a technical 20-denier, DWR-treated nylon and 650-fill, hydrophobic down with a completely non-technical poncho cut. But it just works. The Honcho Poncho Down is ridiculously comfortable and super cozy to wear around camp. This is the kind of gift that gets unwrapped with a chuckle, but quickly turns into a piece they won鈥檛 adventure without.

for $33 ($55)

Affordable polarized shades are tough to come by, but Suncloud鈥檚 sunnies typically retail for a more-than-reasonable 55 bucks. These Milestone sunglasses, however, are currently on sale for 40% off. Clocking in at sub-$35, these are a radical stocking stuffer. If there鈥檚 anyone on your list who might dig the fast-looking matte white frames and polarized, reflective blue lenses, this is a score worth scooping up.

from $60 ($120)

When it comes to base layers, merino is the way to go. The natural fiber is soft, comfortable, has anti-stink properties, wicks moisture well, and offers an unbeatable warmth-to-weight ratio. And when it comes to merino base layers, Smartwool puts out some of the best in the business. Case in point: this Classic Thermal Merino quarter-zip top. We love the weight of the 100% merino fabric, which comes in at 250 grams per square meter鈥攖he sweet spot for cold days in the mountains. The quarter-zip style, as well as the natural moisture-management properties of merino, helps dump heat during high-output activity. Speaking of high activity, we expect these layers to fly off Steep and Cheap鈥檚 shelves, as they鈥檙e now up to 50% off.

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Last-Minute Holiday Shopping? REI鈥檚 Got You Covered with 13 Great Gear Deals. /outdoor-gear/clothing-apparel/rei-last-minute-sale/ Fri, 13 Dec 2024 18:02:59 +0000 /?p=2691807 Last-Minute Holiday Shopping? REI鈥檚 Got You Covered with 13 Great Gear Deals.

REI鈥檚 Last-Minute Sale is a gift for holiday shoppers, with savings up to 75 percent off

The post Last-Minute Holiday Shopping? REI鈥檚 Got You Covered with 13 Great Gear Deals. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

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Last-Minute Holiday Shopping? REI鈥檚 Got You Covered with 13 Great Gear Deals.

Did you forget to get your holiday shopping done on Cyber Monday? Or maybe you missed Black Friday because you had to #optoutside? Don鈥檛 worry鈥擱EI鈥檚 got you covered with an epic . We picked through hundreds of deals and discounts to find 13 of our favorite pieces of gear, all on sale for 20 to 75% off.

Our advice? Don鈥檛 sleep too long on this one. Standard shipping from REI can take five to seven business days, so while you鈥檝e got plenty of time before the holidays, it鈥檚 best not to press your luck.

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside.听Learn more.


REI Co-op Multi Towel Lite
(Photo: Courtesy REI)

for $9 ($38)

A high-quality camp towel鈥攍ike this highly discounted option from REI鈥攃omes in handy year-round. We鈥檒l use this lightweight-yet-absorbent towel for everything from summer swimming hole sessions to winter polar plunges, and we love the plush, soft-to-the-touch feel of the microfiber fabric. The towel also has a snapping loop to hang dry on the go. Oh yeah鈥攁nd did we mention it鈥檚 currently 75% off? That鈥檚 basically free in gearhead math.

for $47 ($95)

A keystone of any outdoorsy gentleperson’s wardrobe, the flannel is renowned for its comfort, warmth, and most importantly, lumberjack oeuvre. Flylow takes the classic recipe a step further with this midweight, quick-drying polyester flannel that鈥檚 tuned to the needs of mountain bikers. Whether you rock this on the singletrack or at the apr猫s function, the Handlebar is bound for heavy use. Even better, it鈥檚 currently discounted by 50%.

for $15 ($20)

There鈥檚 no better time to stock up on survival essentials from SOL鈥攖hey鈥檙e all 25% off this week at REI. Whether you鈥檙e embarking on a marathon of a trail run or backcountry skiing, it鈥檚 a smart idea to venture into the wilderness with an emergency bivvy. This SOL bivvy, in particular, is lightweight, affordable, and comes with an emergency whistle and tinder cord鈥攖wo extras that could be literal life-savers.

Sea to Summit Ascent 15F Sleeping Bag
(Photo: Courtesy REI)

for $352 ($469)

One of the comfiest sleeping bags we鈥檝e ever tested, Sea To Summit鈥檚 Ascent 15F is a winner for a few reasons. Thanks to its 750-fill goose-down insulation, the sleeping bag is light enough to pack on backpacking adventures. But what sets this sleeping bag apart from the competition is the zipper configuration. The Ascent features a zippered footbox and dual zippers at the shoulders, enabling campers to wear the bag as a full-body poncho at camp. Those dual zippers also allow hot sleepers to filet the bag open on warmer nights. Factor in the roomy width, and the Ascent has little in common with run-of-the-mill mummy bags (and we mean that as a compliment). Last but not least, this dreamy sleeping bag is currently on sale for up to 25% off, so don鈥檛 sleep on this sale.

for $174 ($249)

If you鈥檙e on the hunt for a capable down hoodie at a reasonable price, REI鈥檚 Magma series is worth considering鈥攁nd that鈥檚 before the Co-op slashes 30% off this week. Stuffed with high-quality, lofty, and lightweight 850-fill goose down, the Magma has an impressive warmth-to-weight ratio. It also boasts zippered hand pockets, packs down into the chest pocket, and has a cinchable, cozy hood that鈥檚 ready for whatever winter throws at you. We鈥檙e especially digging the two-tone gray option鈥攊t鈥檚 a subtle, stylish spin on a classic piece of any outdoor enthusiast鈥檚 winter wardrobe. If you鈥檙e holiday shopping for a skier, snowboarder, mountaineer, ice climber鈥攐r anyone who enjoys recreating in sub-freezing temps鈥攖his insulator is right on the money.

for $344 ($430)

Naming a bib after Mt. Baker鈥攐ne of the most precip-prone locales on the planet鈥攊s a bold choice, but this Flylow outerwear walks the walk. The fabric is a beefy, hard-wearing three-layer polyester with an Intuitive membrane that scores a 20K/20K waterproof and breathable rating. (Translation: this bib can hang, no matter how deep the storm totals.) Flylow specializes in crafting products for folks like ski patrollers who are hard on gear and always increases durability in high-friction zones. In this case, Flylow bolstered the cuffs and knees of these already burly bibs with even tougher 1000-denier paneling. Built to last and currently on sale for 20% off, these bibs are a welcome addition to any powder-chaser鈥檚 kit.

Matador Globerider45 Travel Pack
(Photo: Courtesy REI)

for $262 ($350)

Travel backpacks are typically well-organized and sleek. Trail-ready packs, on the other hand, tend to feature better load suspension and more comfortable carry systems. Matador鈥檚 Globerider series offers backpackers, digital nomads, and wanderlust-struck travelers the best of both worlds鈥攕o you can take on the world on your terms. Along with a trail-ready harness and padded straps, the Globerider has exceptionally well-thought-out organizational features like a hidden passport pocket, compartmentalized storage zones, and an easy-access clamshell opening. Not to mention, the 45-liter size is the maximum limit for carry-ons on most airlines.

for $22 ($30)

We love a Buff鈥攅specially one that鈥檚 stitched from warm-yet-wicking anti-stink merino. Light enough to rock on summer hikes and welcome neck and face protection on powder days, these neck gaiters are as versatile as they come. Merino isn鈥檛 cheap, though鈥攁t least not usually. This week, you can stock up on merino neck tubes and other Buff stuff for 28% off.

for $240 ($300)

If you鈥檝e been looking for a good excuse to become an REI member, many of these last-minute sales (and REI sales in general) are exclusively available to card-carrying co-op customers. Case in point? REI members can score 20% off one full-price Yeti item like the LoadOut GoBox 60 Gear Case. Our testers love this gear storage solution. It鈥檚 durable as hell (a hallmark of Yeti gear), has a divider and removable caddy for organizational options, and the lid boasts integrated pockets for stashing easy-to-lose gear. Our primary complaint? The cost鈥攚hich is now slashed by 20%.

Leatherman Wave Plus Multi-Tool
(Photo: Courtesy REI)

for $96 ($120)

A toolbox that fits in your pocket, Leatherman鈥檚 18-tool Wave Plus is currently available for 20% off at REI right now. The nifty implement has multiple blades, including a razor-sharp standard blade, a serrated option, and a bough-slicing saw. The compact workhorse also offers everything from needle-nose pliers and a file to scissors and a screwdriver (with multiple bits). All tools considered, this recently updated, customer-beloved multi-tool comes in handy at home, on the road, and on the trail.

for $34 ($45)

Turtle Fur鈥檚 Damon Hat has everything we鈥檙e looking for in a winter beanie. Style? Check. Comfort? Check. Warmth? Check. Double-digit discount? Double check! We love the softness of the lambswool and nylon blend, the fleece lining that鈥檚 ready for frosty mornings and dusk ski tours, and the overall vibe of the knit pattern. The 25% discount doesn鈥檛 hurt, either.

for $22 ($32)

Slow Loris鈥 t-shirts are by no means hardcore outdoor gear, but they鈥檙e worth highlighting here for a few reasons. First off, they鈥檙e crafted from 100% cotton, preshrunk, and incredibly comfortable. Secondly, the graphics are artistic and unique without being kitschy or overwhelmingly childlike鈥攁 rarity in the outdoor world. And last but not least, they鈥檙e on sale for 30% off. If you鈥檙e looking for a gift that your loved one will wear week in, week out鈥攐r you鈥檙e just updating your own daily wardrobe鈥攖hese tees are a smart play.

for $195 ($275)

REI engineered its Stormhenge collection for no-holds-barred winter weather. Available in both , these storm-worthy styles pair mapped insulation with a waterproof and breathable hard-shell fabric. More specifically, REI utilized lofty, DWR-treated 850-fill goose down to keep the core warm, and warm-when-wet synthetic polyester insulation in high-heat zones like the side panels. REI鈥檚 in-house two-layer nylon shell provides solid waterproofing while keeping the price tag low. Factor in features like ventilating pit zips and a plethora of well-designed pockets and the Stormhenge collection offers winter-lover鈥檚 excellent bang for buck. Our advice? Snag a parka for a comfortable, cozy, around-town companion, or go with a standard ski jacket to rock it on the slopes.

The post Last-Minute Holiday Shopping? REI鈥檚 Got You Covered with 13 Great Gear Deals. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

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The Best Cyber Monday Sales On Gear We Love /outdoor-gear/clothing-apparel/black-friday-cyber-monday-sales/ Wed, 27 Nov 2024 18:16:20 +0000 /?p=2690076 The Best Cyber Monday Sales On Gear We Love

From pizza ovens to hiking boots, these 26 tester-approved Cyber Monday gear deals have you covered

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The Best Cyber Monday Sales On Gear We Love

Cyber Monday is like a slot canyon鈥攊t’s much easier to navigate when you have a map. To help you plot a course through a massive maze of Cyber Monday sales, our gear team has sifted through thousands of deals to bring you 26 pieces of gear that are always a hit and currently on sale. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, scouting for holiday gifts, or just browsing for new bargains after Black Friday, check out some of our favorites below.

Updated Dec. 2: We鈥檝e added even more deals to the list for Cyber Monday. We also checked all links and updated prices.

Updated Nov. 29: We鈥檝e added deals to the list, including the Roll Recovery R8 Deep Tissue Massage Tool and Icebreaker Men’s Merino 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe Thermal Top. We also checked all links and updated prices.

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside.听Learn more.


Oyuki Pep GORE-TEX Trigger Mitts
(Photo: Courtesy of Evo)

for $127 ($170)

Oyuki’s are a glove-meets-mitten hybrid: the thumb and index finger are individually housed for on-the-hill dexterity while the pinky through middle finger are grouped in a mitten-like cluster for warmth. Crafted by one of our favorite glove companies (seriously, we’ve been fans of Oyuki, and these Pep Trigger mitts, for years), these particular trigger mitts are designed for deep days in Japan and co-signed by Utah pro skier Pep Fujas. They have high-quality, durable leatherwork, a Gore-Tex membrane for waterproofing, and PrimaLoft insulation for coziness in the cold. And most importantly, they’re now heavily discounted at Evo.

for $269 ($449)

We’re big fans of Gore-Tex outerwear on and off the slopes鈥攖he waterproof and breathable membrane sets the standard for ski gear. Thanks to Backcountry’s in-house branding, the stylish, feature-rich, resort-ready Cottonwoods jackets and bibs are always relatively affordable for Gore-Tex-equipped outerwear. However, those reasonable prices are currently slashed by 40%, entering extreme bargain territory. Our advice? If you’re looking for high-end weatherproofing at a lower cost, consider a Cottonwoods kit (available in both ).

for $550 ($835)

What do your backyard, favorite campground, and local ski resort parking lot have in common? They’re all significantly upgraded with a portable pizza oven. Solo Stove’s has everything you need to start slanging ‘za like a pro. We’re big fans of being able to choose between using the wood burner for that classic wood-fired taste or the included propane attachment for quick, effortless heating.

Now, here are a couple of things to point out: includes a stable stand that belongs in the backyard鈥搃t’s too bulky to travel with, in our opinion. However, we’ve set up the Pi on , no problem. Also, the stove is not featherweight: it comes with a beefy cordierite pizza stone, weighs 30.5 pounds, and has a diameter of 20.5 inches. If you’ve got a truck, van, or spacious SUV, packing the Pi on a car camping trip is doable. If you’re at the helm of a hatchback, you may want to leave the Pi on the porch or reserve it for day trips.

That said, we’re continuously amazed by how delicious the pizza is鈥攁nd how much fun the process is for the whole family. A highlight from our testing experience was a pizza party in the lot of Palisades Tahoe this past spring, stoking out a crew of 15 shredders with a post-ski, make-your-own pie party. As far as apr猫s goes, that right there is hard to beat.

BioLite Charge 100 Max
(Photo: Courtesy of BioLite)

for $112 ($150)

BioLite’s new is exactly what we want in a portable power bank. It’s small enough to fit in a carry-on, light enough to come in handy charging camera gear on human-powered adventures (1.3 pounds), and powerful enough that it can charge your laptop鈥攖wice. The 100W power bank is also quick to charge (1.5 hours via USB-C), which comes in clutch on short layovers. Plus, it can charge up to five devices simultaneously thanks to four USB outputs (two USB-C PD, one standard USB-C, and one USB-A) and a wireless pad. If you hate running out of juice on the road鈥攁nd love saving money on Cyber Monday鈥攖he is on sale for the first time ever right now.

for $41 ($55)

When you’ve tested as many ski and snowboard boots as we have, a sad truth comes to light: most stock insoles are better off in the bin than in your boots. Of course, the best way to get a solid boot fit is to see a professional boot fitter at your local ski shop鈥攖hey’ll help customize insoles, liners, and even your boot shell to the anatomy of your foot. But that process can be time-consuming and expensive, and if you’re looking for a cheaper, quicker way to better your boot fit, an aftermarket insole is a smart play. In particular, these are much more technologically advanced, supportive, and warmer than run-of-the-mill stock insoles. They have a thermally efficient liner, shock-absorbing foam, and a deep, supportive heel cup reinforced with a carbon-fiber frame. Plus, they’re currently on sale for 25% off鈥攁 discount that extends across Superfeet’s entire line of insoles.

for $408 ($480)

Ski season is here, and there’s no better way to capture memories on the mountain, in my opinion, than with the听.听This discounted comes with the Ultra Wide Lens Mod鈥攁 snap-on lens adaptor that amplifies the GoPro’s frame of view. GoPro has a that are also on sale this Cyber Monday, but this setup is especially well-suited for filming POV skiing and snowboarding since the perspective is super wide. While the scope isn’t as all-encompassing as 360 action cameras, we find the imagery crisper and less distorted.

Salomon OUTPULSE MID GORE-TEX
(Photo: Courtesy of Salomon)

for $66 ($165)

If you’re looking for a lightweight hiking boot that’s heavily on sale, check out , as the women’s version is 66% off right now for Cyber Monday. A mid-cut silhouette offers hikers moderate ankle support without trail weight skyrocketing. The grippy, lugged Contragrip outsoles provide traction on and off trail, and Gore-Tex-lined uppers defend against precipitation while still letting the feet breathe on warmer days and longer hikes. These kicks are affordable and adventure-ready for both day hikes and longer backpacking missions.

for $99 ($172)

We all like to think of pickup trucks and mountain bikes as tough, durable, and ready for anything. But if you toss your beloved bike in your truck bed without a tailgate pad, scratched paint鈥攁nd worse鈥攁re real possibilities. Protect your rig(s) with Race Face’s generously cushioned, abrasion-resistant . Straps secure the pad in place, while more hook-and-loop straps and precisely positioned blocks help keep bike frames and forks from unwanted jostling鈥攏o matter how bumpy the 4×4 road is.

for $75 ($100)

Evo’s is aptly named鈥攊t’s incredibly spacious and practical. Our luggage test team just named this Evo essential our favorite gear tote of the year, namely for the bombproof build, simple yet practical pocket configuration, and overall capacity. The technical, tarp-lined tote is useful year-round, whether you’re hauling ski and snowboard boots to the hill, packing it with muddy mountain bike gear, or organizing camping equipment. Hell, you can even use it for everyday grocery shopping. It’s also not too expensive鈥攖here are similar bags out there that are three times the price鈥攁nd it’s even cheaper now, on sale for 25% off at Evo.

Sea to Summit Telos Freestanding Ultralight Tent
(Photo: Courtesy of Sea to Summit)

for $300 ($599)

Lightweight backpacking tents are a dime a dozen. However, Sea to Summit’s award-winning is in a league of its own. Its ingenious design has a novel pole configuration that provides more vertical space (which is always extremely valuable real estate). The packed tent splits into three included stuff sacks to help backpacking duos share the load. Most notably, though, the Telos can be pitched in multiple ways. You can pitch the mesh tent solo for breathability on warm nights or ditch the tent and trek with just the rainfly on ultralight missions. We especially dig how the solo rainfly setup can be tilted up into “Hangout Mode,” providing campers with a cambered, awning-like shade perfect for sunny beach hangs or drizzly lunch breaks. Plus, it’s now half-off, thanks to Sea to Summit’s Cyber Monday sale.

for $200 ($250)

Let’s start by saying there is a time and a place for Bluetooth speakers鈥攁nd that place is never on the trail. But if you’re jamming in the backyard, on a remote river float, or at a dispersed campsite with no neighbors in earshot, Everboom’s Wireless Bluetooth speaker is rad. It boasts 20 hours of battery life, and the sound quality is surprisingly solid relative to its compact construction (about the size of a large burrito). Outdoor audiophiles can even tweak EQ settings using the Ultimate Ears app. But the biggest draw here (apart from the Cyber Monday discount) is that the Everboom is ready to rock in the elements. It’s waterproof and durable, has a carabiner-accommodating loop, and, best of all, floats.

for $200 ($250)

Need a little post-adventure self-care? Put your paws on Chirp’s . You can use the multi-speed electric roller like a rolling pin, letting the knobby nodes work out kinks in your muscles. Or, leave the RPM housed in its nifty base, turn it on, and effortlessly massage everything from your calves to forearms. Our testers’ favorite use? Massaging the arches of his feet after a long day in ski boots. The RPM is now on sale for $200鈥攍ess than the price of a couple of hour-long massages in many places.

Roll Recovery R8 Deep Tissue Massage Tool
(Photo: Courtesy of REI)

for $125 ($139)

Roll Recovery’s recovery tools have revolutionized my post-adventure routine. In particular, I can’t get enough of the mighty, muscle-massaging 鈥搃t firmly clamps around the quads or calves, rolls forward and back, and works out all the kinks. In fact, this massager is so easy to use that my poor foam roller has begun to collect cobwebs. Also of note is the tool is also on sale. I dig this massage gun because it’s compact enough for domestic or international travel. Now, Roll’s sale is tiered鈥攜ou get 10% off sitewide, no matter your shopping cart total, 20% off when you spend over $200, or 30% when you spend over $500. If you grab my two recommendations, for instance, you’ll be looking at 20% off鈥攏ot to mention fewer aches and pains in the foreseeable future.

for $120 ($160)

Sunglasses are notoriously easy to lose, break, or damage. But instead of traditional arms, sport an adjustable cord that’s securely looped into the frame itself (which is also overbuilt, durable, and dapper to boot). This innovative design solves many common gripes with expensive sunglasses: it eliminates the chances of snapping arms and drastically reduces the chances of losing them with a built-in retention strap. Not only that, but Ombraz outfitted the Classics with top-tier, polarized Zeiss lenses for optical clarity and UV protection. If you’ve always been curious about Ombraz but have never taken the leap, Cyber Monday’s a swell excuse since the Classics are $40 off.

for $79 ($105)

It’s hard to recommend just one product and not the entire brand when it comes to Icebreaker’s base layers. Why? Icebreaker is a merino expert, and it’s my favorite fabric for virtually every outdoor pursuit, from backpacking to backcountry skiing. Merino is naturally warm, breathable, and odor-resistant. Moreover, the sheep-shearing virtuosos at Icebreaker are currently throwing a 25% off sitewide sale when you bundle two or more base layers. That said, while Icebreaker’s best known for its winter-ready base layers (shop , ), the , , and more are all high-performance and well-made, too. Take a look at the sitewide sale because you can’t go wrong here.

Capita Navigator Snowboard
(Photo: Courtesy of Backcountry)

for $420 ($600)

I love , and I’m not the only one. I direct 国产吃瓜黑料 Magazine’s annual snowboard test. Every year Capita submits this board to our test and every year it receives rave reviews from nearly all of our testers. The Navigator is a floaty directional board that’s an absolute blast in powder and a riot on manicured groomers, too. While it’s endless fun for advanced rippers looking to cruise, it’s also intermediate-friendly and easy to ride thanks to a forgiving, medium flex, a maneuverable, rockered nose, reliable camber underfoot, and lightweight core construction. If you’re looking to add a smooth operator of a powder board to your quiver for a bargain price, look no further.

for $56 ($75)

If you’re like me, you lose headlamps all the time (ironic, when you think about it) or leave them turned on all night, burning through AAA batteries in short order. Black Diamond’s saves you money two ways. First, it’s on sale for 25% off at Black Diamond. Secondly, it’s stocked with a BD 2400 lithium-ion battery that’s rechargeable via micro-USB鈥攕o you won’t need to add more AAA carcasses to your battery graveyard. Most importantly, the headlamp is lightweight, reliable, and simple to operate.

for $202 ($270)

Many skiers and snowboarders don’t replace their helmets as often as they should. Upgrade your current cranial protection policy with POC’s Obex BC Mips helmet, currently available for up to 50% off at Backcountry. I’ve had my fair share of head injuries snowboarding and am incredibly picky with helmets, but I feel confident in POC’s solid polycarbonate shell construction. I also always opt for helmets with a to reduce rotational forces in the event of a crash. Plus, the vents are adjustable, the earpads are protective and comfortable, and the BC version of this helmet also sports an NFC ID chip that you can load with your medical information.

Smith 4D MAG ChromaPop Goggles
(Photo: Courtesy of Backcountry)

for $204 ($370)

Goggles are unfortunately somewhat disposable: easy to scratch or lose, despite the high price tags. Waiting for a deep discount to snag a new pair is the pro move. Smith’s 4D Mag goggles are currently , and they have a uniquely curved lens that boosts your field of view on the slopes. Personally, I dig these goggles because I have a medium-sized face, and I’m not always a huge fan of XL goggles. The sports a mid-sized frame but gives you outsized peripherals thanks to that innovative lens design. And speaking of lenses, Smith’s contrast-enhancing, crystal-clear magnetic lenses go head-to-head with any optics brand’s premium offerings.

for $700 ($1,000)

There’s puffy warm, and then there’s parka warm. Arc’Teryx’s is the latter鈥攁nd it’s 30% off. This massive marshmallow of a parka is generously packed with RDS-certified, 850-fill goose down that’s warm as hell when the sun disappears. Built to withstand the rigors of frigid belays in shady river canyons, the Gore-Tex Infinium outer shell is also water-resistant, breathable, and durable. Whenever I’m going winter camping, this is the first piece I pack鈥搃t’s perfect for hanging around camp and comfortably plowing through chores. In a worst-case scenario, it’s the ultimate emergency layer.

for $75 ($150)

The best way to describe ? Imagine your coziest hooded sweatshirt and go-to tech shell met in your closet, fell hood over heels for one another, and nine months later, a lightweight lovechild popped out. A far cry from the crinkly, loud, plasticky windbreakers of yesteryear, Mountain Hardwear’s Kor AirShell is deliciously quiet. The nylon ripstop fabric is wind-resistant, breathable, durable, incredibly comfortable, and, most surprisingly, soft to the touch. While this shell isn’t the right choice when rain’s in the forecast, it’s ideal for breezy hikes and after-work trail runs, and it’s a wonderful addition to any outdoor enthusiast’s wardrobe. I’m just as happy napping in the AirShell on airplanes as I am scrambling up ridgelines in my backyard Sierra. For a limited time, ladies can score for 50% off, while gents can get the for half off right now.

 

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 Hooded Down Jacket
(Photo: Courtesy of Steep and Cheap)

for $144 ($360)

Steep and Cheap, which reliably lives up to its name, has clearance items on sale for up to 70% off right now. Somewhere deep in the thousands鈥攜es, thousands鈥攐f deals, hides a 60 percent-off from Mountain Hardwear. The hooded puffy features a 10-denier ripstop shell that’s stuffed with high-quality 800-fill, hydrophobic goose down. It provides significant warmth for weight, considering the comes in at just over a half pound. Both the men’s and are steeply discounted. My Ghost Whisperer from a few years ago is still going strong, and I’ll probably grab another to keep as backup.

for $210 ($300)

My touring partner swears by this Arc’Teryx insulator, and I totally get it (I actually “borrowed” it this week). A synthetic mid-layer that’s wind-resistant and breathable is a cheat code on the skin track, and that pretty much describes the . Packed with 60 grams of synthetic CoreLoft Compact insulation that’s warm when wet and breathable when you’re huffing and puffing, the Atom is built for big missions in the mountains. It has an adjustable, helmet-compatible hood, two hand pockets, a hidden internal chest zip, and comfy, reliable cuffs. One of her favorite aspects is simply the fabric itself: a stretchy, lightweight, soft, and moisture-resistant 20-denier nylon.

Oyuki Toya Down Insulator Zip-Off Pants
(Photo: Courtesy of Evo)

for $135 ($180)

Zip-off pants are cool. But these Oyuki insulated zip-off pants, designed in the powder-blessed holy land of Hokkaido, transcend cool with a relaxed fit, 60 grams of recycled down, and a recycled shell material. Just imagine: you’ve just skied Japow all day, and now you’re soaking in an onsen. Just before you turn into a prune, you emerge from the burbling waters, then slip into these puffy trousers. Reborn, relaxed, and unequivocally stylin’, you meander to a convenience store for some mouthwatering fried chicken, onigiri, matcha treats, and other outrageous and affordable delicacies. Ok. Maybe you’re just hanging out at the local mountain. These are still the coolest apr茅s pants you’ll see in the parking lot.

for $127 ($170)

No matter your outdoor activity of choice, having a decent, well-stocked first aid kit鈥攁nd knowing how to use it鈥攊s obligatory. My Medic’s first aid kits are all 20% off, including their comprehensive . This burly first aid kit is remarkably compact, considering it comes stocked with over 115 medical essentials, including typical must-haves like bandages and blister strips. It also includes a few survival necessities, like a space blanket and water purification tablets. And in case you need a crash course in first aid? The MyFak comes with a free online training course (although an in-person WFA or WFR isn’t a bad idea, either).

for $144 ($180)

I’m a huge fan of Rocky Talkies鈥攖hese compact communicators come in handy year-round, whether you’re climbing, skiing, rafting, or backpacking. This is the first time Rocky Talkie’s 5 Watt Radio has gone on sale. The is beefier than the ultra-compact, 2-watt (9.1 ounces to the Mountain Radio’s 6.5), but it offers up to three miles more coverage in mountainous terrain. It’s also fully waterproof (the Mountain Radio is “splash and snowproof,” according to the brand, a claim I heavily co-sign) and has better battery life. The GMRS radio can also pick up weather updates, monitor dual channels, and access repeater channels; however, with great power comes great responsibility. The 5W does require a license to use () and isn’t permitted in Canada. If that’s a dealbreaker for you, there’s no shame in sticking with the , my go-to for backcountry skiing.

The post The Best Cyber Monday Sales On Gear We Love appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

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Diamonds, Spades, and World-Class Glades: Behind the Scenes of Our 2025 Reno-Tahoe Snowboard Test /outdoor-gear/snow-sports-gear/behind-the-scenes-2025-reno-tahoe-snowboard-test/ Tue, 15 Oct 2024 16:36:26 +0000 /?p=2685324 Diamonds, Spades, and World-Class Glades: Behind the Scenes of Our 2025 Reno-Tahoe Snowboard Test

Between Diamond Peak鈥檚 groomers and glades and Reno鈥檚 vibrant downtown, we hit the jackpot during our 2025 Nevada snowboard test

The post Diamonds, Spades, and World-Class Glades: Behind the Scenes of Our 2025 Reno-Tahoe Snowboard Test appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

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Diamonds, Spades, and World-Class Glades: Behind the Scenes of Our 2025 Reno-Tahoe Snowboard Test

The drive from to Lake Tahoe鈥檚 听makes them feel deceptively close. You can touch down at and, provided storms aren鈥檛 caking Mount Rose Highway in powder, arrive at Diamond Peak in 45 minutes, ready to rip. But, culturally, the buzzing city and sleepy ski resort seem worlds apart鈥攚hich is exactly why we were stoked to host our 2025 snowboard test between the two. By day, our crew tested the latest and greatest snowboards on Diamond Peak鈥檚 uncrowded slopes. By night, we ate, drank, danced, and gambled through Reno. Needless to say, it was a damn good time.

Reno: Our Snowboard Test Base Camp

For those unfamiliar with the up-and-coming adventure hub, Reno is a high-desert outpost located on the eastern flanks of the Sierra. Lovingly dubbed the 鈥淏iggest Little City in the World,鈥 the Nevada metro is best known for its glowing skyline and diverting casinos. That said, the Biggest Little City isn鈥檛 getting any smaller these days. According to recent 听Reno is growing at a quick clip (4.1 percent between 2020 and 2023) and enjoying a subsequent surge of arts, culture, cuisine, and adventure-oriented community.

Diamond Peak: The Resort

And yet, as Reno establishes itself as a city of the future, Diamond Peak is a resort that鈥檚 happy to stay (partially) in the past. The independent resort keeps crowds to a minimum鈥攕omething that locals cherish and that听significantly enhanced our test team鈥檚 capacity for snowboard testing. We never waited in a lift line during the entirety of the test, despite mostly sunny days and enjoyable conditions.

A man snowboarding
One tester gets air at Diamond Peak (Photo: Katie Botwin)

It鈥檚 worth noting that those locals actually have a hand in the management of the resort, as Diamond Peak is a community-owned entity steered by property owners in the surrounding town of Incline Village. The publicly owned mountain keeps prices low (adult season passes are $560, midweek day tickets $140) so locals and visitors alike can enjoy this lakeside hidden gem.

The resort is comfortably unpretentious, too. You won鈥檛 find ostentatious condo castles encroaching on chairlifts, luxury boutiques ritzing up the base area, or price-gouging gourmet restaurants at Diamond Peak. Instead, the lodges are unassuming, clean, and cozy, and the grub is tasty and reasonably priced.

You can chow down, for example, on BBQ on the deck of the Snowflake Lodge, located at the top of the scenic, aptly named Lakeview Quad. Another option? Hit up the food court in the base lodge for old-school ski resort fare like chicken tenders or, our personal favorite, avalanche fries鈥攑iping-hot french fries slathered in hearty chili and all the fixings. And don’t miss the Loft Bar, perched on the second floor of the base lodge, that serves up happy hour specials from 4:00 to 5:45 and offers those in the know some of the best apr猫s vibes in the Tahoe Basin.

A man snowboarding
A tester getting sweet turns at the resort (Photo: Katie Botwin)

Diamond Peak: The Snowboard Testing

Of course, while old-school base area vibes and jaw-dropping lake views were much appreciated by our test team, they didn鈥檛 directly impact our snowboard testing as much as the mountain itself. Diamond Peak may be a smaller resort, but it boasts the fourth-highest vertical in Tahoe, spanning 1,840 feet from peak to parking lot. Testers mainly spent their time lapping the Crystal Express High-Speed Quad, which tops out at the summit of Diamond Peak (8,540 feet) and provides access to a variety of test-worthy terrain. Diamond Peak鈥檚 groomers are immaculate, ranging from steeps that encouraged testers to find the speed limits of boards to lazy, long, rippable pitches that overlooked Lake Tahoe and听begged for carving analysis. Closer to the base, the Village Terrain Park gave freestylers the opportunity to test aerial acumen and jib chops.

Snow-covered trees
The breathtaking glades at Diamond Peak (Photo: Katie Botwin)

Our crew was most impressed, however, with the glades. Between Diamond Peak鈥檚 manicured groomers, you鈥檒l find sustained, shreddable glades peppered with well-spaced old-growth trees. Our crew discovered protected powder days after a storm in these nooks and crannies, as well as wind lips, log jibs, and cliffs鈥攑erfect for scoring au naturel airtime and testing all-mountain and freeride boards in their element.

Backcountry enthusiasts are in luck, too. Backcountry skiers and splitboarders with avalanche safety equipment can exit a gate at the Diamond Peak summit and explore more cruisy glades, playful rock gardens, and steeper slopes. Our splitboard crew embarked on mini-epics in these out-of-bounds zones, grateful to the Crystal Express quad for the boost before resorting to skintracks and bootpacks.

Wrapping Up Back in Town

After each bell-to-bell day of testing, we enjoyed the vista-packed bus ride back to Reno and our home base at the newly renovated . Despite overworked legs, the crew found renewed energy back in the city. Memorable meals and nights out on the town ensued. When it was time for out-of-town testers to say sayonara to the Sierra, we were as struck by the Biggest Little City as we were by Tahoe鈥檚 world-famous shredding. Suffice to say, we hit the jackpot this year.

The post Diamonds, Spades, and World-Class Glades: Behind the Scenes of Our 2025 Reno-Tahoe Snowboard Test appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

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