Gear Reviews

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork trekking poles.

Review: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles

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All-Season Trekking Poles Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Poles $230, 1 lb. 1.5 oz./496.1g (per pair, with trekking baskets) Two sizes, adjustable: men’s 100-130cm/39-51 ins., women’s 95-125cm/37-49 ins. blackdiamondequipment.com For backcountry users who need poles that can handle hard use and any and all activities around the calendar, from backpacking on good trails to scrambling off-trail up mountains and backcountry …

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The Black Diamond Distance Wind Shell in Spain's Picos de Europa Mountains.

Review: Black Diamond Distance Wind Shell

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Ultralight Shell Jacket Black Diamond Distance Wind Shell $199, 3.5 oz./99.2g (men’s medium) Sizes: men’s S-XL, women’s XS-XL blackdiamondequipment.com Obvious first impression: The Black Diamond Distance Wind Shell passes the test of being so light that there’s no reason to not carry it. But a shell this packable becomes truly invaluable when you can use it in a variety of …

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Hoka One One Speedgoat 3 trail-running shoes.

Review: Hoka One One Speedgoat 3 Trail Running Shoes

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Trail Running/Hiking Shoes Hoka One One Speedgoat 3 $140, 1 lb. 4 oz. (US men’s 9) Sizes: US men’s 7-14, women’s 5-11 backcountry.com Note: See my newer review of the Hoka One One Speedgoat 4. Trail running and hiking can be hard on feet. Beyond the possibility of blisters, miles of pounding can sometimes leave your feet feeling beat up …

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The Nemo Dragonfly 2P on the Teton Crest Trail.

Review: Nemo Dragonfly 2P Ultralight Backpacking Tent

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Ultralight Backpacking Tent
Nemo Dragonfly 2P
$550, 2 lbs. 10 oz./1191g
nemoequipment.com

From clear, cool, late-August nights on the Teton Crest Trail, to mixed weather that included rain and wind on a five-day hike in Yellowstone’s Bechler Canyon area in September, the Nemo Dragonfly 2P displayed the weather protection and exceptional livability that distinguishes it as one of the very best two-person, three-season ultralight backpacking tents on the market today—at a very good price for this level of quality. Here’s why.

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The Knog Bandicoot headlamp

Review: The Knog Bandicoot Headlamp

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Rechargeable Headlamp Knog Bandicoot $35, 2 oz. Eartheasy.com My first reaction to the Knog Bandicoot was: a rechargeable headlamp that weighs and costs less than headlamps that require batteries?! My second thought was: Hey, this thing looks kind of… cool. After using it on late-summer (think: it’s dark by early evening) backpacking trips on the Teton Crest Trail and in …

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