Best of 2026 Calendar

Fri, September 11, 2026

Best Mountaineering Ice Axes of 2026

Black Diamond Raven Pro

The ice axe remains a fundamental tool for mountain travel. For 2026, we’ve put a range of axes through their paces, evaluating everything from pick penetration to self-arrest effectiveness, ensuring our recommendations are truly field-ready.

Tue, September 8, 2026

Best Hunting Frame Packs & Meat Haulers of 2026

Mystery Ranch MR Pintler

Choosing the right hunting frame pack or meat hauler is critical for backcountry success. We've put the top contenders of 2026 through their paces, evaluating their ability to carry heavy, awkward loads comfortably over rough terrain.

Fri, August 21, 2026

Best Wilderness First Aid Kits of 2026

Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Medical Kit Guide

Navigating the backcountry demands preparedness. A reliable first aid kit isn't just gear; it's a critical safety net. For 2026, we've focused on kits that balance comprehensive utility with the realities of weight and durability in remote environments.

Tue, August 18, 2026

Best Technical Fleece Mid-Layers of 2026

Patagonia R2 TechFace Jacket

The mid-layer is the workhorse of any serious layering system. In 2026, technical fleeces continue to evolve, offering superior warmth-to-weight, active moisture management, and increased resilience for demanding outdoor pursuits.

Mon, August 17, 2026

Best Sun Hoodies of 2026

Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie

The sun hoodie market continues its rapid expansion in 2026. What was once a niche item for desert hikers is now a mainstream essential for anyone spending serious time outdoors. We've cut through the noise to find what truly performs.

Thu, August 13, 2026

Best Trail Running Vests for Long Mountain Routes of 2026

Salomon Sense Pro 10

Navigating technical mountain terrain demands a vest that moves with you, not against you. This year, we pushed the latest designs on multi-hour, high-vert outings to identify the vests that truly perform when the stakes are high.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Mountain Hunting Boots

Kenetrek Guide Ultra

Ten catalog-verified mountain hunting boots picks for 2026, ranked on durability, weight, weather performance, and value.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Spinning Reels

Shimano Stradic FL

Spinning reels ranked on drag smoothness, line management, and how long the gears stay quiet.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Axes

Gränsfors Bruk Gränsfors Bruk Scandinavian Forest Axe

From belt hatchets to full felling axes — the working range for camp and shelter craft.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Fixed-Blade Knives

Olive Knives Arbor Olive Knives Arbor

Full-tang and stick-tang blades that earn their place around a working camp.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Bushcraft Pants

Micklagaard Pro Pants

Rugged trousers built for wood-craft — reinforced, quiet, and cut to move around a fire and through brush.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Camp Stoves

MSR PocketRocket 2

From ultralight canister burners to bombproof liquid-fuel expedition stoves.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Headlamps

Petzl Actik Core

From minimalist camp lights to serious night-navigation and rescue-grade beams.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Leather Gloves

Filson Original Lined Goatskin

Gloves that survive splitting wood, handling pots, and cold, wet mornings around camp.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Wool Base Layers

Icebreaker Everyday 260 Crewe

Next-to-skin wool that works in real cold, real heat, and days between washes.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Pack Shovels

Black Diamond Pro Alu III Shovel

Avalanche shovels, folding spades, and compact digging tools worth their weight in the pack.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Rain Gear

KUIU Yukon TR Rain Jacket & Pant

Hardshells and traditional cottons that actually keep you working in sustained rain.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Sleeping Bags

Western Mountaineering Versalite 20°

Down and synthetic bags that cover the honest 20°F–40°F working range.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Traditional Bows

Bear Archery Hunter Takedown Recurve

Longbows, recurves, and selfbows built for hunting, roving, and honest stump-shooting.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Water Filters

Sawyer Squeeze

Field-tested treatment from squeeze filters to full expedition pumps and UV pens.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Winter Jackets

Feathered Friends Expedition Parka (McKinley / Snowmass)

Down parkas, synthetic belay pieces, and heavy wool coats for real cold.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Beanies, Scarves & Bandanas

Hirbawi Hirbawi Gaza Kufiya

Ten catalog-verified beanies, scarves & bandanas picks for 2026, ranked on durability, weight, weather performance, and value.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Fish Finders

Duckworth 100% Merino Wool T-Shirt

Ten catalog-verified fish finders picks for 2026, ranked on durability, weight, weather performance, and value.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Rain Hats

Outdoor Research Cloud Forest Rain Hat

Ten catalog-verified rain hats picks for 2026, ranked on durability, weight, weather performance, and value.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Paddlecraft

Bark River Knives Bushcrafter BR2

Ten catalog-verified paddlecraft picks for 2026, ranked on durability, weight, weather performance, and value.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Leather Hiking Boots

Hanwag Alaska GTX

Ten catalog-verified leather hiking boots picks for 2026, ranked on durability, weight, weather performance, and value.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Leather Work Gloves

Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Glove

Ten catalog-verified leather work gloves picks for 2026, ranked on durability, weight, weather performance, and value.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Hiking, Hunting & Winter Boots

La Sportiva G2 Evo

Ten catalog-verified hiking, hunting & winter boots picks for 2026, ranked on durability, weight, weather performance, and value.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Belts

Arcade A2 Stretch Belt

Ten catalog-verified belts picks for 2026, ranked on durability, weight, weather performance, and value.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Insulated Vests

Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Vest

Ten catalog-verified insulated vests picks for 2026, ranked on durability, weight, weather performance, and value.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Waterproof Jackets

Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket

Ten catalog-verified waterproof jackets picks for 2026, ranked on durability, weight, weather performance, and value.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Rain Pants

Outdoor Research Foray 3L Pants

Ten catalog-verified rain pants picks for 2026, ranked on durability, weight, weather performance, and value.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Wool Sweaters

Fjällräven Greenland Re-Wool Sweater

Ten catalog-verified wool sweaters picks for 2026, ranked on durability, weight, weather performance, and value.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Base Layer Tops

Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Bottom

Ten catalog-verified base layer tops picks for 2026, ranked on durability, weight, weather performance, and value.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Satellite Communicators

Garmin inReach Mini 2

We tested the top satellite communicators across isolated mountain corridors to evaluate battery life, SOS reliability, and ongoing costs. These are the devices that earned our trust when it matters most.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Backpacking Coffee Makers

AeroPress Aeropress Go

We tested a variety of portable coffee makers, from ultra-light pour-overs to robust presses, to find the perfect brew for your next adventure.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Backpacking Staves

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork

Staffs, single staves, and folding poles ranked on lock reliability, grip, and load transfer.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Backpacking Stoves

Soto WindMaster

From ultralight weekend warriors to cold-weather expedition cooks, our senior gear editor tested and ranked the top backpacking stoves, covering canister, liquid fuel, and integrated systems.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Backpacking Tents

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2

We’ve tested dozens of shelters across thousands of miles. From ultralight tarps to freestanding fortresses, here are the tents that earn a permanent spot in our pack.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Baitcasting Reels

Shimano Curado DC

Casting reels ranked on brake systems, backlash resistance, and drag under real load.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Casting Rods

Dobyns Rods Champion XP

Casting rods for jigs, cranks, frogs, and heavy cover, ranked by blank quality and taper.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Bear Proofing Systems

BearVault BV475 Journey

Canisters, sacks, and coolers ranked on IGBC certification, real capacity, and packability.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Bear Spray

Counter Assault Bear Deterrent 10.2 oz

EPA-registered bear sprays ranked on spray duration, range, and holster access under stress.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Anoraks

Swanndri Reidston Wool Anorak

Pullover shells and traditional wool smocks that shrug off wind, brush, and weather.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Hunting Binoculars

Swarovski Optik EL Range 10x42

We've field-tested dozens of optics to find the hunting binoculars that deliver uncompromising clarity, exceptional low-light performance, and the rugged durability required for demanding backcountry hunts.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Bivy Sacks

Outdoor Research Helium Bivy

Alpine and emergency bivies ranked on breathability, condensation control, and storm-worthiness.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Braided Fishing Line

Sufix 832 Advanced Superline Braid

The best braided fishing lines cast farther, feel bites sooner, and survive structure better than mono. These are the ten we trust on the water.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Camping Cots

Helinox Cot One Convertible

We put the top camping cots through their paces in tents, cabins, and backyard setups to find the most comfortable, durable, and practical options for elevated sleep.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Camping Tarps

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Flat Tarp (Dyneema)

Silnylon, Dyneema, and canvas tarps ranked on hydrostatic head, tie-out strength, and pitch versatility.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Canoe Portage Packs

Granite Gear SuperiorOne Portage Pack

We put the top canoe portage packs through their paces, evaluating comfort, durability, and hauling capacity on long carries. Here’s what stood up to the grind.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Canoe Paddles

Bending Branches Black Pearl II

Paddles ranked on swing weight, blade flutter, and grip comfort after eight hours of paddling.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Canoes

Wenonah Minnesota II (Kevlar)

Tripping and solo canoes ranked on hull efficiency, portage weight, and rough-water behavior.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Carabiners & Fasteners

Black Diamond RockLock Screwgate Carabiner

Lockers, wiregates, mini-biners and rubber straps — the ten clips and fasteners that hold a backcountry kit together.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Microspikes and Trail Traction Cleats

Kahtoola MICROspikes

We put the leading traction devices through their paces on icy trails, hard-packed snow, and frozen river crossings to find the ones that truly deliver reliable grip when you need it most.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Satellite Communicators

Garmin inReach Mini 2

We put the leading satellite communicators through their paces in remote mountain terrain, assessing battery life, SOS reliability, and the true cost of staying connected when off-grid.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Compound Bows

Mathews Lift 33

Hunting compounds ranked on forgiveness, quietness at the shot, and how easily they tune.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Cordage

Atwood Rope MFG 550 Paracord (Mil-Spec Type III)

Paracord, tarred bank line, and Dyneema accessory cord — the ten spools we actually carry into the backcountry.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Daypacks

Mystery Ranch Coulee 25

Day packs ranked on carry, harness quality, and whether the fabric survives a decade of scree and briars.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Deer Slug Guns

Savage Arms 220 Slug Gun

Rifled slug guns for shotgun-only whitetail country, ranked by accuracy at 100 to 200 yards.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Ferro Rods

Überleben Zünden Fatty (1/2")

The best ferro rods throw 5,500°F sparks in any weather. These are the ten we trust when a fire matters.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Freshwater Spinning Rods

St. Croix Avid X Spinning

Spinning rods for bass, walleye, trout, and panfish, ranked on sensitivity and backbone.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Gaiters

Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiter

Alpine, hunting, and trail-running gaiters that keep scree, snow, burrs, and creek water out of your boots.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Hiking Boots

Lowa Tibet GTX

Backpacking boots ranked on load support, waterproofing longevity, and whether they can be resoled.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Hiking Shoes

Altra Lone Peak 9

Low-cut hikers and trail runners ranked on outsole grip, upper durability, and midsole life.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Hiking Socks

Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion

Hiking socks ranked on cushion placement, blister prevention, and how many hundred miles the heel survives.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Hiking Water Bottles

Nalgene Wide Mouth 32 oz Sustain

Bottles ranked on freeze resistance, cap reliability, and whether they survive a fall on rock.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Hunting Boots

Crispi Nevada Legend GTX

Hunting boots ranked on support under a loaded pack, waterproofing that lasts, and resoleability.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Hunting Jackets

Sitka Stratus Jacket

Hunting jackets ranked on quiet fabric, weather protection, and how they layer over a pack harness.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Hunting Rifles

Tikka T3x Lite

Bolt guns that shoot better than most hunters can hold, from budget workhorses to mountain rifles.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Long Underwear

Aclima WarmWool Crew and Pants

Base layers ranked on warmth per gram, odor control, and how they behave when you sweat hard.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Hunting Socks

Darn Tough Hunter Boot Heavyweight Full Cushion

Hunting socks ranked on cold-stand warmth, scent control, and compression that survives a mountain hunt.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Multi-Tools

Leatherman Wave+

One tool in your pocket should be able to fix the gear that keeps you out there. These are the ten multi-tools worth carrying.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Multiday Backpacks

Mystery Ranch Bridger 65

50–80 liter packs ranked on load transfer, frame stiffness, and hipbelt fit under real weight.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Outdoor Handguns

Smith & Wesson Model 329PD (.44 Magnum)

Trail and backcountry handguns ranked on reliability in filth, sight options, and carryability.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Outdoor Hats

Stormy Kromer Original Cap

Brimmed hats and caps ranked on sun coverage, rain shedding, and how they wear over years.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Outdoor Sweaters

Devold Nansen Sweater

Wool sweaters and heavyweight fleece-backed crews built for cold camp mornings, ranked on fiber and cut.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Pocket Knives

Benchmade Bugout 535-3 (MagnaCut)

Folders ranked on steel, lock strength, and whether they can be maintained in the field.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Portage Bags

Duluth Pack Sportsman's Pack #4

Canoe packs and portage bags ranked on tumpline quality, waterproofing, and how they sit in a hull.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Hunting Recurve Bows

Hoyt Satori

Hunting recurves that shoot quiet, tune easily, and hold up to real backcountry weather.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Roomy Car Camping Tents

REI Co-op Base Camp 6 Tent

We put the biggest tents to the test, from weekend family escapes to extended basecamp setups, to find the most spacious, durable, and comfortable shelters on the market.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Rubber Wading Boots

Simms G4 Pro Powerlock Wading Boot

Wading boots and rubber boots ranked on sole grip in current, drainage, and ankle support.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Stocking Caps

Devold Nansen Beanie

Watch caps and beanies ranked on wool quality, ear coverage, and whether they stay put under a hood.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Ultralight Backpacking Chairs

Helinox Chair Zero High-Back

We tested the top ultralight and packable trail chairs, from minimalist sit pads to full-back recliners, to find what truly stands up to trail abuse.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Upland Shotguns

Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I

Over-unders, side-by-sides, and light autos built to be carried all day and swung fast.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Waterfowl Shotguns

Benelli Super Black Eagle 3

Three-and-a-half-inch autos and pumps that keep cycling through mud, salt, and freezing rain.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Windbreakers

Patagonia Houdini Air

Wind shells ranked on air permeability, packed size, and whether the DWR outlasts a season.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Winter Boots

Baffin Impact

Cold-weather boots ranked on rated temperature, liner quality, and traction on ice.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Winter Camping Coats

Canada Goose Snow Mantra Parka

Deep-cold parkas ranked on fill quality, hood design, and standing-around warmth at camp.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Winter Sleeping Bags

Western Mountaineering Puma GWS -25°F

Zero-degree and colder bags ranked on real fill quality, draft control, and moisture management.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Backpacking Cook Kits

MSR Reactor 1.0 L System

Integrated systems and modular pot kits ranked on fuel efficiency, packability, and real-world simmering.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Hunting Pants

Sitka Timberline Pant

Hunting pants ranked on quiet fabric, knee articulation, and abrasion resistance in real cover.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Cold-Weather Hats

Alpacas of Montana Extreme Warmth Windstopper Hat

Wool watch caps, ushankas, and windproof beanies for real winter.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Technical & Heritage Apparel

Ridge Merino Aspect Midweight

Ten catalog-verified technical & heritage apparel picks for 2026, ranked on durability, weight, weather performance, and value.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Extreme Cold Boots

Baffin Eiger Boot

Ten catalog-verified extreme cold boots picks for 2026, ranked on durability, weight, weather performance, and value.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Hiking Pants

Fjällräven Keb Trousers

Trail pants ranked on stretch, dry time, and whether the knees survive a season of scrambling.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Arrow Builds

Port Orford cedar, 500 spine, 125 gr blunt or judo, 5" shield feathers Cedar Stump-Shooter

Working arrow recipes — shaft, point, fletch, and nock — for traditional and modern setups.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Backpacks

Arc'teryx Bora 95

Load-hauling packs from ultralight thru-hikers to traditional canvas bushcraft rigs.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Outdoor Guns

Tikka T3x Lite

One rifle, one shotgun, one sidearm — the ten guns that cover almost everything the backcountry asks of you.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Backpacking Sleeping Pads

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT

We've field-tested the latest and greatest sleeping pads, focusing on R-value accuracy, packability, durability, and quiet comfort. Here are our top picks for a good night's rest in the backcountry.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Backpacking Cook Kits

Snow Peak Titanium Mini Solo Combo

We tested the most popular titanium and aluminum cook sets on multi-day treks. Here's what held up, heated effectively, and made mealtime a breeze in the backcountry.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Fleece Jackets

Patagonia R1 Air Crew

Ten catalog-verified fleece jackets picks for 2026, ranked on durability, weight, weather performance, and value.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Basecamp Tables

Helinox Table One Hard Top XL

We've put dozens of camp tables through their paces, from car camping to extended basecamp expeditions. These are the ones that stood up to the dirt, the weather, and the relentless demands of outdoor life.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Camp Saws

Silky Gomboy 240 (Medium Teeth)

Folding saws, bucksaws and pull-stroke monsters that turn deadfall into firewood faster than any axe.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Neck Gaiters

Buff Merino Lightweight Neckwear

Ten catalog-verified neck gaiters picks for 2026, ranked on durability, weight, weather performance, and value.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Gill Nets

5col Survival Supply Pocket Gill Net

Compact, high-quality gill nets that turn a stream, pond or shoreline into a passive food source when survival calories matter most.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Monofilament Line

Berkley Trilene XL

Ten nylon mono lines that still earn a place on the spool for their stretch, knot strength, and forgiving handling in real fishing conditions.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Best Backcountry Power Banks & Solar Chargers of 2026

Goal Zero Venture 75 Power Bank

In the backcountry, reliable power isn't a luxury; it's essential for navigation, communication, and safety. This guide cuts through the noise, detailing what matters most in 2026's portable power solutions.

Wed, August 12, 2026

Best Technical Trail Running Shoes of 2026

Hoka Speedgoat 6

Navigating technical trails demands gear you can trust. Our 2026 review cuts through the noise, focusing on shoes built for aggressive climbs, tricky descents, and mile after mile of abuse on the gnarliest terrain. We've pounded the ground so you don't have to guess.

Thu, July 30, 2026

Best Lightweight Water Bladders & Reservoirs of 2026

Hydrapak Hydrapak Shape-Shift 2L

Navigating the backcountry requires reliable hydration. Our 2026 guide cuts through the noise, offering honest assessments of the best lightweight water bladders and reservoirs designed to keep you moving efficiently, without the unnecessary bulk or weight.

Thu, July 30, 2026

Best Compact Binoculars & Monoculars for Wilderness Observation of 2026

ZEISS ZEISS Victory Pocket 10x25

Navigating the backcountry requires clear vision, but every ounce counts. Our 2026 picks for compact binoculars and monoculars balance optical performance with minimal weight. See more, carry less.

Thu, July 30, 2026

Best Camp Chairs & Seating Solutions for Backpacking of 2026

Helinox Chair Zero

Unwind comfortably at your campsite with the lightest and most ergonomic camp chairs and seating options. We put dozens through their paces to find the best for your pack.

Thu, July 30, 2026

Best Portable Water Filters for Backcountry Use of 2026

Katadyn Katadyn BeFree Water Filter

Navigating the backcountry requires reliable gear, and nothing is more critical than access to safe drinking water. Our 2026 review cuts through the marketing to deliver the essential facts on portable water filters.

Tue, July 21, 2026

Anoraks

Pullover shells and smocks built for camp life and shoulder-season weather.

Tue, July 21, 2026

Traditional Bows

Recurves and longbows for hunting, roving, and stump-shooting.

Tue, July 21, 2026

Arrow Builds

Complete arrow recipes matched to bow weight, game, and terrain.

Tue, July 21, 2026

Leather Work & Camp Gloves

The pair you actually reach for every day around a working camp.

Tue, July 21, 2026

Bushcraft Pants

Trousers that survive kneeling by the fire, batoning wood, and long trail miles.

Tue, July 21, 2026

Backpacking Stoves

Ultralight canister, alcohol, and wood stoves for miles-first trips.

Tue, July 21, 2026

Cold-Weather Hats

Insulated caps and beanies for actual winter — not fashion pieces.

Tue, July 21, 2026

Hunting Knives

Skinning, caping, and quartering blades that hold an edge through a whole animal.

Tue, July 21, 2026

Pack Shovels

Compact shovels for snow, avalanche rescue, and serious camp work.

Mon, July 13, 2026

Axes & Saws

Camp axes, hatchets, and folding saws for firewood and shelter work.

Mon, July 13, 2026

Water Filters & Purifiers

Field-proven filtration from clear streams to silty rivers.

Mon, July 13, 2026

Rain Shells

Hardshells and packable rain jackets that keep breathing wet.

Mon, July 13, 2026

Backpacks

Multi-day packs that carry weight well and last past the warranty.

Mon, July 13, 2026

Insulated Jackets

Down and synthetic puffies for camp and cold days out.

Mon, July 13, 2026

Fixed-Blade Knives

Belt knives that split kindling and process game without chipping.

Mon, July 13, 2026

Headlamps

Runtime, beam pattern, and cold-weather battery honesty.

Mon, July 13, 2026

Hiking & Bushcraft Boots

Leather and synthetic boots for trails, snow, and heavy loads.

Mon, July 13, 2026

Tents & Shelters

Freestanding tents, tarps, and bivvies for every season.

Mon, July 13, 2026

Stoves & Cook Systems

Canister, liquid-fuel, and wood stoves that boil in wind.

Mon, July 13, 2026

Sleeping Bags & Quilts

Down and synthetic bags matched to real overnight temps.

Mon, July 13, 2026

Base Layers

Merino and synthetic base layers that manage sweat and stink.