Looking for light and packable insulation for use in the alpine? Every climber is. Each climber-centric brand seems to have an idea of how to deliver…
Author: Nate Fearer
Nate Fearer
Nate Fearer is an outdoors enthusiast based out of Bellingham, WA. He grew up in Southern California, became entranced by Sierra Nevada alpine trips, and now finds that same sense of wonder in the North Cascades. Whether it's rock climbing, mountaineering, running, fly fishing, mountain biking, etc. etc., Nate just wants to be outside with the rocks and trees. When he's not in the forest thrashing gear, he might be behind the computer doing tech-y stuff or spending some quality time with his family.
The summer is upon us, and except for the odd day here and there, the riding pants have been swapped for shorts. For the past few…
The world loves merino, and Ibex lives and breathes it. They’ve been putting out high-quality merino layers since 1997 (with some hiccups around 2018 when the…
These days, plenty of companies are making their version of an approach shoe. It’s not just the megaliths of La Sportiva, 5.10, and Scarpa, but also…
Growing up, I kept an ancient Coleman cooler in the car for the tail end of long trips. I knew I’d get back, greeted by melted…
Artilect is a pretty young brand. They only launched their first lineup in 2021, but you wouldn’t know it looking at the quality materials and design…
With a long history of well-designed running vests, packs, belts, and handhelds, Nathan has recently tried their hand at a running sling. The concept is a…
The Black Diamond Vision Hybrid Hoody is exciting – not because it’s another potential solution to the alpine layering problem of warmth vs. weight vs. weather-readiness. Although…
The mountaineering world calls again and again for highly technical pants – the OR Cirque, the Mountain Hardwear Chockstone, the North Face’s Chamlang. But why not…
Some of mountain biking’s higher-end wheelsets over the past few years have shared a common denominator: they use a thermoplastic carbon fiber called Fusion Fiber. This…
Tifosi continues to be a brand to watch. With extraordinarily high value-per-dollar, their sunglasses are a magnet for deal-seekers like me. I want quality features, reliability,…
Black Diamond pitons were the foundation of American aid climbing, and from invention to today, no company makes a better all-around cam. Yet, it’s easy to…
The original Giro Montaro MIPS helmet developed a following and established itself as one of Giro’s best selling trail helmets of all time. When I reviewed…
I am, first and foremost, an alpine climber. When I started mountain biking years ago, I did what many climbers do, and I rode my bike…
There was a time when I thought that lined pants were only for use by ranchers in desolate, frozen places like the Dakotas. It turns out…
The original Stretch Ozonic jacket is a long-time fan favorite in Mountain Hardwear’s selection of shells and rain gear. It’s generally renowned for its light weight,…
Fleece jackets always conjure up images of the 90s for me. Patagonia’s classic Synchilla was in full swing with no sense of retro irony, and everyone…
Gloves can be a divisive topic among mountain bikers. Are they a hindrance to ride feel and natural breathability, or do they offer critical grip and…
It’s easy to think of helmets as just-in-case gear. Their real payout is when you take a good slam, and your head remains unscathed, right? Sort…
Regardless of the season, alpine travel demands quality eyewear. Whether it’s the piercing white of snow and glaciers or the continuous bright-flecked gray of a granitic…