Table of contents for 2019 Summer Buyer's Guide in Outside

Sierra Designs Clearwing 3 $280 It used to be that you really had to shell out for a tent that was both lightweight and reasonably roomy. Not anymore. Sierra Designs made this tent to compete with value-focused offerings from big-box chains and online stores. Normally, that’s a red flag, but we think the Clearwing 3 is the new category killer. It may not look that way on paper: the price ($280), peak height (46 inches), doors (two), and vents (two) are comparable to the competition. The 46-square-foot interior is a bit smaller than some other three-person tents. But where it matters—in the outdoors—the Clearwing sails to victory. It uses three individual poles that snap together; with help from color coding, the tent was easier to set up than the cumbersome…

a. Filson Tin Cloth Soft-Sided Lunch $145 Think of this as an upgrade to the cheap nylon sack of your youth. The exterior is made from Filson’s legendary water-repellent oil-finish tin cloth (the same material the brand uses for its hunting jackets), while the insulated ten-liter interior kept our food cold for two days. A pair of exterior utility pockets hold sundries. b. Hydro Flask Unbound 18-Liter Soft Tote $225 This tote looks most natural beside a picnic blanket. But because it’s waterproof, we weren’t nervous about tossing it into a canoe or lashing it to a paddleboard. Testers liked the long handle straps, which made over-the-shoulder carrying comfortable, and the thick insulation at the base, which kept eats cold for up to 48 hours. c. Corkcicle Eola Bucket Bag…

a. MPowerD Luci Solar String $35 This 18-foot, 100-lumen LED string can brighten your camp table for eight hours on high or 20 on low. To power it up, wind it around the charging spool and set it in sunlight for 12 hours (or plug it into an outlet for three). It’s bulky for backpacking, but this well-priced system is our favorite car-camping illumination. b. Coast FL85R $125 If you’re wary of critters lurking behind bushes, the Coast will light your way with a double-wide, 700-lumen beam that throws an astonishing 767 feet (2.5 football fields). The trade-off is mediocre battery life—about two hours on the highest setting. But the rechargeable cell is removable, letting you substitute three AAAs in a pinch. c. BioLite Headlamp 330 $50 Tired of that…

100 Percent Glendale $185 The sunglasses cosmos is vast and full of wonder. Consider this racing shield, which warps taste and creates a convergence of ugly-old and beautiful-new. The laws of lookin’ good no longer apply. The Glendale takes us back to the mid-1980s, when an obscure company called Oakley put weird optical gear on America’s first national-hero bike racer, Greg LeMond. The California brand’s epochal Eyeshade looked a lot like someone had hinged sunglasses temples onto a pair of motorcycle goggles. Now, 35 years on, history repeats itself. 100 Percent (like Oakley, a company respected in motocross circles) gifts cyclists and runners a rootsy shield with premium 21st-century materials. Two lenses are included—smoke gray and nearly clear, both of which work well from noon to night—and the Glendale’s heptagonal…

a. ARB Weekender recovery kit $131 A basic kit like ARB’s is essential for overland travel (even just down rough remote roads), to be freed from a sticky situation or to help someone else out of a jam. It has a tow strap, work gloves, and two shackles for attaching the strap to a vehicle. b. Thule ProBars $150 The ProBars are rated to 220 pounds—ideal for taking an awning, a cargo box full of toys, or kayaks on the road. c. Decked truck drawers $1,150 and up These will change your life. They’re made from burly plastic, hold up to 200 pounds of stuff, and support 2,000 more on top. They’re also weatherproof and lockable, so gear stays dry and secure. d. Icon LifeSaver 20,000 UF jerrycan $230 The…

Orbea Gain M20i Ltd $6,800 In 2018, gravel bikes were the fastest-growing segment of the bike industry. This year, drop-bar models continue their steady roll away from pavement toward variable surfaces and quieter escapes. Even on blacktop-only bikes, disc brakes are now standard, tire clearance is increasing, and geometries favor stability and comfort over whip-crack race handling. The Gain M20i Ltd has all of the above, with a twist: a pedal-assist motor. Yeah, yeah, we can already hear the objections, but this is the most forward-looking road bike we’ve seen in years. While it’s all but visually indistinguishable from most performance roadies—lithe carbon frame, precise Shimano Ultegra Di2 shifting and disc brakes, springy Mavic Cosmic Pro carbon wheels—it hides a 250-watt Ebikemotion motor in the rear hub and a 250-watt-hour…

Suspension First choice is whether or not to get a bike with suspension. Fully rigid models (no suspension in the fork or rear triangle) offer a rougher ride but are simpler and more affordable. These are best if you plan to ride pavement and light trails. Hardtails (with springs in the fork but not the rear) have become more forgiving in recent years. Choose this kind of bike if you live somewhere with smooth trails or don’t want to spend a fortune. Full suspension (both front and rear shocks) offers the cushiest experience and the most capability on rocky, technical terrain. The shorter the suspension (generally starting at 100 millimeters), the lighter the bike; the longer the suspension, the more comfortable the ride in rugged terrain. A good bike for…

a. Garmin Vivo active 3 Music smartwatch $300 Finally, a Garmin with its own SIM card. If you have a Verizon plan, you can ditch your phone without missing a thing. The Vivoactive has a heart-rate monitor, features run and ride tracking, and lets you send and receive text messages, play stored music, and make mobile payments, all from your wrist. b. Polar Vantage V fitness watch $500 The Vantage V is a data lover’s high-end triathlon watch. Not only does it have an eye-poppingly bright and colorful display, but the heart-rate monitor uses both optical and skin-contact measurement for more accuracy. The built-in coaching feature will analyze your training levels and help determine when you should ramp up the load or take a rest day. c. Under Armour Hovr…

Outdoor Voices Doing Things sports bra $65 With a wide, supportive band, an airy mesh racerback, and just enough coverage to lend confidence without claustrophobia, the Doing Things is the kind of bra you’ll forget you’re wearing, even after a long day. Ortovox 150 Cool Rules T-shirt $90 Ortovox’s new Beta-Spun material is a core of merino yarn with a loose wrap of nylon thread, like candy-cane striping. The result is a short-sleeve top that has the softness and odor control of wool, plus top-notch durability. Duckworth Vapor briefs $40 Made from breathable, antimicrobial merino wool, with a thick waistband and ull-coverage hipster cut, these made-in-the-USA women’s undies stayed right where we wanted without riding up or sliding down. They’re the most comfortable we’ve worn. Norrøna Wool hoodie $159 Equipped…

Tahoe SUP Tahoma 11' $999 Paddleboard makers have experimented with countless designs and features over the years. But it’s unusual for an odd shape to gain our trust. With the inflatable Tahoma, Tahoe SUP delivers a novel catamaran-inspired board that’s stable, fun, and packed with possibility. We cruised the Tahoma around a calm harbor in central California and even paddled out into open ocean. The board’s twin hulls skimmed over flat water and pushed easily through surface chop. At 34 inches, it’s wide and stable enough for a paddler to step easily along the length and width of the deck. There’s enough volume to carry 450 pounds of gear, like scuba tanks and coolers. A variety of tie-downs and mounts accommodate a huge assortment of accessories, including fishing-rod holders, a…

a. Patagonia Tropic Comfort hoodie $69 With an ample hood, thumb holes, and feathery but tough UPF 50+ polyester fabric, the Tropic Comfort pullover is everything we want in a full-coverage sun shirt. The women’s version includes a phone-size zip pocket at the back hip. b. Sunday Afternoons Sun Guardian hat $25 True to its name, this UPF 50+ straw number (styled after what you’d see on a lifeguard) has a generous four-inch brim that’s lined with black cotton fabric to cut glare and provide solid shade for your face, neck, and shoulders. c. Hurraw Sun SPF 15 lip balm $5 There are a million SPF balms out there, but we keep coming back to Hurraw’s creamy zinc-oxide option because it goes on clear, stays put, protects well, and tastes…

a. Headsweats Performance Trucker hat $26 We know: “performance trucker” screams oxymoron. But the mesh fabric in Headsweats’ new lid is extremely breathable, and the terry band soaks up moisture. b. Norrøna Svalbard jacket $259 The cotton-polyester blend is soft as brushed suede, and DWR coating, taped seams, and a roomy hood add wind-proofing and water resistance for blustery days. c. Birkenstock Arizona EVA sandals $40 It’s worth the extra few ounces to bring along the Arizonas. After a long day portaging in the Boundary Waters, these closed-cell-foam kicks soothed our feet with cushy, anatomical soles. d. Leki Micro Vario Carbon Lady trekking poles $200 These collapsible, 8.1- ounce carbon sticks fold down to just 15 inches, and a new locking lever replaces the old finicky push button. e. NEMO…

a. Arc’teryx Oriel leggings $89 Women’s climbing tights tend to be breathable or resilient. The stretch-nylon Oriel is both. After six months, they showed no signs of wear. b. Maxim Platinum 9.8 rope $332 The Platinum is the first dynamic climbing rope with a permanent connection between the core and sheath, making it durable and sturdy but not stiff. Clever: it’s patterned at the ends, so you know when you’re running out of rope. c. Mountain Equipment Beta pants $100 Neither too tight nor too billowy, the Beta never constricted when high-stepping the crux. d. Mammut Crag Indicator Wire Express quickdraws $90 for five The dogbones on these draws have red cores that show when it’s time to retire them. e. Scarpa Arpia shoes $159 Credit Scarpa with making our…

a. Hults Bruk Almike hatchet $139 The 16-inch American hickory handle, hand-forged steel head, and leather sheath make this a work of art. Credit the craftspeople who have been building Hults Bruk axes for over 300 years. b. GSI Glacier Base Camper Medium cookset $80 Made of stainless steel, this nesting cookset comes with two- and three-liter pots (with stamped graduations and strainer lids) and a nine-inch frying pan. All have collapsible handles for easy storage. c. Stanley Adventure Series Happy Hour cocktail set $35 Get classy at the campground with this nesting stainless-steel cocktail set, complete with 20-ounce shaker, strainer lid, jigger cap, citrus reamer, and two sturdy double-wall rocks glasses. Margs, anyone? d. Kelty Get Your Sh*t Together Original G bags $12 and up Keep gear organized and…

a. WilderDog PawJam balm $18 Hot pavement is no friend to unassuming paws and can lead to raw, cracked pads. Protect them with WilderDog’s balm, a soothing blend of beeswax, mango butter, and aloe vera. It’s nontoxic, so dogs can lick all they want. b. Chaco leash $20 This six-foot leash buckles around your waist for hands-free outings. Testers appreciated the quick-grab handle, which is located near the collar and allows you to pull your pup closer in tight quarters or when someone shouts, “On your left!” c. Filson Dog Bowls with Stand $195 Plastic doesn’t quite mesh with your kitchen feng shui? Upgrade to these steel receptacles, which rest in a handsome pine stand made from reclaimed floor and ceiling joists. d. Buff Dog Insect Shield neckwear $15 Bloodsuckers…

a. Bowers and Wilkins PX wireless headphones $400 Forget buttons. These clever noise-canceling headphones respond to your movement. Lift an ear cup to hear your friend on a noisy flight and the music pauses. Set the unit down and it switches to standby mode to conserve precious battery life. b. Patagonia Essential boxer briefs $32 There’s nothing worse than having the legs or waistband of your undies roll up. The Essential eliminates that problem with a stretchy Tencel-spandex blend. c. Belkin RockStar five-way headphone splitter $15 Pass the time on your next flight or train ride by sharing your playlists, podcasts, or audiobooks with friends. The RockStar allows you to extend the feed from your device to five listeners without degrading sound quality. Or connect multiple devices and take turns…

Taxa Outdoors Cricket $33,317 The name Cricket evokes something springy, ready for action at a moment’s notice. And at a mere 1,500 pounds, that’s precisely the Cricket’s forte. You don’t need a job-site pickup to tow it; four cylinders will do. The construction—aluminum panels on a galvanized-steel frame—was dreamed up by Taxa CEO Garrett Finney, a former NASA architect. Perhaps not coincidentally, the look is a little lunar-rover-esque; it’d appear just as much at home rolling across the Sea of Tranquility as it does tethered to the hookups at an RV campsite. While its light weight might make the Cricket seem minimalist, it’s decidedly not. The suite of features is impressive. (That’s one of the reasons we gave it a Gear of the Show award at RV Experience in March.)…

It used to be that all we cared about in a belt was how well it held up our britches, whether we were hustling to a business meeting or on our way to the trailhead. Our favorites are still plenty capable of doing that particular job, but they’re a far cry from the old-school stiff-leather strap. The a. Yaak M-Series ($60) has a good bit of accommodating stretch, with carbon fibers woven in for durability. That means it’s impressively light—almost enough to make you forget you’re wearing it. And the buckle is magnetic, for quick removal while passing through airport security. b. Sitka Gear’s Bomber ($69) is hardier, with webbing that doesn’t have quite as much give but holds up under the weight of a can of bear spray or,…

a. Osprey Raven 10 hydration pack $140 The svelte Raven gives mountain bikers everything they need: a wide hip strap, well-placed pockets with enough storage for essentials, and a meshy back panel that cools like a Vornado. b. Ortlieb Handlebar pack $140 If your ride will be taking you way out there, opt for this durable nine-liter roll, which fits any bar style. Waterproof ripstop nylon keeps bikepacking accessories like a sleeping bag and secure and bone dry. c. Giro Riv’ette CS gloves $35 Sometimes the cheapest gear is also the most essential. Gloves protect in a crash and take the sting out of rough roads and trails. The Riv’ettes are thin and light, so you get all the benefits without even noticing you’re wearing them. d. Velocio Breton SE…

a. Petzl Bindi headlamp $60 Headlamps designed specifically for running tend to be ungainly. Not this one. A minimalist’s dream, the Bindi weighs only 1.2 ounces but provides 200 lumens to brighten your way on the trail. The battery is good for two hours at the maximum setting, and a color-coded energy gauge shows you how much juice you have left. b. Saxx Pilot 2N1 shorts $65 An underwear brand created what might be the world’s comfiest running shorts. The BallPark Pouch (imagine a mini hammock for your bits) and breathable, lightweight shell make the 2N1 the perfect preemptive strike against chafing. c. Gore R7 Gore-Tex Shakedry Trail jacket $300 Sparse but effective, the Shakedry Trail is essentially a waterproof membrane without any additional laminating fabric. That’s why it might…

a. Hyperice Hypervolt massager $349 Stiff muscles and aches don’t stand a chance against this powerful vibration gun. It has three speed settings and comes with four different shaped heads. b. Rad Rod and Axle $39 and $59 The best tool we’ve ever used to relax tight muscles and speed recovery, the Rod has a steel core covered in foam padding for precise pressure that hurts so good on calves, quads, and hammies. Slide it through the Axle to roll out glutes and back muscles. c. Charlotte’s Web Extra Strength CBD oil $75 for 30 milliliters CBD oil has been shown to help reduce exercise-induced inflammation, promote a sense of calmness, and improve sleep cycles. Place a few drops of CW’s extra-strength formula under your tongue or mix it into…

Snow Peak GigaPower 2.0 $50 One tester cringed when he heard that the Japanese company was changing its beloved bestseller. But not only did Snow Peak maintain the original’s beautiful simplicity—namely, the sturdy folding top—it also made a few improvements, including finer simmer controls and a simpler piezo ignition. Esbit Pocket $13 We balked at the fact that the Pocket runs on smoke-free, hexamine-based fuel tabs. (We prefer canisters.) But we ate our words, along with a piping-hot bowl of ramen, after a single tab made quick work of our noodles and still had enough combustion left for a hot toddy. MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe $70 This update to one of MSR’s best backpacking stoves is still plenty light at 2.9 ounces, but it’s easier to use than its predecessor.…

a. CRKT Slacker $100 Ken Onion, an independent knifemaker for CRKT, wanted a low-profile cutter that could be stripped for cleaning. So he developed the lightweight Slacker. Rinsing gunk away is a breeze, thanks to a release lever that separates the handle from the blade. b. Helle Bleja $224 Some knives are worth every penny, and the Bleja is one of them. The triple-laminated steel is tough enough for backcountry tasks. And Helle gets an A-plus for the birchwood handle. c. Coast LED155 $51 We love Coast’s headlamps and knives, so why not a multitool that combines the two? The LED155 has a three-inch blade, spring-loaded pliers, a small set of scissors, and two lights. Keep it on your belt and you’ll thank yourself when you’re performing camp chores in…

Price There’s really no need to spend more than $400 on a tent. It’s even possible to get a good one for $200, but dip lower than that and you’ll be compromising quality and reliability. Want lighter weight or burlier materials? It’ll cost you. Design Freestanding tents don’t require stakes to stand upright: once the poles have been fed through the sleeves or eyelets on the body, they stay put on their own. As a result, they’re easier to set up. Non-freestanding tents forgo some of the pole sections, instead using stakes to provide extra stability. They frequently weigh about half a pound less than comparable freestanding models but require more time and patience to set up. Poles You have three choices when it comes to pole materials: aluminum, fiberglass,…

a. Kelty Bestie blanket $25 The Bestie is filled with Kelty’s synthetic Cloudloft insulation, and tough polyester on the underside sheds dirt and moisture after picnics. Wipe it down when you’re done and pack it into the 12-inch stuff sack. b. Ruffwear Kibble Kaddie bag $40 Store up to 42 cups of grub and feed your pup right out of the bag. The roll-top handle allows you to compress it as it empties to save space. c. Marmot Camp Hauler Large bag $150 The perfect trunk companion, this oversize 95-liter organizer has six roomy internal pockets, a big zip compartment at the bottom, padded straps and haul handles, and internal stays to keep it standing tall for easy access. d. MyMedic MyFAK first aid kit $240 No more fussing with…

a. Rylo $499 Gone are the days when you simply strapped your action cam to your helmet and prayed for decent footage. Rylo’s dual-lens camera shoots video in 360 degrees, so you get everything. Later on, you launch the app and choose the sequences and camera angles that work best for your clip. In other words, you never miss the raddest shots—even the ones behind you. Rylo’s app is easy to use, and the image stabilization is top-notch. b. iPhone XR $749 We can’t really recommend the iPhone XS—at $999, it’s just too expensive. Instead, get the more affordable XR. For one thing, the camera is nearly identical. You forgo a second telephoto lens, but the smart software lets you shoot comparably beautiful portraits with blurred backgrounds. You also get…

“You’d be surprised at how many people think they are getting an amazing $150 round-trip flight from North America to San José, Costa Rica,” says Steven Soto of Exito Travel, a company that specializes in international flights. “They call us after they realize that they just booked a flight to San Jose, California.” Hence, Soto’s number-one rule: double-check the destination country before completing an online purchase. That’s the easy part. Ticket prices can fluctuate as unpredictably as the stock market. Wait even ten minutes to pull the trigger and the cost may have increased by hundreds of dollars—say, because a certain class of seats just sold out. Follow Soto’s guidelines to save cash and headaches. Timing “Many people try to purchase a big flight a year in advance,” Soto says.…

Ibis Ripmo $8,200 This is the year of the long-travel 29er. While big wheels have long dominated the XC and trail categories (the 29er was the top-selling bike last year), they’ve had a harder time catching on with downhillers, because of the added weight and the challenge of building a frame that doesn’t feel bulky. Brands nailed the equation this year with tighter geometries and lighter components. In our test, it was mostly long-travel 29ers that took the honors. Case in point: the Ibis Ripmo, a carbon all-mountain 29er with 145 millimeters of rear travel and a stout 160-millimeter Fox 36 fork. Despite its aggressive stance and slack front end, this is a dumbfoundingly quick and agile ride. It’s also reasonably light at 28.6 pounds. The super-steep seat angle made…

a. Ultimate Direction Signature Series Adventure Vesta 4.0 pack $160 At 12.4 liters, the Adventure Vesta holds enough for your most high-caliber days, with ten pockets sized for everything from gels to jackets, plus a hydration-bladder sleeve and load-securing straps. b. Coros Apex watch $350 Ultra in everything but size, the slim Apex lasts 100 hours with GPS (30 days without), has wrist-based heart-rate tracking, and designs workouts based on lactate threshold. Navigate with just two buttons. c. Rowkin Ascent Charge earphones $120 and up Perfect for those who need some distraction on a multi-hour run, these wireless earphones stay put and pack 50 hours on a charge. An app locates misplaced buds via Bluetooth. d. Norrøna Wool singlet $79 Norrøna’s simple merino-polyamide tank regulates your core against high-elevation temperature drops…

a. Sierra Designs tank $64 It’s easy to feel good in this sassy, airy tank because it’s constructed from a breathable, four-way-stretch poly-cotton-spandex blend and has a built-in, supportive bra. b. Kari Traa Maria jacket $100 Take a break from your hoodie with this crewneck bomber. It fends off the chill with its wind-blocking front, breathable back, deep pockets, and cozy, relaxed fit. c. Suunto 9 Baro fitness watch $599 For data geeks, this training assistant offers the usual stats—distance, pace, heart rate—but also tracks post-exercise oxygen consumption, training progress, and sleep. Endurance athletes love the hyper-accurate GPS and 120-hour battery life. d. Prana Momento sports bra $59 The Momento’s recycled nylon-Lycra fabric feels like brushed suede, for exquisite next-to-skin softness. Its interior shelf with reinforced cups and the ample…

a. Little Secrets Sea Salted Peanut Dark Chocolate Pieces $5 Peanut M&M’s are a popular backcountry treat for good reason—they’re sharable, and they pack some protein and fat along with the sugar hit. But this fair-trade version from Little Secrets is better, with a bit more salt to replenish electrolyte stores and no corn syrup or artificial flavors. b. Fairlife Smart Snacks Nutrition Shake $2.50 Swap your post-run chocolate milk for Fairlife’s blend of milk, honey, and oat flour. These shakes are lactose-free, so they’re easy on sensitive stomachs, and the oats add fiber and carbs. c. UnTapped Maple Syrup $20 for ten Fuel like a Vermonter and trade your mystery goo for natural maple syrup. It’s high in quick-burning carbs and has a low glycemic index, which helps maintain…