The Best Outdoor Gear: Reviews & Guides by 国产吃瓜黑料 Magazine /outdoor-gear/ Live Bravely Fri, 01 Aug 2025 21:35:30 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://cdn.outsideonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/favicon-194x194-1.png The Best Outdoor Gear: Reviews & Guides by 国产吃瓜黑料 Magazine /outdoor-gear/ 32 32 First Look: HOKA Mafate 5 /outdoor-gear/run/first-look-hoka-mafate-5/ Fri, 01 Aug 2025 21:35:30 +0000 /?p=2710660 First Look: HOKA Mafate 5

Whether it鈥檚 an ultra race or everyday adventure run, the fifth-gen Mafate delivers peak performance on technical trails

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First Look: HOKA Mafate 5

Running terrain of the rocky-rooty-rutty variety is fun and rewarding, but no easy task. Add stream crossings, scree fields, and occasional snow patches, and it鈥檚 no surprise wild trails demand focus and athleticism at any pace, even the most leisurely. If you up the stakes by racing, then every foot strike carries even more weight.

That heightened challenge is why your shoes matter. The new HOKA Mafate 5 delivers go-long performance with reliable support over countless miles of rough ground. HOKA updated this ultrarunning fan favorite with enhanced durability, protection, and comfort for all terrain. As the first model HOKA introduced to the world in 2010, the Mafate is now better than ever, ready for demanding off-road runs and rugged ultra races.

(Photo: HOKA)

The Shoe That Launched the Brand

Fifteen years ago, HOKA disrupted the running shoe industry with its first-ever model: the original Mafate. At a time when minimalist zero-drop shoes were all the rage, the thick midsole of the Mafate was a maximalist rebuke, upending the trail running world with its rockered shape and bucket seat鈥搇ike foot positioning. Born in the mountains, the Mafate was designed to inspire a feeling of flying, not unlike the softer glide and float of a powder ski through deep snow.

A decade and a half later, it鈥檚 hard to tread a busy trail without seeing a handful of HOKAs. Trail runners, in particular, lean into the comfort of the brand鈥檚 amped-up cushioning and stability features. Combine the midsole benefits with a secure upper, serious traction, the foot-cradling feel of HOKA鈥檚 Active Foot Frame, and the smooth-rolling MetaRocker鈩 shape, and it鈥檚 easy to understand the off-road appeal.

Today, the shoe that started it all is in its fifth iteration. After years of product development, the new Mafate 5 does everything its predecessor did, but better. It鈥檚 more durable in the midsole and upper, with a styling that pays homage to the 106-mile (UTMB) course spanning the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps. And the Mafate 5 is the first HOKA trail runner that has gaiter-compatible features. It鈥檚 ready to fly through unexpected turbulence.

(Photo: HOKA)

Improved Durability, Support, and Traction

The Mafate 5 has been updated for long-term durability. While the Mafate has always been designed with a MetaRocker鈩 shape to encourage forward momentum, it now features all-new Rocker Integrity Technology. That translates to a curved, pliable plate made from lightweight TPU that helps the shoe hold its shape for longer while enhancing an efficient stride.

The upper has also been updated for 360-degree foot protection and durability with a molded TPU structure that encases a stretchy jacquard knit. That lightweight armor provides extra support for more precise foot placement. And if you鈥檙e heading into tricky terrain, you can quickly and securely attach a gaiter to help keep trail gunk out of your shoes (and from irritating your feet).

Credit surefootedness to a Vibram Megagrip庐 outsole that increases ground contact on everything from wet slabs to sandy trails. New to the Mafate 5, the dual-density midsole has been flip-flopped: The softer bottom layer supports a firmer upper layer, providing ample cushioning that morphs over rocks and roots while absorbing and rebounding the impact of every step.

(Photo: HOKA)

Who Is It For?

Runners who are ready for their off-road best. Built for ultrarunners who demand durability, protection, and comfort on the most challenging terrain, the new Mafate 5 delivers unwavering trail performance and steadfast support from start to finish.

 


HOKA is one of the fastest-growing performance footwear and apparel brands in history. Conceived in the mountains, HOKA footwear delivers an unprecedented combination of enhanced cushioning and support for a uniquely smooth ride. Every day, HOKA pushes the innovation and design of its footwear and apparel by teaming up with a deep roster of world champions, taste makers and everyday athletes. From finish lines to everyday life, HOKA fans love the brand for its bold and unexpected approach, and its belief in the power of humanity to create change for a better world. HOKA empowers a world of athletes to fly over the earth. For more information, visit or follow @HOKA. #FlyHumanFly听听

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Burton鈥檚 Huge Summer Sale Will Help You Stave off the Summertime Blues /outdoor-gear/snow-sports-gear/burton-summer-sale/ Fri, 01 Aug 2025 19:04:02 +0000 /?p=2712173 Burton鈥檚 Huge Summer Sale Will Help You Stave off the Summertime Blues

Save some cash on gear now, spend it on apr猫s ski beers later.

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Burton鈥檚 Huge Summer Sale Will Help You Stave off the Summertime Blues

Snowboard season may still be a few months away, but if you鈥檙e anything like us, you鈥檙e already counting down the days until that first chairlift ride up the mountain. Since we can鈥檛 hit the slopes just yet, we鈥檙e spending these warmer months organizing the gear closet, reminiscing on our most epic days out last year, and reading all of the snow-related inspo we can find.

As we take inventory of our gear, we鈥檙e simultaneously building a wish list of all the new apparel and equipment to buy for the upcoming season. And for all the wish-list-makers out there, we have good news: the is has just started and there are markdowns across all of the brand鈥檚 categories, including jackets and bibs, bindings, boards, boots, and more. This means you can knock a few things off your list right now 鈥 no need to wait until October to start shopping for new snowboarding gear. Keep reading to find our favorites from the sale, or head straight to and see for yourself.


burton snowboard on white background

Burton Family Tree 3D Deep Daze Flat Top Snowboard

One of our favorite snowboards for 2025, this is an ideal choice for powderhounds that are always the first ones down the mountain after a big storm. The board provides constant energy and float, and was much more versatile on the mountain than we expected it to be. But the real reason it stands out is its innovative channel technology. The unique 3D base wowed our testers, with one of them claiming that the 3D Deep Daze 鈥減umped, bounced, and buttered through powder like a peyote-popping porpoise on a vision quest.鈥

Burton [ak] Hover GORE鈥慣EX 3L Stretch Jacket

GORE-TEX isn鈥檛 the only waterproof tech on the mountain, but it has certainly become the go-to for boarders who are keen on staying dry all day long. The Hover jacket is a light, packable, waterproof shell made for conquering the backcountry. It stows small when you鈥檙e following the skin track up the hill and keeps the conditions at bay on the way back down.

goggles on white background
(Photo: Courtesy of Burton)

Anon M4S Goggles (Toric) + Bonus Lens + MFI庐 Face Mask

This bundle has everything you need to protect your eyes and face on the mountain. The M4S goggles use cylindrical lenses for a wide field of view and come with a bonus lens you can swap out on the go thanks to Anon鈥檚 Magna-Tech magnetic lens interface. The bundle also includes a magnetic face mask to keep you warm on the coldest days. The M4S frames are designed for folks with medium-sized faces and听 come with a microfiber goggle bag to keep them protected when you鈥檙e not wearing them.

 

Burton [ak] Kalausi GORE-TEX C-KNIT 3L Bib Pants

If you鈥檙e a splitboarder that needs their pants to be equal parts stormproof and breathable, the Kalausi bib pants are a treat. The three-layer GORE-TEX material is fully waterproof while still allowing for hot air to move away from your skin on tough climbs. Once you reach the summit and prepare to turn back down the hill, the impenetrable outer membrane will keep you completely dry and comfortable.

burton vest

Burton Futuretrust Insulator Vest

When the cold really starts to hit, your mid-layers make all the difference. The Futuretrust Insulator Vest, one of Burton鈥檚 many gender-neutral offerings, is a low-bulk option that packs a huge punch warmth-wise. A lightweight Pertex shell is paired with 200g ThermacoreEco fill to keep you warm without making you feel like a marshmallow. Bonus points for the zippered side vents that let your torso breathe when you work up a sweat.

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First Look: The Adidas TERREX Skychaser AX5 GTX /outdoor-gear/hiking-gear/first-look-the-adidas-terrex-skychaser-ax5-gtx/ Fri, 01 Aug 2025 12:36:45 +0000 /?p=2711029 First Look: The Adidas TERREX Skychaser AX5 GTX

The do-it-all shoe designed to combat FOMO is now more versatile, durable, and comfortable

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First Look: The Adidas TERREX Skychaser AX5 GTX

When you don鈥檛 know what the day is going to bring, you need a single shoe that can do it all. For years, the TERREX Skychaser line has filled that role perfectly. Leave the house in a pair of Skychasers, and you鈥檙e pretty much guaranteed to be ready for anything. Do the buds want to rent bikes and tool around town? Walk to that good noodle joint three neighborhoods over? Go for a big hike before happy hour? With the Skychasers on, no need to miss out. When plans change, you鈥檙e up for it.

A more versatile shoe didn鈥檛 seem possible. But now, thanks to some clever updates, adidas TERREX has managed to pull it off with the Skychaser AX5 GTX. Like its predecessor (the Skychaser AX4 GTX), the new AX5 is waterproof and breathable (thank you Gore-Tex). It鈥檚 also more durable, thanks to abrasion-resistant overlays that defy scrapes from rocks and vegetation.

The new adidas TERREX Skychaser AX5
The new Skychaser AX5 is the perfect shoe to take your hiking experience to the next level. (Photo: adidas)

鈥淚t鈥檚 the perfect shoe for those looking to take their hiking experience to the next level,鈥 says Tom Louage, a global senior product director of outdoor footwear at adidas TERREX.

But the durability upgrades are just the start. The AX5 also features a fan-favorite compound of sticky Continental Rubber. Between that and the burly, 4mm lugs, the Skychaser AX5 is ultra-grippy in both wet and dry conditions. The sole is also slightly stiffer than past versions. A rigid stability plate embedded in the midsole steadies footsteps on rocky terrain and protects feet against sharp stones and gravel. The enhanced stiffness also improves rebound, which means you can go further without feeling the miles. And thanks to the Lightmotion midsole鈥攁 springy layer of cushion directly underfoot鈥攜ou鈥檒l be able to handle the extra distance without excessive fatigue.

Lounging in a pair of adidas TERREX Skychaser AX5s
The AX5 pairs hiking-boot performance with street-shoe style. (Photo: adidas)

The comfy fit and smooth ride remain similar to that of the AX4, but with key upgrades鈥攑articularly to the shoe鈥檚 internal construction. 鈥淭he Skychaser AX5 features two foam pods integrated on both sides of the heel lining to provide a locked-down feeling,鈥 explains Louage. That鈥檚 a brand-new feature for a Gore-Tex hiking shoe. The AX5 also offers slightly more stack height (22.5/33.6 mm) than its predecessor鈥攊n other words, extra cushioning to protect your feet whether you鈥檙e pounding pavement or navigating rocky singletrack.

Kicking back in the AX5s
The AX5 includes upgrades from it’s predecessor like more stack heights and extra cushion. (Photo: adidas)

Finally, the look. The AX5 pairs hiking-boot performance with street-shoe style. The 2025 Skychaser AX5 pares down the chunky accents for a design that鈥檚 much sleeker and subtler. The result is a dialed-in shoe built to handle everything from city jaunts to serious hiking. In other words, it鈥檚 up for anything you are.


is a global leader in the outdoor sporting goods industry. With the mission to enable all humans to live a more connected, conscious, and adventurous life, adidas TERREX combines high-performance technologies with fashion-forward designs to weather the forces of nature and inspire every human being to find their own summits.

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The Best Gear 国产吃瓜黑料’s Editors Tested This Month (July 2025) /outdoor-gear/clothing-apparel/editors-gear-picks-july-2025/ Thu, 31 Jul 2025 17:09:26 +0000 /?p=2711978 The Best Gear 国产吃瓜黑料's Editors Tested This Month (July 2025)

From cushy trail runners to sweat-wicking apparel, here's the gear that inspired us to get after it in the peak of summer

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The Best Gear 国产吃瓜黑料's Editors Tested This Month (July 2025)

In July, our gear editors and testers had one goal: find the apparel, accessories, and equipment that make sweltering summer adventures not just tolerable, but genuinely fun. From sweat-wicking shirts to cushy trail runners to bug-busting gadgets, this is the gear we grabbed when the heat cranked up and the mosquitoes came out swinging.


Closeup of Puma Deviate Nitro trail running shoes on grass
(Photo: Jonathan Beverly)

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite Trail Running Shoes

Several brands have now attempted to apply the tech of road super shoes to the trail, with varying success. For my money (and stride and terrain), Puma has done the best job of balancing the lively bounce of a road model with the stability and adaptability needed for uneven and unpredictable off-road running. The Deviate Nitro Elite Trail’s foam鈥攁 new compound called as the king of super foams鈥攊s springier than any I’ve experienced, so springy that it starts to push back as soon as I put weight on it, reducing the squish. That responsive platform, combined with a wide base, a low, balanced, six-millimeter heel-toe drop, and a semi-flexible carbon-composite plate that adapts to underfoot irregularities, make the shoes agile and sure-footed on tricky trails and encouraged powerful, efficient push-offs when the terrain opened up. The shoe made me feel nimble and fast, which made every run in them more fun and led to spontaneous bursts of speedy joy. Jonathan Beverly, Senior Gear Editor

Blue Smartwool Active Ultralite Hoodie on white background
(Photo: Courtesy REI)

Smartwool Women’s Active Ultralite Hoodie

Smartwool doesn鈥檛 market the Active Ultralite Hoodie as a sun shirt, but it鈥檚 been my go-to summer layer for two years鈥攆or two reasons: it鈥檚 incredibly lightweight and comfortable next to skin, even in 100-degree heat; and it鈥檚 the fastest-drying layer I own, drying within 20 minutes even in humidity. The magic lies in the airy, buttery fabric: a Merino wool and Tencel Lyocell blend that regulates temperature, fights odor, and dries fast. I also love the relaxed fit, drop tail hem, and high neck that provides extra coverage when the hood is up. I just spent a week in North Carolina, where the heat index hit 105掳F, and I happily wore this hoodie to the beach and splash pads with my kids. Bonus: Merino provides natural UPF protection. The Active Ultralite Hoodie might not be labeled as a sun shirt, but I鈥檒l take it over a synthetic option any day. Jenny Wiegand, Associate Gear Director听

Bug Zapper Racket on white background
(Photo: Courtesy Amazon)

Bug Zapper Racket听

There’s something in my blood that makes me completely irresistible to mosquitoes, so the second I hear that tell-tale buzzing, I’m on the offensive. There’s no mercy when I’m hunting down these tiny vampires鈥擨’ll swing, swat, and splat until my enemies are vanquished. My number-one ally in the eternal fight against the itchy insurgents is this electric bug zapper a friend got for me as a gag gift one year. Joke’s on you, Jeff鈥擨 use it daily in the summer, especially during golden hour cookouts and weekend trips to our swampy, muggy lakehouse in northwest Indiana. It’s battery-operated and the size of a pickleball paddle, with one simple button to press. The mosquitoes may be winning the decades-long war, but I’m winning the battles these days. 鈥, Gear & Affiliate Director

Closeup of Nemo Persist Backpack on white background
(Photo: Courtesy NEMO)

NEMO Persist 45L Backpack

NEMO is always pushing innovation, and the Persist carries that ethos forward with a versatile all-adventure day pack made from mostly recycled materials, all of which can be recycled again after you鈥檙e done with it. I love a green initiative, but it鈥檚 the versatility of this pack that won me over during the last couple of months. I鈥檝e been testing the 30-liter version, which is classified as a daypack, but I鈥檝e found it to be spacious enough for overnights as well. And it鈥檚 designed to accommodate a slew of adventures, from backcountry skiing (dedicated spots for rescue equipment and skis) to rock climbing. The lash-down straps can be moved to different locations on the pack to accommodate all kinds of gear depending on the adventure at hand and how you want to carry it. Consider the Persist a bag of many uses. Graham Averill, gear and travel columnist听

Arc'teryx Sylan Pro trail running shoes on wooden deck
(Photo: Will Porter)

Arc鈥檛eryx Sylan Pro Trail Running Shoes

As a gear editor, my closet is full of running shoes鈥攕o many, in fact, that I rarely get to return to a pair that I鈥檝e already logged plenty of test miles in. But I always find an excuse to come back to the Arc鈥檛eryx Sylan Pros because they check all of my boxes. The midsole is cushioned but not overly so; they are stable on technical, vert-heavy trails; they feel fast when it鈥檚 time to pick up the pace; and the knit collar does a great job of keeping out debris. And, when days get long and the miles start to add up, I have no issues with comfort鈥攎y toes have plenty of space, the midfoot is secure without choking out my metatarsals, and the padded heel cup prevents slippage, even without lacing up a heel lock (though they do have an extra eyelet should you choose to do so). I went backpacking in the Eastern Sierra this past weekend and the Sylans were the first piece of gear I packed. And when I have a particularly long trail run slotted into my training plan, the Sylans are the first pick in the draft.听 Will Porter, contributing gear editor

Closeup of Ten Thousand Tactical Utility Short on white background
(Photo: Courtesy Ten Thousand)

Ten Thousand Tactical Utility Shorts

I鈥檓 typically turned off by gear designed to be 鈥渢actical,鈥 mostly because I don鈥檛 carry weapons and rarely get into knife fights, so I don鈥檛 need pockets dedicated to carrying bullets or machetes. But Ten Thousand鈥檚 Tactical Utility Shorts are an exception, because they provide the practicality of an old-school cargo short without the sloppy vibes of an old-school cargo short. These shorts have six pockets (two hand pockets, two back pockets and two thigh pockets) all packed into an eight-inch inseam cut, so there鈥檚 plenty of room for all of the things we need to carry; and yet, the shorts never look bulky or overstuffed. Yes, these shorts were built with the Special Forces in mind, but all that means is that they鈥檙e tough as hell, crafted from a durable canvas that resists abrasion, stains, and odor, but also has plenty of stretch. The material is given a DWR treatment too, so when I spill my beer, it just wipes right off. G.A.听

Closeup of Addidas Agravic trail running shoes on dirt
(Photo: Jakob Schiller)

Adidas Agravic Speed Ultra Trail Sneaker

I recently re-learned how to run after injuries started cropping up. Turns out, I was landing on my heel and midfoot, when I needed to be striking with my midfoot and toes. It took several physical therapy sessions and these shoes to get me back on the right path. Their aggressive but well-designed rocker naturally shifted me forward in just the right way. The Agravics are high-performance trail shoes with features like embedded energy rods, so I save them for big mountain days or local trail races rather than everyday training. The Continental rubber outsole grips confidently on fast descents, and the stack height strikes a perfect balance: cushioned and bouncy without making me feel unstable on technical terrain. Also, not to be vain, but I love the green colorway. Jakob Schiller, gear columnist


More Gear Reviews

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Three Things Making Summer Heat Bearable /outdoor-gear/hiking-gear/gear-for-summer-heat/ Wed, 30 Jul 2025 19:21:20 +0000 /?p=2711820 Three Things Making Summer Heat Bearable

This gear helps me stay active outdoors even when it's 90-plus

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Three Things Making Summer Heat Bearable

It鈥檚 mid-July and stupid hot where I live in Boulder, Colorado (and in virtually every other part of the country). While I鈥檇 love to spend all day every day by a beach or in the water wearing a bikini鈥攍ike these I tested over the past six weeks鈥攖here鈥檚 reality. Aside from societal norms asking me not to wear a bikini to the post office and the impracticality of not having pockets, there鈥檚 the fiery ball in the sky threatening things like skin cancer and heat exhaustion. Since I can鈥檛 live life in a bathing suit, I鈥檝e honed in on a few practical pieces of gear to help me survive the summer swelter in other ways.

Paka Sol
(Photo: Courtesy Paka)

Paka Sol Hoodie

My answer to not living by a beach in the summer is to head to the mountains for a run or hike with girlfriends or my dog. I鈥檓 desperate for cooler air, big trees, and mountain lakes (that I often jump into mid-run). Even when the temperature is 65 degrees and rising quickly at the trailhead parking lot, I鈥檝e been pulling on or packing the Paka Sol Hoodie. The shirt is 30 UPF-rated and covers my arms, chest, and upper back which are usually bare and just begging for sun damage. When it鈥檚 in hoodie mode, even the sides of my face are shielded.

Aside from the sun protection, the extremely soft material鈥攁 blend of Tencel, nylon, spandex, and Royal Alpaca wool鈥攎akes me wish the weather would not reach the 90s in town so I could wear this thing all the time. When the temps do change this fall, I鈥檒l be wearing the Paka Sol Hoodie for camping, sports watching, and hanging out on cool autumn days.

Unlike most midlayers that provide similar coziness, however, the Sol hoodie is super thin, packable, lightweight, and highly breathable, making it a favorite summer piece as well. I usually run hot, but while friends are shedding their sun hoodies mid-run, I remain comfortable in the Paka Sol Hoodie until the temps climb to 70-something degrees. I like to start my mountain runs with it on, shed it for the heat of the day, and pull it back on after I鈥檝e jumped in a lake for the run back to the car.


SunBum Signature SPF 50 Tinted Sunscreen product photo
(Photo: Courtesy SunBum)

SunBum Signature SPF 50 Tinted Sunscreen Face Stick

I am a woman who spends a lot of time being active outside, and I鈥檓 no longer a teenager, so I need to protect my skin to keep from looking like my teenage sons鈥 grandmother. I鈥檓 also someone who cares deeply for the ocean and the coral reefs I鈥檝e seen deteriorate over my lifetime鈥攄eterioration that is traced to the sunscreens we wear. There鈥檚 also proving toxic sunscreen ingredients affect freshwater eco-systems and all animal life. So it鈥檚 not just the reefs we need to worry about with our sunscreen choices, it鈥檚 all water.

I鈥檝e been on the lookout for a lightly tinted mineral sunscreen face stick that doesn鈥檛 feel sticky and gross and avoids toxic ingredients avobenzene and octinoxate. This stick from SunBum feels light and smooth, not thick and heavy. I鈥檝e sweat and swum plenty while wearing it, and it seemed to stay on just fine, with no burns to report. The tint is just enough to even out some sunspots that I swear weren鈥檛 there yesterday and I love the grab-and-go, fit-in-a-pocket size and slender shape. Plus, being a mineral (zinc oxide) sunscreen, it鈥檚 compliant with Hawaii Act 104, which banned the sale and distribution of sunscreens containing octinoxate and oxybenzone. Don鈥檛 need SPF 50? An SPF 30 clear version is also available.


Rabbit Hydration Trail Bra for summer heat
(Photo: Courtesy Rabbit)

Rabbit Hydration Trail Bra

Did I mention that it鈥檚 been high-90s in Boulder, and that there鈥檚 no ocean here? Since I can鈥檛 escape to the mountains every day, I sometimes have to run in the heat, even if I get up early (which I kind of don鈥檛).

To beat the heat, I鈥檝e recently been running with something that makes me look both like someone with a protrusion on her back and the smartest runner out there: a hydration bra. The Rabbit Hydration Trail Bra comes with a small (250mL) HydraPak soft flask and a dedicated stretchy pocket at mid-back. Brilliant. I can carry a little water comfortably and hands-free without wearing a pack or belt.听 When I plan ahead, I鈥檝e been sticking the full flask in the refrigerator or freezer for a short time before shoving it in the pocket and heading out to run. This helps to keep me cool鈥攕omething you don鈥檛 get when wearing a hydration vest.

I don鈥檛 have the most flexible shoulders, but can still access the flask mid-run no problem. Returning it to the pocket requires me to slow my pace and shove, but I don鈥檛 have to stop completely. I imagine some runners will be able to do this easily, though others might have to focus and stretch harder.

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First Look: Leatherman Premium Fixed-Blade and Folding Knives /outdoor-gear/tools/first-look-leatherman-premium-fixed-blade-and-folding-knives/ Mon, 28 Jul 2025 16:12:18 +0000 /?p=2711027 First Look: Leatherman Premium Fixed-Blade and Folding Knives

Leatherman鈥檚 premium knives heavy-up on durability and smart features for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts

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First Look: Leatherman Premium Fixed-Blade and Folding Knives

Long admired as the go-to brand for durable, high-quality multitools in the outdoors, has a new slate of knives that builds up their reputation by stripping things down. Its new premium fixed-blade and foldable knives are addition by subtraction鈥攄edicated offerings for those who need the singular performance of a purpose-built outdoor knife.

The five knives in the collection include three 鈥擱ustle, Pioneer, and Trac鈥攁nd two , the Glider and Blazer. All knives are fully customizable and made in the USA with stainless steel to deliver durability, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. Each knife was created with a different type of outdoor enthusiast in mind.

Rustle: For the Camp Chef

A Leatherman knife on a cutting board
The Rustle’s Santoku-style blade is the ideal companion for the camp chef. (Photo: Leatherman)

If you鈥檙e more likely to count onions than ounces, the Rustle is the knife for you. Designed for early morning omelets and post-hike stir-fries, the Rustle鈥檚 thoughtful features make it perfect for outdoor cooking. The blade鈥檚 full bevel design with a slight curve toward the tip offers optimal slicing, especially when making thin cuts of meats and veggies. The santoku-inspired blade shape is also ideal for chopping, giving you everything you need to turn fireside chowdowns into five-star meals.
Weight: 4.3 oz
Width: 0.49 in
Blade length: 4 in
Total length: 8.3 in
Handle: G10 with blade jimping
Sheath material: Kydex

Pioneer: For the Survivalist

A Leatherman knife striking flint
Each knife was created with a different type of outdoor enthusiast in mind. (Photo: Leatherman)

Building your own backcountry shelter requires a knife that鈥檚 totally reliable in the wilderness, and the Pioneer is an adventure partner that鈥檚 as tough as you. The blade鈥檚 heavy-duty, full-tang construction with a Japanese Tanto design offers trustworthy strength when cutting canvas, slicing through cording, or batoning wood. Field-ready features include an oversized lanyard hole to add a leash or cording and a handy notch on the jimping to strike a ferro rod when you need to get a fire going.
Weight: 8.3 oz
Width: .66 in
Blade length: 5 in
Total length: 10 in
Handle: G10 with blade jimping
Sheath material: Hybrid Kydex and full-grain American leather

Trac: For the Always-Outdoors

A Leatherman knife in a holster
The Trac’s rugged, hollow ground blade was designed for the tough tasks of those that are chronically outdoors. (Photo: Leatherman)

Whether you鈥檙e waiting for deer, a bite on your line, to stumble upon some mushrooms, or just the next job around the ranch, the Trac will be ready when you are. From foraging to fishing to farming, the versatile and well-balanced Trac knife is a worthy outdoor partner from sunup to sundown. Its rugged, hollow-ground blade was designed for tough tasks that still require precision, like field-dressing game. Because when you鈥檙e outside all day, the work should be as easy and accurate as possible.
Weight: 6.4 oz
Width: 0.62 in
Blade length: 4.2 in
Total length: 8.93 in
Handle: G10 with blade jimping
Sheath materials: Full-grain American leather

Glider and Blazer: For the Always Prepared

A Leatherman knife on a rock
The Glider and Blazer are convenient enough to carry anywhere and tackle any task. (Photo: Leatherman)

For you, 鈥渦nprepared鈥 may as well be a four-letter word. The Glider and Blazer folding knives are convenient enough to carry anywhere, reliable enough to always count on, and versatile enough for any task. Their supersleek design uses only 12 total components, resulting in fewer points of failure when you鈥檙e in the backcountry. A reversible, removable pocket clip makes them easy to carry anywhere and everywhere, and an attached lanyard with a built-in bit driver delivers extra versatility whether you鈥檙e setting up camp or setting up shop.
Weight: 3.7 oz
Width: 0.37 in
Blade length: 3.15 in (Blazer), 3 in (Glider)
Open length: 7.3 in
Closed length: 4.15 in (Blazer), 4.3 in (Glider)
Handle: Stainless steel with Cerakote庐 finish (except on Stainless Blazer model)



Founded in 1983 by Tim Leatherman, Oregon-based Leatherman Tool Group is the world鈥檚 largest manufacturer of high-quality multipurpose products with distribution in more than 86 countries. Built upon three principles鈥攗nwavering perseverance, ingenious design, and the ability to save the day鈥擫eatherman has empowered people around the world to solve problems, big and small. Proudly based and manufactured in Portland, Oregon, the brand鈥檚 factory is located in the same building as the company headquarters. For more information, visit .

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An Ode to the Small But Mighty Wet Wipe /outdoor-gear/run/an-ode-to-the-small-but-mighty-wet-wipe/ Sat, 26 Jul 2025 10:00:09 +0000 /?p=2711578 An Ode to the Small But Mighty Wet Wipe

Why a moist towelette is the most essential outdoor gear I carry

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An Ode to the Small But Mighty Wet Wipe

I recently took an informal inventory of my gear to try and figure out what piece I鈥檝e used the most over the past three months. A favorite pair of and a were near the top, but as I finished the tally, it became clear that individually sealed wipe packets, like those from and , led the way by a longshot. I’ve used them countless times in every scenario imaginable, and trust me, I’ve never regretted carrying one with me while playing outside.

One standout moment was during an epic backpacking trip with my kids in the San Pedro Parks Wilderness; my wife and I relied on wipes to keep their faces (somewhat) clean during three days in the dirt. Another was the weekend I spent camping out of a car at Overland Expo West, where a morning face wipe-down was equally as important as my daily coffee鈥攁nd much easier and more effective than washing in the sink of a public restroom.

But the majority of my wet wipe uses, and the biggest reason I now find them indispensable, have come while running. At the ripe old age of 44, I鈥檝e decided to go all in on distance running鈥攁nd I鈥檝e quickly found out that the more miles I run, the more often I have to poop.

I鈥檝e visited the Porta-Potty that sits in the middle of my run loop so many times I almost take ownership. When a wind storm knocked it over for a week, it completely changed how I organized my day because I had to find another route and an accessible bathroom.

As runners know, a dirty bum, especially combined with sweat, is an easy way to increase your chances for butt chafing. And yet, toilet paper sometimes falls short in its cleaning duties. Through lots of testing (haha), I鈥檝e found that the added moisture in the wipe does a much better job cleaning so there鈥檚 as little chance as possible for chafing鈥攚hich is why I now carry a wipe on every run, no matter the distance or location.

Moisture and butts is a topic that America is actually converging around in a big way at the moment. After decades of wipes being just for babies, tons of companies now offer adult wipes for butt health. One of them, , echoes my recent revelation on its website, 鈥淵ou wouldn鈥檛 wash your face with a dry washcloth, why would you clean your butt with dry toilet paper?鈥

One problem I鈥檝e had to overcome, however, is how to dispose of the used wipes. Companies claim that their wipes are 鈥渇lushable,鈥 and it鈥檚 technically true that the wipes will go down your toilet. But once they reach the city鈥檚 sewer system, the wipes don鈥檛 break down fast enough, so they cause backups and shutdowns (). Non-plant-based wipes not only cause blockages but also leak micro-plastics into the water system. Wipes, whether plant-based or not, stand almost where I live, so they鈥檒l be a hazard if left in the wild.

The good news is that there鈥檚 a fairly simple fix. At home it鈥檚 been as simple as using the wipe and then throwing it in a special plastic-bag lined trashcan. The trashcan never smells, thanks to a lid, and when the bag is full I tie it up and throw it in the outside trash, where it will eventually be taken to a landfill and have time to biodegrade. This process feels a little gross at first, but after the 100th wipe, I鈥攁nd my family鈥攃ame to treat it as normal.

国产吃瓜黑料 of the house, things get a little messier, but with a little practice, the process is totally manageable. Any time I have to use a wipe in the backcountry or when visiting the Porta-Potty, I put the soiled product in a sandwiched-sized plastic bag and either throw it away at the trailhead or at home. It can be weird to hike or run with a poopy wipe bouncing around in your pack or shorts, but there are usually bigger things to worry about (e.g., don鈥檛 trip, where鈥檚 the trail, look at that stunning sunset), so it鈥檚 easy to forget the baggage.

In terms of brands, I鈥檓 pretty agnostic, but have gravitated toward companies like the ones from that are made from plant-based ingredients so that I鈥檓 not using petroleum products and putting more plastics into a landfill. At home, I鈥檓 a big fan of because they鈥檙e cheap and come in bulk.

It鈥檚 ironic that as a gear tester, I show up to a run or a hike decked out in the newest shoes, the fanciest shorts, the most powerful GPS watch, even high-performance socks鈥攂ut secretly feel completely unprepared unless I have a wet wipe in one of my pockets. I would certainly survive my run or backpacking trip without these moist towlettes, but I鈥檓 glad I don鈥檛 have to.

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The Coolest Gear We Saw at OMA鈥檚 Summer 2025 Media Show /outdoor-gear/oma-summer-2025-media-show/ Fri, 25 Jul 2025 19:25:45 +0000 /?p=2711618 The Coolest Gear We Saw at OMA鈥檚 Summer 2025 Media Show

From souped-up batteries to freeride-focused touring boots, this is the gear that we鈥檙e most excited about for next year

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The Coolest Gear We Saw at OMA鈥檚 Summer 2025 Media Show

Every year, 国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 gear team heads to Outdoor Market Alliance in Lakewood, Colorado, to get a glimpse at the new gear headed to the North American market. Much of what we get our hands on is headed for shelves in a few months for the fall season. Some of it, though, is a glimpse at next summer鈥檚 offerings, giving is a peek into the crystal ball of outdoor gear. Our favorite finds this year? Batteries that work like alkalines but perform like lithium, serious mountain biking packs for little shredders, and the much-delayed release of Thule鈥檚 anti-rooftop tent.


Coulee Coffee pour over camp coffee
(Photo: Courtesy Coulee Coffee)

Coulee Coffee

For those who aren鈥檛 quite convinced of high-end instant coffee (but honestly, it鈥檚 not bad!), Coulee Coffee recently launched its single-serving, fully-biodegradable pour-over filters. Similar to the Kuju filters we鈥檝e seen on the market, but with a less flimsy design, each bundle comes pre-filled with 14 grams of grounds; So far, the company offers four different roast options. The filters have a sturdy platform that fits on the rim of most standard mugs without fear of tipping or collapsing when pouring in water to brew. You can also buy $20 packs of empty filters to fill with your favorite grounds. 鈥擜dam Trenkamp, gear lab editor


Coast Zithion-X Batteries rechargable battery
(Photo: Adam Trenkamp)

Coast Zithion-X Batteries

There are plenty of rechargeable lithium batteries on the market, but these are special. Coast鈥檚 new batteries have something called ZX Optimized Voltage technology that supposedly delivers the same steady output as alkaline (traditional AA and AAA), making them compatible with 鈥渓ow drain鈥 devices鈥攖hink headlamps and two-way radios. Apart from keeping alkalines out of the landfill, this gives you the performance benefits of lithium鈥攍onger run time and increased performance in extreme temperatures鈥攊n a truly alkaline-compatible package. We asked if the Zithion-X batteries are safe for use with avalanche beacons, which could be big for winter backcountry travel, but haven鈥檛 received confirmation. 鈥擜dam Trenkamp, gear lab editor


Osprey Raptor Jr Hydration Pack mountain biking kids backpack
(Photo: Erica Zazo)

Osprey Raptor Jr Hydration Pack

Finding specialized outdoor gear that truly fits kids can be a challenge鈥攎ost technical equipment is designed with adults in mind. Osprey has taken the lead in changing that narrative by focusing on redesigning some of its adult-size packs for kid-specific fits, like the Raptor Jr, a fully-featured hydration pack for young mountain bikers. It doesn鈥檛 lack on any of the technical bells-and-whistles that the full-sized pack includes, like a stretchy front sleeve pocket, an internal tool organization, stabilizing upper compression straps and dual mesh hip belts, and a LidLock helmet attachment clip on the front of the pack. It also comes with a 1.5-liter reservoir that fits snug inside. 鈥擡rica Zazo, Backpacker contributor


Nestout FAN-1 Portable Fan adjustable camping fan
(Photo: Erica Zazo)

Nestout FAN-1 Portable Fan

I鈥檓 not afraid to deck out my campsite for the sake of comfort, but I鈥檝e never found a worthwhile portable fan to pack on my car camping adventures. They鈥檙e either too noisy, too bulky, too weak, or unable to hold a charge overnight. Nestout鈥檚 FAN-1 solves almost all of these problems. You can choose between four different fan speeds and adjust it to swing at 40掳, 70掳, and 100掳 for customized airflow. Built-in tripod legs let you find placement on uneven surfaces, or you can remove the legs and hang the FAN-1 on a tree branch using mounting hooks. I found it particularly useful to blow away pesky mosquitos on windless nights. 鈥擡rica Zazo, Backpacker contributor


Thule Outset Hitch-Mounted Tent car camping
(Photo: Jenny Wiegand)

Thule Outset Hitch-Mounted Tent

[Launching August 26]

We first saw Thule teasing its a few years back. After quite a few delays (pesky North American compliance), the roof rack brand鈥檚 rooftop tent alternative is finally hitting the market. The new Outset mounts to a standard 2-inch hitch, giving campers a home on wheels that can easily be attached and detached, simpler to set up, and doesn鈥檛 tie up roof space. The best part: You can leave the tent freestanding when parked, which makes quick trips to town or the trailhead a lot easier than with roof-mounted models.

Inside, the Outset offers a raised platform, a built-in mattress, and big windows for ventilation鈥攆eatures that should appeal to anyone who wants a more comfortable camp setup without sleeping on the ground. In general, the design seems geared toward weekend campers who want convenience without a ton of fuss. No doubt, the Outset is something that will only appeal to a small group of campers, especially with a $4,700 price tag. 鈥擩enny Wiegand, associate gear director


La Sportiva Sender Ski Boot
(Photo: Jenny Wiegand)

La Sportiva Sender Ski Boot

[Available Fall 2025]

La Sportiva built its backcountry rep on lightweight, uphill-focused touring boots, but the new Sender marks a clear push into freeride territory鈥攁nd brings a first for the brand: GripWalk soles. That means seamless compatibility with both tech and alpine hybrid bindings, something La Sportiva hasn鈥檛 offered until now.

At just under 1,500 grams and a 130 flex, the Sender targets skiers who want real downhill power on big skis but aren鈥檛 willing to sacrifice uphill efficiency. A carbon-loaded Grilamid cuff, Pebax shell, and a Force Wrap liner lock in support, while a 63-degree range of motion in walk mode that should keep skinning practical for big days out.

The Sender is exciting because it鈥檚 La Sportiva鈥檚 most freeride-focused touring boot yet, and the brand鈥檚 first shot at a true crossover model built for skiers chasing big descents without ditching the climb. 鈥擩enny Wiegand, associate gear director


Marmot Wraptor magnetic car camping sleeping bag
(Photo: Adam Trenkamp)

Marmot Wraptor Sleeping Bag

[Available Spring 2026]

We鈥檝e seen a few 鈥渨rap鈥 style sleeping bags in recent years, most notably the Wrap Sack from Rumpl. Marmot鈥檚 take uses a more traditional mummy style, and foregoes zips for magnetic closures. Available in synthetic and 650-fill down and in 15-to-20-degree ratings, the Wraptor lets you regulate your warmth by choosing between one or two layers of sleeping bag, and utilizes an听 鈥渆nvelope-style鈥 footbox, which lets you stick a foot or two out when you get hot. The magnetic closure at the collar only opens when it鈥檚 pulled down, which Marmot says should keep it from popping open in the middle of the night. Bonus: it鈥檚 made from 100-percent post-consumer recycled materials. 鈥擜dam Trenkamp, gear lab editor


Fjallraven Kajka X-L盲tt 45 hiking backpack
(Photo: Benjamin Tepler)

Fjallraven Kajka X-L盲tt 45

[Available Spring/Summer 2026]

The trendy Swedish brand, best known for its durable, sturdy hiking gear, is making a concerted effort to lighten the load of its packs and apparel across the board. Its new 45-liter Kajka X-L盲tt pack, built for short backpacking trips, weighs only 2.4 pounds, which is quite light for Fjallraven, but just about average for most other pack-makers. But the X-L盲tt stay true to its robust design roots with the brand鈥檚 Vinylon F (a burly synthetic fabric with the feel of canvas) and sturdy birch stays. We鈥檒l be curious to see how the pack actually carries after a season of testing. 鈥擝enjamin Tepler, senior gear editor

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Cyclists: Rivendell Has Crafted the Rear Derailleur of the Century /outdoor-gear/bikes-and-biking/rivendell-bikes-rear-derailleur/ Fri, 25 Jul 2025 16:00:42 +0000 /?p=2710872 Cyclists: Rivendell Has Crafted the Rear Derailleur of the Century

Why the non-electronic, non-indexed Silver OM-1 manufactured by Rivendell is the most important rear derailleur of the 21st century.

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Cyclists: Rivendell Has Crafted the Rear Derailleur of the Century

In May, I went for a ride on the Mount Tam trails in Marin County, California, with Grant Petersen, the founder and owner of , and his buddy Dan Leto. It was a warm and sunny Sunday morning. As we were unloading the bikes from Dan鈥檚 car at the trailhead (and Grant was working on a flat), an older gentleman in an Audi convertible pulled over to admire them. Having seen the 2006 documentary Klunkers, he understood that mountain biking had been born more or less exactly where we were standing.

He then asked: 鈥淎re you guys reenactors?鈥

It was funny to us, since our bikes and our clothing were essentially new, but it also wasn鈥檛 surprising given the current state of mountain biking and cycling. We were riding steel bicycles with leather saddles and without suspension, and while our clothes were perfectly normal for three guys hanging out together on a Sunday, they were abnormal in the context of contemporary bicycling where roadies dress like speed skaters and mountain bikers dress like hockey goalies. Certainly to a non-cyclist, we far more closely resembled the people in Klunkers than the people you鈥檒l typically find riding the roads and trails around Marin County today.

Normal Bikes for Normal People in Normal Clothes

Why the non-electronic, non-indexed Silver OM-1 is the most important rear derailleur of the 21st century.
(Photo: Eben Weiss)

A knowledgeable cyclist can tell the difference between a modern Rivendell and a vintage klunker at a glance. But even among them, there鈥檚 a general sense that if you choose a bike like this, you鈥檙e willfully and obstinately slowing yourself down, dropping anchor in the past, and refusing to change with the times. Bikes are supposed to get faster and easier. They鈥檙e supposed to take you deeper into the landscape and over increasingly challenging terrain with less effort. If you’re having trouble getting up a tricky climb without putting a foot down, or you鈥檙e not breaking Strava records on the descent, it鈥檚 because your equipment is inadequate鈥攜ou’re 鈥渦nderbiking,鈥 in the current parlance.

Of course, Rivendells are not designed for the body armor set or the rider looking to push the absolute limits of speed and physics. You don鈥檛 chug a Red Bull before you hop on your Rivendell, but you might sip a kombucha afterward. Yet these are not relics that are frozen in time, nor are they replica klunkers made for the cycling equivalent of Civil War reenactors. Rather, they鈥檙e the natural evolution of those early two-wheelers if they hadn鈥檛 become the borderline motocross bikes you see out on the trails today. (Complete with motors, increasingly.)

They鈥檙e stable, strong, comfortable, competent, and capable bicycles, the designs of which Rivendell has refined and continues to refine. The mountain bike you rode 40 years ago did not have the ample tire clearance of Rivendell鈥檚 trail bike, the Clem Smith, Jr., or the long wheelbase that keeps the bike planted on rough terrain (whether you鈥檙e climbing or descending), or the low-slung top tube to facilitate dismounts, and remounts both planned and unplanned. (If you think a step-thru frame makes it a 鈥済irl’s bike,鈥 you need to get with it.) Your old mountain bike cleared 2.1鈥 tires if you were lucky, it had tiny wheels, a short piece of pipe for a handlebar, and a low-slung cockpit, and on challenging downhill sections it did its best to send you over the bars.

A company that makes normal bikes for normal people in normal clothes who want to enjoy the outdoors in a completely normal way faces certain challenges in a cycling industry that considers this form of normality abnormal, though. One of these is sourcing drivetrain components. The dominant suppliers of bicycle shifting systems are Shimano and SRAM, and while both continue to make mechanical drivetrains, they鈥檙e clearly focused on a wireless, electronic future. At the high end, their offerings have been almost exclusively battery-powered for years, but as the technology continues to make its way onto lower-priced bicycles, electronic shifting becomes increasingly ubiquitous. As a result, plenty of bike companies now offer frames that are not compatible with mechanical shifting at all.

Rivendell’s ‘Low Normal’ Derailleur

Rivendell rear derailleur
(Photo: Eben Weiss)

The mechanical systems these companies produce are now often designed around wide-range, single-ring drivetrains. Such systems have become popular because they鈥檙e both simple and robust. However, the individual components are generally not suitable as replacement parts for older drivetrains, or for riders who still prefer more traditional double or even triple chainring setups as opposed to clicking their way up and down massive 12-speed 10-50t cassettes. Front-shifting is going extinct, which is lamentable, because on undulating terrain sometimes nothing beats the simplicity of dropping into the small ring for the climb and then shifting back onto the big one for the descent.

Rivendell rear derailleur
(Photo: Eben Weiss)

Rivendell has long seen where things are going. Rather than design their frames in response to what the big drivetrain manufacturers are producing, they鈥檝e been designing and selling their own drivetrain components, drawing inspiration from the past but improving and refining them for today鈥檚 bikes and today鈥檚 riders. Rivendell鈥檚 Silver friction shifter is an update of the SunTour Power Ratchet, which was one of the finest shifters ever made until Shimano introduced SIS (鈥淪himano Indexed Shifting鈥) in 1984 and eventually put SunTour out of business.

Friction shifting unlocks an entire world of component compatibility, allowing you to mix cassettes and shifters and derailleurs from different manufacturers across many decades. The Silver shifter can be mounted on the downtube or the bar end or pretty much anywhere else. It feels like winding an expensive watch thanks to the extremely fine ratchet, and it will let you shift pretty much any derailleur across as many or as few cogs as you want.

Now, Rivendell is getting ready to offer its own Silver-branded rear derailleur, the OM-1. (Actually it will be a 鈥渄erailer,鈥 as Rivendell eschews the unnecessary letters of the French spelling. However, after all these years, I just can鈥檛 stop myself from typing them, so it will still be 鈥渄erailleur鈥 in this story going forward.)

A small bike company like Rivendell really has no business designing and selling a derailleur. A frame or a tire or a handlebar or a line of Scottish cotton bike bags or even a ratcheting shifter is one thing, but the rear derailleur (even a budget one) is one of the most complicated contraptions on your bike鈥攁 robust yet highly sensitive articulating arm consisting of a bunch of plates and springs and rivets and pulleys that must all fit together with perfect precision. You certainly don鈥檛 need to be an engineer to install or adjust a derailleur, but if you鈥檝e ever tried to disassemble one, you understand how intricate it is, and if you then tried to put it back together again, your brain probably exploded along with the derailleur itself. No bicycle company in its right mind wants to deal with the expense and sheer hassle of designing a derailleur. It鈥檚 a part you buy from one of the big companies and bolt onto the bike. It鈥檚 like designing your own kitchen faucet instead of picking one up from Home Depot.

But Rivendell is not a normal bike company and this is no normal derailleur鈥攐r rather it is, but it鈥檚 low-normal, which is the exact opposite of pretty much every derailleur out there.

Rivendell rear derailleur
(Photo: Eben Weiss)

Rivendell’s OM-1 rear derailleur will be available in mid-September, the company states.

Here’s how Rivendell explains it on its packaging:

RIVENDELL鈥橲 S!LVER OM-1, BETTER BECAUSE IT鈥橲 BACKWARDS

Most rear derailers are 鈥渉igh-normal鈥 (HN) style: With no cable tension,
the spring pulls the pulleys to the HIGH gear (small cog). The spring in
a 鈥渓ow-normal鈥 (LN) derailer pulls the chain to LOW gear. Our S!LVER OM-1
is this type. The OM means 鈥渙pposite movement,鈥 which works better,
linguistically, than 鈥渓ow-normal,鈥 since 鈥渓ow-normal鈥 isn鈥檛 normal. All front
derailers are LN, so when you add a LN rear, the left and right shifters
work in mirror image; the same direction or the same levers for high or low
gears. 鈥淕host shifts鈥 and the rare broken or slipped cable default you to
lower gears, a blessing on steep hills or in the boonies. LN shifting takes
ten shifts to get used to, twenty shifts to love, and there isn鈥檛 one drawback.

The OM-1 is a Beacon of Hope

Just as Rivendell didn鈥檛 invent the ratcheting friction shifter, they also didn鈥檛 invent the low-normal derailleur. In recent cycling history, the most prominent examples in the marketplace were Shimano鈥檚 鈥淩apidRise鈥 derailleurs of the late 鈥90s and early aughts. RapidRise was aimed primarily at mountain bikers, who ultimately rejected it, even though it worked perfectly well. Not only was it different and therefore weird, but Shimano eventually paired it with one of its worst mountain bike shifters ever, the hated 鈥淒ual Control Lever鈥 system, whereby you moved the entire brake lever to shift鈥攋ust like their road shifters, only horizontal鈥攁nd so people came to associate the two. Between the weird derailleurs and the floppy shifters, people eventually wrote RapidRise off as just another Shimano gimmick, like BioPace eccentric chainrings or their short-lived Airlines air-powered shifting system.

But as it turns out, low-normal derailleurs pair brilliantly with friction shifters, and so Rivendell has been stockpiling them for years. Like everyone else, I鈥檇 always dismissed RapidRise derailleurs despite not having tried them myself, but in 2020 Grant sent me a 9-speed era RapidRise XTR M950, which I installed on my A. Homer Hilsen, already equipped with Silver friction shifters. Because the spring moves the derailleur inboard instead of outboard when you release the cable, downshifts were noticeably smoother and easier. More significantly, my bar end shifter was well out of the way of my knee on climbs, because with a low-normal system both shifters are pointing straight down instead of sticking straight out as they do with high-normal derailleurs. I鈥檝e ridden everything from Di2 to mechanical Campagnolo Super Record, but in terms of sheer smoothness, the drivetrain on my Homer was now perhaps the finest I鈥檇 ever used.

Rivendell rear derailleur
(Photo: Eben Weiss)

Rivendell鈥檚 path to its own production low-normal derailleur was as undulating and intermittently rocky as the Mount Tam trails we rode that spring day when we were mistaken for historical reenactors. Bicycle frame and component manufacturing has largely shifted overseas, but derailleur manufacturing has pretty much always happened overseas. There鈥檚 no Great American Derailleur Company that shifted (that鈥檚 a pun) its manufacturing to China and left a small town destitute, and with certain exceptions, such as the rare and exotic derailleur of the mid-鈥90s, quality derailleurs have pretty much always come from either Europe or Asia. So tariffs or no tariffs, while a bike company can still have something like a frame manufactured domestically if they really want to, there鈥檚 pretty much no way to get someone in the U.S. to build you a derailleur. And even having one made overseas in the factories where they already make derailleurs is a challenge, because no bike company in its right mind designs its own derailleurs. But Rivendell wanted low-normal derailleurs that work great with friction shifters and double and triple cranks (not to mention silver and smooth instead of black and chunky like most modern derailleurs), and they didn鈥檛 want to keep settling for new old stock or existing production derailleurs that weren鈥檛 quite what they wanted, so they took it upon themselves to make it happen, time and expense be darned.

In 2020, around when Grant sent me that XTR RapidRise, Rivendell engaged an engineer and bike industry veteran, Dan Falvey, to work with them on designing a low-normal derailleur. This eventually yielded a beautiful, wholly original design and a functioning prototype that was prohibitively expensive to produce. (The cycling world does not need another $900 rear derailleur, which is about what the latest Campagnolo Super Record electronic rear derailleur costs; in fact, the cycling world arguably doesn’t need any $900 rear derailleurs.) So the OM-1 that will be available for purchase will cost $150, and it integrates the low-normal action integrated into a design from their manufacturer that is far easier to produce, yet will still look far better on a lugged steel bicycle than something like a Shimano CUES鈥攏o offense to Shimano CUES, but it ain鈥檛 exactly pretty.

By the time I received a Silver OM-1 prototype (around the time I met Grant and Dan for the ride on Mount Tam) I鈥檇 been using Silver friction shifters and low-normal derailleurs on two of my bikes, so I already knew what to expect when I installed it on my Platypus, which also used Silver shifters but still had a high-normal derailleur.

When downshifting with the OM-1, the chain flew right up the cassette with the flick of the lever, and because of the low-normal action, front and rear shifting actions now matched. With the Silver shifters in under-the-bar-thumbie mode, that meant forward to downshift, and back to upshift, on both the front and the rear.

When downshifting with the OM-1, the chain flew right up the cassette with the flick of the lever, and because of the low-normal action, front and rear shifting actions now matched. With the Silver shifters in under-the-bar-thumbie mode, that meant forward to downshift, and back to upshift, on both the front and the rear.
(Photo: Eben Weiss)


Platypus uses its share of chunky black mountain bike components, so it doesn鈥檛 require a classically elegant derailleur with smooth contours and a silver finish (plus its grimy drivetrain is an affront to said finish), but it certainly doesn鈥檛 hurt, and aesthetically it鈥檚 a component that would look at home on anything from a vintage road bike to a modern gravel bike, even (gasp!) a carbon one.

If all this talk of low-normal derailleurs and friction shifting makes you scoff, rest assured that nobody is trying to take away your suspension and your dropper post and your disc brakes and your wireless drivetrain. You鈥檙e safe. The mainstream bike industry is committed to these things, and to you. The Silver OM-1 is for the older riders who feel left behind, or for the younger riders who want to try something new, or really for anyone who wants an utterly simple and smooth-shifting bicycle that doesn鈥檛 require firmware updates and is compatible with decades upon decades鈥 worth of components. It also represents the first complete dedicated friction drivetrain in probably 40 years, it brings meaningful improvements to it (ratcheting shifting and low-normal action), and if you鈥檙e friction-curious and decide to try it out, you鈥檒l find it to be the very pinnacle of refinement. And the reason you鈥檒l still be able to buy all this stuff new in 2025 like a civilized person instead of scrounging for used parts on eBay is because a small bike company took on a huge project that makes little financial sense, all for the love of cycling.

Why the non-electronic, non-indexed Silver OM-1 is the most important rear derailleur of the 21st century.
(Photo: Eben Weiss)

So yes, the TLDR of it all is that Rivendell has made a derailleur that works backwards. But it鈥檚 more than that, and as our bikes go electronic like everything else, the OM-1 is a low-normal beacon of hope for those of us who don鈥檛 want to add our bikes to the increasingly long list of Stuff That Needs To Be Charged. Rivendell is fighting for the future of the mechanical bicycle so you don鈥檛 have to.

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Mosquitos Nearly Ruined My Eastern Sierra Backpacking Trip鈥擝ut This $11 Lotion Saved the Weekend /outdoor-gear/tools/sawyer-picaridin-insect-repellent-lotion/ Fri, 25 Jul 2025 13:00:56 +0000 /?p=2711434 Mosquitos Nearly Ruined My Eastern Sierra Backpacking Trip鈥擝ut This $11 Lotion Saved the Weekend

A few weeks ago, I ventured up to the Eastern Sierra for a quick backpacking trip. I鈥檓 no backpacking expert 鈥 I鈥檝e only been on a couple trips in my life 鈥 but I am a gear nerd, so my packing list was comprehensive. I packed spare trash bags to keep things dry in case … Continued

The post Mosquitos Nearly Ruined My Eastern Sierra Backpacking Trip鈥擝ut This $11 Lotion Saved the Weekend appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

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Mosquitos Nearly Ruined My Eastern Sierra Backpacking Trip鈥擝ut This $11 Lotion Saved the Weekend

A few weeks ago, I ventured up to the Eastern Sierra for a quick backpacking trip. I鈥檓 no backpacking expert 鈥 I鈥檝e only been on a couple trips in my life 鈥 but I am a gear nerd, so my packing list was comprehensive. I packed spare trash bags to keep things dry in case of rain and I had a few extra plastic sandwich bags for trash and toiletries. I had a tent, a sleeping bag, an ultralight sleeping pad, and a merino wool t-shirt I could wear each day, plus all of the other things you need for two nights in the backcountry.

The most important thing I packed, though, was actually an afterthought. Right before I locked my front door and drove north, I grabbed the that had been sitting unopened in my gear closet for the last few months. This last-minute addition to my pack turned out to be the savior of my trip when our group was met by a relentless wave of mosquitoes.

bug lotion
(Photo: Courtesy of REI)

Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion ($11)

From the moment I got out of my car until I returned to it two days later, the mosquitos were rampant. Save for a few hours in the middle of the day, we were absolutely beat down by mosquitos for the entire trip. The only line of defense between me and a veritable galaxy of painful mosquito bites was the humble $11 bug repellent I almost left at home.

I lathered up in the mornings and the evenings, covering as much of my body in the stuff as possible 鈥 I even put the lotion on before I donned my long sleeve shirt听to keep the bloody bugs from nipping me through the fabric. Once I was fully covered, the swarms of bugs that followed finally gave up on biting. Sadly, the lotion couldn鈥檛 prevent their constant buzzing and swarming and nagging; but at least I was blessedly protected from their attacks.

But that鈥檚 why I swear by the Sawyer picaridin repellent. It’s not so hardcore that you鈥檙e afraid to really cover yourself in it; you don鈥檛 have to worry about the harmful effects of DEET or permethrin, two toxic bug repellents that you can鈥檛 always put directly on your actual skin. The lotion acts as a barrier, allowing you to leave your skin uncovered on hot days rather than layer up in repellent-treated clothing and gear. I had the lotion with me, but Sawyer also makes a , which doesn鈥檛 last as long but is easier to apply in a pinch, since you can just spray it directly onto your clothes and your body at the same time. From now on, I will be taking both the Sawyer picaridin spray and lotion on any backpacking trip 鈥斕齛nd I can guarantee they鈥檒l be the first things I pack.

 

The post Mosquitos Nearly Ruined My Eastern Sierra Backpacking Trip鈥擝ut This $11 Lotion Saved the Weekend appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

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