Are you looking for the best outdoor gear available? Drawing on decades of experience, our trail-tested gear reviews will help you find reliable, high-quality equipment that you can trust. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, our expert reviews will help you make the right choice when shopping for outdoor equipment.
1. Tips for Choosing the Right Outdoor Gear
Exploring the outdoors with the right gear can enhance your experience, but with the market flooded with options, choosing the right gear can be tricky. Here are some tips to help you choose the gear that’s best for you.
Know your needs: Before you start shopping for your outdoor gear, it’s important to determine your needs. Do you plan to use the gear for day trips or overnight trips? What activities do you plan to do in the outdoors? Do you need items to keep you warm or cool? Knowing your needs before you choose your outdoor gear will help you make a purchase that best meets your needs.
Shop around: With so many options available for purchasing outdoor gear, it’s important to take your time and shop around. You can from large chain stores selling outdoors equipment, or you can find smaller brands and specialty retailers that offer specialized apparel and gear. Whatever option you choose, ensure that you’re choosing items that are comfortable, durable, and affordable.
Research items: Before you commit to purchasing a certain item, spend some time researching it. Read reviews from other consumers and check out product details. Researching gear will help you make an informed decision, and it will also give you an idea of the best prices for items. Plus, you’ll get great tips and advice from other experienced outdoors-goers.
- Know your needs
- Shop around
- Research items
Choosing the right outdoor gear is a important part of the planning process, but by taking the time to research and shop around it can help you make a decision that meets all your needs. Whether you’re a novice or a veteran outdoors-goer, the tips above will help you get the items you need to enjoy your next adventure.
2. Our Top Picks for Trail-Tested Equipment
The right gear can make all the difference when you’re spending an extended amount of time hiking, backpacking, and camping in the wilderness. We’ve tested out a wide range of gear, and believe these top picks are essential for any outdoor adventure.
- Backpack: Gonex 60L is a lightweight, waterproof backpack perfect for those trying to pack light yet fit all the essentials. With multiple pockets and pouches, this backpack is highly versatile and fits comfortably on your back.
- Tent: The ALPS Mountaineering tent is the perfect balance between lightweight and durability. It’s spacious, waterproof and UV-resistant – giving you all the protection you need from the elements.
- Sleeping Bag: The Teton Sports Celsius XL sleeping bag is designed for temperature ratings as low as -35 degrees. It features double-layered construction, an adjustable hood, and anti-snag zippers for added insulation and durability.
- Stove: Primus Lite + is a multi-fuel stove that’s perfect for boiling water and cooking meals in the backcountry. The lightweight design and collapsible burner make it the ideal cooking companion for any outdoor adventure.
The best gear is designed specifically for your needs, so it’s important to consider the environment you’ll be in and the type of activities you’ll be doing. Ultimately, you want gear designed to give you maximum comfort and protection while keeping weight to a minimum. With these basics, you’ll be well equipped to head out and explore the great outdoors.
For more information on gear and outdoor tips, check out our blog for advice on staying safe and comfortable on the trails.
3. Quality vs. Cost: Picking the Gear You Need
When you settle in for a night of star-gazing, you need the right equipment to get the job done. It comes down to choosing the right gear that is good enough quality, but also cost-effective.
- Telescopes: Telescopes are available ranging from mid-level to high-end models. For a starter telescope, you don’t need to spend a fortune. You can find quality optical equipment at a decent price. Typically, mid-level models provide excellent quality for the cost.
- Mounts: Equatorial mounts are essential if you want to avoid vibration when you make adjustments for a better angle. You can get quality mounts for a low cost if you invest in a mid-level telescope that comes with a compatible mount.
- Monitoring Computers: You don’t need to spend a lot of money on a tracking computer. Basic laptops or tablets can do the job and be good enough to keep your telescope on target.
- Software: Low-cost software can be quite good at tracking stars, and may even come with additional features like peak data and alert systems.
In the end, your budget will determine the quality of the gear you end up purchasing. Having a realistic idea of what your needs are can help you pick the right gear for the job. You may not get the world’s top equipment, but can still manage excellent results from the reliable gear available for a more reasonable cost.
Take some time to assess your needs and plan out a budget. Don’t be fooled by companies that advertise their overpriced products; a balance between quality and cost is achievable if you look around for quality telescopes, mounts, and monitoring computers.
4. Maximizing the Experiences of Outdoor Adventure
Animals, birds, trees, insects, and plants are all part of the great outdoors. Whether it’s a walk in the woods, an evening around the campfire, or a day hiking a mountain trail, our outdoor adventure experiences can enrich us beyond measure. Here are four tips on how to maximize those experiences.
Know the Territory
Explore the area you’ll be visiting before you go. Learn the flora and fauna that make up its natural inhabitants. Understanding the terrain can also give you an idea of the level of difficulty that comes with the adventure.
Bring the Right Gear
Don’t forget the essentials like food, water, and first-aid kits. Additionally, bring clothing that can keep you warm and dry in any weather condition. Depending on the type of adventure, consider bringing equipment like binoculars, fishing gear, or backpacks.
Keep Your Surroundings in Mind
- Leave your mark on the world–quite literally!–by picking up any rubbish you might find along the way.
- Be aware of weather changes, especially in higher altitudes.
- Respect local wildlife by keeping a safe and tidy camp.
Never put yourself in any unnecessary danger.
Savour the Moment
Take the time to breathe in the fresh air and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the environment. Soak up the warmth of the sunrays and overlook stunning views you rarely get to experience in everyday life.
If you love the outdoors, the right gear can make all the difference. Finding the best outdoor equipment makes your next adventure the best that it can be — and trail-tested gear reviews help you get the right kit for the job. So don’t be afraid to hit the trails — you’ll be glad you invested in the right gear.