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Latest by Kraig Becker

Propella 3.0 electric bike

Propella 3.0 ebike review: Cheap thrills

The Propella 3.0 ebike is an evolutionary upgrade to an affordable ebike designed for urban commuters. The bike retains its signature styling and exceptoinal price, while upgrading its front fork for a smoother ride. Other changes include a new battery pack, LCD screen, and an optional suspension seat.
best heated outdoor gear 8k flexwarm jacket women

The best heated jackets

Over the past few years, battery operated heated winter jackets have gone from being a novelty to a truly viable option for those looking to stay warm in the outdoors. During that time, these jackets have improved in both form and function, becoming more efficient, adding more features, and looking more fashionable as well.
best backpacking sleeping bags cosmic kelty 20 bag

The best backpacking sleeping bags

Sleeping bags vary in size, shape, design, and features -- and when you're hauling gear out into the backcountry, weight always matters. Whether you want warmth and comfort or you're counting ounces, here are our picks for the best backpacking sleeping bags you can buy.

The best camping hammocks

If you want to beat the heat of a tent and take in the night sky, a hammock is one of the most unique camping experiences around. To help you find a suitable hammock capable of rocking you to sleep and keeping you comfortable all night, we've rounded up a selection of the best camping hammocks available.
naseka electric snowmobile esnowmobile 1

The Naseka electric snowmobile is built for kids, but you’ll likely want one too

The Naseka electric snowmobile claims to be the first to its kind. Designed for kids, the vehicle includes a snow blade in the front and a single track in the back, allowing riders to travel at speeds up to 9 miles per hour thanks to its 800-watt motor and rechargeable lithium battery.
Best Camping Chairs

The best camping chairs

Relaxing at camp after a day playing outside is a highlight of roughing it. However, finding the right chair isn't always easy due to the variety of prices and features. If you want to slide back into the most comfortable chairs you can get, check out our list of the absolute best camping chairs.

The best snowshoes you can buy right now

Winter doesn't mean you have to stay indoors and wait for spring. Get active and stay fit with our picks of the best snowshoes on the market.

The best smart helmets and accessories

Helmets might be a haircut's worst nightmare, but they're constantly evolving, and are in the process of undergoing a 21st-century makeover. No matter your sport, we've rounded up the best smart helmets available, whether you're into Bluetooth controls or Tron-esque aesthetics.
the karmic oslo looks like an eibike apple would design and build 3

The Karmic Oslo looks like an eibike Apple would design and build

Just launched on Kickstarter, the Karmic Oslo is an ebike/scooter hybrid that features very distinctive design elements that make it look like something Apple would build. The bike features a 250-watt motor, a 480 watt-hour battery, a range of 20 miles, integrated headlights and taillights, and other tech components.
the north faces groundbreaking new futurelight gear arrives october 1 tnf 0

The North Face’s groundbreaking new Futurelight gear arrives October 1

The North Face's line of new products featuring the company's groundbreaking new fabric Futurelight will begin hitting stores on October 1. The material is said to offer unprecedented performance in terms of breathability and protection from the elements, and will be used in Summit, Steep and Flight products.
specialized used 3d printing and liquid polymer to make a better bike seat mirror technology 1

Specialized used 3D-printing and liquid polymer to make a better bike seat

Specialized has developed a method for designing and creating bike seats using 3D printing and liquid polymers that it calls Mirror Technology. This approach allows infinite tuning of the saddle to improve comfort, stability, and safety on a level that traditional padding can't come close to replicating in any way.
haibike xdurohaibike xduro allmtn rx review 11

Haibike Xduro AllMtn RX review

The Haibike Xduro AllMtn RX is an e-mountain bike with a quality set of components, good battery life, and solid performance both on and off the trail. But can it convince you to make the change to electric?
Propella 2.2 ebike review

Propella 2.2 eBike Review

Propella’s ebike is an affordable entry-level model that is lightweight be electric bike standards. It offers pedal assist up to 18 miles per hour, has a range of 20-40 miles depending on the mode you select, and a unique design that helps it stand out from the crowd. Perhaps most importantly however is that it rides much more like a traditional bike than most electric models, even with the rear-hub drive turned off.
Oru Kayak Inlet

This origami-inspired kayak is so small that you could fit 3 in your trunk

The new Inlet kayak from Oru evolves the company's approach to creating folding kayaks. The new model weigh just 20 pounds, requires just 3 minutes to set up, and costs just $849, making it the most accessible, easy to use, and affordable boat that Oru has ever made.
specialized turbo ebikes creo 6

Specialized’s new road ebike will cure your range anxiety for good

Specialized Bikes has released a new line of ebikes that are lightweight, fast, and have an extended range of as much as 120 miles, eliminating range anxiety for riders who fear running out of battery on a long ride. Best of all, those batteries can recharge in as little as 2.5 hours, getting you on the road sooner.
Nike Joyride

Materials in new Nike Joyride running shoes put environmentalists on alert

Nike has introduced a new running shoe technology called Joyride that uses thousands of tiny plastic beats to provide a bean-bag like cushioning for the foot. But those very same beads have already become a cause for concern with environmentalists who question the use of microplastics and their impact on the planet.
how to wax a snowboard feature

The best heated clothing

Heated apparel is a must during winter. Whether you're looking for battery-powered gloves or heated socks, this is the best heated clothing.

The best portable power stations

A proper power generator keeps gadgets running for camping trips and short outings. Sometimes they even come in handy in the event of a large power outage. Put plainly, it's never a bad idea to have one nearby. To help separate the cream from the crop, here are the best portable power stations available.
ultralight backpacking gear

Tread lightly: Here’s the best ultralight backpacking gear in existence

Ultralight hiking and backpacking is all the rage with outdoor enthusiasts, but deciding which gear in this category is actually lightweight and high quality isn't always easy. In this article, we'll help you figure out which ultralight backpacking gear is actually worth your time and money.
best gear for summer festivals festival gorge ampitheater

Headed to a festival this summer? Here’s the best gear you can get for camping

Festival camping is notoriously awful. It's hot, it's crowded, and the campsite never gets quiet enough for you to sleep. But don't worry -- with the the right gear, festival camping can be awesome. Here's all the gear you need to conquer your next festival experience.
outdoor portable power stations jackery explorer 240 1

The best battery packs and power stations for use in the outdoors

Keeping your gadgets charged in the backcountry isn't always as simple as carrying a USB battery pack, as camping and living in the outdoors requires a higher level of durability and protection from the elements, while still providing enough ports and capacity to power smartphones, tablets, GPS devices, lights, and other gear.
best outdoor retailer summer 2019 denver

Check out the best new gear from the Summer Outdoor Retailer 2019 convention

At the 2019 summer Outdoor Retailer convention held annually in Denver, Colorado the top brands from the outdoor industry unveiled hundreds of new products to help keep us safe and comfortable in the outdoors. From boots and backpacks to sleeping bags and tents, this is the very best new outdoor gear unveiled at the show.
cannondales treadwell makes owning a bike easier than ever cannondale 3

Cannondale’s Treadwell app features bring a new joy to casual biking

Cannondale's Treadwell bike is an app-connected option that takes the pain out of owning a bike by not only providing metrics from your ride, but also providing reminders of when and where to get maintenance. With its affordable price and integrated technology it is a bike built for beginners and veteran riders alike.
Closca Helmet Loop

Latest version of Closca’s collapsible bike helmet is made for urban explorers

The Closca Loop Helmet is a redesign of the company's earlier model that is lighter and more compact than the original, while also being better for the environment. The helmet has the ability to collapse down to reduce its volume by 45%, while offering a comfortable fit and excellent ventilation.
Trek Bontrager WaveCel Helmet

Competitors question Trek’s claims about its new bike helmet tech

After announcing a new type of helmet technology that is allegedly 48 times safer than regular bike helmets, treks competitors are calling those numbers into question. MIPS and Koroyd both claim that the new WaveCel helmets are not appreciably better than the technology that they use in their own helmets, which have been available for awhile.
Gore Innovation Center

Gore’s Innovation Center is a powerful ally for Silicon Valley start ups

The Gore Innovation Center, located in Santa Clara, California, was created in 2017 to give the company an opportunity to work more closely with Silicon Valley start ups, bringing Gore's vast catalog of materials and technologies to wearables not just in the outdoor space, but in health, medicine, smart fabrics, and more.
D-Mask

The D-Mask may be the high-tech future of diving and snorkeling

The DDG D-Mask is a concept design for a potential product that could change diving and snorkeling forever. The mask fits over the entire face and is compatible with both snorkels and oxygen tanks, and features a head-up display, bone-conduction audio, a built-in light, and a camera, and much more.
Yamaha Wabash gravel ebike

Yamaha’s Wabash ebike takes on gravel, single track, and more

With its new Wabash ebike, Yamaha has catered to the two fastest growing segments of the cycling industry: Electric and gravel bikes. The do-anything, go-anywhere Wabash is built to take on pavement, gravel, mud, single track, sand, and more. It's 500-watt battery and motor has plenty of range for all-day adventures.
gazelle arroyo ebike award elite 2

This ebike is so good it won a prestigious design award

The new Arroyo C8 Elite ebike from Gazelle picked up accolades from the prestigious IF Design Awards, taking home a trophy for its balance and comfort. The bike features extended range, classic good looks, and an affordable price, making it a great option for urban commuters looking to ditch their cars.
sole ubb eco chukka shoes 1

The world’s most eco-friendly shoes are made of algae, cork, and bison fur

The Jasper Wool Eco Chukka claims to be the world's most eco-friendly shoe. Designed as a collaboration between Sole and United By Blue, the shoes use recycled wine corks, foam made from algae, bison fur insulation, and other recycled materials, which has earned them more than $100,000 on Kickstarter.
tentsile universe all terrain tent 1

This tent is versatile enough for ground, air, and water

The Tentsile Universe is finally available, giving campers a true "all-terrain" tent that allows them to camp on the ground in traditional fashion, in the air suspended from trees like a hammock, or floating out on the water. The Universe runs $1800 but is large enough for a small family to use comfortably and safely.
Norrland Parka

This feature-packed parka includes a Wi-Fi hot spot to keep you plugged in

The Norrland Parka is a winter jacket that comes with a ton of features, including a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, a USB port, a battery pack, and dedicated pockets for smartphones and tablets. It also includes water- and wind-resistant fabrics, YKK zippers, hand-warming pockets, a pocket for sunglasses, and much more.

High-tech but low-key, these are the amazing materials inside your outdoor gear

From Gore-Tex to Primaloft, we take a comprehensive look at some of the best and most popular materials that are used in the construction of outdoor gear. These fabrics, insulators, and other items are integrated into our favorite outdoor gear, keeping us warmer, dryer, and more comfortable in the harshest conditions imaginable.
soul blade earbuds crowdfunding wireless 1

These wireless earbuds use an A.I. to get you moving faster

The new Blade wireless earbuds from Soul deliver good sound and battery life while also offering the ability to track your heart rate during a workout without the need for a heart rate sensor. The earbuds also offer A.I. coaching to improve running form and fitness in general.
kammock mantis camping hammock 1

Keep the rain away and the bugs at bay with this hybrid camping hammock

The new Kammock Mantis hammock is a lightweight all-in-one solution that includes a rainfly, built-in insect netting, onboard storage, and tree-friendly straps, to create a complete and comfortable camping system that is lightweight, easy to set up and very approachable for beginner and experienced backpackers alike.
Skullcandy

Skullcandy turns to action sports with the Vert Bluetooth earbuds

The Skullcandy Vert is a new Bluetooth wireless device that allows action sports athletes to listen to music while outdoors. The device pairs with any smartphone, can use any earbuds, and clips to a helmet, backpack, or belt to provide up to 12 hours of audio playback on a single charge.
underwater scuba diving tent divers feature

This underwater tent lets scuba divers camp under the sea

National Geographic explorer Michael Lombardi and NYU professor Winslow Burleson have designed an underwater tent that is built for scuba divers, allowing them to stay down longer, take breaks, and decompress while exploring the ocean. The tent is built to serve as base camp for people on extended dives.
strava slopes ski snowboard collab 1

Strava joins Slopes to record your ski and snowboard stats

Fitness-tracking app Strava joined forces with ski and snowboard app Slopes to track a user's metrics while on the hill. The collaboration allows Strava-loving skiers and snowboarders to not just measure their speed, distance, and vert, but it also creates 3D maps of each run.