Andy Wellman
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Articles by Andy Wellman
The 6 Best Ultralight Sleeping Bags
By Justin Simoni ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated July 2, 2025 Contributions From: Andy Wellman, Ethan Newman & Jack Cramer When you plan to travel far and carry everything you'll need for your adventure on your back, you want the lightest, most efficient, and effective gear you can find stowed in your pack. That's where a high-performing ultralight sleeping bag or quilt comes into play, and we've done the hard work to vet the many options so you don't have to.
Best Climbing Belay Device
We tested 17 belay devices from Petzl, Black Diamond, Camp, and more to find the best model for your adventures. By Jeff Dobronyi ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated May 5, 2025 Contributions From: Andy Wellman & Jack Cramer A belay device is essential for catching falls anytime you're climbing on a rope. But which one is the best?
The Best Hiking Pants
We put 12 pairs of hiking pants to the test from Arc'teryx, REI, Patagonia, Prana, Columbia, and more to find the best options for your outdoor excursions. By Ben Applebaum-Bauch ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated April 10, 2025 Contributions From: Andy Wellman & Jeff Dobronyi Whether you're sauntering on a day hike or putting in the miles on a backpacking trip, hiking pants can make your trail journey more enjoyable.
The Best 5 Climbing Belay Devices of 2024
By Jeff Dobronyi, Andy Wellman & Jack Cramer ⋅ Dec 5, 2024 The Best Belay Devices for 2024 Belay devices come in three different categories — tube-style, auto-blocking devices, and assisted braking devices — and our expert climbing testers have put in hundreds of hours belaying and testing all three kinds.
The Best 6 Energy Bars of 2024
By Jeff Dobronyi & Andy Wellman ⋅ Nov 21, 2024 The Best Energy Bars for 2024 We bought 17 top energy bars and meal replacements and had our food experts conduct blind texture and taste tests with friends, and assessed them for caloric efficiency and healthy ingredients. Next we scrambled up mountains, run ultras, and spent whole winters skiing while eating these bars. Our favorite energy bar is Kate's Real Food because of the high-quality ingredients and great flavors.
Best Climbing Gear of 2024
By Andy Wellman, Cam McKenzie Ring, Matt Bento, Jane Jackson ⋅ Nov 2, 2024 Welcome to the Holy Grail of climbing gear lists! Here you will find our top picks: the gear our climber-testers would recommend to their best friends. We buy every item at the store, just like you, then we test it… for months. Below, we recommend the top two items in each category. We start off with the best climbing shoes, arguably the most important item in your pack.
The 5 Best Ultralight Sleeping Bags of 2024
Best Ultralight Hooded Mummy Bag Warmth 9.0 Weight 6.5 Comfort 8.0 Versatility 6.0 Features 8.0 Weight: 21.4 oz.
The 5 Best Climbing Helmets of 2024
Best Overall Climbing Helmet Comfort 9.0 Adjustability 8.0 Weight 6.9 Ventilation 9.0 Features 10.0 Durability 7.0 Weight: 9.7 oz.
The 4 Best Carabiners of 2024
Best Overall Carabiner Clipping 9.0 Unclipping 8.0 Weight 8.0 Gate Clearance 9.0 Handling 9.0 Weight: 30 grams | Gate Opening: 26 mm REASONS TO BUY Lightweight Very wide gate opening is super easy to clip Full-sized for easy handling Very affordable REASONS TO AVOID Does not have a keylocking nose design Sometimes gates can get sticky after prolonged use We consider the CAMP Photon Wire the best carabiner on the market right now. Considering how high it ranks in all of our various comparison...
How to Choose a Down Jacket
Starting the hunt for a new down jacket is, without a doubt, one of the most overwhelming endeavors you can experience when it comes to shopping for outerwear. Down jackets are one of the more expensive parts of any layering system and typically will last you for many years. This makes choosing the right one all the more important. Down is the lightest and warmest insulator you can find, but not all down jackets are created equal.
The 4 Best Dog Harnesses of 2023
Best Harness for Working Dogs No-Pull Clip-In? Yes | Handles: Three | Reflective? No The OneTigris X Destroyer Harness offers dog handlers the best feature suite, including a no-pull front clip-in point and three large, reinforced handles for lifting and assisting dogs into vehicles and over obstacles. The durable, water-resistant nylon fabric - which wraps around most of your dog's body - offers good protection from abrasion against objects.
Kamik Nation Plus Review
A casual boot for tromping around in the snow at a budget friendly price Price: $140 List Manufacturer: Kamik By Jeff Dobronyi and Andy Wellman ⋅ Dec 15, 2022 70 OVERALL SCORE RANKED #11 of 14 Warmth - 25% 7.0 Weather Protection - 25% 8.0 Comfort and Fit - 20% 5.0 Traction - 15% 7.0 Durability - 15% 8.0 Our Verdict The Kamik Nation Plus is a traditional Pac boot, meaning that it has an insulated inner liner and a waterproof outer.
Kamik Nation Plus Review
The Nation Plus is noticeably less expensive than other similar models, but there are flaws that were hard to overlook. The lower flood height severely impacted wet weather performance, and the wet material leached color and ended up staining the wood floor of our entryway, so exercise caution. We also found the leather heel reinforcements to be uncomfortable when walking. Performance Comparison Warmth The Nation Plus winter boot has just 200 grams of Thinsulate insulation.
How We Tested Carabiners
By Cam McKenzie Ring & Andy Wellman Wednesday December 14, 2022 We tested these carabiners on single and multi-pitch traditional routes in Red Rock Canyon, NV, and they came on a road trip Independence Pass, Colorado. We received input from six different testers with over 100 years of climbing experience between them, male and female, large and small hands. We took them on routes ranging from 5.5 to 5.12.
How We Tested Insulated Jackets
By Buck Yedor, Matt Bento, & Andy Wellman Wednesday November 9, 2022 For years now, we have tested synthetic insulated jackets side by side. We've worn them under shells, over base layers, as belay jackets, and as insulating mid layers. The Eastern Sierra is our testing playground, although recently, we have also been testing these jackets in the high desert, Cascades of Oregon, and the Colorado Rockies.
How We Tested Climbing Ropes
In typical OutdoorGearLab style, we begin our climbing rope test with detailed market research to determine which are the top climbing ropes on the market. We whittle down a very long list to eleven promising contenders and then ordered them up, just like any other customer would. To begin our testing process, we record the specs of all of the ropes and research the options for each product.
How We Tested Climbing Cams
By Andy Wellman & Matt Bento Tuesday November 1, 2022 GearLab has its roots in rock climbing, with our founder Chris McNamara being one of the most famous and recognized big wall masters on the planet. It goes without saying, then, that the cams we have tested for this review have undergone a serious workout. It is no exaggeration to say that 100s of thousands of feet have been climbed using the cams we have tested for this review.
How We Tested Climbing Helmets
We started our updated helmet review by carefully researching over thirty different climbing helmets. After selecting the highest-rated ones across a range of types (hardshell, foam, and hybrid), we put them to the test using our side-by-side testing process. We wore them on long days in Red Rock Canyon, in Yosemite and the Eastern Sierra, and while cragging at Smith Rock, OR, to test them on a range of routes and conditions.
How We Tested Quickdraws
By Cam McKenzie Ring, Andy Wellman Tuesday October 25, 2022 Our testers use these draws daily on a variety of different climbs around the world. We climbed with them on single and multi-pitch sport and traditional routes, from 5.5 to 5.13, and on sandstone, granite, volcanic tuff, basalt, and limestone. These draws helped give us the confidence to send hard projects, and they caught us when we took the big whippers.
Best Running Hydration Pack of 2022
By Jeff Colt ⋅ Review Editor Wednesday August 31, 2022 Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Learn more We've tested close to 30 unique running hydration packs in the past 7 years, with our top 14 in this review. We sought out vests that could carry the bare essentials comfortably, but in some cases, we chose to test packs that could carry much more.
Rab Vital Hoody Review
Product Update Note — August 2022 Rab updated the Vital Hoody since our last test cycle. The photos above show the old Vital Hoody we tested (left) and the new version (right). Although the new windbreaker looks suspiciously similar, Rab substituted the basic 20-Denier nylon with their proprietary Atmos woven nylon. This windbreaker now includes a DWR finish, and the entire product is , including the DWR coating.
How We Tested Wind Jackets
Model Selection To find out which windbreakers on the market today are the very best, we bought the most popular and best-selling models from the leading manufacturers. We tested them head-to-head through all four seasons in the mountains of Colorado and New Mexico. We did our best to choose models that represented all of the different genres of windbreakers available to the buyer today, from ultra-lightweight to insulated to water-resistant and durable.
How We Tested Hardshell Jackets
By Jack Cramer, Matt Bento, & Andy Wellman Wednesday June 1, 2022 This year marks the eighth straight year that OutdoorGearLab has tested hardshell jackets. The information found in this review is not one season's worth of testing, but rather a culmination of all of the testing and knowledge that we have gained over the years. We have now tested over 40 different jackets and have been on top of all the changes in design and materials that have taken place during that time.
Prana Brion Review
A solid pair of everyday pants that are also good for hiking or climbing Price: $85 List | $59.46 at Backcountry Compare prices at 2 resellers Pros: Simple design looks good, very comfortable, affordable Cons: No features, too hot in warm weather Manufacturer: Prana By Andy Wellman ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ May 20, 2022 Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products.
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants Review
Our favorite pant and the most comfortable and breathable pair that we tested Price: $90 List | Check Price at REI Compare prices at 3 resellers Pros: Airy fabric, very comfortable, maximum mobility Cons: Waist fit is loose, not great in cool weather Manufacturer: Outdoor Research By Andy Wellman & Ben Applebaum-Bauch ⋅ May 18, 2022 Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products.
How We Tested Running Socks
By Matt Bento, Andy Wellman, & Amber King Thursday May 12, 2022 Testing Duration For an ultra-running maniac who loves to run, testing running-specific socks is easy! After fortifying our sock drawer with many pairs of the best running socks available, we set out to test them the only way we knew how — by running.
How We Tested Belay Devices
By Jeff Dobronyi, Andy Wellman & Jack Cramer Wednesday May 11, 2022 This review is based on months of testing with 17 of today's most popular belay devices, but it rests on a 12-year foundation that goes back to when we first started examining the product category. While the belay device market has changed considerably in that time, the results haven't so much: the GriGri (with updates) remains our favorite.
How We Tested Trail Running Shoes
If anyone knows a thing or two about shoes, it's us. In the past ten years, we have tested over 100 individual pairs of men's trail running shoes and almost an equal number of women's shoes as well. We are constantly testing, since new shoes and updated versions are released throughout the year. The selection list and ratings change with every new addition to the lineup, so our review is updated roughly every three months. As a year-round activity, testing takes place during all months of the year.
Blundstone Thermal - Men's Review
The Blundstone Thermal is a classic urban winter boot that stands out for its style. It provided decent performance in our other testing metrics, but if you need a burly boot for deep snow and cold temperatures, this isn't the one for you. Performance Comparison The Blundstone doesn't have any insulation in the upper part of the boot except for a thin fleece liner, so there is little more than one layer of thick leather between your foot and the winter cold.
How We Tested Ultralight Shelters
Where We Test We started this review over eight years ago and since then have evaluated 50+ different tent and tarp options. We've set them up on granite ledges in the Sierra Nevada and put the tents and ourselves through the wringer while taking on the buggy backwoods of Virginia. Fast and light bicycle trips, long alpine routes and traverses, trips along the Continental Divide Trail, and overnight running missions on the Colorado trail are different ways we've tested each shelter.
How We Tested Ultralight Sleeping Bags
We test and write these reviews trying to be as objective and specific as possible, and try to cover the bases of how anyone might use these products. However, your goals may differ from ours, so be sure to take a look at the performance metrics that you consider most important for your needs. Below we show you how we tested each product so that you can better understand the ratings we've given.
How We Tested Sleeping Pads
By Brian Martin, Matt Bento, & Andy Wellman Monday March 21, 2022 To create the best and most thorough review of backpacking sleeping pads that we could, we examined user reviews, researched updated products, and drew on a large body of experience from our gear testers. After compiling a list of the best sleeping pads available, we ordered them online at the retail price and put them through their paces. We meticulously reviewed each pad, looking for strengths and weaknesses.
How We Tested Hiking Pants
By Ben Applebaum-Bauch & Andy Wellman Tuesday March 8, 2022 As with many gear categories, the basis of this review is hands-on field testing. We put each pair through its paces in a few different phases. First, we wore each model to get an initial impression of the comfort, fit, and features of each. We then took to the trail to test these pants more rigorously on a variety of terrains and in different weather conditions.
Salomon Speedcross 5 Review
While the Speedcross has always featured 6mm deep arrow-shaped lugs that offer some of the best grips on slippery terrain like snow, mud, and steep grass, the pattern and size of these lugs have changed over the years. With this update, the lugs have been made larger and spaced farther apart, a design meant to help prevent mud buildup on the bottom.
How to Choose the Right Men's Trail Running Shoes
Approaching the giant wall of shoes at a quality running store and somehow coming away with the perfect shoe for you can be a daunting task. It's even harder when you don't have a giant wall to look at, only a scrollable page on a website. To help with this process, we've created this buying advice article to give you more information on the differences between styles of men's trail running shoes.
Hoka One One Challenger ATR 6 Review
The Challenger ATR 6 is designed to be an all-terrain runner (ATR) and, as such, has a tread pattern that is middle of the road in terms of trail running shoes. The tread grips well on trails but isn't so soft or aggressive that it will just rip off or wear down if you run on pavement, and thus this shoe is ideal for both. Other Hoka's such as the Speedgoat 4 have far more aggressive and stickier lug patterns; we still love the Challenger for trail running.
Inov-8 Roclite G 290 Review
New Colors This shoe is currently being offered in colorways different from those shown in the photo below. However, the shoe itself has not changed, and the information contained in this review is current and up-to-date. We have long been fans of this shoe and have recognized it for its excellent traction many times. While still called the Roclite G 290, a couple of critical updates make this shoe better than previous versions, even though we haven't continued to give it an award.
Scarpa Spin Ultra Review
The Spin Ultra forms the long-distance end of Scarpa's Spin line, which also includes the lightweight Spin and the Spin RS, which adds cushioning and protection to the Spin but stops short of offering nearly as much as the Spin Ultra. This shoe is designed specifically for long-distance training and ultra racing and also makes a great everyday trainer that will withstand lots of miles due to its burly upgrades.
Hoka Speedgoat 4 Review
All Hoka shoes have a ton of underfoot cushioning in the form of EVA foam, and the Speedgoat 4 is no different. With a 32mm stack height under the heel, suffice to say that this shoe's midsole gets the job done plenty well without the need for even more foam, as is found in some other Hoka shoes. It has a 4mm heel-toe drop, 1mm less than most other Hoka trail runners.
Inov-8 Roclite 290 Review
New Colors This shoe is currently being offered in colorways different from those shown in the photo below. However, the shoe itself has not changed, and the information contained in this review is current and up-to-date. We have long been fans of this shoe and have recognized it for its excellent traction many times. While still called the Roclite G 290, a couple of critical updates make this shoe better than previous versions, even though we haven't continued to give it an award.
La Sportiva Kaptiva Review
The La Sportiva Kaptiva was first released in 2019 and is most recognizable for its low volume fit. Sportiva's have long been known to run on the narrow side, and this shoe is no exception, although we didn't find it excessively narrow and think its shape will likely only cut out a small percentage of potential wearers. Instead, it is intentionally designed to be low volume, and we found there to be perhaps the least extra space inside the shoe of any we tested.
Scarpa Spin Ultra Review
The Spin Ultra forms the long-distance end of Scarpa's Spin line. This shoe is designed specifically for long-distance training and ultra racing and also makes a great everyday trainer that will withstand lots of miles due to its burly upgrades. We particularly like the out-of-the-box comfort and greatly appreciate the firm cushioning underfoot that not only protects the bottoms of our feet but provides a very stable landing and take-off platform.
Inov-8 Roclite G 290 Review
New Colors This shoe is currently being offered in colorways different from those shown in the photo below. However, the shoe itself has not changed, and the information contained in this review is current and up-to-date. We have long been fans of this shoe and have recognized it for its excellent traction many times. While still called the Roclite G 290, a couple of critical updates make this shoe better than previous versions, even though we haven't continued to give it an award.
Salomon Speedcross 5 Review
While the Speedcross has always featured 6mm deep arrow-shaped lugs that offer some of the best grips on slippery terrain like snow, mud, and steep grass, the pattern and size of these lugs have changed over the years. With this update, the lugs have been made larger and spaced farther apart, a design meant to help prevent mud buildup on the bottom.
La Sportiva Kaptiva Review
The La Sportiva Kaptiva was first released in 2019 and is most recognizable for its low volume fit. Sportiva's have long been known to run on the narrow side, and this shoe is no exception, although we didn't find it excessively narrow and think its shape will likely only cut out a small percentage of potential wearers. Instead, it is intentionally designed to be low volume, and we found there to be perhaps the least extra space inside the shoe of any we tested.
Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3 Review
Most popular shoe models are updated every year or every other year, with the goal of continual refinement toward the ever-illusive goal of the perfect trail running shoe. Of course, with every update comes an equal risk that the masses will feel the shoe has worsened. Luckily, with the third iteration of the S/Lab Ultra, Salomon has used restraint where it was needed and kept all the very best elements of what was already the highest-rated shoe in our review.
Inov-8 Terraultra G 270 Review
The TerraUltra G 270 is an updated version of the TerraUltra G 260. The shoes look very similar to each other and, in fact, are very similar, with small but significant changes made to address tiny flaws in the previous version. Overall, they are an improved shoe, and in our opinion are one of the very best you can buy. The Graphene Grip rubber is easily the most durable rubber compound we have tested.
Inov-8 Terraultra G 270 Review
The TerraUltra G 270 is an updated version of the TerraUltra G 260. The shoes look very similar to each other and, in fact, are very similar, with small but significant changes made to address tiny flaws in the previous version. Overall, they are an improved shoe, and in our opinion are one of the very best you can buy. The Graphene Grip rubber is easily the most durable rubber compound we have tested.
HOKA Challenger ATR 6 Review
The Challenger ATR 6 is designed to be an all-terrain runner (ATR) and, as such, has a tread pattern that is middle of the road in terms of trail running shoes. The tread grips well on trails but isn't so soft or aggressive that it will just rip off or wear down if you run on pavement, and thus this shoe is ideal for both. Even though other HOKAs have far more aggressive and stickier lug patterns, we still love the Challenger for trail running.
HOKA Challenger ATR 6 Review
The Challenger ATR 6 is designed to be an all-terrain runner (ATR) and, as such, has a tread pattern that is middle of the road in terms of trail running shoes. The tread grips well on trails but isn't so soft or aggressive that it will just rip off or wear down if you run on pavement, and thus this shoe is ideal for both. Even though other HOKAs have far more aggressive and stickier lug patterns, we still love the Challenger for trail running.
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