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Articles by Ross Patton
The Best Rooftop Tents
By Ross Patton ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated November 4, 2026 A rooftop tent is a major investment. Navigating shell designs and vehicle roof weight limits can feel overwhelming. We've spent years field-testing top models in all weather conditions to simplify the process and match the right tent to your vehicle and budget. The best rooftop tent for most people is the [].
The Best Lanterns of 2026
We tested 20 lanterns from Black Diamond, Goal Zero, Coleman, BioLite, Primus, and other top brands to find the best lights on the market By Jason Wanlass ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated October 14, 2026 Contributions From: Ross Patton & Ben Applebaum-Bauch A good lantern is one of the more useful gear purchases you can make. It serves as the cozy centerpiece for your campsite—especially when campfires aren't allowed—and acts as a reliable backup during home power outages or backyard hangs.
Best Powder Skis of 2026/27
Whether you’re an intermediate skier making the transition from resort to backcountry or a seasoned rider who lives for secret stashes and untracked terrain, a dedicated powder ski can make a world of difference in deep snow. Compared to traditional resort and all-mountain designs, powder-focused models are much wider underfoot (typically 110-120mm) to maximize float off-piste. Our top recommendation is the Atomic Bent Chetler 120 thanks to its power, control, and float in the deep stuff.
Best Women's Ski Pants of 2026/27
Ski jackets get all the glory, but a pair of quality pants is equally important for keeping you warm and dry on the slopes. Today’s designs range from waterproof and insulated resort options to full-coverage bibs and stretch-infused offerings built for the rigors of uphill travel.
Best Ski Racks 2026/27
If you’re an avid skier or snowboarder, a functional rooftop rack can be well worth its weight in powder turns. These sleek pieces of gear accommodate up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards, feature glove-friendly handles and secure locks, and are painless to install on any vehicle with pre-existing crossbars. Our overall favorite is the Küat Switch 6 for its superb construction and its fold-down design when not in use.
Best Midlayers of 2026
In the typical three-layer clothing system, the midlayer is given the all-important insulating duties. The baselayer manages body moisture, the outerlayer (usually a shell of some kind) protects you from precipitation and wind, and the midlayer provides warmth. We've tested midlayers all over the world, from the famously gusty ranges in Patagonia to the rainy Pacific Northwest, and the Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody stands out for its versatility in a range of conditions.
Best Ski Bibs of 2026
It's time to ditch your belts and powder skirts: Bibs offer confidence-inspiring protection against wayward snow, cold drafts, and sagging waistlines. They also provide a considerable boost in storage capacity compared to standard ski pants, allowing you to carry more supplies or ditch your jacket on a warm day. And they’re trendy, too, with a combination of laid-back and technical styling that's become increasingly popular on the slopes.
Best Ski Bibs of 2026
It's time to ditch your belts and powder skirts: Bibs offer confidence-inspiring protection against wayward snow, cold drafts, and sagging waistlines. They also provide a considerable boost in storage capacity compared to standard ski pants, allowing you to carry more supplies or ditch your jacket on a warm day. And they’re trendy, too, with a combination of laid-back and technical styling that's become increasingly popular on the slopes.
Best Trail Mountain Bikes Under $1,500
Not everyone needs a high-end mountain bike that breaks the bank. If you're new to the sport or ride infrequently, cheaper trail bikes offer plenty of performance and room to grow as a rider. The budget bikes below share a common formula: 27.5-inch or 29-inch wheels, adequate suspension for rough trails, and decent components. We tested bikes from the tacky trails of the Pacific Northwest to the gritty sandstone of Southern Utah, and the Cannondale Habit HT 2 came out on top.
Best Splitboards of 2026/27
Thanks to a recent surge in backcountry adventuring, splitboarding is having a moment. With the ability to separate your board on the way up and secure the halves together for a true snowboarding experience on the way down, splitboards open up access to untracked terrain and big-mountain objectives.
Best Backcountry (Touring) Skis of 2026
Unlike their lift-assisted alpine cousins, backcountry skis have two jobs: getting you uphill efficiently while retaining enough power to make the downhill worth the effort (and fun). The good news is that material and construction technologies are growing rapidly with the recent boom in the sport’s popularity, and many of today’s alpine touring skis are impressively polished and a treat to drive.
Best All-Mountain Snowboards of 2026/27
As snowboarding season kicks into high gear, it’s time to take stock of the equipment that will help make your winter that much better. Below, we break down the top all-mountain snowboards of the season, from highly versatile models to those that excel at freestyling in the park or taking on fresh powder. On this list, you’ll find everything from entry-level and budget options to high-end boards built for experts and hard chargers.
Best Snowboard Gloves of 2026/27
While ski gloves and mittens are perfectly fine for snowboarding and vice versa, our hands are used in vastly different ways while riding down the mountain. Skiers are holding ski poles, and many like to adjust or loosen their boot buckles on a run-by-run basis, so the low profile of a tight-fitting glove is often preferred.
Best All-Mountain Skis of 2026
If you're searching for that elusive one-ski quiver, this is the category to find it. The definition of “all-mountain” varies by manufacturer and retailer, but typically includes skis from 80 to 105 millimeters underfoot that can both carve on hardpack and provide float in fresh snow. In general, those who ski primarily on the East Coast or in the Midwest should look in the 80- to 95-millimeter range, and those who ski out West will want a waist width between 90 to 105 millimeters.
Best Snowboard Jackets of 2026/27
As your main line of defense against snow and wind, a quality snowboard jacket is a key piece of your kit. Designs fall into three basic categories: versatile and light shells, insulated models for a boost in warmth, and 3-in-1 jackets that include a zip-out midlayer. Prices also vary, ranging from budget-oriented models that sneak in around $200 to technical, Gore-Tex-equipped pieces that can cost $800 or more.
Best Backcountry (Touring) Ski Bindings of 2026
Whether you're new to backcountry skiing or have been earning your turns for decades, selecting an alpine touring binding can be a particularly intimidating task. For the 2026 season, the market is absolutely flooded with options, ranging from ultralight tech bindings for the uphill-focused crowd to capable designs that can pull double duty at the resort and in the backcountry.
Best Ski Bindings of 2026
Bindings aren’t the flashiest piece of ski gear you’ll buy, but they’re certainly a foundational one. As the connection between boot and ski, they play a fundamental role in power transfer, responsiveness, and safety. When purchasing an alpine binding, you’ll want to pay attention to DIN, boot sole compatibility, brake width, and more. Our team’s favorite model is the Marker Griffon 13, due to its solid energy transfer, wide DIN range, and reasonable price.
Best Snowboard Pants of 2026/27
From the beginning, style has been a key component of snowboarding culture and has largely influenced the sport's apparel as a result. Today, a good number of snowboarders still wear jackets and pants made by legacy brands like Burton, Volcom, 686, and Jones, although mainstream names like Patagonia and Outdoor Research have also entered the space with freeride-inspired offerings.
Best Snowboard Helmets of 2026/27
Whether you’re a park rat, resort ripper, or like to earn your turns in the backcountry, a quality helmet is a key addition to any snowboarder’s arsenal. We put these lids to the test, from hitting jibs at Stevens Pass to riding powder in the narrow high alpine hallways of the Eastern Sierra backcountry to thigh-deep tram laps at Snowbird.
Best Ski Backpacks of 2026
Whether you’re headed to the resort or gearing up for a big backcountry outing, a pack is useful for carrying your essentials: extra layers, water, snacks, and—if you’re going out of bounds—avalanche equipment. Unique design features that set ski backpacks apart include dedicated pockets for goggles and avy gear, multiple access points, and external ski or snowboard carry straps.
Best Snowboard Bindings of 2026/27
As the critical link that transfers your body's energy and movements to your board, snowboard bindings are an essential component of your setup. Choosing the right bindings can significantly impact your performance and overall experience on the mountain, whether you're just starting out or are an experienced rider with years of shredding under your belt.
The Best Editor-Recommended Gifts for Skiers
Skiing and snowboarding have so many moving parts. From the type of fabric on your head down to the thickness of your socks and everything in between, you could spend hours putting a kit together - and that’s only soft goods. When it comes to technical equipment, skis have different waist widths tailored to various types of terrain, snow conditions, and skier abilities. Looking for a snowboard?
The Best Editor-Recommended Gifts for Skiers and Snowboarders
Skiing and snowboarding have so many moving parts. From the type of fabric on your head down to the thickness of your socks and everything in between, you could spend hours putting a kit together - and that’s only soft goods. When it comes to technical equipment, skis have different waist widths tailored to various types of terrain, snow conditions, and skier abilities. Looking for a snowboard?
Best Ski Goggles of 2026
Ski goggles are a specialty of ours: We’ve tested, reviewed, and all-around debated the merits of more than 50 designs over the years. It’s a dynamic market, but the good news is that no matter your experience level or budget, there is a great ski goggle out there. At the premium end, magnetic interchangeable lenses and HD-like optical quality are the norm.
The Best USB Hubs of 2025
Best Overall USB Hub More affordable options available If you're in the market for a simplistic USB C hub that does everything you need, look no further than the Anker 341 USB C 7-in-1. This model has all the ports most people require for daily use without extras that you'll never use. It's small and portable, so you can toss it in your laptop bag. It even comes with its own fabric pouch to protect it in your bag.
How We Test Helmets
Our helmet testing process begins with many hours of research, determining which helmets we choose to include in our various sports' reviews based on market comparisons, popularity, and the advice of our experts in the field. We then purchase two of each model – one is sent to the reviewer to be assessed for variations in weight, comfort, ventilation, functionality, and any special features that they believe add to the overall performance and value of the helmet.
Roofnest Falcon 3 EVO Air Review
Price: $3,795 List Manufacturer: Roofnest By Ross Patton ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ April 21, 2025 84 OVERALL SCORE RANKED #1 of 8 Space and Comfort - 30% 8.5 Durability - 25% 7.5 Ease of Conversion - 20% 8.5 Ease of Assembly and Installation - 15% 8.5 Cover Convenience - 10% 10.0 Best Hardshell Rooftop Tent List Price: $3,795 Our Verdict After six years of testing rooftop tents, we've seen our fair share of sales gimmicks, manufacturers copying other brands' styles, and products that plain old fall...
Roofnest Falcon 3 EVO Review
Price: $2,795 List Manufacturer: Roofnest By Ross Patton ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ Apr 21, 2025 84 OVERALL SCORE RANKED #1 of 12 Space and Comfort - 30% 8.5 Durability - 25% 7.5 Ease of Conversion - 20% 8.5 Ease of Assembly and Installation - 15% 8.5 Cover Convenience - 10% 10.0 Our Verdict After six years of testing rooftop tents, we've seen our fair share of sales gimmicks, manufacturers copying other brands' styles, and products that plain old fall apart.
The 6 Best Snowboards for Men of 2025
Best Overall Snowboard Edging 8.5 Float in Powder 7.0 Stability at Speed 8.0 Playfulness 9.0 Pop and Jumping 7.0 REASONS TO BUY Fun and lively flex pattern Easy to ride Great edge hold Stability at speed REASONS TO AVOID It can be challenging to size Stability through medium bumps The YES Standard Uninc DC snowboard excels in versatility and fun, which helped it claim our top prize. It offers a balanced performance across various terrain and conditions, from carving groomers to gliding...
Arbor Candle Rain Review
Price: $650 List Manufacturer: Arbor By Ross Patton ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ November 3, 2024 Edging - 25% 6.0 Float in Powder - 20% 7.5 Stability at Speed - 20% 9.0 Playfulness - 20% 5.0 Pop and Jumping - 15% 9.0 Our Verdict The Candle Rain is more akin to King Arthur's sword, Excalibur, than it is to your run-of-the-mill board produced for the two or three weekend a year rider.
Thule Basin Review
The Thule Basin offers outdoor enthusiasts one of the classic hardshell rooftop tent forms – the box. While it earned a commendable overall score in our assessment, it didn't quite secure one of our coveted awards. Performance Comparison The biggest portion of our total score is dedicated to how comfortable each tent is inside. How did we acquire our data for this metric?
Smittybilt GEN2 Overlander Review
As a brand synonymous with affordable, reliable products in the 4x4 world, it is no surprise that Smittybilt has applied their decades of experience and product R&D to construct affordable rooftop tents. Building upon the basic platform of their original Overlander tent, the Smittybilt design team has made a couple of key improvements to the GEN2, which make it an even better choice than the previous model for those who are shopping for an RTT on a limited budget.
The 4 Best Seed Starter Kits
Growing Medium: Variety | Dimensions: 15.1" x 9.5" x 7.5" Fairly solid construction Does not include growing medium Many green thumbs swear by using a heat source below their warm-season seedlings (think tomatoes, peppers, and basil), but this extra bit of warmth is usually provided by an external heating mat. The iPower Heated Seed Starter eliminates the need for an external source of warmth thanks to its integrated, self-regulated heater.
The 6 Best Key Finders
Dimensions: 38 x 38 x 6.3 mm | Weight: 7.8 grams No definitive waterproof rating The Chipolo One is an excellent choice for those who need extra volume and love the idea of using a Bluetooth device to find your phone. With a measured reading of 82.3 decibels, you can rest assured that you won't have any issues with this device being too quiet. We also love how light this model is - at a mere 7.6 grams, you will hardly notice this key ringer on your keychain, unlike some much bulkier products.
The 6 Best Label Makers of 2023
Best Overall Label Maker Power Source: Integrated Battery/AC Cord | Maximum Label Width: 0.75" The DYMO Label Manager 420P is impressively versatile. At face value, it works similarly to other models with integrated keyboards - once it's powered up and turned on, you simply type what you'd like and press "print." With an internal lithium-ion battery, this model is ideal for stores, laboratories, warehouses, and offices where you need to be mobile while creating labels.
The 4 Best Multimeters
Great Value for Beginners Auto-Ranging: Yes | True RMS: No Reduced measurement functions We recommend the Crenova MS8233D for beginner DIYers getting started with electrical projects. This capable multimeter is jam-packed with functionality at a price that won't break the bank. It can measure resistance, alternating and direct current, voltage, and frequency. It has a continuity check and a diode test, allowing the current to run in one direction.
The 3 Best Trail Cameras of 2023
Best Overall Trail Camera Image Quality: 8-30MP | Trigger Speed: 0.2s While the Bushnell Core DS No Glow didn't win any of our individual metrics, it posted respectable results across the board and stood out in our performance tests. We were able to trigger its passive infrared sensor (PIR) while walking and running at 100 feet during the day and at 40 feet at night, which is one of the best results in the test. And with a trigger speed of 0.2 seconds, it often captures the action early.
The 6 Best Belts for Men of 2023
Best Tactical Style Belt The Fairwin Tactical Rigger is a heavy-duty, military-style model made from durable nylon webbing and includes one of the strongest-rated buckles in our lineup. Made for military or tactical situations, the Fairwin's buckle has a high strength rating and can be released in less than one second via its quick-release buttons. The heavy-duty nylon webbing is ideal for attaching tools or equipment for easy access while on the move.
The 7 Best Charcoal Grills of 2023
Best Aluminum Grill Footprint: 11.7 ft² | Cook Surface: 360 in² The cooking chamber on most grills is constructed of stainless steel, cast iron, or porcelain. The PK360 Grill + Smoker is composed of aluminum. The primary benefit of aluminum is that the metal is rust-proof. PK has been around since 1952, and they like to boast that they produce grills that will be cooking for several generations. Aluminum also conducts heat extremely efficiently.
The 5 Best Memory Cards of 2023
Best MicroSD Card Max measured write speed: 86 MBps | Sizes (GB): 64, 128, 256, 400 We've been impressed with SanDisk's Extreme Pro line, and the MicroSD version is no exception. For those seeking a MicroSD card for pretty much any use, the SanDisk 64GB Extreme Pro MicroSDXC is our first recommendation. We measured a fast write speed of 86 MBps, making this card perfect for everything from expanding tablet or phone storage to capturing high-quality imagery.
The 3 Best MicroSD Cards of 2023
Best Overall UHS-I MicroSD Card Max measured write speed: 86 MBps | Available sizes (GB): 64, 128, 256, 400 Do you have a need for speed? For a fast-writing SD card, look no further than the SanDisk 64GB Extreme Pro MicroSDXC. This card easily handled every task we threw at it in our testing, from 4K video shoots to rapid-fire RAW images, and achieved an impressive maximum write speed of 86 mb/s.
The 4 Best iPhone 13 Cases of 2023
Best Overall iPhone 13 Case Weight: 1.8 ounces | Dimensions: 6.0 x 3.0 x 0.5 inches Hardly affects button function If you're looking for a case that offers a high degree of protection while maintaining functionality and style, it's hard to beat the OtterBox Commuter Series. The hard plastic shell has slots in perfect locations to allow rubber bumpers from the inner liner to poke through.
The 7 Best iPhone 11 Cases of 2023
Best Clear-Backed Case Weight: 1.8 ounces | Dimensions: 6.4 X 3.2 X 0.3 inches The X-Doria Defense Shield offers excellent overall protection for a case with crystal clear backing. Its flexible thermoplastic skeleton is strong, with an anodized metal edge and a thick rubberized bumper. The phone fits snugly into the case, and its deep bezel offers excellent camera protection. The drop rating is trust-inspiring, and this case backed up those claims in our tests.
The 6 Best Dog Collars of 2023
Best Illuminated Collar Material: Webbing | Available Colors/Patterns: 6 If you routinely walk your dog at nighttime and want to add a little more visibility, then we recommend the Illumiseen LED Rechargeable. This collar cleverly hides its battery and LED light source in a small enclosure sandwiched between layers of webbing and then uses a pair of flexible fiber-optic tubes to light up almost the entire length of the collar.
The 5 Best Outdoor Solar Lights of 2023
An Affordable Multi-Light Option Type: Motion Sensor/Flood | Number of Lights in Pack: 4 Not the best motion sensor The Luposwiten Solar Motion Sensor Lights is another solid choice for a motion sensor floodlight. The on/off button is located in a tiny hole that requires a paperclip or earring to press, but we found it much easier to push than other models with a similar design.
The 4 Best Laptop Stands of 2023
Foldable: No | In-Use Dimensions: 10-¼" x 10-½" x 6" The Lamicall 360-Rotating Ergonomic is an aluminum laptop stand that rotates on its centered cylindrical pillar, allowing the top half of the stand to rotate infinitely in either direction. We found this feature to be especially useful for group projects or meetings. The Lamicall has non-slip rubber pads on the base to keep it from moving around on your desk as well as on top of the stand to keep the laptop itself in place.
Best Macbook Pro Case of 2023
Best Overall MacBook Pro Case Weight: 258 g | Added Thickness: 4.5 mm Variety of colors and designs The KECC Leather is one of our top picks for a MacBook Pro case. It is easy to install and remove, and it stays reliably attached until you need to remove it for periodic cleaning. It is a good-looking case, with this particular KECC line sporting a top shell made of premium Italian pebbled leather, available in various shades, and an attractive Apple logo cutout.
Best Computer Headset of 2023
Best Overall Computer Headset Weight: 1 ¾ oz | Connection: USB User-friendly clip-on controls Great earphone sound quality High-quality microphone reception The Callez USB Headset is our favorite computer headset thanks to its thoughtful features and design and overall high performance. This model has in-line controls on the cable with buttons to mute or unmute the microphone or speaker, as well as volume controls.
The 7 Best Chainsaws of 2023
Best Battery-Powered Chainsaw With an eighteen-inch bar and a 7.7 amp battery, the Husqvarna Power Axe 350i slices and dices better than the best lithium-ion versions and even outperforms some gas-powered saws. It is relatively quiet, has simple controls and top-notch safety features. Chain tensioning is a no-brainer, and the bar oil reservoir is see-through, taking the guesswork out of the level.
The 5 Best Electric Razors of 2023
Best Overall Electric Razor Run Time on Full Charge: 60 minutes | Usage Options: Wet & Dry The Braun Series 9 Pro is our favorite because of its superior shaving performance. It can be used wet or dry, leaving a super smooth shave with minimal irritation. It comes with a self-cleaner base and a travel case that doubles as a charger, so there's no need to bring it along, even on long trips. We found that it has a powerful motor that dispatches with stubble quickly.
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