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Besides making a practical, durable water bottle, one of the appeals of Hydro Flask is how many colors are on offer; you can head to the hiking trail and not see the same hue twice. With so many options, some colors are bound to sell less than others, so you can occasionally score deep discounts on certain colors.
Right now, REI is offering steep discounts on Hydro Flask in Laguna, a subtle turquoise blue color. The 24-, 32-, and 40-ounce bottles are all on sale for as much as 52%. The 32-ounce bottle is arguably the most versatile for hikes and everyday use, and at $22, it’s also the least expensive of the three. The sale ends on Jan. 29, though it may sell out before then.
Hydro Flask Wide-Mouth Water Bottle With Flex Cap, $22 (was $45) at REI
The 32-ounce bottle features a wide-mouth opening and Hydro Flask’s flex cap, featuring a soft silicone band. Hydro Flask also makes accessories like silicone boots to prevent dinging the bottle when setting it down, as well as caps with straw and sip lids so you can dial in the bottle to your preferred style. The wide mouth makes the bottle easier to handwash, and you can quickly add ice.
Hydro Flask’s bottles are double-wall insulated and designed to keep water cold for up to 24 hours and hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours. In addition, Hydro Flask’s caps feature a honeycomb design that prevents temperature loss through the top, one of the most common issues with other insulated bottles. The powder-coated finish makes the bottle easy to handle and scratch-resistant. The bottle is dishwasher-safe for easy care.
Shoppers love the practicality of the wide-mouth bottle, with one writing that it “makes filling, cleaning, and adding ice cubes a breeze.” The secure, leak-free cap was a key feature for many shoppers, including one who wrote, “As long as the lid is attached properly, it is a tight seal and will not leak at all.”
Shoppers also appreciate the ruggedness of the bottle, with one writing, “I’ve accidentally dropped it on numerous occasions, and it’s held up without a dent or scratch.” Another wrote, “I’ve dropped it more times than I care to admit, and it still looks and functions just fine. It’s like it’s made of some sort of indestructible material.”
Hydro Flask’s durability and insulation typically come at a steep price, but right now, you can save over $20 on these top-rated water bottles.
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Adidas might not be the first brand you think of when you think of hiking and outdoor gear, but the brand’s Terrex line should be on your radar. Founded in 2011, the Terrex line continues the brand’s surprisingly long history in outdoor gear. Adidas’ outdoor footwear dates back to at least the 1970s, when the German brand developed hiking boots for Italian climber Reinhold Messner’s Everest expeditions.
Typically $220, REI is currently offering the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 for nearly $60 off. The Free Hiker combines a streetwise sneaker look with technical details for conquering tricky terrain, and it’s backed by more than 500 five-star reviews. The deal specifically applies to the Wonder Steel/Grey Three/Orange colorway, which is actually discontinued. That means that once these shoes are gone, they’re gone for good. Fortunately, the shoes are available in a full run of sizes at the moment, from 8 to 13, including half sizes.
Adidas Terrex Free Hiker Gore-Tex 2.0 Hiking Shoes, $161 (was $220) at REI
At full price, the Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 is on the expensive end of the Free Hiker collection, but it packs in features that more affordable Terrex shoes don’t have. Most notably, the Free Hiker utilizes a Gore-Tex lining, widely considered the gold standard for waterproof but breathable fabric technology. That means you can step through a creek to get to the other side of the trail without worry, and sudden showers won’t ruin your hike. The mid-ankle style also offers more support and protection than lower-cut styles, and there’s a grippy rubber outsole made from Continental Rubber, a trusted car and bicycle tire brand.
Adidas also borrowed tech from its running shoe division when designing these shoes. The midsole notably features the distinctive puffy Boost foam, which offers bouncy cushioning designed to improve energy return on each step.
Shoppers were impressed with these shoes as a winter hiking option, with one writing that they’re a “great shoe for hiking and rain/snow proof…” and another noting that they “wore them on a hike in the snow in a warm sock and they felt very good and comfortable on my feet.” Another reviewer noted that they can handle anything an avid hiker might throw at it, writing, “perfect to hike any terrain.”
Many shoppers cited comfort as a key appeal of these shoes, with one writing that they “Love the style and comfort,” and another saying that the shoes are “more comfortable than normal boots.”
If you’re looking for an all-terrain, year-round hiking sneaker, consider picking up the Terrex Free Hiker at a sharply discounted price.
Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
A day hike requires little beyond a good pair of shoes and a bottle of water (reusable, of course), which is part of what makes it such a great activity. But the wrong shoes can ruin a hike, so it’s worth spending a little extra to get a pair that’s comfortable and built to withstand whatever the day has in store. If you can get a great pair of shoes without spending extra, that’s even better. Merrell’s popular Moab shoes are a hiking trail staple for a reason, and right now, you can score the Merrell Moab 2 GTX in a range of sizes for as little as $80 on Amazon, over half off the $165 list price.
There are a few versions of the Moab shoe out there, and this is the mid-ankle style with Gore-Tex waterproofing that’s super popular with Amazon shoppers, earning more than 5,000 five-star ratings. As is often the case with Amazon, pricing and size availability vary considerably, but the Walnut colorway has many sizes in stock at a steeply discounted price.
Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Mid GTX Hiking Boot, From $80 (was $165) at Amazon
Picking the right hiking shoes starts with knowing what kind of hiking you’ll be doing, and as popular as trail runners have become, hiking boots are still a great option if you’re handling challenging terrain or want more support. The Merrell Moab 2 GTX will keep you dry on muddy hikes, thanks to the inclusion of Gore-Tex waterproofing. These shoes utilize Vibram soles as well, which are known for their excellent traction and durability. Typically, features like Gore-Tex and Vibram come at a steep price, making this the kind of deal hikers shouldn’t sleep on.
Merrell’s Moab shoes have been a staple of the brand’s lineup for over 15 years, and unlike brands that unveil a new edition each year, the Moab is only on its third iteration. The Moab 3 was introduced in 2022, which is likely why we’re seeing discounts on the older Moab 2 model. Being trusted for as long as it has been, the Moab 2 will continue to be a great option.
Shoppers were impressed with the shoes’ out-of-the-box comfort, with one writing “The boots broke in easily and were immediately comfortable. Despite the waterproof construction, it allowed moisture to escape and my feet were never sweaty.” Another shopper cited the shoes’ comfort on hikes, writing “I used them for a 4-mile hike on very hilly, rocky, twisty, and deeply wooded trails, and they felt great. They were very comfortable all through the hike.”
Shoppers were also impressed with the waterproofing Moab 2 GTX, with one writing, “The Gore-Tex versions are what you want if you need a waterproof boot. These breathe pretty well and keep your feet dry.” Another noted that they “went hiking today after a good rainstorm the day before, going through deep mud, and stepping in flooded water and I can feel the cold from the water, but my socks are still dry…”
If inadequate footwear is the main factor holding you back from bigger hiking days, now is a great time to save on rugged footwear like the Merrell Moab 2, especially when it’s more than 50% off.
Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. We update when possible, but deals expire and prices can change. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. Questions? Reach us at shop@mensjournal.com.
Moc toe boots have been essential equipment for sportsmen, tradesmen, loggers, and factory workers since the 1950s. Then, somewhere along the line, these heritage boots also became prized purely for their rugged aesthetics. They’re named for the Native American moccasins that inspired their style of construction, and recognizable by their separate U-shaped piece of leather on the top that is sewn to the walls of the toe.
While the design is ancient, Red Wing was the first company to create a moc toe boot, in 1952. The original version had a rubber sole that made them particularly useful for sportsmen, and the moccasin design left more room for toe movement while the stitching made them more flexible for walking. The higher toe walls also made them more protective than traditional boots, so they soon became popular with factory workers who preferred to keep all of their toes. Not coincidently, the was the overall best moc toe boot out of our test—because they’re the perfect combination of value, heritage, and versatility.
Why Should You Have a Pair of Moc Toe Boots?
Originating in the timberlands of Minnesota, moc toe boots are a uniquely American invention born out of the necessities of American industry and terrain. Borrowing in their construction something tried and true for Native Americans for thousands of years, they’re rugged, sporting, and suitable for everything from hunting to welding to barhopping. Every man needs a pair of moc toe boots in his closet.
What are Moc Toe Boots Good For?
Depending on the design and construction, moc toe boots can be rugged enough for hunting, or factory work and construction (with reinforced toes for added protection). Some use modern materials to be ultra-light and as comfortable as a sneaker, while others are made of the finest leathers in the world and are better suited for wearing with a sport coat. When choosing a moc toe boot, you should decide first if it’s for function, fashion, or a mix of both.
Rugged options can require much more break-in before they’re comfortable, but will hold up to serious abuse for years to come. If you don’t need that kind of durability, you may want an option that will be instantly comfortable without any break-in period. Work-focused moc toe boots can be quite heavy, while others are designed for nimble hiking and travel that doesn’t involve chopping down trees.
Many are even recraftable, meaning that they can be fixed up to look near-new after many years of use. There are weatherproof options, value options, and hand-made investment-grade boots that will require some care but will last you a lifetime. In short, there’s a moc toe boot for everyone.
How We Tested Them
I started with the best moc toe boots available, and then narrowed them down even further to the ones that would cover the greatest range of wearers, uses, and budgets. Then I tested them all out. I took one pair across Scotland. Another pair joined me on a Montana dude ranch. Breaking them in, walking and hiking in them, obsessing over their details, and talking to some of the people who produce them were all part of the process.
I’ve been covering gear and style from a home base in Los Angeles and now Charleston since 2006, for outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Wired, Maxim, Gear Patrol, Fatherly, and Men’s Journal. Whether it’s testing out gear, bags, clothing, and accessories on my own adventures, or profiling designers and craftspeople who make them, it’s been one continuous process of discovery, and an ongoing search for the essentials that bring joy, serve a purpose, and add value to our experiences.
Boots are my most beloved and obsessed over clothing item of all. They’re not just footwear, functionality, or fashion, but a combination of all three that also makes a statement of intent. They tell strangers how hard you work—or play. They can convey your sense of style, your attitude, and even your priorities. I can look back and remember big trips I’ve taken and entire phases of my life based on the boots I was wearing at the time.
Over the course of my continued education about the materials and craft that make for truly great boots, I’ve visited tanneries, met cutters and sewers on factory floors, and been schooled by second and third-generation shoe makers on the ins and outs of Goodyear welts and gusset tongues, of lug soles and wedges, of heel stacks and steel shanks. What we love the most, we learn about with both joy and a purpose to share that knowledge.
Best Overall Boot: The Red Wing Heritage Classic Moc
While other boots on the list surpass it in comfort, style, and features, the Red Wing Heritage Classic Moc is the perfect combination of value, heritage, and versatility. Therefore, it’s the boot with which most people should begin their search. We tested it out in the new Alpine Portage color—a warm grey that works well with any jeans or trousers.
They have recraftable rubber soles, the interior is unlined and decidedly utilitarian, and they have a gusseted tongue—meaning a tongue sewn to the sides of the upper to prevent water or dirt from getting in. The leather is durable, but also very rigid on first wear, so these will take some serious breaking in. They’re rugged enough for manual labor or hunting, but in terms of style, they could also be worn with a nice pair of jeans, to work in an office, or even out to dinner.
Because the toe isn’t made of two separate pieces of leather, the Alden 403 isn’t technically a true moc toe—but it’s certainly the most iconic. Beloved film character Indiana Jones famously wore these because actor Harrison Ford loved them so much that he nixed the script-suggested Red Wings and insisted on the Aldens.
The 403 is the same style as Indy’s boot, but uses a dark brown Horween Chromexcel leather. We found the 403 to be instantly comfortable with zero break-in needed—more comfortable on the first wear than every other boot on the list. They do fit wide, so Alden suggests ordering a half-size down. They don’t have a gusseted tongue, so there’s not as much protection from the elements. But for the price, they’re unlikely to be your go-to boots for getting dirty.
They are the most expensive boots on the list at $655, but through our conversations with both Alden and Horween, it’s clear that they’re still not overpriced considering the workmanship and materials that go into them. It’s worth signing up for notices on theshoemart.com for a chance to score factory rejects at a solid discount. Seconds inventory is limited, so you’d have to luck out on sizing.
is based in Spokane, WA—the heart of logging country, where they’ve been making boots since the 1960s. They’re the most durable handmade moc toe boots you can buy. With thick leather, a beefy heel stack, lug sole with steel screws, and serious stitching, they’re an extremely heavy duty work boot made with an incredible attention to detail. Included in the box is a carbon slip from the factory floor, where every step of the process is signed by the craftsperson who handled it.
Nick’s Boots owner, Shuyler Mowe, says that they sell “a ton of these as work boots to tradespeople and those who appreciate that chunkier aesthetic.” They are heavy and need some serious breaking in, but these are lifetime boots. The toe box is pretty rigid out of the box, so order a wider size if there’s any concern for width. They have a gusseted tongue, and they also come with false tongues, which are additional pieces of leather that help prevent any pinching from the laces. The soles, with their gleaming steel screwheads in the treads, are a standout detail. They have quick ship options, but if you have time to wait, they can be fully made-to-order, customized by color, sole type, height, and more.
Pros
Cons
👍 Handmade
👎 Heavy
👍 Made-to-order and quick-ship options
👎 Require breaking in
👍 Recraftable
👎 Longer wait for made-to-order
[$580;]
Rancourt Harrison Redux
Stinson Carter
Best Boots for Travel: Rancourt Harrison Redux
After testing these on a trip to Scotland, we can say that as an everyday (and night) travel boot, Rancourt’s Harrison boots strike the perfect balance between durability, comfort, and dress code versatility. They’re handmade in Maine out of Horween Chromexcel leather, which naturally has some water resistance and will develop an aesthetically pleasing patina over time. They don’t need much breaking in and the rubber sole is soft enough to stand on for hours. You can wear them tromping across the cobblestones of Edinburgh with a backpack or out to dinner with a sportscoat.
Another bonus is that they’re flexible enough to drive in comfortably over long distances, unlike the Harrison’s rugged competitors. It’s a camp moc style of boot, meaning it bears more moccasin DNA than any other boot on the list. With more stitching comes more chance for the threads to fray over time, but Rancourt can resole or restitch your boots if needed.
Danner’s new is a modern interpretation of a moc toe boot, optimized for lightness, comfort, and all-weather/terrain use. Not only are they lightweight, they’re waterproof and breathable, thanks to the Gore-Tex lining and durable nubuck leather. Because they have the multi-layer cushioning of a sneaker—including a removable OrthoLite footbed, a Vibram midsole, and a Vibram outsole—these boots are perfect for hiking or travel. But unlike a sneaker, they can be resoled after years of wear-and-tear through Danner’s Recrafting Center.
While Danner says they run true to size, we found them to be slightly on the narrow side—and as of now, they don’t come in wide sizes. But if comfort for hiking or travel to more casual destinations is your priority, these are hard to beat for the price and features. In short, for moc toe looks with a trail sneaker feel, these are the ones for you.
Pros
Cons
👍 Weatherproof
👎 Casual style is less versatile
👍 Comfortable straight out of the box
👎 No wide sizes
👍 Lightweight
👍 Recraftable
[$240;]
Grant Stone Brass
Stinson Carter
Best Dressy Boot: Grant Stone Brass
Made of Horween Chromexcel leather, the black version of Grant Stone’s Brass boot are bestsellers for the company. In this rich black, they are a perfect choice for anyone who wants to dress up their moc toe, whether for the office or out on the town. That said, there are a dozen different colors of the Brass boot—and it can also be also ordered with a wedge sole—so there’s a style to fit anyone’s mood, taste, or use case.
Grant Stone CEO Wyatt Gilmore has boot pedigree in his blood: his grandfather worked at Alden for 60 years and his father worked there for 15 years. The attention to detail is evident in the meticulous hand sewing of the moc toe itself, which Gilmore says is difficult to produce because only the best craftspeople are skilled enough to do the prominent hand sewing required. We found them to be comfortable without a break-in period, though they are on the heavier side. Grant Stone is known to carry a wide range of sizes and widths in stock for most of their boots, so even if you have an odd size, chances are they’ve got it ready to ship.
At just under $200, the Thursday Boot Co. Diplomat boots offer a lot for the price. They look great and don’t feel the least bit budget-minded in construction. They have a Vibram wedge outsole, a steel shank for stability, corkbed midsoles for comfort that adapts to your foot over time, antimicrobial insoles, and the laces are Kevlar-infused for durability. They are lined with glove leather, and they’re built on a Goodyear welt sole, so they can be resoled. Thursday says that they’re handmade in small batches, though the hand-finishes are not as apparent here as they are on the likes of Alden and Nick’s—nor would we expect it for the price.
While the leather isn’t as nice as some options on this list, these boots punch above their weight in every category. We found them to be comfortable without much break-in, and they fit true to size. They don’t show up with a fancy box, felt shoe bags, and extra laces, but they deliver on the features that are important. They would be a great entry-level Goodyear welt boot to begin a collection, or to add to your stable as knock-around boots.
The Allen Edmonds Carter weatherproof boots were a favorite from testing. They’re extremely comfortable with zero breaking in, and despite the commando soles, they’re also surprisingly light. The Horween Chromexcel leather will only get better with age and feels as good to touch as it does on your feet. The leather lining is supple, and the padding on the tongue and insole are surprisingly plush.
Weather-wise, these could go on in early fall and stay on until spring. Style-wise, they’re just as versatile. You could travel with them, commute with them, or wear them with a suit. Aesthetically, the Carter strikes the balance between dressy and rugged better than any other boot we tested. They fit true to size, and while they’re pricey, they do go on sale for significantly less than MSRP. The same cannot be said for the other top-tier moc toe boots on this list.
You probably know Lucchese for their cowboy boots, and they do make some of the best. As such, their Ranger II boots bring a Western vibe to the moc toe boot. Handmade like Lucchese’s cowboy boots and ropers, the Ranger II combines the moc-toe style with a beefy rubber sole offering excellent traction and cushion, and the tread is spaced to not hold on to mud and muck. Testing these out on a ranch in Montana was no problem. The soles gripped the terrain like hiking boots, and you could still wear these to dinner or a honky-tonk with a nice pair of pants and a button-down.
The suede upper on the version we tested looks rugged but is deceptively soft, so no breaking in was needed. The glove leather lining is smooth as butter—no other boot lining comes close to its suppleness. An amply padded interior and velvety glove-leather lining make these the most instantly comfortable moc toe boots we tested.
If you invest in one piece of ski equipment, it should be a well-fitting pair of ski boots. You can always rent or demo skis, but your boot is not only the most important piece of precision gear you’ll purchase, it’s also the most complex. A great boot can make the difference between liking skiing and loving it—between being a decent skier and a better, more sure-footed one.
Consider your ski boots the foundation for your ski kit. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner, intermediate, expert, or pro. Boots are your connection with your skis, and of course the slope. When you move your boots, that tells your skis what to do. If your boots are too big and sloppy, you won’t have the precision necessary for turns. If they’re painful, too small, or saddled with debilitating hotspots, your turns (and ski psyche) will suffer. Even if your skis are old, your poles bent, and your jacket patched with duct tape, boots should be your first priority.
The following eight pairs of phenomenal ski boots confirm just how far ski boot technology has come since (we’re assuming) the last pair you stepped into. Our best overall ski boot nod goes to the Fischer Sports RC4 130 MV BOA, which thrilled testers with its agility, balance, underfoot precision, and most importantly fit—hugging our feet with no hotspots, thanks to the boot’s unique vacuum molding process and BOA-closure. While every foot is different, there’s a favorite pair of great ski boots in this lineup for even the toughest heels and toes to please.
Our Testing Process: Why You Should Trust Us
Our team of nine testers knows how to do our homework out in the field. Collectively, we’ll rack up more than 1,000 on-snow days in a given season just testing out ski gear to see if it lives up to its promise. Most of us have been running ski apparel through the ringer in every type of alpine terrain and weather condition imaginable for over 20 ski seasons.
We’ve run glades, bowls, couloirs, steeps, and remote backcountry in this gear—and we’ve taken copious notes. We’ve skied the slopes of New England and Eastern Canadian hardpack, Whistler powder, Pacific Northwest cement, and everything in between, including months in the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps. We offer a combined ski history of more than 100 years of high-level race and big-mountain experience racked up from Japan to North America to the Alps—and we know exactly what we want and need from the gear we’re relying upon. We also love being dazzled and inspired by the latest, greatest ski gear innovations, which never stop.
We’ve rigorously tested and compared thousands of items, harnessing not only ambition, but wisdom and experience, with testers from their early 20s to seasoned vets. We also tested a lot of this stuff with less experienced skiers to assess their own valuable takes. It’s never easy putting so much great ski gear and apparel through its paces before whittling it all down to our favorite performers—but it’s always a ton of fun.
When you first try on boots, pull the liners out and check the shell fit. Put your foot in the shell and slide forward until your big toe touches the front. If you can get a finger to a finger-and-a-half between your heel and shell, then you have the right size. Then put the liner back in the shell, try on the boot, and buckle it up. A well-fitting boot will feel snug when you first try it on. The liners haven’t “packed out” yet, so you need to ski a few days to help break them in.
Pay attention to width and flex. Boots generally come in a narrower last and wider last. Lasts that are in the low 90s (measured in millimeters) at the balI of your foot are generally designed for racing. Average feet are usually 98mm to 100mm, but wider fitting boots go up to about 104mm. Boots also have flex, which is the stiffness of the boot. You can have flex as low as 60 or 70 (mainly for junior skiers) and up to 130 for stronger adult skiers who have the power to drive stiffer boots. For most male intermediate skiers, 120 flex is about right.
Our best recommendation for buying boots? Start with this guide and then make an appointment with your local bootfitter. All of the ski boots reviewed here are “workable,” meaning a bootfitter can heat-mold the liners, adjust the forward lean, and most importantly, add room in the toe or forefoot, or add material to adjust for your unique stance and foot shape. A priority should be getting a custom-made footbed. You can buy one you cook yourself (Masterfit and Superfeet both have them), but we recommend consulting an expert from ABB (America’s Best Bootfitters)—check online for a shop near you. You’ll get a trained boot tech who can analyze your foot shape for the best boot choice possible.
Our team of testers have worn dozens of boots, from stiff alpine racers (plug boots) to light, super-flexible AT boots, and everything in between. As you’ll see in the reviews, the line between alpine and backcountry boots has blurred—with several boots that can now be used with “tech” bindings (AT touring) as well as with traditional alpine bindings. These styles are a great choice if you’re planning on both lift-accessed skiing and a bit of backcountry AT skinning (climbing uphill and then skiing down).
One innovation we saw a lot of this season is the addition of a BOA lacing system for the forefoot. The BOA system replaces the two front buckles, so with the quick twirl of a dial, you can cinch the shell down for a uniform fit. So far, testers are impressed with BOA’s convenience and performance, but we’ll be testing the new system all season long for comfort and durability.
Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. We update when possible, but deals expire and prices can change. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Fischer Sports RC4 130 MV BOA
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Best Overall Ski Boot for 2024: Fischer Sports RC4 130 MV BOA
Expert and intermediate skiers should gravitate toward the new Fischer Sports RC4 130 MV BOA—specially designed to allow skiers to push their limits and up their technical game. The shell is highly moldable via a vacuum process; it’s heat-softened and then compressed against the foot. We noticed that the plastic used in the shell seems more resilient to temperature than most, providing a more stable flex that doesn’t stiffen up in sub-zero temps or soften up on warm spring days. We tried our review sample on multiple testers with feet from narrow to wide. They were all impressed with the adjustability of the BOA closure system. In terms of skiability, this boot has serious chops and will help expert skiers shred with the precision they’ve always dreamed about. The RCA 130 MV BOA was a tester favorite for its great fit, all-temperature performance (we could get it on, even on the coldest days), and all-around performance.
Nordica Unlimited 130 DYN
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Best Boot for All-Mountain Touring: Nordica Unlimited 130 DYN
Nordica makes a great-fitting boot with powerful energy transfer to the ski. Both the shell and liner are customizable for a bespoke fit is set up for all-mountain touring, as well as downhill charging. In lieu of classical bales, it showcases a streamlined wire closure system that cradles your foot to offer a precise fit that maximizes comfort and control. When it’s time to hike, skin, or just loosen up your boots, you can simply undo the quick-release power strap and flip the toe buckle to release the closure system for greater comfort and mobility. “I like the softer plastic cuff that provides a bit more comfort and smooth flex,” says a tester. The ski-walk mechanism provides 65 degrees of motion, which is not bad for a boot this powerful, and you can easily adjust the forward lean—something testers really appreciated when carving SL and GS turns on hardpack groomers.
La Sportiva Vanguard
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Best Boot for All-Day Comfort: La Sportiva Vanguard
Testers were impressed with for its fit, range of motion (for both walking and ski flex), and lightness. The foam liner is thermomoldable, and testers felt that it moved better with their foot/ankle flex than many others—most likely due to the mapped thickness and dual flex zones. The shell is slightly difficult to get into, but once your foot’s safely inside, the ski boot has more of a hiking boot fit. “It was the highest performing boot I tried, as it allowed for the most forward pressure,” says one tester. This is the type of boot you can wear all day, and then dance the night away at a Euro-style après get-together, before getting up in the morning and doing it all over again. The forward-thinking design includes a combo top buckle/power strap, so you can easily lock down the fit with a single glove-friendly tug, rather than the finger-freezing fumbling required to shore up other styles. In contrast to the many BOA forefoot closures in this review, the Vanguard has a unique double-release buckle that activates an adjustable cable evenly across the instep.
Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130 BOA GW
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Best Boot for Backcountry Versatility: Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130 BOA GW
Atomic added a BOA closure to the forefoot of their immensely popular boot, replacing the standard double buckles. “I finally have a boot with no hotspots,” says one tester. The ’s flex seems slightly stiffer than similar boots of its class, probably due to the free/lock system, but aggressive skiers still noted that they could really get forward to lay down turns. You can get the model in eight flexes (down to 70), so skiers of all abilities and weights are covered. This boot is for skiers who want uphill, Alpine Touring options without sacrificing downhill carving power. They’re a single-boot quiver whether you’re riding the lift or skinning in the backcountry. Testers love them for ski trips when they only want to pack one pair of boots. The liner and entire boot is customizable—meaning you can have your boot fitter dial everything for a bespoke fit.
Dynafit Tigard 130
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Best Lightweight Boot for Power Skiers: Dynafit Tigard 130
Dynafit has led the AT/backcountry ski boot category for years. Here’s their first entry into downhill, on-piste skiing. The Dynafit Tigard 130 is an aggressive, high-end Alpine Tech boot designed to crush both inbound slopes and sidecountry. With a weight of 1,590 grams (Mondo, 26.5), the Tigard is the lightest model in its class. It’s available in two flexes (130 and 110) and integrates the patented Dynafit Hoji Lock System, which unifies the cuff and shell on the boot’s interior to an inseparable, interlocking unit without any play. Applauding the heel fit that’s sufficiently snug, testers noted the boot’s power transfer and agility on steep, hardpack terrain. Plus the cuff has an impressive 70-degree rotation which testers loved for big climbs.
More Ski Boots That We Love
Dalbello Cabrio Free 130
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This boot does everything well. Testers loved its all-conditions shredability and pack-leading comfort. We tested the Dalbello Cabrio Free 130 in the Canadian Rockies and found the boot to be a potent mix of power transfer for hard-charging downhill with sufficient lightness and walkability for long uphill trudges. Testers appreciated the burly cuff lock that lets the upper cuff move independently from the lower shell—calling it a “game changer” for functional hiking. “The smooth flex and power transmission helped me up my game on the steeps,” says one all-mountain tester. Dalbello’s new 3DWrap liner fits like a glove without having to be baked—which is great if you’re buying new boots and don’t have the time or inclination to visit your local bootfitter.
Salomon S/Pro Supra BOA 130
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Speedy shredders loved this boot—“snappy” and “reactive” being the two most common accolades when our testers returned from the slopes. Salomon’s S/Pro Supra BOA 130 boasts a micro-adjustable precision fit and a targeted wrap around the foot that can easily be fine-tuned throughout the day. The shell is mapped for thickness, with thinner walls in places where you don’t need the bulk. The BOA system dials in forefoot fit without having to fumble with buckles, plus it’s easy to dial it back when you need more blood flow on cold days or long gondola rides. Testers reported a smooth-travel flex, firm enough to pin the throttle but not so stiff that getting forward was an issue.
Scarpa 4-Quattro XT
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It’s rare to find a ski boot this light, powerful, and comfortable. The Scarpa 4-Quattro XT is a “hybrid” boot, meaning it’s designed for both traditional alpine skiing and backcountry skinning. Stiff enough for fast, steep skiing with no compromise of control, it’s still comfy for uphill travel. At just 6 pounds per pair, these boots are also impressively light, while the plant-based Griamid shell, four-buckle closure, and Booster strap offer excellent stiffness. The flex rating is 130, though testers found the boot felt softer. Both the liner and shell are designed to be tweaked for a custom fit. If you want a high-performance boot to handle fast groomers and backcountry steep and deep, here’s your one-boot quiver.
After a demanding workout, it’s validating when your watch notices the effort you exerted. Wearing a fitness tracker during your strength workouts, whether you’re deadlifting or rowing or powering through a bodyweight routine, is like having a personal coach on your wrist keeping track of your progress and your overall health, too. Fitness watches make it easier than ever to get deep insights into your workouts and performance.
Some features to look for when shopping for a watch for workouts include heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen testing, recovery time estimates, and sleep and stress tracking. Bonus features include GPS tracking for outdoor efforts, music integration to keep you entertained, and downloadable meditation and workout sessions to mix up your strength sessions.
Keep in mind the size and comfort of fitness watches as well (though these characteristics can sometimes be tricky to gauge online). Most brands have generous return policies, but always check before you buy. You don’t want your watch getting in the way of pushups or floor routines. The good news? Fitness watches and trackers are generally more affordable than the beefier mountaineering and cycling watches while still offering some of the same metrics.
Below, we’ve detailed the specs and benefits of six of the best fitness watches and trackers for strength workouts.
The Best Fitness Watches for Strength Workouts in 2022
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For a tick of a secondhand a few years back, it seemed like smartphones might make sports watches obsolete. Quickly, however, athletes and outdoorsmen realized that the best adventure-focused watches meant less fiddling with your phone and more of what you headed outside to do in the first place.
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Our favorites are long-lasting, stylish, and pack in easy-to-use features that enhance your time outdoors instead of forcing you to focus on tech when you’re heading outside to unplug. For those reasons, the Garmin Fenix 7X Pro – Sapphire Solar Edition is our top overall pick. Most adventure watches retail under $1,000 and we highlight watches at a range of price points and share options from fully analog to the most connected, digital options available.
What You Should Look for in an Adventure Watch
Adventure watches can be analog, digital, or a hybrid, but the best ones are waterproof, durable, and provide metrics such as altitude, humidity, navigation, and, of course, time. Smart adventure watches go further and bring maps, GPS route tracking, and biomarker monitoring to your wrist. Here are the key features to compare when shopping.
Mapping
Many watches incorporate built-in maps, which allow you to leave the phone at home or at least reference it less often. The combination of internal compass and readable maps right in the watch turn these timepieces into powerful navigation devices whether you’re out for a run or embarking on a multi-day backpacking trip. Most offer downloadable maps as well, meaning they work without being tethered to a phone or data connection. The mapping features often include powerful route-building tools so you can lay out runs, bikes, and hikes at home and easily follow them out in the field. Most of the map packages are free but Garmin also offer a premium mapping package for a $50 annual charge that, like other subscription mapping services such as OnX and Caltopo, adds property ownership layers and more detailed contour lines.
Solar Charging
Solar recharging of watch batteries has been around since the 1970s, but the tech has drastically improved and is showing up in high-end adventure watches to extend the relatively short battery life of these energy-hogging digital watches. Solar charging easily keeps traditional watches and smartwatches running few features charged indefinitely—given cooperative weather. In high-consumption modes, you’ll likely need to supplement with charging from an external power source. But no matter how you run them, the solar charging capability will extend the battery’s runtime and is worth paying a bit extra if you hate dealing with low battery warnings or spend time away from reliable power on multi-day excursions.
Cellular Connection
The more mainstream smartwatches (most of the Apple and Samsung offerings) can access wireless data networks without tethering to your phone. Most fitness-first watches from brands such as Suunto and Garmin do not, meaning you’ll either need to keep your phone on you for messaging and other connected apps and download maps for offline use. Having a data connection for your phone makes it much more capable but it also drains the battery faster and almost always requires an additional line of data on your wireless plan which usually costs around $10 per month.
Why You Should Trust Me
After refusing to wear a watch for a decade (figured my phone had the time), backpacking and backcountry hunting made me appreciate using my phone less for telling time, navigation, and tracking. Since then, I’ve tested many of the major releases from brands like Garmin, Suunto, Timex, and Casio. The Garmin Fenix 7x is my current go-to but I also cycle in the Suunto 9 Peak and Nixon Regulus for certain outings.
Best Overall Outdoor Watch: Garmin Fenix 7X Pro – Sapphire Solar Edition
Garmin Fenix 7X Pro – Sapphire Solar Edition
Courtesy Garmin
This is the GPS watch for the outdoor athletes that want it all. Garmin has a bewildering array of full-featured tracking watches for racers and adventurers, but the Fenix 7x Pro Sapphire Solar edition brings together fitness tracking and navigation features as well as any watch to-date. To get the most out of the significant investment here, you’ll need to value the robust fitness tracking features from sleep monitoring to ECG heart rhythm monitoring to stress and endurance scores to help you dial in your training. For outdoor adventurers, it’s the maps and navigation tools that seal the deal. The GPS uses multi-band tech for maximum accuracy and you get altitude and compass readings like any good outdoor watch. But the mapping stands out with premium features such as golf course maps, ski area maps, suggested routes back to your start, and even turn-by-turn directions for at-a-glance wayfinding when you’re moving fast.
CASE: Titanium/polymer
FEATURES: Touchscreen, Bluetooth, GPS, LED light, solar charging
SIZE: 51mm
STRAP: Silicone
Casio G-Shock Mudmaster
Courtesy Casio
Best Rugged Watch: Casio G-Shock Mudmaster
Casio’s G-Shock line has defined military-grade rugged dependability in the adventure watch category for decades. The display is digital but this watch has an analog feel with no email notifications in sight but all the essentials such as date, time, temperature, altitude, compass, and solar charging for near-infinite operation away from power sources. Buttons are large, protected, and easy-to-use in any conditions and though the watch looks chunky, it’s fairly slim and streamlined as far as outdoor watches go. And while this isn’t a full-featured fitness tracker watch, it does add in a Bluetooth connection option to record routes, step counts, and elevations.
CASE: Carbon fiber/resin
FEATURES: Bluetooth, shock/mud resistant, LED backlight
SIZE: 55.4mm
STRAP: Resin
Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar
Courtesy Suunto
Best Outdoor Smartwatch: Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar
Suunto’s new Vertical packs their best fitness and navigation features into their latest flagship outdoor watch. One big improvement over earlier watches from Suunto is the addition of solar charging to minimize the annoyance of needing a charge when you most need your watch. (That said, the Vertical and similar watches take a charge quickly if you just need enough juice to track your next ride or run.) The other major feature rollout is free downloadable maps—that don’t rely on your phone or cell signal—that are easily readable on the 49mm face.
CASE: Titanium/polymer
FEATURES: GPS, solar charging, free maps
SIZE: 49mm
STRAP: Silicone
Coros Apex 2 Pro
Courtesy Coros
Best Hiking Watch: Coros Apex 2 Pro
Coros owns a smaller share of the GPS smartwatch category, but their Apex 2 Pro stands out for delivering most of the great tracking features from Garmin and Suunto but in a slim, understated watch that doesn’t get in the way. The price tag is also about half of what you’d pay for many of the other watches, yet it still includes built-in free and interactive mapping. The battery life is excellent but the GPS tech isn’t as robust as other brands’, so tracking and navigation don’t have quite the same pinpoint accuracy.
Seeking a wear-everywhere outdoor watch with luxury Swiss styling and rugged dependability? Neverest is Norqain’s ode to Everest and the intrepid spirit of sherpas. The GMT watch boasts an anthracite grey dial with gold cracks running across the surface to mimic the crevasses found on Everest. Daytime hours are indicated in white and night-time hours in black. The knurling on the edge of the ceramic bidirectional-rotating bezel makes adjustments easier when fingers are cloaked by gloves. Moreover, the automatic-winding NN20/2 movement is visible through the sapphire glass case back, and you can engrave the plate on the left side of the case. Perhaps the biggest selling point is Norqain’s partnership with Butterfly Help Project: 10 percent of all Neverest watches are donated to the charity in Nepal, which aids families of sherpas who’ve lost their lives while guiding, giving their children access to education.
CASE: 316L stainless steel case
FEATURES: Anti-reflective, scratch-proof, double-domed sapphire glass; open case back; 200m water resistance; anthracite glacier dial with golden cracks that mimic crevasses on Mt. Everest; 70-hour power reserve
SIZE:41mm
STRAP: Stainless steel, rubber
More Adventure Watches We Love
Best Tactical Outdoor Watch: Nixon Regulus Expedition
Courtesy Nixon
Nixon’s Regulus watch blends tactical with practical. This updated version stands out for keeping things ultra-simple and staying easy to read and operate in any conditions. The all-digital display doesn’t try to cram too much in. The numbers are large and displays are uncluttered unlike many outdoor watches that try to pack too much into a readout. Likewise, the buttons are large and easy to operate with cold, wet, or gloved hands. You won’t be consulting topo maps on the display, but there is basic journey tracking for runs and hikes and the battery lasts for years. Plus, you get all the essentials such as temperature, altitude, and compass—which can all be made primary displays in the same simplified readout format as time and date.
Best Stylish Outdoor Watch: Casio Pro Trek Solar x Pendleton
Courtesy Casio
While a bit less chunky and rugged than its G-Shock siblings, the Pro Trek delivers most of the same features and thus is a great choice for guys that want a rugged, outdoor-minded watch but with a more streamlined design. The Pro Trek is slimmer and lighter and because it’s less overtly tactical, and works better as an everyday wear watch than the G-Shock line. The Pendleton collab we’re featuring here has a unique patterned band with great style for outdoorsy guys. Beyond the aesthetics, you get a combination of analog timekeeping and digital date display. Use the buttons to toggle from date to the other essential readouts: altitude, compass bearing and temperature. Because of the streamlined feature set, this isn’t a battery hog smartwatch, but just in case, this Pro Trek augments battery power with solar charging.
CASE: Stainless steel/resin
FEATURES: Barometer, solar charging, auto LED backlight
SIZE: 51.6mm
STRAP: Fabric
Best Budget GPS Outdoor Watch: Suunto Race
Courtesy Suunto
This new release from Suunto provides most of the same features as the Vertical but with a more digestible price tag for folks that don’t want to spend nearly $1,000 on a GPS smartwatch. The AMOLED display delivers better contrast than the more-common LCD displays, and makes reading the offline-ready maps a joy while out on a hike or run. The biggest difference from the Vertical is the lack of solar charging, but the battery life is still excellent for a GPS watch and, for many, the need to charge a bit more frequently will be worth the savings of several hundred dollars over the Vertical and similarly priced GPS watches. The Race’s battery life depends greatly on how many tracking features are enabled. With absolutely everything on from 24/7 heart-rate monitoring to notifications, you’ll get an estimated 40 hours, while in a stripped-down standby mode, the device should make it about 26 days on a single charge.
CASE: Stainless steel or titanium (an additional $100)
Best Minimalist Outdoor Watch: Timex Ironman x The James Brand
Courtesy Timex
The Timex Ironman, first released in 1986, was one of the original sports watches, adding lap timing to the digital watch basics of time and date. The INDIGLO backlighting comes on with the touch of a button for nighttime visibility, and you can time up to 30 laps in the built-in memory, a functionality that hasn’t changed much in nearly 40 years. Rather than trying to keep pace with more high-tech watches, this Ironman collaboration with The James Brand leans into retro with bright colors, a lightweight fabric band, and low-profile face that’s unobtrusive on the wrist but stands out from the crowd.
Best Analog Sports Watch: Citizen Promaster Altichron
Courtesy Citizen
If you want the reliability of a fully analog watch, but still need outdoor-oriented features such as altitude, it’s hard to beat the rugged Promaster Altichron from Citizen. While most of the watches on our list deliver the ABCs (altitude, barometer, compass) digitally, the Promaster Altichron manages altitude, date, and time through more traditional watchmaking engineering for a classic look and reliable functionality. And despite being a higher-end watch brand, the price tag is still less than most of the top-end GPS watches.
CASE: Stainless steel
FEATURES: Compass, 32,000 feet altimeter, solar charging
SIZE: 47mm
STRAP: Polyurethane
Best Analog-Digital Hybrid Watch: Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar
Courtesy Garmin
Garmin leads the GPS smartwatch category with feature-rich, tech-heavy watches such as their Fenix 7x, but their Instinct has an interesting hybrid design that combines analog time hands with digital display. Despite a lower price tag, there’s also solar charging and a ton of tech here. Pay without a wallet using Garmin Pay, track outings and view it all on your smartphone, and receive email, text, and other notifications on your wrist.
At a bare minimum, watches for running allow you to keep track of how far and how fast you run. But the tech inside these little wrist gadgets has become quite advanced, and today’s models can display a vast range of info: your altitude and vert, sleep and stress levels, ECG and blood oxygen, and exact location, for example. Not every runner needs that wealth of data, but diving into the details can help you track your performance, improve your runs, and get a clearer picture of your overall health.
To take the guesswork out of which watch to get, we’ve rounded up seven of the best watches for running, each with different features. Training for a trail marathon? There’s a watch for that. Want to listen to your favorite playlist on your lunchtime jog? There’s a watch for that, too. Read on for our top picks.
The Best Watches for Running 2022
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My new puppy loves the outdoors even more than I do, so I’ve been spoiling her with gear to guarantee she has the best possible experience. As warmer weather approaches, I’m adding items to her camping kit to make sure she’s ready for a full summer of road tripping in our camper van. If you’re considering camping with a dog, you’ll want to grab a few canine-focused camping essentials, too.
Camping with her is an adventure for both of us, but a little preparation really makes trips smoother. The right gear setup will keep your pup from wandering into the woods, ensure they’re getting the right nutrition, and help them get a good night’s sleep and plenty of rest throughout the day.
From plush cushions to slip-free water bowls to a collapsible crate, keep your pet safe and comfortable at camp (and en route) with these 10 items for camping with a dog.
Camping With a Dog: All the Gear You Need
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When shopping for new gear, you’re usually limited to the colors, patterns, and styles designed by the brand. Those shoes in electric blue might not be your vibe, but it’s either that or neon green. But by creating customization options online, some companies have begun to offer more ways for you to get exactly what you want in your gear. You can use these customizable gear platforms to unleash your creativity and make something completely unique. It’s not all aesthetic, either: In some cases, you can use the customization platform to get an improved fit and adjust features for the conditions you’ll face.
Whether you want something to match the gear you already have in your closet or you’re looking to stand out on the mountain, these nine outdoor brands will help you do it. The list below, including top custom offerings like Nike By You, will help you find ways to customize everything from shoes to ski goggles to pullovers.
The Best Customizable Gear
Fjällräven Kånken Me PackCourtesy Image
1. Fjällräven Kånken Me Pack
Last fall, Fjällräven debuted Kånken Me, the brand’s personalize-able iteration of its classic Kånken pack. Introduced in 1978, this particular pack featured an innovative design that redistributes the bag’s weight to help reduce back problems. Previously available only in bright solids, fans can now choose the colors of the pockets, straps, panels, buckles, and interior—14 color choices on 15 parts of the pack, which equates to over 100 billion possible combinations. An online configurator lets you experiment with the design before deciding on your final product. With this tool, no two packs will be alike.
First, pick the shoe. High tops? Cleats? Air Force 1s? Then, customize nearly every part of the shoe with your choice of colors, graphics, and materials. Before dipping your toe into designing, explore Nike’s compilation of tips and tricks from top designers. They’ll teach you how to avoid decision fatigue, envision yourself as a shoe, and focus on function. There’s no wrong or right way to do it, they say. The only catch is that you need a free Nike membership, which requires creating a login and downloading one of the brand’s apps.
With the MyChaco platform, you’ll start with a blank canvas: an all-white sandal that’s just begging to be customized. You can choose to makeover a pair of Chillos, Flips, or one of the company’s four Z sandals. Opt for solid colors or one of Chaco’s many patterns, including everything from sunflowers to tie dye. When you get to designing the footbed, an extra $10 will upgrade you to Cloud for an added layer of cushioning. Lastly, you can even get them embroidered with your name or another message on the heel straps. Already have sandals? Chaco also lets you personalize accessories like belts and dog leashes.
This western North Carolina climbing company launched a harness builder in 2017 to give climbers more of a say in how their gear gets built. Select your belt and leg loop style, interior and exterior colors or patterns, and size from XS to XXL. You can also add or remove loops for gear management. Use the online platform to get a 3D view of your design before adding it to your cart. Just keep in mind that some add-ons cost extra, Misty Mountain won’t let you exchange or return your personalized harness, and producing it may take up to four weeks.
Seattle-based Swift Industries makes some of the sleekest, most ergonomic bike bags on the market. The brand also has a customization feature: You can select the bag’s body color from 21 bright shades like spa blue, saffron, and black heather. For some pouches, such as the Peregrine Randonneur Bag and Zeitgeist Bag, you can even choose the pocket and flap colors. Now you can match your Bandito Bar Bag with your bike frame, jersey, socks, and the rest of your cycling kit.
This backpacking quilt is the Winona, MN brand’s best-selling product for a reason: Customers can personalize it to their height, width, color, and temperature preferences (down to zero degrees Fahrenheit). The company caters to long-distance hikers, and it provides thorough size charts and spec sheets so you’ll be fully informed on the weight, fit, and measurements before ordering.
You can really go nuts with color when designing a PolarFleece pullover. Even though the body and sleeve color options are limited to ivory, black, heather gray, and midnight blue, there’s a wide range of options when it comes to the pocket, ribbon, collar, button, binding, and thread. Every fleece is made out of 100-percent Polartec Thermal Pro shearling with brass snaps, and you can even watch how they’re cut, sewn, and finished in the company’s New England factory.
The key advantage of custom clothing over store-bought apparel is that the garments are designed to your body’s exact measurements. Made is trying to bring the tailored concept to the masses through its innovative line of ski apparel. It works like this: After selecting the features you want in a shell jacket or pants, you’ll scan your body through Made’s AI-based measurement tool. The tech records more than 75 measurements that are fed into the brand’s patterning software for a specialized fit. Once you get your item in the mail, Made will make adjustments if it isn’t perfect.
Goggle makers have a hard job building a pair that matches every face. To make the job easier, and the customer happier, Smith introduced its new Imprint 3D Technology that maps a person’s face to create a goggle with an improved fit. To use it, choose your lens and strap, then get the Smith app to upload the dimensions of your face, which the company uses to craft your custom goggles. The precise frame paired with a thinner DriWix face foam reduces light leaks, air gaps, fogging, and hot spots. Frames are 3D printed, assembled by hand, and delivered within 14 days.
