Technology + Gear tips

For dwellers of the mountains or high desert, a good pair of hiking boots is essential. As a gear tester and editor at Matador, I’ve worn many pairs from brands both established and new, and given that I hike hundreds of miles per year, have become quite picky about what I want in a pair of boots for the trail. I recently acquired a pair of Oboz Cottonwood Mid Waterproof hiking boots, listed with the term B-DRY on the REI website, after demoing them at a trade show, and after a month of constant trail use, the boots have earned their place in my gear collection as my new pair of go-to hiking boots. Here’s why.

Waiting in a rental car line is high on my list of things I try to avoid after a flight. This was confirmed on a recent trip to Washington when I saw hectic crowds squeezing around the construction at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. This time around, I avoided them all with Kyte, a rental car company started in 2020 that delivers cars right to you or offers pick-ups and drop-offs at lots near select airports.

Your boots are your loyal companions on the trail, carrying you through sunshine, rain, and everything in between. But with so many options on the shelf, choosing the right pair can feel daunting. Do you prioritize ankle support for rugged hikes or lightweight agility for speedy ascents? Waterproof protection for surprise downpours or breathability for hot summer treks? This guide will help you navigate the world of hiking boots, ensuring you select the perfect partner for every adventure, whether it’s a leisurely stroll through a local park or an ambitious trek to a mountain peak.

I’m not really much of a beach person, which may sound weird coming from someone who recently spent two weeks in French Polynesia. (Technically, the country is called “French Polynesia;” Tahiti is the name of the largest island, but often used to refer to the whole country).

A national park service site in northern Michigan is offering a glimpse at the future of public transit. Through early October, you can ride an autonomous electric bus to popular sites at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Adastec, a company specializing in autonomous vehicle technology for commercial purposes, is testing autonomous shuttling for park guests in a first-of-its-kind concept for the National Park Service. Guests can register in advance to take part in an experience that, if successful, could set the bar for mass transit in other crowded park service sites.

Being a good road tripper means being largely self-sufficient. At least, when it comes to keeping your vehicle moving forward. Uncharted Supply Co. manufactures a variety of survival tools and kits, and the brand recently combined three popular road tripping essentials into a handy bundle.

Our first RV road trip in the UK put us straight in the deep end. My fiance James and I rented an RV and drove three hours south from our cottage near Glasgow, Scotland, to The Lake District in northern England with our Bengal, Angus. We’re both well-seasoned outdoors people, but this was the first time making a trip in a six-berth RV with our one-year-old kitten to a remote site with no hook-up or cell reception. That meant we had to pack smart. We learned a lot over the long weekend. I simultaneously overpacked and underpacked. We ran out of essentials like garbage bags by the final day. We should have packed the cooler and quick-drying towels. But we also had some wins. Below are some of our packing essentials that will join us on our future RV adventures.

The best thing about August isn’t the searing heat – it’s the fact that summer has matured and there’s been (hopefully) plenty of time to get out and test new gear. Matador’s editors tested everything from socks and underwear to luggage to mountain bike gloves this month, and below is the stuff we loved most. The editor who recommended each is listed, so if you have beef – or a competing product – you know who to contact. Preference was given, as it should be, to brands working towards more sustainable production methods.

In Scotland, we often experience weather conditions from all four seasons in one day. This can make planning outdoor sports feel like a military operation. If you let the weather dictate your plans, you’ll never leave the house. So this summer, my husband James and I tested some of Arc’teryx’s summer hiking gear to see if the innovative tech would stand up to gale-force wind and pouring rain and understand if the brand’s essentials are worth the investment. The three items — high-rise utility leggings, the Beta lightweight jacket, and the Cerium Hybrid hooded jacket — exceeded our expectations and are now family favorites and go-to grabs for all our outdoor adventures. In fact, we’ve argued more over who can wear the Beta jacket than who’s emptying the dishwasher.

For those of us who work online, vacation mode often means reduced or no screen time. That said, it’s rare for me not to travel with at least one laptop if not two — even if I’m on PTO. And I’ve never considered for a second (other than for my mental health) that this would be an issue. But this week, USA Today reported that a seasoned traveler named Tammy Levent was fined approximately $200 for possessing multiple electronic devices upon entry into Cancun International Airport.

When I first arrived to the Gstaad, Switzerland train station, it was late at night. I couldn’t see much, and I was so tired that I quickly made my way to my hotel and went to bed.

Overlanders find their sanctuary in the heart of nature’s embrace, where the crisp air mingles with the rustle of leaves and the distant calls of wildlife create a symphony. As the seasons change, so does the call of adventure, beckoning us to explore the great outdoors armed with the latest and most reliable gear. In this comprehensive overlanding gear guide, we embark on a journey to discover the essential tools that elevate our outdoor experiences to new heights. From cutting-edge camping equipment that seamlessly blends technology with nature, to rugged yet stylish hiking apparel designed to withstand the elements, our guide is a compass pointing towards the optimal gear for every adventure enthusiast. Gear up and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of outdoor exploration where function meets fashion, and the wild becomes your playground.

For mountain travelers, nothing signifies legitimacy and belonging moreso than a good puffy jacket. Puffers are as stylish among those in the outdoors community as they are functional, but buying the right puffer is tricky. Lightly filled puffers often fall into the dreaded “athleisure” category, and therefore aren’t functional for much beyond trips to the grocery store and happy hour at the local pub. On the other hand, heavily-filled options often leave the wearer waddling down the trail like a displaced penguin, swishing their arms T-Rex style even as the lower half of their body struggles to maintain its composure. The key to the perfect everyday puffer is finding an ideal balance between the two. That balance lies in the Cotopaxi Fuego down jacket.

A long ski weekend always sounds great on paper, until you realize all the ski trip gear you need to actually make it a success. Whether it’s equipment for skiing itself or essentials to take your apres-ski or lodge relaxation to the next level, preparation is crucial to having a great ski weekend. Compiling a complete list of everything you need can be a daunting task — that’s why we’ve got you covered. Before you book your first trip to the slopes this winter, make sure you check out our list of gear that’s essential for an epic ski weekend.

With landscapes ranging from glaciers to deserts and home to every adventure activity imaginable, it’s no surprise that Latin America is a prime destination for trekkers. If you’re planning a trip, you’re covered with this travel gear for Latin America list. Whether hiking on glaciers in Argentina, trekking to Machu Picchu in Peru, driving 4WD through the deserts of Chile, or swimming with sea lions in the Galápagos, you’ll be ready for any adventure.

Portable coffee makers are a game-changer for travelers, allowing you to enjoy a great cup anywhere, anytime. When brewing coffee on the road, you need convenience, transportability, and quality. A variety of products are available to suit different preferences and budgets. Some coffee travel tools can brew espresso, while others are capable of making drip coffee, cold brew, or simply keep your beverage hot in a travel coffee mug. These products were designed with travelers in mind, offering an easy-breezy way to make your favorite cup, without compromising.

Scuba diving is one of the most amazing ways to see the world. And since about 70 percent of the world is water, it also means you get to see islands, creatures, and underwater worlds most people can barely dream of.

At first, the idea of building an entire city in the shape of a straight line might sound puzzling. After all, wouldn’t it take that much longer to get from one end to the other? Would the traffic going from end to end be terrible? It turns out that the straight line model is actually based on efficiency of transportation, and when done right, it can be an incredible advantage to other layouts. That’s the goal with “The Line,” Saudi Arabia’s trillion-dollar futuristic city that’s an ambitious feat of engineering. The planned 105-mile long city in NEOM, in the northwest section of the country, is slated to cut across the desert in a straight line, hold nine million people, and serve as an almost utopian example of what cities could look like.

If there’s one park in the US National Park system that displays how beautiful the western states can be, it’s Zion National Park. And it’s well-loved: the national park is the most visited in Utah and one of the most popular in the entire park system.

Having the right gear on an international trip is the key to staying organized. For a backpacking trip around Europe, compact and condensed is the goal. Here is the ultimate gear guide for backpacking in Europe to keep you moving efficiently and with less stress. Each of these items can be purchased through Amazon Prime via the links here, saving you both time and shipping costs.

Southeast Asia’s lush landscapes, dynamic cities, and delicious food make the region a must-see for many international travelers. The subregion of Asia consists of eleven countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Each has differing cultural norms, weather patterns, and tourist attractions, so packing appropriately and light requires careful consideration. Before you embark on a journey of a lifetime, you need a few essentials and perhaps the odd luxury. Here are the top items of travel gear for Southeast Asia that are fundamental packing.