Gear Reviews

About "Gear Reviews"

The best new gear to help you make the most of your time in the Canadian outdoors, whether hiking and camping, road-tripping, heading out on an expedition or researching in the field

Justin Barbour pulls his canoe upstream with his dog Saku in it

Justin Barbour drags his canoe up the Red Wine River in Labrador wearing his PFD. (Photo: Justin Barbour)

Photo: Justin Barbour

Gear Review: Justin Barbour puts a MEC life jacket to the ultimate test

The adventurer behind the Man and Dog expedition puts a life jacket through its paces in the Labrador and northern Quebec wilderness

A drone captures a bird's eye view of Matthew Ayre and Michael Moloney in their Zodiac near Buchan Gulf, Nunavut. (Photo: Matthew Ayre/Nova Zembla Expedition)

Photo: Matthew Ayre/Nova Zembla Expedition

Gear review: MEC outfits the Nova Zembla expedition

Matthew Ayre and Michael Moloney review the MEC items that helped them discover the whaling vessel wreck in the High Arctic

Hikers traverse a rocky slope in eastern British Columbia's Cariboo Mountains. (Photo: Javier Frutos/Can Geo)

Photo: Javier Frutos/Can Geo

The best new hiking gear for your next adventure

Hit the trails with these offerings from MEC, Tilley and more

The Therm-a-Rest Questar HD 20 sleeping bag (Photo courtesy Therm-a-Rest)

Photo courtesy Therm-a-Rest

Gear Review: Therm-a-Rest Questar HD sleeping bag

Can Geo photographer and cycling tour operator David Trattles puts the lightweight sleeping bag to the test

A cup of espresso on a table beside espresso grounds

Photo: Kendra Stieler/Canadian Geographic

Gear Review: Handpresso Pump

The hand-operated espresso machine seems like a good idea — until you use it

The Columbia Women's Heatzone 1000 Turbodown hooded parka performs admirably in Jasper National Park. (Photo: Sabrina Doyle)

Photo: Sabrina Doyle

Gear Review: Columbia Heatzone 1000 Turbodown

With powerful warmth and a pretty profile, the Columbia Heatzone 1000 Turbodown may just be the perfect winter coat for the average Canadian

Gear of the Year: Can Geo staff reveal their favourites

Here are the best items we tested for our Gear Review series in 2017

Great gear gifts for outdoor lovers!

Five great gear gifts for the outdoorsy person on your list

From a multi-tool that will help you tap into your inner MacGyver to an outdoor cocktail set for stylish fireside sipping, our editors have rounded up some last-minute gift ideas for the nature lovers in your life

Javier Frutos wears Columbia jacket on ship

Wearing the Columbia Titanium OutDry Insulated Jacket aboard a One Ocean Expeditions ship off the coast of Antarctica. (Photo: Javier Frutos/Canadian Geographic)

Photo: Javier Frutos/Canadian Geographic

Gear Review: Columbia cold weather gear in Antarctica

Creative Director Javier Frutos puts a Columbia jacket, gloves and baselayers to the ultimate test at the end of the world