Gear Lab
We took durability testing to the extremes, so you would know which gear lasts–and why.
Packs were dragged behind this SUV.
Boots were thrashed in a cement mixer filled with rocks and sticks.
Tents got the hose again.
Sleeping bags spent a night under the wheels of a 2-ton car.
PACKS
If a backpack can survive road rash at 60 miles per hour, it can handle any backcountry abuse.
Plus: Watch the test in our video.
TENTS
Who wants a mountain tent that buckles under pressure? Not us–so we subjected four to a powerful series of tests.
Plus: Watch the test in our video.
BOOTS
To survive mixer-tough mountain trails, get Old World craftsmanship.
Plus: Watch the test in our video.
SLEEPING BAGS
When you lose loft, you lose warmth. Ergo, the most durable bag is the one that bounces back best from 3,989 pounds of compression.
Plus: Watch the test in our video.