Fjallraven is gearing up to release its lightest wood frame trekking backpack yet, the Kajka X-Lätt 45. Wood isnt often used as a design component in modern gear. Youll see wood cores in skis and bamboo (technically a grass) used for fly rods, garment fabrics, and even bike frames. 　　But when it comes to backpacks, which need to be light,...

　　The ROC collection has been around the block, bringing tough-wearing pants to your daily-wear closet since the early 2000s. The “Rugged Outdoor Collection” (ROC) is Columbia’s answer to everyday gear that can transition from the office to the trail as soon as you clock out.  　　The ROC pants are full of thoughtful design features, from the no-back-gap waistband for women...

　　After a 21-mile, 10-hour day on the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT), all I wanted was my calorically dense dehydrated pasta meal. I whipped out the Coastal Range Equipment Backpacker Stove ($149), and in less than a minute, I had enough water boiled for my meal, which was great because I had approximately zero patience left.  　　I tested the upstart brand...