Gearing Up

Meet the Outdoor Store Designed for Latinx Adventurers

BaseCamp, from the outdoor education nonprofit Loco por la Aventura, wants to make gear shopping more accessible.

10/06/2025 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

XC Ski 101

A Beginner's Guide to Cross-Country Skiing

Never clipped into skinny skis? Here's all you need to know. Plus: gear rentals, lessons, and clubs in the Portland area.

11/15/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson

Camp Cooking

How to Dutch Oven Cook like a Pro

Tournant chefs Mona Johnson and Jaret Foster share tips and tricks for cooking great open-fire meals, plus their recipe for clam stew.

03/29/2023 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Camping

Outdoor Gear Essentials for Your Next Camping Trip

From walkie-talkies to comfy chairs to less-bad camp coffee, add these to your packing list.

03/28/2023 By Sam Stites

The Insider’s Guide to Mount Hood

No Skis, No Snowboard, No Problem: Next-Gen Ways to Play in the Snow

These portable, packable snow-play options don’t always require a lift ticket.

12/07/2022 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Business

A New Generation of Footwear Start-Ups Takes their Shot in Portland

Many have founders with roots at Nike, Adidas, and Columbia—like Velous, which is making recovery sandals.

05/26/2022 By Julia Silverman

Gear

Pacific Northwest Winter Essentials

Whether you're bombing a hill or cozying up by a fire, here's the best gear to get you ready for winter.

12/06/2021 By Karly Quadros

Outdoors

7 Essential Gear Picks For Fall Hiking in Oregon

What to wear when you hit the trail this season.

10/01/2021 By Karly Quadros

Winter Adventures

How to Snow Camp like a Champ

Remember the four W’s: a wall tent, a woodstove, some wool duds, and whiskey.

12/22/2020 By Dan Engler

Hellscape 2020

So Your Area Has to Evacuate?

We talked with an insurance agent about what to bring—and what to leave behind.

09/10/2020 By Julia Silverman

Left Coast, Best Coast

In Praise of the Wetsuit, Essential Gear In Pandemic Times

With public pools closed, suited-up swimmers can find solace in the sea.

08/28/2020 By Julia Silverman

Poler Thaw

How Poler Came Back from Bankruptcy Death

Shuttered in November 2018, the #campvibes brand is back in action.

02/25/2020 By Eden Dawn

Trophy Case

Four Must-Have Local Items For Your Flight Outta Town

From toothpaste to deodorant to the Dopp kit to stash it all

09/23/2019 By Jackson Main and Eden Dawn

Winning Finds

Gorgeous Raincoats to Slick Galoshes, the Best Local Stuff for Wet Weather

In the cold November rain.

10/16/2017 By Eden Dawn

Forest Park: Gear Guide

6 Oregon-Made Trail Running Essentials

From a lightweight headlamp to waterproof socks, here's the local gear to pack for your epic treks.

05/15/2017 By Benjamin Tepler

Gift Guide

Holiday Gift Guide for Travel and Outdoor Buffs

From a bike-enabled smartphone holder to the finest backcountry meals, we’ve got little bit of everything for the adventurer on your list.

12/13/2016 By Jason Buehrer

Textile Tales

This Cascade Locks Start-Up Saves Activewear from Landfills

A brand-new garment with a tear or broken zipper? Once, companies like Prana and Ibex threw them out. Now, they're fixed by Oregon's Renewal Workshop—and sold back to you at cut-rate prices.

12/13/2016 By Webb Wright

Gear Up

Check Out This Portland-Made Wheelchair Rugby Gear

The US National team gets a hand from a local studio—and some college students.

09/07/2016 By Ramona DeNies

GEAR UP

Your Essential River Rat Gear Guide

From doggie life preservers to the most refreshing beer for your cooler, here’s our favorite Northwest-made stuff to schlep to the swimming hole.

07/12/2016 By Benjamin Tepler

GEAR UP

This Humble Backpack Could Save Your Life When the Big One Hits

It's actually a 72-hour survival kit.

07/08/2016 By Claire Colby