gear

We compared budget backpacking tents on weight, floor space and weather protection to find the ones worth carrying for couples, solo hikers and tall campers.

We tested budget mountain bikes on trail and pavement to find the one worth buying, plus the best picks for heavier riders and simpler gearing.

We tested budget polarized sunglasses for driving, fishing, running, and everyday wear. Here are the pairs worth buying, including multipacks and stylish singles.

Soft bags, a hard box and a steel basket tested for real trips: which car top carrier fits your roof, your luggage and the weather you drive in.

We tested carry-on suitcases from Samsonite, Travelpro, LEVEL8 and more to find the bag that fits the overhead bin, rolls quietly and survives the trip.

We wore everyday pairs from Wrangler, Lee, Haggar, Dockers, and Amazon Essentials to find the jeans and khakis that fit, hold up, and skip the iron.

We set up four pop-up canopies to find the ones that last: a do-it-all 10×10, a walled market booth, and a light budget pick.

We tested foam roll-ups, air pads, and an SUV bed to find the car camping mattress worth the trunk space, from budget to premium.

Two burners, wind guards, and a stove that fits beside the cooler: the car camping stoves we recommend for real campsite meals, from budget to premium.

We tested compact stainless, titanium, folding, and family sets to find camp cutlery that packs clean, eats well, and survives the wash.