Outdoor Gear Reviews - Man Makes Fire

Gear

Man Makes Fire publishes in-depth outdoor gear reviews designed to help you find the right gear for your outdoor adventures. We use, test, and review gear including the best camping tents, best fly rod and reel combos, best fishing waders, best soft coolers, best camping stoves, SUPs, bikes, ski and snowboarding gear, and much much more.

Gear Snow Sports

‘Last Chance’ Smith Optics Sale: Get 40-50% off Goggles, Helmets & Sunglasses

This photo shows the Smith Vantage MIPS Helmet with Smith 4D MAG Goggles outside on snow.

Smith Optics has launched its End of Season ‘Last Chance’ sale and the savings opportunities are worth checking out: If...

Camping Gear

10 Best First Aid Kits for Camping

The best first aid kits for camping in 2019 and beyond are those that have a lot of core first aid...

Gear Hunting

10 Best Headlamps for Hunting 2024: Tested and Compared

This review and buying guide photo shows the PEAX Backcountry Duo Headlamp, which is our number 1 pick for the best hunting headlamp.

The best headlamps for hunting are waterproof, lightweight, use energy-efficient LED bulbs and include a red, green or blue light...

Gear

10 Best Backpack Coolers 2019: ‘Go Anywhere’

This photo shows several backpack coolers in a row, including the YETI Hopper BackFlip 24, OtterBox Trooper LT 30, and ICEMULE Pro.

The best backpack coolers let you avoid the beaten path or trek down a sandy beach while also letting you...

Fly Fishing Gear

10 Best Fly Fishing Hip Packs

This best fly fishing hip pack photo shows the author testing a fishing hip pack in a river while fly fishing during the review process.

The best fly fishing hip packs have organizational pockets as well as multiple attachment points for fly fishing accessories like...

Backpacking Camping Gear

10 Best Sleeping Pads for Backpacking & Camping

This best sleeping pad reviews photo shows several air mattresses and sleeping pads for camping and backpacking stacked up in a tent.

The best sleeping pad for backpacking is ultralight, super cushy and insulated. There are dozens of great backpacking sleeping pads...

Backpacking Gear

10 Best Backpacking Tents

This is an image of the best backpacking tent freestanding construction

The best backpacking tent question and answer often ignites heated responses from experienced backpackers because so many believe their favorite tent, tarp,...

Fly Fishing Gear

10 Best Fly Fishing Rod & Reel Combos for the Money

This image shows a fly fisher wading in a river while fishing with a fly rod and reel combo.

The most important fly fishing gear choice for beginners is finding and choosing a good fly rod and reel combo....

Is the Exped Mega Pump Worth Buying?

Exped MegaMat Review: Ridiculously Comfortable 2 Years Later

REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair Review

REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair Review

Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp Review

Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Review: Long-Term Report

Is the Exped Mega Pump Worth Buying?

Exped MegaMat Review: Ridiculously Comfortable 2 Years Later

REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Boss Chair Review

Lightweight Wading Boots: My Favorites and Why

Orvis Clearwater Combo Review: Long-Term Update

Orvis Recon Review: Long-Term Update

Black Diamond Storm 500-R Headlamp Review

Petzl Aria 2 RGB Headlamp Review

10 Best Headlamps for Hunting 2024: Tested and Compared

Leki Helicon Lite Ski Poles Review: Great Versatility

Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Mitt Review

The Best Stio Holiday Sale Deals 2023

Shelta Hats Review and Comparison, Long-Term Update

Excellent All-Around iSUP: ISLE Pioneer 3 Review

ISLE Intros 3rd Generation Pioneer and Explorer iSUPs for 2024

How to Make Your Traeger Pro 575 Produce More Smoke

Traeger Pro 575 Pellet Grill Review

BlendJet 2 Portable Blender Review: ‘Surprisingly Handy’

Gear

‘Last Chance’ Smith Optics Sale: Get 40-50% off Goggles, Helmets & Sunglasses

10 Best First Aid Kits for Camping

10 Best Headlamps for Hunting 2024: Tested and Compared

10 Best Backpack Coolers 2019: ‘Go Anywhere’

10 Best Fly Fishing Hip Packs

10 Best Sleeping Pads for Backpacking & Camping

10 Best Backpacking Tents

10 Best Fly Fishing Rod & Reel Combos for the Money