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

BioLite HeadLamp 330 Review: ‘No Bounce!’

This photo shows the BioLite HeadLamp 330.

The BioLite HeadLamp 300 is a low-profile, full-power rechargeable headlamp designed for superior fit and on-trail comfort. To get us...

Gear

REI Co-op Activator Soft-Shell Jacket Review

This review photo shows the REI Co-op Activator Soft-Shell Jacket chest pocket.

The new REI Co-op Activator Soft-Shell Jacket is a do-it-all lightweight jacket with a water-resistant finish and 4-way stretch. It’s...

Gear Snow Sports

Stio Raymer Jacket Review: ‘The Go-Anywhere Shell’

This photo shows a closeup of the Stio Raymer men's hardshell skiing jacket.

The new Stio Raymer Jacket is a waterproof, breathable and lightweight shell designed for hard-charging skiers. While it was created...

Backpacking Gear

Therm-a-Rest Vesper Quilt Review: ‘Outstanding’

This review photo shows the Therm-a-Rest Vesper Quilt outside on top of a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite air mattress for backpacking.

The Therm-a-Rest Vesper Quilt is a high-quality ultralight down quilt that’s perfect for summer backpacking. And, as it turns out, Therm-a-Rest...

Gear

REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0 Review

This photo shows a closeup of the men's REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0.

The REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0 is a lightweight jacket that delivers the warmth of natural down insulation at...

Gear Snow Sports

Black Diamond First Light Stretch Hoody Review

This photo shows the Black Diamond First Light Stretch Hoody.

The Black Diamond Equipment First Light Stretch Hoody is a breathable insulating jacket that works well as a midlayer or...

Gear

REI Co-op Silk Long Underwear Crew Shirt Review

This photo shows the REI Co-op Silk Long Underwear Crew Shirt.

The REI Co-op Silk Long Underwear Crew Shirt is a lightweight, breathable silk base layer. It’s super soft and surprisingly...

Gear

BioLite HeadLamp 200 Review: ‘Outstanding Comfort’

This photo shows the BioLite HeadLamp 200 headlamp with the light on.

The new BioLite HeadLamp 200 is an ultralight, super comfortable rechargeable headlamp. It’s low-profile construction is designed to feel comfortable...

RTIC Outback Jug Review: ‘We Crave Cold Water’

L.L.Bean Acadia Tent Review: ‘Awesome Door’

Retrospec Siesta Dock Inflatable Platform Review

REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair Review

Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp Review

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

RTIC Outback Jug Review: ‘We Crave Cold Water’

L.L.Bean Acadia Tent Review: ‘Awesome Door’

The Best Screen Tents for 2026

Lightweight Wading Boots: My Favorites and Why

Best Wading Boots for Fishing in 2026

Orvis Clearwater Combo 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

Retrospec Siesta Dock Inflatable Platform Review

BOTE WULF Aero Review: Best Beginner iSUP

The 10 Best Inflatable Swim Docks for 2026

How to Make Your Traeger Pro 575 Produce More Smoke

Traeger Pro 575 Pellet Grill Review

BlendJet 2 Portable Blender Review: ‘Surprisingly Handy’

Gear

BioLite HeadLamp 330 Review: ‘No Bounce!’

REI Co-op Activator Soft-Shell Jacket Review

Stio Raymer Jacket Review: ‘The Go-Anywhere Shell’

Therm-a-Rest Vesper Quilt Review: ‘Outstanding’

REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0 Review

Black Diamond First Light Stretch Hoody Review

REI Co-op Silk Long Underwear Crew Shirt Review

BioLite HeadLamp 200 Review: ‘Outstanding Comfort’