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    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.

    Author Chris Maxcer shown in a mountain meadow while bowhunting for elk in Idaho.

    25 Best Gifts for Bowhunters 2026

    The author's hunting backpack with a Talarik SlingHook, Orange Aglow panel, Therm-a-Rest seat pad, and Knight & Hale rattle call slightly visible with the pack on a rock overlooking a forested canyon.

    25 Best Stocking Stuffers for Hunters 2026

    The author climbs a hill while carrying his bow while elk hunting in the mountains of Idaho.

    45 Best Gifts for Hunters for 2026

  • Backpacking
    Backpacking

    Hiking and backpacking gear reviews, buying guides and news for outdoor trail enthusiasts.

    Big Agnes Divide Insulated Sleeping Pad horizontal orientation.

    Letter to a Friend to Help Choose the Best Sleeping Pad Right Now

    This gear review photo shows the REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair on a rock above a lake.

    REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair Review

    This review photo shows the Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp from the front view on a rock.

    Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp Review

  • Camping
    Camping

    Camping gear reviews, buying guides and news.

    A YETI Hopper Flip 28 Soft Cooler on a rocky lake shore.

    YETI Hopper Flip 18 Soft Cooler Review

    Big Agnes Divide Insulated Sleeping Pad horizontal orientation.

    Letter to a Friend to Help Choose the Best Sleeping Pad Right Now

    The RTIC 30-can and 20-can Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler side-by-side on an iSUP paddleboard on a beach near water.

    RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler Review: Long-Term Experience

  • Fly Fishing
    Fly Fishing

    Fly fishing gear reviews, buying guides and news.

    Pair of lightweight wading boots on a rock by a river.

    Lightweight Wading Boots: My Favorites and Why

    Author Chris Maxcer tests wading boots on the St. Joe River in Idaho while fishing for cutthroat trout.

    Best Wading Boots for Fishing in 2026

    Clearwater Fly Rod Outfit in the 9-foot 5-weight version on a grassy bank near a trout stream.

    Orvis Clearwater Combo Review: Long-Term Update

  • Hunting
    Hunting

    Hunting gear reviews, buying guides and news for hunters.

    Author Chris Maxcer shown in a mountain meadow while bowhunting for elk in Idaho.

    25 Best Gifts for Bowhunters 2026

    The author's hunting backpack with a Talarik SlingHook, Orange Aglow panel, Therm-a-Rest seat pad, and Knight & Hale rattle call slightly visible with the pack on a rock overlooking a forested canyon.

    25 Best Stocking Stuffers for Hunters 2026

    The author climbs a hill while carrying his bow while elk hunting in the mountains of Idaho.

    45 Best Gifts for Hunters for 2026

  • Snow Sports
    Snow Sports

    Skiing and snowboarding reviews, buying guides and news.

    Leki Helicon Lite Ski Poles standing in snow on the edge of a ski resort with snowy trees in the background.

    Leki Helicon Lite Ski Poles Review: Great Versatility

    This photo shows the Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Mitts outside on a pair of downhill skis on snow during the testing and review process.

    Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Mitt Review

    This Stio holiday sale photo shows a close up of a Stio skiing jacket.

    The Best Stio Holiday Sale Deals 2023

  • Water Sports
    Water Sports

    Outdoor water sport reviews, buying guides and news for kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and rafting enthusiasts.

    Retrospec Siesta Dock XL Inflatable Platform 10' floating on a mountain lake with an anchor rope attached.

    Retrospec Siesta Dock Inflatable Platform Review

    An inflated BOTE WULF Aero 11'4" iSUP floating on an Idaho lake during testing.

    BOTE WULF Aero Review: Best Beginner iSUP

    This photo shows a dog standing on an inflatable dock on a lake during the testing and review process for this best inflatable floating docks and swim platforms buying guide.

    The 10 Best Inflatable Swim Docks for 2026

  • The Experience
    The Experience

    Outdoor skills and how-to articles to help outdoor enthusiasts learn how to use gear and get outside to experience camping, fishing, hunting and outdoor recreation.

    Traeger Pro 575 producing a lot of smoke.

    How to Make Your Traeger Pro 575 Produce More Smoke

    Pork loin cooking on Traeger Pro 575 Pellet Grill during the review process.

    Traeger Pro 575 Pellet Grill Review

    This photo shows the BlendJet 2 blending a protein smoothie during the testing and review process.

    BlendJet 2 Portable Blender Review: ‘Surprisingly Handy’

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Air Mattresses

Big Agnes Divide Insulated Sleeping Pad horizontal orientation.
BackpackingCampingGear

Letter to a Friend to Help Choose the Best Sleeping Pad Right Now

I recently received a plea for help from a friend who bought a sleeping pad for her son, who said...
Read More
This photo shows the REI Co-op Kingdom Insulated Air Bed inflated inside of a camping tent during the testing and review process.
CampingGear

REI Co-op Kingdom Insulated Air Bed Review

The REI Kingdom Insulated Air Bed is a dual-person air mattress designed for camping. It has a cushy 6″ thick...
Read More
This review photo shows the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite air mattress outside on some rocks.
BackpackingGear

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite Review: ‘Ultralight & Quiet!’

The new Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite is an outstanding ultralight backpacking air mattress. It’s also the lightest insulated air mattress on...
Read More
Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Air Mat inflated on a rocky shoreline near a mountain river.
BackpackingGear

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

The Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Air Sleeping Mat does an outstanding job of blending weight, insulation and...
Read More
This photo shows the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Mini Pump as it blows up a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite air mattress.
BackpackingGear

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Mini Pump Review: ‘Almost Great’

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Mini Pump is an ultralight electronic pump for filling up backpacking air mattresses. While it can work...
Read More

Outdoor Gift Guides:

• 55+ Best Outdoor Gifts
• 25 Best Outdoor Gifts for Outdoorsy Women
• 45+ Outdoor Gifts for Men
• 75 Best Camping Gifts
• 25 Camping Stocking Stuffer Gifts Under $25
• 50 Best Fly Fishing Gifts
• 45 Best Gifts for Hunters
• 25 Best Gifts for Bowhunters

Make this the year you learn how to fly fish!

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

The easiest way to get started fly fishing is with a fly rod and reel combo outfit. Learn more in our guide to the best fly fishing combos.

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About Man Makes Fire

We publish unbiased outdoor gear reviews and buying guides that help our readers choose which outdoor gear is right for them. Our goal is to help people find the gear they need to help them enjoy more time adventuring in the great outdoors!

To learn more about our mission, gear reviewers, and editorial content policies, check out our About Us page!

Disclosures

Disclosure: Man Makes Fire participates in industry standard advertising and affiliate advertising programs. Man Makes Fire is affiliated with some online retail stores, including but not limited to Amazon. When readers buy online through affiliate retail links, we can earn revenue that helps pay for our work. To learn more, read our site details and disclosures and privacy policy:
  • Site Details and Disclosures
  • Privacy Policy

Outdoor Gear Buying Guides

12 Best Fishing Waders 2024
15 Best Wading Boots for 2024
Best Fly Rod and Reel Combo
15 Best Screen Tents for 2024
15 Best Inflatable Swim Docks & Floating Mats
Best Coolers with Wheels
15 Best Camping Stoves
Best Camping Cots
Best Fly Fishing Nets
Best Portable Power Stations & Solar Generators
10 Best Headlamps for Hunting 2024
©2024 Man Makes Fire by Wicked Cool Words LLC. All rights reserved.
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