These 14 favorites, from a back-soothing heat wrap to trail-ready tamales, impressed editors in October.
(Photo: Outside)
Published October 28, 2026 03:53AM
As gear editors, we get to test dozens of products every month, across the whole spectrum of outdoor recreation. From all-mountain skis to budget-friendly ski jackets, backpacker-approved sleeping pads to “holy cow, that’s expensive” rooftop tents, we put it all through its paces in our personal and professional lives.
But with great power comes great responsibility. We’re often testing more gear than we have time to write full articles about. That’s where this roundup comes in: the gear from October that surprised and delighted us and that we think you should check out, too.
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Therabody ThermBack LED
Tested by Kristen Geil, Gear & Affiliate Director
I tweaked my low back at tennis the other week, and I’ve never been so grateful to have the Therabody ThermBack LED, a combination heating pad/massager, in my back pocket (literally). I now wear it for 15 minutes before any physical activity to loosen the muscles, and honestly, I’m probably wearing it at this exact moment. (Heads up: I’m 5 feet 3 inches, and this takes up a LOT of space on my torso—it feels a little bulky. Worth it anyway.)
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Teva Hurricane Trailsetter GTX
Tested by Frederick Dreier, Outside Features Editor
This summer I set out to find the perfect shoe to fit my adventure-dad lifestyle—footwear for trail runs, dog walks, mowing the lawn, short jaunts to the playground, and maybe a family dinner or two. The Teva Hurricane Trailsetter GTX won the competition going away. The cushy HyperComf sole kept my joints from aching, and the Gore-Tex liner meant my feet stayed dry even in a flash rainstorm. The shoe’s real secret sauce is in its drawstring speed laces: an extremely convenient closure system that kept me reaching for them, no matter the activity.
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PrimaLoft Liner Jacket
Tested by Maddy Dapcevich, Outside Associate Editor
The PrimaLoft Liner Jacket is an ultralight but uber-warm stylish jacket that is my go-to fall staple. Its Primaloft insulation is warm enough to keep Montana’s nippy cold mornings at bay, while still feeling stylish enough to go from the trailhead to happy hour.
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Tifosi Moab Lite Sunglasses
Tested by Jonathan Beverly, Senior Gear Editor
When heading out for a run or bike ride, I reach for my Tifosi Moab Lite sunglasses more often than any in my pile of sunglasses (many of which cost far more) for one simple reason: they don’t get in the way. The half-rim design is flat across the top—staying clear of my hat or helmet—and open on the bottom—curving close enough to my face to block the wind but not touch my cheekbones. And, thanks to the light weight and grippy rubber nose and temple pads, they never budge.
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Craft Hypervent Light Wind Jacket Vega
Tested by Frederick Dreier, Outside Features Editor
Have you ever owned a garment that seems to defy logic? When I first tried it on, Craft’s Hypervent Light Wind Jacket Vega appeared far too flimsy to provide meaningful warmth. The Kleenex-thin ripstop coat could crumple down to the size of a wadded napkin. But after several trail runs above treeline this fall, I experienced the jacket’s magic. Not only did the Hypervent Light Vega keep me toasty when the temperature plummeted, but it also blocked the gusting winds from chilling my core. Would a thicker coat have kept me even toastier? Probably. But a thicker coat would have required a pack. The Hypervent Light, meanwhile, fit in the tiny pocket in my running shorts.
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Manduka eKO Yoga Mat
Tested by Calin Van Paris, Digital Editor, Yoga Journal
The Manduka eKO Natural Yoga Mat is my forever yoga mat, and I will never stop recommending it. It’s portable, pretty, and supportive, with enough grip for any style of practice (including hot yoga).
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LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
Tested by Nick Demarsh, Social Media Coordinator
I’m a frequent hiker, and sometimes, carrying multiple bottles can add too much weight to my pack. My LifeStraw makes it easy to get fresh water wherever I might find a water source.
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Sorel Ambler Waterproof Clogs
Tested by Kristen Geil, Gear & Affiliate Director
Every year, I’m on a quest to find the perfect winter-slop dog-walking shoe (I live in Chicago without a backyard, so we have to get out in all sorts of conditions). This year, my go-to will be the Sorel Ambler Waterproof Clogs. They’re slip-ons—crucial for mornings when I’m already too bundled up to reach down and touch my toes—with a bit of a rim around the foot opening to prevent said slop from creeping in. The textile lining will keep my feet warm, and I love that there’s a little bit of a platform so my pants don’t drag in slush puddles.
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Ridge Merino Convict Canyon Hoodie
Tested by Sam Berman, Executive Editor, SKI
As a skier, my favorite pieces are the ones that pull double duty. Ridge Merino’s Convict Canyon Hoodie is the perfect example. It’s a cozy grid-fleece half-zip that I consistently reach for on cooler fall-morning runs. It also serves as a great ski layer all winter. As a running top, I appreciate the longer length that covers my butt and the generous zipper that dumps heat as needed; that same length provides a little extra warmth on cold chairlift laps. I love the contrast sleeves, too!
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Blumaka NonSlip Performance Insoles
Tested by Frederick Dreier, Outside Features Editor
I am cursed with strangely shaped feet. They are long, extremely narrow, and of such low volume that when I lace most shoes, excess material folds over onto itself. But recently I discovered a hack that allows each new shoe or boot to fit: Blumaka’s NonSlip Performance Insoles. They are amazingly sturdy. I’ve transferred the same set of insoles across four different running shoes, two hiking boots, and two cycling shoes this year. Whenever I slip the insoles in, the new shoe feels like the perfect fit.
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Walking Tamales
Tested by Benjamin Tepler, Senior Gear Editor
There are few trail snacks appropriate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Walking Tamales, a savory envelope of corn masa, pinto beans, and various chile blends hits the spot no matter what time it is. It’s quickly become a thru-hiker favorite for its shelf-stable packaging, filling ingredients, and tantalizing spice level.
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Atherton S150
Tested by Brian Park, Executive Director, Cycling
I’m loving my Atherton S150 right now. Tank-like frame, neutral suspension, good geometry, and great looks—IMO anyway!
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Packing Cube with Neck Pillow
Tested by Mattie Friberg, Video Production Coordinator
On my most recent trip, I took along this packing cube that doubles as a neck pillow. On the way there, it packed down to practically nothing, and on the way home, it was discreet extra storage when my bag was overflowing with souvenirs, plus it helped me sleep on my red-eye. Doesn’t hurt that it’s only $10.
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Wigwam Alpaca Ultra Mid Crew Lightweight Sock
Tested by David Gleisner, Community Engagement Editor, Endurance
Most of my socks come from Costco and have at least a couple of holes, which is why these alpaca wool lightweight socks have been such an upgrade. This pair from Wigwam is soft, well-fitting, moisture-wicking, warm but not suffocating, and durable (no holes yet!).
