Jessica Monroe

After logging over 200 trail miles across the Rockies and Sierra Nevada testing solo shelters, I learned one hard truth: your tent is usually the single heaviest item in your pack. Picking the wrong shelter can add two to five pounds to your base weight, which on a week-long solo trip means slower miles, more … Read more

I’ve spent the last three summers chasing backcountry roads across the Rockies, the Mojave, and the Pacific Northwest, testing gear in places where a flat campsite is a luxury. After 47 nights sleeping on top of my truck in everything from 95°F desert afternoons to sideways rain at 8,000 feet, I can tell you this: … Read more

I spent the last two summers testing camping chairs across 14 weekend trips — from breezy beach campouts to muddy mountain basecamps — and the difference between a forgettable seat and a great one always comes down to comfort. After hours of sitting around the fire, your legs go numb, your back starts barking, and … Read more

I have spent the last decade fishing from kayaks across the Gulf Coast, the Great Lakes, and dozens of small lakes in between. After my old sit-on-top cracked during a cold snap two winters ago, I finally had an excuse to test the latest crop of fishing kayaks. Over the past 90 days, my team … Read more

After spending 60+ days testing inflatable paddle boards across five different lakes, our team realized something most roundups miss: lake paddling is its own sport. The water is calm, but the wind picks up at 10 a.m., most launches involve a gravel path or a dock, and beginners need a board that feels like a … Read more

I’ve spent the last three months testing nine pellet grills in my backyard, running over 220 pounds of chicken wings, pork shoulders, and briskets through each one to find the best pellet grills for backyard smoking in . Pellet grills combine the convenience of a gas grill with the wood-fired flavor of a traditional offset … Read more

I’ve been the guy sweating over a single four-burner grill while 25 hungry relatives circled the patio with paper plates. That summer changed how I shop for cookers. When you host 15 or more people, the grill isn’t just a tool — it’s the difference between a relaxed backyard party and being trapped behind the … Read more

I have cooked on a flat top griddle nearly every weekend for the last three years, from smash burgers on the patio to pancakes at a campsite. After burning through more onions than I want to admit, I can tell you the difference between a great outdoor griddle and a frustrating one usually comes down … Read more

I’ve spent the last three months cooking on eight different kamado grills in my backyard, from budget steel models to premium ceramic units. After hundreds of pounds of brisket, dozens of pizzas, and more reverse-seared ribeyes than my cardiologist would approve of, I’m ready to share what actually works. If you’re hunting for the best … Read more

I still remember my first attempt at smoking ribs on a charcoal grill. I spent more time babysitting the fire than actually eating. After switching to an electric smoker, the game completely changed. No more flare-ups, no more guessing temperatures, and no more charcoal-soaked clothes. Just consistent, low-and-slow smoke flavor that made me look like … Read more