Ready, Set, GEAR! - Expert Reviews from Local Gear Gurus

After ripping holes into yet another pair of trail runners, I felt the need to get something different. Enter the La Sportiva Akyra. Made for rugged terrain and long miles, this shoe is just what I needed. Did it live up to the promise?

The Mountain Hardwear Up First Hoody excels as a lightweight, durable mid-layer for hiking, climbing, and everyday wear. With a built-in neck warmer, thumb loops, and athletic fit, it moves with you, keeps you warm, and looks great from the High Sierra to town adventures.

Staff member Jonathan put the La Sportiva Aequilibrium Hike GTX boots to the test on a 14-mile summit push in the Eastern Sierra. From steep trails to scrambling and snow travel, he found these boots to be lightweight yet supportive—ideal for hikers seeking comfort, durability, and performance.

We put the Mountain Hardwear UL 20 to the test on rugged Sierra peak-bagging missions—and it delivered. Ultralight, surprisingly tough, and highly packable, this Cordura daypack is ideal for travel, hiking, and scrambling. Read our hands-on review from the Whitney Zone and Palisades in the mighty High Sierra.

Eastside Sports staff tested the Danner Mountain 600 boots on a multi-day trip in the rugged Eastern Sierra. This real-use review covers comfort, grip, durability, fit, and trail performance. If you’re looking for modern leather hiking boots that balance support with comfort, this post is for you.

Looking for a trail shoe that combines cushion, support, and durability? Former owner Chris Iversen reviews the Topo Athletic Vista—her new favorite for hiking Bishop-area trails and beyond. This lightweight shoe handles Sierra terrain like a pro. Two thumbs up!

We put the Black Diamond Aspect Pro climbing shoes to the test across 75+ climbing days and a range of rock types and grades. The result? A surprisingly excellent, durable trad shoe with standout features and fit—especially for wide feet. A worthy rival to the La Sportiva TC Pro that comes with real performance chops.

Looking for the perfect shoe for hiking or trail running in the Eastern Sierra? Staffer Marion tested the Topo Traverse on Bishop's rugged Druid Stones trail—read her in-depth review to see how this lightweight, breathable shoe holds up in tough terrain and why it’s ideal for hikers and runners alike.

Discover why our owners love Big Agnes Ultralight tents! From rugged Yosemite summers to thru-hiking the PCT, these tents deliver durability, lightweight performance, and comfort. Plus, for a limited time, get 20% OFF this adventure-ready shelter at Eastside Sports!

A climbing shoe with no edge? At first, we weren't sure, after all, the edge is one of the most important parts of a climbing shoe. But there is only one way to find out, so we took the La Sportiva Mandala No Edge climbing shoes and tested them for you. Read here what we think about them and where we think they're useful.

Discover the new Bedrock Mountain Clogs! Designed for climbers, hikers, and everyday adventurers, these comfortable, stylish clogs feature a durable leather upper, adjustable straps, and a Vibram sole for excellent traction. Perfect for work, play, and the crag, they offer all-day support and convenience. Try them today!