Brian is passionate about long-distance trail running, alpine ski touring, and cyclocross. These are in addition to his lifelong pursuits of rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, camping, and being in the wilderness as much as possible. All of these pursuits have also helped foster his interest in portable technology for the outdoors, such as GPS phone apps, solar technology, and health/exercise tracking devices. Through his years in Yosemite and Rocky Mountain National Park, he developed a love of long alpine ridge climbs and multi-day backcountry adventures. He is a former member of Yosemite Search and Rescue and is a SAR Technician where he was charged with researching, testing, and replacing SAR equipment to ensure the team had what they need to accomplish their missions quickly and efficiently.
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The ability to run two extra soft flasks in the Circuit was a nice feature. We did find, however, that having two bottles meant we couldn't fit enough snacks for more than a few hours of movement.
Credit: Brian Martin
Brian Martin
Review Editor
Showing 1-15 of 97 by Brian Martin
Best Running Hydration Pack of 2022
After months of researching the most popular running packs on the market, our testers dedicated hundreds of miles in variable conditions to determine which of our 13 finalists is best.
Best Bivy Sack of 2022
What is the best bivy sack? Throughout the past few years, we have traveled near and far with a pack full of bivys to determine which are worth their weight and which should be turned into...
Best Flip Flops of 2022
With an unfathomable number of flip flop brands and models on the market, the process of finding the right pair can be daunting. We did the leg work for you and put a host of highly-rated...
Best Bike Cargo Trailer of 2022
Planning to take an overnight trip by bike or just hoping to lessen your impact by commuting to the grocery store via your own power? We tested 8 of the best bike cargo trailers on the...
Best Backpacking Sleeping Pad of 2022
No matter what your budget or backpacking style is, we can help you find a pad that will allow for the best sleep while in the backcountry.
How To Choose a Bivy Sack
How to choose the best bivy sack? While the idea of zipping yourself up inside a nylon sack for the night might seem daunting or uncomfortable, the opposite can actually be true - a bivy...
Editors' Choice
Outdoor Research Helium Bivy
A highly refined and functional bivy which has obviously been through extensive research and development. Down to having multiple colors on zippers making it easy to distinguish what...
Best Buy
Sierra Designs Backcountry Bivy
Combines a full complement of features, comfort and weather protection into a lightweight package. Not only is it lightweight, it deploys and stows easily to keep the frustration at bay...
Top Pick
MSR Pro Bivy
One of the best and lightest emergency bivy we have tested to date. While it isn't a go-to for all conditions, the specialist characteristics make it well suited to keep you comfortable in...
How to Choose a Bike Cargo Trailer
We bought and tested some of the best bike cargo trailers on the market to help you stay out of your car and on your bike no matter what your plans may be. Find the perfect option for you!
Top Pick
SOL Escape Bivvy
This is an ultralight travelers dream. It packs warmth, weather protection, and reassurance into a tiny half pound package.
Top Pick
Big Agnes SLX
If you have not experienced the joy of being able to snuggle your partner on a frigid night out camping, this pad will open your eyes.
Best Buy
Rainbow Premier Leather
For those that are into this long-lived and much-loved flip flop, it may be the only one for you. It's comfortable after the initial break-in period, durable, and classy.
How to Choose Flip Flops for Men
Humans have been wearing flip flops of one kind of another for longer than you may think, made with everything from wood to rawhide to tree parts. Methods have come a long way, and modern...
Editors' Choice
Burley Coho XC
This trailer is a fantastic piece of equipment if you're looking for a simple and durable solution for hauling equipment with your bike. We found it to be equally at home on and off the...
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