Best Overall		Bluetti PV120	SEE IT	LEARN MORE	Summary Powerful with easy setup and takedown
Best for Small Spaces		Lion 50W Foldable Solar Panel	SEE IT	LEARN MORE	Summary Most powerful panel for its size and weight that I’ve tested
Best Built-In Battery		BioLite Solar Panel 5+	SEE IT	LEARN MORE	Summary An impressive solar charger that can keep your phone juiced in a blackout

Experienced campers know that you can get off the grid without having to ditch your electronics if you bring along a great solar panel that’s built for camping and outdoor environments. Modern panels have come a long way since the low amperage models of even a few years ago and with the right setup, you can power anything from a laptop to an electric cooler, with nothing more than a clear view of the sky on a sunny day (sometimes you don’t even need that). To find the best solar panels for camping, I put high-performing models from the top brands to the test: 

• Best Overall: Bluetti PV120 Solar Panel
• Honorable Mention: Anker 625 Solar Panel
• Best for Tight Spaces: Lion 50W Foldable
• Best Built-In Battery: BioLite SolarPanel 5+
• Most Stable: Jackery SolarSaga 60
• Best for Chaining: Goal Zero Nomad 50

How I Tested the Best Solar Panels for Camping

My initial test of solar panels for camping on a classic Pacific Northwest “Juneary” day. It should have been summer already, but it just wasn’t and wouldn’t be for a while. Solar panels were then evaluated on a number of criteria, including: 

• Power Output: I tested each panel to see how long it took to charge my phone 5 percent. The larger panels were also tested on how long it took to charge a 32,000 mAh battery pack 5 percent, and whether the panel could charge both my phone and the battery pack at the same time. The battery pack used during this portion of the test was not the same brand as any of the products tested. 
• Size: The size of the products I tested ranged from small panels that could crossover to backpacking all the way out to foldable four-panels arrays that can be chained together. 
• Features: I considered the features of each solar panel in my test and the potential they had to improve the overall experience of the unit. 
• Ease of Use: I considered how easy it was to set up and position each solar panel and how easy it was to break them down again for storage. 

I’ve been continuing to test solar panels, large and small, since then, including in our roundup of the best solar generators and the best solar chargers.

The Best Solar Panels for Camping: Reviews and Recommendations

Best Overall: Bluetti PV120 Solar Panel

SEE IT

Key Features

• Max output: 120 watts
• Weight: 12.6 pounds
• Ports: MC4 connector (with DC adaptor)
• Dimensions: 65 inches x 21 inches x 1.8 inches (unfolded); 18.5 inches x 21 inches x 3.4 inches (folded)
• Warranty: 12 months

Pros

• Compact package
• Generates over 100 watts of power under clear skies
• Snap features make setup and takedown a breeze

Cons

• No sun dial feature
• Cannot plug directly into a smartphone

The Bluetti PV120 Solar Panel is one of the best solar panels I’ve tested, and just barely squeaked out the Anker 625 for the top slot. These two panels, similarly sized and priced (with the Bluetti typically running a bit less expensive), were tested side by side under sunny skies. The Bluetti produced 16 more watts during testing, an over 15 percent difference in performance. I also appreciated that its kickstands had snap buttons at the adjustment points, making it simpler to find the correct angle then on solar panels that lacked that feature.

Even storage was simpler, thanks to snaps that wrap around the accordian sides to hold the package together when folded up, eliminating the need for an extra carrying case. This has become my new go-to panel when I head out camping due to its space savings and power generation potential. Even better, since its DC-compatible cable pairs with the Goal Zero Yeti and Jackery power stations, I’m able to use it with my favorite power station for camping.

Honorable Mention: Anker 625 Solar Panel

Anker

SEE IT

Key Features

• USB max output: 15W (5V)
• XT-60 port: 100W (26.5V)
• Weight: 11 pounds
• Ports: USB-A, USB-C, and XT-60 (includes both XT-60 to XT-60 cord and XT-60 to DC7909 connector) 
• Dimensions: 56.9 inches x 20.7 inches x 1.8 inches (unfolded); 20.7 inches x 18.5 inches x 3.4 inches (folded)
• Warranty: 18 months

Pros

• Strongest panel in my test, charged two devices simultaneously under very overcast skies
• Overpower protection 
• Integrated sundial

Cons

• Expensive
• Less stable when set up than other panels in my test

Despite being dethroned from the top slot, the Anker 625 is still one of the best solar panels out there, and an excellent addition to any camping setup. During the cloudiest part of my initial testing day, when dark gray clouds obscured the sun and the other solar panels packed it in, the Anker 625 was still able to charge my phone 5 percent in only five minutes. Then it powered up a 32,000 mAh battery pack 5 percent in a half hour under similar conditions. When I plugged both the battery pack and the phone in at the same time, it kept charging. If there is any chance of less-than-ideal weather on your camping trip, then this is the solar panel solution you’ve been looking for. 

The Anker 625 was also only one of two solar panels in my test to incorporate an integrated sundial, which allowed me to optimize the positioning of the panel. This is helpful when it’s tough to distinguish the angle of the sun. Less helpful were the kickstands. Despite the nearly five-foot width of the four panels, there were only two kickstands provided, one on each end. This meant that the unit had a tendency to sag in the middle, and it moved more in the light breeze that blew during testing than other setups with a higher kickstand to panel ratio. 

Best for Tight Spaces: Lion 50W Foldable

Laura Lancaster

SEE IT

Key Features

• USB max output: 27W (12V)
• DC port: 48W (18V)
• Weight: 3 pounds
• Ports: USB-A, USB-C, and DC
• Dimensions: 46 inches x 11.3 inches x 0.8 inch (unfolded); 11.3 inches x 11.3 inches x 1.6 inches (folded)
• Warranty: 1 year

Pros

• Compact
• More powerful than it looks
• Lightweight

Cons

• Less powerful than larger 100W models

I’ll admit I had low expectations for the Lion 50W Foldable when I first took it out of the box. It’s noticeably smaller than other 50W panels I’ve tested—would it really be able to match its power specs? The setup is also pretty flimsy, with only two small kickstands stitched onto the back panel fabric.

But then I set up the panel, on a cloudy and windy March day, and was more than impressed. In medium light (where the sun isn’t exactly visible, but there is plenty of active light coming through the clouds), the panel kicked out enough juice from the USB-C port to charge my laptop. Not bad for three pounds.

While this is just too large and too heavy to consider for a backpacking trip, its combination of small size and power make it practically a necessity for a pack rafting or canoe trip. (Just make sure you pair it with one of the best dry bags.)

Best Built-In Battery: BioLite SolarPanel 5+

BioLite

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Key Features

• Max power output: 5W
• Weight: 13.8 ounces
• Ports: USB-A
• Dimensions: 10.1 inches x 8.2 inches x 1 inch
• Also available in SolarPanel 10+
• Warranty: 1 year

Pros

• 3200mAh internal battery
• Affordable
• Small and lightweight
• Integrated sundial and adjustable kickstand

Cons

• Slowest charging time of the solar panels I tested
• Performs poorly in even slightly cloudy weather

Not everyone is looking to charge an electric cooler or laptop while camping. Sometimes, you just want to juice up your phone a bit, so that you don’t have to monitor how much battery is left over the course of your trip. 

The BioLite Solar Panel 5+ is essentially a low-cost alternative to a smaller battery pack. Its max output is only 5 watts, which, while too low to charge a larger battery pack, is ideal for charging a smartphone. I also liked that it featured an adjustable kickstand (the only one of the solar panels I tested) and an integrated sundial, which I used to optimize the positioning of the panel during testing. However, it still took the BioLite Solar 5+ 22 minutes to charge my phone 5 percent, even though it was sunnier (although still quite cloudy) than during other parts of my test. Unlike the other other panels, which could be used to spot charge a device on the go, the best and highest use of the BioLite is to charge the onboard 3,200 mAh battery (which can also be charged before leaving home via a micro USB port), speeding up your smartphone recharge so that you can get going again. 

Most Stable: Jackery SolarSaga 60

Jackery

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Key Features

• USB max output: 12W (5V)
• DC port: 68W (19V)
• Weight: 6.6 pounds
• Ports: USB-A, USB-C, and 8mm DC
• Dimensions: 33.7 inches x 21.1 inches x 0.2 inches (unfolded); 16.7 inches x 21.1 inches x 1.38 inches (folded)
• Warranty: 2 years

Pros

• Two panel array was both stable and easy to set up
• Great value
• Overpower protection 

Cons

• Unable to power two devices in cloudy conditions

Solar panels for camping have to hew a fine line between being compact enough to store on the go, but stable enough to withstand the elements. What impressed me most about the Jackery SolarSaga 60 during testing was how easy it was to set up, and once I had it set up, it just stayed put, unruffled by wind or me knocking into it as I fiddled with the other units. (Like the other solar panels in this test, it does need to be protected from rain.)

Once set up, the SolarSaga 60 did an excellent job powering my devices—even when the weather was cloudy, it charged my smartphone to 5 percent in five minutes. Unlike the more expensive Anker 625, however, it struggled to power two devices when plugged in during cloudy conditions. 

Because the SolarSaga 60 consists of two panels with two kickstands, it was the easiest large panel in my test to put away, simply folding up like a book with a magnet securing the edges together at the handle. If you need a high-power device that is simple to use, this one is hard to go wrong with. 

Best for Chaining: Goal Zero Nomad 50

Goal Zero

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Key Features

• USB max output: 12W (5V) 
• DC port output: 50W, chainable up to 150W (14-21.5V)
• Weight: 6.9 pounds
• Ports: USB-A and male 8mm
• Dimensions: 17 inches x 53 inches x 1.5 inches (unfolded); 17 inches x 11.25 inches x 2.5 inches (folded) 
• Warranty: 2 years

Pros

• Easy to chain
• Compact size for a four-panel array

Cons

• Struggled to charge my phone during cloudy weather

I’ll admit that once I started charging my smartphone and power banks for camping, it was easy to start getting carried away. What couldn’t I charge with just the power of the sun? But to really capture all that energy (especially if, like me, you live in an overcast part of the country) you’ll need more than the typical 50 or 60 watts of most panels. To facilitate (enable?) you to supercharge your solar powering capabilities, the Goal Zero Nomad 50 was designed to make it easy to chain multiple panels together with dedicated cords next to the port for this purpose. 

On its own, a single Nomad 50 charged my phone 5 percent in just over five minutes but only once the weather started to clear out into a more manageable PNW monocloud. Under darker clouds it struggled to provide any power at all. 

I liked how, despite it being a four-panel array, the Nomad 50 folded down relatively easily to about the size of a briefcase for travel and had a handy magnet to snap the packet together. With this one, it’s easy to start dreaming about adding on a few more panels to create a truly powerful array. 

Things to Consider Before Buying a Solar Panel for Camping

How Solar Panels Work

At its most basic, solar panels are made up of solar cells that convert sunlight into electricity. Each cell has two conductive layers, in between which are two different types of silicone—one with extra electrons, and one with space for electrons. When sunlight hits a solar panel, it sends a photon slamming into a solar cell, which in turns knocks one of the extra electrons loose. When that electron makes its way over to one of the silicone layers with space for electrons it creates a positive charge on one side and a negative charge on another. The solar cell channels the movement of the electrons, so that it can capture the energy it produces as it moves. While the amount of energy captured by each solar cell is negligible, when strung together in a solar panel, it can be quite impressive, with some of the solar panels in my test able to produce as many as 100W. 

Some solar panels are better at regulating this output of energy than others, which matters when you are trying to capture this energy on the other side, whether in a power bank or directly into a device like some of the best solar generators. For instance, if you try to charge your smartphone on a port that can output 20V of power, then there is a good chance that you’ll damage the battery of your phone, even if in the moment it appears that your phone is simply charging extremely quickly. The solar panels in my test limited the voltage output from the USB ports (5V or less), while the DC ports, which are intended to pair with one of the best power banks for camping, provided a higher voltage output (between 14.5V and 26.5V). While this provides some protection against accidentally overcharging your devices, it’s still worth knowing how the max voltage output of each solar panel port compares to what your device’s or power bank’s battery can handle.

Power Output

While there are differences in the power ratings between solar panels, generally speaking, the larger a solar panel is, the more power it will generate. This is why solar panels for camping are typically folded twice or more—to maximize the amount of surface area they can cover when in use, while also minimizing the amount of space they occupy during transit. 

Packed Size

While most people have plenty of room to spread out a solar panel unit at camp, the same can not always be said of the vehicle you use to get to get there. If your space is limited, the weather is predictable, and your power needs are low, consider a smaller solar panel. 

External Battery

Many of the best solar panels for camping are designed to pair with a power bank for camping. This is because most solar panels do not have a way to store the electricity they generate when the sun is shining for those times when it’s overcast or slightly cloudy. Further, since the USB ports on most solar panels for camping limit the voltage output—to prevent inadvertent damage to the battery of smaller electronics, it’s important to ensure that your solar panel has a port that matches the high voltage output port of your power bank. 

Chaining Solar Panels

To maximize the power captured in a battery pack during the sunniest portion of the day, some campers may opt to link, or chain together, multiple solar panels into a single array. 

FAQs

Why Trust Outdoor Life?

Since 1898, OL has been a leading authority in testing and reviewing hunting gear, fishing tackle, guns and shooting equipment, and much more. We have more than a century-long history of evaluating products, and we’re now bringing that expertise to online reviews. Our editors are experienced outdoorsmen and women, and most importantly, we’re trained journalists. We prioritize field testing and objective data when reviewing products. We conduct interviews with gear manufacturers and engineers as well as outdoor experts so that our readers have an understanding of how and why a product works—or doesn’t.

Advertising does not influence our gear reviews and it never will. While we always focus our coverage on standout products—because we want our readers to be aware of the latest and greatest gear—we also cover the flaws and quirks of any given product.

Final Thoughts

After testing the best solar panels for camping from Jackery, Anker, Goal Zero, BioLite, and GoSun, the Anker 625 claims the top spot. If you’re only looking to power a smartphone, either the Anker 515 or the BioLite 5+ will provide sufficient juice at a lower cost (and a slower speed). 

• Best Overall: Bluetti PV120 Solar Panel
• Honorable Mention: Anker 625 Solar Panel
• Best for Small Spaces: Lion 50W Foldable
• Best Built-In Battery: BioLite SolarPanel 5+
• Most Stable: Jackery SolarSaga 60
• Best for Chaining: Goal Zero Nomad 50

The post The Best Solar Panels for Camping in 2023, Tested and Reviewed appeared first on Outdoor Life.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best Overall		Royal Robbins Alpine Mountain Pro Pants	SEE IT	LEARN MORE	Summary Durable, water repellent, and highly functional.
Best Budget		REI Co-op Savanna Trails Pants	SEE IT	LEARN MORE	Summary A lightweight, comfortable pant at a low price.
Most Comfortable		prAna Halle Pant II	SEE IT	LEARN MORE	Summary A loose, comfortable fit that’s great for hot weather.

Anyone who has been caught in a rainstorm, had their inseam rip as they sat on a rock during a break, or been swarmed by mosquitoes when the wind died down can appreciate the importance of performance hiking pants. But choosing from so many different models, for everything from casual day hikes to climbing, can be confusing. We’ve picked the best hiking pants out of what’s available today to help narrow the field: 

• Best Overall: Royal Robbins Alpine Mountain Pro Pants
• Best for Hot Weather: Free Fly Breeze Pants
• Best Budget: REI Co-op Savanna Trails Pants
• Most Comfortable: prAna Halle Pant II
• Best for Bushwhacking: Kuiu Attack Pants
• Best Lightweight: Mountain Hardwear Trail Sender Pant
• Best Cargo Pants: Outdoor Research Men’s Ferrosi Cargo Pants
• Best Convertible: KÜHL Renegade Cargo Convertible 
• Best for Trail to Town: Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants

How I Tested the Best Hiking Pants

The best hiking pants evaluated in this roundup—seven different pairs from five different brands—were worn on spring day hikes around the Pacific Northwest with at least 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Two testers, Adam Tycaster and Dave Vanderzee, were used for the men’s pants, both with years of experience hiking and backpacking on trips ranging from a single-day hike of the 17-mile Enchantments trail in Washington State to the Pacific Crest Trail. 

Conditions during testing varied from frosty mornings to unexpected showers to early summertime temperatures. Pants were evaluated on comfort, ease of movement, weight, fit, and skin feel. I also separately tested the pants for water absorption (to see how they would perform in heavy rain conditions) and ability to go from trail to post-trail beers. Another consideration was cross-over appeal—whether the pants in the test could be used for multiple activities or whether they would be appropriate for casual wear. Finally, I considered the functionality of each pants’ features (pockets, drawstrings, roll-up buttons).

The Best Hiking Pants: Reviews and Recommendations

Best Overall: Royal Robbins Alpine Mountain Pro Pants 

Royal Robbins

SEE IT

Key Features

• Available in men’s and women’s styles
• Sizing: up to 34.5-inch waist (W); 42-inch waist (M)
• Weight: 11 ounces (W); 13.3 ounces (M)
• Fabric: 88 percent polyester, 12 percent elastane
• Closure: Snap-lock button, women’s version has an adjustable drawcord

Pros

• Comfortable fit in a great cut that is a touch thicker than average
• Durable 
• Great pocket coverage
• Made of recycled (88 percent polyester) plastic bottles

Cons

• Lack of inseam sizing makes it hard to find the right length
• No cuff adjustment

The Alpine Mountain Pros do it all. They are rugged enough to tackle brambly trails with just the right amount of flexibility for some scrambling, and after a hard day on the trail they still look good enough to head out for a post-hike beer. The tight knit of the fabric was surprisingly durable given the materials used. But they also feel soft against my skin. I liked that these were a bit thicker on average than the other pants in this review, making them more versatile for shoulder season adventures.

The pockets on the women’s version of these pants were the best of any we tried: the front-hand pockets are deep enough to fit a smartphone, one of the back pockets has a zipper for added security, and there were two deep, thigh pockets that were virtually unnoticeable when empty. 

Best for Hot Weather: Free Fly Breeze Pant

SEE IT

Key Features

• Available in men’s and women’s styles
• Sizing: up to 37-inch waist (W); 47-inch waist (M)
• Fabric: 86 percent polyester, 14 percent spandex
• Closure: Pull on with elastic waistband (men’s version has a zipper)

Pros

• Comfortable
• Lightweight
• Cooling
• UPF 50

Cons

• Limited protection from the elements in the event the weather turns

Hot weather can make a mess of even the most breathable material; it’s why you see so many hikers wearing shorts in the desert sections of long trails. But exposing your legs to the sun for hours at a time in intense heat of summer isn’t an option (or even desirable) for all people: fortunately, there is the Breeze series from Free Fly. On overnighters and casual day hikes in bright sunlight, these pants are comfortable in everything from early morning to midday heat.

In fact, they often feel cooler than shorts (especially if the wind isn’t delivering as much as you’d like it to) and are very quick drying. They’re rated to UPF 50, which is great for anyone with a sun sensitivity. I’ve also appreciated that they look great. I’m not tempted to switch out of them before heading for post-hike, and have even been known to keep them on throughout the rest of the day into the evening hours. If you’ve been looking for a full-coverage hiking pants option, then this is a great pick that will keep you cool and protected.

Best Budget: REI Co-op Savanna Trails Pants

REI Co-op

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Key Features

• Available in women’s styles only
• Sizing: Up to 42.5-inch waist
• Weight: 8 ounces
• Fabric: 94 percent nylon, 6 percent spandex
• Closure: Button closure 

Pros

• Lightweight, comfortable fit
• Excellent at repelling water
• Low price
• Comes in plus sizes

Cons

• Unflattering cut
• Wrinkles easily

I’ve worn the REI Savanna Trails everywhere from southwestern canyons to shoulder-season slogs in the Cascade Range and these pants function as well, if not better, than other, more expensive picks. The high nylon content means they are quite durable—after several seasons of use, mine are none the worse for wear—while the stretchy fit of the spandex makes it easy to layer underneath when the weather turns chilly. These pants also repelled water better than much of the competition, making them a top pick for sunrise hikes with brushy sections. 

Unlike the other picks for best hiking pants we’ve tested, the Savannas come in both petite sizes and plus sizes, making it more likely that you’ll find something that works for you. The biggest ding is that the cut is quite baggy, and these pants run large compared to other picks on this list (size down if you’re between sizes). They are also more apt to hold onto wrinkles, which might be an annoyance if you are traveling off-grid for an extended period of time. 

Most Comfortable: prAna Halle Pant II

prAna

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Key Features

• Available in women’s styles only
• Sizing: Up to 44-inch waist
• Weight: 12.3 ounces
• Fabric: 95 percent recycled nylon; 5 percent elastane
• Closure: Double buttons with drawcord
• The men’s Stretch Zion Pant II is the equivalent to the Halle collection

Pros

• Loose, comfortable fit 
• Rollup buttons helped create extra airflow on hot days
• Uses recycled nylon
• Comes in plus sizes

Cons

• Right side-seam zip pocket was difficult to use and may be too small for some smartphones
• Repels water less effectively than other pants in this test

I wore the prAna Halle Pant II on multiple hikes this spring and found them to be the most comfortable in our best hiking pants lineup. This was thanks to a soft knit and a loose cut that was also flattering. These pants also incorporated a roll-up cuff—which I prefer to the men’s style of convertible pants—which worked great when I had worked up a sweat and needed a bit more airflow.

In the water repellency test, these pants absorbed water more readily than the others we tested. These are not the pants we’d pick for a hike through morning dew–soaked brush. That said, their airy fit means that they are unlikely to hold sweat on hot days. 

The size and shape of the Halle Pant II’s right side-seam pocket perfectly fit my 5.7 inch x 2.7 inch smartphone—although it may be too small or a tight fit for larger models. The side zip entry helped keep the phone from jostling around while I hiked, but I had to stop to access the phone to prevent it from accidentally falling on the ground. 

Like the Savannas, these also come in plus sizes. The equivalent men’s pant is the Stretch Zion Pant II.

Best for Bushwhacking: Kuiu Attack Pants

Kuiu

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Key Features

• Constructed with high stretch polyester fabric
• Wicks and evaporates perspiration
• Four, large, zippered pockets
• Articulated knees and gusseted crotch
• 18.5 ounces
• 28- to 42-inch waist with inseam choices of regular, short, tall

Pros

• Six pockets
• Zippered hip vents
• Thick durable material
• Various colors, including camouflage
• DWR treatment

Cons

• Not meant for warmer temps
• No expandable zippered cuff
• Men’s only

Our tester, an Alaskan bush guide, wore the Kuiu Attack pants over 300 miles through gnarly terrain of thick alders, willows, wet boggy tundra, heavy snow, driving rain, and scree slopes. They went through the wash more than 20 times, and after all the abuse and miles of trailless terrain, these pants still look like the first day he received them. He praised the feel and comfort and that fact that they moved with him with the ideal amount of stretch, especially around the knees and crotch. The six pockets were more than enough to carry keys, a phone, and a wallet with the two back and two thigh pockets still zipping closed. All the zippers have long pulls, allowing you to easily open and close with gloves. When the weather turned to rain and snow, the pants had a long-lasting DWR coating that really pushed the moisture away and dried very quickly. When temps got a bit warmer, our tester loved the 10-inch hip side vent lined with mesh underneath, which was a perfect defense against swarming monster mosquitoes.  Both oversized front pockets (not zippered) were also vented for optional air flow.  If you are looking for a pant that is best for rough and tough terrain, these were made for those conditions. —Justin La Vigne

Best Lightweight: Mountain Hardwear Trail Sender Pant

Mountain Hardwear

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Key Features

• Extremely lightweight (6.3 ounces) and breathable
• Very soft material (100 percent polyester)
• UPF 50 fabric for UV rays
• Tapered fit
• Has a style that works on and off trail

Pros

• Material moves with you
• Deep front pockets
• Zippered rear pocket, which fits phone
• No belt loops to interfere with pack waist straps

Cons

• Sizing is bit tight
• No belt loops
• Single snap at waist is small and challenging to snap the pants up
• Only one rear pocket

Our Montana-based tester said the Trail Sender Pants are the lightest at 6.3 ounces and the most breathable model he has ever hiked in. The material has the feel of a high-thread count linen even though it is 100 percent polyester. The tapered cut through the thigh to calf was form-fitting, but not restrictive. The style was fitting for post-hike outings in civilization. Although without a zippered cuff, you cannot take these pants off without first removing your boots. The waist band has a drawstring for ultimate comfort and adjustment on the go, so there wasn’t really a need for an added belt. There are four pockets: two deep open ones on the front hips, one thigh, and a zippered one on the backside that fits a phone. These pants proved to be very stain resistant as our tester coated them in DEET multiple times, but they didn’t stain or wear down at all. Being so ultralight and breathable with UPF protection, they worked well for warmer weather, but also could be paired with a thermal bottom for cooler days. With a $79 regular price tag, these are a great option. And when they go on sale at $39, you definitely can’t go wrong! —Justin La Vigne

Best Cargo Pants: Outdoor Research Men’s Ferrosi Cargo Pants

Outdoor Research

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Key Features 

• Available in men’s sizes only
• Sizing: Up to 42-inch waist
• Weight: 11.25 ounces 
• Fabric: 86 percent nylon, 14 percent spandex
• Closure: Button closure with drawcord

Pros

• Comfortable fit that is true to size
• Protected against the cold on windy days
• Rugged enough to withstand the trail

Cons

• Front-facing cargo pockets sometimes got in the way of hiking
• Button snaps were difficult to use on the go

I sent the Ferrosi hiking pants out with a tester on a six-mile out-and-back with 2,400 feet of elevation gain in eastern Washington State. They reported back that, like the other Ferrosi pants, the fabric of these pants felt light, but durable and true to size. Not only did these pants breathe well enough to prevent overheating on the hike up, but the tester reported that “the situation at the top of Umtanum Ridge was quite windy and these pants blocked the wind as effectively as a pair of rain pants.”

Rather than a belt, the Ferrosi has a drawstring at the waist to help users dial in that perfect fit. The one drawback to these pants is that the pockets are more forward-facing than usual, which got in the way on long uphill climbs. Those side pockets also incorporated snap buttons (rather than the zipper found at the back pocket), which felt less secure.

Best Convertible Pants: KÜHL Renegade Cargo Convertible 

KHUL

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Key Features

• Available in men’s styles only
• Sizing: Up to 42-inch waist
• Weight: 17 ounces
• Fabric: 95 percent nylon; 5 percent spandex
• Closure: Snap button closure

Pros

• High placement of the convertible zippers meant they were never in the way while hiking
• Zips at the cuff allow you to take off the lower legs without taking off your shoes
• Durable, water-resistant fabric

Cons

• No drawcords or attached belt at the waist

The tester for the Renegades was a convertible pants skeptic, at least until he took these out for a few spring day hikes. He reported back that during a hike up Tiger Mountain in Washington State’s Issaquah Alps they were easier to use than expected, mimicking the feel of non-convertible hiking pants when the lower section was attached and zipping off easily when he was ready to convert them. Whereas other convertible pants have a fit that is a hair too relaxed, the Renegades “felt surprisingly lightweight,” and were form-fitting without ever riding up on steep climbs. 

While the pocket placement on these has a traditional cargo style, they were slanted more toward the back of the leg, which kept them out of the way. One thing to note about these pants is that they don’t come with a built-in belt or a drawstring cord—something to keep in mind if you plan to size up to accommodate a base layer. The tester also noted that these ran small, so if you are in-between sizes or looking for a more relaxed fit, consider sizing up. 

Best for Trail to Town: Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants

Eddie Bauer

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Key Features

• DWR treatment
• 94 percent nylon, 6 percent spandex
• Stylish for on and off the trail

Pros

• Durable with two-way stretch
• Both men’s and women’s sizes
• Wide array of sizes
• Six pockets
• UPF 50+ sun protection

Cons

• No venting abilities
• Velcroed back pockets
• Stitching around front pockets coming undone

These pants can be found on sale for cheaper than the MSRP, making them very affordable. However, the Guide Pro pants don’t act or perform like the inexpensive price. Our tester wore these equally on trail and around town. The comfort, stretch, and feel kept him moving while logging over 200 miles through various terrain. There are six pockets: two open front pockets, two zippered thigh pockets, and two Velcro back pockets. He did note the Velcro back pockets are not practical, as they would open at times with a pack on and sometimes not line up when shut. And it seems after several months of use, the stitching around the pockets is coming undone. The SPF 50+ technology along with the DWR coat added a bonus level of protection. With that being said, he noticed they wetted out quicker than some of the other reviewed pants. The lined waistband does not only add comfort, but has odor controlling properties. Because these pants are made of a lightweight nylon/spandex blend, they can be worn on warmer days, although they do lack venting abilities. —Justin La Vigne

Read Next: The Best Hiking Underwear for Women of 2023

Things to Consider Before Buying Hiking Pants

Materials

Most hiking pants are made from nylon and/or polyester, with spandex or elastane for stretch. Some also incorporate specialty fibers like hemp or Tencel, a type of rayon made from wood fibers. One material that is virtually never seen in the best hiking pants is cotton, due to its tendency to retain moisture. 

Bug Protection

In general, pants made from nylon—especially ripstop nylon—will do a better job at keeping bugs (including mosquitoes) away from your skin than polyester. But, if you live in a place where the mosquito is recognized as the official state bird, then you should treat your hiking clothes with permethrin for an additional defense. Some clothing manufacturers now sell hiking pants with permethrin pre-applied which has the added bonus of lasting for additional washings over self application. 

Pockets

There can be huge variation between the pockets on men’s and women’s pants, with the men’s pants having adequate to (sometimes) excessive pocket coverage, while some of the women’s pants aren’t cut out to carry much more than some chapstick. In this review, if I’ve commented on pocket coverage, I’ll clarify which version of the pants were tested (the women’s picks in this roundup all have adequate to great pocket coverage), but it’s worth double-checking the manufacturer website to ensure the style you are purchasing has the coverage you need.

FAQs

Why Trust Outdoor Life?

Since 1898, OL has been a leading authority in testing and reviewing hunting gear, fishing tackle, guns and shooting equipment, and much more. We have more than a century-long history of evaluating products, and we’re now bringing that expertise to online reviews. Our editors are experienced outdoorsmen and women, and most importantly, we’re trained journalists. We prioritize field testing and objective data when reviewing products. We conduct interviews with gear manufacturers and engineers as well as outdoor experts so that our readers have an understanding of how and why a product works—or doesn’t.

Advertising does not influence our gear reviews and it never will. While we always focus our coverage on standout products—because we want our readers to be aware of the latest and greatest gear—we also cover the flaws and quirks of any given product.

Final Thoughts

Companies like Outdoor Research, Patagonia, prAna, Columbia, KÜHL, Arc’teryx, Mountain Hardwear, and Fjallraven have spent years perfecting the best hiking pants, and the efforts show. Most hiking pants available for purchase today will function in a wide range of environments, and protect you from sun, bugs, rain, and wind. Hone in on the details that matter most to you (durability? pockets? comfort?) before making a final selection. 

Read Next: Best Hiking Backpacks

The post The Best Hiking Pants of 2023 appeared first on Outdoor Life.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best Overall		Redline RL-1 Carbon Quiver 6-Arrow	SEE IT
Best Fixed		TightSpot Pivot 2.5 2-piece	SEE IT
Best Budget		Kwikee Kwiver Lite-4	SEE IT

The arrow quiver is one of those pieces of gear that bowhunters generally don’t think about too much. Until it’s a problem. The job of the quiver is pretty simple: carry arrows. That’s it. That’s all it does.

And often times, bowhunters simply look for the cheapest quiver they can find, or one that best matches their bow to complete a killer look. They don’t always pay attention to the working parts of the quiver that earn its keep when the heat is on.

So what do you want in a quiver? You want one that holds your arrows firmly in place, protects you from your broadheads, stays quiet, doesn’t stick out awkwardly, and, of course, looks cool.

Lancaster Archery Supply carries just about every hunting quiver on the market—certainly all the major players in the game. I get the chance to see, touch, and feel all of these quivers as they arrive in inventory, so I know them all pretty well. But in trying to find the best hunting quivers for this article, I took some extra steps to test nearly two dozen quivers.

I put arrows in the grippers and broadheads in the hoods to see how they hold. For the bow-mounted models, I mounted them on my bows to study their profiles and effect on balance, and I took shots to listen for any noise caused by vibrating parts—the coal-mine canary of bad bow quivers.

Combining that knowledge and testing, I came up with the following picks for best hunting quivers in the following categories:

• Best Overall: Nock On Checkmate
• Best Budget: Octane Furnace 4-Arrow Quiver
• Redline RL-1 Carbon Quiver 6-Arrow
• Best Detachable: Conquest Talon
• Best Fixed: TightSpot Pivot 2.5 2-piece
• Kwikee Kwiver Lite-4
• Best Traditional: Selway Slide-On
• Best Hip: Vista Knight Hunting Quiver
• Mathews and Hoyt: Mathews LowPro Detachable Quiver, Mathews Arrow Web HD, Hoyt Carbon Superlite Stretch

The Best Bow Quivers: Reviews and Recommendations

Best Overall: Nock On Checkmate

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Key Features

• 19 inches long, made of high-modulus carbon and aluminum
• Curved hood for wind deflection
• Simple, fast quick disconnect
• Holds five arrows, plus a bonus arrow
• Low-profile design
• Deep, protective hood with durable, dense rubber
• Can be adjusted up and down and left and right for perfect balance
• Holds arrows from micro-diameter up to 23 diameter
• Retractable hanging hook

Pros

• Can be used on the bow or be quickly detached
• Totally silent in all uses
• Rubber arrow gripper has separate notches to hold the skinniest arrows up to 23 diameter
• Curved hood helps cut through the wind
• Includes a one-arrow holder on the bow mount, so if you remove the quiver for hunting, you have a follow-up arrow always at the ready

Cons

• Expensive

The Nock On Checkmate is John Dudley’s latest contribution to the archery world. He sat down and thought about every feature he’d like to see in a quiver, and then he built that quiver.

The Checkmate is 19 inches long, and made of high-modulus carbon and aluminum. The hood is 2.5 inches deep and filled with rubber foam to hold nearly any broadhead on the market securely. Also, the hood is curved to help deflect side winds so they don’t affect the bowhunter as much as if it were flat. And it’s got a retractable ring on the back that can be pulled up for hanging the quiver in a tree stand.

The lower arrow gripper has two notches in each arrow seat to accommodate super skinny or fatter hunting arrows. One of those grippers points directly back at the archer to allow for the fast rear deployment of one of the arrows.

The bow mount features a quick-detach system. Lift a lever, and the quiver slides out. Push the quiver into the receiver and push the lever down, and the quiver is locked in place.

And that bow mount includes two arrow grippers to hold a single arrow. So let’s say you detach your quiver while hunting in a tree stand. You can load one arrow in those grippers, so you’ve always got a follow-up arrow at the ready.

The quiver can be adjusted up and down and in and out to get it to sit exactly where you want it for perfect balance on your bow.

Read Next: Best Trail Cameras

Best Budget: Octane Furnace 4-Arrow Quiver

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Key Features

• Detachable, one-piece quiver
• Deep hood with thick foam for seating broadheads
• Dual arrow grippers in addition to the hood
• Quickly detaches
• Holds four arrows

Pros

• Costs less than $35
• Securely locks arrow in place with three connection points
• Adjustable height to get the quiver in the right place on your bow
• Quick-detach is fast and easy to use
• Holds arrows of varying diameters

Cons

• The foam in the hood will break up over time
• Won’t stand up to much abuse

Not everyone wants to—or can afford to—spend $100 or more on a bow quiver. Some bowhunters just want the least expensive option for holding arrows securely. The Octane Furnace does that.

It’s a four-arrow quiver with two carbon rods connecting the hood to two arrow grippers. With three connection points, arrows are going to stay put. And the grippers will securely hold the most popular hunting arrow shaft sizes.

The attachment point on the quiver slides up and down so you can seat the quiver at the height you want on your bow. That connection point pops in and out of the quick-detach base that’s mounted to the bow. A lever holds the two parts together and then releases them from one another when you want to remove the quiver.

The hood is 3 inches deep and filled with foam for seating broadheads. You can remove the foam when using field points or mechanicals that you don’t want to sink into the foam.

This quiver isn’t built to handle serious abuse, which is one of the reasons it is so inexpensive. But just pay a little attention to what you do with it, and it will last for many years – especially for tree stand and ground blind hunters who simply carry their bows from the truck to their hunting sites.

Redline RL-1 Carbon Quiver 6-Arrow

Redline

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Key Features

• 20 inches long, yet only weighs 9.7 ounces
• All carbon rods
• Simple, yet secure, quick disconnect
• Holds six arrows
• Low profile design
• Deep, protective hood with rubber lining and dedicated broadhead seats
• Can be adjusted so quiver top stays below top limb and arrows don’t extend beyond bottom limb

Pros

• You can slide the quiver forward or back to get it balanced on the bow
• No rattling when you carry your bow or when shooting
• Rubber arrow gripper holds shafts securely
• Long design is great for securing arrows to the bow
• Quick disconnect is fast and easy

Cons

• The dedicated seats for broadheads are great for expandables and three-blade fixed broadheads, but they’re not ideal for broadheads with two large blades.

The Redline RL-1 Carbon Quiver is a six-arrow quiver measuring 20 inches long, but only weighing 9.7 ounces, thanks to all the carbon in its construction. There’s an identical, 3-arrow version that weighs 6.5 ounces if you want to cut even more weight. Redline is a new player in the compound accessory market, but the people behind the company have tons of experience. This quiver is a great example of the Redline goal, which is to produce quality gear at a fair price. This quiver isn’t cheap, but it’s not over-the-top expensive either.

The long design is a fairly new trend in quivers. I like it. With arrow shafts secured in grippers in the lower third and at the tip, they feel more secure than when you’re using a shorter quiver that grips them in the upper half of the shafts. 

The RL-1 has great rubber broadhead seats inside the hood that work well with any expandables and with three-blade, fixed heads. As I mentioned, big two-blade fixed heads won’t sit as neatly, but they’ll still be secured. 

If you want to take the quiver off when you’re up in the tree stand, there’s a simple, metal lever that you raise about 3 inches and then you slide the quiver straight back. It’s super secure and super quiet.

The features of this quiver are all great, but it vaulted to the top of my list when I put it on my Mathews V3X 33 and shot with it attached. It was whisper quiet, which is important. But what I didn’t expect was how well it allowed me to hold the bow. I was rock steady with the RL-1 on my bow with 4 arrows in the quiver. I held even steadier with it on than I did with it off. I’m sure it’s because I was able to slide the quiver straight back toward me. With a slotted mounting bracket, you can pull this quiver back toward you a good bit farther than you can basically any other quiver. So instead of it sitting parallel to the riser, it can sit parallel to the cables and string.

So the RL-1 is a well-made, lightweight, quiet quiver that holds arrows securely, and can be quickly detached, or balances the bow nicely if you choose to shoot with it on. That’s the quiver grand slam.

Best Detachable: Conquest Talon

Conquest Archery

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Key Features

• Unique, spring-loaded claws grip the mounting bracket
• Considered a five-arrow quiver, but it’s got two extra spots on the back side that allow storage of two more for a seven-arrow total capacity
• Rubber lining in the hood
• Grips arrow shafts in two places, and has point seats in the hood
• Comes with two sets of arrow grippers—one for standard hunting arrows and one for micro-diameter
• Rope tree-loop on the top for hanging in the stand

Pros

• The claw that you squeeze to remove the quiver is unique and ridiculously easy to maneuver
• Ridiculously lightweight
• Dual shaft grippers hold arrows still and quiet at the shot
• Adjustable up and down to get your arrows where you want them on the bow
• Holds seven arrows
• Costs under $90

Cons

• The point seats in the hood are round rubber cups, which I’m not a big fan of for holding broadheads

The Conquest Talon is the only quiver made by Conquest Archery, which is known more for its stabilizers. It’s lightweight, at just 9 ounces, and features dual, rubber shaft grippers, which is unusual for a 13-inch quiver. But those 2 grippers—plus the point seats inside the hood—ensure your arrow isn’t going anywhere until you pull one out.

You can adjust the quiver up and down on the twin, carbon support rods, and then lock it in place so it stays put where you want it. But the main feature of this quiver is the quick disconnect. No other quiver on the market has a disconnect like the Talon.

Essentially, it’s a claw that grabs hold of the mounting block on the riser. The claws are held in place by spring-loaded arms. Squeeze those arms and the claws release the mount block. You can easily pluck this quiver off the bow with one hand in a second.

To be perfectly honest, the Conquest Talon wasn’t on my radar as I was doing my initial research for this article. I had done a video on it two years ago when it came out and hadn’t paid much attention to it since. I saw it in the Lancaster Archery Supply Pro Shop and remembered the unique, quick-disconnect.

At first glance, it seems like there’s no way the quiver claw that grabs the mounting block would have enough force to keep the quiver from rattling. But it does. And the quick disconnect operates simpler and faster than any other I tested.

Best Fixed: TightSpot Pivot 2.5 2-piece

TightSpot

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Key Features

• Broadhead hood and arrow gripper are two separate pieces that are attached individually to the bow
• Multiple included connectors fit just about any compound bow
• Pivoting rods that allow the quiver to transform so it’s always vertical, regardless of the bow
• Screw-in arrow blocks that allow the individual arrow grippers to adjust for fat or skinny arrows
• Durable, solid foam block in the hood secures fixed or mechanical broadheads
• Holds five arrows

Pros

• Can be adjusted to fit nearly all compound bows
• Once set and fitted with arrows, it’s solid
• No audible extra noise added to the bow at the shot
• Hood foam is deep and locks broadheads in place

Cons

• I couldn’t tighten the bolt enough on the lower half of my test quiver to solidly lock down that piece. Once arrows were in it, however, it didn’t move.

The TightSpot Pivot 2.5 2-Piece Quiver is an adjustable quiver that can be permanently attached to just about any compound bow in a variety of configurations. Some bowhunters prefer quivers that are not detachable, because the quivers designed to attach and detach often are the ones prone to rattle when walking and shooting.

The top half—hood—and the bottom half—arrow gripper—of this quiver are bolted onto the riser of a bow independently. TightSpot includes multiple hardware pieces to match the varying connection points across the spectrum of compound bows on the market. Once attached to the riser, the Pivot earns its name from the adjustable rods that can be maneuvered so the quiver stands vertically on any bow. And the rods telescope so you can extend or reduce the distance between the gripper and the hood. You can also push the quiver in toward the riser to produce a slim profile, or pull it out away if you need to work around other accessories.

Screws mounted in rubber wedges between the individual arrow grippers can be driven in, or backed out, which compresses or opens the grippers to accommodate arrows of different diameters. With the wedges screwed all the way in, they’ll firmly hold 4mm shafts. Backed out, you can load 23-diameter shafts without a problem.

The soft foam that fills the hood is my favorite kind of foam for broadheads. No, it isn’t as durable as harder rubber seats in the hoods of other quivers, but it holds broadheads in place better than any other material. And as long as you seat your broadheads in the same holes in the foam every time you load your quiver, the foam will last for many years.

Kwikee Kwiver Lite-4

Kwikee

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Key Features

• Detachable, one-piece quiver
• Deep hood with thin, solid rubber padding inside and guide holes for arrow tips
• Strong arrow gripper will hold skinny and normal diameter hunting arrows
• Can be locked in with an included bolt
• Lightweight at 8.4 ounces
• Holds four arrows

Pros

• Costs $30
• With the Ultra-Lock bolt in place, it’s super quiet
• Actic-2 arrow holder remains pliable in freezing weather
• Easily detaches without the Ultra-Lock bolt
• Even large fixed-blade broadheads are totally enclosed in the hood

Cons

• Without the Ultra-Lock bolt, it has a faint rattle
• With the bolt in place, detaching is not as fast as without it
• Arrows extend below the bottom cam

The Kwikee Kwiver Lite-4 was going to make my list somehow because it’s one of the rare pieces of compound bow equipment that has remained virtually unchanged for more than three decades. I can think of no other piece of compound gear that hasn’t morphed over the years to change the way it functions or the way it looks. With that kind of longevity without transformation, you know The Kwikee Kwiver Lite-4 works.

This is a one-piece, detachable quiver that holds four arrows. Arrows are held about a third of the way down the shaft by the rubber Arctic 2 gripper, which doesn’t turn to rock when it’s cold outside.

The hood has a thin, solid-rubber lining with guide holes in the top to receive arrow points. Those holes combined with the gripper hold arrows pretty snugly in place.

The quick-detach bracket employed by the Kwikee Lite-4 is the same as it’s always been. There’s a metal leaf with a red plastic top that you pull back to insert the quiver. When the quiver is seated, the leaf springs back into place and the red top then holds the quiver down.

To get the quiver completely silent, you’ll need the Ultra-Lock bolt, which mounts through the center of the quiver arm and pins it to the bracket. It’s easy enough to unscrew it to detach the quiver, but it takes extra time. Without that bolt, the quiver does rattle a bit at the shot.

Where the Kwikee Lite-4 sits on the riser is both good and bad. The quiver sits kind of in the middle of the bow, while others usually sit higher. This lower position causes arrows 27 inches and longer to extend below the bottom cam on most bows, which means the nocks are constantly digging into the dirt if you rest your bow on the bottom cam. But that low position allows your bow to balance better during a shot. It doesn’t make the bow top heavy, like some other quivers.

Best Traditional: Selway Slide-On Recurve Quiver

Selway

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Key Features

• Two-piece design
• Slides over limbs
• Hood is solid leather with thick, trad stitching
• Foam insert inside the hood is deep to receive those big traditional broadheads
• Lower, rubber gripper securely holds five arrows
• Fits recurve bows with limbs 1.5-2 inches wide

Pros

• Can be adjusted up and down on the limbs to hold arrows of any length
• The ends twist to get the orientation of both halves so they hold arrows parallel to the bow
• Easy to install
• Looks super traditional

Cons

• Not the most secure-fitting quiver

The Selway Slide-On Recurve Quiver tells you exactly what it is in the name. It’s a two-piece quiver that slides onto recurve bows. Each half slides onto a limb. 

Assembly is simple. Remove the bowstring and slide the hood over the upper limb tip and down toward the riser. Slide the arrow gripper over the lower limb tip and up toward the riser. Position the two halves anywhere to hold your arrows accordingly. The two pieces fit fairly snugly, so long as the limbs are 1.5-2 inches wide. Of course, they fit the 2-inch limbs more snugly than the 1.5-inch.

The hand-stitched leather hood is what makes this quiver so trad. It looks cool and forms the perfect container for my favorite broadhead-holding foam. Stuff a big, 135-grain Zwickey two-blade into this foam and it’s not going anywhere, nor is it cutting anyone accidentally.

With its all-rubber contact points, the Selway is nice and quiet on the bow at the shot. Even though it might be a bit loose on the limbs as compared to a bolt-on quiver, there’s nothing metal to rattle and make noise.  

Having arrows in the quiver actually makes it more secure on the bow because arrows connect the halves to one another. And it holds those arrows within easy reach in case a follow-up shot is needed fast—a not-so-infrequent issue traditional bowhunters face.

Like I said. The Selway Slide-On functions great. What seals its crown as the best traditional quiver is its looks. It’s trad through and through.

Best Hip Quiver: Vista Knight

P.J. Reilly

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Why It Made the Cut

It’s one of the only hip quivers designed to hold broadheads left on the market. It’s well made, looks good and has my favorite type of broadhead foam.

Key Features

• Stunning leather construction
• Sturdy rubber arrow grippers
• Thick hood foam to secure broadheads
• Belt loop
• Intended for wearing only on the right side
• Leather thigh lashes

Pros

• Stows arrows right on your hip for quick loading into your bow
• Leather construction and foam in the hood protect you from razor-sharp broadheads
• Lashed to your thigh, the quiver moves with your leg as you stalk
• Rubber shaft grippers hold arrows securely

Cons

• Not ideal for tree stand or ground blind hunting
• Arrows are more exposed to brush while stalking and can get pried out of the quiver easier than arrows attached to a bow

The Vista Knight Hunting Quiver is a stylish, leather quiver that holds five arrows. It’s 12 inches long by 8.5 inches across and has a loop that connects to a belt worn around your waist. It’s also got leather lashes so you can tie the bottom of the quiver to your thigh. The arrow shafts are held in place by rubber grippers at the top, while the broadhead-tipped points are buried in thick foam inside the hood. 

That foam inside the hood is what separates the Vista Knight from most other hip quivers on the market. Those are designed primarily for arrows tipped with field points, and therefore intended more so for target archery than hunting. Such quivers are no good for broadheads.

Hip quivers used to be quite popular among bowhunters many years ago, but have fallen out of favor in more recent times. That’s probably why there are very few options for hunting hip quivers today. Now, you’re probably most likely to see traditional archers using such a quiver.

But they’re great for spot and stalk hunts. With the lashes tied to your thigh, this quiver moves with your body, holding arrows ready for action right on your hip, sort of like a Western six-shooter. If you have to crawl on your belly, you undo the lashes and shove the quiver around your belt to your back.

Mathews and Hoyt Quivers

Mathews and Hoyt are two bow manufacturers that have cultivated dedicated fan bases that love to fly the manufacturers’ flags. Die-hard Mathews and Hoyt owners will have as many Mathews and Hoyt accessories on their bows as they can get, including quivers. If you’re part of this crowd and you have a Mathews Phase 4, you’re just not going to put a Redline or TighSpot quiver on your bow, even though they will fit.

Fortunately for Mathews and Hoyt owners, their manufacturers both make quality quivers. We are giving them their own category because these quivers only fit the bows they’re named for. So they’re no good to owners of bows that don’t say “Mathews” or “Hoyt.” But if your bow does bear one of those names, these are the quivers for you.

Mathews LowPro Detachable Quiver

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The LowPro is a five-arrow, quick-detach quiver that follows the Mathews’s overall bow design of creating a skinny bow profile. They’ve got the integrate rest mount and the Bridge-Lock cutouts for mounting a sight and stabilizer – all in the name of slimming down the bow. So they need a quiver that keeps that vibe going.

The LowPro features a single carbon rod and attaches to the bow via connections at the top of the quiver and the bottom. A simple press lever at the bottom locks it in place. Lift the lever, and the quiver easily detaches.

The hood is deep and filled with a pliable foam that holds broadheads firmly. And with the hood and lower arrow gripper 20 inches apart, the quiver holds arrows in place more securely and quietly than shorter quivers. You can set your bow on the ground – quiver side down – and not worry about arrows bending or breaking.

It’s a quiver that’s quiet, very functional, low profile, and which will appeal to the Mathews fans who just gotta have all the Mathews accessories.

Read Next: Mathews Phase 4 Review

Mathews Arrow Web HD Quiver

Mathews

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The Arrow Web isn’t Mathews’ latest quiver, but it is the quiver that will fit the most Mathews bows. And it’s been around for many years because it’s well-made. Available in four-arrow or six-arrow versions, the Arrow Web mounts to Mathews bows via a one-of-a-kind connection.

There’s a metal piece shaped like the letter “C” that gets bolted to a unique-shaped recess built into Mathews risers. The quiver then has two metal posts on it. The top one gets seated in a cup on the mounting bracket and the lower one pivots over a raised finger before seating into its own cup.

Now that connection keeps the quiver seated solidly. It, plus harmonic dampeners in the quiver and the mounting bracket keep this quiver ultra-quiet if you choose to shoot with it attached to the bow. But if you press down on that finger on the lower attachment point on the bracket, the quiver can quickly be detached if you like to remove it in the tree stand or ground blind.

The hood space is generous and it’s filled with a rubbery pad that broadheads sink into for nearly total encasement. The arrow grippers easily accommodate standard or micro diameter hunting arrows.

Hoyt Carbon Superlite Stretch

Hoyt

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The Carbon Superlite Stretch is another one of those long quivers, measuring 20 inches. Again, I like that length for stability holding the arrows in place. You can shoot your bow with this quiver attached, or it can quickly be detached at its two mounting points.

The unique feature of the Carbon Superlite Stretch is its adjustability. You can adjust the quiver up or down so the arrows sit on your bow the way you want. And you can also adjust it toward or away from the riser to navigate around other accessories. And if you’re using a Hoyt integrate arrow rest and the Hoyt picatinny mount for your sight, you can pull the Carbon Superlite Stretch insanely tight against the riser for an extremely low profile.

What to Consider When Buying a Quiver

Choosing a hunting quiver doesn’t need to be a long, drawn-out process. If you do your homework and know what you want, you should be able to pick one out in short order.

The process starts with deciding if you want the quiver to be detachable or not. Think how you hunt and where you hunt, and that decision should be simple. Of course, if you’re not sure, then go with detachable, because you can always simply leave that quiver attached.

Study how different quivers attach to a bow. If there’s going to be noise, this is where it’s going to start. You want the connection to be snug—immovable if possible. 

If the quiver is detachable, how does the detach system work? You might be detaching and attaching in the dark, so you don’t want a quiver that requires fine motor skills to put it on or take it off your bow.

Like you’d do buying a car, look under the hood. How does a certain quiver hold arrow points? You want your points held firmly in place to keep them from rattling loose. In my opinion, hoods filled with foam/rubber are the most secure.

Check the arrow grippers. You want them to be pliable, so arrows can slip in and out easily, but you don’t want them to be flimsy, or the arrows will vibrate loose. Pliable, sturdy arrow grippers are best. 

Overall, how well does the quiver hold your arrows? If you hold a quiver that locks arrows in place and one that allows them to move around, you will feel the difference. 

Choose the quiver that holds the number of arrows you want to take with you on bowhunts and fits your budget, and you’re all set.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Bowhunting quivers aren’t sexy. They aren’t meant to be sexy. You don’t usually hear bowhunters waxing poetic about how much they love their quiver. You want it to do its job and never have to think about it. Pick the right one, and that’s exactly what you’ll get.

The post The Best Bow Quivers of 2023 appeared first on Outdoor Life.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best Overall		Amazon	SEE IT	LEARN MORE	Summary The biggest marketplace also does sunglasses.
Best For Outdoors		Backcountry	SEE IT	LEARN MORE	Summary A great selection of sunglasses for hiking, fishing, and more.
Best For Prescription Sunglasses		Warby Parker	SEE IT	LEARN MORE	Summary A digital age eyeglass retailer that also does prescription shades right.

A glint of brass outlining clean aviators to the glare-cutting polarization every angler needs: It seems like there are more styles of sunglasses in the world than there are squirrels in the Great Smoky Mountains. So finding that particular pair that’s just right for you is impossible to find, hidden amongst a trillion others. You might be shopping for budget, brand name, or protection: Whatever it is that drives your decision, it can be useful to narrow down your search to just one or two marketplaces. The best places to buy sunglasses offer a wide selection of shades tailored to your needs. 

Some of the best places to buy sunglasses are large general-purpose retailers that carry thousands of brands and products and might carry budget-priced glasses as well as famous brand names. Other retailers are small boutiques or mid-sized companies that make sunglasses and prescription glasses and will offer the best in-store experience as well as a solid online storefront. 

I looked at the top retailers and evaluated each for their selection, return policy, and user experience. Read on for a look into where to buy sunglasses, whether you’re shopping for a pair of sunglasses that look straight off the set of Catch Me If You Can, something to keep your eyes safe on that next ascent up Shasta, or some shades that will help you spot the fish of a lifetime.

• Best Overall: Amazon
• Best For Outdoors: Backcountry
• Best For Prescription Sunglasses: Warby Parker
• Best For Men’s: Cabela’s
• Best Budget: Etsy

How I Picked the Best Places to Buy Sunglasses

I know how essential sunglasses can be. After failing to pack sunglasses on a three-day backpacking trip around a snow covered glacier in the Three Sisters Wilderness, my hiking buddy and I staggered forth from the end of the trail half snowblind, with the trailhead swimming before us. There are some situations in life where sunglasses are simply mandatory. 

To assemble this list of the best places to buy sunglasses, I factored the experience I’ve garnered as a long-time gear reviewer and outdoors enthusiast, as well as my interest in contemporary fashion and streetwear, honed through years of living in NYC and camping all over the country. I researched multiple retailers and dived deep into their offerings. This list aims to be inclusive, including some of the best-loved retailers for outdoors gear and some focused on style. The picks on this list also run the gamut on price. Below is a breakdown of some of the criteria I looked for in my picks.

Average Price

Some retailers focus on cheaper shades, while some brand-name boutiques get quite expensive. I made sure to include both and highlight their price points.

Prescription Lenses 

Prescriptions aren’t always available directly from all retailers. I made sure to include a few eyewear services specializing in prescription opticals and do a good job catering to prescription needs.

Return Policy 

The return policy can make all the difference as to whether you’re comfortable buying from an online retailer. I made sure to highlight return policies. Some companies even go further and make returns a cornerstone of their business, shipping trial glasses to you de facto, with the expectation that you’ll try more than one on and ship the rejects back.

Brands 

The number of brands can be quite broad or quite narrow at given retailers. I highlighted a few direct-to-consumer brands and a few larger retail marketplace that carry many brands.

Best Overall: Amazon

Amazon

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Key Features 

• Return Policy: Generous, most items eligible for free return with exceptions
• Marketplace or Direct: Marketplace
• Prescriptions: Limited
• Number of Brands: More than 100
• Try Before You Buy 

Why It Made The Cut

With super fast shipping, a generous return policy, and thousands of options from both A-list brands and budget picks, Amazon is the most powerful platform for hunting for shades. 

Pros

• Super fast and cheap shipping, especially with Prime
• Usually free to return items
• Over 30,000 results for “sunglasses”

Cons

• Clunky for prescription lenses

Product Description 

The biggest online retailer has stacks of options to find the best pair of shades for you. Whether you’re looking for premium shades that scream luxury outdoor lifestyle or an Affordable pair, Amazon has it all. While most retailers on Amazon don’t prepare lenses for your prescription, you can find shades that ship with lenses made for common prescription types. 

Amazon offers some attractive options that make it an especially easy place to shop for sunglasses. With Amazon Prime, you get free 2-day shipping on Prime eligible items and free same-day delivery on specific items in some geographic areas. If you’re ordering lots of sunglasses you can even elect to have them all shipped on a chosen “Amazon day,” which will reduce the packages your products come in. Deliveries can also be arranged for pick up at common Amazon hub locations. 

There are lots of convenient return options, especially for Prime. Most sunglasses delivered within the country are eligible for free returns. Prime eligible sunglasses are held to the same return policy as sunglasses shipped from Amazon, even if they’re from a third-party seller (so look before you buy). For eligible items (generally non-perishable items shipped directly from Amazon), drop-off returns at hub locations are always free within 30 days of shipment for un-tampered items. This is a great alternative to shipping back returns, as shipped returns will generally deduct the shipping cost from your refund. However, if you’re making the return because of a mistake on Amazon’s part, they will generally wave shipping costs.

All in all, Amazon has some of the best selection and delivery options out there. Amazon’s Try Before You Buy program makes the selection process even easier, allowing you to pick out up to six sunglasses (or shades and a matching hat), then ship back what you don’t want to keep in a resealable box. With free return shipping, Try Before You Buy is a great way to find the sunglasses meant for you.

Best for Outdoors: Backcountry

Backcountry

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Key Features

• Return Policy: Full refunds on unused gear with paid label
• Marketplace or Direct: Marketplace
• Prescriptions: Limited to none
• Number of Brands: 30

Why It Made The Cut: With free shipping on orders over $50 and a generous return policy, Backcountry caps off an excellent lineup of shades with an easy to use marketplace.

Pros

• Great selection of outdoors shades including outdoor sports shades
• Solid shipping and return policy
• Generous lowest price guarantee policy

Cons

• Not the most budget friendly

Product Description 

Backcountry is both an online retailer and storefront. Making its home in the Western United States, Backcountry is focused on brands that cater to outdoor enthusiasts. While their offerings touch all sides of outdoor gear, they do an excellent job with sunglasses. 

Backcountry is an easy-to-use platform that offers free shipping on orders over $50 in the US. Their return policy is decently generous, offering full refunds for returns on most unused new items at any time and returns on used items within 30 days for credit. A non-freight return label is $6.99. While Backcountry doesn’t have locations all over the United States, if you live in a town with a store front, they offer one of the best in-store shopping experiences for sunglasses. They also offer a lowest price guarantee policy that will beat prices on gear from any non-third party seller (not Amazon) by 5%. The Expedition Perks loyalty program is another solid marketplace feature, giving you excellent rewards for things like birthdays and return buys. All in all, Backcountry deserves a look from anyone serious about outdoor shades.

Best for Prescription Sunglasses: Warby Parker

Warby Parker

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Key Features

• Return Policy: Free returns, free trial system with 5 frames
• Marketplace or Direct: Direct
• Prescriptions: Yes
• Number of Brands: 1

Why It Made The Cut 

Warby Parker offers a free try-out service that sends five options to your door, a virtual App-based try-on system, stylish frames, and prescriptions available for your shades.

Pros

• Free shipping and returns
• Order five frames to try on and send back the four you don’t like
• App lets you virtually try different frames on your face
• Eye exams are available in-store

Cons

• No budget options available

Product Description 

You don’t have to be a hipster to rock Warby Parker shades, you just have to appreciate style and convenience. Warby Parker is the quintessential direct-to-consumer eyeglass brand of the digital age. Their reputation for quality, style, and ease of use is well deserved with a strong lineup of good quality shades that are all had for a moderate price point, which scales based on the feature set.

The Warby Parker online retail space comes with some innovative practices. Warby Parker offers a free trial service:

• Pick five frames and have them shipped to you.
• Try them all on at home.
• Make your decision.
• Ship back the rejects.

The company also offers an app-based virtual try-on service that allows you to apply different frames to your face instantly. Together, these tools help you pinpoint exactly which glasses will look good on you. 

Perhaps most importantly, Warby Parker is also good at prescriptions. Not only are all their shades available for prescription, but they also offer progressives and simple reading lenses—even as sunglasses. If you’re not sure what your prescription is, head to a Warby Parker store and get checked out, they offer affordably priced eye exams in store. All in all, Warby Parker is a great choice for stylish prescription shades, whether you’re shopping online or heading to their brick and mortar.

Best for Fishing Sunglasses: Cabela’s

Cabela’s

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Key Features

• Return Policy: Refunds or exchanges in most cases, can be returned to Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shops
• Marketplace or Direct: Marketplace
• Prescriptions: No
• Number of Brands: 11

Why It Made The Cut 

Cabela’s has a great selection of fishing sunglasses and the tackle to go with them. 

Pros

• Free shipping on orders over $50
• Products are easy to return and exchange at Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops
• Great selection of classic outdoors gear

Cons

• Not much help for prescription sunglasses

Product Description

Cabela’s and its sister company Bass Pro Shops are some of the best-known names in outdoor gear. Whether it’s timeless Ray Bans that look straight out of the war chest of a 1940s RAF pilot, or a set of Oakleys that will have heads spinning at the boat ramp, Cabela’s has the classics on lock.

Sunglasses are one of the best fishing gifts, and Cabela’s is an especially great place to buy a gift. Cabela’s has a policy that says all online sales can be returned in person to any Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shops locations for exchanges. Since exchanges are accepted in person at both sister retailers, it’ll be easy for the angler to drop into a Cabela’s and pick out something just right—even if you buy online. 

All in all, Cabelas is a leading place to buy outdoor gear, with a great selection of the best polarized sunglasses for fishing. If you’re looking for something for your daily commute, for long days spent angling, or for an afternoon on a cliff ascent, Cabelas has your back. Cabela’s also has a selection of the best shooting glasses. 

Best Budget: Etsy

Etsy

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Key Features

• Return Policy: Depends on seller
• Marketplace or Direct: Marketplace
• Prescriptions: Generally not, depends on seller
• Number of Brands: Over 238,000 search results for “sunglasses”

Why It Made The Cut

With thousands of retailers on the platform, Etsy offers budget prices on unique sunglasses, and the marketplace makes it cheap and easy to shop too.

Pros

• Lots of unique options
• Support small businesses
• Etsy works towards sustainable practices

Cons

• Return policies can be harder to navigate than some

Product Description 

Etsy is full of unique options for eyewear, whether it’s vintage, stock sourced from other countries or oddities created by small businesses. Whether you’re looking for a great budget deal or something unique that stands out from the mainstream, Etsy is a great place to buy. With a quick search, you’ll find vintage 80s stock sunglasses, thin and slim shades, and vibrant sunglasses that’ll look at home on your vacation to Miami beach. 

Since Etsy aggregates many small independent sellers, the marketplace isn’t as unified in terms of shipping time and return policy as some. Sellers aren’t required to provide returns or exchanges. Most sunglasses on Etsy don’t offer the option of prescription lenses, though many frames bought on Etsy are compatible with prescriptions. The marketplace is also always an excellent place to shop for unique frames for your prescription sunglass lenses. 

Things to Consider Before Choosing Where to Buy Sunglasses

Before you go to pick out that brand new pair of shades, you might want to hone in on where the best places to buy sunglasses.

Technical Outdoor Gear

There are a lot of ways to enjoy the outdoors. When some say they’re going camping, it means pulling up to a county park site they booked online and setting up a tent next to the car for a barbeque and some fun with the family. For others, it might mean backpacking 18 miles into an alpine pass alone and setting up a tent. 

However you enjoy the outdoors, you’ll need sunglasses that match your passion.

Prescriptions

Not many third-party marketplaces offer prescription lenses for sunglasses, yet for many, prescriptions can make all the difference. If you have an astigmatism and shoot hoops, you’re nearsightedand you like to birdwatch, or you’re farsighted and you spend your days planting in the garden, prescription shades can change your experience of the outdoors. Rather than relying on contact lenses with generic shades or clip-on shades for your everyday opticals, consider finding a sunglass retailer that can fulfill your needs for custom prescription sunglasses. Some marketplaces facilitate this feature, but this type of service is often easiest to find at a direct-to-consumer optical service.

Shopping Perks

When shopping for shades, it’s often a good idea to look for some of the perks that make a given marketplace or digital storefront stand out. Many retailers will offer nice features such as free shipping on orders over a specific price, points toward special deals for repeat purchases, seasonal sales, free shipping on returns, and other such perks. Some have a virtual try-on service built into their website or offer this feature in an app. Before choosing a market to shop in, consider what perks will benefit you. 

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Whether for charm or protection, your eyes will benefit from a great pair of sunglasses. If you want all the options, Amazon still has the best overall selection with budget prices next to top brands. Try on a few favorites with Amazon’s Try Before You Buy program. Whatever you choose, keep your eyes protected this summer.

The post The Best Places to Buy Sunglasses appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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I tapped the button on my rangefinder to send a laser at a group of three bedded rams. I was 465 yards away. Caught off-guard by the rams, I had to approach them from below and this was as close as I was going to get without being busted. The shot was well within my range, and the broken fog that socked in parts of the mountains hung dead in the air, so adjusting for the wind would not be an issue. Dialing my custom turret to 4.6, I eased up on my belly to a comfortable shooting position. The familiar “thunk” of a solid hit followed the report of my rifle. The ram stood up, only to fall right back over.

Adjustable sights date back to late 1900s. The old 1874 Sharps buffalo rifles were some of the first to have them. Turret adjustment has had a renaissance amongst hunters in the last decade. Dialing for proper windage and elevation has helped make us better long-range shots and more precise, which makes our kills clean. When I was a kid, I used a fixed or variable power scope, and zeroed it 2 or 3 inches high at 100 yards. If I wanted to shoot past 300 yards, I had to estimate the yardage and memorize the drop chart on the back of the ammo box. For most applications, a hunter can be effective with “holdover,” especially if he or she owns a scope with a holdover reticle. But it still leaves plenty of room for mistakes. Dialing your turrets properly allows you to settle the crosshairs on your intended target and make a smooth trigger pull.

I was first introduced to sight adjustment in my service rifle competition days, though riflescopes with adjustable elevation and windage turrets have been around for much longer. For hunting, I have used Leupold’s CDS (custom dial system) turrets on a VX-3 riflescope. I quickly realized the value in being able to adjust elevation for distance, and hold on target. It took the guessing out of how high to hold over the back of a sheep or caribou. Now, I can’t justify not having an adjustable turret on any rifle I might want to shoot beyond 250 yards. Custom and non-custom turrets are available in a wide variety of riflescopes. But if you’re just beginning to dabble, there are a few basics you need to know about turrets.

How Turrets Work

First, whether you’re ordering a custom turret or just plugging data in to generate a drop chart for a standard turret, you need to know the exact bullet and chronograph its velocity out of your rifle if you want to be able to make accurate adjustments in the field. A custom turret is typically made for one particular load. You send the manufacturer the data and zero range of your rifle, and they build a turret to match the exact trajectory of your bullet. You will simply need to range your target and turn the dial to the appropriate yardage listed on the turret. Factors like temperature and elevation can also have impacts on cartridge trajectory, so be sure to account for those as well. If you’re unsure of what those factors do to your bullet, talk to the ammunition manufacturer. They should be more than willing to help. Once you generate the calculated data, it’s also important to verify it on the range. Use the rangefinder you will be hunting with, and note any differences in impacts versus your calculations.

The Importance of a Zero Stop

Another important thing to know about your scope is whether it has a zero stop, zero lock, tracking, or other adjustment-locking mechanism. Some scopes have adjustable elevation and/or windage turrets that are fully adjustable both up and down and left to right with no way of fixing them in one place. This isn’t a problem when your rifle is sitting in the gun closet, but while you are hunting, your turret can easily be caught on something and get twisted. And you might not be able to tell if the rifle is zeroed or a full revolution off, which will cause your shot to be way off line.

If you have a zero stop, that means from any given elevation change, you can twist the dial all the way back down till it stops, and you’re back at your basic zero distance every time. Some scopes like Leupold’s VX-3HD, have turrets that lock onto zero, and you have to push a small button to manually make an elevation adjustment, which eliminates accidental adjustment. Many scopes also have reference marks to tell you if you’re more than one revolution up from your zero, so make sure to familiarize yourself with your scope to ensure that you understand how to determine where you’re at.

You Still Have to Practice

Practice making adjustments, shooting, and coming back to zero with your scope. Generally, your impact will adjust in the direction you’re moving your turret. Elevation impact is adjusted up with a counter-clockwise turn, and down with a clockwise turn. Windage is usually moved right with a counter-clockwise turn and left with clockwise turns. However, there are some makes of riflescopes that have opposite directions of adjustment, so make sure you pay attention to what you’ve got. There’s no substitute for range time and learning wind conditions and how they affect your impact, but also practice interpolating between marked yardages on your chart or turret, so that you can make a more accurate shot at any reasonable distance. A good drill is to shoot out to a set yardage, say 200 yards, and then shoot at closer target between 100 and 200 yards or one between 200 and 300 yards. You can increase these distances as you become more proficient with your rifle.

Read Next: Riflescopes: MOA vs. Mils

Finally, don’t use your turret as an excuse to skip out on range time or shoot at an animal beyond ranges you would not be comfortable with if your turret was not dialed for a specific load. A turret is a wonderful tool, and can make hunters much more precise within reasonable shooting ranges. It can also help experienced shooters be more accurate at longer distances. Buy you have to practice. Know your rifle and scope, and how to evaluate hunting scenarios so you can make an ethical shot.

The post Adjustable, Custom Turrets Are the Hot Trend. Here’s How to Use Them On Your Riflescope for Better Accuracy appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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The Adjustable Bag Rider tackles two issues at once, both of which are of paramount concern to long-range shooters. First, it creates an ample area of support on the underside of the buttstock so shooters can build a secure rest for their rifle. Second, it lets the shooter make precise adjustments to the elevation of their crosshairs by virtue of a threaded wheel that raises or lowers the base of the bag rider.

The ABR was designed by Dave Pobutkiewicz who has more than 20 years of experience fabricating precision tool and die items. An avid long-range shooter, Pobutkiewicz saw the need for a better way to make vertical adjustments to a rifle’s position. Prior to this, shooters would fall into the categories of “bag squeezer” or machine rest users—sometimes both.

Squeezing a rear bag works, but it can be difficult to hold a correct position for longer periods of time and is inherently less consistent. High tech bench rests, the majority of which support the fore-end of the rifle, can make precise, minute adjustments to point of aim, but they are heavy, expensive, and cumbersome to transport. I don’t know if Pobutkiewicz looked at it this way, exactly, but what the ABR does is take a portion of the machine rest and let the shooter attach it to the rear of the rifle.

ABRs for Various Chassis Systems

ABRs are available for a wide variety of rifles, though Pobutkiewicz got his start by making one for the Ruger Precision Rifle. His goal was to create a unit that would clamp on to the rifle easily with basic tools. The one on my Accuracy International, pictured here, uses two Allen key fasteners that took only a couple minutes to install.

ABRs are available for numerous different rifles/chassis systems. These include MDT, MPA, XLR, Ruger RPR, Accuracy International, Barrett, Tikka T3X and Tac A1, GRS, Christensen MPR, Desert Tech, Magpul PRS3, Cadex, SCAR, Victrix, Oryx, Target Tool and Daystate. There are also other rifles that can use ABRs provided the underside of a stock can accommodate a length of Picatinny rail. With minor modifications to the stock, the ABR can be mounted on Ruger Precision Rimfire Rifles, Luth-AR stocks, Savage Axis II, and the Daniel Defense Delta 5.

When selecting an ABR, you not only need to know the model of your rifle—all the attachments systems are unique to specific brands—but with some guns you need to take into consideration how the length of pull is set up on your gun. If the LOP is short, it might require one type of clamping interface, and if it is longer, another. Though that might sound daunting, Pobutkiewicz is easy to work with. He provides one-on-one feedback to make sure you get the right version.

One final consideration is the shape of the base of the bag rider. The adjustable bag riders can be had with a flat square bottom—which is what I chose—or with a V-shaped profile that is designed to ride in the notch between some bunny-ear style bags. The flat square bottom, which is .85 inches wide, is the more versatile of the two. But if you shoot consistently with a quality rear bag, like those made by Protektor Model, the V-shaped profile is a great option.

Adjustable Bag Rider in The Field

With an ABR attached, the butt of a rifle will ride higher above the ground than before—count on two or three inches. So, you have to make sure your bipod extends far enough to elevate the muzzle adequately for shots on flat terrain and uphill. The Elite Iron Revolution bipod on my ASXR has long legs to begin with (9 inches from where it pivots on the housing to the base of the feet) with an additional 6 inches of length when fully extended. That’s more than enough to compensate for the extra height of the ABR.

I did my shooting with two different rear bags. One is the waxed canvas Armageddon Gear Gamechanger with Git-Lit fill that goes with me everywhere I hunt or shoot. I’m more attached to that bag than Linus is to his blanket. I also used a bag of Pobutkiewicz’s design, a small and sturdy cylinder made of Cordura and felt that is about the size of two cans of tuna fish stacked on each other.

It’s called the LSP Small Bag (the letters stand for Long Shot Precision) and is a handy and portable bag.  Though it has a small footprint it still provides a great deal of stability. The bag has two panels of felt, one on one end of the cylinder and the other covering about a third of the circumference of the bag. The bag is designed to be used with the felt in contact with the surface being shot off. The felt will grip the ground, wood, or concrete and stay put while the rail on the ABR glides smoothly over the Cordura allowing the rifle to track cleanly in and out of recoil.

Superior Recoil Management with the ABR

The ABR worked well with both rear supports. The AI ASXR handles recoils like a champ, even when chambered in the stout .300 Norma Magnum, as mine is. With the ABR on the stock I found the rifle’s already excellent ergonomics noticeably improved. The odd-shaped piece of nylon that comes stock on the ASXR doesn’t have much surface engagement, so swapping to the larger bottom piece on the ABR was a big step up. The rifle tracked great on both bags, and I experienced less reticle jump than before.

The real magic of the ABR is the wheel that raises and lowers the base to fine tune the vertical position of the crosshairs. With the ABR pressed firmly into either bag so that they take a set—that’s the beauty of the lightweight Git-Lite fill, which provides sand-like stability at a fraction of the weight—the crosshairs don’t budge until you manipulate the wheel.

Silky Elevation Adjustments

One concern I had about the ABR was the ergonomics of the wheel position and whether it would function well under real-world conditions. Turns out I need not have worried. With my support (non-shooting) hand resting on the rear bag I was able to access and turn the wheel easily without needing to contort my wrist or otherwise compromise the shooting position.

The wheel itself turns and glides smoothly and precisely adjusts the elevation of the crosshairs. The scope on my rifle, a Nightforce ATACR 7-35×56, has the Mil-C reticle, which is one of the best out there for ELR shooting. The floating center dot allows for pin-point placement on the target and delivers a clean sight picture no matter the distance. The reticle and Adjustable Bag Rider paired together like a fine vintage port and Stilton cheese.

Improved Rifle Balance

Another benefit of the Adjustable Bag Rider is that it puts some extra weight into the rifle in a useful spot—the butt stock. For guns that are only shot prone—belly guns—rifle balance isn’t a concern. But for competitions and shooting scenarios where the rifle might be shot off barricades, vehicles, rocks, downed trees, and other non-prone positions it’s important to have a rifle that balances reasonably well. In general, precision rifles with their thick steel barrels, large bipods, and big suppressors tend to be muzzle heavy. So, getting a few extra ounces at the rear of the rifle is a boon for those who care about such things.

Read Next: How To Get The Most Out Of Your Precision Riflescope

Final Thoughts on the ABR

For shooters looking to squeeze extra accuracy out of their precision rifles, the ABR is a smart option. In terms of cost, they run about $235, so while not cheap they aren’t outrageously priced either. Especially when you consider that a weekend of intense precision rifle shooting will set you back that much in reloading components alone. And given the quality of their construction, the price isn’t out of line. They do add some bulk to the rifle and raise the height of the butt, so that needs to be factored in. But as a marksmanship aid that will benefit a shooter in practical, real-world situations, it is one of the better accessories to hit the scene in recent years.

The post Adjustable Bag Rider Review appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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Best Lightweight		Currex HikePro	SEE IT
Best Cushion		Superfeet Trailblazer	SEE IT
Best for Flat Feet		Oboz Plus II	SEE IT

If your feet hurt while hiking, you might benefit from insoles for hiking boots. First, take stock of your footwear. The right shoes are the first step, but if you already own a quality pair of hiking shoes, one of the best hiking insoles can alleviate pain. The insoles that come in your shoes are typically just a flat piece of foam. If the arch of your foot isn’t supported, it can cause problems like blisters, hot spots, supination or overpronation (your foot rolling out or in), and plantar fasciitis (a condition where the tissues in your foot become strained).

Blisters and hot spots can arise from excess friction in your shoe, and a thicker, more supportive insole can fill this space. Insoles can also give your foot a firm cradle to help aid in shock absorption and weight distribution to relieve stress on your body. I tested multiple models from the top brands to determine which are the best insoles for hiking.

• Best Lightweight: Currex HikePro
• Best Cushion: Superfeet Trailblazer
• Best Custom: Superfeet ME3D
• Best for Flat Feet: Oboz Plus II
• Best Replacement: Sole Active
• Dishonorable Mention: Drugstore Gel Inserts

Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Insoles for Hiking

There are two parts of an insole: the arch support and footbed. The arch support is a hard piece, typically plastic or carbon fiber, that cradles the foot. The footbed is the fabric covered foam in the shape of your foot. Some may contain additional padding at the heel or forefoot, but the arch and footbed are the two main components. Let’s dive into how these can affect your hiking performance.

Arch Support

While everyone’s feet are different, most insoles are categorized by low, medium, or high arches. Selecting the right arch height is crucial. I spoke with Dr. Selina Sekulic from Salt Lake City’s Final Kick Ankle and Foot Clinic and she says, “If you are buying the insole to correct your rearfoot alignment, then you don’t want to choose an arch height that just positions your foot in its naturally poor alignment,” she explains. Sekulic frequently sees patients that have chosen too low of an arch profile. “If the over the counter options are causing blisters, or are just not tolerable, it’s time to invest in a customized orthotic,” Sekulic says.

To find your arch height at home, you can wet your foot and place it on a paper towel, piece of cardboard, etc. to see the impression your foot leaves. Then compare your arch imprint to the different arch heights to determine your height. Another option is to try a Superfeet ME3D custom scanner. I visited Ossine Shoes in West Jordan, UT, to experience it for myself. While I don’t have foot pain while hiking, it was still an enlightening experience to receive so much data about my feet. For instance, I have low arches, but during the walking portion of the scan, my arch height slightly increased while in motion. This shows how important dynamic data can be.

Firmness

Currex’s CEO Lutz Klein told me that while the shape of their HikePro insoles are the same, the stiffness of the shank that supports your arch varies according to size and arch profile. The lowest arch profile is the most rigid, becoming more flexible with higher arches. This is because Currex isn’t aiming to change your foot profile, they’re filling the gap in your shoes. The more surface area of your foot in contact with the shoe, the less pressure and fatigue there will be from unnecessary movement. 

If the bottom of your foot has constant contact, then the impact will be more equally distributed. The equation they use to achieve this on a mass scale is force / area = body weight x acceleration. (This is following the assumption that body weight is correlated to shoe size which according to Currex researchers is 89 percent accurate.) Your arch height changes in motion, as evidenced by my dynamic Superfeet scan. Therefore the best insoles for hiking must also be flexible enough to stay with your foot throughout the walk cycle. 

Orientation

The orientation of your feet also plays a part in Currex’s arch profile. You can see in their at-home sizing method how your insole is dependent on your leg axis as well as arch height. This also helps visualize how an insole can alleviate problems beyond foot pain, like hip and knee issues. 

However, the wrong insole can cause problems. Klein told me that Currex’s insoles will not cause long term issues if you pick the wrong arch height, because they are so flexible as to not alter your foot profile. But, Dr. Sekulic does caution against arch support that is too rigid. “Some people tend to roll to the outside of their foot (i.e supinate),” she explains. “An arch support which is designed to prevent the foot from rolling inwards (i.e excessive pronation) could potentially push the supinated foot into a more compromised position.” Essentially, be wary of discomfort in your insoles. If it is too rigid, you might not be absorbing shock properly which can lead to issues. 

Comfort

Choosing an insole might seem daunting, but just like any other piece of gear such as backpacks or hiking shoes, you have to listen to your body. The insole you choose should make you more comfortable, not less. Dr. Sekulic warns that since the arch support in insoles is made of a hard substance like plastic or carbon fiber, they cannot be broken in like a shoe. “Insoles should feel comfortable after a few times of wearing them. If not, return them for a better fit,” says Sekulic. This is why the best insoles have a return period even after wearing or trimming to size to ensure a proper fit. Cushion in the insole’s footbed is also an important factor. 

Your shoe volume can be affected by a too-thick or too-thin insole. Hiking boots typically have a large volume to accommodate thick socks and swelling. This gives plenty of room to replace the insole that came with your hiking boot with something more plush. The amount and distribution of cushion can also affect the performance of your shoes. Look for a zero drop to maintain the integrity of your footwear. The best insoles for hiking boots should work hand in hand (foot in foot?) with your shoe.

Best Insoles for Hiking: Review & Recommendations

Best Lightweight: Currex HikePro

Ashley Thess

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Key Features

• Durability: 500-900 miles
• Silicone heel grips
• Deep decoupled heel cup
• Bamboo mid layer
• Poron heel cushion
• Propo+ forefoot
• Dynamic arch
• 60-day guarantee
• Weight: 2 ounces (measured)

Pros

• Lightweight
• Silicone heel grips
• Breathable
• Zero drop

Cons

• Less cushion

The Currex insoles are developed with motion at the forefront of design. The arch support moves with you, guiding your gait in a healthy way without attempting to change your foot shape. Although the arch is rigid, when in motion it flexes with your foot. I found the low profile HikePros to be the most comfortable while hiking, in terms of arch support. The Poron and Propo+ on the heel and forefoot is enough to aid in shock absorption while maintaining the integrity of your shoe. They don’t contain as much cushion as other insoles, but this is also by design to achieve a zero drop profile. 

Plenty of insoles operate similarly to your boot in that they elevate your heel slightly above your toes. While drop is personal preference when it comes to shoes, your insole starts to compound this height difference. Currex’s zero drop along with the 2-ounces of weight won’t affect the performance of the best hiking boots you so deliberately picked out. But they absorb shock and reduce fatigue to make all the difference on high mileage days.

Currex’s HikePros are also the most lightweight and breathable insoles on this list. The bamboo mid layer and ventilated sole allow sweat or water to pass through and keep your feet dry. I particularly appreciated the silicone heel grabbers on steep descents.

Best Cushion: Superfeet Trailblazer

Ashley Thess

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Key Features

• Durability: 12 months or 500 miles
• Aerospring Ascent Dual Comfort foam
• Heel Impact Technology pod
• EVOLyte carbon fiber stabilizer cap
• Deep heel cup
• Moisturewick
• 60-day satisfaction guarantee
• Weight: 3 ounces (measured)

Pros

• Comfort foam
• Stabilizer cap

Cons

• Only available in one medium to high arch profile

The Trailblazer is available in a men’s or women’s version and it is specifically designed for hiking. The Aerospring Ascent Dual Comfort foam features two distinct layers of foam that are visible on the edge of the insole. I thought the foam was forgiving and the perfect thickness for my shoe volume while hiking. The cushioning reduces fatigue on long days but still feels stable in uneven terrain. It’s also treated with Moisturewick technology so your feet aren’t swimming in sweat. In addition to the plush but stable foam, a Heel Impact Technology pod disperses pressure on steep descents. 

The carbon fiber stabilizer and deep heel cup mean you won’t slide around either. While there are no alternate arch profile options, the medium to high arch support is meant to stabilize the wearer on rough terrain, reducing stress on the feet, ankles, knees, and back. It didn’t bother my low arches and I felt like the insole was accommodating my foot, so I wasn’t making sacrifices for fit. The heel cup on the women’s model is supposedly more narrow, but I could’ve used more cupping or perhaps an adhesive to keep my heel locked back. Though if you agree, you can fix this with a heel locking lacing technique on your boots.

Best Custom: Superfeet ME3D

Ashley Thess

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Key Features

• Poron Vive foam
• Personalized directional flex lines
• Customized variable stiffness zones
• Personalized arch profile
• Moisturewick
• 60-day satisfaction guarantee
• Weight: 5.4 ounces (measured)

Pros

• Custom comfort
• Specifically placed support

Cons

• Not great for steep ascents
• Heavy

I think the reason the personalized arch profile in my custom Superfeet ME3Ds is so comfortable is because it not only 3D prints the exact height of your arch, but also the position. The arch supporting shanks are the most rigid on this list, but they’re also extremely comfortable, meaning that the stiffer support is more beneficial to my foot in exactly the right spots. This makes sense considering low arches need more rigidness.

There are five different zones on the custom 3D-printed, carbon fiber arch support. They each contain variable flexibility determined by  the dynamic portion of my foot scan. I walked across a pressure pad three times to determine where I place the most pressure in motion. The heel of the arch support shank features a personalized angle of lines designed to guide my foot during the walk cycle. While hiking I thought these felt heavy, but overall supportive. However, on a steep incline I realized the stiff heel cup was catching my foot and not allowing me to extend fully during the climb.

Best for Flat Feet: Oboz Plus II

Ashley Thess

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Key Features

• Dual-density EVA
• Deep cushioning heel cup
• Poron Comfort pods under the metatarsal and heel
• Cleansport NXT
• Weight: 3 ounces (measured)

Pros

• Flexible
• Cushioned
• Lightweight

Cons

• Only medium arch profile
• Minimal arch support
• No satisfaction guarantee

My low arches were perfectly happy in the medium profile Oboz, the only profile they offer. The flexibility of the high-density EVA foam means even those with flatter feet won’t be bothered. The shank isn’t rigid and feels forgiving. It is designed to put your foot in a neutral position, so it provides some support without being overly pushy. They’re comfortably cushioned with additional Poron pods at the heel and forefoot. These aid in shock absorption and energy return.

This Oboz insole comes in all of their footwear as well, so if you own Oboz shoes you can replace a worn insole so it feels like the day you bought them. If your hiking boot insole isn’t comfortable enough, this plush, odor-resistant, flexible replacement could fix your issue. Unfortunately, the Oboz 1-year warranty only covers manufacturer defects and they won’t take it back if you wear it for a few hikes and don’t like it.

Best Replacement: Sole Active

Ashley Thess

SEE IT

Key Features

• Heat and wear moldable for customized fit
• Polygiene stay-fresh technology
• Zero drop
• Deep heel cup
• Available with metatarsal support pad
• Available in wide
• EVA foam
• Weight: 3.3 ounces (measured)
• 90 day guarantee 

Pros

• Zero drop
• EVA foam
• 90 day guarantee

Cons

• One size arch profile
• Minimal cushion

Sole is best known for their cork based insoles. However the best insoles for hiking should be durable and breathable, so for their active line Sole switched to EVA foam. I tested the Active Medium which felt good at the heel but slightly roomy at the toes. However, the width of the footbed provided good toe splay. If your boots have a larger foot volume, there is a thick version.

I appreciated the light weight and zero drop of these insoles; I would happily throw a pair in my bag on a soggy day or long trip to substitute my wet and smelly insoles with a fresh pair. The base is solid meaning it isn’t very breathable, but the Polygiene stay-fresh technology should keep them from smelling. The one-size fits all arch profile might not work for everyone. There is minimal support and cushioning. Technically they should heat mold to your feet, but I didn’t notice any difference after putting them in the oven and standing on them for 2 minutes. I would treat these as a good replacement for your current insoles if they’re worn down or wet, but not a solution to foot pain.

Dishonorable Mention: Drugstore Gel Inserts

Walmart

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Key Features

• Silicone gel
• Honeycomb design
• Weight: 4.5 ounces (measured)

Pros

• Cheap

Cons

• Entirely unhelpful

I decided to test a pair of drugstore gel inserts to see how they compared to the best insoles for hiking boots, and let me tell you, my already low expectations were not met. These were far worse than the admittedly already very comfortable insoles in my Salomon X Ultra Pioneer Mid Climasalomon Waterproof boots.

The foam insoles provide stability, shock absorption, and breathability in a lightweight package. The gel insoles are flat with no arch support and you can feel everything under your feet. My feet slid around inside my boots and there was even less cushion than before. If your feet are aching, skip this $15 detour and invest in some quality hiking insoles.

How I Chose the Best Insoles for Hiking Boots

You spend a lot of time and money picking out the perfect shoes tailored to your preferred activities and foot shape. So why do you now have to buy another product? Shouldn’t the performance footwear we obsess over be enough? For some people, it is. But as you tackle more intense objectives and get older, you could start to notice that factory footbeds just aren’t cutting it anymore. 

Most of the insoles on this list are personalized in some way whether it’s Currex’s sizing formula to determine which of 26 different arch supports are right for your size and arch height, or Sole’s heat molding, or Superfeet’s custom 3D printed shanks. If you factored this into buying shoes, things would get a lot more complicated and expensive. So, it’s left to after-market insoles to help those that are looking for more support and performance.

I tested the top brands making hiking-specific insoles and spoke with a reconstructive rearfoot and forefoot surgeon, the CEO of Currex, and had my feet 3D scanned by Superfeet to understand how the best insoles for hiking can take you farther.

When to Consult a Doctor

While the insoles on this list are great for a more comfortable hike, relieving some pain, or preventing a more serious injury, you should see a doctor if you’re in a considerable amount of pain. Dr. Sekulic says “There are various soft tissue and osseous problems that can cause foot pain. A custom orthotic can be modified to address those specific problems and bring you significant pain relief.” While this route is more expensive, Sekulic says proper foot care “ultimately leads to more steps each day.” Which is what we are all after, right?

FAQs

Why Trust Outdoor Life?

Since 1898, OL has been a leading authority in testing and reviewing hunting gear, fishing tackle, guns and shooting equipment, and much more. We have more than a century-long history of evaluating products, and we’re now bringing that expertise to online reviews. Our editors are experienced outdoorsmen and women, and most importantly, we’re trained journalists. We prioritize field testing and objective data when reviewing products. We conduct interviews with gear manufacturers and engineers as well as outdoor experts so that our readers have an understanding of how and why a product works—or doesn’t.

Advertising does not influence our gear reviews and it never will. While we always focus our coverage on standout products—because we want our readers to be aware of the latest and greatest gear—we also cover the flaws and quirks of any given product.

Final Thoughts on the Best Insoles for Hiking

You can avoid aching feet for good with the best insoles for hiking. If you’re looking to refresh your shoes mid-hike, the Sole Active line can help keep your feet feeling comfortable and dry. For intense hikers looking for increased performance, I would recommend the Currex HikePros. If all you need to keep moving is some extra cushion, go with the Superfeet Trailblazers.

• Best Lightweight: Currex HikePro
• Best Cushion: Superfeet Trailblazer
• Best Custom: Superfeet ME3D
• Best for Flat Feet: Oboz Plus II
• Best Replacement: Sole Active
• Dishonorable Mention: Drugstore Gel Inserts

The post The Best Insoles for Hiking of 2023 appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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Point-and-Shoot		Sony RX-10 IV	SEE IT
Digital Single-Lens Reflex		Nikon D850	SEE IT
APS-C Mirrorless		Sony Alpha a6600	SEE IT

Twenty years ago people would just ask, “Do you shoot Nikon or Canon?” Not so today. Camera tech has evolved at a blistering pace. There are many high-quality brands vying for your dollars, and there’s a camera system to fit every budget and shooting style. Whether you need a capable point-and-shoot for backyard birding or a pro-level rig for a once in a lifetime photo expedition, your options are many. 

But wading the complicated waters of camera specs and marketing hype can be confusing. The key is needing versus wanting. What camera features do you really need to accomplish your photographic goals, and which ones can you do without? To streamline your search, here’s a list of my picks for the best cameras for wildlife photography.

Point-and-Shoot (Bridge)

• Sony RX-10 IV
• Nikon Coolpix P1000

Digital Single-Lens Reflex (D-SLRs)

• Nikon D850
• Nikon D7500
• Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
• Canon EOS 90D

Micro Four Thirds Mirrorless 

• Panasonic Lumix G9

APS-C Mirrorless 

• Sony Alpha a6600 
• Fujifilm X-H2S
• Canon EOS R7
• Nikon Z50

Full Frame Mirrorless 

• Sony Alpha a7 IV
• Nikon Z6 II 
• Canon EOS R8 
• Panasonic Lumix S5 II

How I Chose the Best Cameras for Wildlife Photography

For more than a decade, I’ve been blessed to travel the world, photographing assignments for many of the outdoor industry’s biggest publications and companies (including Outdoor Life). Through those experiences I’ve learned that for outdoorsmen, durability, battery life and weather-sealing are non-negotiables. Camera geeks like me obsess about image quality, dynamic range, low light performance, and other must-haves—while frequent flyers care most about weight and portability. Focus on what you need most, narrow your options and know that, in most cases, whatever camera system you choose will likely pack more punch than you need. 

Photography is organized by three distinct camera categories: point-and-shoot (or bridge cameras), D-SLR, and mirrorless. The mirrorless cameras are further categorized by their different sensor sizes: micro four-thirds, APS-C, and full frame. I’ve avoided super high-end, expensive models, and geared this review toward beginner photographers and serious amateurs. The cameras outlined here are but a few of the many options on the market, but they offer a good range of prices and features. 

Point-and-Shoot (Bridge) Cameras

Sony RX-10 IV

Sony

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Key Features

• 20.1 megapixels
• 25X optical zoom
• Fast focus tracking with eye-detect
• 4K video with slo-mo capability
• Touchscreen focus and shooting
• Optical image stabilization 
• Lightweight
• Price: $1,698

Touted by many as the best bridge camera on the market, the Sony RX-10 IV packs a ton of tech into a tiny form factor. Boasting a zoom range of 24-600mm with a fast f/2.4-4 aperture to excel in low-light shooting, the RX-10 IV is equipped to document anything from postcard-perfect scenics to close-up wildlife portraits. Its fast 24 frames-per-second burst rate, coupled with Sony’s advanced autofocus tracking system, keeps pace with even the fastest-moving subjects—rivaling the capabilities of more expensive, pro-caliber cameras. 

Nikon Coolpix P1000

Nikon

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Key Features

• 16-megapixel low-light CMOS sensor
• Vari-Angle LCD screen for creative shooting angles
• 4K video, timelapse, and “Superlapse” video
• Macro photography as close as one foot to your subject
• Target finding autofocus with subject tracking 
• Price: $996.95

The newest model in Nikon’s long standing Coolpix line, the P1000 is the longest superzoom camera available right now (83X optical/125X digital). Its incredible 3,000mm equivalent reach makes it a top choice among wildlife photographers who need extreme zoom range without the bulk of other cameras. Utilizing pro-quality NIKKOR ED glass, optical vibration reduction, and a smooth zoom control ring, the versatile Coolpix P1000 delivers clean, sharp images and video at a sub-$1,000 price tag. 

Digital Single-Lens Reflex Cameras (D-SLRs)

Nikon D850

Nikon

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Key Features

• 45.7 megapixel CMOS sensor
• Seven frames per second continuous shooting (9 fps with optional battery grip)
• 153-point autofocus system
• 4K video and 8K timelapse
• 120 fps slo-mo video
• Tilting touchscreen LCD screen
• Utilizes fast high-capacity CF Express memory cards
• Long-lasting battery life
• Compatible with all Nikon F-Mount lenses 
• Price: $2,796.95

Nikon released its famed D850 in 2017. And while six years is an eternity in terms of tech upgrades, the D850 remains a top seller in 2023. A jack-of-all trades, the full frame D850 is celebrated by many as the greatest D-SLR ever made. There’s very little it can’t do. It gets its well-earned reputation by offering a serious mix of performance, heavy-duty construction, high resolution files, reliable focus tracking, weather and dust sealing, and superior image quality at a reasonable price. It’s rare to find less than a 5-star review of the D850, and for the vast majority of amateur and pro photogs, it’s more camera than you’ll ever need.

Nikon D7500

Nikon

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Key Features

• 20.9 megapixel APS-C sensor with a 1.5x crop factor
• 4K video
• Timelapse
• Touchscreen/tilting LCD
• Built-in flash
• 51-point autofocus system with face-detect
• Slim ergonomics
• Long battery life (rated to 950 shots)
• Price: $996.95

The popular Nikon D7500 offers many of the same great features as the famed, recently-decommissioned Nikon D500, but in a smaller, lighter, more user-friendly, less expensive package. An APS-C camera offering a 20.9 megapixel DX-sensor, the D7500 features a fast image processing engine, excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and burst shooting at eight frames per second. It tips the scales at a mere 22.6 ounces—making it a great choice for travel, hunts, and fishing trips. 

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

Canon

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Key Features

• 30.4 megapixels
• 61-point autofocus system
• 4K video
• Touch panel LCD screen
• Seven frames per second burst shooting
• Scene- and face-detect autofocus
• Built-in WiFi and GPS
• Price: $2,499

Offered at the same price point as the Nikon D850, the popular Canon EOS 5D Mark IV remains a top choice among loyal Canon D-SLR shooters. The 5D series has produced some incredible cameras over the years, and the 5D Mark IV is the “latest” offering in this legendary lineage. Even though the 5D Mark IV was released in 2016, retailers across the country continue to keep it in stock. Much like the Nikon D850, the old adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” applies to the 5D Mark IV. 

The full frame 5D Mark IV utilizes a 30.4 megapixel sensor, offering a good mix of file size and speed. Sturdy construction, fast and reliable focus tracking, high-resolution image capture, a wide ISO range of 100-32000, and compatibility with any Canon EF-mount lens make it one of the best cameras for wildlife photography.

Canon EOS 90D

Canon

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Key Features 

• 32.5 megapixel APS-C sensor with a 1.6X crop factor
• 10 frames per second burst shooting (11 fps during live view shooting)
• 45-point autofocus system with face and eye detect
• Compatible with most Canon EF and EF-S lenses
• Electronic shutter with speeds up to 1/8000 second for fast-action shooting
• Price: $1,199

The Canon EOS 90D is billed as a serious enthusiast camera ideal for a wide range of photographic pursuits, including wildlife photography. Canon offers several other D-SLR options—including the full frame EOS 6D Mark II and the less expensive EOS Rebel line (the EOS Rebel T7, EOS Rebel T8i, EOS Rebel SL3). However, the EOS 90D is included here because of its solid mix of high megapixels, fast burst rate, lightweight build, and competitive price. It’s a versatile, reliable, all-rounder that packs a lot of value into a tiny package. 

Micro Four Thirds Mirrorless Cameras

Panasonic Lumix G9

Lumix

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Key Features

• 20.3 megapixel sensor
• 80-megapixel high-resolution mode
• 60 frames per second (AFS) high-speed burst rate with electronic shutter
• 20 frames per second (AFC) high-speed burst rate with mechanical shutter
• Dual SD card slots
• 4K video with slo-mo effects 
• Price: $897.99

The Panasonic Lumix G9 is a popular choice due its affordable price, durable magnesium alloy frame, fast autofocus and burst rate, superior image stabilization, wide range of lens options, and other great features. Like all Micro Four Thirds cameras, its sensor has a 2X crop factor, so a 300mm lens, for example, has the full frame “equivalent” of a 600mm field of view—making it ideal for wildlife photographers who want super telephoto reach without packing excess weight. Priced under $900, the G9 is a bargain for those who want high performance in a lightweight, rugged package. Another solid camera for wildlife photography is the Panasonic Lumix GH6

APS-C Mirrorless Cameras

Sony Alpha a6600

Sony

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Key Features

• 24.2 megapixels
• 425 autofocus points
• 11 frames per second burst shooting
• Highly accurate
• Real-time eye focus tracking for humans and animals
• 4K video
• Price: $1,398

Sony’s flagship APS-C camera, the a6600 is a small camera that packs a big punch. Tipping the scales at just over one pound, it features an updated 24.2 megapixel sensor and a magnesium alloy body for optimal durability. The a6600 also boasts five-axis image stabilization for creating sharper images in low light conditions, a fast burst rate, and Sony’s industry-leading autofocus and focus tracking. It is a favorite among traveling wildlife photographers who need a lightweight, high-performance camera that won’t break the bank. A similar option is the Sony Alpha a6400.

Fujifilm X-H2S

Fujifilm

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Key Features

• 26.1 megapixels
• 15 frames per second in mechanical shutter
• Seven stops of Internal Body Image Stabilization (IBIS)
• High-capacity buffer for fast image transfer
• Subject detection to identify and track animals and other subjects
• Utilizes fast CFexpress Type B memory cards
• 4K and 6.2K video
• Optional battery grip 
• Price: $2,399

The X-H2S is among Fujifilm’s latest “hybrid” camera offerings, meaning that it’s designed with both still photographers and videographers in mind. This is a popular trend among all camera manufacturers, as they create cameras to suit the needs of multimedia content creators. The X-H2S represents a quantum leap from previous Fujifilm X-Series cameras, and has anchored the Japanese camera manufacturer’s place of dominance in the APS-C mirrorless camera market. 

The high-powered, lightweight X-H2S boasts an impressive list of technologies that appeal to serious wildlife photographers. It features a stacked 26.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, an incredible 40 frames per second in electronic shutter, and greatly improved autofocus with subject detection. The X-H2S also offers 14 stops of dynamic range, classic Fujifilm color science and Film Simulations, and a 5.76 million dot resolution electronic viewfinder. The Fujifilm X-S20 is another great option.

Canon EOS R7

Canon

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Key Features

• 32.5 megapixels
• 1.6X crop factor for extra telephoto reach
• Five-axis sensor-shift stabilization
• Dual SD memory card slots
• Tilting touchscreen LCD
• Canon RF-mount lens compatibility
• Canon EF-mount lens compatibility with mount adapter
• Price: $1,399

Canon wildlife photographers had reason to get excited in June 2022, when the much-anticipated Canon EOS R7 was released. This small but mighty, 32.5-megapixel workhorse remains one of canon’s best APS-C mirrorless cameras for wildlife photography. It offers eight stops of in-body image stabilization, 30 frames per second burst shooting in electronic shutter (15 fps in mechanical shutter), and fast, precise, 651-zone autofocus. Paired with any of Canon’s telephoto or super telephoto lenses, and you have a pro-caliber camera for wildlife photography that’s ready for serious action. The Canon EOS R100 is a similar option.

Nikon Z50

Nikon

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Key Features

• 20.9 megapixels
• Silent photography mode
• Durable
• Lightweight design
• 11 frames per second burst shooting
• Good low-light performance 
• Price: $756.95

To the frustration of many Nikon shooters, there hasn’t been a new Nikon wildlife-appropriate APS-C mirrorless release in quite a while. That said, the affordable, compact, and capable 

20.9-megapixel Nikon Z50—released in October 2019—remains a solid option for wildlife photography. Offering tight weather sealing for protection from inclement weather, a high resolution electronic viewfinder, adequate burst shooting for wildlife work, and capable focus tracking, the Z50 is compatible with any Nikon Z mount lens, or with adapted Nikon F Mount lenses—offering wildlife photographers a number of great options. Another choice is the Nikon Z30.

Sony Alpha a7 IV

Sony

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Key Features

• 33 megapixels
• 10 frames per second burst shooting
• 15 stops of dynamic range
• 4K video
• Precise eye autofocus tracking (people, birds, and animals in photo and video modes)
• Powerful image processing engine
• Five-axis in-body image stabilization
• Dual card slots (SD and CFexpress type A)
• Price: $2,499

Sony has converted many photographers to their ranks, and with good reason. Its industry-leading autofocus tracking was the envy of the mirrorless world for years. While other companies are catching up, Sony mirrorless cameras remain among the best money can buy. The 33-megapixel Alpha a7 IV continues Sony’s tradition of superior focus tracking, robust menu systems with customizable controls, superior image quality, pro-level video capabilities, and low noise levels in low-light shooting. And its five-axis image stabilization helps wildlife photographers get the shot in low light, when shutter speeds are often slower than desired and camera shake can ruin your images. 

Nikon Z6 II

Nikon

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Key Features

• 24.5 megapixels
• 14 frames per second burst rate
• 3.5X more buffer capacity than the original Z6
• Impressive autofocus tracking
• Dual card slots (SD and CFexpress Type B)
• Optional battery grip
• Compatible with all Nikon Z Mount sense and adapted Nikon F Mount lenses
• 4K video with timelapse 
• Price: $1,996.95

Nikon’s initial mirrorless offerings—the Z6 and Z7—were met with mixed reviews. Nikon was slow to enter the mirrorless market, and its loyal shooters expected big results. While the Z6 and Z7 were competent cameras, they fell short in several ways. Thankfully, their second-generation replacements, the Z6 II and Z7 II, brought significant improvements and much-needed excitement back into Nikon’s camp—convincing many longtime D-SLR photographers to finally make the switch to mirrorless. And if you buy the FTZ (or FTZ II) mount adapter, you can use many of Nikon’s F-Mount lenses with full autofocus. 

The Nikon Z6 II offers a fantastic mix of affordability, high ISO (low light) performance, speed, versatility, solid video capabilities, very accurate autofocus, and rugged build quality. An additional option is the Nikon Z5.

Canon EOS R8

Canon

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Key Features

• 24.2 megapixels
• 1,053 autofocus zones
• 4K video
• Superior subject detection autofocus (head, face, eye, and animal)
• Lightweight construction 
• Price: $1,499

The EOS R8 is a recent addition to Canon’s mirrorless lineup. Released in April 2023, the R8 offers mirrorless wildlife photographers an exciting, feature-rich camera. Weighing less than one pound, the compact R8 is Canon’s lightest full frame mirrorless option—making it ideal for wildlife photographers who cover lots of ground. It’s a solid hybrid camera targeted to both still photographers and video content creators. Delivering rich image quality, fast, accurate colors, precise autofocus, and a long list of creative video features, the EOS R8 is all the camera that many Canon mirrorless shooters would need to document their wildlife photo adventures. The Canon EOS R6 is a similar choice.

Panasonic Lumix S5 II

Lumix

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Key Features

• 24.20 megapixels
• 96-megapixel high resolution mode
• Rugged construction
• Built-in cooling fan to aid in video recording
• Dual SD card slots
• L-Mount lens compatibility 
• Price: $1,997.99

Panasonic has made big moves in the mirrorless world of late, and the new S5 II brings considerable value and performance to photographers who choose the L-Mount Alliance (Panasonic, Sigma, and Leica). The S5 II replaces the S5, which fell short due to its antiquated autofocus system. Many consider the S5 II to be Panasonic’s first real contender for documenting fast-moving subjects. 

This 24.20-megapixel powerhouse features Panasonic’s trademark rugged, weather-sealed construction, all-new phase hybrid autofocus for greatly improved focus tracking, a number of versatile video options, powerful image stabilization, and compatibility with a number of sharp, high-performance Panasonic, Sigma, and Leica lenses—all at a reasonable price. 

Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Camera for Wildlife Photography

Point-and-Shoot

“Point-and-shoot” cameras get their name from their construction and ease of use. With built-in lenses that often have focal length ranges from wide angle to extreme telephoto, they offer an all-in-one approach that appeals to wildlife photographers who don’t have the budget or the need for a cumbersome camera kit. While point-and-shoots sometimes get a bad reputation as being inferior to their more robust counterparts, that’s simply not true. Today’s options offer a mix of features in sleek, lightweight, high-tech packages. 

Digital Single-Lens Reflex (D-SLR)

D-SLRs have been a driving force in cameras for wildlife photography for decades. Early models slowly but surely pushed film cameras aside—convincing even the most staunch film shooters that digital photography was here to stay. Early D-SLRs offered a handful of megapixels and a short list of mediocre features that were heralded as revolutionary at the time. Fast forward a couple decades, and D-SLRs are still on the scene, loaded with more tech than the first Apollo space shuttles. 

Even though D-SLRs are losing ground to mirrorless cameras, they still command respect. They pack tons of tech into tough, pro-quality builds—offering photographers of all levels and budgets serious capabilities in robust, durable, high-performance bodies. 

Unlike point-and-shoot cameras, D-SLRs don’t have built-in lenses. When you buy a D-SLR, you need to buy attachable lenses built to fit the specific lens mount of your camera. You’re buying into a camera system, which comes with added expense—but also added versatility. 

D-SLRs come in two sensor sizes: full frame and APS-C. Entire articles—and often heated debates—are devoted to the differences between the two, but for our purposes, the main differences are negligible. Here’s a quick, over-simplified synopsis: APS-C cameras have smaller sensors than full-frame cameras, and the result is a “cropping” of sorts. An APS-C camera with a crop factor of 1.5X “multiplies” the lens’s focal length by 1.5X. A 300mm lens on an APS-C camera with a 1.5X crop factor will have a full frame “equivalent” field of view of 450mm. Likewise, a 500mm lens on an 1.5X APS-C camera plays like a 750mm. 

For this reason, many wildlife photographers prefer APS-C cameras for the extra reach they provide. A few short years ago, the case could be made that serious wildlife photographers should shoot full-frame cameras. But now, their smaller-sensored APS-C cousins have made great strides, and in most cases, compete admirably alongside D-SLRs. Nikon and Canon remain the only two major players in the “old school” D-SLR space. 

Mirrorless 

As their name implies, mirrorless cameras capture images without using a mirror inside the camera body. The result is a smaller, lighter camera. Another key difference is the viewfinder. Unlike optical viewfinders used in D-SLRs, mirrorless cameras use electronic viewfinders (EVFs) to display images digitally. Early mirrorless cameras were plagued by poor EVF quality, weak battery life, limited lens options and other issues that caused many hesitant photographers to hang onto their D-SLRs. 

Fast forward a few years, and it’s evident that mirrorless technology is the future of digital photography. Much like D-SLRs dominated the market and eventually pushed film cameras aside, mirrorless cameras are now doing the same to D-SLRs.

Like D-SLRs, mirrorless cameras are available with different sensor sizes: micro four-thirds, APS-C, and full frame. Each has its particular pros and cons, as well as loyal fan bases. And each has its rightful place in wildlife photography.

Competition to develop new mirrorless tech has definitely benefited the consumer. There are now seemingly endless options. Every major camera manufacturer has embraced the mirrorless movement. Sony emerged as an early leader, and Panasonic has ruled the Micro Four Thirds realm. Nikon, Canon, and others have also made great strides. And in the APS-C space, Fujifilm is a major player. I picked the single “best” cameras for wildlife photography from each mirrorless manufacturer, and provided links to similar cameras for comparison. 

Read Next: The Best GoPro for Filming Hunts and Fishing Trips

Why Trust Outdoor Life?

Since 1898, OL has been a leading authority in testing and reviewing hunting gear, fishing tackle, guns and shooting equipment, and much more. We have more than a century-long history of evaluating products, and we’re now bringing that expertise to online reviews. Our editors are experienced outdoorsmen and women, and most importantly, we’re trained journalists. We prioritize field testing and objective data when reviewing products. We conduct interviews with gear manufacturers and engineers as well as outdoor experts so that our readers have an understanding of how and why a product works—or doesn’t.

Advertising does not influence our gear reviews and it never will. While we always focus our coverage on standout products—because we want our readers to be aware of the latest and greatest gear—we also cover the flaws and quirks of any given product.

Final Thoughts on the Best Cameras for Wildlife Photography

None of these cameras will make you a better photographer; that comes with dedication, practice, and patience. But the features and technologies available today will increase your “keeper” rate the next time you take to the field in search of wildlife photography subjects. Find the best camera for wildlife photography with the right price and feature set below: 

Point-and-Shoot

• Sony RX-10 IV
• Nikon Coolpix P1000

Digital Single-Lens Reflex (D-SLRs)

• Nikon D850
• Nikon D7500
• Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
• Canon EOS 90D

Micro Four Thirds Mirrorless 

• Panasonic Lumix G9

APS-C Mirrorless 

• Sony Alpha a6600 
• Fujifilm X-H2S
• Canon EOS R7
• Nikon Z50

Full Frame Mirrorless 

• Sony Alpha a7 IV
• Nikon Z6 II 
• Canon EOS R8 
• Panasonic Lumix S5 II

The post The Best Cameras for Wildlife Photography appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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Best Overall		Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro	SEE IT
Best Value		EcoFlow Delta 2 Max + 220W Solar Panel	SEE IT
Best for Camping		Goal Zero Yeti 1500X + Boulder 200 Briefcase Solar Generator	SEE IT

Whether you are outfitting your home in case of an extended power outage or looking for a steady supply of off-grid power for your overlanding setup, it’s never been a better time to purchase a solar generator. But sifting through all the available options on the market—power stations that are lunchbox-sized to luggage-sized, solar panels that can pack in a backpack to multiple eight-foot long panels you chain together—can take a lot of time and effort. To help you choose the best solar generator for your purpose, we tested some of the most innovative models from Jackery, EcoFlow, Goal Zero, Bluetti, Anker, Zendure, and BioLite side by side to see how they stacked up.

• Best Overall: Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro
• Best Value: EcoFlow Delta 2 Max + 220W Solar Panel
• Best for Camping: Goal Zero Yeti 1500X + Boulder 200 Briefcase Solar Generator
• Best for RVs: Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
• Most Maneuverable: Anker SOLIX F2000 Solar Generator 767
• Most Portable: BioLite BaseCharge 1500 + Solar Panel 100
• Best Weather Resistance: Bluetti AC60 + Bluetti PV120 Solar Panel
• Best Budget: Anker 555 Solar Generator

How I Tested the Best Solar Generators

There are two components to a solar generator—a solar panel and a power station. To understand the performance of the overall package, I looked at each component and then also assessed how they worked in tandem. 

• Solar Panels were initially tested in early fall, when the angle of the sun is less ideal than it would be at the peak of summer, affecting the potential of each panel to reach its claimed maximum output. Additional solar panel testing was conducted in the spring and summer months; however, a control panel (the Anker 625) was used to ensure similar testing conditions. In all rounds of testing, there were clear skies, though haziness, time of day, and season can affect power output. In those instances where the Anker 625 showed a greater or lower solar input than from the initial test, the other panels were weighted appropriately. I tested solar panels using power stations of the same brand, but where possible, I also used different panels with different power stations to see if that affected the results. 
• Power Stations were evaluated on a number of criteria. After fully charging all the power stations, I left them in a climate-controlled room for three days and then outside for twenty-four hours in near-freezing temperatures—none of the power stations registered any loss of power during this test. Next, I plugged various appliances into all of the power stations to see how they handled the volume: a dehumidifier, a sunlamp, two laptops, one of the best power banks for camping, a pair of headphones, another power station, etc. Using these setups, I ran each power station down to half its estimated output. Finally, I considered how compatible each power station was with other solar panels, as well as additional features, such as Bluetooth-compatible apps, display panels, wireless charging, USB-C input ports, and more. 

Solar Panels Tested

In my initial test, I looked at six solar panels rated for both 100W and 200W capacity from Goal Zero, Anker, Jackery, and BioLite. I checked that all the solar panels were pointed in the same direction and at the same angle when testing their measured output against their claimed output. 

Additional follow-up tests were conducted to compare the power output of 100W, 200W, and 400W panels, from Zendure, Bluetti, and EcoFlow, with this initial set. I also conducted a retest of the BioLite panel, which was the lowest performing panel in the original group. In each instance, I set up a panel from my initial testing group to ensure similar testing conditions.

Two solar panels have been tested twice as a part of this test: the BioLite Solar Panel 100 and the Jackery SolarSaga 200W. The BioLite panel was retested at the manufacturer’s request; they had initially sent a reviewer sample and felt that the performance of the actual panel would show improvement. The second panel was 17 watts more powerful than the initial panel, and the numbers in the above table reflect that change.

Jackery sent two new SolarSaga 200Ws along with their new 2000 Plus power station. During testing, these two panels were not as powerful as the initial SolarSaga 200W I had tested in tandem with the 1000 Pro. These two panels were about 10 watts and 20 watts less powerful than the original panel. There is no visible difference in these newer panels compared to the original. As I have not had the chance to retest any other panels from the initial test, I have left the original, higher value as the official number.

Power Stations Tested

The power stations I tested ranged in size from 403 watt-hours to 6,438 watt-hours, and were capable of either 110 volts or 120 volts (the latter is what you’ll need to run most major appliances).

While my initial testing field was reasonably comparable in terms of weight and overall size, further testing has included power stations that were as heavy as I am as well as units that were on the line between power station and one of the best power banks.

All of the power stations were capable of holding a charge for extended periods of time, losing no power in either the three-day indoors test or the 24-hour outdoors test in subfreezing and near freezing temperatures. However, where the power stations in the initial test have begun to show a drop in power retention over time; I have noted as such.

Best Solar Generators: Reviews & Recommendations

Best Overall: Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro (Explorer 1000 Pro + Solar Saga 200W)

Jackery

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Key Features

• Power Station Capacity: 1002 watt-hours
• Solar Panels: Four 200-watt solar panels
• 184 watts generated by one panel in direct sunlight
• Max AC Output: 120 volts and 1000 watts
• Also available with a 2000Wh power station 
• Also available with two 80-watt panels

Pros

• Powerful solar panel
• Easy to use

Cons

• Smaller power station than other models I tested

The Power Station

Along with the BioLite BaseCharge 1500 and Anker 555, the Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro had one of the more streamlined user interfaces of anything I’ve tested. There are separate buttons to activate the USB outlets, AC outlets, and DC outlet, along with a button to turn on the power station’s light (in case you want to light up your camp or home) and one to turn on the display. The display here gives you the bare minimum of information—watts in, watts out, percent of the battery remaining, and the time to charge or deplete the battery based on the current conditions. 

The Explorer 1000 Pro has an output of 1000 watts (2000 watt peak), which is enough juice to power many modern refrigerators. But given that its battery life is only 1002 watt-hours, it can only supply that power for about a day (assuming it’s not charging anything else) unless it’s also being supplied with fresh juice from a solar panel setup at the same time. For some, this won’t be an issue, as they’ll simply be using the battery to channel power to their other devices during the day while it’s charging, and then using the battery at night to power more low-key items like the best camping fans or maybe one high-energy device like a portable fridge. 

At over 25 pounds, the Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro, is one of the more transportable units I looked at, but it’s still not something that you’d want to lug more than a hundred feet or so at a time. It’s proven to be very capable at holding a charge long-term, even after months of sitting in an unheated garage.

The Solar Panel 

I originally tested the SolarSaga 200W solar panel as a full setup, with four panels plugged into a single power station. This test showed the full power of the array, which registered 650 watts of power generation on a sunny (albeit hazy) day. I retested a single panel in tandem with the rest of the units in this review more recently, and under completely clear skies, the panel was even more impressive: It registered 184 watts of energy coming from a single panel. If you don’t have much time to recharge your power station from the sun, then the full setup with all four panels is a no-brainer. (More recent testing of newer panels showed a slight drop in power; however, it is unclear if this is because of natural variation or drop in the product’s efficiency. Either way, this is still a best-in-class panel.)

It is, though, a little complicated. Each panel comes with a carrying case and a cable that connects back to the two DC ports on the Explorer 1000 Pro. If you see a math problem here, that’s correct: You’ll also need two of the Jackery Solar Panel Connectors, which, strangely, are not included in the purchase price. Two of these can be used to double the number of panels you can connect to the Explorer 1000 Pro. 

Setting up and taking down this many panels takes some time, but I was impressed by how easy and intuitive it was. That’s because Jackery streamlined the number of ports on each unit, making it that much clearer what cable connects to what unit in what port. 

While at first glance there might appear to be a disconnect between the charging time capabilities of this setup and its battery life, it’s worth keeping in mind that conditions are not always optimal. One of the things that impressed me most about these units is the panel’s ability to generate electricity in lowlight conditions. Even in complete shade—dusk fast approaching—a single SolarSaga 200W was generating a 6 watt input. 

Best Value: EcoFlow Delta 2 Max + 220W Solar Panel

EcoFlow

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Key Features

• Power Station Capacity: 2048 watt-hours
• Solar Panels: Two 220-watt solar panels
• 197 watts generated by one panel in direct sunlight
• Max AC output: 120 volts and 2400 watts
• Also available with one 220-watt solar panel or one 400-watt solar panel

Pros

• Comparatively low price for the potential power generation
• Power station is small in size for its power capacity

Cons

• Solar panel is comparatively difficult to set up
• Power station is 50.7 pounds, making it somewhat difficult to move

The Power Station

The EcoFlow Delta 2 Max stood out from the competition for two reasons: it’s comparative low weight and it’s comparative low price. Of the 2,000 watt-hour power stations I’ve tested, this is the least expensive as a standalone unit, making it an excellent option for anyone looking for a serious power station on a budget.

I was also impressed by its low weight—the Delta 2 Max is 10 pounds lighter than similarly powerful units—and its low volume. If you have limited space and higher power needs, this is an excellent choice.

In addition to having buttons to turn on the USB, AC, and car ports, there is also a main power switch. I’ll be testing over the next several months to see if this helps to prevent power loss for individuals storing their power stations over the long term for issues like power outages.

Something different about the EcoFlow Delta 2 Max compared to other power stations I’ve looked at is that the six AC outlets (as well as the car outlet) are on the back side of the power station, with the solar and AC input ports. If you plan to mainly use the USB-C and USB-A ports, this is unlikely to cause an issue but if there are AC plugs you need to access to, you’ll to consider how you orient your power station in your home or van to ensure easy access.

While it’s worth downloading the associated app to access control features that are not available on the actual device, like auto timeouts and discharge level controls, I wouldn’t recommend relying on it over the controls on the device itself due to the amount of energy it consumes.

The Solar Panel

It’s hard to find a better value than the EcoFlow 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel. It produces more power for its cost and weight than anything else I’ve tested. And it’s XT-60 connector cable means it’s compatible out of the box with other power stations, including the Anker 767.

The downside to this solar panel is that it is surprisingly difficult to set up, and more fiddly to adjust, than anything else I’ve tested. While the other solar panels in this test rely on adjustable kickstand legs to optimize the angle of the panel toward the sun, the EcoFlow 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel takes a different approach: It uses the carrying case to support the panel.

First, four clips attach to the four corners of the carrying case. You then clip into the panel itself, angling the carrying case at a wedge to create structure to the panel. The angle of the panel can be adjusted by zipping the carrying case up or down.

As you can see, this more or less works. I was able to set up the panel to face the sun at an optimal angle, but I found that zippering up the carrying case to adjust the angle of the panel once it was already in position was fairly difficult. If you’re used to adjusting your solar panels throughout the day to optimize the position of the sun, this could be an issue.

Best for Camping: Goal Zero Yeti 1500X + Boulder 200 Briefcase Solar Generator

Goal Zero

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Key Features

• Power Station Capacity: 1516 watt-hours
• Solar Panels: One 100-watt solar panel 
• 73 watts generated by one panel in direct sunlight
• Max AC output: 120 volts and 2000 watts
• Solar panels also available at 200-watt and 300-watt capacity
• Power stations available in sizes ranging from 187 watt-hours to 6071 watt-hours

Pros

• More durable exterior is a better fit for rough and tumble conditions
• Yeti power station pairs with a number of other (and better) solar panels than the Boulder

Cons

• Solar panel is fairly bulky for its power generation
• Less intuitive than other power stations I looked at
• Difficult to recharge through an AC outlet if you lose the original cables

The Power Station

The Goal Zero Yeti 1500X was one of the most complicated user interfaces to navigate, and included several details that I have mixed feelings about. The most glaring one is that when the unit is plugged into a power source, a light blinks blue continuously until it is charged, when it switches to solid blue—if you are in the same space as this unit when it is charging, this is very distracting.

Next is the three buttons above the display—which read “unit,” “light,” and “info.” Unit is fairly straightforward—it toggles the input and output measurements between volts, amperes, watts, etc. This is pretty handy if you’re curious about how much power a given device is chewing through. Next is light—on other power stations, this button turns on an actual light, which is useful if you’re trying to see what you’re doing in the evening hours. The Goal Zero, however, does not have a built-in light. This button turns on and off the display screen showing the power supply. The info button only seemed to turn on the display (not off)—it was unclear what other use this was meant to have.

Interestingly, despite having one of the most powerful AC ports in my test, there was only space for two plug-ins. Most of the time, I suspect this will be plenty for people (and it does help to cut down on the unnecessary juice being lost out of these ports), but others might find themselves digging out a powerstrip to make up for the lack of ports. 

One of the more unusual features of the Yeti 1500X is a top lid, which has storage for charging cables, or anything else you want to throw in there. This proved to be surprisingly useful while camping, when stray cables can go missing with surprising regularity.

Underneath, it also has detailed descriptions of all of the power limitations of the various ports, plus evergreen reminders about not letting your power station get wet—all in semi-legible font. Surprisingly that can’t be said for any of the power stations in my test (including the Anker 767, which despite having the largest surface area strangely didn’t include this information at all). There is also a second 8mm port under the lid as well as a 12 volt HPP output port. 

A testament to Yeti’s claim of 1,500 watts of power was my ability to actually charge the Anker 767 using the Yeti generator. It supplied 1,385 watts through a single AC port, which was higher than anything else I tested, due to this being the only combination where that was available. The maximum input capability of the Yeti 1500X is 150V from AC power, and no unit is capable of that many volts. The icon showing how much power was remaining did stay consistent. 

Like the Anker 767, the Yeti 1500X has an app that you can use to monitor the battery’s power usage. This app was not as intuitive to use as the Anker 767’s, requiring several more steps to get to the point where I could monitor the battery usage (it also asked me to upgrade its firmware seemingly every other time I opened it). However, once you have the whole thing set up, it provides just as much information and control as the Anker 767 app. 

The Solar Panel

I tested both the Boulder 100W and the Boulder 200W from Goal Zero. These are basically the same panels (although with different ports (HPP versus DC), affecting what other power stations you might be able to pair them with), just at a different size, so whether you choose one over the other will depend on your energy needs, and your personal strength.

These panels are significantly bulkier and more cumbersome than anything else I tested. The likes of Jackery’s SolarSaga series and the Anker solar panels are a bit like someone took a backpacking solar panel and just blew it up to 20x the size. The Boulder series from Goal Zero looks like a solar panel off your house that’s shrunken down to something you could throw into the back of your car. 

Both the 100W and the 200W solar panels come with carrying cases, which due to the placement of the zippers are kind of a nuisance to use. But use them you should because the way these panels fold up leaves the solar cells on the outside of the package, rather than on the inside (like the rest of the solar panels in my test). While the 100W panel was heavy, but otherwise easy enough to move thanks to the inclusion of a comfortable handle on the long side of the folded-up panels, the 200W had a tendency to drag across the ground (at least this was my experience, as a 5-foot, 5-inch individual), forcing me to lean to one side as I walked. Did I mention that these panels were heavy? At 42 pounds, the Boulder 200W is extremely heavy. 

While the Boulder solar panels were reasonably easy to set up, the way the legs are designed gives you fewer options for maximizing the angle of the sun in the winter months, when it’s lower to the horizon. This showed during testing, when the panels only pulled in 73 watts for the 100W panel, and 143 watts for the 200W panel. 

Best for RVs: Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

Jackery

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Key Features

• Power Station Capacity: 2043 watt-hours
• Solar Panels: Two 200-watt solar panels 
• 184 watts generated by one panel in direct sunlight
• Max AC Output: 120 volts and 3000 watts
• Also available with one 200-watt solar panel
• Also available with a 2,000Wh expansion battery

Pros

• Easy, intuitive power station interface
• Comes with best-in-class solar panels

Cons

• Heavy
• Expensive

The Power Station

If you’re already a fan of Jackery’s simple and intuitive power stations (we are), then upgrading to a model that pairs with your adventure rig is a no brainer. This, along with the Anker 767, is one of two power stations I’ve looked at that features a plug for an RV and stores enough energy to power the average setup for a day. If you’ve been looking to upgrade to a quieter generator for camping, then this is an easy choice.

During testing, the sheer size and weight of the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus was a bit of an issue. If you have back problems and don’t need this kind of power, I suggest looking elsewhere. While there is a handy telescoping handle that allows you to pull it over flat distances fairly easily, you’ll likely still need to pick it up periodically to get it into your car. The telescoping handle was also so short that I had to lean over when pulling it along.

While the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus comes with an app, I was unable to get it working during testing after multiple attempts.

The Solar Panel

See the Best Overall Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro writeup for my take on the best-in-class Jackery SolarSaga 200W panels.

Most Maneuverable: Anker Solar Generator 767

Laura Lancaster

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Key Features

• Power Station Capacity: 2048 watt-hours
• Solar Panels: Two 200-watt solar panels 
• 158 watts generated by one panel in direct sunlight
• Max AC Output: 120 volts and 2400 watts

Pros

• Heavy-duty wheels excel on tough terrain
• RV plug
• Fully featured app

Cons

• Heavy
• Power station tends to leach power over time

The Power Station 

While several power stations that I looked at incorporated handles for ease of transport, the Anker 767’s were by far the most useful. While the Jackery’s telescoping handle never extended far enough to allow me to stand upright, it was comfortable to pull the Anker 767 by its handle for short distances. This included over very muddy ground during my initial test. If you regularly move your power stations more than 50 feet a time, then the ease and comfort with which you can maneuver the Anker 767 makes it a smart choice.

During testing, this unit was more than capable of taking on every device I could throw at it without blinking. If you’re looking for a unit to power your phone during a power outage, this is definitely overkill. The AC outlets alone are capable of managing 2400 watts—your average fridge is only using 250 watts or so at a time, so this is really more than enough for most purposes.

In fact, it has so much power that I didn’t come anywhere near maxing it out during testing. (Strangely, this unit only has three AC outlets compared to the six on the Anker 555 unit, which has half the watt-hour capacity.) Along with the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus, this was one of two power stations that came with an RV plug, fitting, since the total capacity of the Anker 767 is about equal to a day’s worth of power usage by an RV. 

My favorite detail about this power station was the app. While testing the best solar generators, I went outside pretty often to check if everything was working properly. That gets pretty annoying after a while. But with the Anker 767, I could just open the app up and check to see how much power was being generated (or not). In addition to showing me the current power capacity of the unit, it also gives you the ability to turn off and on the AC, USB, and DC ports, as well as turn on the light on the side. It also shows you the internal temperature of the unit.

During ongoing testing of this unit, I observed that it is not as effective at retaining a charge long-term as other power stations in this test. I found that it lost a percentage or two of power every couple days even when not in use.

The Solar Panel

The Anker 531 Solar Panel was the simplest to use of the larger solar panels I looked at. I liked that it didn’t have a separate carrying case to mess with, and a simple carabiner and mesh bag combo did the trick to stash the relevant cable and ensure it didn’t become separated from the larger unit. Like all of these kickstand solar panel setups, it was a little cumbersome to use, but extra reinforcement on the three kickstand legs were useful to an extent when adjusting the panel to a lower angle.

While this solar panel isn’t quite as powerful as the Jackery SolarSaga 200W, it easily produced over 75 percent of its 200-watt capability—and the Anker 767 can support up to five of these chained together. Strangely, this panel did not have the same sundial component that the 100W Anker 625 did. However, after I set up the Anker 625 panel, I adjusted the Anker 531 panel to match its angle and immediately saw a 23-watt difference in the power input. Hopefully, Anker will simply add this accessory onto the 531 model in the future, but in the meantime, you can purchase a clip-on sundial separately. 

Read our full review of the Anker Solar Generator 767 for more information.

Most Portable: BioLite BaseCharge 1500 + Solar Panel 100

Biolite

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Key Features

• Power Station Capacity: 1521 watt-hours
• Solar Panels: One 100-watt solar panel
• 70 watts generated by one panel in direct sunlight
• Max AC Output: 110 volts and 1200 watts
• Also available with a 622Wh power station 

Pros

• Lightest unit I tested
• Power station is easy to use
• Power station is compatible with the Goal Zero Boulder 200 (up to two)

Cons

• No bundle option available
• Solar panel was the weakest in my test

The Power Station

Like the Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro and the Anker 555 PowerHouse, the BioLite BaseCharge 1500 has a sleek and streamlined user interface that is easy to read and understand. The display panel shows the percentage of your battery left, the estimated number of hours it will take to either run through or finish charging the battery, the watts coming into your unit, and the watts going out. It also shows you the number of watt-hours the unit has used in total—watching that number was a bit like watching the odometer tick up on your car. Not super useful daily, but a nice thing to know in the aggregate.

There are separate buttons to turn on the ports for USB, DC, and AC power, as well as a button to turn on the display. (A second button allows you to reset the display of how many watts you’ve used, useful if you are interested in getting an accurate read on your total power needs). 

There were three details that made the BioLite BaseCharge 1500 stand out next to the competition:

1. A wireless charging option on top of the unit.
2. The choice to put the input port on the front of the unit, as opposed to the back. During testing, I found that the front configuration was easier when plugging in solar panels.
3. This power station is surprisingly lightweight, especially compared to the Yeti 1500X, which has a comparable watt-hour capacity. If you plan to move your power station from room to room, this is a no-brainer. 

During testing, the BioLite BaseCharge 1500 was one of the few power stations where the “hours to empty” estimate kept jumping around. It probably accurately reflected the change in power needs of the bigger devices, but was confusing to look at and made the time estimates less useful than they would have otherwise been. (The percentage estimate of the amount of battery life remaining, however, stayed fairly consistent.) 

The Solar Panel 

While the BaseCharge 1500 ended up being one of my favorite power stations, the BioLite Solar Panel 100 was one of the least powerful solar panels in my test. However, it did incorporate a sundial, which helped me to situate the panel at the right angle to maximize the energy output. 

If you choose to go with a BaseCharge 1500, it’s worth considering pairing it with a Goal Zero Boulder 200W, a pairing that proved successful during testing.

Best Weather Resistance: Bluetti AC60 + Bluetti PV120 Solar Panel

Bluetti

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Key Features

• Power Station Capacity: 403 watt-hours
• Solar Panels: One 120-watt solar panel
• 110 watts generated by one panel in direct sunlight
• Max AC Output: 120 volts and 600 watts
• Also available with a 800Wh expansion pack 

Pros

• Dust and water resistant (power station rated to IP65)
• Compact and powerful solar panel
• Wireless charging potential
• Longest warranty of everything I looked at

Cons

• Power station had functionality issues when it ran down to zero percent charge

The Power Station

Something you see over and over when you’re looking at the fine print on power stations are reminders to protect them from the elements. Rain, dirt, dust: all these can wreck havoc on the ports and inner workings of these devices. For those of us that love the outdoors and that plan to use these devices camping or overlanding, this is a bit of a conundrum.

The Bluetti AC60 is the only power station I’ve tested that is rated to IP65. That means, when the ports are covered, it’s completely protected from dust getting inside. Just as important, it’s also able to withstand water coming at it from any direction—useful when an unexpected rainstorm hits. (Note that it’s not water resistant to the point that you can drop it in a lake.)

During testing I found that when this power station ran out of juice I was not able to recharge it using a wall outlet, only the solar panel. The second time the power station ran out of juice I was not able to recharge it at all. Bluetti says this is an issue only with their preproduction models; further, their six-year warranty would suggest it should last for many many cycles before running down entirely. However, I would not recommend purchasing this power station if you plan to keep it in storage for long periods of time without checking to see if it is still holding a charge.

The Solar Panel

The Bluetti PV120 Solar Panel is one of the best solar panels I’ve tested. Despite being a similar size and price compared to the Anker 625 (a 100-watt solar panel), it produced 16 more watts during testing. Its kickstands had snap buttons at the adjustment points, making it simpler to find the correct angle than on solar panels that liked that feature. It also has snaps that hold the package together when folded up, eliminating the need for an extra carrying case. This has become my new go-to panel when I head out camping due to its space savings and power generation potential. Even better, since its DC-compatible cable pairs with the Goal Zero Yeti series, I’m able to use it with my favorite power station for camping.

Best Budget: Anker 555 Solar Generator

Anker

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Key Features

• Power Station Capacity: 1024 watt-hours
• Solar Panels: two 100-watt solar panels
• Energy Created By One Panel In Direct Sunlight: 94 watts
• Max AC output: 110 volts and 1000 watts
• Also available with a 1229Wh power station and three 100W solar panels

Pros

• Solar panel has an incorporated sundial
• Plenty of AC outlets for the whole family

Cons

• Max power station output is 110V
• XT60 port on the solar panel needs an adapter to be compatible with the power station
• Power station will lose its charge if left in storage long term 

The Power Station

If your family has a bevy of devices that seemingly all need to be plugged in simultaneously, you are in luck with the Anker 555 PowerHouse. It was the only unit in my test that boasted six AC outlets, as well as three USB-C outlets and two USB-A outlets. There were so many outlets that it was actually hard to find enough things to plug into it in my home—I ended up with an air purifier, sun lamp, two fans, a laptop, and a battery pack plugged in. The 555 PowerHouse had no problem with this—it barely used a third of its total output power. If your family has a bunch of devices that simply must be charged at all times, then this is a great option. 

Note that this would not be the best choice for someone looking for backup power for their refrigerator, as its 1,024 watt hour capacity was on the smaller side in my test and only has up to 110-volt output. Over time, it’s also become apparent that this powerstation loses stored power more quickly than similar units. Plan to check at least once a month to confirm that it still has sufficient juice for your family’s needs.

Something else I liked about this unit was the utility—and comparative simplicity—of its charging abilities. It has one DC input port in the back and a USB-C 100W port that plays double duty with input and output. As someone who struggles to keep track of the sheer number and variety of cords that are always floating around, I appreciated the ability to recharge this unit without tracking down the original cord.

The Solar Panel

The Anker 625 was easily the best of the 100W panels I tested. It was one of the best solar panels for camping I tested back in the spring, and it’s still one of my favorite pieces of gear. It even beat out the 200W Jackery SolarSaga if you consider that this panel generated 94 percent of its claimed output, while the Jackery only managed 92 percent. Part of this is the inclusion of a sundial in the top center of the panel, which helped me align the panel correctly during setup. This sundial is such a useful feature, that after I had correctly aligned the Anker 625, I went back and adjusted all the other panels to match it—an instant uptick in power was measured. Two of these panels is a great choice for recharging a power station the size of the 555 PowerHouse. 

I’ve been testing this panel for a while—unlike some of the others in this test—and in that time I’ve noticed that it’s picked up a bit of scuffing along the edges of the fabric backing. While not ideal, this has not impacted the functionality of the unit in the slightest.

The Rest of the Field

I tested the Zendure SuperBase V6400 paired with their 400W Solar Panel as part of my spring testing. This unit is massive: It comes saran-wrapped up on a pallet. While it does have wheels and a handle, that does not make it portable. It took a merciful delivery driver and myself an hour to get it up three floors to my home. This is not a realistic choice for overlanders or campers. Unless your rig has a ramp and a ton of excess of space I wouldn’t even consider it. Picture a 45 liter Yeti Tundra cooler that weighs 130 pounds.

There were also problems with the Zendure SuperBase V6400 itself. The unit I had did not have functioning USB-C ports. I also noted that simply leaving the AC ports on overnight resulted in a 10 percent drop in the unit’s overall battery; surprising, given how many watt-hours it holds. Zendure confirmed that this is expected functioning of the unit. One aesthetic note is that the latches for some of the port covers did not close correctly. The Zendure 400W Solar Panel was another story: It was surprisingly lightweight and easy to use given how much juice it generated. I only wish I could have paired it with a different power station.

I strongly recommend heavily researching this unit before making a purchase, as you may be stuck with it. It requires original shipping materials (which I no longer had) and a pallet to move it. Local shipping companies were unable to supply one (at one point, Zendure suggested I purchase a pallet). I was unable to return this unit and it ultimately found its way to an acquaintance who works in IT. They’ve rigged it up to be the sole source of power for their bedroom, including servers and computers. They’re considering trying to use it as a source of power for their Tesla. If that sounds like what you’re hoping to do with your solar generator, then by all means give the Zendure package a look. But if you’re more interested in outdoor life (we are), then give it a pass.

How to Choose the Best Solar Generator for You

Your Budget

Solar generators can be a pricey investment. Before you start looking at the various power stations and solar panels and package deals available, it’s important to know how much you are willing to spend. Underspending on a power station can result in inadequate power needs in the case of a power outage or while adventuring off grid. 

Your Power Needs

This is the big one. For the power station, there are two main numbers you’ll want to focus on: voltage and watt-hours. First figure out what the most power-hungry appliance you’ll be powering is (likely a refrigerator) and check its voltage requirements. Then look for power stations that can meet those voltage requirements (typically out of the AC outlets). Next consider how many watt-hours of power you’ll want.

Estimating this is as much art as science, given that the power needs of larger appliances vary considerably—during testing I saw the AC output regularly jump between 250 watts to over 1,000 watts. It’s also tough to know exactly how much you’ll be using each appliance in a power outage event—will you need to power a space heater during winter, or an air conditioner in the summer months?

A good rule of thumb is that if you are only looking for a solar generator to keep your laptops and phones charged, a 1,000-watt-hour solar generator will give you more than enough juice. If you’re looking to power a full-size refrigerator, then you should buy the largest unit you can comfortably afford. If you are looking to power your entire home via a solar generator, then it’s worth spending the time to calculate your full array of power needs to figure out what you’ll need to make that happen. 

Solar panels are a bit simpler. The first step is to figure out how many hours a day you want to spend charging your power station. If you’re overlanding in the desert, you might be willing to spend all day with your power station plugged into its corresponding solar panel; as such, you can get by with lower wattage output. On the other hand, if you expect to be recharging your power station for brief periods of time, perhaps during a wintertime power outage, you’ll want the highest output panel you can get, or even an array of panels, so that you can recharge your power station as fast as possible. Keep in mind that a solar panel’s output will be affected by both the season and the weather, so plan accordingly. 

Portability

Power stations are often heavy, and solar panels can be unwieldy. Purchasing a larger unit than is necessary for your needs can reduce the utility of your overall setup—after all, if you hesitate to pull out your solar generator because of what a pain it is to set up, then it’s not doing you much good after all. 

FAQs

Why Trust Outdoor Life?

Since 1898, OL has been a leading authority in testing and reviewing hunting gear, fishing tackle, guns and shooting equipment, and much more. We have more than a century-long history of evaluating products, and we’re now bringing that expertise to online reviews. Our editors are experienced outdoorsmen and women, and most importantly, we’re trained journalists. We prioritize field testing and objective data when reviewing products. We conduct interviews with gear manufacturers and engineers as well as outdoor experts so that our readers have an understanding of how and why a product works—or doesn’t.

Advertising does not influence our gear reviews and it never will. While we always focus our coverage on standout products—because we want our readers to be aware of the latest and greatest gear—we also cover the flaws and quirks of any given product.

Final Thoughts on the Best Solar Generators

After testing the best solar generators for over a year—both individually and in tandem—it’s clear that the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro (or 2000 Pro, depending on your power station needs) is one of the best setups available. While the Jackery combo can often be had on sale, if you’re looking to spend less money overall, the EcoFlow Delta 2 Max is a great option if you’re comfortable with a slightly more complicated setup. If you have a strong idea of exactly what your energy needs are, check out the sheer number of options offered by Goal Zero—panels that vary from 100W to 300W and power stations that go up to 6,000 watt-hours. Individuals and families on the go will appreciate the portability of the BioLite duo, while overlanders will benefit from the juice and portability of the Anker 767 power station and 531 Solar Panel.

• Best Overall: Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro
• Best Value: EcoFlow Delta 2 Max + 220W Solar Panel
• Best for Camping: Goal Zero Yeti 1500X + Boulder 200 Briefcase Solar Generator
• Best for RVs: Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
• Most Maneuverable: Anker SOLIX F2000 Solar Generator 767
• Most Portable: BioLite BaseCharge 1500 + Solar Panel 100
• Best Weather Resistance: Bluetti AC60 + Bluetti PV120 Solar Panel
• Best Budget: Anker 555 Solar Generator

The post The Best Solar Generators of 2023, Tested and Reviewed appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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Shooting groups with your rifle is a fundamental process that is often underrated and done inadequately. Most hunters will shoot a few groups to get an idea of how accurate their rifle is and then call it good. Or maybe during their sight-in process they shoot a few extra groups just to make sure everything is dialed in. But shooting quality groups, and doing so consistently, is about much more than that. Shooting tight groups builds a foundation for knowing your rifle and shooting it confidently. Perfectly fired groups will also allow you to sight-in more precisely and that increased precision will be carried downrange to longer distances.

At the most basic level, shooting groups—ideally with zero human error—will tell us exactly how accurate a rifle is, and show us its average point of impact. Shooting a group is firing a succession of shots from the same position at the same target. Some shooters shoot 3-shot groups, however for most accuracy testing in Outdoor Life reviews, we mandate 5-shot groups.

At the recent Outdoor Life Gun test, our team fired nearly 400 measured groups from the field of new rifles, and I was reminded of just how challenging it can be to eliminate human error when shooting groups. It takes practice, repetition, and attention to detail. Reducing that error will help you in just about every aspect of shooting your rifle.

What Shooting Groups Can Tell You About Your Rifle

Shooting groups is the unequivocal standard when it comes to defining a rifle’s accuracy. How closely a rifle can print a string of shots together on paper is what we use to describe how accurate it is. You’ll hear rifles described as inch-guns or half-inch-guns, meaning they can consistently fire groups that measure that distance—or less—when measured across at the widest points and then subtracting the diameter of the bullet. Shooting groups can give you a realistic look at your rifle’s accuracy, help in selecting ammunition, and tell you how your rifle behaves when hot or fouled.

Perfectly fired groups with a given rifle and ammunition combination will vary somewhat, but over time they’ll even out. Just because a rifle has printed one or two half-inch groups doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a half-inch gun. You might have one or two screamer groups, and then eight or nine that are much more modest. An average of many groups will paint a better picture of what the true accuracy of that rifle is. For general purposes, an average of five or ten group sizes will give you a good idea.

Ammunition is a huge component of your rifle’s accuracy, and each barrel has its own tastes. Shooting groups over time with a variety of ammunition will help you select the most accurate loads. This is a critical component of load development if you want to get into handloading as well. Developing an accurate load is all but impossible if you can’t shoot quality groups. Confidence in your group-shooting will make you more efficient and you’ll know when flyers and errant shots are part of the rifle and ammunition’s accuracy, not your error.

Most hunters don’t need to dive deep when it comes to how their rifle holds point-of-impact when the barrel gets heated up, or whether it shoots better when left fouled, but it can be helpful. With a precision rifle, shooting extended strings of shots can tell you a great deal about how your rifle maintains accuracy, or if things start going haywire when it gets hot or excessively fouled.

Shooting Groups Isn’t Easy as It Seems

Shooting groups with a fully supported rifle off a bench or prone ought to be easy, right? Not so much. Naturally, shooting from a relaxed, supported position is easier than field positions, but truly eliminating the human element of shooting groups—or even dramatically reducing it—isn’t nearly as simple as it sounds.

With most hunting rifles, breaking shots with enough consistency to maintain regular sub-inch, 5-shot groups is very challenging for the average shooter—even off sandbags. It becomes more difficult with lighter weight rifles, poor triggers, or less-than-ideal positions or optics. Any improper physical input to the gun or instability in the position will show up as inconsistency on paper over time.

Shooting groups with consistency takes practice and great attention to shooting fundamentals. Many hunters who can’t find a load that shoots well or are disappointed in their rifle’s accuracy simply have some flaws in their technique (this that’s certainly happened to me). The difference between scorching accuracy and lukewarm mediocrity is often overshadowed by the slop of human error. This can be incredibly frustrating and can lead to a lack of confidence in the rifle and wasted time chasing different loads around trying to find the best one.

Easy Ways to Get Better at Shooting Groups

We can’t ever truly eliminate human error and input completely, but we can reduce it. Most of us don’t need to be competition benchrest shooters either—we just need a few tools to help us improve. Here’s how to start shooting better groups.

Dry-Fire Position Check

All the fundamental factors for accurate shooting matter when shooting groups. Things like breathing, position, and trigger control are critical. Many of these factors can be slightly compromised if we aren’t careful, so do some dry firing before each group. This can tell you a lot about your position and trigger pull.

When you’re getting ready to shoot, build your position and get a solid natural point-of-aim. That means that when your position is built and your rifle is supported, it should be pointed right at the target, and you should be totally relaxed. If you’re having to put pressure on the gun to keep the crosshairs on target, you need to adjust your position. Once the position is rock-steady, then dry fire at the target.

Pay attention to your crosshairs. If your crosshairs make a “jump” when you pull the trigger, you are putting pressure on the gun in a way that makes it move when the trigger breaks. It could be as simple as some strain in your neck or too tight of a squeeze in your grip. Work on your shot and position until the crosshairs don’t move when you dry fire.

Load Your Bags or Bipod

Even with sandbags supporting the front and rear of your rifle on a bench, it can still be difficult to keep your rifle stable. When the rifle is just sitting atop sandbags or bipod, it is still very susceptible to input and movement. Try setting your rifle up on the bench with front and rear supports so that the crosshairs rest on the target. Look through the scope and watch the movement as you pull the trigger without touching any other part of the rifle.

You may have heard the term “loading the bipod,” which means to lean into the buttstock of the rifle to put pressure on the bipod and create a firm connection between you, the rifle, and the resting surface. That consistent pressure locks things into place and reduces other inputs on the rifle. You can also do it with sandbags.

Loading your bipod on a bench isn’t usually straightforward, and many shooters find sandbags to be a more stable rest on a bench because their weight allows you to apply more pressure than when using a bipod that might slide. If you can find a way to create a surface to load against, it will help tremendously. At my local range, I simply clamp a small board to the front of the bench and use that to load my bipod and sandbag rest into for maximum stability. On the ground, some bipods utilize large, spiked feet that dig into the ground.

Don’t Break Position

When you’re shooting a group, maintain your position and cheek weld on the stock for the entire shot string. Many shooters fire a shot, break position, load another round, rebuild the position, and fire again. You will almost always shoot more consistent groups if you maintain your position for the whole group.

Even slight changes in your position from shot-to-shot will introduce small errors that can really increase your average group size over time. Slight differences in position and pressure on the gun can easily cause perceived point-of-impact shifts of a quarter or half-inch, and if you introduce that error repeatedly, you might have a hard time shooting under an inch with a rifle that is perfectly capable of doing so.

Use the Right Sized Target

Although high-magnification optics certainly do aid in shooting the best rifle groups, you can still shoot great groups with lower-powered optics. Many hunters use scopes that top out at 6x or 9x magnification, and that’s totally fine. Your hold or the movement in your crosshairs doesn’t necessarily change between lower and higher magnification, but it can be more difficult to aim precisely at a tiny spot with a lower-power scope or thicker reticle.

Each shooter will develop a preference for the types of targets they like to shoot at, but if you are using a lower-power optic, pick a target that has a larger aiming point. You want something that you can easily see both the reticle and aiming point and maintain consistency. If you have a thick reticle, holding over a half or one-inch dot at 100 yards can result in more inconsistency than aiming at a larger target. For low-magnification scopes, I like targets that feature a black square with a white center—just large enough for me to perfectly center the reticle and see a touch of white on all sides.

Bring a Control Rifle When Shooting Groups

Shooting groups is fun when everything is going well, but what if your rifle isn’t shooting as accurately as you want or expected? Sometimes you might have a rifle printing large, erratic groups that leave you dumbfounded—and can ultimately eat at your confidence. Poor groups might have you second-guessing your shooting.

 It can help to bring a rifle to the range that you know shoots lights-out to check yourself when another rifle isn’t performing so hot. If your new rifle isn’t shooting well, check the normal stuff like scope rings and action screws, but put the rifle down for a bit and shoot a couple groups with your control rifle. If you’re immediately shooting smoker groups when you switch rifles, you know it’s something to do with that rifle or load, not you as the shooter. If you’re still shooting uncharacteristically bad groups, it’s time to revisit your position and fundamentals.

During our 2022 Gun test, I found a couple of rifles that just weren’t shooting like I thought they should—no matter what ammo I tried. Our accuracy testing was a grind, so it was natural to question if it was me or the gun. Jumping on a rifle like the Accuracy International AT-X or Seekins Havak HIT was the confidence boost I needed to show that it wasn’t just my shooting.

The post How to Shoot Better Rifle Groups (and Why Good Groups Matter) appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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