Miles Knotek
Gear Analyst

Miles is a born and raised Alaskan who is passionate about all things outdoors. He was fortunate enough to be raised in the middle of the Chugach National Forest which fostered his love for the outdoors from an early age.

A career in environmental education has brought Miles across the Mountain West and he currently resides in his home state of Alaska. Some of his most memorable hiking experiences include section hiking the Te Araroa in New Zealand and learning how to fend off pesky keas and possums, attempting an off-trail traverse of the second largest uninhabited island in the US, and searching out backcountry hot springs on various trips in the western US.

Miles is passionate about sharing the outdoors with others and empowering everyone to spend time outside. When not outside, Miles enjoys baking with his wife and finding a new science fiction book to get lost in.

Articles by Miles Knotek

Men’s Janji 5″ Multi Shorts Review
A man walks up a rocky ridgeline with snowy mountains and the ocean in the distance.

Men’s Janji 5″ Multi Shorts Review

Author
These lightweight, durable shorts offer quick-dry performance and versatile storage, designed for moving fast on trail and for training, with reliable comfort for all-day pursuits.
Men’s REI Flash Shorts Review
A closeup of blue shorts worn on a man standing on a trail.

Men’s REI Flash Shorts Review

Author
These lightweight shorts offer quick-drying comfort, breathable performance, and unrestricted mobility, making them a versatile choice for hiking, running, and warm-weather adventures.
Men’s Terignota Sendero Shorts Review
A close-up view of a logo on a pair of shorts.

Men’s Terignota Sendero Shorts Review

Author
These shorts feature an innovative cargo-carrying system, provide all-day comfort, and offer lightweight performance at an accessible price point for any budget.
Patagonia Black Hole 32L Travel Pack Review
A woman wears a black backpack in an airport waiting area.

Patagonia Black Hole 32L Travel Pack Review

Author
A simple, rugged weekender pack with excellent durability and weather resistance that offers reliable protection and straightforward organization for travel or everyday carry.
REI Ruckpack 40 Travel Backpack Review
A man walks away from a camera on a grassy trail wearing a black backpack

REI Ruckpack 40 Travel Backpack Review

Author
From trail to airport, this versatile and affordable 40L backpack is ideal for one-bag travelers, offering organized storage, comfort, and durability for both hiking and travel.
Men’s On Cloudrock Low Waterproof Hiking Shoes Review
Close-up of feet in brown hiking shoes on a forest floor with pine needles and a pine cone.

Men’s On Cloudrock Low Waterproof Hiking Shoes Review

Author
This waterproof hiking shoe delivers dependable wet-weather protection and rugged durability for long days on the trail, keeping feet dry and comfortable in challenging conditions.
Topo Designs Global Travel Bag Review
A person wearing a blue backpack with red accents on a hiking trail.

Topo Designs Global Travel Bag Review

Author
This is a durable, carry-on-sized pack with excellent organization, versatile carry options, and rugged materials built for trips near and far.
Men’s Scarpa Ribelle Cross 2 Review
Hiker using trekking poles on a rocky, grassy slope.

Men’s Scarpa Ribelle Cross 2 Review

Author
This rugged mountain hiking shoe delivers technical performance and excellent traction for those tackling challenging alpine terrain, rocky scrambles, and muddy backcountry trails.
Suunto Run GPS Watch Review
A yellow watch rests on a mossy rock, showing running stats.

Suunto Run GPS Watch Review

Author
Affordable and purpose-built for runners, this watch offers focused training features, accurate tracking, and a lightweight, comfortable design that delivers strong performance without stretching your budget.
Coros Nomad GPS Watch Review
A close-up of a menu on a GPS watch worn on a wrist.

Coros Nomad GPS Watch Review

Author
Friendlier price point and excellent features make this a great choice for anyone wanting excellent features without breaking the bank.
Men’s Patagonia Terravia Trail Pants Review
A person wearing a gray shirt, brown pants, and hiking shoes sits on a mossy, grassy hill in a forest.

Men’s Patagonia Terravia Trail Pants Review

Author
Built for long days on the move, these pants provide breathable comfort and flexible mobility, allowing you to stay cool and unrestricted throughout hikes, travel, and everyday wear.
Men’s Fjallraven Keb Agile Pants Review
A person in an olive jacket and gray pants sits on a mossy rock, overlooking the ocean with snow-capped mountains in the background.

Men’s Fjallraven Keb Agile Pants Review

Author
Built for demanding terrain, these pants deliver exceptional durability and reliable weather resistance, keeping you protected and comfortable when conditions turn rough.
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