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

Montbell Versalite Rain Jacket Review
A man wearing a running vest runs through fall colors

Montbell Versalite Rain Jacket Review

Author
If you’re the lightweight backpacker who sometimes refuses to pack a raincoat because it is too bulky and heavy, this shell won’t bog you down or clog your pack.
Marmot Precip Eco Rain Jacket Review
A man hikes uphill with a coastal view behind him.

Marmot Precip Eco Rain Jacket Review

Author
A lightweight, yet affordable option, this is a great entry-level rain coat providing enough weather resistance to ride out a passing drizzle.
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket Review
A man walks through wet vegetation

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket Review

Author
A longtime trusted shell in the elements, this jacket is a flexible, durable, weather-repelling yet breathable forcefield in the toughest of rains.
Arc’teryx Beta Rain Jacket Review
A closeup of the zippers of a rain jacket.

Arc’teryx Beta Rain Jacket Review

Author
This is the jacket to bring when heavy rain and strong winds hit your next hike. We love its weather resistance, durability, and comfort.
Men’s REI Trailmade Pants Review
A man walks through alpine wildflowers.

Men’s REI Trailmade Pants Review

Author
These are an excellent choice for the price-conscious hiker looking for a lightweight pant. We are impressed with their performance and their value.
Men’s REI Sahara Convertible Pants Review
A man walking in the alpine wearing green pants with blue sky behind.

Men’s REI Sahara Convertible Pants Review

Author
This model is the image of the classic hiking pant: versatile, durable, and loaded with features. We tested them in heavy Alaskan rain and on long sunny hikes and we love using one pair of pants for both outings.
Rab Incline Light Pants Review
A man walks on an alpine trail in the sunshine.

Rab Incline Light Pants Review

Author
These pants are a super lightweight and packable pair sure to please anyone who’s after a quick-drying and breathable option.
Men’s Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants Review
A man runs downhill in the tundra.

Men’s Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants Review

Author
Tested in Alaska’s Chugach Mountains, these pants deliver a lightweight and highly mobile pant that excels in a variety of conditions.
Men’s Mammut Runbold IV Pants Review
A man hikes up a trail with mountains in the background.

Men’s Mammut Runbold IV Pants Review

Author
With great mobility and breathability, these pants are an excellent choice for summit scramblers and weekend trail-goers alike.
Janji Transit Tech Pants Review
A man runs uphill with an alpine background.

Janji Transit Tech Pants Review

Author
These jogger-style pants are extremely lightweight and breathable and are a great fit for warmer weather and higher-output activities.
Men’s Arc’teryx Gamma Pants Review
A man walks on an alpine ridge in the sunshine.

Men’s Arc’teryx Gamma Pants Review

Author
These pants are loaded with features, including cinch hems, a built-in belt, and all-zippered pockets, making them fit for big adventures where durability and weather resistance are paramount.
Best Rain Jackets of 2025
A backpacker wearing an orange Outdoor Research Helium rain jacket in Yosemite National Park

Best Rain Jackets of 2025

Author
From drizzles to downpours, we’ve got your back. Our team of seasoned hikers weathered the storm to find the best rain jackets for performance and protection.
1 6 7 8 9