How OutdoorGearLab grades

Across 111 products that OutdoorGearLab and at least one other outlet scored, OutdoorGearLab's score sits 0.38 below the consensus on average, on a 5-point scale. That makes it number 1 of 17 from toughest to most generous among the outlets we track.

-0.38

average gap from the consensus

3.67

average score, of 5

products scored below the others

scored above (4 level)

OutdoorGearLab scores out of 100 on a curve inside each test group, so the best product in a group sets the top of the range. Converted to 5 stars, that reads tougher than the outlet really is. Compare its scores within a group, not against other outlets' stars.

Where OutdoorGearLab was toughest

Product	Printed	Of 5	Consensus	Gap	Outlets
Intex Explorer K2 Best Inflatable Kayaks Under $500	46/100	2.30	3.70	-1.40	4
Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Best Portable Grills Under $200	59/100	2.95	4.15	-1.20	3
CamelBak Rim Best Hydration Packs	58/100	2.90	3.95	-1.05	2
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Hoody Best Down Jackets	70/100	3.50	4.48	-0.98	5
Saucony Tempus 2 Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet	72/100	3.60	4.52	-0.92	4

Where OutdoorGearLab was most generous

Product	Printed	Of 5	Consensus	Gap	Outlets
Zoleo Satellite Communicator Best Satellite Messengers	78/100	3.90	3.23	+0.67	3
POC Cularis Best Bike Helmets	87/100	4.35	3.68	+0.67	2
Manduka PRO Best Thick Yoga Mats	91/100	4.55	4.28	+0.27	2
Garmin Enduro 3 Best GPS Running Watches	93/100	4.70	4.47	+0.23	3
Apple Watch Ultra 3 Best GPS Running Watches	85/100	4.30	4.10	+0.20	3

By category

Categories where OutdoorGearLab scored 3 or more products.

Best GPS Running Watches-0.23 · 6 products
Best Electric Bikes-0.40 · 5 products
Best Camping Stoves-0.55 · 5 products
Best Hiking Boots-0.51 · 5 products
Best Down Jackets-0.68 · 4 products
Best Backpacking Water Filters-0.37 · 4 products
Best Insulated Sleeping Pads-0.23 · 4 products
Best Inflatable Kayaks Under $500-0.89 · 3 products
Best Snowshoes-0.67 · 3 products
Best Soft Cooler Bags-0.51 · 3 products

Every comparison

Sorted from toughest to most generous. The printed score links to OutdoorGearLab's review. The consensus is the average of every printed score on that product, OutdoorGearLab's included.

Product	Printed	Of 5	Consensus	Gap	Outlets
Intex Explorer K2 Best Inflatable Kayaks Under $500	46/100	2.30	3.70	-1.40	4
Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Best Portable Grills Under $200	59/100	2.95	4.15	-1.20	3
CamelBak Rim Best Hydration Packs	58/100	2.90	3.95	-1.05	2
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Hoody Best Down Jackets	70/100	3.50	4.48	-0.98	5
Saucony Tempus 2 Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet	72/100	3.60	4.52	-0.92	4
Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0F/-18C Best 0 Degree Sleeping Bags	56/100	2.80	3.70	-0.90	2
TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Elite Best Snowshoes	60/100	3.00	3.90	-0.90	2
Fitbit Charge 6 Best Fitness Trackers Under $200	61/100	3.05	3.91	-0.86	5
New Balance Men's Fresh Foam Arishi v4 Wide Best Mens Wide Walking Shoes	41/100	2.05	2.88	-0.83	2
Ride1Up Roadster V3 Best Electric Bikes	68/100	3.40	4.20	-0.80	3
YETI Tundra 65 Best Hard Coolers	59/100	2.95	3.73	-0.77	2
RTIC Soft Pack 20 Best Soft Cooler Bags	62/100	3.10	3.87	-0.77	3
Jetboil Genesis Basecamp Best Camping Stoves	62/100	3.10	3.85	-0.75	2
Garmin Forerunner 55 Best GPS Running Watches	69/100	3.50	4.25	-0.75	2
INTEX 68309EP Excursion Pro K2 Inflatable Kayak Set Best Inflatable Kayaks Under $500	53/100	2.65	3.38	-0.73	2
Anker Solix C1000 Best Portable Power Stations	66/100	3.30	4.03	-0.73	3
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Best Hiking Boots	70/100	3.50	4.23	-0.73	3
Coleman Cascade Classic Camping Stove Best Camping Stoves	64/100	3.20	3.90	-0.70	3
Charbroil 25409200 Grill2Go X200 Portable Gas Grill, Dark Grey Best Portable Grills	59/100	3.00	3.70	-0.70	2
Platypus QuickDraw Microfilter Best Backpacking Water Filters	71/100	3.55	4.22	-0.67	3
Keen Targhee IV Waterproof Mid Best Hiking Boots	67/100	3.35	4.02	-0.67	3
Tubbs Mountaineer Best Snowshoes	61/100	3.10	3.77	-0.67	3
Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket Best Down Jackets	73/100	3.65	4.29	-0.64	4
Thule OutWay Hanging 2 Trunk Bike Rack Best Bike Racks for Cars	66/100	3.30	3.90	-0.60	2
RTIC Soft Pack 30 Best Soft Cooler Bags	62/100	3.10	3.70	-0.60	2
Decathlon Forclaz Simond MT100 Hooded Best Down Jackets	68/100	3.40	4.00	-0.60	2
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles Best Trekking Poles	71/100	3.55	4.12	-0.57	3
Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Best Inflatable Kayaks Under $500	78/100	3.90	4.45	-0.55	2
Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid Best Hiking Boots	74/100	3.70	4.23	-0.53	4
Coleman Xtreme 5-Day 70 QT Best Camping Coolers Under $200	45/100	2.25	2.78	-0.52	2
Osprey Exos 58 Best 50L Hiking Backpacks	75/100	3.75	4.25	-0.50	3
Leatherman Wave+ Best EDC Multi-Tools	74/100	3.70	4.20	-0.50	2
ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair Best Beach Chairs	80/100	4.00	4.50	-0.50	4
MSR WindBurner Personal Stove System Best Camping Stoves	71/100	3.55	4.05	-0.50	3
Rab Neutrino Pro Best Down Jackets	78/100	3.90	4.40	-0.50	5
Garmin Fenix 8 Pro Best GPS Running Watches	68/100	3.40	3.90	-0.50	2
La Sportiva TC Pro Best Climbing Shoes	70/100	3.50	4.00	-0.50	2
Kryptonite Evolution Mini-7 With 4' Flex Cable Best Bike Locks	61/100	3.05	3.53	-0.48	2
Aventon Soltera 3 ADV Best Electric Bikes	73/100	3.65	4.13	-0.48	2
ROC Explorer 10' Best Inflatable Paddle Boards	68/100	3.40	3.87	-0.47	3
Yakima RocketBox Pro 14 Best Roof Cargo Boxes	65/100	3.25	3.72	-0.47	3
Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles Best Trekking Poles	81/100	4.05	4.52	-0.47	3
Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Best Portable Grills Under $200	62/100	3.10	3.55	-0.45	2
MSR Lightning Ascent Best Snowshoes	77/100	3.90	4.35	-0.45	2
Weber Traveler Best Portable Grills	81/100	4.10	4.55	-0.45	4
INNO Wedge 660 Best Roof Cargo Boxes	77/100	3.85	4.28	-0.43	3
Jetboil Flash Best Camping Stoves	75/100	3.75	4.18	-0.42	2
Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Best Backpacking Water Filters	75/100	3.75	4.18	-0.42	2
Coleman Xtreme 50-Quart Wheeled Cooler Best Camping Coolers Under $200	68/100	3.40	3.80	-0.40	2
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Best 2-Person Backpacking Tents	80/100	4.00	4.40	-0.40	2
Gregory Paragon 60 Best 50L Hiking Backpacks	80/100	4.00	4.40	-0.40	2
NEMO Stargaze EVO-X Best Comfortable Camping Chairs	67/100	3.40	3.80	-0.40	2
Whynter FM-45G Best Electric Coolers	64/100	3.20	3.60	-0.40	2
Giro Aries Spherical Best Bike Helmets	76/100	3.80	4.20	-0.40	2
Aventon Aventure 3 Best Electric Bikes	81/100	4.05	4.45	-0.40	3
Astral Brewer 3.0 Best Water Shoes	82/100	4.10	4.50	-0.40	3
Hoka Kaha 3 GTX Best Hiking Boots	84/100	4.20	4.58	-0.38	4
Camp Chef Everest 2X Best Camping Stoves	83/100	4.15	4.52	-0.37	3
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System Best Backpacking Water Filters	78/100	3.90	4.27	-0.37	3
Granite Gear Crown3 60 Best 50L Hiking Backpacks	70/100	3.50	3.85	-0.35	2
NEMO Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated Best Insulated Sleeping Pads	79/100	4.00	4.35	-0.35	2
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Best Insulated Sleeping Pads	78/100	3.90	4.25	-0.35	2
Amazon Basics 21-inch Hardside Carry-On Luggage Best Carry-On Luggage	58/100	2.90	3.25	-0.35	2
Amazon Basics High-Density Round Foam Roller Best Foam Rollers	66/100	3.30	3.65	-0.35	2
Tenaya Mastia Best Climbing Shoes	72/100	3.60	3.95	-0.35	2
ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Best Comfortable Camping Chairs	80/100	4.00	4.33	-0.33	3
Leatherman Skeletool CX Best EDC Multi-Tools	73/100	3.70	4.03	-0.33	3
Aventon Level 4 REC Best Electric Bikes	85/100	4.25	4.58	-0.33	2
Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike Best Smart Exercise Bikes	68/100	3.40	3.73	-0.33	4
Trek Velocis Mips Best Bike Helmets	78/100	3.90	4.20	-0.30	2
Garmin Forerunner 970 Best GPS Running Watches	83/100	4.20	4.50	-0.30	2
Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill Best Portable Grills	75/100	3.80	4.10	-0.30	3
YOSUDA YB001R Magnetic Best Exercise Bikes Under $500	68/100	3.40	3.67	-0.27	2
Benchmade Bugout 535 Best EDC Pocket Knives	78/100	3.90	4.17	-0.27	3
Kryptonite KryptoLok Best Bike Locks	70/100	3.50	3.75	-0.25	2
Coros Pace 4 Best GPS Running Watches	74/100	3.70	3.95	-0.25	2
Smith 4D Mag Best Ski Goggles	83/100	4.20	4.45	-0.25	2
Black Diamond Trail Back Best Trekking Poles	76/100	3.80	4.03	-0.23	3
Salomon Quest 5 Gore-Tex Best Hiking Boots	82/100	4.10	4.33	-0.23	3
Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner Best Carry-On Luggage	69/100	3.45	3.68	-0.22	2
REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket Best Rain Jackets	71/100	3.55	3.76	-0.21	4
NEMO Tensor Extreme Conditions Ultralight Insulated Best Insulated Sleeping Pads	83/100	4.20	4.40	-0.20	2
Warbonnet Ridgerunner Best Portable Hammocks	83/100	4.15	4.35	-0.20	3
WHATAFIT 150 lb Resistance Bands Set Best Resistance Bands for Travel	81/100	4.10	4.30	-0.20	2
Schwinn IC4 Best Smart Exercise Bikes	80/100	4.00	4.20	-0.20	3
Smith I/O Mag ChromaPop Best Ski Goggles	81/100	4.10	4.30	-0.20	2
Yeti Trailhead Camp Chair Best Beach Chairs	77/100	3.85	4.03	-0.18	2
NordicTrack X24 Bike Best Smart Exercise Bikes	85/100	4.25	4.43	-0.18	3
Rab Downpour Best Rain Jackets	75/100	3.75	3.93	-0.17	2
AO Coolers Canvas 24 Pack Best Soft Cooler Bags	73/100	3.65	3.80	-0.15	2
Hoka Men's Bondi SR Wide Best Mens Wide Walking Shoes	83/100	4.15	4.30	-0.15	2
Wise Owl Outfitters Kit Best Portable Hammocks	75/100	3.75	3.88	-0.12	2
La Sportiva Prodigio Pro Best Trail Running Shoes	82/100	4.10	4.20	-0.10	2
Arc'teryx Beta SL Best Rain Jackets	87/100	4.35	4.43	-0.08	2
REI Co-op Trailmade 25 Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags	62/100	3.10	3.15	-0.05	2
Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Best Insulated Sleeping Pads	77/100	3.90	3.93	-0.03	3
MSR TrailShot Best Backpacking Water Filters	77/100	3.85	3.88	-0.03	3
Jackery SolarSaga 200 Best Portable Solar Panels	84/100	4.20	4.20	0.00	2
Aventon Current EXP Best Electric Bikes	91/100	4.60	4.60	0.00	2
Bodylastics Basic Series Resistance Band Set Best Resistance Bands for Travel	88/100	4.40	4.35	+0.05	2
Thule Approach M Best Roof Top Tents	81/100	4.05	4.00	+0.05	2
Garmin inReach Messenger Plus Best Satellite Messengers	86/100	4.30	4.25	+0.05	2
Smith Method Pro Mips Best Ski Helmets	84/100	4.20	4.15	+0.05	2
Away The Carry-On Best Carry-On Luggage	82/100	4.10	4.00	+0.10	2
Apple Watch Ultra 3 Best Smartwatches	85/100	4.25	4.13	+0.13	2
Schwinn 130 Upright Bike Best Exercise Bikes Under $500	74/100	3.70	3.50	+0.20	2
Apple Watch Ultra 3 Best GPS Running Watches	85/100	4.30	4.10	+0.20	3
Garmin Enduro 3 Best GPS Running Watches	93/100	4.70	4.47	+0.23	3
Manduka PRO Best Thick Yoga Mats	91/100	4.55	4.28	+0.27	2
POC Cularis Best Bike Helmets	87/100	4.35	3.68	+0.67	2
Zoleo Satellite Communicator Best Satellite Messengers	78/100	3.90	3.23	+0.67	3

Updated Nov 8, 2026. Only scores OutdoorGearLab printed on its own page count; numbers read out of article text or video by software are left out. We don't test products. How we measured this.