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 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
Need rugged pants for rugged adventures? The Arc’Teryx Gamma Pants are one of our all time favorites for high-output adventures.
Best Rain Jackets of 2026
A man smiles while wearing a rain jacket in the alpine.

Best Rain Jackets of 2026

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.
Best Stuff Sacks of 2026
A closeup of a stuff sack

Best Stuff Sacks of 2026

Author
Toiletries, electronics, extra clothes, food – all the little bits and bobs in your backpack can become a mess if you don’t have a way…
Best Hiking Shorts for Men of 2026
Waist-down view of a hiker standing on a rocky trail in the men's Patagonia Quandary hiking shorts

Best Hiking Shorts for Men of 2026

Additional Author
Discover your new favorite trail-ready hiking shorts from Patagonia, PrAna, REI, and more. Our experts bring you tailored suggestions for the best in comfort, durability, and style from trail to town.
7 Best GPS Watches for Hiking & Backpacking of 2026

7 Best GPS Watches for Hiking & Backpacking of 2026

Author
From fitness trackers to multi-day navigational aids, GPS watches offer a wide range of features that make them a valuable tool when out on the trail.
7 Best Travel Backpacks of 2026
Back view of a guy wearing the Cotopaxi Allpa travel backpack in a green park with a bridge overhead

7 Best Travel Backpacks of 2026

Author
Our guide to the best travel backpacks helps you jet-set in style. See our 8 favorites.
Best Snowshoes of 2026
A man walks thorugh snow laden trees.

Best Snowshoes of 2026

Author
Hiking in the winter is far more enjoyable and accessible with snowshoes. Our expert testers trudged on trails and braved blustery blizzards to bring you this review of the very best.
10 Best Winter Gloves of 2026
A man shows the palms of his gloves.

10 Best Winter Gloves of 2026

Author
From snow and slush to icy water, we’ve dunked our hands and hiked mile after mile to find which gloves will keep your hands the warmest no matter what winter throws at you.
Best Winter Jackets for Men of 2026
A man with a backpack wearing a red REI Stormhenge winter jacket in a snowy scene

Best Winter Jackets for Men of 2026

Author
We’ve taken the guesswork out of finding the best jackets to bundle up in and keep you warm and dry this winter season.
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