Jacob Clark found a passion for the outdoors through climbing while in school, followed by backpacking, and most recently a love of trail running. After graduating college with a degree in Chemistry, Jacob wasn't ready to settle into a lab job and pursued the outdoors. Going through UCSB's outdoor leadership program initially introduced him to guiding, and soon after graduating, he took a part-time job at REI guiding outdoors and teaching in-store classes. In addition, Jacob set climbing routes for the local rock gym in Santa Barbara, CA, while working as a blacksmith full-time. Now he lives out east near the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western Virginia spending free time exploring new trails, new routes, and the colorful trees of the east with his husky/malamute pup and trail buddy Eli.
Author Profile
Jacob Clark
Review Editor
Showing 1-15 of 16 by Jacob Clark
Best Daypacks of 2022
Sizing up the daypack market and choosing what is best for you, your needs, and your budget is tough. Here we've done the dirty work for you, putting over a dozen packs through rigorous...
Best Buy
REI Co-op Flash 22
The Flash 22 wins our Best Buy award for its impressive functionality while maintaining a low price and weight.
Editors' Choice
Bedrock Cairn Adventure
Securing our highest award once again, this sandal provides our favorite blend of lightweight performance. Sturdy enough to handle technical objectives, yet lightweight and comfortable...
Top Pick
Xero Z-Trail EV
While this sandal is not a technical powerhouse like some others in our lineup, it is still deserving of a Top Pick for its minimalist design and ultralight application. A simple...
How to Choose a Daypack for Hiking
A daypack is a simple purchase, with complicated ramifications. A good day pack will accompany you for far more than your hiking outings. Choose carefully and your 24-7 bag will smooth...
Editors' Choice
Osprey Talon 22
Lightweight, comfortable, and with a ton of functional features, this continues to be one of our all-around favorite daypacks
Top Pick
Osprey Daylite Plus
This is the best pack we have found for a mobile daily life; whether carrying your layers, food, and water on a day hike or your lunch, laptop, and workout clothes for a typical weekday...
Cotopaxi Moda 20
With a dedicated laptop compartment and organizational pockets, this pack does a good job transitioning from urban to outo
REI Co-op Flash 18
This featherweight pack is little more than a sack, but one of the most well-thought-out sacks ever made.
Chaco Z/1 Classic
This classic is undeniably one of the favorite sandals of dirtbags everywhere. It's good-looking, comfortable, and provides an ultra-supportive platform that is great for a wide variety of...
Keen Targhee III Open-Toe
This sandal has the support and stability of a shoe with the freedom of a sandal. If you are needing a sandal with more support, this is worth checking out firsthand.
Teva Universal Trail
Standing out with excellent tread and plush comfort, this sandal provides excellent value and performance with a classic style.
Best Sandals of 2022
In our opinion, every season is sandal season. We curated the industry's best selection of sandals to review head-to-head in search of the best products for your next adventure.
Deuter Speed Lite 20
The Deuter Speed Lite 20 earns high marks for presenting the perfect balance between low weight and simplicity, with just the right features and comfort.
Gregory Zulu 30
A simple and strong backpack with a comfortable suspension that is heavier in weight but capable of carrying heavier loads than lighter packs
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