Matt Bento grew up in North Carolina. He discovered rock climbing at the late age of 22, and in a misguided quest to make up for lost time, proceeded to drive around America in giant circles, while living in his vehicle and visiting many world class climbing destinations. 10 years, 25 jobs, and countless splitter cracks later, he’s still at it, mostly dividing his time between the Tuolumne Meadows and Bishop California. He loves fine cheeses, long runs in through the woods, and going on adventures with his friends.
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Credit: Matt Bento
Matt Bento
Senior Review Editor
Showing 1-15 of 194 by Matt Bento
Best Trail Running Shoes of 2023
Looking for a new pair of trail runners? We have tested well over 100 of the most popular models in the past decade...
Best Insulated Jackets of 2023
In the market for the best synthetic insulated jacket? We've tested and compared 10 of the best choices side-by-side...
Best Climbing Chalk of 2023
Looking for the right chalk for climbing? We sifted through the myriad of available chalk products and selected the...
Best Nut Tools for Climbing of 2023
We took the best nut tools and tested them at cleaning a variety of cams and nut types in all sizes and over a broad...
Top Pick
Mammut Liquid Chalk Review
A tablespoon of this liquid chalk will leave your hands platinum white and ready for action on the boulders, at the...
Best Running Socks of 2023
Are you seeking a running sock that will suit your needs? After perusing over 50 different models, we've chosen 11 of...
Best Winter Down Sleeping Bags of 2023
With a plethora of sleeping bags to choose from, it can be hard to know how best to turn your hard-earned dollars into...
Top Pick
Patagonia R1 Hoody Review
This mountain wear staple provides all the features you'd want in a technical piece with plenty of comfort...
Best Climbing Shoes of 2023
We pick the best rock climbing shoes for bouldering, sport, trad, gym, kids, and beginners. No matter your budget, we...
Editors' Choice
La Sportiva Katana Lace Review
The Katana Lace is a workhorse, not a show horse. This shoe keeps your foot in a relatively flat position, which is...
Best Bouldering Crash Pad of 2023
Looking for a new pad? This review examines the best 12 models on the market to help you find the right model for your...
Best Backpacking Sleeping Pad of 2023
No matter what your budget or backpacking style is, we can help you find a pad that will give you the best sleep while...
Best Climbing Cams of 2023
Building a rack of cams can be confusing and expensive, especially if you're just starting out. We're here to help you...
Best Flip Flops
Searching for a new slippah? The selection can be daunting, with a multitude of options from the biggest names in the...
Best Camping Mattress
Our search for the best camping mattress starts with sifting through over 40 models and choosing the top 14 from the...
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