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33 REI Products For Those Trying To Spend Time Outdoors
A classic Coleman two-burner camping stove perfect for whipping up a full meal in the great outdoors. With two burners, a windshield, and heat control, you're gonna be the head chef of the wilderness, and everyone will be so glad to have a hot meal in their bellies before snuggling up for the night. Promising review: "We love our Coleman stove! This is the best car camping stove we have. I am mostly a backpacker, but car camping has become more frequent as of late so I decided to get a double burner stoves for those camping trips with friends and family! Works great and is perfect for putting stickers on the back of to document all of our adventures." —rosefergPrice: $130 An REI Co-Op Siesta 20-degree sleeping bag that's oh-so-roomy, oh-so-cozy, and the perfect place for you to snuggle up on car camping trips where you can really make yourself at home. Reviewers especially love that you can separately unzip the bottom for ventilation or even unzip it all the way into a quilt. Where are my "sticks one foot out of the blanket to sleep" friends at? This is the sleeping bag for you. Plus, the polyester shell and lining fabrics have a non-fluorinated durable water repellent to help bead up moisture on the surface so that you stay nice and dry while you enjoy the great review: "I bought this bag for car camping, and it is my favorite bag. So far, one trip (two nights), and it only got down to the high 40s, so I stayed plenty warm. I did bring a flannel sheet, but I didn't really need it for warmth on this trip. The bag is roomy and comfortable. I love that the hood is big enough to accommodate my pillow and I can turn easily in the bag. I also appreciate that in warmer weather, I can unzip the bottom of the bag to put a leg out (didn't need to on this trip). I usually sleep hot, but this bag did not feel confining like a mummy bag. Would recommend!" —StedmanbPrice: $149 (available in medium, medium wide, long, and long wide sizes) An Eno DoubleNest Hammock for relaxing amongst the trees. I literally can't imagine anything I'd like to do more than chill in a hammock on a camping trip. Check out the Eno Atlas straps for a simple setup!Promising review: "The best hammock I've ever bought! I swear there is something magical woven into the material because the moment you slide in = instant relaxation mode! I wish I had purchased this hammock earlier in the season. Super easy to set up (you do need to have your own anchor straps), and VERY dog friendly. I'm excited for many years of magical moments with my pup in this hammock. Worth the price tag! Very well made and VERY cozy." —JenniferPrice: $74.95 (available in 10 colors) A pair of Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion Socks that are a little bit of moolah up front, but last forever and famously come with a lifetime guarantee — they're THAT confident they'll serve you well. I finally got my first pair of Darn Toughs this year and I LOVE THEM! The heels and toes are perfectly cushioned, the merino wool blend isn't scratchy at all, and they're, well... darn tough! Look at me walkin' around on that campground gravel! Hot tip for my hiking friends with muscular calves: My life changed the day I started just ordering socks in men's sizes! I'm a shoe size 8.5 and find that a men's medium in these socks sits great. Not too big on the foot while leaving ample room for my legs as I FLEX UP THAT MOUNTAIN, BABYYYYYYY! Promising review: "Amazingly comfy and durable! These socks are like walking on clouds in comparison to cheaper options. The price, I feel, is justified not only by how comfy they are, but also by the lifetime warranty. Just don't lose them!" —JakePrice: $26 (available in men's sizes M–XXL in nine colors and in women's sizes S–L in eight colors) A Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler famous for keeping your food and drinks colder than you could ever imagine for days at a time. Especially if you pre-cool it before you load it up, everything from seltzers and beers for campfire time to bacon, eggs, and OJ for a special backcountry breakfast will be ready to rock. Promising review: "This is the first Yeti cooler I have ever purchased and I am in love. We used this while camping and the drinks were so cold they may as well have been in our refrigerator. We did prime the cooler to get it chilled before loading it up, which was simple and made a huge difference! There was ice in our cooler three days after camping, and the drinks were still cold after sitting in our house without AC for four days in 85- to 90-degree heat! (It's a bummer, I know.) That really says something about the quality! 10/10 if you're considering a Yeti, get a Yeti." —Steph_keen_Price: $325+ (available in nine colors) A BioLite AspenGlow mini lantern that packs a whole lotta light into a teeny, tiny package. With a diameter of just three inches, it's a breeze to pop into any bag, and an integrated bungee makes it easy to hang almost anywhere. It's USB rechargeable and can run for 40 hours on its lowest setting, though it'll be hard to resist playing with the "party" setting which cycles through its multicolor modes. Fun! 🤩 🪩 This little lantern RULES. I'm just a huge fan of BioLite generally, but have been really impressed by how bright and reliable this little guy is. And at the end of the day, those are the two things you really want a lantern to be! The little bungee on the back really is useful for putting it up in your tent or somewhere unconventional, and the dimmer is so easy to dial in. Promising review: "Ordered this to have a light in our tent. It's small and compact — perfect for car camping. Also rechargeable. I also like that the lights can change color." —MLSPrice: $49.95 (available in two colors) An REI Co-Op Base Camp 4 Tent so you and your camping crew have the perfect place to lay your heads at night, safe from the elements and ready for anything. Two big doors provide excellent ventilation and ensure you don't need to crawl over sleeping friends to get in and out and the big ol' vestibules give you the perfect place to put extra gear. A good rule of thumb for how many folks can fit in a tent is the number of people listed squished all together *or* that number minus one with room to spread out and for review: "Great tent! The first time I used it, it rained for 27 hours straight. Not a drop inside. Lots of pockets for storage. Set up is a little tricky the first time, but once you know how it goes, it's not bad. Vestibule is large enough to sit in a camp chair out of the rain, and I'm 6 feet and 220 pounds. It does get hot in the sun, but I'm never in it during the day anyway. I would recommend this tent to anyone." —Mike K"We recently were looking for a great car camping tent option. We've spent years using my old three-person backpacking tent, and we wanted something that we felt confident in during bad weather, but comfortable to use as a living space when we're camping. The number one thing I really love about this tent is that it's watertight in rain, but you can sit inside and not suffocate because it has such amazing ventilation. The vestibule is so spacious, you can keep all of your gear here overnight and not worry about inclement weather. No, I can't stand straight up in this tent, but that isn't as important to me as knowing this tent is solid and won't blow over in a bad storm, which some of the taller tents I've seen are more prone to. We've only used this twice thus far, but we're already looking forward to using it more for car camping very comfortably — without having to upgrade to an overly huge tent since it's just me and my wife. Would recommend." —JeffPrice: $474 Or a North Face Wawona 6 Tent if you want something so roomy you can literally stand up in it and walk around — a wonderful quality, especially if you happen to find yourself rained in for the day. You could also set up a little seating area in there, or better yet, invite basically everyone you know to join you on your next adventure. The more the merrier! Promising review: "I recently picked up the Wawona 6 from REI and couldn't be happier. The build quality is excellent — everything feels premium — and the space is exactly what you'd hope for in a tent this size. Tons of room, smart layout, and it sets up solid. One thing to note: it's a bit breezy. For me, that's a huge plus — I sleep hot and live in the South, so the airflow is welcome. But if you're camping in colder climates or pushing into shoulder seasons, just know it's not a furnace. That said, I'm originally from the Colorado high country, and I'd still run this tent with the right bag and layers. 10/10 recommend for anyone looking to shift from ultralight or thru-hiking to more comfortable, stationary setups. As I've gotten older, I've moved away from minimal packs toward gear that adds a little luxury to the outdoors and the Wawona nails it." —OrsoPrice: $550 (available in two colors) *OR* an REI Co-op Trailmade 2 Backpacking Tent that's the perfect budget pick for anyone looking to dip their toe into backpacking this year. It includes a footprint to keep the bottom of the tent from getting punctured, a door on each side for easy entry and exit for all, and like all great backpacking tents, packs down nice and small so you can carry it with you — that's the assignment, after all! The tent weighs 5 pounds and 7 ounces in mind that when a tent specifies how many people a tent is for, they mean the max that can fit in there, so two will be pretty squished in here. When you're backpacking, that can be ideal — you're carrying less weight if you only have the room you need, but don't be surprised if you're sardined! This would also be a super comfortable tent for one hiker and their gear if you want to keep your gear inside with you, though you could also keep you pack under the vestibule or simply out. I've been known to bring along a trash bag to throw my pack in at night in case of rain. Sometimes the cheap, ugly solution is the most effective! review: "This is a very solid and well made tent for two! Very light and easy to set up! The included footprint is a nice touch that makes it even easier to set up. When this says two person, it means a snug two person. When setting this up for the first time, I thought 'Woah this is going to be too small,' but it worked out and it's actually not bad once you get inside. Definitely do-able for a couple or close friends, but it is tight quarters. We loved this tent paired with two REI Trailmade Sleeping pads and a North Face double sleeping bag. Fit perfectly with a little room to spare at the head and feet. Doors on both sides is a nice touch and the rain fly is very solid! The roof vent is helpful when it's warm. If you're just getting into tent camping and you're ready for solo or duo adventures, this tent won't do you wrong. Just be prepared to be a little cozy and you'll have a great experience with it!" —KendricPrice: $199 (available in two colors) A Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil roll-top dry sack because keeping your camp clothes and electronics dry is absolutely essential for any fun, safe camping trip. My love for these lightweight waterproof bags can't be stifled. On my camping trips, I always bring two of these bags. One serves as my clothes bag and the other is my food bag, since it's easy to hang as a bear bag as well. Sometimes I bring a third for my electronics, but sometimes they just go in with my clothes. Enough of my packing specifics — the point is, they're incredibly reliable, actually waterproof, and compact. Being able to pack them down nice and small as you take things out of them is amazing out in the wilderness and for storing at home. Promising review: "Bought this last minute for a three-day backpacking trip (3L size) so I could stuff my day food in the outside mesh pocket of my pack, that way I wouldn't have to go inside my pack to find my food while on the trail. It's a great size for various items and fits easily in the outside pocket. Stayed dry during the rain, and it is easy to fold over and keep secure. Love this little bag. Might get more for other items." —JenniPrice: $22.95+ (available in six sizes and four colors) A Black Diamond sun hoodie that's a personal fave for camping, sunny hikes, climbing, and backpacking trips. Basically, if I'm outside, I'm wearing this. I've started to take sun protection super seriously, so a long-sleeve UPF 50+ option is a must. And even as the sweatiest person alive who refuses to pack deodorant when backpacking (Extra weight? No, thanks), it keeps me dry no matter how many miles I trek. Other things I love? It has washed and dried super well in the two years I've had it and there's a little zippered pocket on the side, which securely stores important little doo-dads like keys and headphones. Promising review: "I bought this shirt over a year ago, and since then have worn it hiking, backpacking, climbing, skiing, and mountain biking. I took a fall while mountain biking and ended up getting a small hole the size of a when I took the shirt off, I was surprised to find the elbow pad I was wearing underneath was ripped, and my arm was all scraped, but the shirt was fine! I've hiked with it in 70- to 80-degree weather and haven't been sunburnt. I sweat a lot, and this shirt dries pretty quickly, so I stay pretty dry. I'm really happy with this shirt. The only thing I wish was that it had a thumb hole and a pocket on the other side as well to balance it out." —Pei FPrice: $109 (available in women's sizes XS–XL and four colors) A Soto Windmaster backpacking stove I've long heard amazing things about and can now confirm TOTALLY rules. This thing boils water in a snap, has an built-in piezo lighter that ignites super easily, and the temperature control is smooth as can be — and all weighing in at just 3.1 ounces! I thought all backpacking stoves were basically created equal, but that was before I encountered this beauty. Thanks, Mom and Dad, for getting this for me for Christmas this year! Holy moly, I really was out here thinking that most stoves were the same, but was totally proven wrong when I finally got to take the Soto Windmaster for a spin. I was using a decade-plus-old backpacking stove. No shade. I loved that thing, and "use what you have" is a really important attitude to have and share regarding gear. You don't need every new gadget. BUT! I'm really happy to say that this stove is a distinct step up. It weighs a whisper, and even though the fold-out prongs and temperature dial are tiny, they feel relatively sturdy, especially when folded in. I was shocked at how quickly water boiled for me. I didn't time it, I was busy, uhhhh, enjoying my life, but it was noticeably faster than my old one. I love the built-in piezo igniter. Just so nice to know that if I forget a lighter, I'm not up a creek, and unlike my old stove, I really only had to click it once for it to ignite. Can't wait to put a decade on this stove! Promising review: "Such a great stove, I returned my daughter's MSR (Mountain Safety Research) for another of these. No fuel leaks when you attach the fuel canister like the MSR. Also, the four prongs felt more stable boiling water. The quick ignite was like magic. Love this purchase!!!" —PatsyPrice: $69.95 A Petzl Sama climbing harness because moving on from rental gym gear and investing in a climbing harness of your own is a beautiful rite of passage. (And then you can transition to climbing outside! Ahhh, fun!) This one is nice and padded for maximum comfort on the wall, has plenty of gear loops, and has been my most beloved piece of climbing gear for years now — on indoor hangs and days at the crag alike. I love this harness! It's comfortable and keeps me safe. Truly, what more could I need? I like that the waist is adjustable with a buckle for security, but also that the leg loops are elastic so I don't have to fuss too much when putting it on. When I'm climbing and wearing this harness, I'm literally not thinking about my harness at all, and I think that's high praise for a piece of gear that needs to be both trustworthy and is technically a men's harness, but I found that it just fit me the best! But, if you're interested in this harness and want to check it out in women's sizing, Petzl makes a women's version called the Luna, which is also on sale right now! When it comes to harnesses, or any wearable outdoor gear for that matter, always be sure to check out the size charts in both men's and women's versions to see which will fit better instead of just assuming. Okay, rant over! Promising review: "Comfy waist belt with better than average padding. The gear loops are good for sport and 1–5 multi-pitch trad. The legs loops are non-adjustable, but have elastic stretch to accommodate for medium to large legs." —Kzoo360Price: $62.73 (originally $84.95, available in sizes S–XL) A Black Diamond headlamp so you can light your path hands-free at camp and to bring *just in case* on long hikes. It even has dimming and strobe settings. Huzzah! The headlamp "remembers" your brightness level between uses and comes with a locking feature to ensure it doesn't accidentally turn on in your pack and kill the battery life. It's also stormproof with an IPX4 rating (aka it won't die if you're caught in a downpour). The headlamp requires three AAA batteries which are included with your purchase or you can pop in a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (not included).Promising review: "I needed a new headlamp as my other just wore out. I looked at the super expensive ultra-bright ones, but took a chance on this good one as it was more reasonably priced. I'm glad I chanced it. This headlamp is comfortable, durable, and very bright. This is exactly what I was hoping for. I've never been disappointed by Black Diamond." —P HyattPrice: $24.95 (available in three colors) A self-inflating sleeping pad so you don't have to huff and puff into your pad after hiking all day while setting up your campsite. I recommend this pad for car campers or backpackers looking to get their feet wet and start to build out a kit. It's not the lightest, *but* at under $100, it's a great deal for the quality and on the low end of the price spectrum of what a typical fully inflatable backpacking pad costs. Promising review: "I love this pad so much. It keeps me warm in the winter and is the most comfortable pad I've ever slept on. The material doesn't stick to you. 10/10 recommend. I love it so much I just deal with the weight and take it on my backpacking trips too." —HarryAHPrice: $84.95 (available in short, regular, regular wide, and long wide sizes) Or an Exped Ultra 3R Sleeping Pad for a great night's sleep while backpacking, especially if you want a pad you can roll up super-duper small at the end of your car camping trip for easy carrying and storage back home. Inflatable pads are especially beloved for side sleepers (including myself) since your hips are nice and suspended above the ground. ^Look at me lovin' my Exped sleeping pad! I've long been an inflatable sleeping pad convert, but had yet to find my, "Holy moly this is the best," model... until recently when I tried this baby. Other pads I've liked — but not loved — felt too narrow and, because of the kind of insulation they used, were SUPER noisy with every move I made in my sleep. It was like sleeping on a Mylar balloon! But this pad is quiet as can be. Thank goodness! I also opted for the medium wide version, which gives me a little more room to spread out — no more feeling like I'm teetering. That extra room and a 3-inch height keep me super comfy as a side sleeper. The wide version is a little heavier (obviously), but even as a backpacker who can be really picky about base weight, I find the extra ounces totally worth it for getting a better night's sleep. The MW (minimum weight) weight is about one pound and seven ounces. Not too shabby!An R-value of 2.9 makes this perfect for three-season backpacking, but especially warmer months. On a recent camping and surf weekend near Santa Barbara, it kept me perfectly comfortable during the cool summer nights. It was seriously the best night of sleep I've gotten outdoors in quite some time. ILY, Exped! Promising review: "I used it for 500 miles on the AT (Appalachian Trail) last year and plan to use it again this year. I'm going to pair it with a lightweight foam pad to protect it from punctures, which I have had before, and increase the overall R-value. I don't recall noise issues, and the pad was comfortable for a big guy who's a side sleeper. If money and/or comfort are no issue, you can find lighter pads." —MikePrice: $139.95 (available in medium, medium wide, and long wide sizes) A Ninja PFD (which stands for "personal flotation device," aka a life jacket) made by NRS, one of the most beloved rafting, kayak, and water sports gear brands around. The thoughtful fit gives you a great range of motion for paddling while still conforming to the body, and it has lots of special features like zippered pockets, attachment points, and a silicone-coated waistband to help keep it in place while taking a dunk. Promising review: "This was recommended to me by a sales associate. They were out of stock in the store, so I ordered it online. Design works great for paddling! The style allows for a much better range of movement than the normal zip-up PFD. It's lightweight and easy to put on and take off with two side buckles and two shoulder straps. The front pocket is great for storing stuff; it can fit a phone in a dry bag with room for a wallet and keys." —AlisonPrice: $149.95 (available in sizes XS–XXL and four colors) A BearVault Bear Canister — the most trusted way to keep your food away from bears — for your safety and theirs. Pictured is the smallest model which is great for solo adventurers and quick trips, but it also comes in larger sizes for longer trips or for people sharing one can. To lock, simply twist to close and to open it back up, just press on the black nubs on the lid whenever they get to the stopper. These are popular in the western United States, where in some areas with grizzlies, they're required, but they're useful almost anywhere if you want a surefire way to keep food untouched by all kinds of I moved to the West Coast, I was sooooo excited that I finally had to get a bear canister! They may be heavy and tough to put in a pack, but hey, they're iconic! This smaller size fits into a pack relatively easily and holds a lot, especially if you're keeping volume in mind while shopping. And they really are useful beyond just for bears. I brought mine to Joshua Tree this past weekend because the last time I was there, there were a ton of mice, and there's just no good place to hang a food bag. Enter: the can! And hey, don't forget to put your trash and any other scented items like toothpaste in there for the night, too. Promising review: "I love this thing. It fits easily into my pack and can fit electrolytes, snacks, a collapsible mug, matches and fuel, and 6–8 freeze-dried meals. Even witnessed an inquisitive deer who accidentally rolled it down a rocky hill and not a scratch or crack on it!" —stacePrice: $76.95 (also available in larger sizes) An REI Co-op Flash 22 pack so you have a simple, well-designed daypack ready to go if you want to go on hikes from camp. It's on the budget-friendly side of high-quality gear, coming in at $60, and it's money well spent. REI brand gear tends to really hold up, so get ready to reach for this bag for years and years to come. The pack has two huge side pockets for water bottles or extras, a mesh hip belt that stores away if you're not using it, an internal water reservoir sleeve if that's your vibe, extra internal pockets, and an external bungee so you can create more connection points if needed. Promising review: "Took this down to the Smoky Mountains last week and it was great! It is well made, has lots of pockets, and is super lightweight. It even has a built-in whistle! Highly recommend." —LesleyPrice: $59.95 (available in four colors) A Garmin inReach Mini 2 to help you stay in touch with loved ones or in case of emergency when you're out in the backwoods. This little nugget can send messages, update friends back home about your location, and most importantly send SOS messages, all without cell service. A huge relief to have for hikers of all kinds, especially if you love nothing more than a good solo trip. To use the Garmin on your trip, the device requires a monthly service fee of $14.95+ (or $11.95+ if you opt for an annual contract). But don't worry, if you're just planning on one trip, the monthly plan only requires a 30-day commitment, so you can bail after your hike and reactivate the next time you go on an adventure. It weighs just 3.5 and has 11 different types of subscription plans available for individuals, professionals, and review: "Recently used the Garmin inReach Mini 2 on a seven-day backpacking trek in the northern Yosemite wilderness. I kept it on during the day, sent two to three preset check-in messages per day, and turned it off overnight (and kept it in my sleeping bag). After six nights/seven days like this, I still had 40% battery life left. Messages usually took about a minute to send with no/minimal tree cover, and the Bluetooth-connected phone app makes typing messages from your phone very easy. I'm so glad I had it with me to get info about the Washburn fire that started while I was on the trail. Overall, I (and my loved ones back home!) am very happy with how the Garmin performed." —ElysePrice: $400 (available in two colors) An Osprey Aura AG 65-liter pack so you can hit the ol' dusty trail with everything you need in a supportive, cushioned pack that has all the special features you need, but not so many that it weighs you down. With a suspended mesh back, plenty of pockets, and a comfortable hip belt, there's nothing I don't adore about this pack. I call it my "Cadillac." 😏 ^That's me with the slightly older model on my first backpacking trip!Osprey is known for making exceptional packs for all kinds of journeys, and the Aura is no exception. It has a separated sleeping bag compartment, a huge mesh pocket on the outside for camp shoes and immediate needs, snack pockets on the hip belt, a whistle on the chest strap, large water bottle holders on each side, loops for trekking poles or an ice axe, sleeping pad straps, and compression straps to get your weight distributed evenly. But best of all, a ton of these features are unclippable/removable if you're not using them and don't want the extra weight — because it adds up! I took the "brain" off my pack — a separate large compartment that goes over the pack's top — but it's included if you want it. I find that this pack's weight distributes very comfortably — at least as comfortably as it can be — and the cushions on the waist strap really did the trick. No bruising or chafing, even on my first trip! Picking a pack is personal, especially since everyone has different intentions, needs, and bodies, but with how customizable this pack is, I'd recommend it to almost anyone. This was my first ever pack and it really helped me ease into the idea of carrying everything I need, which is daunting! This is an extremely comfortable intro. I found the 65-liter to be a good size for starting out with larger/heavier beginner gear, but if you're going for a shorter trip or a summer trip where you have less bulk, or are already a lightweight packing pro, it also comes in a 50-liter review: "I bought this last year and am still very happy with my purchase. It has all the room I need, even when I carry a bear canister. It sits nicely on my hips so I have no sore back at the end of the day. I couldn't ask for a better pack." —BobbiePrice: $340 (available in sizes XS–L and three colors; the Aura is technically a "women's" pack, but you can check out the "men's" version called the Atmos here) A Sawyer Squeeze water filtration system that blows any other system out of the — say it with me — water. It's adaptable and easy to use in almost any situation, planned or not. I've encountered some pretty sad excuses for water sources and have still been able to get liquid into the bag to be filtered and safely consumed. The set comes with one squeeze screw-on water filter, two 32-ounce collapsible pouches, one replaceable pop-up drinking spout, and one syringe filter cleaner. It only weighs three ounces. It removes bacteria such as Salmonella, cholera, and E. coli, as well as protozoa such as Giardia and If you're immunocompromised, be sure to read all the package instructions to make sure it's safe for you.I adore this water filter for its ease of use, adaptability, small size, and zero wait time. Just fill the bag, screw on the filter, and roll the bag to squeeze the filtered water into your bottle. You don't need to wait for it to be done like with water treatment pills or gravity systems, and there's no funky taste — just fresh, clean, crisp water. If even the bag-filling situation sounds like it would take too much time, you can also screw the filter DIRECTLY ONTO A WATER BOTTLE and drink straight from it. Game-changing. Either way, it's a quick, lightweight system that I completely recommend. Promising review: "I've taken this on a couple of backcountry/backpacking trips and it's so handy and easy to use. I find I prefer to carry two Smartwater bottles with me (one for dirty water, one for filtered water), screw the filter to the top of one, and squeeze clean water into the second bottle. I also love that it's small and lightweight. It's perfect for backcountry trips." —sarah279Price: $45.95 An REI Co-Op 650 down jacket to stay cozy and warm whether you're hitting the trail or embarking on errand day in town, which can truly be an adventure all on its own. Down is known for its packability, light weight, and breathability, making it a perfect layer all year long, especially on adventures in the mountains or desert where cool mornings and nights can sneak up on you. Promising review: "REI brand is one of few that fits my body type, with a smaller torso/arms and wide hips. Fits well, good quality, excellent warmth for a casual mid/outer layer." —HayleePrice: $89.93+ (originally $129, available in women's sizes XS–3X and 10 colors) A Nemo Disco 30 Endless Promise down sleeping bag to help you dial in your sleep system while out backpacking and get the best night of sleep you can. Its unique "spoon" shape is ideal for side sleepers while still shaving off pack weight compared to traditional rectangular bags, and 650-fill-power hydrophobic down keeps you warm without getting stuffy (vents help with that, too). The sleeping bag's hood and footbox are treated with waterproofing in case of any condensation against your tent walls, has a draft collar to keep the cold from getting in, and its shell is made of 100% recycled ripstop polyester. Promising review: "I've used this bag for a while now, and it's the best I've ever used. From the backcountry lakes of Wyoming's Wind River Range to riverside fields along rivers in New Hampshire, it has come everywhere with me. As a taller person with broad shoulders, the long version fits me PERFECTLY. I'm also someone who gets pretty hot while sleeping, so the venting features have been a game changer. Not only is it comfortable and functional, but it's also made from recycled materials and can be easily repaired. If I could give this product more stars, I would!" —DomPrice: $269.95+ in both men's and women's models (available in regular and long lengths) A Kula Cloth, aka the most amazing reusable pee rag money can buy. It has a waterproof external layer (that's the pretty printed one), an antimicrobial ~wiping~ side, and snaps that keep the cloth closed when you're not using it. If you're tired of doing a weird pee dance or having straight-up damp underwear after going in the woods, here is the long-awaited solution! If you didn't know, now you know. Yeah, the Kula Cloth is life changing if peeing in the woods gets you down. It's also super useful for general travel if you're traveling anywhere with an unreliable TP situation. There's also a little loop on the corner so you can just carabiner it to the outside of your pack if you're backpacking. Ya know how people who drive Jeeps nod at each other on the road? People with Kula Cloths on their packs nod to each other on the trail. It's a thing. Promising review: "I've had one for years now and it has been such a game changer from backpacking, camping, or just hiking. We take them everywhere outdoors, and I consider this one of the best outdoor inventions ever. If you don't want wet panties or have to be packing toilet paper into a baggie to pack out, this is the ticket! I wouldn't be without one outdoors!" —outdrgrlPrice: $20 (available in seven patterns) A Rumpl Camp Pillow if you don't want to sacrifice your home pillow to the wilderness gods but still want somewhere soft to lay your head. I *love* this pillow for its double-sided fabric (one cooling, one soft), perfectly plush feel, and ability to fold in half into this little stuff sack. I thought I was done with outdoor pillows for good until this one from Rumpl walked into my life. Wanting something outdoor-specific, but disappointed by inflatable models, my backpacking brain transitioned me fully to just using my clothes bag, even when car camping! But thank goodness I've finally found an outdoor pillow I dig, so I can get a good night's sleep when on trips with a little more gear! It really is so plush and comfy, and at the end of the day, that's all I really want from a pillow! I use the fleece side because I tend to sleep cold, but it's nice to know the cooling side is around for the next time I'm on a humid trip. Is the pillowcase machine-washable? You bet! That's the Rumpl $59.95 (available in two colors) A pair of collapsible trekking poles to aid your climbing (and making you look super legit). Yes, they help you get up the mountain, but we're not talking enough about how useful they are for getting down. Step with certainty and do your knees a favor by getting yourself a reliable pair! You don't want to skimp on quality with a piece of gear you're putting your weight on, uhhhhh next to a cliff's edge. Under-$100 is a solid price point for a high-quality set that's much cheaper than the alternatives while still making sure they're going to be safe and last you a long while. These also have wrist straps to keep them from flying out of your hand (though it might prompt a chuckle, sorry!), and come with included trail baskets to ensure they're just as useful on soft terrain like sand and snow as they are on solid ground. Promising review: "For the price, these are excellent trekking poles. I've brought them on day hikes and multi-day camping trips to prop my tent up. They're significantly cheaper than carbon and weigh nearly the same. If you're getting into hiking and aren't sure what to get, go for these, they're the best all-around introduction to trekking poles." —EKTPrice: $79.95 (available in two colors) A Petzl Borea climbing helmet because keeping your coconut safe when climbing outside is of the utmost importance! I like this helmet because it's easily adjustable, fairly breathable — even in some serious heat — and not super-duper expensive. Promising review: "I just used this on a climbing trip in Vegas, for limestone and red rock and felt safe and secure in it. Four other people had it on the trip, which speaks for itself. I love how easily adjustable it is! My newbie friends didn't have helmets and we shared mine and they were easily able to adjust between climbs. I am petite and have a small head and it fit comfortably. Hit my head a few times on the walls with this helmet on and hardly felt the hits." —eggofchaosPrice: $74.95 (available in three colors) A Tilley hat to give your SPF some support and protect your face and neck from that bright, bright sun as you hike, fish, and while away these sunny summer days. With a UPF rating of 50, it helps block some sun while a mesh upper keeps air flowing. Nobody wants a sweaty head! Taking it out of the water? Embedded foam keeps it afloat if it goes overboard. Promising review: "This is the hat I've been looking for! Getting older and needing some shade on my noggin, face, and neck. I've purchased a few other hats, but this one is the most comfortable and breathable, and covers my neck and long nose, too. The wife says it looks good on me and she's picky!" —Danny DoradoPrice: $99 (available in sizes 7–8 and five colors) An iconic Petzl Grigri belay device because if you've been rock climbing for a bit, chances are it's time to finally invest in one of these. The assisted brake gives peace of mind to both climbers and belayers alike, whether you're top rope or lead climbing indoors or out. Need a locking carabiner to go with? I use a Black Diamond RockLock Screwgate Carabiner. It goes without saying that I love my Grigri! It keeps me and my climbing partners safe, and what's not to love about that?! Finally buying one felt like a true climber rite of reviews: "Great belay device. I use it constantly and have had no issues with it. The paint will most likely wear off from rope friction, but the function of the belay device is great. Prefer it way more over my old ATC belay device." —Matt"I love my Pretzl Grigri. As a 5'4" woman who lead climbs with 6'+ guys, it saves my butt on a regular basis. I feel completely comfortable catching a whip with this, no matter what distractions are going on or how fast I need to react. It does take a bit of practice to learn how to feed the rope through smoothly for lead belaying, but after a bit of practice, it doesn't slow me down at all. I also feel much safer climbing with my belayer using an auto-locking belay device, and I've never had any issues with any Pretzel Grigri I've ever climbed with. I highly recommend it." —livhausPrice: $99.95 (available in three colors) A Hest Foamy Sleeping Pad for anyone who refuses to be any less comfortable sleeping outdoors than they would in their comfy bed back home. More power to ya! This rollable pad has two layers of memory foam, a waterproof bottom in case your tent gets wet, and a compression harness that doubles as a welcome mat. Aw, home sweet home. Promising review: "If you are looking for a mattress for car camping or extra bed in a hotel, this is it. So much more comfortable than any air mattress or sleeping pad. I'm 6'3" and 230 pounds, and this mattress is better than half of the hotel beds I have slept on. It's incredible." —JlendoPrice: $279+ (available in short, regular, and regular wide sizes) A small medical kit because it's a good idea to have first aid supplies on hand when you're out in the wilderness, full stop. This one has everything you need and is well-organized, which is actually very important during a real emergency. This kit always comes with me on most longer hikes and definitely on all backpacking trips. It's small, light, and completely unobtrusive! It has many different kinds of bandages, a splinter and tick remover, bug bite relief wipes, aspirin, and more!Promising review: "It is exactly what I was looking for. It has everything expected. It is properly sized for backpacking or moto-camping with my dog." —Josh LPrice: $32.95 (available in three styles) A Nemo Chipper seat pad so you can join the veritable army of outdoor enthusiasts who swear by this simple and elegant little "chair." Use it to keep your bum clean while you take a rest, give yourself a little more padding wherever you need it when you sleep, use it as a list goes on and on. Plus, it's made out of reclaimed and remolded foam scraps, hence the funky, cool colors. Promising review: "This is a luxury item, but the kind you can easily justify because of its compact size, light weight, and versatility. I'll throw it in both a backpacking pack and a day pack. I've used it under my sleeping pad to add a little more padding under my hips, to make a picnic bench cleaner and softer, to sit on in a parking lot while changing shoes, to widen the top of my hammock so it's not closing in on my head, and of course just to sit on when taking a break. I rest my pack against a tree and use it and the Chipper to make a nice recliner in the woods." —GorillaJasonPrice: $19.95
Fox Sports
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Who Are The Top 10 Running Backs Heading Into The 2025 College Football Season?
Running back was arguably the strongest position in college football last season. Ashton Jeanty seriously threatened Barry Sanders' long-standing single-season rushing yards record. TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins teamed up to help Ohio State win a national championship. Cam Skattebo put Arizona State on his back and led the Sun Devils to the CFP behind his 1,700-yard season. All of those players are now off to the NFL, though, leaving college football without a clear-cut top player at running back, at least in the eyes of some. Penn State has a couple of running backs who can make their case for the honor, while Notre Dame has a running back who might also feel he's the top dog at the position. While we might not be as certain about who the No. 1 running back in the nation is entering 2025, the depth of talent at the position is still apparent. That's why forming a top-10 list wasn't easy, but we gave it a try. So, here are the 10 best running backs in college football ahead of the new season. 10. Bryson Washington, Baylor After redshirting in 2023, Washington had a stellar 2024 campaign. He rushed for 1,028 yards on 5.9 yards per carry. He added 217 receiving yards and a touchdown in the passing game as well, helping him earn Freshman All-American honors from multiple publications. Washington's play really took off at the end of the season, though. He rushed for at least 110 yards in each of Baylor's final four regular-season games and in five of its final six regular-season games. He scored 11 of his 12 touchdowns in that stretch. 9. Jonah Coleman, Washington The 2024 season might have been disappointing for the Huskies, but it certainly wasn't for Coleman. Following head coach Jedd Fisch from Arizona to Washington, Coleman rushed for 1,053 yards on 5.5 yards per carry and 10 touchdowns. He was productive in ranked matchups against Michigan and Indiana, putting up 184 yards over those two games. He was named third-team All-Big Ten as a result. 8. Desmond Reid, Pitt Reid made a seamless transition from the FCS to FBS in 2024, putting up better numbers at Pitt than he did in his last season at Western Carolina. The third-year running back rushed for 966 yards on 5.3 yards per carry and five touchdowns, adding an impressive 579 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns in 2024 on top of those numbers. Reid's contributions didn't end on the offensive side of the ball, either. He recorded 159 punt return yards and a punt return touchdown, earning second-team All-American honors from multiple outlets as an all-purpose player. 7. Quintrevion Wisner, Texas The Longhorns keep churning out quality running backs, with Wisner joining that lineage in 2024. He actually wasn't supposed to be Texas' starting running back entering the 2024 season, earning the job after CJ Baxter suffered a season-ending knee injury during fall camp. Wisner stepped up in Baxter's absence, recording 1,064 yards on 4.7 yards per carry to go with 311 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown. Baxter will be back in the mix for Texas in 2025, so it might be tough for Wisner to put up over 1,000 rushing yards again. But his talent was too good to leave him off the list. 6. Ahmad Hardy, Missouri For the last couple of seasons, Luther Burden III brought the offensive spark for Missouri at wide receiver. This season, Hardy might be responsible for being the Tigers' offensive catalyst. He rushed for an impressive 1,351 yards on 5.7 yards per carry and 13 touchdowns at Louisiana-Monroe last season, winning Sun Belt Freshman of the Year. Hardy was arguably the best running back in the transfer portal this offseason, with Missouri beating Ole Miss and Kentucky to land him. 5. Isaac Brown, Louisville After finishing third in the ACC in rushing yards last season, Brown is the conference's leading returning rusher for 2025. In fact, he proved to be one of the ACC's best running backs as a freshman in 2024, rushing for 1,173 yards on an impressive 7.1 yards per carry and 11 touchdowns. He rushed for at least 5.5 yards per carry in each of Louisville's three games against ranked opponents last year, putting up 151 yards in its upset win over Clemson. That helped Brown win ACC Rookie of the Year and earn second-team All-Conference honors. 4. Kaytron Allen, Penn State Allen is the first of two Nittany Lions running backs who'll appear on the list. Returning for his senior season, Allen made incremental improvements in each of his first three years in Happy Valley. He started off as an 800-yard rusher as a freshman in 2022 before rushing for 1,108 yards on five yards per carry and five touchdowns last season, and that was as he split carries with another player on our list. 3. Makhi Hughes, Oregon After losing standout Jordan James to the NFL, Oregon was able to land a quality running back to replace him for the 2025 season. Hughes transferred to Eugene after two strong seasons at Tulane, where he rushed for over 2,700 yards. Last season, Hughes rushed for 1,401 yards on 5.3 yards per carry and 15 touchdowns to be named first-team All-AAC for the second straight year. 2. Nicholas Singleton, Penn State The other half of Penn State's dynamic running back duo, Singleton is arguably the most complete running back in college football. His speed helped him rush for over 1,000 yards for the second time in his career in 2024, going for 1,099 yards on 6.4 yards and 12 touchdowns. As a receiver, Singleton had 41 receptions for 375 yards and five touchdowns. Even though Penn State has struggled in big games in recent years, Singleton has not. In the Nittany Lions' final four games of the 2024 season – the Big Ten Championship and three CFP games – he rushed for 376 yards and five touchdowns. 1. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame Love was Notre Dame's offensive catalyst in its surprise run to the national championship game last season. He rushed for 1,125 yards on 6.9 yards per carry and 17 touchdowns, adding two receiving touchdowns as well. While his numbers in the postseason might not look great, Love was battling injury at the time. That didn't stop him from taking a run 98 yards to the house in Notre Dame's win over Indiana. Not only is Love our top-ranked running back heading into the 2025 season, but he's also one of FOX Sports lead college football analyst Joel Klatt's top players entering the year . Klatt ranked Love as his sixth-best player in college football entering the year, saying that he "gives Notre Dame the ability to compete at the top end of the sport. "I don't think we've seen the best of Love yet," Klatt said. "He rushed for over 7.0 yards per carry [before the injury] and is a home run threat every time he touches the ball. Those types of running backs who can change the game with one touch are really special." HONORABLE MENTION Jamal Haynes, Georgia Tech Dylan Edwards, Kansas State CJ Donaldson, Ohio State Jadyn Ott, Oklahoma Jahiem White, West Virginia Darius Taylor, Minnesota Caden Durham, LSU Nate Frazier, Georgia Jadarian Price, Notre Dame Le'Veon Moss, Texas A&M Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account , and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! recommended Item 1 of 3 Get more from the College Football Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Cam Coleman, Jackson Arnold earn spots on Maxwell Award watch list
Jackson Arnold and Cam Coleman are in the early running to win a national award. Quarterback Jackson Arnold and wide receiver Cam Coleman are expected to be colossal playmakers for the Auburn Tigers in 2025. The hype surrounding the duo is real as one postseason award has included them on its preseason watch list. The Maxwell Award, given annually to the most outstanding player in college football, released its preseason watch list this week, which includes Arnold and Coleman. Auburn's representation joins a long list of SEC players that have earned early consideration for the award, including Florida QB DJ Lagway, Georgia RB Nate Frazier, and Texas A&M RB Le'Veon Moss. Coleman returns to Auburn after a solid freshman campaign in 2024. The Phenix City, Alabama native caught 37 passes for 598 yards last season, with eight touchdowns. His production skyrocketed later in Auburn's schedule as he logged 22 catches for 306 yards and six touchdowns over Auburn's final three games. According to Pro Football Focus data, Coleman dropped just three passes last season and hauled in 68.5% of passes thrown his way. Arnold is the new kid on the block for the Tigers' offense, transferring to the Plains from Oklahoma. He is set to take over the starting quarterback role following the departure of Payton Thorne, who held the position for the last two seasons. Arnold won the Gatorade Player of the Year in 2022 and saw time as a starter for the Sooners last season. However, Arnold is looking for a fresh start with Auburn, where he will have a stellar wide receiver unit to pass to and an experienced offensive line blocking for him. Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__
New York Post
2 days ago
- New York Post
Husband allegedly killed wife for cheating — then murdered another man because he ‘knew he was going to jail': police
A jilted husband allegedly confessed to killing his wife while accusing her of cheating on him — then hunting down another man to murder because he 'knew he was going to jail,' according to a criminal complaint. Father of two Joshua Coleman, 30, confessed to shooting his 22-year-old wife, Mandy Coleman, in the head inside their home in Ridgeway, Virginia, during a fight last Tuesday, according to a criminal complaint obtained by WDBJ. He then hunted down 68-year-old William Morey because he 'knew he was going to jail' anyway, according to the complaint, which did not elaborate on why he wanted to kill Morey. Advertisement 3 Joshua Coleman allegedly shot his wife while accusing her of cheating on him, police said. Facebook / Josh Coleman Coleman initially could not locate Morey — until he went back to his own home, where he found the other man outside while heading to check up on Mandy, the report said. Coleman then shot him dead, too, according to the affidavit — with the dead man's bullet-ridden body in the street leading cops to the slain wife inside the house. Advertisement Coleman was quickly 'identified as the suspect in connection with the murders,' Henry County Sheriff's Office said — and 'deputies also became concerned for the welfare' of the Colemans' 'two small children.' 3 Coleman, pictured here, is also charged with killing another man, 68-year-old William Morey. 'An immediate, coordinated effort was launched to locate the children and the suspect,' the sheriff's office said. Coleman was finally busted during a trafic stop and 'found to be armed with a handgun and an AR-15 rifle,' deputies said. Advertisement 'The two children were found inside the vehicle, safe and unharmed. Coleman then confessed to shooting his wife in the head during an argument in which he accused her of cheating on him, the court docs said. It was unclear why he targeted Morey, whose relationship to the Colemans was not immediately clear. Coleman is charged with two counts of first-degree murder as well as child abuse. He is being held in the Henry County Adult Detention Center without bond. 3 The couple's two children were found safe in Joshua Coleman's car when he was arrested. Facebook / Carolyn Waller Mize Advertisement 'This is a heartbreaking and tragic situation that has deeply affected two families and our entire community,' Sheriff Wayne Davis said. 'Our hearts go out to the loved ones of the victims during this incredibly difficult time.' Ridgeway is a small town of only about 750 residents in rural southwestern Virginia, just north of the North Carolina border.
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
A finals berth may be secure, but the Hunter Wildfires still have plenty on the line
JOB one done. Now to secure a home semi-final. The Hunter Wildfires have a guaranteed place in the Shute Shield finals with two rounds remaining after a 43-21 win over West Harbour at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday. The six-tries-to-three win moved the Wildfires to 60 points in third place. And they have no intention of falling any lower. The Wildfires are away to Gordon and Randwick in the final two rounds. Both are fighting for a place in the top six. Two wins could jump the Wildfires above Warringah (64 points) and into second. "We want to finish in the top three," Wildfires coach Scott Coleman said. "We want a home semi. That is very important. "Sydney Rugby have said we are a good chance of hosting a play-off if we finish in the top three. It will hinge a little bit on who we are playing and where their second grade is playing. We want to give them no choice." The Wildfires' only other finals appearance was in 2023 when they finished the regular season in sixth spot. They went down to eventual grand finalist Norths 22-17 in the first round of the play-offs. As well as a chance to host a home final, Coleman wants to take momentum into the post-season. "The next two games will be a true indication of what is to come," Coleman said. "We want to take momentum into the play-offs." The Wildfires win over West Harbour wasn't the prettiest or most clinical performance but the home side did enough. After being held up twice and bombing another try, the Wildfires went ahead in the 15th minute through a converted try to winger Frankie Nowell. West Harbour hit back five minutes later, with their first venture into the Wildfires' 22 metres. Newcastle-born halfback Drew Sellers was pulled down just short and No.8 Onehunga Kaufusi crashed over to draw level. That is how it went for the next 40 minutes. The Wildfires maul was dominant and was the avenue to four tries. But every time the Wildfires jumped ahead, they let West Harbour back into the game. They led 14-7 and 19-14 at half-time. A half-time rev up, seemed to do the trick. Phil Talaileva powered over three minutes into the second half to extend the gap to 26-14. Again, the Wildfires took their foot off the throat, bombing another try. The Pirates made them pay to close to 26-21. With 15 minutes to go, the Wildfires lifted again. Powerhouse centre Veni Vahai made a bust on the right edge. Next phase, replacement hooker Bertnie Hati charged over for 33-21 after 70 minutes. Talaileva added a second in the 74th minute. Logan Love converted and added a penalty at the death. "We weren't doing the simple things well," Coleman said. "In the first half, we made line breaks but didn't have support. We would make a good carry and have no one cleaning out. Everyone was expecting it to be done, rather than stepping up and doing it. "The finishers came on and did what they had to do. We sped up the ball in the last 15 minutes and got a bit of pay out of it." JOB one done. Now to secure a home semi-final. The Hunter Wildfires have a guaranteed place in the Shute Shield finals with two rounds remaining after a 43-21 win over West Harbour at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday. The six-tries-to-three win moved the Wildfires to 60 points in third place. And they have no intention of falling any lower. The Wildfires are away to Gordon and Randwick in the final two rounds. Both are fighting for a place in the top six. Two wins could jump the Wildfires above Warringah (64 points) and into second. "We want to finish in the top three," Wildfires coach Scott Coleman said. "We want a home semi. That is very important. "Sydney Rugby have said we are a good chance of hosting a play-off if we finish in the top three. It will hinge a little bit on who we are playing and where their second grade is playing. We want to give them no choice." The Wildfires' only other finals appearance was in 2023 when they finished the regular season in sixth spot. They went down to eventual grand finalist Norths 22-17 in the first round of the play-offs. As well as a chance to host a home final, Coleman wants to take momentum into the post-season. "The next two games will be a true indication of what is to come," Coleman said. "We want to take momentum into the play-offs." The Wildfires win over West Harbour wasn't the prettiest or most clinical performance but the home side did enough. After being held up twice and bombing another try, the Wildfires went ahead in the 15th minute through a converted try to winger Frankie Nowell. West Harbour hit back five minutes later, with their first venture into the Wildfires' 22 metres. Newcastle-born halfback Drew Sellers was pulled down just short and No.8 Onehunga Kaufusi crashed over to draw level. That is how it went for the next 40 minutes. The Wildfires maul was dominant and was the avenue to four tries. But every time the Wildfires jumped ahead, they let West Harbour back into the game. They led 14-7 and 19-14 at half-time. A half-time rev up, seemed to do the trick. Phil Talaileva powered over three minutes into the second half to extend the gap to 26-14. Again, the Wildfires took their foot off the throat, bombing another try. The Pirates made them pay to close to 26-21. With 15 minutes to go, the Wildfires lifted again. Powerhouse centre Veni Vahai made a bust on the right edge. Next phase, replacement hooker Bertnie Hati charged over for 33-21 after 70 minutes. Talaileva added a second in the 74th minute. Logan Love converted and added a penalty at the death. "We weren't doing the simple things well," Coleman said. "In the first half, we made line breaks but didn't have support. We would make a good carry and have no one cleaning out. Everyone was expecting it to be done, rather than stepping up and doing it. "The finishers came on and did what they had to do. We sped up the ball in the last 15 minutes and got a bit of pay out of it." JOB one done. Now to secure a home semi-final. The Hunter Wildfires have a guaranteed place in the Shute Shield finals with two rounds remaining after a 43-21 win over West Harbour at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday. The six-tries-to-three win moved the Wildfires to 60 points in third place. And they have no intention of falling any lower. The Wildfires are away to Gordon and Randwick in the final two rounds. Both are fighting for a place in the top six. Two wins could jump the Wildfires above Warringah (64 points) and into second. "We want to finish in the top three," Wildfires coach Scott Coleman said. "We want a home semi. That is very important. "Sydney Rugby have said we are a good chance of hosting a play-off if we finish in the top three. It will hinge a little bit on who we are playing and where their second grade is playing. We want to give them no choice." The Wildfires' only other finals appearance was in 2023 when they finished the regular season in sixth spot. They went down to eventual grand finalist Norths 22-17 in the first round of the play-offs. As well as a chance to host a home final, Coleman wants to take momentum into the post-season. "The next two games will be a true indication of what is to come," Coleman said. "We want to take momentum into the play-offs." The Wildfires win over West Harbour wasn't the prettiest or most clinical performance but the home side did enough. After being held up twice and bombing another try, the Wildfires went ahead in the 15th minute through a converted try to winger Frankie Nowell. West Harbour hit back five minutes later, with their first venture into the Wildfires' 22 metres. Newcastle-born halfback Drew Sellers was pulled down just short and No.8 Onehunga Kaufusi crashed over to draw level. That is how it went for the next 40 minutes. The Wildfires maul was dominant and was the avenue to four tries. But every time the Wildfires jumped ahead, they let West Harbour back into the game. They led 14-7 and 19-14 at half-time. A half-time rev up, seemed to do the trick. Phil Talaileva powered over three minutes into the second half to extend the gap to 26-14. Again, the Wildfires took their foot off the throat, bombing another try. The Pirates made them pay to close to 26-21. With 15 minutes to go, the Wildfires lifted again. Powerhouse centre Veni Vahai made a bust on the right edge. Next phase, replacement hooker Bertnie Hati charged over for 33-21 after 70 minutes. Talaileva added a second in the 74th minute. Logan Love converted and added a penalty at the death. "We weren't doing the simple things well," Coleman said. "In the first half, we made line breaks but didn't have support. We would make a good carry and have no one cleaning out. Everyone was expecting it to be done, rather than stepping up and doing it. "The finishers came on and did what they had to do. We sped up the ball in the last 15 minutes and got a bit of pay out of it." JOB one done. Now to secure a home semi-final. The Hunter Wildfires have a guaranteed place in the Shute Shield finals with two rounds remaining after a 43-21 win over West Harbour at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday. The six-tries-to-three win moved the Wildfires to 60 points in third place. And they have no intention of falling any lower. The Wildfires are away to Gordon and Randwick in the final two rounds. Both are fighting for a place in the top six. Two wins could jump the Wildfires above Warringah (64 points) and into second. "We want to finish in the top three," Wildfires coach Scott Coleman said. "We want a home semi. That is very important. "Sydney Rugby have said we are a good chance of hosting a play-off if we finish in the top three. It will hinge a little bit on who we are playing and where their second grade is playing. We want to give them no choice." The Wildfires' only other finals appearance was in 2023 when they finished the regular season in sixth spot. They went down to eventual grand finalist Norths 22-17 in the first round of the play-offs. As well as a chance to host a home final, Coleman wants to take momentum into the post-season. "The next two games will be a true indication of what is to come," Coleman said. "We want to take momentum into the play-offs." The Wildfires win over West Harbour wasn't the prettiest or most clinical performance but the home side did enough. After being held up twice and bombing another try, the Wildfires went ahead in the 15th minute through a converted try to winger Frankie Nowell. West Harbour hit back five minutes later, with their first venture into the Wildfires' 22 metres. Newcastle-born halfback Drew Sellers was pulled down just short and No.8 Onehunga Kaufusi crashed over to draw level. That is how it went for the next 40 minutes. The Wildfires maul was dominant and was the avenue to four tries. But every time the Wildfires jumped ahead, they let West Harbour back into the game. They led 14-7 and 19-14 at half-time. A half-time rev up, seemed to do the trick. Phil Talaileva powered over three minutes into the second half to extend the gap to 26-14. Again, the Wildfires took their foot off the throat, bombing another try. The Pirates made them pay to close to 26-21. With 15 minutes to go, the Wildfires lifted again. Powerhouse centre Veni Vahai made a bust on the right edge. Next phase, replacement hooker Bertnie Hati charged over for 33-21 after 70 minutes. Talaileva added a second in the 74th minute. Logan Love converted and added a penalty at the death. "We weren't doing the simple things well," Coleman said. "In the first half, we made line breaks but didn't have support. We would make a good carry and have no one cleaning out. Everyone was expecting it to be done, rather than stepping up and doing it. "The finishers came on and did what they had to do. We sped up the ball in the last 15 minutes and got a bit of pay out of it."
