

J. Travis Smith
J. Travis Smith is a freelance writer and longtime friend of Gear Patrol. He began his writing career as the sixth hire at GP and has spent the last decade writing about food, drink and travel for product-focused publications like GP, GQ and Hop Culture, a craft beer publication that he co-founded in NYC. He now lives in Boston, where you can find him running long miles, drinking chilled beaujolais and attempting to grow tomatoes in his garden.
Latest
-
-
Outdoors
The One Piece of Gear a Search-and-Rescue K9 Handler Won’t Leave Home Without
It may not the flashiest piece of gear, but "I’d be all thumbs without it," says this seasoned dog handler with Colorado Search and Rescue (CSAR).
-
Outdoors
This Brand Invented the World’s Best Dog Harness. It Almost Never Happened
Designing a dog harness fit for adventure wasn't originally in the cards. But it didn't happen by accident, either.
-
Fitness
Should You Run with Your Dog? 6 Things to Consider
Everything you need to know before hitting the pavement, or trails, with your canine companion.
-
Outdoors
The 8 Best Outdoor Dog Beds for Camping, Hiking and Every Adventure In-Between
Yes, even your dog deserves their own space to chill and recharge.
-
Outdoors
5 Outdoor Adventure Brands You Didn’t Know Made Dog Gear
Some of your favorite outdoor brands are quietly designing accessories for your four-legged hiking companions.
-
Drinks
The Best Cheap Beers on the Planet, According to Experts
The Best Cheap Beers on the Planet, According to Experts
-
Style
The Right Way to Wax a Canvas Jacket, According to a Pro
You can weatherproof your canvas jacket with the right amount of wax. But it isn't as easy as just rubbing it on.
By J. Travis Smith and Beau Hayhoe
-
Drinks
12 Classic IPAs That Still Stand Up in 2024
If you can look past the hype, you’ll find plenty of accedible IPAs from what are now considered big-name brewers.
By J. Travis Smith and Jack Seemer
-
Drinks
This Used to Be America’s Top Beer Style. What Happened?
The West Coast-style IPA used to be America’s favorite craft beer.
-
Drinks
5 Things Experts Always Check Before Buying Whiskey
Stop being confused in the liquor aisle and learn to pick whiskey like a pro.
-
Drinks
Over Mint Juleps? These Whiskey Cocktails are Tasty Kentucky Derby Alternatives
Kentucky native chef and bartender Newman Miller once shared three of his signature whiskey cocktail recipes with us during a visit to the bourbon trail that every whiskey fan should try.
-
Drinks
24 Beers You Need to Try Before You Die, Chosen by Experts
We asked oven a dozen masters of brewing to name which beers every drinker should try at least once in their lifetime.
-
Drinks
Who Makes the Best Cheap Beer in America? The Experts Weigh In
We seek out the go-to cheap suds from every region of the country with help from beer experts.
-
Food & Drink
This Green, Egg-Shaped Grill Is a Culinary Legend — Here’s How It Acquired Icon Status
On the eve of Big Green Egg’s 50th birthday, the brand’s founder, CEO and a few fervent fans tell the story of the funky grill’s unlikely rise to outdoor cooking wonder.
-
Drinks
Stop Buying Whiskey Stones, They Suck
Whiskey stones have always been, and continue to be, terrible.
By J. Travis Smith and Johnny Brayson
-
Food & Drink
This Green, Egg-Shaped Grill Is a Culinary Legend — Here’s How It Acquired Icon Status
On the eve of Big Green Egg’s 50th birthday, the brand’s founder, CEO and a few fervent fans tell the story of the funky grill’s unlikely rise to outdoor cooking wonder.
-
Drinks
The Best Scotch Whisky to Buy at Every Price Point
Everything you need to know about Scotland’s favorite brown spirit, including the best bottles across all price points.
By Johnny Brayson, Tyler Chin, and J. Travis Smith
-
Drinks
The 22 Best Rye Whiskeys to Drink
Introduce yourself to the next best thing in brown spirits.
By Johnny Brayson and J. Travis Smith
-
Food & Drink
The 7 Best Countertop Ovens for Compact Cooking
Whether you view cooking as a science or you want to bake pizzas on your counter, these are the seven best countertop ovens to buy.