As the cold weather approaches, that doesn't necessarily mean it's time to stay indoors and shut down for the winter. Instead, with the proper gear, you can get outside and enjoy the crisp air and beautiful snowy landscapes. Below we...
When the coldest winter months arrive, it’s time for a serious jacket. Our picks for the best winter jackets and parkas below are among the warmest on the market—they are packed with down fill (or synthetic on occasion) and built to stand up to...
Whether you’re setting out on a casual day hike or hitting the trail with overnight gear, there’s a hiking shoe up for the task. Compared to traditional hiking boots, hiking shoes are characterized by their low-top design, which translates to less...
If you're searching for that elusive one-ski quiver, this is the category to find it. The definition of “all-mountain” varies by manufacturer and retailer but typically includes skis from 80 to 105 millimeters underfoot that can both carve on hardpack...
In the typical three-layer ski clothing system, the midlayer is given the all-important insulating duties. As such, it is the one article of clothing you’re most likely to swap out depending on weather conditions. Is it bristling cold and dry...
Whether you’re a resort ripper or earn your turns in the backcountry, ski bibs are a nice alternative to pants, offering unmatched protection alongside a healthy dose of style. And there are more women's-specific options now than ever: Brands like...
As the cold weather approaches, that doesn't necessarily mean it's time to stay indoors and shut down for the winter. Instead, with the proper gear, you can get outside and enjoy the crisp air and beautiful snowy landscapes. Below we...
When the coldest winter months arrive, it’s time for a serious jacket. Our picks for the best winter jackets and parkas below are among the warmest on the market—they are packed with down fill (or synthetic on occasion) and built to stand up to...
Whether you’re setting out on a casual day hike or hitting the trail with overnight gear, there’s a hiking shoe up for the task. Compared to traditional hiking boots, hiking shoes are characterized by their low-top design, which translates to less...
If you're searching for that elusive one-ski quiver, this is the category to find it. The definition of “all-mountain” varies by manufacturer and retailer but typically includes skis from 80 to 105 millimeters underfoot that can both carve on hardpack...
In the typical three-layer ski clothing system, the midlayer is given the all-important insulating duties. As such, it is the one article of clothing you’re most likely to swap out depending on weather conditions. Is it bristling cold and dry...
Whether you’re a resort ripper or earn your turns in the backcountry, ski bibs are a nice alternative to pants, offering unmatched protection alongside a healthy dose of style. And there are more women's-specific options now than ever: Brands like...
As the cold weather approaches, that doesn't necessarily mean it's time to stay indoors and shut down for the winter. Instead, with the proper gear, you can get outside and enjoy the crisp air and beautiful snowy landscapes. Below we...
When the coldest winter months arrive, it’s time for a serious jacket. Our picks for the best winter jackets and parkas below are among the warmest on the market—they are packed with down fill (or synthetic on occasion) and built to stand up to...
Whether you’re setting out on a casual day hike or hitting the trail with overnight gear, there’s a hiking shoe up for the task. Compared to traditional hiking boots, hiking shoes are characterized by their low-top design, which translates to less...
If you're searching for that elusive one-ski quiver, this is the category to find it. The definition of “all-mountain” varies by manufacturer and retailer but typically includes skis from 80 to 105 millimeters underfoot that can both carve on hardpack...
In the typical three-layer ski clothing system, the midlayer is given the all-important insulating duties. As such, it is the one article of clothing you’re most likely to swap out depending on weather conditions. Is it bristling cold and dry...
Whether you’re a resort ripper or earn your turns in the backcountry, ski bibs are a nice alternative to pants, offering unmatched protection alongside a healthy dose of style. And there are more women's-specific options now than ever: Brands like...
Arc’teryx’s Thorium AR Hoody stood out for its effective balance of warmth and protection, and the upgraded Thorium Hoody carries the torch. In addition to a sizable sustainability slant, the latest model packs in more down, has a helmet-compatible...
Merrell’s Moab is about as classic as hiking boots come and an extremely popular first pair of hiking footwear for many (including multiple editors on our staff). We tested one of the best-selling variations—the mid-height waterproof model—which checks...
Patagonia is an irrefutable leader in the rain jacket market, and the Boulder Fork is the latest addition to their well-rounded collection. Slotting in between the everyday-friendly Torrentshell and more technical Granite Crest, the new shell is...
REI Co-op is a consistent leader in the value space, but many of their designs are decidedly casual. The Magma 850 Down Hoodie bucks that trend, combining premium 850-fill down with a nice array of technical features and distinctive styling that wears...
The Atom from Arc’teryx is a legend. This popular synthetic piece crosses over between daily wear and backcountry use as well as anything on the market, thanks to its truly impressive balance of warmth, comfort, and styling. Arc’teryx gave the...
Climbers, hikers, and outdoor adventurers of all types have enjoyed Patagonia’s Down Sweater for years. It’s a go-to piece that has defined a jacket category, and Patagonia gave it a significant revamp a few seasons back. Key changes include a more...
Arc’teryx’s Thorium AR Hoody stood out for its effective balance of warmth and protection, and the upgraded Thorium Hoody carries the torch. In addition to a sizable sustainability slant, the latest model packs in more down, has a helmet-compatible...
Merrell’s Moab is about as classic as hiking boots come and an extremely popular first pair of hiking footwear for many (including multiple editors on our staff). We tested one of the best-selling variations—the mid-height waterproof model—which checks...
Patagonia is an irrefutable leader in the rain jacket market, and the Boulder Fork is the latest addition to their well-rounded collection. Slotting in between the everyday-friendly Torrentshell and more technical Granite Crest, the new shell is...
REI Co-op is a consistent leader in the value space, but many of their designs are decidedly casual. The Magma 850 Down Hoodie bucks that trend, combining premium 850-fill down with a nice array of technical features and distinctive styling that wears...
The Atom from Arc’teryx is a legend. This popular synthetic piece crosses over between daily wear and backcountry use as well as anything on the market, thanks to its truly impressive balance of warmth, comfort, and styling. Arc’teryx gave the...
Climbers, hikers, and outdoor adventurers of all types have enjoyed Patagonia’s Down Sweater for years. It’s a go-to piece that has defined a jacket category, and Patagonia gave it a significant revamp a few seasons back. Key changes include a more...
Arc’teryx’s Thorium AR Hoody stood out for its effective balance of warmth and protection, and the upgraded Thorium Hoody carries the torch. In addition to a sizable sustainability slant, the latest model packs in more down, has a helmet-compatible...
Merrell’s Moab is about as classic as hiking boots come and an extremely popular first pair of hiking footwear for many (including multiple editors on our staff). We tested one of the best-selling variations—the mid-height waterproof model—which checks...
Patagonia is an irrefutable leader in the rain jacket market, and the Boulder Fork is the latest addition to their well-rounded collection. Slotting in between the everyday-friendly Torrentshell and more technical Granite Crest, the new shell is...
REI Co-op is a consistent leader in the value space, but many of their designs are decidedly casual. The Magma 850 Down Hoodie bucks that trend, combining premium 850-fill down with a nice array of technical features and distinctive styling that wears...
The Atom from Arc’teryx is a legend. This popular synthetic piece crosses over between daily wear and backcountry use as well as anything on the market, thanks to its truly impressive balance of warmth, comfort, and styling. Arc’teryx gave the...
Climbers, hikers, and outdoor adventurers of all types have enjoyed Patagonia’s Down Sweater for years. It’s a go-to piece that has defined a jacket category, and Patagonia gave it a significant revamp a few seasons back. Key changes include a more...
You have a huge range of widths to choose from when making a ski purchase, from 60-millimeter racing skis to 130-millimeter big-mountain sleds designed for extreme places like Alaska. After years of trending...
For those who love the outdoors, the options for buying gear and clothing online continue to expand. Below we’ve picked the best sites to buy outdoor gear in 2019, from the mega stores to top discount and used gear sites. Along with a detailed...
If you’ve ever shopped around for a ski jacket (or pants), you’re bound to have seen the terms 2L and 3L (short for 2-layer and 3-layer) again and again. These refer to the style of construction used in a waterproof jacket’s shell, including the face...
Adding backcountry skiing to your repertoire, your bindings will inevitably become lighter than a resort setup, but also more complex. Many AT (alpine touring) bindings prioritize travel and uphill performance by keeping weight low and allowing a more...
A down jacket is a wonderful insulating piece: It’s light, packable, and offers premium warmth that you simply can’t find in a synthetic equivalent. In choosing your perfect puffy, one of the forks in the road is whether to go with a hood or without...
There’s something truly satisfying about skiing in bounds, despite the potential for crowds. Maybe it’s the fact that you can accomplish thousands of feet in a day, or just the convenience of a warm lodge nearby to thaw cold hands and feet. But when...
You have a huge range of widths to choose from when making a ski purchase, from 60-millimeter racing skis to 130-millimeter big-mountain sleds designed for extreme places like Alaska. After years of trending...
For those who love the outdoors, the options for buying gear and clothing online continue to expand. Below we’ve picked the best sites to buy outdoor gear in 2019, from the mega stores to top discount and used gear sites. Along with a detailed...
If you’ve ever shopped around for a ski jacket (or pants), you’re bound to have seen the terms 2L and 3L (short for 2-layer and 3-layer) again and again. These refer to the style of construction used in a waterproof jacket’s shell, including the face...
Adding backcountry skiing to your repertoire, your bindings will inevitably become lighter than a resort setup, but also more complex. Many AT (alpine touring) bindings prioritize travel and uphill performance by keeping weight low and allowing a more...
A down jacket is a wonderful insulating piece: It’s light, packable, and offers premium warmth that you simply can’t find in a synthetic equivalent. In choosing your perfect puffy, one of the forks in the road is whether to go with a hood or without...
There’s something truly satisfying about skiing in bounds, despite the potential for crowds. Maybe it’s the fact that you can accomplish thousands of feet in a day, or just the convenience of a warm lodge nearby to thaw cold hands and feet. But when...
You have a huge range of widths to choose from when making a ski purchase, from 60-millimeter racing skis to 130-millimeter big-mountain sleds designed for extreme places like Alaska. After years of trending...
For those who love the outdoors, the options for buying gear and clothing online continue to expand. Below we’ve picked the best sites to buy outdoor gear in 2019, from the mega stores to top discount and used gear sites. Along with a detailed...
If you’ve ever shopped around for a ski jacket (or pants), you’re bound to have seen the terms 2L and 3L (short for 2-layer and 3-layer) again and again. These refer to the style of construction used in a waterproof jacket’s shell, including the face...
Adding backcountry skiing to your repertoire, your bindings will inevitably become lighter than a resort setup, but also more complex. Many AT (alpine touring) bindings prioritize travel and uphill performance by keeping weight low and allowing a more...
A down jacket is a wonderful insulating piece: It’s light, packable, and offers premium warmth that you simply can’t find in a synthetic equivalent. In choosing your perfect puffy, one of the forks in the road is whether to go with a hood or without...
There’s something truly satisfying about skiing in bounds, despite the potential for crowds. Maybe it’s the fact that you can accomplish thousands of feet in a day, or just the convenience of a warm lodge nearby to thaw cold hands and feet. But when...
Exhausted and oxygen-deprived, we high-fived as frigid winds took our already limited breath away and whipped at the prayer flags that marked the summit. We were about an hour early for sunset, and the extra time allowed us to bundle up, look around...
From our campsite, the green valley rises, steepens, and becomes rocky and cold. Eventually it turns to glacier and then vast, snow-blanketed mountain. I pull the hood of my down jacket tight...
Brian and I were less than a week into our adventure north when, during a brief phone call, my dear friend’s children insisted I read their favorite poem, "the Yukon Song." Though written for children extolling the virtues of leaving civilization and...
“Do you think that rain is coming our way?” We pedal under the bright sun, constantly glancing nervously over our shoulders as if being chased by a predator. Behind us, dark gray streaks stretch vertically from ground to sky. Ahead, a rainbow frames...
All good plans start with a wild idea, but this one might just take the cake. Back in the spring, Kaytlyn—who I’d never met at the time—approached me with an ambitious proposal. She wanted to link up a series of North Cascades high routes on foot...
The arctic landscape has an allure that is difficult to describe; not only is it reminiscent of being in the alpine—stunted trees, big skies, and unimpeded vistas—but the utter remoteness and rawness is palpable...
Exhausted and oxygen-deprived, we high-fived as frigid winds took our already limited breath away and whipped at the prayer flags that marked the summit. We were about an hour early for sunset, and the extra time allowed us to bundle up, look around...
From our campsite, the green valley rises, steepens, and becomes rocky and cold. Eventually it turns to glacier and then vast, snow-blanketed mountain. I pull the hood of my down jacket tight...
Brian and I were less than a week into our adventure north when, during a brief phone call, my dear friend’s children insisted I read their favorite poem, "the Yukon Song." Though written for children extolling the virtues of leaving civilization and...
“Do you think that rain is coming our way?” We pedal under the bright sun, constantly glancing nervously over our shoulders as if being chased by a predator. Behind us, dark gray streaks stretch vertically from ground to sky. Ahead, a rainbow frames...
All good plans start with a wild idea, but this one might just take the cake. Back in the spring, Kaytlyn—who I’d never met at the time—approached me with an ambitious proposal. She wanted to link up a series of North Cascades high routes on foot...
The arctic landscape has an allure that is difficult to describe; not only is it reminiscent of being in the alpine—stunted trees, big skies, and unimpeded vistas—but the utter remoteness and rawness is palpable...
Exhausted and oxygen-deprived, we high-fived as frigid winds took our already limited breath away and whipped at the prayer flags that marked the summit. We were about an hour early for sunset, and the extra time allowed us to bundle up, look around...
From our campsite, the green valley rises, steepens, and becomes rocky and cold. Eventually it turns to glacier and then vast, snow-blanketed mountain. I pull the hood of my down jacket tight...
Brian and I were less than a week into our adventure north when, during a brief phone call, my dear friend’s children insisted I read their favorite poem, "the Yukon Song." Though written for children extolling the virtues of leaving civilization and...
“Do you think that rain is coming our way?” We pedal under the bright sun, constantly glancing nervously over our shoulders as if being chased by a predator. Behind us, dark gray streaks stretch vertically from ground to sky. Ahead, a rainbow frames...
All good plans start with a wild idea, but this one might just take the cake. Back in the spring, Kaytlyn—who I’d never met at the time—approached me with an ambitious proposal. She wanted to link up a series of North Cascades high routes on foot...
The arctic landscape has an allure that is difficult to describe; not only is it reminiscent of being in the alpine—stunted trees, big skies, and unimpeded vistas—but the utter remoteness and rawness is palpable...
The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable. You do lose some ankle support when carrying a heavy pack or traversing rocky trails, but the weight...
Big Agnes is well known in the backpacking space for their quality take on everything from ultralight tents to sleep systems. Built for 3-season backpacking, the Divide Insulated Sleeping Pad is no exception, offering solid comfort and durability at a...
Whether you’re cruising the resort or earning your turns, a ski jacket is an important component of every skier’s kit. Compared to standard winter coats, these jackets come infused with ski-specific features and prioritize durability and coverage for...
The MSR PocketRocket 2 has earned its place as one of the most iconic backpacking stoves on the market thanks to its proven performance and lightweight, compact design. While many members of our team have used and abused the PocketRocket throughout the...
Whether you’re a resort rider or like to earn your turns, a high-quality jacket is an essential part of every snowboarder’s kit. Over the years, we’ve seen performance gradually catch up with style, and today’s offerings deliver a really impressive...
REI Co-op’s in-house gear often strikes a nice balance between price and performance, and the First Chair GTX ski collection is no exception. I put the men’s bibs through their paces on several spring ski days in Washington state last winter and came...
In many ways, the Asolo Falcon GV embodies one of the biggest trends in modern hiking footwear: a little less weight and support than a traditional heavyweight boot but with the technical chops to get the job done both on and off the trail. I recently...
Whether you’re traveling across the globe or headed out on a quick weekend getaway, a thoughtfully designed travel pack can help you stay comfortable and organized while on the move. Key considerations include carry-on compatibility for air travel...
Shell specialist Arc’teryx makes a ski jacket for just about every use case, from resort-focused designs packed with premium down fill to streamlined, backcountry-ready offerings for those who prefer to earn their turns. The women’s-specific Sentinel...
The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable. You do lose some ankle support when carrying a heavy pack or traversing rocky trails, but the weight...
Big Agnes is well known in the backpacking space for their quality take on everything from ultralight tents to sleep systems. Built for 3-season backpacking, the Divide Insulated Sleeping Pad is no exception, offering solid comfort and durability at a...
Whether you’re cruising the resort or earning your turns, a ski jacket is an important component of every skier’s kit. Compared to standard winter coats, these jackets come infused with ski-specific features and prioritize durability and coverage for...
The MSR PocketRocket 2 has earned its place as one of the most iconic backpacking stoves on the market thanks to its proven performance and lightweight, compact design. While many members of our team have used and abused the PocketRocket throughout the...
Whether you’re a resort rider or like to earn your turns, a high-quality jacket is an essential part of every snowboarder’s kit. Over the years, we’ve seen performance gradually catch up with style, and today’s offerings deliver a really impressive...
REI Co-op’s in-house gear often strikes a nice balance between price and performance, and the First Chair GTX ski collection is no exception. I put the men’s bibs through their paces on several spring ski days in Washington state last winter and came...
In many ways, the Asolo Falcon GV embodies one of the biggest trends in modern hiking footwear: a little less weight and support than a traditional heavyweight boot but with the technical chops to get the job done both on and off the trail. I recently...
Whether you’re traveling across the globe or headed out on a quick weekend getaway, a thoughtfully designed travel pack can help you stay comfortable and organized while on the move. Key considerations include carry-on compatibility for air travel...
Shell specialist Arc’teryx makes a ski jacket for just about every use case, from resort-focused designs packed with premium down fill to streamlined, backcountry-ready offerings for those who prefer to earn their turns. The women’s-specific Sentinel...
The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable. You do lose some ankle support when carrying a heavy pack or traversing rocky trails, but the weight...
Big Agnes is well known in the backpacking space for their quality take on everything from ultralight tents to sleep systems. Built for 3-season backpacking, the Divide Insulated Sleeping Pad is no exception, offering solid comfort and durability at a...
Whether you’re cruising the resort or earning your turns, a ski jacket is an important component of every skier’s kit. Compared to standard winter coats, these jackets come infused with ski-specific features and prioritize durability and coverage for...
The MSR PocketRocket 2 has earned its place as one of the most iconic backpacking stoves on the market thanks to its proven performance and lightweight, compact design. While many members of our team have used and abused the PocketRocket throughout the...
Whether you’re a resort rider or like to earn your turns, a high-quality jacket is an essential part of every snowboarder’s kit. Over the years, we’ve seen performance gradually catch up with style, and today’s offerings deliver a really impressive...
REI Co-op’s in-house gear often strikes a nice balance between price and performance, and the First Chair GTX ski collection is no exception. I put the men’s bibs through their paces on several spring ski days in Washington state last winter and came...
In many ways, the Asolo Falcon GV embodies one of the biggest trends in modern hiking footwear: a little less weight and support than a traditional heavyweight boot but with the technical chops to get the job done both on and off the trail. I recently...
Whether you’re traveling across the globe or headed out on a quick weekend getaway, a thoughtfully designed travel pack can help you stay comfortable and organized while on the move. Key considerations include carry-on compatibility for air travel...
Shell specialist Arc’teryx makes a ski jacket for just about every use case, from resort-focused designs packed with premium down fill to streamlined, backcountry-ready offerings for those who prefer to earn their turns. The women’s-specific Sentinel...
Jason Hummel is a leading adventure photographer and ski mountaineer based in Tacoma, Washington. He authored Alpine State of Mind, a beautifully presented book of adventure stories and...
Misty Mountain's headquarters in the hills of Western North Carolina is not the kind of place you just stumble upon. It's the kind of place you set off to find. And when you arrive...
America’s Top 10 Conservation Heroes is a series honoring the individuals and organizations that have made the biggest mark on conservation, environmental protection, and awareness of the outdoors...
Sarah Uhl calls herself an artist, activist, and joy evangelist. That's quite the job description, and yet she’s pulling it off, brush stroke by brush stroke. A plein air painter from Carbondale, CO...
At Switchback Travel, we love stories. Nothing moves or motivates us quite like artfully written and insightful accounts of the world. And while the online format is great, we’d be lying if we said we didn’t have a soft spot for books...
The time could have been 9pm or 5am, and we wouldn’t have known the difference. It was a clear, mid-June day in the land of the midnight sun. The warm orb hung high in the sky as I pulled onto the summit block...
Jason Hummel is a leading adventure photographer and ski mountaineer based in Tacoma, Washington. He authored Alpine State of Mind, a beautifully presented book of adventure stories and...
Misty Mountain's headquarters in the hills of Western North Carolina is not the kind of place you just stumble upon. It's the kind of place you set off to find. And when you arrive...
America’s Top 10 Conservation Heroes is a series honoring the individuals and organizations that have made the biggest mark on conservation, environmental protection, and awareness of the outdoors...
Sarah Uhl calls herself an artist, activist, and joy evangelist. That's quite the job description, and yet she’s pulling it off, brush stroke by brush stroke. A plein air painter from Carbondale, CO...
At Switchback Travel, we love stories. Nothing moves or motivates us quite like artfully written and insightful accounts of the world. And while the online format is great, we’d be lying if we said we didn’t have a soft spot for books...
The time could have been 9pm or 5am, and we wouldn’t have known the difference. It was a clear, mid-June day in the land of the midnight sun. The warm orb hung high in the sky as I pulled onto the summit block...
Jason Hummel is a leading adventure photographer and ski mountaineer based in Tacoma, Washington. He authored Alpine State of Mind, a beautifully presented book of adventure stories and...
Misty Mountain's headquarters in the hills of Western North Carolina is not the kind of place you just stumble upon. It's the kind of place you set off to find. And when you arrive...
America’s Top 10 Conservation Heroes is a series honoring the individuals and organizations that have made the biggest mark on conservation, environmental protection, and awareness of the outdoors...
Sarah Uhl calls herself an artist, activist, and joy evangelist. That's quite the job description, and yet she’s pulling it off, brush stroke by brush stroke. A plein air painter from Carbondale, CO...
At Switchback Travel, we love stories. Nothing moves or motivates us quite like artfully written and insightful accounts of the world. And while the online format is great, we’d be lying if we said we didn’t have a soft spot for books...
The time could have been 9pm or 5am, and we wouldn’t have known the difference. It was a clear, mid-June day in the land of the midnight sun. The warm orb hung high in the sky as I pulled onto the summit block...