Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody Review

Last Updated: February 23, 2023

Patagonia’s Nano Puff remains one of the most popular and recognizable insulated jackets on the market today. But with a fresh crop of new rivals, we felt it was time to take another look at this legendary synthetic piece. What we found is that the...

The North Face Vectiv Exploris 2 Mid Futurelight Review

Last Updated: February 23, 2023

Building off the success of the first-generation Vectiv Exploris, The North Face’s Vectiv Exploris 2 Mid is a thoroughly modern design that effectively bridges the gap between a hiking shoe and boot. You get great out-of-the-box comfort and a generous...

The North Face Vectiv Fastpack Futurelight Review

Last Updated: February 21, 2023

Fast-paced day hikes call for sprightly footwear, and the Fastpack from The North Face is a prime example. Combining TNF’s Vectiv plate and responsive midsole with a waterproof/breathable Futurelight upper and impressive SurfaceCTRL outsole, the...

Arc’teryx Aerios FL 2 Mid GTX Review

Last Updated: February 12, 2023

Still a relative newcomer in hiking footwear, Arc’teryx has stuck to what they know best: technical performance. We tested the second iteration of their fast-and-light Aerios shoe on a demanding...

How to Choose Winter Boots

Last Updated: December 15, 2022

For those living in cold parts of the world, a quality pair of winter boots is essential. They help keep your feet warm, dry, and planted on the ground as you navigate months of snowy and icy conditions. Below...

Head Kore 93 Ski Review

Last Updated: December 8, 2022

The original Kore ski was a market standout thanks to its progressive, superlight all-mountain design, and Head has gone back to the drawing board for the 2022 second edition. Key changes include a revised core construction, even lighter weight, and...

The Ski Strap: Your Backcountry Kit’s Secret Weapon

Last Updated: December 6, 2022

Ski straps are fiercely tough yet lightweight bands made from UV-resistant polyurethane, with perforated holes and a buckle. They’re the unsung hero that lives inside your ski pack or wrapped around your ski pole...

How to Choose All-Mountain Skis

Last Updated: December 1, 2022

Picking an all-mountain ski can be a daunting task. The category itself covers a wide range of styles from groomer-oriented skis to more powder-friendly designs. In addition, the sheer number of models and annual turnover in the market further muddy...

Deuter Aircontact Core 60 + 10 SL Backpack Review

Last Updated: November 29, 2022

Germany-based Deuter has been pumping out quality packs since the early 1900s, and their current collection holds court with premium offerings from brands like Osprey and Gregory. The Aircontact Core...

Arc’teryx Nuclei SV Parka Review

Last Updated: November 29, 2022

Replacing the Dually as Arc’teryx’s warmest synthetic jacket in their collection, the Nuclei SV (short for “severe weather”) Parka stands out for its impressive warmth and mountain-ready feature set. Though I haven’t used it for climbing or belaying...

Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC Binding Review

Last Updated: November 22, 2022

Most ski bindings fall into either the downhill or alpine touring category, but the Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC is a do-it-all set-up that can confidently transition between the front- and backcountry. In short, it combines the safety and convenience of a...

Sorel Caribou Winter Boot Review

Last Updated: November 18, 2022

Sorel’s Caribou is a timeless winter boot through and through. With a 9-millimeter felt liner, sturdy leather upper, and wraparound rubber lower, it’s classic, stylish, and warm—a great combination for everyday uses like shoveling snow and running...