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...
Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know a thing or two about rain. From months of daily drizzle to heavy downpour in the mountains, we’re acutely aware of the benefits of a quality waterproof and breathable shell. Below we break down the best rain...
Built to carve, float, and bring the fun, all-mountain skis are all about versatility. Unsurprisingly, it’s a vast market that can be broken down into several subcategories, from narrower designs that...
Hiking boots are critical to your comfort and performance on the trail, but this no longer means a stiff and burly model that will weigh you down. The trend is toward lighter materials that still offer decent support, and waterproof boots...
Ski pants are a critical barrier between you and the elements, and there’s a pair to fit every type of skier and budget. Resort-goers typically opt for a classic hardshell design with some light insulation to stay warm on the lift rides up. Backcountry...
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...
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...
Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know a thing or two about rain. From months of daily drizzle to heavy downpour in the mountains, we’re acutely aware of the benefits of a quality waterproof and breathable shell. Below we break down the best rain...
Built to carve, float, and bring the fun, all-mountain skis are all about versatility. Unsurprisingly, it’s a vast market that can be broken down into several subcategories, from narrower designs that...
Hiking boots are critical to your comfort and performance on the trail, but this no longer means a stiff and burly model that will weigh you down. The trend is toward lighter materials that still offer decent support, and waterproof boots...
Ski pants are a critical barrier between you and the elements, and there’s a pair to fit every type of skier and budget. Resort-goers typically opt for a classic hardshell design with some light insulation to stay warm on the lift rides up. Backcountry...
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...
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...
Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know a thing or two about rain. From months of daily drizzle to heavy downpour in the mountains, we’re acutely aware of the benefits of a quality waterproof and breathable shell. Below we break down the best rain...
Built to carve, float, and bring the fun, all-mountain skis are all about versatility. Unsurprisingly, it’s a vast market that can be broken down into several subcategories, from narrower designs that...
Hiking boots are critical to your comfort and performance on the trail, but this no longer means a stiff and burly model that will weigh you down. The trend is toward lighter materials that still offer decent support, and waterproof boots...
Ski pants are a critical barrier between you and the elements, and there’s a pair to fit every type of skier and budget. Resort-goers typically opt for a classic hardshell design with some light insulation to stay warm on the lift rides up. Backcountry...
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...
Building on the success of their popular StormLine Stretch rain jacket, Black Diamond upped the performance threshold with their more premium Highline Stretch Shell. For a reasonable $300, the 3-layer jacket boasts a hardshell-like build that offers...
Scarpa’s Zodiac Tech GTX takes their Zodiac Plus backpacking boot and adds a technical slant for light mountaineering objectives. I wore the boot while hiking around Canada and during a demanding 16...
Patagonia has an extensive ski shell collection, and their Stormstride Pants slot in as a targeted touring design built to balance protection and breathability during high-output use. I tested the pants throughout a winter of skiing at the resort and...
The Atom LT 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...
Popular among runners and hikers alike, Altra’s collection of zero-drop shoes are known for offering both an accommodating fit and a high level of trail performance. Building off the success of their...
There’s no shortage of quality down jackets on the market in 2022, but Norrøna’s Falketind Down750 Hood jacket sets itself apart as a highly versatile option with a nice performance slant. With a mix of 750-fill down at the core and synthetic...
Building on the success of their popular StormLine Stretch rain jacket, Black Diamond upped the performance threshold with their more premium Highline Stretch Shell. For a reasonable $300, the 3-layer jacket boasts a hardshell-like build that offers...
Scarpa’s Zodiac Tech GTX takes their Zodiac Plus backpacking boot and adds a technical slant for light mountaineering objectives. I wore the boot while hiking around Canada and during a demanding 16...
Patagonia has an extensive ski shell collection, and their Stormstride Pants slot in as a targeted touring design built to balance protection and breathability during high-output use. I tested the pants throughout a winter of skiing at the resort and...
The Atom LT 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...
Popular among runners and hikers alike, Altra’s collection of zero-drop shoes are known for offering both an accommodating fit and a high level of trail performance. Building off the success of their...
There’s no shortage of quality down jackets on the market in 2022, but Norrøna’s Falketind Down750 Hood jacket sets itself apart as a highly versatile option with a nice performance slant. With a mix of 750-fill down at the core and synthetic...
Building on the success of their popular StormLine Stretch rain jacket, Black Diamond upped the performance threshold with their more premium Highline Stretch Shell. For a reasonable $300, the 3-layer jacket boasts a hardshell-like build that offers...
Scarpa’s Zodiac Tech GTX takes their Zodiac Plus backpacking boot and adds a technical slant for light mountaineering objectives. I wore the boot while hiking around Canada and during a demanding 16...
Patagonia has an extensive ski shell collection, and their Stormstride Pants slot in as a targeted touring design built to balance protection and breathability during high-output use. I tested the pants throughout a winter of skiing at the resort and...
The Atom LT 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...
Popular among runners and hikers alike, Altra’s collection of zero-drop shoes are known for offering both an accommodating fit and a high level of trail performance. Building off the success of their...
There’s no shortage of quality down jackets on the market in 2022, but Norrøna’s Falketind Down750 Hood jacket sets itself apart as a highly versatile option with a nice performance slant. With a mix of 750-fill down at the core and synthetic...
Today’s ski jackets are well-made and built to handle many seasons of use in foul weather. They also can be big investments, with even entry-level jackets often setting you back a couple hundred dollars or more. With so many styles to choose from, it...
Whether you are planning a week-long expedition or camping for a single night, having the right equipment for winter is crucial. Snow-covered landscapes can be magically enticing, but trips...
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...
There’s nothing quite like getting first tracks at the resort, nailing a new trick in the terrain park, or finding fresh pow in the backcountry, but skiers need the right tool for the job. The industry is vast and expanding by the year, making...
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...
Online shopping is more popular than ever, and the allure is clear: you can purchase whatever you need from the comfort of your home and often receive it within just a few days. Snowboards and...
Today’s ski jackets are well-made and built to handle many seasons of use in foul weather. They also can be big investments, with even entry-level jackets often setting you back a couple hundred dollars or more. With so many styles to choose from, it...
Whether you are planning a week-long expedition or camping for a single night, having the right equipment for winter is crucial. Snow-covered landscapes can be magically enticing, but trips...
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...
There’s nothing quite like getting first tracks at the resort, nailing a new trick in the terrain park, or finding fresh pow in the backcountry, but skiers need the right tool for the job. The industry is vast and expanding by the year, making...
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...
Online shopping is more popular than ever, and the allure is clear: you can purchase whatever you need from the comfort of your home and often receive it within just a few days. Snowboards and...
Today’s ski jackets are well-made and built to handle many seasons of use in foul weather. They also can be big investments, with even entry-level jackets often setting you back a couple hundred dollars or more. With so many styles to choose from, it...
Whether you are planning a week-long expedition or camping for a single night, having the right equipment for winter is crucial. Snow-covered landscapes can be magically enticing, but trips...
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...
There’s nothing quite like getting first tracks at the resort, nailing a new trick in the terrain park, or finding fresh pow in the backcountry, but skiers need the right tool for the job. The industry is vast and expanding by the year, making...
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...
Online shopping is more popular than ever, and the allure is clear: you can purchase whatever you need from the comfort of your home and often receive it within just a few days. Snowboards and...
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...
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...
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 had spent four days hiking in Tombstone Territorial Park the previous summer on a trip that just scratched the surface and whet our appetites for more. Throughout the past year, we dreamed of returning to see the classic spires and tundra...
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...
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...
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 had spent four days hiking in Tombstone Territorial Park the previous summer on a trip that just scratched the surface and whet our appetites for more. Throughout the past year, we dreamed of returning to see the classic spires and tundra...
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...
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...
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 had spent four days hiking in Tombstone Territorial Park the previous summer on a trip that just scratched the surface and whet our appetites for more. Throughout the past year, we dreamed of returning to see the classic spires and tundra...
Bindings aren’t the flashiest piece of ski gear you’ll buy, but they’re certainly a foundational one. As the connection between boot and ski, they play a fundamental role in power transfer, responsiveness, and safety. When purchasing an...
Patagonia’s Down Sweater is legendary in the down jacket world, combining impressive versatility in a lightweight and good-looking package. Patagonia recently updated the popular design with a new shell made from recycled fishing nets, lower weight...
Women know the struggles when it comes to choosing hiking pants: ill fit, lack of storage, and general discomfort. But the market has improved significantly of late, with a healthy number of leggings, joggers...
Bouldering is having its moment. Climbing’s simplest discipline is experiencing a rush of new enthusiasts, in large part due to how accessible it is. All you need is a pair of shoes and a chalk bag...
Seattle-based Outdoor Research is no stranger to creating quality rain jackets that can fend off the elements, and we like what they've come up with in the Foray. This do-it-all shell is light and packable...
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...
Whether you spend your summer days on the trail or in the water, a quality pair of hiking sandals is likely on your must-have list. Designs run the gamut from backcountry-focused offerings that prioritize comfort, support, and grip to everyday...
There’s no shortage of rain jackets to choose from, but Outdoor Research’s women’s Aspire II (and men’s Foray II) is far and away one of our favorite designs. WIth a relatively thick face fabric and premium touches...
You can’t overvalue a great pair of hiking socks: they keep your feet comfortable and dry while helping to prevent blisters and hotspots. We've tested the full array of styles in varied conditions from the heat of Utah’s Canyonlands to the snow of...
Bindings aren’t the flashiest piece of ski gear you’ll buy, but they’re certainly a foundational one. As the connection between boot and ski, they play a fundamental role in power transfer, responsiveness, and safety. When purchasing an...
Patagonia’s Down Sweater is legendary in the down jacket world, combining impressive versatility in a lightweight and good-looking package. Patagonia recently updated the popular design with a new shell made from recycled fishing nets, lower weight...
Women know the struggles when it comes to choosing hiking pants: ill fit, lack of storage, and general discomfort. But the market has improved significantly of late, with a healthy number of leggings, joggers...
Bouldering is having its moment. Climbing’s simplest discipline is experiencing a rush of new enthusiasts, in large part due to how accessible it is. All you need is a pair of shoes and a chalk bag...
Seattle-based Outdoor Research is no stranger to creating quality rain jackets that can fend off the elements, and we like what they've come up with in the Foray. This do-it-all shell is light and packable...
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...
Whether you spend your summer days on the trail or in the water, a quality pair of hiking sandals is likely on your must-have list. Designs run the gamut from backcountry-focused offerings that prioritize comfort, support, and grip to everyday...
There’s no shortage of rain jackets to choose from, but Outdoor Research’s women’s Aspire II (and men’s Foray II) is far and away one of our favorite designs. WIth a relatively thick face fabric and premium touches...
You can’t overvalue a great pair of hiking socks: they keep your feet comfortable and dry while helping to prevent blisters and hotspots. We've tested the full array of styles in varied conditions from the heat of Utah’s Canyonlands to the snow of...
Bindings aren’t the flashiest piece of ski gear you’ll buy, but they’re certainly a foundational one. As the connection between boot and ski, they play a fundamental role in power transfer, responsiveness, and safety. When purchasing an...
Patagonia’s Down Sweater is legendary in the down jacket world, combining impressive versatility in a lightweight and good-looking package. Patagonia recently updated the popular design with a new shell made from recycled fishing nets, lower weight...
Women know the struggles when it comes to choosing hiking pants: ill fit, lack of storage, and general discomfort. But the market has improved significantly of late, with a healthy number of leggings, joggers...
Bouldering is having its moment. Climbing’s simplest discipline is experiencing a rush of new enthusiasts, in large part due to how accessible it is. All you need is a pair of shoes and a chalk bag...
Seattle-based Outdoor Research is no stranger to creating quality rain jackets that can fend off the elements, and we like what they've come up with in the Foray. This do-it-all shell is light and packable...
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...
Whether you spend your summer days on the trail or in the water, a quality pair of hiking sandals is likely on your must-have list. Designs run the gamut from backcountry-focused offerings that prioritize comfort, support, and grip to everyday...
There’s no shortage of rain jackets to choose from, but Outdoor Research’s women’s Aspire II (and men’s Foray II) is far and away one of our favorite designs. WIth a relatively thick face fabric and premium touches...
You can’t overvalue a great pair of hiking socks: they keep your feet comfortable and dry while helping to prevent blisters and hotspots. We've tested the full array of styles in varied conditions from the heat of Utah’s Canyonlands to the snow of...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
