Switchback Travel | Outdoor Gear, Photography & Adventure

Ski Gear Guides

We pick the best ski gear for the 2019-2020 season, from new all-mountain skis and goggles to the coziest jackets and baselayers

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The Best Ski Resorts in Colorado

From challenging, expert-level terrain to gentle groomers, below we break down Colorado's top ski resorts

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The Best Winter Jackets

For extreme cold, these jackets bring the warmth

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Review: Smith I/O Mag

We put Smith’s premium snow goggles to the test throughout a variable winter in the Pacific Northwest

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The Best All-Mountain Skis

For versatile skis that can take on conditions from hardpack to powder, we pick the year’s top all-mountain models

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Look Up, Stand Still, Breathe

An interview with Quinn Brett on the risk of climbing, fear, and the long road to recovery

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Free Range Equipment

A young backpack designer from Bend, Oregon uses his small business to support artists, host pop-up events, and create community

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Review: Arc'teryx Cerium LT

Featuring premium materials and a hybrid insulation design, we break down Arc’teryx’s versatile Cerium LT

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The Best Ski Goggles

From new interchangeable-lens models to budget classics, we break down the top snow goggles on the market

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Adventure Travel

Bikepacking Mongolia’s Khangai Mountains

“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...

Ausangate Trek: High-Altitude Trekking in Peru

Peru’s Ausangate Trek is epic, and we aren’t throwing that term around lightly. The region is loaded with glacier-capped peaks that reach over 20,000 feet in elevation, yet despite good infrastructure...

On Location: El Chaltén

We wake at 6am to the faint jingle of Lorna’s watch muffled by her sleeping bag. My body creaks as I pull my sore arms from my sides, grab my headlamp, and light the JetBoil that I had carefully placed outside our tent the night before...

Among Giants: Climbing and Packrafting the Alaska Range

“No!” I groan, a wince breaking across my face. I’m in the middle of a swiftly flowing river, but my raft sits immobile as water rushes past me on both sides...

A Guide to the Grand Canyon’s Escalante Route

Adventure in the Grand Canyon is most often associated with rafting the Colorado River. But while there’s much to be seen from the canyon floor, the vast and undulating walls of The Big Ditch hold...

Best Ski Resorts in Colorado

Colorado is one of the most iconic ski destinations in the Unites States. Every year, millions of skiers flock to the slopes to bask in the epic mountain terrain, abundant snowfall, and claimed 300+ days of sunshine (we haven’t counted, but that seems...

New Zealand's Ball Pass Crossing

I wake at the crack of dawn. Only the faint outline of Aoraki/Mount Cook is visible from my bunk, but its sheer volume is enough to pull me from my sleeping bag. I eagerly nudge Brian awake and we tiptoe outside...

10 Great Day Hikes from Seattle

From the peaks of the Cascades, across the coastal rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula, to towering volcanoes like Mt. Rainier, hiking Washington’s diverse landscapes...

Trekking Mongolia's Altai Mountains

Don’t undo your bootlaces until you have seen the river. As we sit in dusty, windswept Ulgii, one of Mongolia’s westernmost cities, and await our delayed flight back to the capital city of Ulaanbaatar...

Bikepacking Mongolia’s Khangai Mountains

“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...

Ausangate Trek: High-Altitude Trekking in Peru

On Location: El Chaltén

Among Giants: Climbing and Packrafting the Alaska Range

“No!” I groan, a wince breaking across my face. I’m in the middle of a swiftly flowing river, but my raft sits immobile as water rushes past me on both sides...

A Guide to the Grand Canyon’s Escalante Route

Best Ski Resorts in Colorado

New Zealand's Ball Pass Crossing

10 Great Day Hikes from Seattle

From the peaks of the Cascades, across the coastal rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula, to towering volcanoes like Mt. Rainier, hiking Washington’s diverse landscapes...

Trekking Mongolia's Altai Mountains

Bikepacking Mongolia’s Khangai Mountains

“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...

Ausangate Trek: High-Altitude Trekking in Peru

On Location: El Chaltén

Among Giants: Climbing and Packrafting the Alaska Range

“No!” I groan, a wince breaking across my face. I’m in the middle of a swiftly flowing river, but my raft sits immobile as water rushes past me on both sides...

A Guide to the Grand Canyon’s Escalante Route

Best Ski Resorts in Colorado

New Zealand's Ball Pass Crossing

10 Great Day Hikes from Seattle

From the peaks of the Cascades, across the coastal rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula, to towering volcanoes like Mt. Rainier, hiking Washington’s diverse landscapes...

Trekking Mongolia's Altai Mountains

Outdoor Gear Guides

Ski Gear Reviews

If your ski gear is even a few years old, there’s new technology out there that will help make good days on the snow even better. There are important considerations when making a purchase: What is your skill level? In what region...

Best Winter Jackets of 2019-2020

When the heart of the coldest winter months arrives, 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...

Best All-Mountain Snowboards of 2019-2020

As snowboarding season kicks into high gear, it’s time to take stock of the equipment that will help make your winter that much better. Below we break down the top all-mountain snowboards of 2019-2020, from highly versatile models to those that excel...

Best Ski Jackets of 2019-2020

From cold to snow to wind to sweat, choosing a ski jacket is all about managing the conditions that you might encounter on the mountain. The right ski jacket for you depends on the specific kinds of skiing you enjoy most—skinning up a sunny ridgeline...

Best Winter Boots of 2019-2020

Winter boots are a timeless and charming piece of gear. They bring back memories of being a kid, when snow falling always meant the anticipation of stomping around for hours at a time...

Best All-Mountain Skis of 2019-2020

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 generally includes skis from 85mm to 105mm...

Best Ski Helmets of 2019-2020

No matter your ability level, picking up a helmet for skiing or snowboarding is a no-brainer. If you’ve been putting off replacing a helmet that’s years old or are new to the sport, recent advancements have...

Patagonia Ski Jackets: How to Choose

From resort days to deep backcountry missions, Patagonia’s 2019-2020 ski jacket lineup covers nearly the full gamut of possible designs. At the time of publishing, a grand total of eight different models...

Best Backcountry (Touring) Skis of 2019-2020

Unlike their lift-assisted alpine cousins, backcountry skis have two jobs: getting you uphill efficiently while retaining enough power to make the downhill worth the effort (and fun). The good news is...

Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes of 2019

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...

Best Winter Gloves of 2019-2020

Gloves may not get quite as much attention as your other winter clothing, but they offer invaluable warmth and protection when the temperature drops. Our picks for the best winter gloves of...

Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets of 2019-2020

If you’re looking for a jacket that offers solid warmth at a good value, synthetic insulation is the way to go. You don’t get quite as high of a warmth-to-weight ratio as down, but synthetic jackets resist moisture, can breathe better, and are more...

Ski Gear Reviews

Best Winter Jackets of 2019-2020

Best All-Mountain Snowboards of 2019-2020

Best Ski Jackets of 2019-2020

Best Winter Boots of 2019-2020

Winter boots are a timeless and charming piece of gear. They bring back memories of being a kid, when snow falling always meant the anticipation of stomping around for hours at a time...

Best All-Mountain Skis of 2019-2020

Best Ski Helmets of 2019-2020

Patagonia Ski Jackets: How to Choose

Best Backcountry (Touring) Skis of 2019-2020

Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes of 2019

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...

Best Winter Gloves of 2019-2020

Gloves may not get quite as much attention as your other winter clothing, but they offer invaluable warmth and protection when the temperature drops. Our picks for the best winter gloves of...

Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets of 2019-2020

Ski Gear Reviews

Best Winter Jackets of 2019-2020

Best All-Mountain Snowboards of 2019-2020

Best Ski Jackets of 2019-2020

Best Winter Boots of 2019-2020

Winter boots are a timeless and charming piece of gear. They bring back memories of being a kid, when snow falling always meant the anticipation of stomping around for hours at a time...

Best All-Mountain Skis of 2019-2020

Best Ski Helmets of 2019-2020

Patagonia Ski Jackets: How to Choose

Best Backcountry (Touring) Skis of 2019-2020

Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes of 2019

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...

Best Winter Gloves of 2019-2020

Gloves may not get quite as much attention as your other winter clothing, but they offer invaluable warmth and protection when the temperature drops. Our picks for the best winter gloves of...

Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets of 2019-2020

In-Depth Gear Reviews

Arc'teryx Sidewinder Jacket Review

Arc’teryx’s hardshells sit at the top of the market in terms of weather protection and build quality, and the Sidewinder is yet another impressive offering from the Canadian brand. We took the Sidewinder...

Black Diamond Mega Light backpacking tent

Black Diamond Mega Light Review

On first glance, it's easy to see that the Black Diamond Mega Light isn't a regular backpacking tent. With no floor and a remarkably light and minimalist design, the Mega Light can serve as a spacious common...

Marmot Montreal Review

Many women’s winter jacket models come and go, but Marmot’s Montreal has been a powerhouse for years. For less than $300, you get quality down fill, a fleece-lined interior, fur-rimmed hood, and clean styling, making it ubiquitous across a wide range...

Rossignol Experience 88 Ti Review

Revamped last season, the Rossignol Experience 88 Ti is a capable and confidence-inspiring all-mountain design. We gave the ski an extended look throughout a fun winter in the Pacific Northwest...

REI Co-op Stormhenge 850 Review

REI Co-op continues to impress us with their premium down products, and we’ve been particularly taken with the Stormhenge 850 winter jacket. Featuring a waterproof shell and high-quality 850-fill down, the Stormhenge has all the ingredients of a high...

Marmot PreCip Eco Review

Being from Seattle, we get asked for rain jacket recommendations a lot, and often steer people to the Marmot PreCip. The reasons for this are fairly simple: the jacket punches well above its $100 price with quality waterproofing, a versatile...

Smith I/O Mag Review

Smith is a leader in optics, so it comes as little surprise that their snow goggles are some of the best on the market. Within their lineup, the I/O Mag stands out as their most well-rounded design: it offers excellent optics and fit, comes with two...

Arc’teryx Sentinel LT Jacket Review

Arc’teryx is a leader in the premium ski shell market, and their Sentinel LT (and men’s Sabre LT) is yet another standout for resort-goers and ski tourers alike. The jacket includes all the trimmings we’d expect...

Patagonia Macro Puff Review

Patagonia’s Micro Puff became an immediate hit in the synthetic jacket world by attempting to mimic the lofty warmth and packability of down in a weather-resistant package. For 2019, the brand has...

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 jacket

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody Review

Ultralight without feeling ultra-compromised, the updated-for-2019 Ghost Whisperer/2 is one of the lightest fully featured down jackets on the market. Despite hitting a sub-9-ounce weight (for the men’s...

La Sportiva TC Pro Review

While working through his free ascent of the Dawn Wall in Yosemite, pro climber Tommy Caldwell paired up with La Sportiva to design a shoe that balanced the comfort and precision needed for big wall objectives. Enter the TC Pro. We've tested the shoe...

REI Co-op Kingdom 6 (2019) Review

Standing at the top of REI Co-op’s expansive 2019 camping tent lineup is the aptly named Kingdom series. Offered in four, six, and eight-person capacities, its familiar tunnel-like...

Arc'teryx Sidewinder Jacket Review

Black Diamond Mega Light Review

Marmot Montreal Review

Rossignol Experience 88 Ti Review

Revamped last season, the Rossignol Experience 88 Ti is a capable and confidence-inspiring all-mountain design. We gave the ski an extended look throughout a fun winter in the Pacific Northwest...

REI Co-op Stormhenge 850 Review

Marmot PreCip Eco Review

Smith I/O Mag Review

Arc’teryx Sentinel LT Jacket Review

Patagonia Macro Puff Review

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody Review

La Sportiva TC Pro Review

REI Co-op Kingdom 6 (2019) Review

Standing at the top of REI Co-op’s expansive 2019 camping tent lineup is the aptly named Kingdom series. Offered in four, six, and eight-person capacities, its familiar tunnel-like...

Arc'teryx Sidewinder Jacket Review

Black Diamond Mega Light Review

Marmot Montreal Review

Rossignol Experience 88 Ti Review

Revamped last season, the Rossignol Experience 88 Ti is a capable and confidence-inspiring all-mountain design. We gave the ski an extended look throughout a fun winter in the Pacific Northwest...

REI Co-op Stormhenge 850 Review

Marmot PreCip Eco Review

Smith I/O Mag Review

Arc’teryx Sentinel LT Jacket Review

Patagonia Macro Puff Review

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody Review

La Sportiva TC Pro Review

REI Co-op Kingdom 6 (2019) Review

Standing at the top of REI Co-op’s expansive 2019 camping tent lineup is the aptly named Kingdom series. Offered in four, six, and eight-person capacities, its familiar tunnel-like...

Photography

Digital Camera Buyer's Guides and Reviews

Welcome to our Darkroom! What started as one camera article has expanded into a burgeoning section of information covering everything from inexpensive point-and-shoots to full-frame...

Best Travel Cameras of 2019

An ideal travel camera is lightweight, versatile, and captures great images. Point-and-shoots are the smallest and least expensive option, but they have some limitations in terms of image quality. Mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras have big...

Weather-Sealed Mirrorless Cameras: A Complete List

For photographers who frequently shoot outdoors, weather sealing is a must. It protects your expensive camera gear, takes away much of the worry, and allows you to keep...

Best Full-Frame Cameras of 2019

Full-frame cameras are the best of the best: they have the largest sensors, the most megapixels, and lenses that are simply unmatched. Despite the size and cost, they are the...

Lenses and Focal Lengths for Landscapes

Choosing lenses and focal lengths for landscape photography has a lot of layers, and it’s a topic I wish I researched more before jumping in. Accordingly, below is detailed information...

Best DSLR Cameras of 2019

Digital SLR cameras are among the best of the best: they have the largest sensors, the most megapixels, and the highest quality selection of lenses. We break down the leading DSLRs on the market from...

10 Great Sony FE (Full Frame) Lenses

Sony’s full-frame mirrorless cameras have created a lot of buzz in the photography world, and they keep improving with each rendition. It’s true that the FE lens options for Sony still...

10 Great Canon EF (Full Frame) Lenses

Buying a Canon full-frame DSLR is a very exciting prospect, but deciding on the right lenses can be challenging. To help you wade through the masses of Canon EF (full-frame) lens models...

Best Mirrorless Cameras of 2019

The mirrorless revolution is in full swing. These impressive digital cameras pack large image sensors into compact bodies, offering some of the best image and video quality on the market with less bulk than a DSLR...

10 Great Nikon FX (Full Frame) Lenses

Nikon’s full-frame camera lineup is impressive, but perhaps even more so is the extensive collection of FX-format (full frame) lenses. Below are 10 of the best FX...

Tips for Great Winter Photography

Winter is one of most rewarding yet challenging environments to shoot in as a photographer. From battling harsh conditions to managing moisture and making batteries last, there are...

Lens Buyer's Guides and Reviews

Experienced photographers know that a great lens is every bit as important as a great camera. Don’t make the mistake of focusing solely on your DSLR or mirrorless camera purchase and buying a...

Digital Camera Buyer's Guides and Reviews

Welcome to our Darkroom! What started as one camera article has expanded into a burgeoning section of information covering everything from inexpensive point-and-shoots to full-frame...

Best Travel Cameras of 2019

Weather-Sealed Mirrorless Cameras: A Complete List

For photographers who frequently shoot outdoors, weather sealing is a must. It protects your expensive camera gear, takes away much of the worry, and allows you to keep...

Best Full-Frame Cameras of 2019

Full-frame cameras are the best of the best: they have the largest sensors, the most megapixels, and lenses that are simply unmatched. Despite the size and cost, they are the...

Lenses and Focal Lengths for Landscapes

Choosing lenses and focal lengths for landscape photography has a lot of layers, and it’s a topic I wish I researched more before jumping in. Accordingly, below is detailed information...

Best DSLR Cameras of 2019

10 Great Sony FE (Full Frame) Lenses

Sony’s full-frame mirrorless cameras have created a lot of buzz in the photography world, and they keep improving with each rendition. It’s true that the FE lens options for Sony still...

10 Great Canon EF (Full Frame) Lenses

Buying a Canon full-frame DSLR is a very exciting prospect, but deciding on the right lenses can be challenging. To help you wade through the masses of Canon EF (full-frame) lens models...

Best Mirrorless Cameras of 2019

10 Great Nikon FX (Full Frame) Lenses

Nikon’s full-frame camera lineup is impressive, but perhaps even more so is the extensive collection of FX-format (full frame) lenses. Below are 10 of the best FX...

Tips for Great Winter Photography

Winter is one of most rewarding yet challenging environments to shoot in as a photographer. From battling harsh conditions to managing moisture and making batteries last, there are...

Lens Buyer's Guides and Reviews

Experienced photographers know that a great lens is every bit as important as a great camera. Don’t make the mistake of focusing solely on your DSLR or mirrorless camera purchase and buying a...

Digital Camera Buyer's Guides and Reviews

Welcome to our Darkroom! What started as one camera article has expanded into a burgeoning section of information covering everything from inexpensive point-and-shoots to full-frame...

Best Travel Cameras of 2019

Weather-Sealed Mirrorless Cameras: A Complete List

For photographers who frequently shoot outdoors, weather sealing is a must. It protects your expensive camera gear, takes away much of the worry, and allows you to keep...

Best Full-Frame Cameras of 2019

Full-frame cameras are the best of the best: they have the largest sensors, the most megapixels, and lenses that are simply unmatched. Despite the size and cost, they are the...

Lenses and Focal Lengths for Landscapes

Choosing lenses and focal lengths for landscape photography has a lot of layers, and it’s a topic I wish I researched more before jumping in. Accordingly, below is detailed information...

Best DSLR Cameras of 2019

10 Great Sony FE (Full Frame) Lenses

Sony’s full-frame mirrorless cameras have created a lot of buzz in the photography world, and they keep improving with each rendition. It’s true that the FE lens options for Sony still...

10 Great Canon EF (Full Frame) Lenses

Buying a Canon full-frame DSLR is a very exciting prospect, but deciding on the right lenses can be challenging. To help you wade through the masses of Canon EF (full-frame) lens models...

Best Mirrorless Cameras of 2019

10 Great Nikon FX (Full Frame) Lenses

Nikon’s full-frame camera lineup is impressive, but perhaps even more so is the extensive collection of FX-format (full frame) lenses. Below are 10 of the best FX...

Tips for Great Winter Photography

Winter is one of most rewarding yet challenging environments to shoot in as a photographer. From battling harsh conditions to managing moisture and making batteries last, there are...

Lens Buyer's Guides and Reviews

Experienced photographers know that a great lens is every bit as important as a great camera. Don’t make the mistake of focusing solely on your DSLR or mirrorless camera purchase and buying a...

Perspectives

Homegrown: Misty Mountain Threadworks

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...

Sarah Uhl: Artist, Activist, and Joy Evangelist

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...

The Cochamó Journals Part III

When it rains in Cochamó, it rains long and hard. Now, it is raining. It has been raining, it is raining, it will continue to rain. The Cochamó season is finally over. And well enough, after a stellar February with fantastic weather, my body needs a...