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...
We can’t overstate the importance of choosing the right boots for your feet, whether you're just starting out or have been skiing for years. And while there has been progress in the development of women's ski gear, it's important to note that some...
Ski goggles are a specialty of ours: We’ve tested, reviewed, and all-around debated the merits of more than 50 designs over the years. It’s a dynamic market, but the good news is that no matter your experience level or budget, there is a great ski...
Synthetic insulation might not offer quite the warmth-to-weight ratio of down, but it resists moisture, breathes better, and is more cost-efficient. With the choice of both types of jackets in our gear closet, we find ourselves consistently reaching...
A great pair of hiking pants offer comfort, freedom of movement, the versatility to perform well in a range of environments, and durability over the long haul. In terms of materials, many of today’s top pants are made from lightweight and stretchy...
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...
We can’t overstate the importance of choosing the right boots for your feet, whether you're just starting out or have been skiing for years. And while there has been progress in the development of women's ski gear, it's important to note that some...
Ski goggles are a specialty of ours: We’ve tested, reviewed, and all-around debated the merits of more than 50 designs over the years. It’s a dynamic market, but the good news is that no matter your experience level or budget, there is a great ski...
Synthetic insulation might not offer quite the warmth-to-weight ratio of down, but it resists moisture, breathes better, and is more cost-efficient. With the choice of both types of jackets in our gear closet, we find ourselves consistently reaching...
A great pair of hiking pants offer comfort, freedom of movement, the versatility to perform well in a range of environments, and durability over the long haul. In terms of materials, many of today’s top pants are made from lightweight and stretchy...
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...
We can’t overstate the importance of choosing the right boots for your feet, whether you're just starting out or have been skiing for years. And while there has been progress in the development of women's ski gear, it's important to note that some...
Ski goggles are a specialty of ours: We’ve tested, reviewed, and all-around debated the merits of more than 50 designs over the years. It’s a dynamic market, but the good news is that no matter your experience level or budget, there is a great ski...
Synthetic insulation might not offer quite the warmth-to-weight ratio of down, but it resists moisture, breathes better, and is more cost-efficient. With the choice of both types of jackets in our gear closet, we find ourselves consistently reaching...
A great pair of hiking pants offer comfort, freedom of movement, the versatility to perform well in a range of environments, and durability over the long haul. In terms of materials, many of today’s top pants are made from lightweight and stretchy...
Patagonia’s rain jacket lineup covers the full gamut, from the budget-friendly Torrentshell to the running-focused Storm Racer. The mid-range Granite Crest strikes a nice middle ground for many hikers and other outdoor-goers, with quality 3-layer...
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...
Arc’teryx’s Cerium is legendary in the performance down jacket market, and for good reason. With a mix of premium down and synthetic fill in moisture-prone areas, the jacket is both impressively warm for the weight and more protective than most...
Helly Hansen’s Alpha has been our top-rated resort ski jacket for years, and the new-for-winter-2024 “4.0” carries the torch. This popular ski jacket has a great fit and feel with its stretchy construction and hits a real sweet spot in warmth...
Years ago, Patagonia’s Nano-Air helped to define the active insulation market, debuting the new category with a fun “put it on, leave it on” campaign. With soft and breathable materials, the synthetic jacket is designed to be worn all day...
Altra’s Lone Peak 8 has garnered a loyal following among thru-hikers and minimalist trail runners for its accommodating fit and excellent out-of-the-box comfort. Building off the success of the outgoing 7, the latest iteration retains the same roomy...
Patagonia’s rain jacket lineup covers the full gamut, from the budget-friendly Torrentshell to the running-focused Storm Racer. The mid-range Granite Crest strikes a nice middle ground for many hikers and other outdoor-goers, with quality 3-layer...
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...
Arc’teryx’s Cerium is legendary in the performance down jacket market, and for good reason. With a mix of premium down and synthetic fill in moisture-prone areas, the jacket is both impressively warm for the weight and more protective than most...
Helly Hansen’s Alpha has been our top-rated resort ski jacket for years, and the new-for-winter-2024 “4.0” carries the torch. This popular ski jacket has a great fit and feel with its stretchy construction and hits a real sweet spot in warmth...
Years ago, Patagonia’s Nano-Air helped to define the active insulation market, debuting the new category with a fun “put it on, leave it on” campaign. With soft and breathable materials, the synthetic jacket is designed to be worn all day...
Altra’s Lone Peak 8 has garnered a loyal following among thru-hikers and minimalist trail runners for its accommodating fit and excellent out-of-the-box comfort. Building off the success of the outgoing 7, the latest iteration retains the same roomy...
Patagonia’s rain jacket lineup covers the full gamut, from the budget-friendly Torrentshell to the running-focused Storm Racer. The mid-range Granite Crest strikes a nice middle ground for many hikers and other outdoor-goers, with quality 3-layer...
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...
Arc’teryx’s Cerium is legendary in the performance down jacket market, and for good reason. With a mix of premium down and synthetic fill in moisture-prone areas, the jacket is both impressively warm for the weight and more protective than most...
Helly Hansen’s Alpha has been our top-rated resort ski jacket for years, and the new-for-winter-2024 “4.0” carries the torch. This popular ski jacket has a great fit and feel with its stretchy construction and hits a real sweet spot in warmth...
Years ago, Patagonia’s Nano-Air helped to define the active insulation market, debuting the new category with a fun “put it on, leave it on” campaign. With soft and breathable materials, the synthetic jacket is designed to be worn all day...
Altra’s Lone Peak 8 has garnered a loyal following among thru-hikers and minimalist trail runners for its accommodating fit and excellent out-of-the-box comfort. Building off the success of the outgoing 7, the latest iteration retains the same roomy...
Merino wool, the ultra-soft fabric most commonly found in performance baselayers and socks, is one of the most sought-after materials in the outdoor gear world. But is it worth the hype? Below we break down the pros and cons of merino wool, including...
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...
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...
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...
The sleeping pad you bring on an expedition can be the difference between a comfortable outing in nature and a sleepless night spent tossing and turning. But how do you decide which pad to buy and how much warmth you’ll need? Looking at R-value is a...
There are quite a few factors to consider when choosing which camping stove is right for you. How many people are you cooking for? Do you like to make intricate meals? How far will you have to shuttle your gear from the car to the campground? To help...
Merino wool, the ultra-soft fabric most commonly found in performance baselayers and socks, is one of the most sought-after materials in the outdoor gear world. But is it worth the hype? Below we break down the pros and cons of merino wool, including...
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...
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...
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...
The sleeping pad you bring on an expedition can be the difference between a comfortable outing in nature and a sleepless night spent tossing and turning. But how do you decide which pad to buy and how much warmth you’ll need? Looking at R-value is a...
There are quite a few factors to consider when choosing which camping stove is right for you. How many people are you cooking for? Do you like to make intricate meals? How far will you have to shuttle your gear from the car to the campground? To help...
Merino wool, the ultra-soft fabric most commonly found in performance baselayers and socks, is one of the most sought-after materials in the outdoor gear world. But is it worth the hype? Below we break down the pros and cons of merino wool, including...
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...
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...
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...
The sleeping pad you bring on an expedition can be the difference between a comfortable outing in nature and a sleepless night spent tossing and turning. But how do you decide which pad to buy and how much warmth you’ll need? Looking at R-value is a...
There are quite a few factors to consider when choosing which camping stove is right for you. How many people are you cooking for? Do you like to make intricate meals? How far will you have to shuttle your gear from the car to the campground? To help...
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...
“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...
With the Stewart-Cassiar Highway in our rearview mirror, we had finally reached the Yukon. This was our third trip to Canada’s westernmost territory in a calendar year, and we knew that it would feel incomplete without...
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...
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...
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...
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...
“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...
With the Stewart-Cassiar Highway in our rearview mirror, we had finally reached the Yukon. This was our third trip to Canada’s westernmost territory in a calendar year, and we knew that it would feel incomplete without...
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...
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...
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...
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...
“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...
With the Stewart-Cassiar Highway in our rearview mirror, we had finally reached the Yukon. This was our third trip to Canada’s westernmost territory in a calendar year, and we knew that it would feel incomplete without...
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...
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...
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...
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 hardshell collection is highly revered among avid backcountry-goers, and their Beta LT has been a mainstay for years. Updatedseveral seasons back, the latest jacket represents a fairly substantial shift from the past-generation LT...
Serious hikers have known the benefits of trekking poles for decades. Aside from providing stability while hauling a heavy load or moving over technical terrain, hiking poles have distinct advantages even on easy trails. They’re great for setting a...
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...
REI Co-op is a consistent leader when it comes to value, and their First Chair GTX Jacket is a case in point. Boasting proven 2-layer Gore-Tex protection and a full suite of resort-ready features, the First Chair proved to be a great match for downhill...
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...
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...
It's tough to beat a great down jacket, whether it’s for casual use or tearing around the backcountry. This cozy insulation type offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio on the market and packs down smaller than synthetic options for easy storage. From...
Slotting in as the warmest and most weather-ready softshell in Arc’teryx’s Gamma family, the Gamma Heavyweight Hoody (formerly the Gamma MX) is built for serious backcountry pursuits like skiing and ice climbing. Throughout a season of testing in the...
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 hardshell collection is highly revered among avid backcountry-goers, and their Beta LT has been a mainstay for years. Updatedseveral seasons back, the latest jacket represents a fairly substantial shift from the past-generation LT...
Serious hikers have known the benefits of trekking poles for decades. Aside from providing stability while hauling a heavy load or moving over technical terrain, hiking poles have distinct advantages even on easy trails. They’re great for setting a...
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...
REI Co-op is a consistent leader when it comes to value, and their First Chair GTX Jacket is a case in point. Boasting proven 2-layer Gore-Tex protection and a full suite of resort-ready features, the First Chair proved to be a great match for downhill...
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...
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...
It's tough to beat a great down jacket, whether it’s for casual use or tearing around the backcountry. This cozy insulation type offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio on the market and packs down smaller than synthetic options for easy storage. From...
Slotting in as the warmest and most weather-ready softshell in Arc’teryx’s Gamma family, the Gamma Heavyweight Hoody (formerly the Gamma MX) is built for serious backcountry pursuits like skiing and ice climbing. Throughout a season of testing in the...
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 hardshell collection is highly revered among avid backcountry-goers, and their Beta LT has been a mainstay for years. Updatedseveral seasons back, the latest jacket represents a fairly substantial shift from the past-generation LT...
Serious hikers have known the benefits of trekking poles for decades. Aside from providing stability while hauling a heavy load or moving over technical terrain, hiking poles have distinct advantages even on easy trails. They’re great for setting a...
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...
REI Co-op is a consistent leader when it comes to value, and their First Chair GTX Jacket is a case in point. Boasting proven 2-layer Gore-Tex protection and a full suite of resort-ready features, the First Chair proved to be a great match for downhill...
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...
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...
It's tough to beat a great down jacket, whether it’s for casual use or tearing around the backcountry. This cozy insulation type offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio on the market and packs down smaller than synthetic options for easy storage. From...
Slotting in as the warmest and most weather-ready softshell in Arc’teryx’s Gamma family, the Gamma Heavyweight Hoody (formerly the Gamma MX) is built for serious backcountry pursuits like skiing and ice climbing. Throughout a season of testing in the...
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...
