If your ski or snowboard gear is even a few years old, you can bet there’s new technology out there that will help make good days on the snow even better. However you like to play in the snow, there are important things to consider: What is your skill level? What region do you ski or ride in the most? Powder or groomed? Do you venture out in the backcountry? Your answers to these questions will narrow the search to the best category for gear and allow you to take advantage of all the modern-day advances in technology. Regardless of your preferred playground, you will absolutely benefit from having the right tools for the job.

We break down all the best ski and snowboarding gear below, with our recommendations spanning everything from all-mountain and backcountry skis to snow and splitboards. We’ve also reviewed the top boots, bindings, poles, accessories, and apparel like goggles, helmets, jackets, pants, gloves, and more. We've field-tested and chosen the top performers in each category and walk you through precisely what makes them the best. Whether you're staying mostly inside the ropes or are a backcountry specialist planning to venture far from the chairlifts, we've got you covered. 
 

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Best All-Mountain Skis of 2024-2025

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...

Best Women’s All-Mountain Skis of 2024

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...

Best Intermediate Skis of 2024-2025

Intermediate-level skis hit a sweet spot in the market: strong enough for carving but reasonably light and easy to control. They’re a great match for a wide swath of skiers, from those with a few seasons’ experience who can confidently link turns on...

Best Backcountry (Touring) Skis of 2024

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 that material...

Best Powder Skis of 2024-2025

Whether you’re an intermediate skier making the transition from resort to backcountry or a seasoned rider who lives for secret stashes and untracked terrain, a dedicated powder ski can make a world of difference in deep snow. Compared to traditional...

Best Ski Brands of 2024

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...

Best Downhill Ski Boots of 2024-2025

No matter your ability level, a comfortable boot is an absolute necessity. Nothing ruins a good groomer or powder day faster than cold or painful feet, and poor-fitting boots also run the risk of not properly transferring energy to your skis and...

Best Women’s Ski Boots of 2024-2025

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...

Best Backcountry (Touring) Ski Boots of 2024-2025

There's a strong argument that the most important part of your ski touring kit is a pair of quality boots that fit well. The good news is that this growing category has seen some impressive advancements, with a plethora of models that excel both on the...

Best Ski Bindings of 2024

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...

Best Backcountry (Touring) Ski Bindings of 2024-2025

Whether you're new to backcountry skiing or have been earning your turns for decades, selecting an alpine touring binding can be a particularly intimidating task. For the 2024/25 season, the market is absolutely flooded with options, ranging from...

Best Skis for Beginners of 2024

Beginner skis offer great value and an easy platform for learning the basics of turning, balance, and control. In short, they make it easier to learn proper technique in less time. Beginner models come either as an integrated system with bindings or as...

Best Ski Boots for Beginners of 2024-2025

If there's one piece of gear that will keep first-timers from sticking with the sport, it’s an uncomfortable ski boot. An ill-fitting, cheap boot can pinch and freeze toes, turning potential fun into complete misery. Thankfully, there are quality...

Best Ski Poles of 2024-2025

It’s hard not to admire the utility of the humble ski pole. A pair of ski poles serves a number of purposes, from helping you set a rhythm for turns, to propelling you along flat sections of trail, to having a crutch to lean on in long lift lines. For...

7 Great Skis for East Coast Hardpack

First and foremost, the East Coast has great skiing, from Stowe in Vermont, to Sugarloaf in Maine, all the way up to Tremblant in Quebec. But the reality is that the conditions vary considerably from places like...

Best Snowshoes of 2024-2025

With a long platform for floatation and added traction underfoot, snowshoes open up your favorite terrain and hiking trails for all kinds of winter fun. We've tested dozens of designs over the years all over the country, from snow-laden peaks in...

Good Ski Gear on a Budget

The biggest impediment to skiing is cost: the gear can be prohibitively expensive, and that’s before you get to lift tickets. The good news is that despite all the hype around the latest and greatest gear, you can have a good day on the hill without...

The 5 Best Sites to Buy Skis and Ski Gear

Another ski season is upon us, and to help navigate the confusing online environment, we've put together a list of our favorite websites for buying ski gear. All the sites below are reputable companies that we purchase from ourselves. In creating the...

Best All-Mountain Snowboards of 2024-2025

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 the 2024-2025 season, from highly versatile models to those...

Best Splitboards of 2024

Thanks to a considerable rise in backcountry adventuring of late, splitboarding is having a moment. With the ability to separate your board on the way up and secure the halves together for a true snowboarding experience on the way down...

Best Ski Jackets of 2024-2025

Choosing the right ski jacket is all about managing the conditions that you might encounter on the mountain. This depends on the specific kinds of skiing you enjoy most—skinning up a sunny ridgeline in the North Cascades is far different than bracing...

Best Women’s Ski Jackets of 2024-2025

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...

Patagonia Ski Jackets: How to Choose

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

Best Snowboard Jackets of 2024-2025

As your main line of defense against snow and wind, a quality snowboard jacket is a key piece of your kit. Designs fall into three basic categories: versatile and light shells, insulated models for a boost in...

Best Women’s Snowboard Jackets of 2024-2025

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...

Best Ski Pants of 2024-2025

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...

Best Women's Ski Pants of 2024-2025

Ski jackets get all the glory, but a pair of quality pants is equally important for keeping you warm and dry on the slopes. Today’s designs range from waterproof and insulated resort options to full-coverage bibs and stretch-infused offerings built for...

Best Ski Bibs of 2024-2025

It's time to ditch your belts and powder skirts: Bibs offer confidence-inspiring protection against wayward snow, cold drafts, and sagging waistlines. They also provide a considerable bump in storage compared to standard ski pants, allowing you to...

Best Women's Ski Bibs of 2024-2025

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...

Best Ski Apparel Brands of 2024-2025

It’s no secret that skiing is an expensive and gear-intensive sport. And whether you’re doing laps at your local resort or skinning deep into the backcountry, you’ll need a quality jacket and pant combo to keep you comfortable. From budget-oriented...

Best Snowboard Pants of 2024-2025

From the very beginning, style has been a defining component of snowboarding culture and has largely influenced the sport's gear and apparel as a result. Today, a good number of snowboarders still...

Best Women's Snowboard Pants of 2024-2025

You won’t get very far from the lodge without a good snowboard pant or bib, which guards against cold and wet chairlift seats, keeps snow at bay during a wipeout, and offers ample ventilation for sidecountry hiking or bluebird powder days. A quality...

Best Ski Socks of 2024-2025

A quality ski sock gets the basics right: a close but not restricting fit, soft-touch materials that don’t itch, and enough cushioning to keep you on the slopes all day. Every sock that made our “best of” list below for the 2024 season accomplishes...

Best Down Jackets of 2024

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...

Best Women’s Down Jackets of 2024-2025

As impressively warm and cozy insulators, down jackets are one of our favorite pieces of outdoor gear. Whether you’re looking for an uber-light alpine piece for the mountains, a casual and well-tailored option for around-town use, or something in...

Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets of 2024

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...

Best Women's Synthetic Insulated Jackets of 2024

Synthetic insulation is a bit of a miracle material: It’s breathable, water-resistant, and modern blends come impressively close to matching the loft and light weight of down. We’ll lounge around in our down jacket any day, but for performance use it’s...

Best Fleece Jackets of 2024

With a wide variety of insulated jackets on the market, the classic fleece is still the most comfortable and affordable. These polyester jackets have been providing cozy warmth for years, from campsites and ski resorts to the streets and restaurants of...

Best Women's Fleece Jackets of 2024

Nothing spells cozy quite like a fleece jacket, whether it’s a high-pile heavyweight or a sleek performance layer. And they’re more than just soft: Fleeces’ breathability and affordability make them an excellent option for everything from daily use to...

Best Hardshell Jackets of 2024

Hardshell jackets are designed for the mountains: They're highly windproof, waterproof, breathable, and durable. This is the outer layer you turn to for ultimate protection while backcountry and resort skiing, mountaineering, alpine climbing, and 4...

Best Softshell Jackets of 2024

For high-output activities, it’s hard to beat a softshell jacket. Their breathable and stretchy fabrics offer fantastic performance and a really comfortable fit that moves with you. As long as you don’t take them out in a rain storm, their durable...

Best Vests of 2024

For getting outdoors on cool fall and spring days, it’s hard to beat a vest. This simple layering piece adds warmth to your core and is cozy, compact, and cheaper than a full jacket. But, like all sectors of the clothing industry, vests are varied...

Best Midlayers of 2024-2025

In the typical three-layer 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? Grab your...

Best Baselayers of 2024

As your next-to-skin article of clothing, a baselayer plays a fundamental role in pulling moisture away from the body and regulating core temperature. It’s far easier to justify purchasing a nice down jacket, but a baselayer can be just as important...

Best Women’s Baselayers of 2024-2025

Your baselayer may not be the most exciting part of your layering system, but make no mistake: It’s certainly one of the most important. As your next-to-skin article of clothing, baselayers are tasked with the all-important duties of pulling moisture...

Best Plus-Size Outdoor Apparel

The outdoor industry has been notoriously slow to produce apparel in sizes beyond small to extra large, and finding even basic items like well-fitting hiking pants and baselayers in plus sizes can still be an...

Best Ski Helmets of 2024-2025

No matter your ability level, picking up a helmet for skiing 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 made them lighter and even safer, so now is a great time to...

Best Snowboard Helmets of 2024-2025

Whether you’re a park rat, resort ripper, or like to earn your turns in the backcountry, a quality helmet is a key addition to any snowboarder’s arsenal. The lids here range from sub-$100 entry-level models to...

Best Ski Goggles of 2024

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...

Best Ski Gloves and Mittens of 2024

Nothing ruins a great day on the slopes like frozen fingers, and a quality glove or mitten can make all the difference. Choosing one that fits the conditions and type of skiing you do most is an important decision. The more you ride, the more you...

Best Snowboard Gloves and Mittens of 2024-2025

Snowboarders, this one’s for you. We won’t lump you in with the skiers: You prefer one plank and comfortable boots, despise moguls, and have a penchant for style. And your hand protection needs differ, too: Since you don’t carry poles, you end up...

Best Ski Backpacks of 2024-2025

Whether you’re headed to the resort or gearing up for a big backcountry outing, you’ll need a pack to carry the essentials: extra layers, water, snacks, and—if you’re going out of bounds—avalanche equipment...

Best Hydration Bladders of 2024

Whether we’re hiking, biking, running, or climbing, on-the-go hydration is an essential part of our kit. There’s simply no better way to encourage drinking consistently during activity, which is vital to performance and enjoyment (after bonking one too...

Best Avalanche Airbag Packs of 2024

For experienced skiers and snowboarders venturing into avalanche terrain, an airbag pack can provide an extra boost in safety. These systems function by inflating an airbag to about 150 liters via...

Best Avalanche Beacons of 2024

Tasked with transmitting your location and helping you search for buried victims, an avalanche beacon (also called a transceiver) is an essential piece of gear for backcountry exploration. Whether you’re a...

Best Satellite Messengers of 2024

We’re all for big adventures that take us off the grid, but it’s never a bad idea to have a way of getting in touch. For organizing a pick up, initiating a rescue, or just checking in, a satellite messenger has become our go-to means of staying...

Best Climbing Skins for Skiing of 2024

Skis, bindings, and boots get a lot of attention in the touring world, but don’t overlook your humble climbing skins. Most importantly, you want to match the design and materials...

Best Rooftop Cargo Boxes of 2024

Whether you drive a small hatchback or a large SUV, adding a cargo box to your vehicle’s rooftop can go a long way toward improving organization, carrying capacity, and comfort. These boxes come in a range of sizes to accommodate your gear (including...

Best Ski and Snowboard Racks of 2024

If you’re an avid skier or snowboarder, a functional rooftop rack can be well worth its weight in powder turns. These sleek pieces of gear accommodate up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards, feature...

REI Co-op First Chair GTX Ski Jacket Review

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...

Blizzard Rustler 10 Ski (2024) Review

Blizzard’s original Rustler was consistently one of our favorite all-mountain skis thanks to its focus on fun over all-out power and speed. The design has gotten a big revamp for 2024, including changes to the construction (Titanal now runs the length...

Helly Hansen Alpha 4.0 Ski Jacket Review

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...

Patagonia Insulated Powder Town Jacket Review

Patagonia’s ski jacket lineup runs the gamut from backcountry-ready hardshells to insulated resort designs. Formerly called the Snowbelle/Snowshot, their Insulated Powder Town falls into the latter category, offering a competitive combination of warmth...

Arc’teryx Sabre Jacket Review

Arc’teryx offers an extensive lineup of quality ski jackets, from technical hardshells to insulated resort options. The Sabre Jacket (formerly the Sabre AR) slots in right in the middle, with a premium Gore-Tex build, light flannel backer, and smartly...

Scarpa 4-Quattro XT Ski Boot Review

Scarpa is an irrefutable leader in the backcountry ski boot market, and they recently made a push into the freeride space with the 4-Quattro XT. We put the boot through a mix of backcountry and resort riding last winter and came away largely impressed...

Arc’teryx Sentinel Insulated Ski Jacket Review

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...

Patagonia Storm Shift Ski Jacket Review

Patagonia makes some of our favorite ski jackets, and their Storm Shift stands out as an impressively well-built design for resort riders who put a premium on durability and comfort. We tested the men’s version in typical Pacific Northwest conditions...

Flylow Gear Foxy Ski Bib Review

Colorado-based Flylow Gear is well known among backcountry skiers for their tough and stylish designs that nicely balance fashion and function. The women’s Foxy Bib is a shining example, combining great overall performance and versatility in a good...

Smith Nexus MIPS Helmet Review

Smith’s snow helmet lineup runs the gamut from the simple and budget-friendly Holt to the range-topping Nexus tested here. This premium lid replaces the brand’s popular Quantum for the 2023-2024 season and is as feature-rich as they come: You get a...

Trew Gear Cosmic Primo Jacket Review

Trew Gear is a brand on the rise, and their longstanding, core men’s ski shell is the Cosmic. Balancing weather protection, mobility, and features for resort and backcountry days, it’s a versatile piece with wide appeal. And the latest Primo version...

Blizzard Sheeva 10 Ski (2024) Review

Blizzard’s Sheeva 10 is the women’s counterpart to the popular Rustler and an impressively well-rounded ski for everyone from progressing intermediates to expert riders. For 2024, Blizzard retooled the construction and made slight tweaks to the sidecut...

Patagonia Micro Puff Storm Jacket Review

Patagonia’s Micro Puff is legendary in the synthetic jacket world for its down-like warmth and compressibility, and the Micro Puff Storm turns up the performance dial with a waterproof shell...

Black Diamond Guide Ski Gloves Review

Black Diamond's Guide Gloves are a longtime favorite for those who put a premium on warmth and protection. We recently put a new pair to the test (after using and abusing a previous pair for seven...

Arc’teryx Sabre Ski Pant Review

Arc’teryx is a leader in the premium ski kit market, and their flagship Sabre Pant was quick to win us over with its top-notch protection in a lightweight package. Whether you’re a resort rider or like to earn your turns in the backcountry, the pants...

REI Co-op First Chair GTX Ski Bibs Review

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...

Oakley Mod5 MIPS Helmet Review

Oakley is a relative newcomer to the ski helmet market, but their Mod collection has been a strong foray into the space. Sitting at the top of the lineup is the Mod5 MIPS, which boasts a clean, low-profile shape and plenty of premium touches. In...

Patagonia Insulated Powder Town Pant Review

Patagonia’s ski pant lineup ranges from uninsulated shells for mileage-heavy backcountry missions to insulated designs for fending off the chill on cold resort days. The Insulated Powder Town Pants are unapologetically built for the latter with a thin...

Smith Proxy Goggle Review

Despite having a pretty comprehensive snow goggle collection, Smith filled a small gap in their lineup with the new-for-2022 Proxy. This goggle slides in under the popular Skyline with its framed look, spherical lens shape, and medium fit, and at $150...

Arc’teryx Sentinel Ski Bib Review

Arc’teryx is a leader in the technical backcountry ski market, and their Sentinel Bib Pant (and men’s Sabre Bib Pant) slots in as a highly protective and tough design at a very competitive weight. With a mix of weather-ready Gore-Tex and a light...

Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino Crew Review

Smartwool is an irrefutable leader in the baselayer market, and their Intraknit line is purpose-built for keeping you comfortable during high-output activities like ski touring. We tested the women’s Intraknit...

Arc’teryx Proton Heavyweight Hoody Review

Arc’teryx’s Proton line falls under a growing category of active insulators, which are purpose-built for keeping you comfortable during exertion. The most insulated of the bunch, the Proton Heavyweight Hoody is an impressively warm and breathable...

Head Kore 93 Ski Review

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...

Scott Patrol E1 30 Avalanche Airbag Pack Review

Avalanche packs help backcountry-goers stay on the surface of the snow in the event of a slide by using a power source (either a canister of compressed air or gas or an electric fan) to inflate an airbag. In the case...

Head Kore 99 Ski Review

Head’s 2022 Kore collection covers widths from 87 to 117, and towards the middle of that lineup is the versatile 99. Like the rest of the Kore models, this ski saw a number of changes for this season, including a revised construction, even lighter...

Black Diamond JetForce Pro 25L Review

With a rise in backcountry adventuring of late, avalanche airbag packs have become increasingly popular for the added safety they can provide in the event of a slide. Black Diamond’s battery-powered...

Patagonia Stormstride Ski Pant Review

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...

Trew Gear Stella Jacket Primo Review

Oregon-based Trew Gear is no stranger to inclement weather, and their ski jackets are built to handle harsh conditions and rough treatment while looking good in the process. The women’s-specific Stella Jacket Primo is a case in point, combining...

Arc’teryx Sentinel Jacket Review

Arc’teryx is a leader in the premium ski shell market, and their flagship Sentinel (and men’s Sabre) is a standout for resort-goers and ski tourers alike. Previously called the Sentinel AR, the latest design is largely similar to its predecessor but...

Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody Review

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...

Smith Survey MIPS Helmet Review

Smith is a market leader in both the ski goggle and helmet markets, and they’ve merged the two with the unique Survey MIPS. Combining a lightweight in-mold helmet with a built-in goggle featuring Smith’s well-respected ChromaPop lens, you get an all-in...

Lange XT3 130 Ski Boot Review

Backcountry skiers often sacrifice downhill performance for the ability to tour uphill, but Lange’s XT3 130 is designed with the descent in mind. We put the XT3 to the test both on- and off-piste in the...

Rossignol Experience 86 Ti Ski Review

Rossignol has shaken up their ski offerings a fair amount over the past couple years, starting with the release of the Black Ops freeride line and now a big revamp to the Experience collection for...

Trew Gear Chariot Bib Primo Review

Oregon-based Trew Gear is a relatively young brand but has wasted no time assembling a solid lineup of high-quality and clean-looking ski kits. We recently put the women’s Chariot Bib Primo to the test...

Arc’teryx Rush Jacket Review

Vancouver-based Arc’teryx is a frontrunner in the technical ski shell market, and the Rush Jacket slots in as their fully featured yet light Gore-Tex Pro backcountry piece. Updated for winter...

Arc’teryx Beta Insulated Jacket Review

Arc’teryx’s Beta collection is a longtime favorite, lauded for its reliable protection and top-notch build quality. A relatively recent addition to the line, the Beta Insulated Jacket retains a lot of what we love about the uninsulated models...

Smith Level MIPS Helmet Review

Smith’s Level took the place of one of our all-time favorite helmets, the Variance, but retains most of the winning recipe. Slotting in below the premium and popular Vantage, it shares a lot of the design, including a hybrid in-mold construction...

Nordica Enforcer 94 Ski Review

Nordica’s Enforcer (and women’s Santa Ana) is a leading all-mountain design that excels in everything from firm snow to moderately deep powder. The ski was updated for...

Smith 4D Mag Goggle Review

Building on Smith’s popular I/O Mag snow goggle, the newer 4D Mag features a curved section at the bottom of the lens designed to greatly increase downward visibility. We tested the high-end goggle over a full ski season and found that while the added...

Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC Binding Review

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...

Norrøna Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro Jacket Review

Norwegian brand Norrøna is no stranger to harsh mountain environments, with a quality selection of top-end hardshells built for demanding missions in the alpine. The Lofoten collection, named after...

Smith Squad Mag Goggle Review

Smith’s Squad has been a long-time favorite for its semi-framed styling, budget-friendly price, and good all-around versatility. They’ve added to the collection for 2020-2021 with the Squad Mag, which takes the basic design of the original model and...

Smith I/O Mag Goggle 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 Macai Ski Jacket Review

Sitting atop Arc’teryx’s venerable ski lineup is the Macai: a Gore-Tex-equipped, down-insulated ski shell built for frigid conditions and serious resort use. Two of our testers put the Macai through a season-long test in Washington State and found it...

Patagonia SnowDrifter Jacket Review

Patagonia offers a jacket for just about every type of skier and terrain, from insulated, resort-ready designs to lightweight hardshells built for the backcountry. The SnowDrifter slots in as their affordable...

Smith Vantage MIPS Helmet Review

Smith is a leader in the ski helmet market, and their Vantage MIPS is a favorite among serious downhill and alpine touring riders. This lid seemingly has it all: comfort, performance, safety, and good looks to boot. Given its impressive résumé, we were...

Patagonia Descensionist 40L Pack Review

Skiers, snowboarders, and other adventurers headed into the backcountry will need a pack to carry their supplies, and options range from highly organized and plush haulers to minimalist models for weight...

Scarpa Maestrale RS Ski Boot Review

Among Scarpa’s impressive and diverse lineup of ski boots, the Maestrale RS alpine touring model is a standout. A stiffer version of their popular Maestrale, the RS is designed to be light on the skin track and extra powerful on the descent. The...

Salomon MTN Pure Binding Review

Salomon made a bold entrance into the tech binding world with the release of the minimalist and feather-light MTN Pure. Mounted on a pair of lightweight DPS skis, the MTN Pure was my binding of choice for a winter of lightweight missions, where it was...

Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket Review

Arc’teryx is no stranger to hardshell jackets and long has been a go-to option for protection in harsh mountain environments. At the very top of their lineup is the Alpha SV ("severe weather"), which is designed for use in the most serious of...

Arc’teryx Proton Hybrid Hoody Review

Arc’teryx has a jacket for just about every activity, and the Proton Hybrid takes their breathable Proton jacket and tacks on windproof Gore-Tex Infinium panels for added protection on blustery backcountry missions. I recently put the women’s model...

Arc'teryx Proton LT Hoody Review

High-output activities like ski touring and winter climbing require an insulated jacket that balances warmth and ventilation, and Arc’teryx’s Proton LT Hoody fits the bill nicely with air-permeable fabrics and lightweight synthetic fill...

Salomon S/Lab MTN Ski Boot Review

Salomon is no stranger to the backcountry skiing market with an expansive lineup of touring equipment. From their ski boot collection, the S/Lab MTN is aimed at resort and backcountry skiers who want the option to do both without making major...

G3 Ion 12 Binding Review

Now in its second generation, G3’s Ion has earned a solid reputation in the tech binding market for its user-friendly design. With a full season of testing under my belt with the 12-DIN model, I've found its auto-rotation lock, simplified step-in, and...

Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket Review

From Arc’teryx’s formidable hardshell lineup, the Beta AR slots in as the all-around workhorse. The jacket has been a flagship piece since its release back in 2000, and it’s a favorite for everything from hiking and backpacking in rough conditions to...

How to Prevent Your Ski Goggles From Fogging

A quality pair of ski goggles can do a lot to improve visibility on the slopes, but if they get all fogged up, it doesn’t really matter what you’re wearing. The good news is that there are a number of steps you can...

Choosing the Right Ski Waist Width

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 boats designed for extreme places like Alaska. After years of trending ever-wider, we've seen the market starting...

Ski Boot and Binding Compatibility Guide

Whether you've been skiing since the '70s or are about to buy your first setup, your selection of skis, boots, and bindings—what we call "hard goods"—is the foundation for both performance and safety. This is especially true when it comes to boots and...

Ski Jacket Construction: 2L vs. 3L

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...

Lange Shadow Ski Boot: Technical Breakdown

With the introduction of the Shadow line of boots as their new flagship all-mountain and piste model, Lange is making some radical claims about what their machinery offers in a market that’s been...

How to Choose a Ski Jacket

As your outermost layer, ski jackets play a key role in keeping you comfortable and protected from the elements. The jacket market has expanded in recent years, covering everything from warm and cozy insulated resort pieces...

Ski Trip Packing Checklist

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...

How to Choose All-Mountain Skis

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...

How to Choose a Down Jacket

For the best in cozy and lofty warmth, down jackets are in a class of their own. That said, the category covers a wide range of options, from lightweight and packable designs for backcountry use to stylish and hardwearing models for your winter...

How to Stay Warm While Skiing

There’s a lot to love about resort skiing: you can cram in a ton of runs per day, always have the convenience of a lodge nearby, and don’t have to hoof it up thousands of vertical feet to earn your turns. That said, the biggest challenge with skiing...

How to Choose Baselayers

A baselayer’s primary job is to keep you comfortable while wicking moisture as you sweat. Whether you’re climbing steep skin tracks in the backcountry, skiing lift-accessed terrain at the resort, or climbing and hiking in cool shoulder-season weather...

Ski Jackets: Shell vs. Insulated vs. 3-in-1

Today’s ski jackets are well made and built to handle many seasons of use in foul weather. They can also 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...

Down vs. Synthetic Insulation

As the weather cools down each year, the great down-versus-synthetic insulation debate heats up. Goose and duck down fill are among the premier insulators on earth, trapping air and creating pockets of warmth around your body with very little weight...

Backcountry Ski Bindings: Tech vs. Frame vs. Hybrid

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...

What is a Softshell Jacket?

Softshell jackets fill a much-needed void between lightweight insulating pieces and waterproof hardshells. They stretch for movement and breathe well, yet still offer better protection from the elements than...

How to Layer for Backcountry Skiing

Backcountry skiing can be an incredibly rewarding way to spend your time outdoors—no crowds, untouched snow, and a skin-track workout to compliment your knee-deep powder turns...

Backcountry Skiing Checklist

Nothing is more satisfying or adrenaline-inducing than slaying fresh powder in the heart of the backcountry, but you’ll need the right gear to accomplish your ski objectives...

Does Your Down Jacket Need a Hood?

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...

Down Fill and Insulation Explained

Down is perhaps the most effective insulator on Earth: Its warmth-to-weight ratio and compressibility are unbeatable, and it’s extremely soft and cozy to boot. To better understand the world of down, below we break down considerations like fill power...

Merino Wool: Is It Worth It?

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...

Winter Camping Checklist for 2024

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...