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 break down all of the key gear items you'll need to stay cozy this winter, from puffy jackets and long underwear to insulated boots and mittens. And for those who plan on hitting the slopes, see our detailed ski gear reviews. 

Winter Clothing and Gear

Winter jacket (Rab Neutrino Pro in the mountains)

Best Winter Jackets of 2023

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...
Winter jacket (Patagonia Down With It Parka walking around town)

Best Women’s Winter Jackets of 2023

When the days get shorter and the mercury drops, it’s time to reach for a winter jacket to guard against the cold. Lightweight puffies have their place for 3-season use, but you'll want a well-insulated...
Winter Boots (Sorel Caribou in snow)

Best Winter Boots of 2023

Winter boots are a timeless and charming piece of gear. From classic Sorels to light and modern designs, they aim to keep your feet protected and warm from wet snow and frigid temperatures. Whether you live in a cold and snowy climate...
UGG Adirondack III women's winter boot (walking near water)

Best Women's Winter Boots of 2023

Winter weather calls for capable footwear, whether you're working outdoors, snowshoeing, or commuting to work. The good news is there's no shortage of women's-specific designs to keep your feet...
Winter gloves

Best Winter Gloves of 2023

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...
Norrona Falketind Down750 down jacket (prayer flags in Nepal)

Best Down Jackets of 2023

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 synthetics for easy storage. Below are the...
Feathered Friends Eos (women's down jackets header)

Best Women’s Down Jackets of 2023

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 fur-brimmed parka...
Arc'teryx Atom AR (synthetic insulated jackets)

Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets of 2023

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...
Hiking in the Patagonia Better Sweater fleece

Best Fleece Jackets of 2023

With a wide variety of insulated jackets on the market, the classic fleece still is the most comfortable and affordable. These polyester jackets have been providing cozy warmth for years from campsites and ski resorts to the...
Patagonia Down Sweater Vest (overlooking canyon)

Best Vests of 2023

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, packable, less bulky, and cheaper than a full jacket. But the vest market is varied, ranging from casual to...
Baselayer (layered underneath ski jacket)

Best Baselayers of 2023

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 or waterproof shell, but a baselayer can be...
Hiking in Fjallraven Keb Eco-Shell hardshell jacket

Best Hardshell Jackets of 2023

Hardshell jackets are designed for the alpine: they’re highly windproof, waterproof, breathable, and durable. This is the outer layer you turn to for ultimate protection while backcountry and resort...
Snowshoes (lined up in snow)

Best Snowshoes of 2023

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. Below we break down the best models for winter 2023, including top recreational/trail snowshoes...
Winter traction devices (hiking up slick rocks)

Best Winter Traction Devices of 2023

Winter traction devices go by a variety of names—including microspikes, snow grips, ice cleats, and more—but the goal is the same: to provide reliable and consistent grip on snowy and icy surfaces. Traction...
4-season tents (The North Face VE 25 at Denali basecamp)

Best 4-Season Tents of 2023

From backcountry ski tours to mountaineering in some of the most inhospitable weather on Earth, a 4-season tent is the last line of defense between you and the elements. Accordingly, these tents are much stronger...
Mountaineering boots

Best Mountaineering Boots of 2023

No piece of gear is more critical to summiting high peaks than footwear. A great mountaineering boot fills countless roles: it must offer support while carrying heavy loads...
Satellite messenger devices (Bivy Stick, Somewear, Garmin inReach Mini, SPOT X)

Best Satellite Messengers of 2023

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...
Hydration bladder lineup (CamelBak, Platypus, Gregory, MSR, HydraPak)

Best Hydration Bladders of 2023

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...

In-Depth Reviews

Fjallraven Expedition Pack Down Hoodie (opening wallet in town on a sunny day)

Fjallraven Expedition Pack Down Hoodie Review

Swedish brand Fjallraven is known for their attractive styles that straddle the line between performance and looks, but they generally come at a steep cost. Their Expedition Pack Down Hoodie, however, marries style and function in a package that...
Patagonia Jackson Glacier Parka (standing in snow)

Patagonia Jackson Glacier Parka Review

When it feels truly arctic outside, only a well-designed and thoroughly insulated jacket will do the job. For casual around-town wear, the market is full of stylish knee-length options with various features and...
REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Jacket (playing with dog by lake)

REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Jacket Review

REI Co-op continues to impress us with their in-house line of products, and the Stormhenge Down Hybrid Jacket is one of their best. Updated last winter, the latest model features a combination of premium goose down and synthetic insulation (the past...
Arc'teryx Nuclei SV Parka (standing in snow with hood on)

Arc’teryx Nuclei SV Parka Review

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

MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe Review

MSR’s snowshoe collection runs the gamut from the entry-level and affordable Evo Trail to the top-end Lightning Ascent featured here. This premium design puts it all together, including class-leading...
Arc'teryx Alpha Parka (standing in mountains in Nepal)

Arc’teryx Alpha Parka Review

Arc’teryx is a leader in technical mountain apparel, and the winter-ready Alpha Parka slots in as their warmest belay jacket built for harsh mountain environments. Replacing the Firebee AR in their lineup, I brought the Alpha on a trip to Nepal’s...
Arc'teryx Gamma MX Hoody (standing in snowy backcountry)

Arc’teryx Gamma MX Hoody Review

Slotting in as the warmest and most weather-ready softshell in Arc’teryx’s Gamma family, the Gamma MX Hoody is built for serious backcountry pursuits like skiing and ice climbing. Throughout a season of...
Patagonia Macro Puff (hiking in snowy mountains)

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. Last year, the brand released their follow-up Macro Puff, which shares the same...
MSR Evo Trail snowshoes (snowshoeing with backpack)

MSR Evo Trail Snowshoe Review

MSR is well-regarded in the world of snowshoes, and their budget-friendly Evo Trail remains a favorite year after year. At this price point, you get a simple molded plastic decking, but it’s nevertheless a great value with excellent traction, a quality...
Cotopaxi Fuego Down Jacket (in San Juan mountains)

Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket Review

Cotopaxi is a brand on the rise. With their distinctive and vibrant colorways, sustainable business practices, and skillful collaborations with other brands, they’ve quickly established themselves as a serious player in the outdoor market. The Fuego...
Columbia Bugaboot Plus IV Omni-Heat winter boot (lacing up)

Columbia Bugaboot Plus IV Omni-Heat Review

It’s not often that we come across a truly capable all-rounder in the winter boot category, but Columbia’s Bugaboot Plus IV Omni-Heat is a real standout. After putting the Bugaboot through a full season of hiking, snowshoeing, and everyday use in...
Norrøna Trollveggen Gore-Tex Pro Light (under a running vest in Patagonia)

Norrøna Trollveggen Gore-Tex Pro Light Jacket Review

Norrøna may not be as popular in the U.S. as brands like Arc’teryx or Patagonia, but serious backcountry-goers take note: They offer an extensive lineup of quality hardshells that are purpose-built for big mountain objectives ...
Rab Neutrino Pro (mountain backdrop)

Rab Neutrino Pro Jacket Review

Winters are harsh in the U.K., and British alpinists are known for getting out in all types of conditions. So if there’s any brand we can trust to make proper gear for the cold and wet, it’s Rab. This England-based company launched the Neutrino down...
UGG Adirondack III (walking in snow next to lake)

UGG Adirondack III Review

UGG might not be the first name you think of for a performance winter boot, but their Adirondack lineup could change your mind. With premium materials, impressive warmth, and a very comfortable fit, the Adirondack III quickly earned its place as our...
Norrona Falketind Down750 Hood Jacket (prayer flags in Nepal mountains)

Norrøna Falketind Down750 Hood Jacket Review

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...
Arc'teryx Covert Cardigan Fleece (grabbing rain jacket from pack)

Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan Fleece Jacket Review

Arc’teryx has built their reputation around technical outerwear, which makes the casual Covert Cardigan a bit of an outlier. But this fleece has been a long-time favorite for a reason: its fit, build quality, and...
Patagonia AlpLight Down Jacket (hiking in Patagonia)

Patagonia AlpLight Down Jacket Review

Patagonia is well-loved among outdoor enthusiasts for their good-looking products and eco-friendly ethos. Their AlpLight Down Jacket follows suit, combining a remarkably low weight and sleek styling inside a shell made from recycled fishing nets. It's...
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...
Feathered Friends Eos Down Jacket (hands in pockets)

Feathered Friends Eos Down Jacket Review

Feathered Friends is a boutique down specialist birthed out of Seattle’s climbing scene in the 1970s, and they still lead the pack in down outerwear construction and design. The company is known for...
Hiking in the snow (Arc'teryx Beta AR hardshell jacket)

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...
Marmot Montreal Down Coat (header)

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...
Arc'teryx Beta SV Jacket (backpacking in Patagonia)

Arc’teryx Beta SV Jacket Review

Arc’teryx makes some of our favorite hardshells on the market, and their SV offerings are purpose-built for the harshest of conditions. From their all-rounder Beta collection, the Beta SV slots in as the most protective option for fending off rough...
The North Face Gotham III winter jacket (in snowy forest)

The North Face Gotham Jacket III Review

The North Face is known for making stylish jackets, which is demonstrated again with the winter-ready Gotham III. For a reasonable $300, it checks most major boxes including a stout weatherproof build, impressive warmth, and great durability. The...
Patagonia Silent Down Jacket (front of jacket)

Patagonia Silent Down Jacket Review

Patagonia is a leader in the insulation market, and their down jacket selection ranges from technical belay parkas to versatile puffies for mixed outdoor and daily wear. At the casual end of the spectrum, the Silent...
The North Face Metropolis Parka II review

The North Face Metropolis Parka II Review

Winter weather doesn’t discriminate—it can be just as unforgiving on the streets of New York City as it is in the mountains of Colorado. And for everyday use, down-filled parkas like...
Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody (standing in mountains)

Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody Review

Climbers, hikers, and outdoor adventurers of all types have enjoyed Patagonia’s Down Sweater for years. It’s a go-to piece that has defined a jacket category, and they’ve given it a significant revamp for fall 2022. Key changes include a new, more...
Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Jacket (hiking with pack)

Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Jacket Review

Along with Patagonia’s ubiquitous Synchilla, the Better Sweater is one of the brand’s foundational fleece designs. Offered in a range of styles, we tested their core full-zip jacket for this review...
MSR Access 3 tent

MSR Access 3 Tent Review

Tent manufacturers constantly are pushing the limits of weight and weather protection, and 4-season tents designed to withstand harsh conditions tend to fall on the heavy side of the spectrum. Yet MSR essentially created a new category with their...
Patagonia Down With It Parka (standing on snowy boardwalk)

Patagonia Down With It Parka Review

Patagonia’s high-performance and responsibly produced outerwear is known both for excellent protection from the elements and looking good in the process. Their casual Down With It Parka follows...
Patagonia Fitz Roy jacket

Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Parka Review

Patagonia’s down products are known for their 100-percent-traceable feathers, quality construction, and sleek, stylish looks. Building off of these core characteristics, the Fitz Roy Down Parka is...
Arc'teryx Firebee AR Parka (header)

Arc'teryx Firebee AR Review

Arc’teryx rarely misses the mark with quality, performance-oriented gear, and the Firebee AR is no exception. This winter parka is the whole package: it’s loaded with premium down, and offers excellent weather resistance and impressive packability...
Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody (hiking in Fisher Towers)

Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody Review

Patagonia’s synthetic Micro Puff made headlines when it was first released a few years ago, touted for its down-like weight and packability. In 2022, the Ventura, Calif.-based company released an update to the popular jacket...
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 jacket (fall colors)

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody Review

Ultralight without feeling ultra-compromised, the Mountain Hardwear 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 hoody model), Mountain Hardwear managed to...
Arc'teryx Alpha SV hardshell jacket (in snowstorm)

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 Cerium Hoody (standing above lake in Patagonia)

Arc'teryx Cerium Hoody Review

Arc’teryx’s Cerium Hoody is their leading down jacket and replaces the popular Cerium LT for this year. Key changes include a slightly roomier fit, thicker shell fabric, and full suite of sustainability measures. The rest of the design remains largely...
Hilleberg Allak tent

Hilleberg Allak Tent Review

Hilleberg has set the bar high, creating some of the most finely tuned and well-built tents on the market. Therefore we were extremely excited to test the Allak, a 2-person freestanding tent that falls into Hilleberg’s “Red Label” category. This means...

Winter Gear Learning Center

Winter Boots (lineup)

How to Choose Winter Boots

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...
Winter camping

Winter Camping Checklist for 2023

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...
Down jacket (sitting on tailgate in REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0)

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...
Down jacket (insulation closeup)

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...
Does Your Down Jacket Need a Hood (header)

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...
Baselayer

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...
Merino wool

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...