Winter Hiking

Rab Vapor Barrier Socks Review

Mountaineering Boot Layering System

If you’re used to thinking about layering in winter, forget what you know, because vapor barrier clothing helps you stay warm and dry in a radically different way than conventional layering approaches. Vapor barrier clothing is not breathable and is normally worn …

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Hillsound Super Armadillo Nano Gaiters Review

Bomb-proof Supercloth Spike Guards

Hillsound Super Armadillo Nano Gaiters are made with an armored material called SuperFabric. It’s covered with small epoxy circles that act as armor and prevent you from spearing or slashing yourself with a front point. I’ve (inadvertently) tried to stick myself a …

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Kahtoola Nanospikes Traction Device Review

Kahtoola-Nanospikes-Review

Kahtoola Nanospikes are a lightweight winter traction device compatible with trail runners, most street shoes, and winter boots. They weigh about half as Kahtoola Microspikes and have much smaller traction points, resembling tire studs, that are designed to provide traction on trails …

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How to use an Ice Axe

Ice axe self-arrest

An ice axe is an essential safety tool for winter hiking and climbing. With proper instruction, it is easy to learn the basics and serves as a foundation for all subsequent winter hiking and mountaineering skills. If you’re new to winter hiking …

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Winter Hiking Skills: Crampon Walking Technique

There’s no doubt that Kahtoola Microspikes revolutionized winter traction and opened up winter hiking to a much wider audience. Before microspikes came along, most hikers had to purchase mountaineering boots and crampons if they wanted to hike on icy trails, which required …

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Ice Climbing Gear 101

Ice Climbing at Frankenstein Cliffs, White Mountains

If you’re a Gear Junkie, then Ice Climbing and high-angle mountaineering may just be your kind of sport. The sheer amount of new gear you need to get started is dazzling and confusing. It’s one thing to take an ice climbing class …

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How to Use Crampons

How to Use Crampons

If you’re not familiar with crampons, here is an excellent introductory video that will help you to understand how to attach them to your boots and the basic techniques required to use them on ice. If you think that using crampons for …

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Snowshoeing for Beginners Guide

Snowshoeing for Beginner's Guide

When winter arrives and we start to get snow, I like to get outdoors and go snowshoeing on the local trails near my house. In just a few hours, I can get a great workout and enjoy the solitude of the winter …

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CAMP Stalker Universal Crampons Review

Camp Stalker Universal Crampons on a Soft Soled Garmont GTX Insulated Winter Boot

The CAMP Stalker Universal Crampon is the most popular crampon that CAMP sells. It’s compatible with all boot types, including regular hiking boots, soft-soled winter boots, and rigid mountaineering boots, making it a good investment if you want to use it with …

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