The Montbell Down Balaclava is insulated with 800 fill power down and can be used to augment an insulated jacket or as a part of a backpacking quilt sleep system. Weighing 3.1 oz (87 grams) it is a highly adjustable piece of …
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How to Repair Kahtoola Microspikes and Hillsound Trail Crampons
Kahtoola Microspikes and the more aggressive Hillsound Trail Crampons are the most popular forms of winter traction used by winter hikers today. Their popularity is based on the fact that they: Require no training to use like crampons Provide traction on pretty …
Read More »MSR Snowshoe Guide: How to Choose
MSR makes great snowshoes for winter hiking and backpacking that provide excellent traction and flotation over packed snow and ice in mountainous terrain and powder in higher elevations and drier climates. With an ironclad guarantee, MSR also has a great reputation for replacing …
Read More »Pike Trail High Gaiters Review
Pike Trail High Gaiters are polyester gaiters with a unique fitting system and design that overcomes the sizing deficiencies of most high gaiters, including and especially Outdoor Research Crocodiles, which are the most popular high gaiters sold today. In addition to a …
Read More »Winter Daypacks and Backpacks: How to Choose
If you’re gearing up for winter hiking and backpacking, it’s worth asking yourself if you want a backpack that’s designed for winter use, or whether you can get by using the backpack you use the rest of the year. Personally, I prefer …
Read More »The North Face Vectiv Fastpack 200g Winter Boot Review
The North Face Vectiv Fastpack Insulated Boots are 200g mid-height waterproof hiking boots that are good for winter hiking. I like them because they are shaped like a regular mid-hiking boot with a curved forefoot rocker which makes them easy you walk …
Read More »Yaktrax Summit Winter Traction System Review
The Yaktrax Summit is a burly winter traction system that’s in the same league as Kahtoola’s Microspikes and Hillsound’s Trail Crampons. Compatible with soft-soled winter boots and hiking shoes, the Summits have 12 triangular spikes that attach to the underside of your footwear …
Read More »Rab Borealis Jacket Review
The Rab Borealis Jacket is a lightweight windproof softshell jacket that’s great for winter hiking but lightweight enough that it can be used year-round. It has an under the helmet hood, a full length zipper, and two zippered Napoleon chest pockets that …
Read More »Hillsound Trail Crampons Review
Hillsound Trail Crampons are a winter traction aid that’s tailor-made for hiking on inclined trails covered with hard ice or packed snow where you need longer and sharper spikes to penetrate the surface and give you a good grip. They’re compatible with insulated …
Read More »Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody Review
The Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody may just be the perfect baselayer for cold weather hiking and winter sports. It’s made with an airy blend of 51% merino wool and 49% recycled polyester that wicks moisture, resists odor and dries in a flash. …
Read More »10 Best Snowshoes for Winter Hiking in 2023-2024
For winter snowshoeing on hiking trails and in the backcountry, you want a winter hiking snowshoe that is durable, with aggressive crampons for traction and a secure binding system that locks your boots to the snowshoes. If you’re interested in getting off …
Read More »Patagonia R1 Air Full Zip Hoodie Review
The Patagonia R1 Air Full Zip Hoodie is a surprisingly warm and breathable mid-layer fleece jacket that’s perfect for cold-weather hiking and backpacking. It has two zippered handwarmer pockets and a chest pocket, a snug-fitting under-the-helmet hood, and stretch wrist cuffs that …
Read More »Enlightened Equipment Visp Rain Jacket Review
The Enlightened Equipment Visp is an ultralight 3-layer waterproof breathable rain jacket with a fully adjustable hood, velcro wrist cuffs, a waterproof zipper, and a drop tail, that’s fully seam-taped seam taped. The Visp is lightweight and breathable enough that it can …
Read More »Sierra Designs Meteor Lite 3 Tent Review
The Sierra Designs Meteor Lite 3 is a freestanding double-wall three-person tent that’s a palace for two. It’s very easy to set up and comes with two doors and two vestibules that provide good gear coverage and access. Internal pockets provide good …
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