REI’s Gauntlet GTX 2.0 Mittens are very warm single-layer Gore-Tex mittens good for temperatures into to the single digits. They’re extremely comfortable with long gauntlets to keep your wrists and hands warm. But the best thing about these mitts is their reasonable …
Read More »Winter Hiking Gear
Forty Below’s Winter Water Bottle Insulation System
You need to insulate your water bottles in winter or your drinking water will freeze. The best way to do this is with a neoprene overcover that you can open without taking off your gloves. The overcover and bottle can be attached …
Read More »Montbell Gore-Tex Light Long Gaiters Review
Montbell’s Light Long Gaiters are highly functional Gore-tex Gaiters with a simple design that overcomes many of the problems that you’re likely to experience with gaiters from other companies, including Outdoor Research’s Crocodile Gaiters, the most popular winter gaiters sold today. These …
Read More »Outdoor Research Helium Gaiters Review
OR’s Helium Gaiters are high hiking gaiters that are suitable for four-season use with any footwear that has an arched sole. They’re much thinner, cooler, and lighter weight than heavier-duty mountaineering gaiters (such as OR’s Crocodile Gaiters) but still perfectly suitable for …
Read More »Black Diamond Hilight 2 Tent Review
The Black Diamond Hilight 2 Tent is a freestanding wedge-shaped, single-wall tent with a trail weight of 3 lbs 12 oz. It’s made with Sil/PU coated polyester which does not sag or stretch when it gets wet and is fully waterproof and …
Read More »CAMP Corsa Ultralight Ice Axe Review
The CAMP-USA Corsa Ice Axe is quite possibly the lightest weight ice ax in the world, weighing just 8.8 oz (250 grams) in a size 60 cm length. Despite its lightweight, it is a fully functional UIAA-certified B ice ax capable of …
Read More »Mountain Equipment Ibex Softshell Pants Review
Mountain Equipment’s Ibex Softshell Mountain Pant is a highly breathable technical softshell pant designed for winter hiking and mountaineering. The women’s model of the same pant is called the Chamois Pant. They’re made with a double-woven softshell fabric that breathes well and …
Read More »Salomon X Ultra Winter Climashield Waterproof 2 Boots Review
The Salomon X Ultra Winter CS 2 Boot (available for men and women) is a lightweight insulated winter hiking boot that’s great for winter day hiking and snowshoeing. Insulated with 200 grams of Thinsulate, the X Ultra Winter Boot is rated for temperatures …
Read More »MSR Advance Pro 2 Tent Review
The MSR Advance Pro 2 Tent is a two-person, wedge-style tent designed for mountaineers who are willing to sacrifice on tent comfort in exchange for light weight and a small footprint. Weighing 2 lbs 14 oz ounces, the single wall Advance Pro …
Read More »MSR Evo Ascent Snowshoes Review
I started using a different pair of snowshoes a few years ago, switching from a pair of MSR Lightning Ascents to a pair of Evo Ascent Snowshoes, also from MSR. While the Lightning Ascents are great snowshoes for mountainous winter hiking and …
Read More »CAMP Nanotech XLC Crampons Review
CAMP Aluminum Nanotech XLC Crampons are super-lightweight, 12 point, step-in crampons that reduce the level of effort required to hike in full crampons. Weighing 16.2 ounces per pair, including optional ABS plates, they weigh just a few more ounces than Kahtoola Microspikes …
Read More »Ragged Mountain Intervale Gaiters Review
Ragged Mountain’s Intervale Gaiters are designed for winter hiking, snowshoeing or XC skiing. Made with soft Supplex nylon pack-cloth, they’re super breathable, water-resistant and lightweight, nothing like heavy mountaineering gaiters, Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters for instance, that you need to wear to protect …
Read More »Black Diamond Raven Ice Axe Review
I use a Black Diamond Raven Ice axe in winter when I’m climbing mountains. I don’t always bring it, but there have been times when I didn’t expect to need it and it’s come in handy as a walking stick and self-arrest …
Read More »Voile Telepro Avalanche Shovel Review
When you go backpacking or climbing in winter, it is important to bring along an avalanche shovel for prepping tent sites or digging a snow shelter in an emergency. If you’re in a group, a shovel can often be shared unless you …
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