Henry

When you’re standing at the base of a 30-degree slope with ice hiding beneath fresh powder, the wrong snowshoes can turn an epic backcountry day into a dangerous struggle. I’ve learned this the hard way after sliding backward down a gully in the Adirondacks, my basic trail snowshoes offering zero bite on the hardpack beneath. … Read more

Ice climbing demands gear you can trust with your life. After testing dozens of ice screws across three seasons of waterfall ice and alpine routes, I have learned that not all screws are created equal. The best ice screws for ice climbing combine fast placement, reliable bite, and weight savings that matter on long approaches. … Read more

Finding the best snowshoes for big and tall men isn’t as simple as grabbing the first pair you see at REI. Most standard snowshoes max out at 200 to 220 pounds, leaving bigger guys sinking into the powder or struggling with bindings that barely fit a size 10 boot. Our team has tested 23 different … Read more

Winter doesn’t have to stop your running routine. I learned this the hard way after three months of treadmill torture when the snow first hit Colorado. Best snowshoes for running changed everything for me and thousands of trail runners who refuse to let powder slow them down. Our team spent 45 days testing 15 different … Read more

Standing on a wind-scoured ridge at 12,000 feet with your skis strapped to your pack, you need gear that works without adding unnecessary weight to your already heavy setup. That is exactly where the best aluminum crampons for ski mountaineering become essential. After spending three seasons testing various models across the Colorado Rockies and the … Read more

Nothing ruins a backcountry adventure faster than postholing through knee-deep powder with every step. I learned this the hard way during a trip to the Sierra Nevada when my 22-inch trail snowshoes sank so deep I was practically swimming through snow. If you’re planning to explore ungroomed terrain, untracked powder, or deep backcountry snow, choosing … Read more

Vertical ice climbing demands equipment that matches the intensity of the terrain. After three seasons testing crampons on routes from WI4 to WI6 across the Canadian Rockies and Ouray Ice Park, I have learned that the wrong crampons turn challenging pitches into exhausting battles. The best technical crampons for vertical ice provide precise penetration, secure … Read more

I spent three winters testing snowshoes across the White Mountains and Rockies, logging over 200 miles in conditions ranging from deep powder to bulletproof ice. The difference between a good day and a miserable one often comes down to what’s strapped to your boots. Finding the best snowshoes for backcountry hiking means balancing flotation for … Read more

Finding the right mountaineering crampons can mean the difference between a safe summit and a dangerous slide. Our team tested five top-rated crampons over three months on routes ranging from glacier walks to technical ice climbs. We climbed in the Cascades, tackled Colorado fourteeners, and tested on everything from hard névé to powder snow. The … Read more

Last winter, I watched my 7-year-old daughter sink knee-deep into fresh powder while I glided effortlessly across the snow on my adult snowshoes. That moment changed everything for our family. I realized that the best snowshoes for kids are not just smaller versions of adult gear – they are purpose-built tools that can transform winter … Read more