Henry

I spent three months testing technical ice tools across Colorado’s Ouray Ice Park and the mixed routes of Vail. What I discovered changed how I think about mixed climbing gear. The right tool doesn’t just make the climb easier – it completely transforms your confidence on sketchy M-grade transitions. Choosing the best technical ice tools … Read more

Finding the best snowshoes for women means looking beyond flashy marketing and focusing on what actually matters: fit, comfort, and performance in real winter conditions. Our team spent three months testing 12 popular models across snowy trails in New England, the Pacific Northwest, and the Rockies. We hiked with different body types, boot sizes, and … Read more

Vertical ice climbing demands precision, power, and the right equipment. When you’re staring up at a sheet of blue ice on a WI5 or WI6 route, your ice tools become an extension of your arms. They need to penetrate hard ice cleanly, hold securely under your full body weight, and feel balanced during hundreds of … Read more

Winter hiking transforms familiar trails into magical wonderlands, but without the right gear, that pristine powder becomes an exhausting slog. I learned this the hard way during my first backcountry attempt in Colorado, sinking knee-deep with every step while my buddy glided effortlessly ahead on his snowshoes. That day changed how I approach cold-weather adventures. … Read more

I still remember the first time I held a proper ice axe. It was on a winter skills course in the Cairngorms, and my instructor handed me a well-worn Petzl Summit Evo. Within minutes, I understood why choosing the right ice axe matters so much for general mountaineering. It is not just about having a … Read more

Few garments carry the timeless appeal of a well-crafted pea coat. Originally worn by European naval officers in the 18th century, this double-breasted wool coat has transcended its military origins to become a winter staple for men worldwide. I have spent the last three months testing and comparing dozens of options to bring you the … Read more

Every winter, backcountry skiers and snowboarders face a life-or-death decision before they step into avalanche terrain. The question is not whether you need safety gear, but which avalanche beacon shovel probe package will perform when seconds count. After testing equipment in the field and analyzing hundreds of user reports from the backcountry community, I have … Read more

Finding the best winter trench coats for women used to frustrate me. I have spent three winters testing different styles while commuting through rain, wind, and temperatures dropping into the 30s. Most trench coats I tried either looked stylish but offered zero warmth, or kept me dry but made me look like I was wearing … Read more

When you are traveling through avalanche terrain, the tools in your pack can mean the difference between life and death. An avalanche shovel with saw combines two essential rescue tools into one compact package, giving you the ability to dig through dense debris and cut through snow layers for testing or emergency wood cutting. Our … Read more

I spent 15 years living in Minnesota where winter temperatures regularly drop below zero. During that time, I tested dozens of winter jackets while commuting to work, running errands, and trying to maintain some sense of style in brutal conditions. The best winter casual jackets for women strike a balance between warmth, comfort, and everyday … Read more