I remember my first winter camping trip without a tent stove. The thermometer read 15 degrees Fahrenheit, and I spent the entire night shivering in my sleeping bag, counting down the hours until sunrise. That experience taught me why hot tent camping has exploded in popularity over the past few years. Portable wood burning tent … Read more
After spending three winters testing titanium wood stoves in the backcountry, I can tell you that the right stove transforms cold-weather camping from miserable to magical. There is nothing quite like stepping into a hot tent after a day of hiking through snow, with dry gear and a warm cooking surface waiting for you. The … Read more
I still remember the moment my boots slipped out from under me on an icy trail in the White Mountains. One second I was enjoying the winter scenery, the next I was flat on my back wondering if my hiking season was over. That fall cost me a bruised tailbone and a healthy dose of … Read more
I still remember my first ice climbing trip to Ouray. I spent three hours hanging in a harness that felt like a medieval torture device, wondering why my legs were going numb while my partner worked through a tricky mixed section. That experience taught me something crucial – your ice climbing harness can make or … Read more
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