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
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