Winter camping presents unique challenges that fair-weather backpackers rarely face. When temperatures drop below freezing, the ground becomes your enemy, conducting heat away from your body far faster than cold air ever could. I learned this the hard way on a December trip in the Rockies, where my high-end inflatable pad left me shivering at … Read more
I learned the hard way that your sleeping bag is only half the equation when winter camping. The frozen ground beneath you can suck away body heat up to 160 times faster than cold air, turning a cozy 20-degree bag into a shivering nightmare. After 67 nights of testing across Minnesota, Montana, and Alaska-including one … Read more
When you’re planning an expedition to Denali, attempting a high-altitude traverse in the Himalayas, or spending weeks on a polar expedition, your sleeping pad becomes mission-critical gear. Unlike backpacking trips where a cold night is merely uncomfortable, expedition sleeping pads with high R-value are literally survival equipment – they prevent life-threatening heat loss to the … Read more
I spent three winters testing insulated jackets in Minnesota, where temperatures regularly drop below -20°F. After wearing 23 different coats during daily commutes, weekend ski trips, and late-night dog walks, I can tell you that finding the best insulated winter coats isn’t about picking the most expensive option. It’s about matching the right insulation type, … Read more
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