Winter might be winding down鈥�in most places, anyway鈥攂ut end-of-winter gear sales are in full swing, which means it鈥檚 a good time to score a deal on something you鈥檝e been eyeing from our 2023 Winter Gear Guide. From jackets and boots, to gloves and touring pants, we鈥檝e rounded up the best sales on tester-approved gear to help you be ready for next winter.

惭别苍鈥檚 Marmot Refuge Pro Jacket ($425 听now from $255; 40% off)

The Marmot Refuge Pro was among this year鈥檚 best men鈥檚 ski jackets because it鈥檚 a versatile option for both backcountry and resort skiing, especially if you鈥檙e prone to overheating. The stretchy fabric and tailored fit allow for comfortable movement, while the proprietary membrane breathes well and keeps you dry: it didn鈥檛 wet out on one tester鈥檚 soggy powder day. The hood fits snugly around a helmet, and the bright yellow and red color scheme we tested鈥攁lthough a little more prone to showing dirt鈥攎akes you stand out on the hill. Overall, it鈥檚 an excellent option for anyone looking for a high-performance shell for inbounds and out.

奥辞尘别苍鈥檚 Helly Hansen Odin Lifa Pro Belay Jacket ($450 now $290; 35% off)

The Odin Lifa Pro isn鈥檛 your average puffy jacket; Helly Hansen collaborated with Squamish Search and Rescue to create the ultimate warm and weather-protective belay parka. With the brand鈥檚 Lifaloft insulation, warm Primaloft Crosscore insulation, and heat-conductive Graphene lining, this jacket was built to withstand the harshest conditions. We tested it on ski tours in Alaska鈥檚 Chugach Range and ice climbing in the San Juan Mountains and the verdict was: if you鈥檒l be standing around in the cold, this jacket will keep you dry and cozy.

Smith 4D MAG 5 Ski Goggles ($320 now $192; 40% off)

A modified version of Smith鈥檚 popular 4D MAG goggles, the 4D MAG S was tailored to fit individuals with smaller, narrower heads, making them the best ski goggles for those who don鈥檛 want eyewear that dominates their entire face. Testers praised the goggles鈥� comfortable, unobtrusive fit and wide field of view. The goggles come with interchangeable bright- and low-light ChromaPop lenses for maximum versatility. A Gogglesoc lens protector (instead of a bulky bag) makes them easy to transport or store without risking any damage to the lens.

Hestra Fall Line Ski Gloves ($165 now from $115; 30% off)

Thanks to their exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, the Hestra Fall Line gloves have been a favorite among avid skiers and snowboarders, so it鈥檚 no surprise that this season鈥檚 update scored a spot in our best winter gloves guide. These durable foam-insulated gloves are made with premium-grade leather that is both supple and sturdy for maximum comfort and protection. The gloves also feature a waterproof and breathable membrane that kept one tester鈥檚 hands warm and dry on a splitboarding trip to Idaho when overnight temps dropped to negative five degrees Fahrenheit.

Jones Orion Snowboard Bindings 2023 ($380 now $265; 30% off)

The versatile snowboard binding earned a spot among the best snowboard gear because it 鈥渃aters to all-mountain cruisers and creative freeriders who crave a responsive, reliable ride with tweakable, mid-soft flex,鈥� says lead snowboard gear tester Drew Zieff. Customization allows you to dial in your setup for a stiffer or softer ride feel, switching between freeride mode for straight-lining steeps, and surf mode for fun, flowy powder days.

Strafe Scarlett Bib ($529 now $370; 30% off)

A longtime tester favorite, Strafe鈥檚 redesigned womens-only Scarlett Bib found its way back on this year鈥檚 list of the best ski touring pants. Now lighter and with improved waterproofing, ski testers in Colorado were particularly impressed with the bib鈥檚 cross-back suspenders, which provide more protection and coverage than any other women鈥檚 bib they tested. It also features a unique center-front zip that runs from chest to crotch, and a full-length left-side zip, so they鈥檙e easy to get on and off, especially for quick bathroom breaks (the side zips double as vents to dump heat fast while skinning). There鈥檚 also plenty of pockets to stash everything from sunnies to ski straps to multi-tools.

The Amundsen Sports Winter Mucks ($400 now $280; 30% off)

The Amundsen Sports Winter Mucks landed among the best snow boots of 2023 because they鈥檙e 鈥渁 functional fashion statement,鈥� says long-time gear writer Stephanie Pearson. Designed in Oslo and handcrafted in Italy, they mix wool loden and suede leather with an insulated nylon gaiter and grippy Vibram soles. The best part? The removable inner liners double as house slippers.

Solo Stove Ranger 2.0 ($299 now $199; 33% off)

Level up your apres ski tailgate gear and impress your new lift-line buddies with the Solo Stove Ranger 2.0, a 鈥渟mokeless鈥� firepit with an even flame that cooks food to perfection. This sleek and lightweight stainless steel number works just as well as a wood-fired stove, making it a versatile addition to your outdoor adventures year-round. Thanks to its super-heated air-conduction system that circulates air around your fire, the Ranger lights quickly and consistently with little mess or fuss. Plus, the double-walled construction keeps the stove bottom cool, allowing for easy transport and quick cleanup.

Merrell Moab Speed Thermo Mid WP ($170 now $127; 25% off)

Named the best winter hiking boots for keeping you upright in slippery conditions, the Moab Speed Thermos boast impressive winter tire-like grip. Half of the six-millimeter lugs have micro-edges to bite into packed snow, while the other half are siped to open up and clamp down for better traction as you walk. And several additional lugs around the outer edges of the sole are reinforced with semi-rigid plastic studs for improved lateral stability. With 200 grams of Primaloft Gold Eco insulation, these lightweight and comfortable hikers provided ample warmth during winter testing in the Rockies.

听

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Update December 16, 2022: Ortovox is voluntarily recalling all Avabag Litric models, including the Avabag Litric Tour, Avabag Litric Freeride, and Avabag Litric Zero, due to an unspecified technical problem. Both Arc鈥檛eryx and Ortovox have ceased selling all bags with Litric technology this season, and hope to have them available next season.

听鈥淯nfortunately, we recently became aware of a technical issue. In rare cases, this issue impacts the airbag鈥檚 inflation system and reduces its protective effect. There is no risk from the LiTRIC system itself鈥OR SAFETY REASONS, WE ASK THAT YOU STOP USING YOUR AVABAG LITRIC IN TERRAIN AT RISK OF AN AVALANCHE AND RETURN IT TO US鈥echanical AVABAG airbag backpacks with cartridge systems are not affected.鈥�

Price: from $1,300
Weight: 5.3 lbs
Size range: 30L, 40L, 28L (S), 36L (S)

In the winter of 2017, Swiss company Alpride launched their E1 electronic airbag system. It was built around a supercapacitor that stored electrical energy without any chemical reaction, and which was not sensitive to environmental temperature鈥攁 groundbreaking feature for a ski pack used in cold weather (a supercapacitor is an engine, not a battery, that delivers a quick and powerful transfer of energy to the fan that inflates the airbag). It was also lighter than existing electronic and canister airbag systems and rechargeable in the field with two AA batteries. Alpride has continued to streamline the system into the new E2, which can be found in BCA, Deuter, Osprey, and Scott packs. But this year, there鈥檚 a new supercapacitor airbag design in town. Litric, a collaboration between Ortovox and Arc鈥檛eryx, boasts an even lighter and more compact fan system. It also uses a lithium-ion battery, instead of disposable and leak-prone AAs, as a secondary power source to recharge the supercapacitor after deployments. Another impressive feature: the trigger handle twists 180 degrees to lock it and unlock it, so you don鈥檛 accidentally deploy the balloon in a crowded tram or in the back of a snowcat.听

Read more: The Best Avalanche Safety Gear of 2023

Like the E1 and E2, the Litric inflates at least twice per charge. However, when fully charged, the Litric lasts at least 60 hours with the system turned on. Translation: Finally, there鈥檚 an airbag pack that you can use on multi-day ski tours without needing to plug it in. 鈥淥ne splitboarder put this to the test on an 11-day expedition in Alaska鈥檚 Tordrillo Range. 鈥淭he Litric barely lost any charge on the whole trip,鈥� he said. 鈥淓ven with temperatures getting down to -10 degrees fahrenheit掳F at night.鈥� And, when the pack runs out of juice, it鈥檚 quick to power back up. It takes just 25 minutes to fully charge the Litric (about half the time of Alpride). Litric also claims that its lithium-ion system delivers a more reliable secondary charge because that external battery has an indicator light to tell you exactly when you鈥檝e reached full power (the E2 does now have a small LCD screen with a battery meter on it).听

Thankfully, we never had to deploy the Litric in any real-world situations, but when we tested the mechanism at the end of our expedition, it performed seamlessly. The handle requires a mere 50 newtons of force (Europe鈥檚 minimum standard), making it easier to deploy. And unlike with most other airbags, you don鈥檛 have to meticulously origami fold this one to repack after inflation鈥攋ust stuff it back in there and zip it up.

The system is also a joy to carry because the compact airbag/battery system only weighs 2.4 pounds. That鈥檚 about four ounces lighter than Alpride鈥檚 new E2 system and nine ounces lighter than the previous E1 system. Two former gear editors brought this on a fjord skiing trip to Greenland, and both agreed that the Litric was the first airbag pack they鈥檝e tested that wasn鈥檛 infuriatingly clunky, difficult to pack, bulky, or heavy thanks to the reduced battery and airbag size. On the flip side, the E2 system airbag is nearly 10 percent larger, which in theory, provides more float. But, the Litric airbag system has a double wall design鈥攁n internal welded bladder with a high tenacity ripstop shell鈥攚hich translates to more durability. Plus, at 150 liters in volume versus the E2鈥檚 162 liters, Litric still complies with the norm.

This online class could be a better starting point than in-person avalanche training

Since Litric was a joint effort between Ortovox and Arc鈥檛eryx, both brands are launching their own pack with the system. What鈥檚 the difference between the two? The Ortovox packs come in 500 dollars less than the Arc鈥檛eryx Litric version, and the Ortovox Zip-On System gives you more pack volume options to swap out on the same base than the Arc鈥檛eryx鈥檚 set 16-, 32-, and 42-liter choices.

Ortovox鈥檚 German engineering makes all the difference in this pack, keeping it simple with no unnecessary buckles or loops but maintaining key features like big, mitten-friendly zipper pulls, an avy tool compartment, a deep external accessory pocket, comfortably low-profile, not-too-thick shoulder straps鈥� and removable straps for every accessory you could want to carry, including trekking poles and ice tools. The pack splays completely open, suitcase-style, with a smooth zipper that makes it easy to access, reorganize, and close without loading the zipper teeth. Perhaps the coolest feature: the entire main compartment zips off so you can interchange with different sizes.

Testers liked how the crotch strap attaches to a fixed webbing loop on the hip belt instead of directly to the hip belt strap, eliminating the requirement for a cumbersome metal buckle. The Litric system itself is fairly easy to remove, so you could also use the pack for other activities like ice climbing and in-bounds skiing. The only downside: testers wished there was at least one hip belt pocket for quick-access items like chapstick and a scraper.

If you ski in the backcountry more than a few days a year with any chance of finding yourself in avalanche terrain, the Avabag Litric Tour is your top choice for a lightweight, travel-friendly, and well-designed airbag that鈥檚 worth the price tag, just like your life.

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Price: $195
Size: 惭别苍鈥檚 7-14 / 奥辞尘别苍鈥檚 7-11
Weight: 惭别苍鈥檚 16.7 oz / 奥辞尘别苍鈥檚 13.9 oz

I鈥檝e tested winter boots for years now, and over that time I鈥檝e come across many hiking boots that were good at keeping my feet warm and dry鈥攁 prerequisite for winter hiking. But too often, boot makers have focused on solely these aspects of the design while forgetting that they also have to hike well. I鈥檝e seen bulky builds that try to cram in too much insulation and leave the boots feeling clunky; overbuilt boots that walk like I鈥檓 wearing lead weights; and boots that don鈥檛 fit well because the designers were too preoccupied with warmth and water-resistance.

So my testers and I were pleasantly surprised when we came across the Vectiv Fastpack Insulated Futurelight. From the very first wear it was obvious The North Face designed these boots as hikers first, and then went about figuring out how they could smartly make them warm, waterproof, and breathable.

Read more: Check out our complete rankings and reviews of this year鈥檚 winter hiking boots

They perform well as hikers for a couple key reasons. Most importantly, they come with a rockered, high-rebound EVA midsole that doesn鈥檛 stiffen in the cold and yields a propulsive, poppy ride. This design is enhanced by a rockered sole and a high-rebound EVA midsole that鈥檚 designed to boost forward propulsion. It鈥檚 not like the shoes were noticeably shoving us forward, but over time they made us feel faster and more nimble than we normally would after a few miles of hiking. Plus, stability comes from a partial TPU plate in the forefoot.

Meanwhile, The North Face鈥檚 designers didn鈥檛 skimp on warmth or waterproofing, but also didn鈥檛 overdo it. The shoes are packed with a reasonable but toasty 200 grams of eco-friendly insulation across the entire upper, and lined with a waterproof, breathable membrane. One tester wore them in deep, wet snow in Greenland and said her feet were totally dry, even after hours of postholing. Meanwhile, in mild Santa Fe, I found that the waterproof membrane breathed well enough to keep my feet from getting sweaty (and blistered) in above-freezing temperatures. Other key features include a knob on the heel that kept a rear snowshoe strap in place for long walks, and a high cut that manage four to six inches of snow without a gaiter.

Curious about how The North Face managed to design such a well-rounded boot, I called Brett Rivers, the Senior Global Category Manager for Mountain Sports Footwear. His answer was surprisingly simple. 鈥淭o be honest, our design philosophy was based on selfishness,鈥� he said. What he meant is that the designers who conceived of the boot asked themselves what they would want on their own feet鈥攊nstead of asking something like, 鈥渨hat might sell?鈥�

If there鈥檚 one key takeaway that we have, it鈥檚 that more brands should pay attention to The North Face鈥檚 approach. Too often we see boots that are only meant to keep you warm, but perform just mediocre on the trail. Rivers and his team prove that with some patience and ingenuity, both parts of that equation can come into play.

听is a former Gear Editor at 国产吃瓜黑料 and now a columnist for the magazine. A father of four, he鈥檚 a platinum-level weekend warrior, knows how to squeeze in a run or ride between Zoom meetings and kid dropoffs, and has his trip calendar planned out a year in advance. He鈥檚 most happy when backpacking, backcountry skiing, or overlanding with his family.

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Wilderness in winter can be calm and rejuvenating, but only if you鈥檝e got the proper gear at your disposal. This year, we have an array of new and updated winter shelters hitting the market鈥攅ach catering to a different adventure style鈥攁nd we鈥檝e been hard at work putting them to the test.

How We Test

To sift out the greatest tents, we utilized a network of testers around the country. They live in a variety of places, each offering unique testing grounds鈥攖he dry, rocky canyons of , the damp, dense forests of , and the jagged peaks of , just to name a few.

Our testers come in all shapes, sizes, and abilities, from minimalists to family campers. Having a diverse range of folks checking out tents ensures that we get a diverse range of feedback and opinions. We ask everyone to evaluate things like durability, ventilation, performance, protection, and livability, while always keeping in mind each tent鈥檚 intended use. Through this process, we discover what lives up to the hype (and what doesn鈥檛), and, more importantly, where and how to use a tent so that it lives up to its full potential.

Read: The Best Winter Hiking Boots of 2023

Meet Our Lead Tester

Will McGough

has been writing about the outdoors and testing tents for Backpacker and 国产吃瓜黑料 Magazine since 2015. Specs aside, he believes the most important thing about a tent is how it makes you feel 鈥� a good tent should make you feel at home, regardless of climate and conditions.

Reviews: The Best Winter Tents of 2023

SlingFin HotBox ($650)

Weight: 3 pounds 4 ounces
Capacity: 2-person
Best:听For weather protection

The double-walled HotBox offers best-in-class stability and storm proofing at an incredible weight. Credit for the bad-weather chops goes to the rain gutter, bathtub floor, and snow flaps. Meanwhile, strength comes from an eye-popping 12 guy-out points, two perimeter pull-out points, plus full-length pole sleeves, which we feel is imperative when navigating snow, ice, and winter wind. During a trip to Arizona鈥檚 snow-covered Coconino National Forest, the HotBox stood up to 30 mile-per-hour wind gusts thanks to the 9.3-millimeter aluminum poles and a 20 denier nylon ripstop flysheet and floor. Breathability is also efficient鈥攐ver in the Talkeetnas, our testers experienced condensation-free nights, despite temperatures in the teens. 鈥淚f you want a tent to keep weather out, this is for you,鈥� reported Eli Bernstein, former Backpacker Gear Editor, after enduring freezing, driving rain in southwest Greenland. At just three pounds and four ounces (with DAC twist clips), the HotBox is incredibly light for a winter tent, but that luxury comes at the expense of some creature comforts. The tent鈥檚 26.8 square-foot interior spells just enough room for shoulder-to-shoulder sleeping, and two three-square-foot vestibules (accessible from only from the inside via drawstrings) plus eight small interior pockets offer space to store small items like dry sacks, boots, or loose clothing, but not much else. Testers were split on the vestibule design. Some enjoyed its innovation, since many winter tents have no vestibule at all. Others were disappointed by the vestibules鈥� small size and location on either side of the tent rather than at the entrance. 鈥淚f you put your boots in the vestibule for overnight protection, you then have to bring them into the tent and move them over your sleeping bag to get them out the front door, dripping water and mud on the way,鈥� Bernstein said. And though the pitch is solid, the pole sleeve system uses many plastic clips and carabiners, which are hard to handle when wearing winter gloves. Despite these minor drawbacks, this tent is a perfect ultralight option for the winter backpacker.

Bottom line: This is the ultralight choice for the multi-mile winter adventurer.

Eureka El Capitan, 2 Person ($250)

Weight: 8 lbs. 8 oz
Capacity: 2-person
Best:听Budget buy

This double-walled, two-person Eureka does something not many winter tents do: It offers a generous 35 square feet of interior living space and two 14 square-foot vestibules, all at a very affordable price. 鈥淭he interior is roomy, with more than enough space for two campers and gear without getting cramped,鈥� said Dorn Van Dommelen, an emphatic cartophile, after a trip to Chugach State Park in Alaska. Four interior storage pockets keep small items organized. And while the 43-inch peak height is below average for a tent of this size and weight, it鈥檚 enough to let you sit up while changing clothes. The El Capitan also retains all the bad-weather protection you need in winter, thanks to a 150-denier polyester floor with a 5,000-millimeter waterproof coating, and a body and fly made from 75-denier polyester with a 2000-millimeter coating. These bulky materials did well to keep out freezing rain and withstand winds of 30 miles-per-hour; however, they do make the tent hard to carry鈥攊t鈥檚 heavy and takes up the equivalent of five Nalgenes when packed. Two aluminum poles criss-cross to provide the El Capitan鈥檚 dome-shaped pitch, while four guy out points let you bunker down in windy conditions, or stabilize the pitch on uneven terrain. Ventilation was efficient on cold nights that dipped into the single digits thanks to high-low vents, including large panels on the fly that can be zipped open to improve airflow. Caveat: Plastic fly clips make pitching easy, but don鈥檛 bode well for long-term durability.

Bottom line: Spacious, budget-friendly buy for short-distance, winter weekend getaways

66掳North x HEIMPLANET The Cave XL 4-Season Tent ($1,199)

Weight: 13 lbs. 9 oz.
Capacity: 3-person
Best:听For basecamp

Perhaps the most unique aspect of this tent is the fact that it doesn鈥檛 use poles; instead, it pitches via inflatable, high-pressure Dacron tubes. This doesn鈥檛 save weight or space: the tent weighs 14 pounds, packs down to the size of a deflated queen-size air mattress, and requires a big hand pump, which means it鈥檚 best towed in a sled. But once at camp, the Cave XL is lightning fast to set up. 鈥淚t was about 45 seconds from the time we hooked up the pump until the tent was standing tall,鈥� says Ted Baird, salesman. And our testers were happy not to fiddle with poles when wearing thick gloves. Just like poles, the inflatable tubes criss-cross at the top, to create a strong dome shape that held firm in 20 mile-per-hour wind gusts and did not sag under two inches of fresh snow.

Otherwise, the name says it all: The double-walled Cave XL is built to swallow people and gear, and its unique design and setup help winter campers ride out storms in comfort. The three-person interior provides a generous 58 square feet of living space with a best-in-class peak height of 44 inches. 鈥淭hree of us slept side-by-side and there was plenty of room between our shoulders,鈥� Baird reported from Colorado鈥檚 Grand Mesa. The large living space also allowed us to stash gear inside, which was necessary given the lack of an exterior vestibule.

Five top vents kept fresh air circulating and warded off condensation after a night of near-freezing temperatures. The 70-denier nylon floor (with a 5,000 millimeter waterproof coating) kept the interior bone dry when camping directly on the snow鈥攏o ground sheet required. Organization was easy thanks to twelve pockets, five hanging loops, and a small front door vestibule that could stash wet boots. Bathtub floors and guy line loops are icing on the cake.

The pitch is strong enough to deter winter conditions, but take care when inflating the poles. Be sure the valves are closed tight. One night in Colorado, our testers had the tent slowly deflate and collapse on top of them as a result of a loose valve cap. We recommend bringing a small wrench to help with this in winter conditions, when your fingers may be cold. The high-density polyester air poles are designed to withstand the backcountry, but having patches on hand is imperative to prevent a worse-case scenario.

Bottom line: A basecamp for gear-heavy winter adventures.

More 2023 Gear Guide Reviews

• The Best Winter Packs of 2023
• The Best Snowshoes of 2023
• The Best Puffy Jackets and Midlayers of 2023

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In 2017, the running world got turned on its head with the arrival of Nike鈥檚 Vaporfly 4%, a shoe proven to let you run faster while using less energy. Other companies rushed to catch up, creating their own super shoes with thick soles of ultra-bouncy foam surrounding curved, carbon-fiber plates. For the past five years, these top-end (and top dollar) models tuned for racing fast marathons have sucked up all the shoe-innovation air. Recently, however, the industry鈥檚 focus and excitement has shifted to less expensive models that retain much of the super shoe鈥檚 fast, fun ride, but which are more approachable for more runners. Let鈥檚 call them semi-super shoes.

The benchmark for this new category is the , a $160 model that was released alongside their ($200) in mid-summer 2020. 鈥淲e wanted to democratize the super shoe,鈥� says Ted Fitzpatrick, Saucony鈥檚 vice president of product management. 鈥淥nce we landed on the Pro, the mindset was, 鈥榃hat鈥檚 the everyday runner going to be able to wear to get a taste of this product?鈥欌��

Before the Endorphin Speed came out, Nike had already tried to build a lower-priced model of their Vaporfly 4% (called the ) using a carbon plate in a less-responsive EVA-based foam. But the shoe failed to provide the bouncy, propulsive ride that made super racers special. Saucony took a different tack, retaining the Pro鈥檚 light, ultra-responsive PEBA-based foam, but swapping the rigid carbon-fiber plate for a nylon one that had a little give to it. 鈥淲e came to an understanding that having some flexibility in the forefoot, with the toes doing a little bit of the work, was probably a good thing in this shoe,鈥� Fitzpatrick says. The formula worked, and the Speed received rave reviews from runners who found it accommodated slower paces and less-efficient strides, but retained all of the fun of its more expensive sibling.

The takeaway: while carbon-fiber plates have gotten much of the press in the super-shoe era, it鈥檚 actually the advanced foams鈥攍ighter, softer, and livelier than ever before鈥攖hat produce the majority of the genre鈥檚 trademark feel. Yes, these foams rely on a firm plate to help control their bounce, roll, and squishiness; but that plate does not need to be carbon. Modern foams work nearly as well with less-expensive and more flexible inserts made from nylon, TPU, fiberglass, or other composites鈥攁nd even on their own given the right density and shoe geometry.

This fact doesn鈥檛 come as a surprise to Wouter Hoogkamer, a biomechanics researcher at the University of Massachusetts. Hoogkamer says that, contrary to popular belief, these plates don鈥檛 act as springs. Their contribution to a shoe鈥檚 propulsion is, in fact, minuscule. In one , Hoogkamer and colleagues even made multiple cuts in the carbon plates of some Nike Vaporfly 4% to let them flex freely, and discovered that running economy while wearing the shoes with split plates was essentially the same as while wearing intact shoes. “It is the foam and its energy return that is dominant,鈥� Hoogkamer says. 鈥漈he plate is not that important, but rather part of the whole bundle.鈥�

In addition to being cheaper, more flexible plates don鈥檛 seem to put as much stress on feet as rigid ones. “Overall, I am seeing fewer foot injuries from the semi-super shoes compared to those with rigid plates,鈥� says Abby Douek, a physical therapist and running stride analyst. 鈥淵et they seem to still conserve some energy and make longer runs a little less impactful on the body.” Semi-super shoes weigh slightly more than their racing siblings, but make up for that with comfort and a ride better suited for up-tempo training.

Semi-Super Shoes You Can Buy

Every major brand now has its own semi-super shoe in the $150 to $190 price range. Exactly what models belong in the category can be debated, but here are some that we think fit the criteria:

• ($160)
• Altra Vanish Tempo ($190)
• Asics Magic Speed 2 ($150)
• ($150)
• ($160)
• ($160)
• ($170)
• ($160)
• Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 ($170)
• ($145)

More 2023 Gear Guide Reviews

• The Best Road Running Shoes of 2023
• The Best Trail Running Shoes of 2023
• The Best Home Gym Equipment of 2023

Back to the Winter Gear Guide

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When it comes to kitting yourself out for cold-weather sports, there are many big-ticket gear items to consider鈥�puffies, , skis, waterproof hikers. No doubt, these are the shiny, splurge-worthy items we obsess over. But a successful trip to the mountains also boils down to the little things that you forget about until there鈥檚 water spilled inside your tent on a sub-freezing night or one of your gloves goes sailing off the side of a ridgeline. Everyone who adventures outside in the winter has at least one of these 鈥渟afety blanket鈥� items in their packs. Here are ours.

Pack Towel

A few years ago, during a January circumnavigation of Oregon鈥檚 Crater Lake, my group got caught in a freak snowstorm. The sun was starting to dip near the horizon and temps hovered in the teens as flakes started to fly, so I set up my bag and pad and prepared to hunker down. In the process, I accidentally knocked over my insulated vessel, which wasn鈥檛 fully seated. It made a wet鈥攁nd then icy鈥攎ess of all the gear in its vicinity (including my sleeping bag). Since that day, I鈥檝e been a militant pack-towel convert, even during cold-weather trips when swimming or water-bottle showering is off the table. 鈥� Benjamin Tepler, Hike and Backpack Gear Editor

Extra Gloves

Cold fingers are more than just uncomfortable; they can be downright dangerous鈥攅specially if you鈥檙e on a backcountry ski tour or a snowy hike six miles from the car. So I always have spare insulated, waterproof gloves with me. They live in my backcountry pack all season long, ready to deploy in case I forget the pair I actually plan to wear, the ones I’m using get soaked, or one of my ski partners forgets theirs. 鈥� Jenny Wiegand, Gear Guide Managing Editor

Ultralight Rain Shell

For adventures during shoulder season or on mild winter days, I always have a lightweight waterproof shell in the side pocket of my pack. This habit has served me well on days when I didn’t think I’d need a jacket, and when shoulder-season hikes and canoe trips turn unexpectedly wintery. It doesn鈥檛 offer as much protection as a full-blown hardshell, but thrown over other layers it鈥檚 just enough extra wind-and-weather protection to get me back to my car or tent. 鈥� Jonathan Beverly, Run Gear Editor

Electrolyte Tablets

Remembering to drink is relatively easy on hot summer days, and much more difficult when it鈥檚 25-degrees Fahrenheit and your hair has turned into icles of your own condensed breath. Some of my scariest winter experiences in the mountains have involved dehydration. Almost every time, I鈥檝e had plenty of water left鈥擨 just forgot to drink it. Enter electrolyte tablets. They replace the vital minerals that humans lose when we sweat; they also taste good, and thus encourage you to drink more. One water bottle in my pack is always filled with electrolyte-enhanced sports drink. And I always have a few extra dissolvable tablets in my first-aid kit in case the day goes longer than expected and I feel the familiar dehydration chills coming on. 鈥� Ariella Gintzler, Associate Gear Director

Ski Straps

鈥淚t took an eight-mile tour and one faulty pair of hybrid bindings for me to vow to never head into the backcountry without spare ski straps. There鈥檚 little they can鈥檛 do. Broken backpack buckle? Slipping pants? Sudden need to fasten a splint out of branches? Ski straps to the rescue.鈥� 鈥� Kelly Klein, ski and bike gear editor

More 2023 Winter Gear Guide Reviews

• The Best Sunglasses of 2023
• The Best Winter Travel Gear of 2023

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The post The Winter Safety Gear Our Editors Always Have in Their Packs appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Those who live in northern climates know: the wrong footwear at the wrong time can lead to dire consequences鈥攅ven for something as simple as apres bar-hopping or grocery shopping. But, as our favorite casual winter boots, shoes, and slippers have proven, real warmth and serious style don鈥檛 have to be mutually exclusive.

Looking to host some top-notch apr茅s-ski parking lot hangs this season? Check out our reviews of the best winter tailgating gear.

Reviews: The Best Snow Boots for Women and Men

Icebug Pace3 Bugrip GTX ($220)

Ice is the enemy, especially while navigating a treacherous ski area parking lot in the dark on tired legs. Enter the Pace3, a mid-cut winter boot that has 16 steel studs embedded in its partially-recycled rubber sole that act like miniature crampons. The studs actually retract into the soft sole on hard surfaces like asphalt鈥攕imilar high-end snow tires鈥攁llowing for more stability while walking off of the snow and ice. The boot鈥檚 waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex membrane kept our testers鈥� feet warm and dry during a five-degree winter trudge along .

Size: 惭别苍鈥檚 7-15 / 奥辞尘别苍鈥檚 5.5-10.5

Bottom Line: Like studded snow tires for your feet.

Deckers X-Scape SPSK Mid ($200)

It鈥檚 billed as a stodgy 鈥渞ecovery鈥� shoe, but this suede sneaker is absolute luxury, with a DWR-finished sheepskin upper and a cozy shearling interior. All-day comfort is thanks to its ultralight polyurethane foam midsole wrapped in protective TPU. With dozens of honeycomb-shaped lugs on the ultralight EVA-rubber blend outsole, this funky urban lace-up shootie kept us upright on hard-pack snow and icy trails. While we wouldn鈥檛 recommend its mid-cut for deep lunges through thigh-high snow, these deluxe winter high-top sneakers are ideal for resort-town bar-hopping.

Size: 惭别苍鈥檚 8-13 / 奥辞尘别苍鈥檚 5-11

Bottom Line: Opulence with real-world utility.

Forsake Lucie Boot ($170)

Sometimes bulky boots are overkill, especially on milder days when all you need are some kicks with a little style to get you to your car. This waterproof, full-grain leather and suede sneaker-boot is low key, classy, and easy to get into thanks to the faux front lacing with a reliable side zipper that鈥檚 easy to use with light gloves. A cushioned EVA midsole and stable rubber outsole offer just enough traction to handle icy parking lots and moderate snowbanks. Even our Minnesota-based testing squad preferred these for quick trips to the co-op or for a mellow after-ski aperitif at a local distillery.

Size: 奥辞尘别苍鈥檚 6-11

Bottom Line: The perfect everyday winter boot when mukluks are overkill.

Amundsen Winter Mucks ($350)

Designed in Oslo and handmade in Italy, these retro lace-ups were a favorite of a fashion design student tester, who was especially impressed with how functional these beautiful boots are. The wool loden鈥攁 type of woven, boiled yarn鈥攁nd suede outer naturally sheds water, while a soft and insulating nylon mesh inner liner is removable for speedy drying times. (Bonus: this removable insert has a grippy sole, so it doubles as a house slipper.) All that, plus a sticky Vibram Arctic Grip sole, meant our tester could handle everything a Minneapolis winter threw at her.

Size: Unisex 37-46

Bottom Line: A functional fashion statement with bonus indoor slippers.

Reviews: The Best Slippers of 2023

Rab Down Hut Slippers ($65)

The 鈥渓ike-pillows-for-your-feet” analogy may be an old saw, but it鈥檚 spot-on for 鈥檚 dreamy slipper. It鈥檚 stuffed with 700-fill recycled down with a Nikwax hydrophobic finish, and encased by a 30-denier DWR Pertex fabric with an elasticized fleece-lined cuff. Some testers reported keeping them on for a full day and night. While this is decidedly an indoor slipper, we also tested it on quick trips to the mailbox down a long, icy driveway. Spoiler: even there, it performed, thanks to a grippy polyurethane outsole and a 600-denier nylon edge. Weighing a mere seven ounces per pair, the Hut Slippers are ideal to stash in a backpack for winter camping or a carry-on headed to an alpine resort. They even come with their own carrying case.

Size: Unisex XS-XL

Bottom Line: Down kicks for inconsolably numb feet.

Oboz Whakata Puffy ($100)

Of all the slippers we tested, this pull-on moccasin feels the most shoe-like, thanks to its beefy molded rubber outsole, structured arch support, and a tightly woven Cordura upper filled with 100-gram Primaloft Bio (100 percent recycled and biodegradable.) We found the Whakat to be an ideal transition shoe, like when changing from sweaty winter fat biking boots to run errands around town. The rugged outsole tread has solid grip for icy parking lots and the crushable heel makes for easy slip-on access when you鈥檙e in a hurry. It鈥檚 also one of the most eco-friendly slippers on the market, thanks to an algae-blended resin used in the footbed and midsole.

Size: 奥辞尘别苍鈥檚 6-11

Bottom Line: Eco-conscious moccs with winter grip.

Bioline Kappa Rosso 3004 ($145)

Bioline might be new to Americans, but variations of these slipper shoes have been handmade in the foothills of the Italian Dolomites since the 1930s. Made from a boiled wool upper with a removable leather-wrapped footliner, a cork insole, and a grippy thermoplastic outsole, the Kappa Rosso has the support and traction of a shoe and the plush comfort of a slipper. We used it as an indoor-only shoe slide, but there鈥檚 a back heel with a generous loop to quickly secure it to the foot. Bright red, yellow, and blue dyes make the Kappa Rosso a rustic eye-catcher.

Size: Unisex 34-48

Bottom Line: Snazzy Italian booties with slip-on comfort.

Kyrgies Nomads ($119)

This slipper is backed by history: Made by hand in the mountain community of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, it鈥檚 modeled after the classic Russian Valenki, the traditional winter footwear worn by nomadic Russian people for centuries. The flexible boiled wool upper, cinched by an elasticized band running around the ankle that replaces lacing, can be flipped up or down depending on how warm you want your ankle to feel. With vulcanized rubber soles and the naturally water repellent wool upper, these simple, durable slippers can handle real snow (stay away from slush) let alone a mild night around the campfire.

Size: 惭别苍鈥檚 7-15.5 / 奥辞尘别苍鈥檚 5-14

Bottom Line: If it worked for nomads on the frozen Russian steppes, it can definitely handle some light apr茅s duty.

More 2023 Winter Gear Guide Reviews

• The Best Sunglasses of 2023
• The Best Winter Travel Gear of 2023

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Frigid fingers, numb toes, and empty bellies are the enemies of hard-charging winter adventurers. Thankfully, there鈥檚 a vibrant world of winter tailgating equipment tailored for the snowy season. From packable bonfires to foldable rocking chairs, this is the soul-warming gear to keep in your trunk.

How We Tested

Testers from California to Alaska weeded out lights that fizzled in cold weather, chairs that put our butts in the snow, and hard-to-assemble grills that delayed us in getting out to the mountains. One camp blanket left our testers shivering cold on a clear night in New Mexico. At Alaska’s Alyeska Resort, a tester-ski patroller ended up with soaked layers because of a thermos with a poor seal. Only the most carefully-crafted, well-designed, and notably luxurious equipment made it into our final apres kit.

Looking for the best apr茅s apparel? Check out those reviews over here.

Reviews: The Best Apres Ski Tailgate Gear of 2023

Solo Stove Ranger 2.0 ($229)

The Ranger is a no-mess, fuss-free fire pit that doubles as a wood-fired stove. Slightly bigger than an Instapot and weighing just 15 pounds ( sells two larger versions), the sleek, stainless steel vessel stashes easily in even the most compact vehicles. During testing, the Ranger lit quickly, even in wet snow, thanks to a super-heated wood burning system that sucks air through a set of vent holes on the bottom. Thanks to the high heat, the consistent, smokeless flame cooks food evenly with a variety of optional cooktop accessories, woks to griddle tops; a cast iron grill produced even char marks on steaks and veggies. Best of all? Thanks to the double-walled construction, the stove bottom remained cool, staying aloft on its snow perch and cutting down waiting time before we were able to stash it back in the car.

Bottom Line: This portable bonfire leaves no trace.

NEMO Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair ($250)

鈥淩ocking chair鈥� might conjure up images of immovable wooden antiques, but NEMO’s Stargazer is the portable exception, and one of the nicest packable recliners on the market. The stout, aircraft-grade aluminum frame cradles a nylon and monofilament mesh seat鈥攅ssentially a bassinet for adults鈥攕trong enough to support 300 pounds. The Stargaze automatically reclines with moderate pressure, while the low-to-the-ground, rubber tipped chair legs conform to unstable surfaces鈥攍ike the typical mix of ice, road salt, and pavement that you find in most ski area parking lots. A cup-holder large enough to hold a 32-ounce Hydro Flask and a cell phone pouch nestle securely on the interior of the armrests. The Stargaze weighs 7.2-pounds and packs down to the size of a rolled up beach towel鈥攅ven with a padded velcro-adjustable headrest鈥攕o it鈥檚 easier to transport than a typical car camping chair. But you can safely leave it out after one too many hot toddy鈥檚 thanks to its waterproof, quick-drying mesh.

Bottom Line: A rocking chair and recliner for the most rugged tailgating.

Appalachian Gear Company All-Paca Blanket听($165)

If a 23-ounce, 100 percent alpaca blanket doesn鈥檛 sound technical enough for your apres needs, fear not: This lightweight layer kept our testers warm down to the low 20s when worn over a down vest or jacket after a long day of skiing. The All-Paca packs down smaller than a rolled-up sweater for easy stowing. “It was a comfort to know it was always with me in my bag when I traveled,” said one tester who snuggled under it while backpacking in New Mexico, night fishing on the California coast, and skiing in Alaska. The 25-square-foot blanket is sewn in 鈥檚 North Carolina factory with a run-resistant weft knit.

Bottom Line: An alpaca throw can do everything your fleece blanket can and more.

Klymit Horizon Overland Blanket听($99)

This blanket has a ripstop, polyurethane-coated shell that repels light precip, dirt, and sand, while a cozy soft fleece lines the other side. Those two layers sandwich synthetic Primaloft insulation, which kept testers warm even when the face fabric wetted out during a snowstorm while huddling around a campfire at 8000 feet near New Mexico鈥檚 Valles Caldera. (The five- by seven-foot Horizon Overland is big enough for two adults and a dog to cuddle under). Later that night, they used it as an extra layer over their 20-degree sleeping bags and never felt cold, even as temperatures dropped down near zero. The whole blanket stuffs into a sack roughly the size of a medium camping pillow.

Bottom Line: This dirt-shedding snuggler should live in everyone鈥檚 trunk.

UCO Candlelier Candle Lantern ($40)

Delightfully low-tech but highly functional, this compact candle lantern forsakes batteries, electricity, and white gas in favor of the three included nine-hour candles. Just one candle offers a comforting glow, while all three give off a total of 5000 BTU鈥檚鈥攑lenty of warmth to thaw frosty fingers. The flat aluminum top acts like a chafing dish, radiating enough heat to keep a bowl of soup warm or melt a pot of snow. UCO鈥檚 nalgene-sized illuminator comes with a glass shroud that protects it from icy precipitation and mountain wind while aluminum holders keep the candles in place. A stainless steel handle means no burnt hands and doubles as a hanger.

Bottom Line: A hand-warmer, chafing dish, and intimate lighting in one.

Miir Tomo ($60)

A sleek, convivial take on the classic thermos, the stainless steel Tomo incorporates an eight-ounce insulated twist-off cup on both the top and bottom of the vessel. That means more hot beverages and fewer germs. The one liter, double-wall insulated vessel won鈥檛 leak all over your car or spill in your backpack thanks to a 360-degree sealed rim: a simple push mechanism on top opens and closes the valve. A sleek handle running the entire length of the thermos body makes the Tomo exceptionally easy to pour and carry.

Bottom Line: Japanese design and engineering meet the age-old Thermos.

More 2023 Winter Gear Guide Reviews

• The Best Sunglasses of 2023
• The Best Winter Travel Gear of 2023

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The post The Best Apres Ski Tailgate Gear of 2023 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

At any given wintry crag in the Pacific Northwest, you鈥檙e likely to spot a number of sworn gear favorites from big brands. But there鈥檚 one particular item that鈥檒l stand out against the snow and granite鈥攁nd it鈥檚 bright blue. Climbers call them听 鈥渟murf gloves.鈥� In fact, they鈥檙e polyurethane coated fishing gloves made by a Japanese company called Showa, and they鈥檙e one of the most unexpectedly ubiquitous pieces of gear in ice climbing.

Ice climbing is still a nascent sport. It鈥檚 only in the last few decades that brands have started to produce high-end, sport-specific gear for climbing frozen escarpments. So to fill that gap, devotees have long improvised equipment and borrowed ideas. The particular tale of the Showa fishing gloves starts at in Salmon Bay, Washington, which happens to be located right next to Vertical World, the oldest climbing gym in the U.S.

Read more: The Best Ice Climbing Gear of 2023

Enter: Dan Aylward. Aylward is a Seattle-based alpinist with a long resume of mountain accomplishments and brainy inventions. (Most notably, he once showed up to Patagonia wearing vibram-resoled ultralight track shoes for approaches.) For years, Aylward had made it a habit to stop by the Marine Supply Co. when leaving Vertical World, just to see what might catch his Macgyver-eye. One of ice climbers鈥� main problems is contending with precipitation and moisture, and if there鈥檚 anyone who knows about staying dry, it鈥檚 the fishermen of Seattle.

Around 2011, Aylward noticed the Vinylove, a waterproof fishing glove made by . They were constructed out of PVC-coated fabric, with a thin, furry lining. Translation: cheap, dextrous, mildly insulated, and totally protective against external moisture. Unfortunately the PVC coating was not terribly durable nor breathable, and therefore impractical for mountain sports. But Dan kept his eye out, and a few years later, the smurf blue Temres showed up on the shelves. This model was made of polyurethane coated material, and thus breathable. Cautiously optimistic that they might be too good to be true, Aylward put the new Temres to the test. During an attempt at Patagonia鈥檚 Cerro Standhardt via Exocet with Steve Swenson in 2014 his hands were dry, and after 15 or 16 consecutive rappels, there was no visible wear.

The Temres quickly caught on in Aylward鈥檚 climbing circles鈥攊ncluding with an up-and-coming alpinist named Colin Haley. Haley is known for trying anything that might give him an edge, no matter how outrageous or dorky it looks. He quickly recognized the simplistic beauty of the Temres, and began evangelizing them publicly and online. (By this time, Japanese climbers had also discovered the Temres on their own.) Over the following years climbers continued to modify the Showa gloves to fit their needs, like adding gauntlets and cinchable cuffs to keep the snow out.

Showa eventually caught wind of their unexpected new market, and even more they integrated that market鈥檚 feedback. The brand released the , which now features a synchable cuff. While some lament the move from bright blue to a subtler black, this simple product born from the industry that brings us yellowtail from ocean-to-plate has become an alpinist favorite without rival. Despite their fancy textiles, technology, and high price tags, the Temres鈥� rivals are long-soaked through and threadbare while the 282 continues to get the job done.

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Price: $600
Sizing: 146, 149, 152, 155 cm
Profile: C3 Camber
Flex: Medium-Firm
Waist Width: 245mm

Pros:

• Top-notch carver
• Freeride/all-mountain blade that can handle most conditions and terrain
• One-board quiver for freeriders or all-mountain riders who want a directional shape

Cons:

• Lighter, jibbier riders had a hard time buttering on this board
• On the deepest days of the test, some riders wanted more float

Throughout her competitive career, snowboarding legend racked up 11 X-Games medals, a few Rider of the Year awards, and one of the most prized trophies in snowboarding: gold duct tape from the Mt. Baker Legendary Banked Slalom. Instead of slashing into the sunset once chasing podiums lost its allure, Christy maintained pro status and simultaneously accepted a role as a marketing maven and product designer for Mervin, the Washington-based parent company of Lib Tech, Gnu, and Bent Metal. Since 1996, Christy has had her name on an ever-evolving pro model with Gnu, making it the longest-running pro model in women鈥檚 snowboarding. The latest iteration, the 2023 Barrett, is a directional all-mountain decimator with a hybrid camber profile and moontail that represents Christy鈥檚 currently indiscriminate ambitions: freeride if there鈥檚 powder, rip the entire mountain if there isn鈥檛.

Check out the rest of our 2023 snowboard and splitboard rankings and reviews right here.

A dedicated snowboard nerd, Christy tweaked the Barrett鈥檚 sidecut this season, adding the brand鈥檚 Progressive Magne-Traction tech, which is a spin-off on Mervin鈥檚 proprietary serrated, grip-enhancing Magne-Traction edges. Funnily enough, Progressive Mag was first introduced on Gnu鈥檚 Banked Country last year, which was a collaborative effort between Christy鈥檚 husband Temple Cummins and son Cannon Cummins鈥攜up, this family rips. 鈥淭he mag bumps are progressive, so the nose of the board doesn鈥檛 have any, and they progressively get more pronounced from the middle of the board to the tail,鈥� she explains. 鈥淚t鈥檚 exactly where I need the edge grip鈥攏ot at the turn initiation, but at the exit with a little Mag help at the tail for not sliding out of power turns.鈥�

The result was the highest-scoring snowboard of our entire test鈥攎en鈥檚 or women鈥檚鈥攂y a landslide. Of the seven women who rode the Barrett during our all-conditions assault at , four gave it perfect scores. The rest were just a point shy. Consensus was the combo of mid-stiff flex, Progressive Magne-Traction, and camber-dominant profile made for a consummate carver. One all-mountain ripper reported: 鈥淵ou want a small turn in tight trees? Check. Medium turn? Check? Big sweeping groomer turn? Check. Hop turn in a shitty, icy couloir? Check, check, check. I鈥檇 ride Ms. Christy鈥檚 signature model anywhere.鈥�

The Barrett shone when late-season storms draped Sugar Bowl in multiple feet of powder. 鈥淪urfy in pow, as badass as its namesake,鈥� wrote a longtime fan, although another rider did crave a little more length on the deepest day (to be fair, we only had the 149 at our test). Freestylers were impressed, too. 鈥淧ops like bubble wrap,鈥� lauded a Tahoe park stalwart.听 A snowboard coach and watercolor artist recommended the board for 鈥渞iders who want to build confidence in big mountain riding鈥� and artfully summed it up: 鈥淚t鈥檚 the perfect board for painting your lines down the mountain.鈥� And last but not least, a percentage of proceeds from the board funnel towards Boarding For Breast Cancer, a cause near and dear to Christy.

Meet Our Lead Snowboard Tester

听is a Tahoe-based freelance writer and a lifelong snowboarder. In addition to directing 国产吃瓜黑料 Magazine鈥檚 snowboard and splitboard gear tests鈥攁 role he鈥檚 handled since 2016鈥攈e directs Backcountry Magazine鈥檚 splitboard test, waxes on the Natural Selection and snowboard culture for Whitelines Snowboarding, and nerds out on snowboard gear and travel for REI, Gear Junkie, Gear Patrol, and Popular Mechanics, among others. He spends his winters testing snowboard and splitboard gear in his backyard backcountry zones or up at Palisades, as well as chasing stories and storms to snowboard meccas like Alaska and Wyoming, British Columbia and Japan. His summers? They鈥檙e mainly spent at his desk, sifting through review forms and spec sheets, compiling our snowboard reviews鈥攁lthough he occasionally disappears in his custom-built 2006 Chevy Express for a few days when there鈥檚 swell on the coast.

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