Who makes the most advanced outdoor clothing? Ask a skier or a hiker, and they’re likely to name some familiar brands. Ask a hunter, and they will probably tell you Sitka Gear. I tend to side with the hunters.

Sitka Gear has been at the forefront of technical innovation in apparel that keeps you warm and dry when you’re in the field hunting game. And its latest jacket, therepresents a massive leap forward in a wide range of performance metrics, from weight, to warmth, to its price tag, and even its impact on the environment.

Perhaps most surprising about the jacket is the origin story. It is the brainchild of Sikta’s creative director, Brad Christian, who also happens to be a friend of mine. For the last few years it’s been Brad鈥檚 job to design logos, not clothes. Even more surprising, the Studio Hyperdown Park is designed for wear through travel and in cities, not for hunting.

鈥淚 don鈥檛 want to wear my camo hunting jacket to a bar anymore than I want to wear my ski goggles to ride my horse on a sunny day,鈥� Christian recently told me. 鈥淛ust like there鈥檚 a right tool for a job, as a creative director, I believe there鈥檚 a right aesthetic too.鈥�

Sitka, where Christian has worked for the last nine years, is owned by W.L. Gore and Associates, the multi-billion dollar parent of Gore-Tex, the biggest of those technology suppliers. And that gives him a few more resources than most other creative side projects. Sitka already serves as sort of an off-site creative lab for Gore. Running a side project within a creative lab means Christian has total freedom to use Sitka Studio to create exactly the kind of products he wants.

Making a Groundbreaking Jacket that Won鈥檛 Break the Budget

Two things make special: its down and its shell. But what really defines the jacket is the way those materials work together.

Fill power is a measure of down insulation鈥檚 compressibility. Because it鈥檚 common practice for traditional parkas to use heavyweight canvas shell fabrics, which don鈥檛 facilitate packability on their own, there鈥檚 no need to use high fill power downs.

Christian turns that practice on its head with a lightweight 60-denier nylon ripstop shell he sourced from Japan, that’s about 10 percent the weight of most parka shells, and to which he applies Gore鈥檚 new ePE (expanded polyethylene) Windstopper membrane. That material is PFAS-free (a forever chemical with a long list of negative impacts on human health), and stronger than older ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) membranes, which means it can be made thinner and lighter. All that adds up to less pollution, a shell fabric that鈥檚 just as strong as those used in existing parkas, and which has the added benefit of minimizing convective heat loss.

But a lighter, more packable shell wouldn鈥檛 do much on its own if it wasn鈥檛 used to house a very compressible down. For that, Christian used his parent company鈥檚 gravitas to knock on the door of Allied Feather + Down, another industry-leading innovator and supplier. One new technology they鈥檝e been working on is a less polluting, more effective alternative to the Durable Water Repellent coatings that enable down clusters to resist moisture, and quickly dry should they get soaked, retaining the material鈥檚 ability to provide insulation. And believe it or not, that new treatment is gold.

Allied has found a way to bond microscopic gold particles directly to down clusters. Versus existing DWR treatments, that results in dry times , according to that company.

Christian sourced 900+ fill gold-bonded down from Allied, the most compressible insulation commonly available for outdoor clothing, then ordered 230 grams of it for each of his parkas (in a size medium). Given that he designed a butt-length parka that鈥檚 a little shorter than most designs in that space, and went without a hood to make it more travel-friendly, that results in several times the volume of insulation packed around your torso and arms versus the parkas you鈥檙e used to.

All that probably sounds pretty expensive. But by leveraging Gore鈥檚 supply chain, Christian was able to bring it all to market for just $499. That is less than half the price of a typical high-end parka.

鈥淕ore? I mean they鈥檙e , they鈥檙e , they鈥檙e the most technical company out there from a scientific perspective, which is why it鈥檚 so fun to be able to call these guys up,鈥� Christian says. 鈥淚鈥檓 a wannabe gear nerd compared to these guys, they鈥檙e actually in a state-of-the-art lab, developing technology at an insane level.鈥�

Can a Jacket Attract More People to Hunting?

Now Christian wants to use Sitka Studio, and the brand’s platform as an authority in hunting apparel, to sell the general public on hunting and animal conservation.

Christian has previously focused Sitka Studio on collaborations, working with Gibson to design , The James Brand to create a chef鈥檚 knife intended for hard use outdoors, and with Black Diamond to put . Neat creative endeavors that put the brand in front of new audiences, but it鈥檚 with his first ground-up clothing design that Sitka Studio has really become a creative force on its own.

鈥淎s hunters, our lives authentically depend on our gear to keep us where we have to be to do what we committed to doing,鈥� Christian explains. 鈥淲e鈥檙e so super focused on the technical need for the most extreme situations because, when we get dropped by a plane in the Yukon, and we’re going to stay there for three weeks on the side of a mountain whatever nature has for us, we don鈥檛 have anything else to fall back on.鈥�

It鈥檚 that authentic requirement for peerless functional gear that Christian thinks the world outside of hunting will be open to learning about.

鈥淗unting has long been on an island,鈥� he says. 鈥淗unting content talks to hunters. Hunting product talks to hunters. But this isn鈥檛 just another sport, it鈥檚 the OG lifestyle. Hunting鈥檚 story is the story of human connection to nature.鈥�

鈥�Steven Rinella is really good at articulating a case for hunting,鈥� Christian continues. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 his way of doing it. Well, my particular ability for doing that is as a creative director.鈥�

鈥淭his is about writing a love letter about hunting to the rest of the world,鈥� Christian explains.

Wes Siler is an adult onset hunter who’s always trying to learn more about animals. You can read more about the surprising ways in which animal conservation works in benefit of biodiversity by .听

The post Sitka Studios Wants to Use Cutting-Edge Apparel to Sell You on Conservation appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Three years ago, I was pursuing a herd of elk down a steep gully into a remote mountain valley in southwest Montana when it began to snow. The storm was unexpected and hyper-local; it often is in the mountains. It was only the middle of September, so I wore thin base layers under soft-shell pants, a thin fleece jacket, and low-top hiking boots. I opted to leave my rain gear and insulation in my truck, six miles away, to travel as fast and light as possible.

As the snow turned heavier and wetter, it soaked through my layers and into my boots, leaving me totally drenched. I really began to worry when I stopped shivering.

Hypothermia is the cause of around 1,500 deaths a year in the United States, according to a published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Hypothermia begins to occur when your body鈥檚 core temperature falls below 95 degrees, according to Chris Adams, a flight nurse for the , a nonprofit transport network that takes high-risk patients to hospitals by helicopter, working out of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Adams says he treats hypothermia virtually every time he rescues a trauma victim.

The majority of hypothermia cases happen听in where emergency services may be unavailable or slow to respond. And in many colder places, hypothermia is the cause of unintentional death, after vehicle accidents.

Hypothermia is particularly dangerous because its occurrence often involves the unexpected. Just like during my elk hunt.

My ATV was waiting on a trail 1,000 feet above me, at least a 30-minute hike away. My efforts to reach the vehicle partially dried my torso and legs, but my hands and feet were still totally numb by the time I climbed the gully. Riding the ATV back to my truck was a challenge. The numbness in my fingers made it hard to operate the controls, and the urgency to reach safety had to be balanced with the additional windchill created by speed.

By the time I got to my truck and clumsily climbed into the driver鈥檚 seat, a glance in the rearview mirror revealed blue lips surrounded by my ghastly pale face. I cranked the heat, turned on my seat warmer, and sat in silence for half an hour while the shivers returned and stabbing pain crept into my extremities.

According to Adams, I was probably in a stage of mild severity while hiking up the mountain, then into moderate hypothermia by the time I鈥檇 reached the truck. Preparing to survive hypothermia is an essential skill for those of us who recreate outdoors in cold weather.

How Can You Tell If You Have Hypothermia?

Luckily, hypothermia has clear indicators. “Watch for the ‘umbles鈥攕tumbles, mumbles, fumbles, and grumbles which show changes in motor coordination and levels of consciousness,鈥� reads a white paper on hypothermia published by .

Medical professionals parse the stages of hypothermia by internal body temperature. But since you can’t get an accurate read of your body’s internal temperature with oral thermometers, according to a , you and I are better off looking at symptoms.

According to Adams, symptoms of hypothermia include:

• Feeling cold
• Loss of motor control, including both fine (operating zippers) and gross (the ability to walk)
• Impaired mental abilities impacting speech and consciousness
• The slowing of respiratory and heart rates

A mildly hypothermic person will still be shivering, but begin to lose fine motor control. A telltale sign of moderate hypothermia is when the victim stops shivering, and when walking and standing become difficult. In a severe stage of hypothermia a person may听be unable to stand or walk, and will likely lose consciousness altogether. Beyond that, the body approaches death as its heart rate slows to just a few beats per minute, breathing stops, and eventually the heart fails.

“Uncontrolled shivering, slurred speech, confusion, and reduced coordination can quickly spiral into unconsciousness,” John Barklow tells 国产吃瓜黑料. After serving as a Navy diver, Barklow trained Navy SEALs in cold weather survival techniques (including self treatment of mild to moderate hypothermia), designed clothing systems intended to reduce the odds of Special Operations Forces experiencing hypothermia, and now works as the lead designer for Bozeman, Montana-based technical clothing brand , while still teaching survival classes and seminars.

How to Prevent Hypothermia

Beyond wearing enough insulation to remain warm in a given temperature, it’s important to consider the materials you’re wearing.

The worst of those is cotton. Because cotton fibers are hollow and carry a negative electrical charge,听. Cotton fabrics can hold up to 27 time their own weight in water, then refuse to dry out.

Wool is a lot better. It absorbs only 30 percent of its own weight in water, and the microscopic structure of its fibers can work to break the bonds between hydrogen and oxygen atoms, producing a tiny amount of heat.

Down, even varieties treated with hydrophobic coatings designed to repel water, loses its ability to loft (and keep you warm) when wet.

Best are synthetic fabrics and insulations like polyester and nylon, which only absorb around 0.4 to four percent of their weight in water, respectively. Because synthetic materials dry so much faster as a result, they鈥檙e a much safer option in cold, wet conditions, or when you run a risk of submersion. I鈥檝e recently transitioned to an all-synthetic clothing system for backcountry adventures, for that reason.

In what Barklow calls the “,” he submerges participants in freezing-cold water, then instructs those students to add layers of synthetic insulation, drink water, and consume easily-digested calories. Patients huddle inside breathable rain shells designed to keep out the weather and prevent convective heat loss. The warmth generated by their bodies, held in by warm-when-wet synthetic insulation, is able to force water first away from their skin. Moisture gets drawn out through the layers of clothing, enabling their bodies to return to safe temperatures.

鈥淲ith a great clothing system there鈥檚 no need to carry extra [equipment],鈥� Barklow says.

Adams backs this up. “This is a really good idea, if you have the right clothes,” he states. “Preparation is everything.”

The nurse also says that if you begin to experience hypothermia symptoms, and you’re alone in the backcountry, you should focus on creating body heat. “You can hike up a hill really fast,” he says.

How to Treat Hypothermia

Barklow鈥檚 method also tracks with survival advice given by the , which prescribes protecting yourself or a patient from the environment, drying them out, and then warming them up using a heat source. With Barklow鈥檚 method, which requires synthetic clothing layers, you don鈥檛 need to remove any clothing, or 鈥斕齛nd you don鈥檛 need a fire.

Should you lack such a clothing system, the approach becomes a little more complicated. You鈥檒l need shelter, dry insulation, and a heat source. In mild stages of hypothermia, you can use something as simple as a tent, a dry sleeping bag, and another person鈥檚 body heat, warm water bottle, or chemical heat packs. (Place the latter two items on the neck, arm pits, and groin where large arteries pass close to the skin). As you progress into moderate and severe cases, hypothermia will require more significant sources of heat,听like a heated structure or vehicle or a wood stove, and ultimately treatment by medical professionals.

Adams recommends paying close attention to preventing convective heat loss through contact with the cold ground, and suggests chemical heat blankets (like those sold by ) as a heat source. “I lay down a wool blanket, put a heated blanket on top of that, lay the patient down, then layer heated blankets and another wool blanket on top of that,” describes Adams. “Then we just crank the heat in the helicopter until the patient warms back up.”

Adams is careful to caution against shocking a hypothermia victim with too much heat,听though, saying you shouldn’t submerge them in a hot bath or shower. “It’s gotta be slow,” he says. “Just focus on getting the ambient temperature nice and high, and rewarming slowly.”

What about CPR? In severe stages of hypothermia, a person鈥檚 pulse may not be detectable at the wrist due to severely constricted blood vessels, and when checked at the carotid artery may be as slow as just a few beats-per-minute. Adams warns against chest compressions as a result, but says blowing warm air into an unconscious victim’s lungs may help increase their core temperature.

Barklow recommends that you don’t just leave survival skills up to chance. “You need to train in realistic conditions to ensure you and your gear perform as expected,” he says.

Ensuring your layers are a match for the conditions is something you should first try in a safe environment. “You don鈥檛 want to realize that you and your kit aren鈥檛 up to the task of saving your life after you swim a glacier-fed rapid while on a remote packraft trip in Alaska,” he says.

Adams offers one final piece of advice: don鈥檛 give up. Due to the protective effects of cold temperatures, complete recovery can be possible even in severe, prolonged hypothermia cases.

Wes Siler recently returned from a trip to Yellowknife, in northern Canada, where temperatures were as low as -38 degrees Fahrenheit. He was warm, comfortable, and safe throughout. You can ask him more detailed questions about outdoors gear and other topics on .听

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The more time you spend pursuing a skill, the better you get. So you can bet that an elite skier like 2023 Men鈥檚 Freeride World Tour Rider of the Year has spent a lot of time touring backcountry terrain. That experience has helped the athlete become both a champion skier and an expert at layering and packing for long days with variable conditions. He knows that if you鈥檙e not worried about being too cold, too warm, or too underprepared for remote exploring, you can focus on the things that really matter: technique, scenery, friends, and fun. From fuel and layers for the expedition to cozy slip-on shoes for post-tour comfort, here are some of the essentials Hitzig takes whenever he heads into the backcountry.

Safety and Navigation

Returning safely should always be priority number one. In addition to the critical avalanche safety equipment that every skier should carry when venturing beyond resort boundaries, Hitzig always packs a headlamp and carries his phone, which he uses to plan routes the night before a tour. The tools and tech are great, but, he emphasizes, 鈥渋t鈥檚 important to behave according to the conditions.鈥� Since many of his backcountry pursuits start at dawn and end at dusk, Hitzig is always sure to double-check his headlamp battery before setting out on his route: 鈥淯nexpected things happen in the backcountry鈥攜ou don鈥檛 want to be left in the dark.鈥� And no matter the intensity of your objective, you should always inform someone about your plans.

Skin and Eye Protection

Even on bluebird days, expect exposure to the cold and wind鈥攖here鈥檚 not much shelter from the elements above tree line. That鈥檚 why you need to go prepared with UV protection, goggles, and a neck gaiter to pull over your nose and mouth. Hitzig always protects exposed skin with sunscreen and uses a face covering. 鈥淚t takes time to find the right gaiter, but this is the safest and easiest way to protect your skin,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 also protect my eyes with good ski goggles and rarely take them off.鈥�

Hydration and Fuel

Your body needs fuel and hydration to perform in the backcountry. Skinning up steep terrain and being out in the cold is physically demanding, plus it requires a lot of calories and carbohydrates. That鈥檚 why Hitzig always packs a bottle of water and an energy drink. For food, he keeps it simple with something he enjoys like a sandwich and a sweet treat. And it鈥檚 not enough to pack water鈥攎ake sure you鈥檙e storing it in an insulated bottle. You don鈥檛 want to get caught in the mountains with a solid ice block and no water to drink.

Essential Layers

Base Layer: Xperior Merino 200

Comfort in the backcountry starts with your base layer. That鈥檚 why Hitzig puts his trust in the Xperior Merino 200, made with high-quality 100 percent merino wool. Merino is nature鈥檚 magic fabric, providing insulation while naturally wicking away moisture. This helps regulate your core body temperature during transitions and strenuous activity. Plus, merino naturally resists odor buildup and is soft on skin. 鈥淭he Xperior Merino 200 is very light, it keeps me super warm, and it鈥檚 comfortable,鈥� Hitzig says. 鈥淚f it gets too hot in the sun, you don鈥檛 start sweating immediately, which is what I really like about this long-sleeve.鈥� If you thought this base layer couldn鈥檛 get any better, it鈥檚 also made with renewable materials in an effort to help end plastic waste.

Midlayer: Xperior PrimaLoft Loose Fill Jacket听

When the temperatures drop and the wind picks up, a lightweight insulated jacket becomes an essential for warmth (and safety). 鈥淭he is the perfect second layer for everyday adventures and backcountry tours,鈥� Hitzig says. 鈥淚f you need to shed a layer, this jacket packs up nice and small into its own pocket for easy storage.鈥� Even if a light rain or wintry mix picks up, the jacket has a water-repellent outer layer for uncompromised warmth in damp conditions, making it perfect for pursuits deep in the backcountry. A midlayer like this is a workhorse, getting pulled on and off countless times, so it鈥檚 made with durable 100 percent recycled nylon fabric designed to hold up in extreme elements.

Shell: Techrock C-Knit Jacket

Whether bombing a descent or skinning in a storm, Hitzig stays dry and warm in the . This reliable three-layer Gore-Tex shell does what it should, promising protection and comfort in the white room鈥攚here the jacket鈥檚 removable inner powder skirt becomes essential. Working hard in wet conditions? Pit vents and waterproof-breathable Gore-Tex C-Knit fabric help keep you moisture-free inside and out. 鈥淭his jacket is tough,鈥� Hitzig says. 鈥淎fter a long season with long days on the mountain, it shows hardly any signs of wear and tear, and the Gore-Tex ePE still keeps the water out.鈥� And like all the layers in Hitzig鈥檚 backcountry kit, his outer layer, made from 100 percent recycled nylon, makes no sacrifices in durability. This shell will work with you on every turn as you make your way back to civilization.

Apr猫s-Ski Comfort

Beacon off, car defrosting, warm drink in hand: It鈥檚 time for a footwear swap and an expedition recap with the crew. The Winter Slip-On Cold.Rdy is a sweet reward for the day鈥檚 efforts. Trading ski boots for comfy apr猫s shoes is something every backcountry skier looks forward to, including Hitzig. This shoe goes a couple levels better than most. It features ultragrippy tread for traveling wintry parking lots or walkways. And the cherry on top is the integrated heel step-down, so you can go from shoe to mule for max comfort and convenience at the end of every ski day.

is a global leader in the outdoor sporting goods industry. With the mission to enable all humans to live a more connected, conscious, and adventurous life, adidas Terrex combines high-performance technologies with fashion-forward designs to weather the forces of nature and inspire every human being to find their own summits.

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Have you ever bundled yourself up in the early winter, trudged outside to shovel your walk or clear off your car from the first storm of the season, and found yourself soaking wet? Your waterproof-breathable shells, sleeping bags, gloves, boots, insulation,听and soft shells all need regular cleaning and maintenance to keep protecting you from cold, wet conditions. Retreating your gear may sound intimidating, but it鈥檚 actually really easy to do and will extend the life of your expensive equipment. Let me walk you through the process of maintaining your gear, item by item.

How to Clean and Re-Waterproof Technical Shells

Think of your rain jacket or ski shell like a sandwich. The face fabric, or the outermost layer,听is like the bread. It’s coated with a durable water repellent (DWR) treatment that helps bead water and stop it from penetrating the outer layer. The waterproof-breathable layer is the good stuff: the veggies, meats, and condiments in the middle.

The waterproof-breathable听membrane features tiny pores that keep water out and let your sweat evaporate from within at the same time, keeping you dry. The DWR and membrane work together to form an effective barrier against the elements, so long as you don’t let them wear out. Dirt, oil, smoke, and other contaminants can clog the pores and prevent the material from breathing. Overtime, the DWR coatings on those face fabrics can wear off. When they do, precipitation and sweat will saturate the fabric.

Soft shells鈥攚ind-and water-resistant garments that go without the aid of a membrane鈥攔ely entirely on that DWR to protect you from precipitation. Allowing it to wear off, or become compromised by dirt, smoke, sweat听or other contaminants will eliminate a soft shell鈥檚 ability to shed weather.

You should be cleaning and reapplying DWR to your technical shells regularly.

鈥淭he best rule of thumb is, if your jacket or item looks dirty or is no longer repelling water, clean it,鈥� explains Heidi Dale Allen, the vice president of marketing for Nikwax, which makes a variety of detergents and treatments for all varieties of outdoor gear. 鈥淚f after cleaning, the item is still not repelling water, it is time to re-waterproof.鈥�

Allen says you can also test your technical shells for function. Simply run them under a tap, and if the water soaks into the material rather than beading up and running off, then it鈥檚 time to clean and take care of them. You may also notice a lack of water beading while wearing your gear outdoors.

The first step is to take note of any item鈥檚 unique care instructions. The care label sewn into any piece of clothing will tell you if it needs to be be hand or machine washed, what temperature water to use, and if you should hang or tumble dry it. Depending on the fabrics and technologies used in each garment, the instructions will vay鈥攅ven for articles made by a single brand.

Should I Be Afraid of Damaging My Garments in the Laundry?

鈥淚f you follow the care instructions from the brand and use the proper types of cleaners and waterproofers, then you absolutely will not ruin it,鈥� reassures Allen.

But she does caution that you can only reapply DWR to clean shells, saying, 鈥淵ou wouldn鈥檛 wax a dirty car, so do not try to waterproof a dirty piece of gear.鈥�

Once you鈥檝e assessed each item鈥檚 care instructions, you can then wash them using a detergent designed specifically for technical apparel.

Don鈥檛 use a regular household detergent. These can leave behind residues that attract moisture and clog porous membranes, ruining the item鈥檚 ability to keep you dry. Allen recommends Nikwax Tech Wash. I鈥檝e been using this detergent for years; I can tell you it works. Tech Wash does not contain UV brighteners, so you can safely apply it to hunting gear without turning yourself into something animals will perceive as an illuminated billboard.

Once clean, you can choose to reapply a DWR coating. Allen says to do this if the item has lost the ability to bead water, or once every three to five听wash cycles.

Nikwax uses a DWR that鈥檚 free from harmful PFAs. Because it鈥檚 water-based, it needs to be applied while the garment is wet. If machine washing, simply add a treatment like to the detergent dispenser, and start a new cycle. If you鈥檙e hand washing, hang up or spread out the still-wet item, and evenly coat it in a spray-on waterproof treatment like . Then hang or machine dry according to the care instructions. Unlike older treatments that use PFAs, these detergents don鈥檛 require heat to activate the coating.

To address a stubborn stain, simply add a small amount of the appropriate detergent on the dirty spot and scrub it with a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush.

You can clean and re-waterproof synthetic jackets and sleeping bags the same way.

How To Clean And Re-Waterproof Down Insulation And Sleeping Bags

The reason so many outdoorspeople love down is for its ability to create a ton of heat-trapping loft while being light and efficient to pack. Sweat, body oils, smoke, and dirt can cling to down clusters, reducing that loft. Today, most down insulation is treated with a DWR to enable it to dry faster. DWR increases the insulation’s reliability and safety in extreme conditions, because wet down won’t loft. But DWR can wear off down just like it does on a shell fabric.

鈥淲e like to say that cleaning and waterproofing at least once a season is a best practice,鈥� says Allen.

Caring for down insulation is similar to maintaining a technical shell, but you need to use a detergent that won鈥檛 strip away down鈥檚 natural oils. I use for an initial wash cycle. Then, I’ll reapply DWR to both the down and its shell fabric using . Just add Down Proof to the detergent dispenser for the second cycle.

Note that you shouldn鈥檛 wash down items in a top-loading machine fitted with an agitator. The central column can tear the fragile face fabrics used on ultralight down items and can even break apart the down clusters themselves. If you have one, consult its instructions to see if the agitator can be removed, or plan on visiting a laundromat.

The tricky thing with down isn鈥檛 washing or treating it, it鈥檚 drying. Down clumps when soaked, becoming time consuming to fully dry (which you absolutely must do before storing it). Any听clumps need be fully broken up to evenly distribute the down.

Consult the care label before proceeding, but most down garments and bags can be tumble dried on low heat. Adding dryer balls or tennis balls to the dryer will gently break up the clumps and distribute the clusters. Plan on running down items through several dryer cycles until they are totally dry.

How to Clean and Re-Waterproof Gloves and Boots

Gloves and boots are often made from a mix of materials, including various types of natural and synthetic leathers, shell fabrics, and waterproof-breathable membranes. They’re a challenge to clean and care for, which can be frustrating, because gloves and boots are often exposed to mud, snot, salt, and other contaminants much more frequently than other items.

Allen recommends to start by keeping gloves and boots clean. Caked on mud and dirt can draw moisture out of leather and abrade fabrics. can help; it preserves DWR coatings and won’t听harm leather or synthetic fabrics. Nikwax also makes a product called , which applies a DWR to both types of material with an easy spray-on application.

For all or mostly-leather items, Allen recommends applying a leather conditioner if the material looks dry, then a waterproofing wax as is necessary.

For suede or rough-out leather footwear, I also swear by spray. Now I tromp through puddles and snow without worrying about your my suede shoes’ appearance and texture. To apply that, I just start by brushing boots clean, then saturating them with the spray. The suede boots I’ve protected with Suede Proof are many years old and have experienced the worst of winter weather in big cities, but still look like new.

Wes Siler has relied on technical clothing to keep him warm and dry through winter camping trips across places like Siberia, Iceland, Sweden, and near his home in Montana. He purchases only front-loading washing machines for the express purpose of washing his sleeping bags. You can ask Wes questions about his work on .听

The post How to Clean, Waterproof, and Care for Your Technical Apparel appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

for its Barryvox 2 and Barryvox S2 avalanche transceivers, introduced in the winter 2024/2025 season.

After extensive testing, Mammut identified a potential issue with the power switch on some Barryvox 2 and Barryvox S2 devices, which may result in unintentional switching from 鈥淪end鈥� to 鈥淪earch鈥� mode or, in some cases, complete power-off. This assembly issue could pose a safety risk, and Mammut is asking consumers to return affected units for inspection and repair or replacement.

Recall Details and Instructions

Affected Products:

• Model Names and Article Numbers:
  • 2620-00380: Barryvox S2
  • 2620-00350: Barryvox S2 in Peak 240 Package
  • 2620-00360: Barryvox S2 in Pro Light 280 Package
  • 2620-00370: Barryvox 2
  • 2620-00260: Barryvox 2 in Peak 240 Package
  • 2620-00320: Barryvox 2 in Tour 280 Package

Models NOT Affected: Previous seasons鈥� Barryvox and Barryvox S models are unaffected by this issue.

Steps for Customers to Take

1. Confirm Ownership: Check your device against the listed model names and numbers.
2. Submit a Return Form: Go to and select 鈥淎valanche Equipment.鈥�
   • Fill in customer details and device information.
   • Mention 鈥淏arryvox Recall 2024鈥� as the issue.
3. Return Shipping: After processing, you鈥檒l receive a return label by email.
4. Pack and Ship: Send your device for inspection and repair according to Customer Service instructions. If your device was part of a package, only the Barryvox device needs to be returned.
5. Receive Inspection/Replacement: Mammut will inspect and return your device or send a replacement within 7 business days (14 days for US & Canada). Alternatively, devices can be dropped off at Mammut stores.

Cost: All inspections, repairs, or replacements are free of charge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the issue with the Barryvox 2 and S2?
Due to an assembly process issue, the main switch on some devices may be misaligned, causing unintended mode switching or power-off under pressure.

Can I inspect my device myself?
No, to ensure the safety of all users, Mammut requests that devices be returned for professional inspection.

Where should I send my device?
Upon submitting the return form, you will receive a return label with the appropriate address for your region.

When will I get my device back?
Mammut is committed to a 7-day turnaround (14 days for US & Canada) upon receiving your device.

Has any incident occurred due to this issue?
No incidents have been reported. This is a precautionary, voluntary recall to ensure maximum safety.

Why was this issue not identified earlier?
The Barryvox 2 and S2 are complex devices. This assembly error, now corrected, was an oversight in the initial process.

Will Mammut continue selling Barryvox 2 and S2?
Yes, Barryvox 2 and S2 are essential safety products that meet industry-leading standards. Mammut is dedicated to customer safety and will continue to innovate while reinforcing strict quality standards.

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Two weeks ago a buddy and I went on an overnight hunting trip in the Montana wilderness. While we were searching for elk, we spotted the aurora borealis. That, and a whole heap of early-season snow. Luckily, we came prepared. We eschewed latest ultralight technical fabrics and relied upon a century-old technology. I’m talking about a cotton canvas tent.

The best cold weather technical clothing prioritizes one performance metric above all others: breathability. Moving moisture away from your body keeps you comfortable and allows insulation to do its job. So why isn鈥檛 it common for us to ask the same of our tents? That鈥檚 the idea behind cotton canvas, a classic tent material that鈥檚 making a comeback.

If you鈥檝e ever spent a sleepless night shivering in a cold, damp plastic tent, you鈥檒l understand the problem. While silicon-coated nylon and other ultralight materials used by most major outdoor brands deliver extraordinary packability and value, their entirely-waterproof nature tends to keep any moisture that gets inside, well, inside. And that鈥檚 not just a problem when it鈥檚 raining. Human bodies produce about of moisture in an average night.

Canvas Tents Work as a System with Stoves

Your base layers and waterproof-breathable hardshells don鈥檛 evacuate moisture on their own. Your clothing relies on heat produced by your body to create a pressure differential with the outside environment to force moisture outwards. Canvas tents work the same way. It鈥檚 important to think of them as part of a system.

The material itself makes this pairing possible. Cotton canvas is naturally heat– and flame–听resistant (note that I didn鈥檛 say 鈥減roof!鈥�), so with a reasonable amount of care, it鈥檚 safe to house a wood-burning stove inside a canvas tent. 鈥攁 family-owned tentmaker based in Wisconsin鈥攔ecommends keeping the stove at least 20 inches from the fabric tent body. Should you use a floor, camp on a sensitive surface, or set your floorless tent on a frozen lake to use as an ice fishing shelter (something I plan to do this winter), then a heat-reflective, spark-proof mat can protect the ground听from heat and embers.

Tents designed to work with stoves will also feature chimney jacks, made from flame- and heat-proof materials like silicone. These allow the stove鈥檚 chimney to pass听through the tent without damaging the fabric.

Get a fire going inside a stove, and the chimney will pull smoke away from the tent听while the stove’s metal body radiates heat. Just like a radiator you鈥檒l find in an older building, that heat is entirely dry. In cool to cold weather, the warm air created by the stove forces moisture through the canvas, creating an exceptionally dry environment inside the tent.

If you鈥檙e picturing a sauna-like experience here you鈥檙e not wrong. Snowtrekker actually makes a dedicated version of their tent designed to work as a portable sauna. But while camping, you don鈥檛 need to keep the fire burning that hot.

Cotton鈥檚 Unique Properties Help Keep Things Dry

Worn on your body, untreated cotton has deservedly earned it’s “cotton kills” reputation.听Cotton fibers are hollow inside, and carry a slight negative charge. Water molecules carry a slight positive charge. That means cotton can absorb up to , then become really difficult to dry out. And, next to your skin, soaked cotton will keep you wet, potentially leading to hypothermia.

Move that fabric away from your skin to the tent body听and cotton鈥檚 propensity to soak up moisture can actually help keep you dry. Canvas weaves leave gaps between the individual fibers. This is great for breathability, but can let heavy rain through. But cotton swells when it soaks up all that moisture, so cotton canvas’ water resistance actually improves as it gets wetter.

Canvas Is Strong, Repairable, and Durable

While nylon is stronger than cotton, that comparison is only for fabrics of equivalent weights. Most silicon-coated nylon tents measure between . A single strand of silk is one Denier. Most cotton canvas tent fabrics are measured in ounces per square yard rather than Denier, but the stuff used for tents typically work out around 900 Denier. That鈥檚 to say these things are thick, burly, and yes, heavy.

And while that weight means a canvas tent is never going to compare to a SilNylon alternative for backpacking, the upside is we鈥檙e talking about a very strong fabric.

Fabric strength is especially important for canvas tents because they’re designed to be lived in rather than only slept in, and must be much larger as a result. Inside a canvas tent, in bad weather, you鈥檙e going to want room to stand up, dry clothing, cook, and hang out. Plus you鈥檝e got to leave room for a stove鈥攁nd that 20-inch safety gap around it. Paired with a strong aluminum or steel pole structure, the heavy canvas fabric creates a resilient structure that can withstand weather in a way that听the flexible poles and thin fabrics of backpacking tents could never achieve.

Cotton canvas has other benefits. First, you can patch it. Holes can happen, especially during transportation. But with cotton, you鈥檙e never further away from repair than a few minutes with a needle and thread, or .

While exposure to sunlight, weather, and general wear-and-tear can shorten the lifetime of nylon tents to a few years, quality cotton canvas tents should last one or听two decades when cared for properly. Longevity is听good, considering cotton-canvas tents听require a significant upfront investment.

I own two canvas tents because each can perform a unique job.

The Portable Option

(from $2,500)

I’m six-foot-two and 200 pounds, my buddy Connor is six-foot-eight and 260 pounds. I wanted a tent large enough for two big guys like us to comfortably stand up inside, sleep on cots, hang clothing to dry, cook, and hang out during late season hunts. And I wanted that tent, along with its stove, to pack down small enough that it could be carried into the backcountry on a single quad bike, in a single trip.

I also wanted a tent that could easily be towed on a plastic sled by a single person on snowshoes or skis for winter camping trips in and around Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks鈥攁ll the while accommodating two couples on ground pads.

Those are wildly divergent, somewhat conflicting requirements. Most canvas wall tents this large require transport by truck or pack mule. But Snowtrekker has two major technical advantages鈥攁long with some unique design details鈥攖hat boost their tents’ portability.

Snowtrekker uses a proprietary cotton canvas that measures out at a very-strong seven ounces, but is much thinner than the fabrics used for most other canvas tents. That helps the tent body pack up small, something aided by the steeply-sloped roof, short side walls, and floorless design. It鈥檚 an efficient design that uses the least amount of fabric possible to cover such a large internal area.

Duane and Margot Lottigs, the couple who founded the company, also worked with Easton Aluminum to develop a unique pole frame that pairs a narrow wedge with wide guylines to maximize space with minimal material. Other clever design touches are everywhere, from plastic guyline clips made from a material that won鈥檛 crack even in temperatures as low as negative 60 Fahrenheit,听to wraparound snowflaps that enable you to set the tent up without stakes in deep snow.

The tent听measures 13-by-13 feet at its footprint and 9 feet, 7 inches at its ridge pole, but weighs just 37.5 pounds (without the stove), and packs into a 13-gallon plastic tote.

Connor and I听set up this tent during truly awful conditions: unbelievably heavy, wet snow combined with 50 mile-per-hour听winds, the MegaCrew never felt anything but secure. Snow did accumulate on the tent鈥檚 roof and cause notable sagging, and the fire burned out when we were out chasing elk around. Just a few whacks with pine boughs righted the tent听to its original shape once we returned to camp.

Something Semi-Permanent

($1,500)

Last summer, Connor and his wife bought a 40-acre property a few hours north of our homes in Bozeman, Montana with plans to build a yurt with help from their friends. But when his wife got pregnant, we went looking for a structure that鈥檇 be easy to put up but still but was still comfortable and reliable, even in Montana鈥檚 often extreme winter conditions. This bell tent was the answer.

The unique thing about bell tents is their shape. Instead of a frame, there鈥檚 only a single central pole, which is then staked out in all directions, kind of like a circus tent. The resulting cone shape is exceptionally stable in wind, no matter which direction it blows from. Since all loads travel straight down through that vertical steel pole, the tent also resists heavy snow. WhiteDuck adds a short section of vertical wall beneath that cone, which is full of zippered windows backed by bug mesh, or which can be entirely rolled up out of the way. The canvas is a听thick, strong 11-ounce cotton.

WhiteDuck also features a zip-in PVC bathtub floor. We planned to install the tent on a deck, which provides a stable, level platform, and also a structure with which to securely anchor such a large tent. Wind would blow through the gaps between the boards with a floorless design, but WhiteDuck鈥檚 burly PVC entirely blocks it, keeping the interior cozy.

With a 16.5-foot diameter, and 9-foot, 8-inch peak height, there鈥檚 room inside听for a full-size Exped MegaMat Duo sleeping pad resting on a folding metal bed frame, plus the wood stove, camp chairs, and plenty of outdoors gear. It鈥檚 positively luxurious for a couple, but gets tight in there if we add another single-person cot. I camped in it alone through most of archery season this fall, and felt like I was sleeping in a palace.

And while far from packable at about 120 pounds (it took two of us to carry the box it came in ten feet from the truck to the deck), the level of strength and quality of the Avalon听is reassuring. So far it鈥檚 withstood a 60 mile-per-hour听windstorm without even a single guyline loosening.

A Versatile Stove

(from $380)

I originally bought one of these for the Snowtrekker and have found it so indispensable that I听bought a second for the WhiteDuck. I wanted to retain the ability to drag the Snowtrekker places, even while the other tent is set up on Connor鈥檚 property.

Made from 22-gauge steel that strikes a compromise between durability and weight, and measuring 22 inches long inside, the Alaskan Deluxe is large enough to fit pieces of commercial firewood without further chopping or cutting. It can hold three or four logs听at once, which, when paired with the right damper settings, can deliver all-night fires. It weighs 18 pounds.

One of the best things about having a wood-burning stove in your tent that you can cook meals or heat up drinks without using an additional camping burner. Bacon and eggs fry right up in a pan set on top, while a side-mounted 1.9-gallon tank keeps water just below boiling for easy tea or hot cocoa preparation. All of those parts, plus the chimney sections, pack inside the stove for transportation.

But a cotton canvas tent and a metal woodstove is a lot of weight, space, and money. Is it worth it? When I don’t take it camping, winter temperatures tend to make me rush through dinner in order to get inside my sleeping bag as soon as possible. With this setup, I’m lounging and taking my time to change clothes and cook. In the mornings I鈥檓 putting on warm clothes that have dried out overnight, enjoying a relaxed cup of coffee, and then hitting the trail more rested and ready to go than I am through most of the summer. It’s an experience that approaches the comforts of home, way out in the mountains.

The post The Secret to Camping Comfortably in Cold Weather? Cotton Canvas Tents. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

When I started hunting nearly a decade ago,听I balked at the absurd expense of hunting apparel. I was a lifelong penny-pinching minimalist. Did I really need a $400 jacket, $250 pants, and socks that rang in at $28 a pair? It seemed like overkill (pun intended).

But, on one hunting trip in Montana in 2017, winds and snow blew at rates far exceeding 40 miles per hour. Thankfully, a full set of truly windbreaking Sitka gear kept me comfortable鈥擨 moved easily across the open mountain ridge, completely unaffected by the gusts. Beneath the burly outerwear, First Lite鈥檚 merino layers wicked sweat and kept me warm. My feet were toasty and dry in wool hunting socks, and they remained blister-free in my well-fitted boots for all six miles of the loop hike. Eventually, I took one shot on a legal mule deer buck that I later field-dressed and packed off the mountain alone. It was my first solo big game animal tag, and if it weren鈥檛 for my gear, I would have turned around long before I ever had the chance to spot it.

Much of the hunting apparel in my camouflaged closet continues to perform year after year. Its durability surpasses that of most casual outdoor brands I鈥檝e tried, and I find myself using my hunting gear for many unrelated outdoor activities. It鈥檚 certainly kept me comfortable enough to hunt in conditions I鈥檇 have avoided before becoming a hunter.

Over the past ten years, I鈥檝e cross-country skied, snowboarded, snowshoed, ridden my horses, hiked, backpacked, traveled, and bundled up chilly friends in my hunting apparel. Below are the hunting-specific pieces that I’ve relied on most. The other good news: Hunting brands are starting to wake up to the versatility of their gear, so you鈥檒l find that every piece below is offered in solid colors in addition to camouflage.

At a Glance

• Best base layers:
• Best rain gear: and
• Best pants for women:
• Best pants for men:
• Best socks:

When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside.听Learn more.

Best Base Layers

First Lite Kiln Base Layers

I bought my first pair of Kiln baselayers eight years ago, and I still wear the same ones today. After hundreds of wears and washes, the wool continues to hold up. We even featured the most recent edition of the Kilns听in our 2025 winter gear guide, because they’ve held up so well over the years. This 250-gram base layer is both the perfect weight for fall and winter hiking and backpacking, but it’s also the best-fitting base-layer legging I鈥檝e found for women. The very high waist provides maximum coverage and keeps seams above pack hipbelts, and the wide band resists rolling down and sagging over the miles. The Kiln line comes in a crew, quarter-zip, hoody, and for men, as well as hoody and long-jane options for women.

Best Rain Gear

Sitka Gear Dew Point Jacket and Pants

I’ve tested dozens of other brands, but I’ve yet to find one I trust more than Sitka for wet weather.听That’s especially true for the Dew Point. This three-layer Goretex jacket is lightweight, packable, and supple enough to move quietly鈥攚hich means no crinkling or swishing when you’re sneaking up on wildlife for a photo-op or trying to avoid waking your partner in camp. The packability is also ideal for many scenarios, like backpacking long miles when you need gear that won’t take up too much space in your pack.听Pit zips allow for dumping heat, and it鈥檚 the most breathable rain gear I鈥檝e worn to date.

Best Women’s Pants

Ditale Sofia 国产吃瓜黑料 Pant 2.0

Ditale is a boutique brand that鈥檚 newer to the hunting apparel scene, but that under-the-radar status isn’t likely to last long. Last year, I wore the Sofia 国产吃瓜黑料 Pant for everything from hiking and hunting to cross-country skiing, and I fell hard for them. It鈥檚 the best physical fit I鈥檝e felt as a curvy athletic gal thanks to the wide range of sizing and smart features like the full running crotch gusset and articulated knee darts. Compared to other brands, the waist is both stretchier and higher-cut, but curved like a great pair of jeans. They’re actually flattering. This, to me, is the best all-around hiking pant for spring-to-fall temperatures, and the DWR makes it a great option for rain and wet flurries, as well.

Best Men鈥檚 Pants

Stone Glacier De Havilland Lite Pant

Stone Glacier specializes in gear for men only, and the guys I hunt with are all clamoring to get a pair of听the De Havilland Pants. Offered in both a Lite and ($189), these pants boast all the technical details you need for three-season hiking, backpacking, and adventure travel. DWR-treated fabric, side zips, roomy side pockets, and a patented contour waist system听mean these pants can take whatever you throw at them鈥攁nd stay in place without slipping or chafing. The modern cut and neutral colors mean that you can wear them to work听or a casual dinner, and then hit the hills for an evening hike.

Best Socks

Farm to Feet Ely Socks, Full Cushion

Like many four-season adventurers, I have an obsession with wool socks. My favorites are the Farm to Feet Ely hunting socks. I have to hide them from my mother because she tries to steal them anytime she comes within striking distance. The light cushion version beats out every boot or ski sock I鈥檝e ever used, and the full cushion version keeps me warm and comfortable over long miles during the cold season. Gentle compression in the foot prevents blisters, and my Elys are stepping into their fourth year of use without any holes or threadbare patches to speak of. For under $30, I recommend treating yourself.

The post Need Hardcore, Durable Outdoor Apparel? Don鈥檛 Sleep on Hunting Brands鈥�. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

I just spent a week backpacking around Utah鈥檚 Dixie National Forest, learning a mix of primitive and modern survival skills while traversing terrain that ranged from sandy desert canyons to high-elevation pine and aspen forests. The survival gear I carried during this adventure was minimal. I made a lot of it during the trip, like a bow-drill fire kit and a piece of cloth we turned into a backpack. It was hard. Making fire when you鈥檙e cold isn鈥檛 easy. Shivering through the night without a sleeping bag is鈥ell, cold.

I did have some survival gear with me, though not everything I took into the wilderness performed well. My pants ripped, and a fleece jacket I brought collected so much debris that it was like wearing the forest on my back. Fortunately, a handful of items that I used throughout the week shined, making everything easier. Here are the key pieces of survival gear that helped me get through a week of backcountry survival school.

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Stetson Bozeman hat

I knew I needed a full-brimmed sun hat to keep the desert ball of fire off my face and neck, but I also knew the temperatures would range from the high 70s to the low 40s. I wanted something that could keep me warm during inclement weather, but not overheat my dome mid-day鈥攕o something straw wouldn’t work. Enter The Bozeman, which is made from 100 percent wool, so I knew it would breathe in the heat and keep me warm when the temperature dropped.

Even better, it鈥檚 part of Stetson鈥檚 Crushable hat series, which features stylish lids that can be packed away, sat on, shoved into a backpack, slept on, and they will reform back to their original shape. I abused this thing, even using it to pad my homemade backpack straps at one point, and the hat always popped back into shape when I needed it. Not only did it keep me from burning in the sun, but it鈥檚 naturally water resistant and worked as an umbrella, which kept my head dry during rain showers. The Bozeman gets the MVP of survival school award.

Pendleton Olympic National Park blanket听

About halfway through the week, us students 鈥渆arned鈥� a blanket, which we turned into backpacks during the day and became our sole source of warmth at night. I brought one of Pendleton鈥檚 National Park series of blankets, which are made from thick, pure virgin wool. You can pick your size, from twin to king, and I went with the full, which was a little heavy while carrying it throughout the day, but I didn鈥檛 complain about the extra fabric at night.

We slept exposed to the elements each night, and this blanket formed a cozy barrier that kept me perfectly warm until the sun came up. It was also easy to brush the debris off the fabric, which doesn’t sound important, but is actually a big deal when you鈥檙e rolling around in leaves, dirt, and sticks all night.

Sherpa 国产吃瓜黑料 Gear Kangtega sweater听

We were allowed one sweater during this adventure, and I went with this 100 percent merino wool layer that has been part of my ski kit for a few years. I chose it because I knew it had a great warmth to weight ratio and could handle moisture well. Good thing too, because it rained on us one afternoon as we were climbing to 9,000 feet. I slipped into this sweater to stay warm, and it dried completely before nightfall when I needed it to keep me warm as I slept. It also looks great, too. Just because you鈥檙e surviving in the desert doesn鈥檛 mean you can鈥檛 look cute.

Altra Olympus 6 running shoe

I鈥檝e run in Altra鈥檚 Lone Peak sporadically in recent years, and I like the company鈥檚 take on the zero-drop shoe concept, which boils down to an even amount of cushioning throughout the footbed. When you compare that to other shoe companies that achieve zero drop by removing most, if not all of the cushion, it seems like a pretty smart choice. For this particular adventure, I knew I would be on my feet for several hours each day, so I wanted the most cushion possible, which led me to the Olympus 6.

The Olympus 6 is a zero-drop, max-cushion beast of a trail runner that many A.T. thru-hikers rely on for consistent comfort and performance. I hiked a variety of terrain, trudging through thick sand, scrambling down sandstone slot canyons, and jumping over creeks, and the Olympus handled it all like a champ. I appreciated the roomy toe box (my feet were definitely swelling towards the end of the week) as well as the cushioned cuff, which locked my heel in place while also keeping some of the sand out of my shoe. Most nights were so cold, I kept these shoes on my feet as I slept, and after seven days of constant hiking and wear, I exited the survival school without a single blister or hot spot.

Morakniv Companion knife听

I鈥檒l be honest, I originally packed a much more expensive fixed blade knife for this course. But one of my instructors convinced me to go with this much cheaper option because of its single edge blade, which makes carving wood more straight forward and is easier to sharpen by hand. I鈥檓 glad I switched. I wore this knife on my hip all week and used it to make a variety of tools, from an eating spoon to the hearth-wood at the center of my fire kit.

It鈥檚 a simple design: a 104-millimeter carbon steel blade is backed by a comfy, rubber grip, making it easy to wield. It can handle fine carving tasks (like fine-tuning the bowl of a spoon) as well as brute tasks like chopping firewood. The moral of this story? Just because a knife is cheap doesn鈥檛 mean it won鈥檛 perform.

The post The Gear I Used During a Backcountry Survival School in Utah appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

First tracks at the resort are fleeting due to crowded lift lines. Luckily for the antisocial powderhound, ditching migraine-inducing liftlines in favor of backcountry bliss has never been easier, thanks to constant advancements in splitboard tech and a surge of reasonably priced setups.

Not only that, but we鈥檙e seeing better, more widespread avalanche forecasting and avalanche safety education, both of which are obligatory to explore the backcountry responsibly. Whether you鈥檙e new to the game or frequently use quadriceps over quad chairs for your powder fix, you鈥檒l find our test crew鈥檚 favorite splitboards for 2025 below. Our advice? Gear up, take an , and drop in.

At A Glance

• Editors’ Choice:
• Best Value:
• Best in Powder:
• How to Choose a Splitboard
• How We Test
• Meet Our Testers

Looking for something solid? Check out our reviews of the best snowboards of 2025.

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside.听Learn more.

Editors’ Choice

Venture Paragon

Weight: 7.6 lbs (158 cm)
Sizing: 149, 153, 154, 158, 159, 163, 164, 168 cm
Profile: Neutral
Shape: Directional
Flex: 6/11
Waist Width: 25.5 cm (158 cm)
Sidecut: 7.61 m (158 cm)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Floats well
鈯� Rides switch well
鈯� Durable
鈯� Excellent size run
鈯� Heavy

Venture鈥檚 Paragon should be a top pick for all-mountain riders looking for a reliable-yet-playful do-it-all split for two key reasons: its versatile shape and incredible durability.

It鈥檚 a classically-shaped, easy-to-ride, flat-cambered chameleon, able to adapt to any conditions or terrain you throw at it. I was appreciative of Venture鈥檚 go-to neutral profile, which transitions from zero-camber underfoot to a gentle rocker between the inserts of the nose and tail. Testers noted that the profile, combined with a semi-tight sidecut, offers a balance of float in powder and dependable edge-hold in hardpack. That said, in technical skin tracks, some testers voiced a preference for traditional camber.

The board is directional enough to handle deep snow and freeriding at speed, thanks to a touch of taper from the longer nose to the shorter tail. If you want a board that can float in powder, handle technical freeriding, and still butter, throw tricks, and land switch in more playful terrain, it鈥檚 hard to find a better option than the Paragon. When touring days after a storm in the Tahoe backcountry, testers found themselves exploring undulating, freestyle-friendly terrain that begged for airtime, but it was caked in a crust of icy snow that threatened to pitch riders head over heels at every turn. The Paragon was one of few splits reliable enough to navigate through the garbage with a semblance of grace, all while encouraging riders to throw little spins, ride switch, and pop off rock-hard pillows without too much concern for landing quality.

Venture crafts some of the most durable decks on the planet, and the Paragon is no exception. I scraped the base of the split on a sliver of barely-exposed rock in the choke of a couloir, and the board barely sustained a scratch. Venture goes the extra mile in every aspect of construction, lacing up the Paragon with tough P-Tex (polyethylene) sidewalls, a sintered Durasurf base, cold-rolled high-carbon steel edges, and powder-shedding, and hard-wearing Carbonium top sheets.

The one downside to Venture鈥檚 burly construction is that it鈥檚 relatively heavy, with the 158-centimeter length weighing 7.6 pounds. But for most riders who are hard on their gear, a few extra ounces are well worth a few extra seasons of shredding.

Best Value

Korua Transition Finder Split

Weight: 7.28 lbs (157 cm)
Sizing: 150, 157 cm
Profile: Float camber (camber backseat, rockered nose)
Shape: Directional
Flex: Medium
Waist Width: 26.4 cm (157 cm)
Sidecut: 8.2 m (157)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Affordable
鈯� Fun carver
鈯� Predictable flex
鈯� Soft for heavier riders
鈯� Minimal size run
鈯� Cheap, unreliable clips

Our fondness for Korua鈥檚 unisex Transition Finder is no secret. We covered the solid version extensively over the last couple of years, and after extended testing in Japan over the last two seasons, we dubbed the surfy, all-mountain freestyle deck our best value board this season. Backcountry testers who hopped on the Transition Finder split at Diamond Peak and beyond this winter submitted similarly high praise. The split is worthy of 鈥渂est value鈥� superlatives as well鈥攊t鈥檚 more reasonably priced than any other option in this guide鈥攁lthough Korua uses cheaper nose and tail clips that can pop loose when charging in chunder.

The wide-body split has the same long, broad, rockered nose, short diamond tail, versatile medium sidecut, and setback camber profile underfoot that our testers know and love from the solid version. The shape excels in swerving through pow, cruising through glades, and popping off small-to-medium-sized features. 鈥淣avigated its way through pow and cream cheese with ease and style, and it edged well on wind board, too,鈥� commented Tahoe ripper Anne Doucette. 鈥淚t wants to make big swooping turns鈥攑erfect for that large windlip or open face.鈥�

The Transition Finder sports Korua鈥檚 standard, simple, no-frills build, which centers around a poplar core laminated with forgiving biaxial fiberglass. Doucette reported the 鈥渟tiffer longitudinal flex helps the deck feel stable at high speeds, while the reactive torsional flex helps the board transition from turn to turn with energy.鈥�

That said, a heavier rider disagreed, judging the flex more middle of the park and freestyle-friendly, calling the Transition Finder 鈥渧ery playful, easy to spin, and dope to have underfoot.鈥� He said it was ideal for buttering and throwing tricks, but wanted more stiffness for carving. This discrepancy hints at an issue many splitboarders will face when shopping for a Transition Finder split: there are only a couple of sizes available, and it鈥檚 possible to be between sizes. Keep in mind, the split is wide鈥攖he 157-centimeter length has a 26.4-centimeter waist鈥攕o sizing down from your standard split length is the move.

Finally, testers were fans on the uphill. 鈥淕reat balance point underfoot,鈥� she reported. 鈥淧ranced uphill like a dream, easily crushing tricky skin track maneuvers despite the long nose.鈥�

Best in Powder

Jones Storm Chaser

Weight: 6.8 lbs (152 cm)
Sizing: 152 cm
Profile: Surf Camber (camber backseat, rockered nose)
Shape: Swallowtail
Flex: 3/5
Waist Width: 27.5 cm (152 cm)
Sidecut: 7 m (152 cm)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Buoyant
鈯� Maneuverable
鈯� Versatile
鈯� One size fits all
鈯� Limited stance options

Riding the Jones Storm Chaser is a spiritual experience: tester feedback forms read as if they were written during alpine ayahuasca ceremonies. Take, for instance, this powder-addled poem penned by Tahoe ski shop tech, meditative mountain man, and splitboard tester Anthony Santos: 鈥淚ntended for the quest of the flow state. A board for the turn, by the turn.鈥� It鈥檚 safe to guess that the Storm Chaser鈥檚 surfy, slashy, wildly entertaining obliteration of Sierra cement and deep powder is what inspired our snowboard reviewers to sound like Beat Generation poets.

A beloved collaboration between big-mountain royalty and surf shaper , the Storm Chaser solid board has been in Jones鈥� Surf Series line for nearly a decade now. This year, though, the short, fat swallowtail splitboard received a major update: it got a longer swallowtail, and more impactfully, the old rocker profile has been replaced with good, old-fashioned camber. Combined with a cruisy, spoon-shaped schnoz that鈥檚 incredibly buoyant, a tight sidecut, and a medium-flexing poplar-and-paulownia core laminated with pliable biaxial fiberglass, the updated shape is an absolute blast, especially in deeper snow.

鈥淎t speed, the Storm Chaser reacts with quick edge-to-edge rhythm for slalom-like turns,鈥� waxed Santos, speaking to the dexterity of deeper sidecut and the rollable shape of the concave, spooned nose. Ripping through powder-laden trees on the Storm Chaser puts the 鈥渟end鈥� in transcendence鈥攜ou have massive float thanks to the rockered nose, while the three-dimensional contours make flowing from rail to rail effortless.

This year鈥檚 camber update and the lengthened tail help the Storm Chaser find better purchase in variable conditions, too. 鈥淎dded camber gave confidence in turns and support when needed,鈥� commented Santos, who also called the tail 鈥渇un for small to medium airs and pow ollies.鈥� However, most testers agreed that while the new Storm Chaser is capable in bad snow, it鈥檚 much better suited for soft and smooth conditions. 鈥淭he small tail can give out and put you on the Jerry of the Day highlight reel,鈥� joked one, also finding the tail a limiting factor in chop or jump-turning in steeper lines.

Testers did have a couple more complaints, namely limited puck positioning based on the proximity of the toe-piece inserts and tricky trail-breaking given the massive nose. Additionally, the update is only available in a 152-centimeter length this year, but we expect to see a wider size range in the future. However, when considering the Storm Chaser for what it is鈥攁 quiver swallowtail designed for ecstatic powder surfing that鈥檚 more versatile now than ever before鈥攅very tester would happily add this deck to their splitboard rotation.

Stranda Biru

Weight: TK FC
Sizing: 154, 157 cm
Profile: Camber
Shape: Directional
Flex: 7/10
Waist Width: 27 cm (154 cm)
Sidecut: 6.7 m (154 cm)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Floaty
鈯� Stable
鈯� Excellent switch landing
鈯� Too beefy for some riders
鈯� Minimal size run

Last year, our testers were completely enamored with Stranda鈥檚 solid Biru ($690)鈥攁 short, fat, fierce, and startlingly stable speed demon with a shoveled nose and moon tail that carves trees up like a lovestruck teenager鈥檚 pocket knife. We weren鈥檛 the only ones to fall head over heels (figuratively speaking鈥攖esters rarely crashed while riding this beast), and the Swedish boutique board builder responded to the overwhelmingly positive response by dropping a split version for 2025.

The Biru split is fairly stiff and stout thanks to a paulownia, poplar, and ash core, as well as triaxial fiberglass and carbon stringers. Combined with the wide chassis (ideal for big-booted riders), the deck isn鈥檛 for the faint of quads. One cruisier Tahoe rider called it 鈥渢oo beefy for beginners and lighter intermediates.鈥� But expert chargers like Wasatch splitboarder Kordell Black couldn鈥檛 get enough. 鈥淎t high speeds, the Biru shreds,鈥� said Black, digging the stiffer overall flex pattern and noteworthy dampening that 鈥渉eld tight in chunder and minimized chatter.鈥�

The wide ride provides unreal float in powder, and it鈥檚 a consummate carver, too, whether you鈥檙e laying trenches in wind buff or snaking through glades. 鈥淔rom corn to pow to couloirs鈥攑ick your poison and point it,鈥� continued Black, loving the grip provided by the full-cambered profile and a short sidecut dotted with four hardpack-holding bumps at each insert.

Our biggest beef with the Biru is that it鈥檚 only available in two sizes: 154 and 157-centimeter lengths. Shorter, lighter testers would love to see more options on the lower end, and we expect to in the coming years, given the split鈥檚 initial success.

Men鈥檚 Jones Stratos Splitboard

Weight: 6.6 lbs (159 cm)
Sizing: Women鈥檚 (146, 149, 152 cm); Men鈥檚 (156, 158w, 159, 161w cm)
Profile: Directional rocker, with camber underfoot
Shape: Directional
Flex: 3/5
Waist Width: 25.6 cm (159)
Sidecut: 7.5m (159)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Versatile
鈯� Confidence-boosting carving
鈯� Inclusive size run
鈯� Soft-ish flex
鈯� Durability concerns

Jones鈥� Stratos splitboard is a carry-over shape from last year, meaning there are no updates to specs or technical tweaks under the hood鈥攏ews that had our 2024/2025 test crew exhaling with relief. Available in both men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 sizes and suited for intermediate to expert backcountry riders, the Stratos remains a board that鈥檚 fun in dreamy conditions and capable in nightmarish ones. In fact, we loved the deck so much last year we gave it our coveted Editor鈥檚 Choice award last year.

Thanks to a nimble, narrow waist, deep, serrated sidecut, camber underfoot, and a trustworthy yet pliable flex pattern, the Stratos is a consummate carver. 鈥淎 versatile all-wheel drive machine for any turn size or shape,鈥� applauded split tester Anna Doucette after an afternoon tour in the Sierra that took riders through open bowls and tight trees. Tester consensus was the spooned-out nose and tail compliment the flex, agile sidecut and directional shape, making rolling into turns feel natural.

Doucette loved the balance of the flex, too, which comes courtesy of a sustainably sourced wood core that鈥檚 softer between the feet and stiffer at the nose and tail. It鈥檚 reinforced by flax and basalt stringers, making the Stratos split 鈥渇orgiving enough for playful turns and jumps, but substantial enough for high-speed charging through crud.鈥�

She also found that the camber-dominant Stratos crushes the uphill. 鈥淔rom transitioning to the skin track to kick turns, it was easy to maneuver,鈥� reported Doucette, appreciative of the lightweight construction, which puts the 159-centimeter length at 6.6 pounds.

In steeper, technical terrain and icy conditions, testers gave kudos to the Stratos鈥� serrated edges for confidence-inspiring grip. While some big-mountain riders who regularly target gnarly lines may want to step up to the slightly stiffer Jones Solution ($980) or Ultralight Solution ($1600), a Tahoe freerider, Jon Chin, appreciated the stiffness of the tail, calling it 鈥済reat for pulling in sloppy landings.鈥�

Speaking of drops, freestylers will be stoked to note that the Stratos has impressive pop. And despite its clear directional perspective, the sharply rockered, kicked-up tail can handle switch landings and butters, too. That capacity for all-mountain freestyle is one of many reasons I fell in love with the Stratos at last year鈥檚 splitboard test.

Upon extended testing this year, the Stratos is truly my ideal travel board, as it can handle all types of terrain. I took the Stratos on a month-long trip to Hokkaido in February that was powder day after powder day. And I took it on a three-week mission in Northern Norway in April, which included a 10-day point-to-point backcountry expedition. Powder was rarely on the menu in Norway, and instead, we were hunting corn in tricky, arctic, often hard-packed conditions. There was never a moment鈥攏ot a single deep powder slash or a technical icy hop turn鈥攖hat I wished I鈥檇 brought a different deck.

That said, while these missions proved our initial impressions of the versatile Stratos were right on the money, the lightweight construction hasn鈥檛 weathered expedition travel well, resulting in significant delamination.

Weston Revel Splitboard

Weight: 6.5 lbs (153 cm)
Sizing: 143, 148, 153 cm
Profile: Powder (rockered nose, slight camber underfoot)
Shape: Swallowtail
Flex: 5/10
Waist Width: 25.6 cm (153 cm)
Sidecut: 8.7/6.6 m (153 cm)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Excellent construction
鈯� Surfy
鈯� Doesn鈥檛 always excel in variable conditions

We鈥檙e fans of 鈥檚 swallowtails around here: we awarded the men鈥檚 Japow ($624) solid Editor鈥檚 Choice in 2018. The Revel is a women鈥檚-specific shape based on that award winner.

Available in both split and solid, the Revel shares the Japow鈥檚 powder-hungry, trench-laying profile鈥攕light camber through the bulk of the board, flowing into a rockered nose鈥攁nd versatile, rippable sidecut. However, per requests from Weston鈥檚 female team riders who found the Japow sizes tough to drive through tighter trees, Weston鈥檚 designers compressed the proven design, giving the Revel a relatively shorter nose and shallower swallowtail. Weston claims the tweaked shape boosts the Revel鈥檚 agility in deep snow, and according to our crew who put the Revel to the test over the last few seasons in the Sierra, the women鈥檚-specific shape performs as intended. It鈥檚 a versatile, smile-inducing carve connoisseur ready to wiggle through powder-cloaked trees from the pines in Tahoe to the aspens in Colorado.

Poplar and paulownia give the Revel a snappy and reliable backbone, while carbon stringers bolster the tail, encouraging 鈥渘imble and zippy turns,鈥� according to Theresa Clinton, a Canadian rider well-versed in the Whistler backcountry scene. 鈥淟ike me, it enjoys powder the most,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he flex makes this board playful and bouncy in soft conditions, and the big nose allows for a floaty ride without back leg burn.鈥�

While testers were split on the Revel鈥檚 performance in variable conditions, they agreed that the Revel was an uphill crusher. One rider who tested it extensively in the spring called it a 鈥渟uper lightweight skin track champ that saved me much-needed energy for the downhill.鈥�

After her deep dive on the Revel this spring, she summed it up: 鈥淚 would buy this board simply because of its fun surfy feel. Any shredder looking for a sleek-shaped board with a destiny for turning will love the Revel.鈥�

Season Pass Splitboard

Weight: TK FC
Sizing: 148, 153, 158, 163 cm
Profile: Camber with rockered nose and tail
Shape: Directional
Flex: Mid-stiff
Waist Width: 25.9 cm (158 cm)
Sidecut: 7.8 m (159 cm)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Well-built construction
鈯� One-split quiver
鈯� Timeless top sheet
鈯� Small size run
鈯� Soft 148-cm length

Season鈥攁 joint Pacific Northwest venture launched in 2020 by skier and boarder 鈥攄oesn鈥檛 make gendered boards, and most products carry over year after year. The brand鈥檚 focus is on timelessness, simplicity, and functionality, not marketing鈥攁 mission well-executed in the aptly named Season Pass split.

The Pass is a split version of the brand鈥檚 all-mountain directional deck, the ($550), featuring an approachable poplar and paulownia wood core, dampened sidewalls, a speedy sintered base, and a floaty, tapered directional shape with a nimble, carvable sidecut.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a perfectly playful split with the right level of confidence for charging,鈥� commented Max Rehkopf, a gear expert at Tahoe outdoor shop , after sampling the Pass in powder, variable crud, and steeps. Shop tech Anthony Santos agreed, calling it 鈥渁 fantastic one-split quiver.鈥� He applauded the Pass鈥檚 agility in tighter trees鈥攚hat he attributed to the 158鈥檚 7.8-meter sidecut and snappy flex. 鈥淭o jump on a deck first run and feel like I鈥檝e been riding it all season speaks to its design and approach toward effortless riding.鈥�

Male testers only had a single complaint: they noted the balance point of the touring bracket was a touch forward, leading to nose dives on kick turns. However, female testers of the shorter 149-centimeter length offered more critiques. 鈥淭he torsional flex felt soft and flimsy between the bindings. It didn鈥檛 love high speeds, and cliff drops felt sketchy,鈥� voiced a Tahoe freerider, although she appreciated the maneuverability of the shorter-radius sidecut in tight trees.

Overall, the Season Pass is a pliable, maneuverable, quiver-killing split that comes with skins and takes the guesswork out of what to ride.

How to Choose a Splitboard

Buying a crappy resort board can result in eternal mediocrity. Buying a crappy split can leave you stranded deep in the backcountry. Here are six tips to keep in mind.

Buy, Don鈥檛 Build

The DIY split kits that slowly sparked the split revolution are still cheaper than splitboards these days鈥攂ut not by much. A purpose-built split with inner edges and a split-specific flex pattern will ride better and last longer than epoxied counterparts. Buy used before you DIY. Or, go the DIY route for fun at your own peril, knowing that you may end up with a garbage product and need to buy a new split anyway.

Budget for Bindings

Split bindings are arguably more critical to your enjoyment than a splitboard. Bindings are the glue that keeps your splitboard together and allows you to transition between touring and riding modes. The saying 鈥渁 barn door rides well in powder鈥� is true: any modern split will perform decently in excellent conditions, as long as it鈥檚 sized appropriately (more on that below) and you ride with speed. Old, raggedy bindings, on the other hand, will break down and leave you with nothing but expletives to keep you warm as night falls. Opt for a reputable brand with a proven interface.

Quiver Questions

A decade ago, a split quiver was unthinkable for all but a few. As the sport has boomed, riders have expanded their minds鈥攁nd their board rack鈥攁cquiring different splits for different conditions and objectives. Nothing feels better than waking up to a powder day, plucking the right board from the rack, and cruising to the trailhead. But that鈥檚 not a reality for most splitboarders, especially newcomers.

If you鈥檙e new to the game, start with a quiver-killer. It鈥檚 more important to have a split that can handle everything decently than one that excels at a specific riding style or terrain type. Don鈥檛 start thinking about expansion until you fall in love with the sport and put your time in on the skin track for a season or two. A carbon gun for mach-10 turns in Alaska? Sounds good. A short-fat twin for popping buttery 180s in BC pillow lines? Why not! These boards are fun additions, but they鈥檙e not what you want when you鈥檙e just starting out.

Size Smart

Size your main split as you would a freeride board that you expect to take in powder. If you size too small, you鈥檒l lose precious float. Size too big, and you鈥檒l lose maneuverability. If you鈥檙e using weight to inform your sizing decisions, remember that you鈥檒l always be wearing a backpack loaded with avalanche safety gear, water, and skins. Don鈥檛 make it harder than it needs to be. When in doubt, size up a touch. That said, always pay attention to manufacturer recommendations.

Shop for Skins Simultaneously

Many board companies sell skins as an add-on. If they do, jump on it, as the skins will likely be pre-cut to fit your specific board. They can cost a little more than aftermarket options, but they鈥檒l save you a headache and ensure the fit is solid鈥攐r at least close to solid. If you aren鈥檛 able to find a set of skins ready-made for your specific splitboard, pay close attention to skin width, length, and tail-clip style when you鈥檙e on the hunt. Make sure the width of your split is less than the width of the skins. Trim-to-fit skins generally work for a range of sizes. If you鈥檙e in between sizes, size down for a lighter skin or up for more grip.

Get Educated

After buying your split and before you put it to use, hop on your computer, search for local avalanche classes, and sign up. Do it. Just do it. If you鈥檙e itching to put your split to the test before you have taken an avalanche safety course, check your local resort: many resorts have uphill travel policies that enable skiers and splitters to tour up maintained, groomed trails. This is a perfect setting to practice your skinning technique and to get a feel for setting up and using your gear without venturing into avalanche terrain.

Additionally, many guiding ops offer one-day 101 classes that will introduce you to avalanche safety basics and touring gear. They鈥檙e a helpful stepping stone if you鈥檙e intimidated at the thought of jumping straight into an Avalanche Level 1 course.

How We Test

• Number of testers: 18
• Number of splitboards tested: 19
• Passport stamps collected: Norway, Japan, Sweden, Italy
• States where we tested: California, Nevada, Utah, Washington
• Hardbooters: Three
• Coldest night of testing: A negative 20-degree hut trip in Swedish Lapland
• Longest mission: A 10-day point-to-point winter camping expedition in Finnmark, Norway, with
• Deepest powder: A couple of thigh-deep days in Hokkaido with aptly named
  Pillows smashed: Countless
• Biggest core shot: 6 inches long

The bulk of our splitboard testing this past winter took place during a marathon of board analysis at in March 2024. A lesser-known gem perched just above stunning Lake Tahoe, the modest mountain is community-owned, virtually free of lift lines, and provides excellent access to in-bounds freeride and sidecountry terrain, making it a primo location to get testers on backcountry gear.

The core of our test crew was from the surrounding area, but testers also traveled in from across the mountain West. We pushed splits in-bounds with the help of chairlifts, charging mach-10 through chop, variable crusts, and mank trees, floating through powdered gullies, and popping off lips, cliffs, and side hits. We also exited the resort through the gate located at the top of Crystal and explored the sidecountry, including mellow glades, dreamy tubes, and playful rock gardens.

While Diamond Peak was the primary backdrop for our splitboard testing, we also value long-term testing. This is particularly important when it comes to touring gear, because the backcountry is notoriously ruthless on equipment, and the last thing we want is to be deep in the wilderness with shoddy gear. As such, we assessed the strengths, weaknesses, and longevity of boards, boots, bindings, and backcountry accessories over the months leading up to the test and in the months that followed. In fact, some of the gear you鈥檒l find below we actually have been testing for two seasons, allowing us to better gauge durability and longevity.

Long story short? Testers put splitboard gear to the test on the skin track, both at Diamond Peak, at home in Tahoe and across North America, and further afield in Sweden, Norway, and Japan. Once the snow melted, I鈥攐ur test director鈥攃ataloged detailed test forms filled out in the wake of these adventures and compiled the reviews below.

Meet Our Testers

Drew Zieff

Zieff is a Tahoe-based freelance writer and a lifelong snowboarder. In addition to directing 国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 snowboard test, a role he鈥檚 handled since 2016, he directs Backcountry Magazine鈥檚 splitboard coverage and nerds out on snowboard gear and travel for REI, Gear Junkie, and Forbes, among others. He spends his winters testing gear in his backyard backcountry zones or up at Palisades when he鈥檚 not chasing stories and storms around the globe.

Anna Doucette

is a lifelong snowboarder who鈥檚 been a member of the American Association of Snowboard Instructors for two decades. All of that instructing experience translates to the backcountry, where her shred fundamentals and group management skills are as strong as they come. She鈥檚 also spent so many years articulating difficult-to-grasp movements to aspiring riders and fellow instructors that she鈥檚 a natural and extremely articulate gear reviewer.

Andrew Allisandratos

A second-year tester who鈥檚 called Tahoe home for the last decade, is a splitboard guide for local outfit . A welcome addition to our test team, he鈥檚 equally happy hammering bell-to-bell resort laps on splits and trying to find their breaking point, or leading a tester squad on a sidecountry excursion.

Jenna Shlachter

Truckee鈥檚 own Jenna Shlachter is as brilliant on the hill as she is off it鈥搘hich is saying something, she鈥檚 a Doctor of Psychology, after all. When she鈥檚 not on the clock, she鈥檚 usually on her snowboard, ripping everything from park to backcountry barrels. Her trophy shelf needs regular reinforcement, as every year she seems to add banked slalom trophies to her already impressive collection. Lucky for us, Shlachter is also an unabashed snowboard nerd, and she鈥檚 been a key contributor to our snowboard test for the last few seasons.

Chris Cloyd

The only thing more eclectic than Chris Cloyd鈥檚 riding style is his resume. A former touring musician, former personal trainer, and still-holding-on endurance athlete who lives in June Lake, CA, Chris Cloyd spends his winters splitboard guiding, teaching AIARE courses, and handling radministrative duties for . In his free time, you can find him crushing couloirs deep in the Eastern Sierras. A fan of strong coffee and heavy metal who often combines the two on his way to shred, Cloyd is not remotely gentle on his gear鈥攈e lives to thrash.

The post The Best Splitboards of 2025 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Violet 鈥淣ena鈥� Kelty was born in 1922. It was the end of World War I. Something called 鈥渏azz鈥� was playing its first few notes. Americans debated whether to teach Charles Darwin鈥檚 theory of natural selection in schools. Over the next century, Nena, along with her husband helped shape a revolution in backpacking gear and had a pretty wild ride along the way. We sat down with Nena Kelty to look back at biggest moments of her life.

As told to Kelly Bastone

I knew nothing about backpacking [as a child.] I was born in England, and not a lot of people were doing that kind of hiking there. But I was very athletic, and . England had so many outdoor swimming pools. When I was 16, I saw that a water show wanted girl dancers who could swim well. And I thought, that鈥檚 me! Without telling anybody, I went into London from Wimbledon, where we lived, for the audition. We performed at outdoor swimming pools, and whenever they had a little pause in the show or an interlude, I鈥檇 do a solo dance for distraction.

During [World War II], dad said, I鈥檓 going to form an act. I was 16. My brother was 15. I could dance and play the piano. Uncle could play the guitar. He figured out a 15-minute act with my brother and me. We worked continuously through the war, with ENSO鈥攖he Entertainment National Services Organization. Until one month, when Germany was getting very close to where we were on the border with Belgium, we tried to get across the [English] Channel but couldn鈥檛 because everyone was too busy getting ready for Germany. We found a fisherman and got in his boat.

During the war, Dick was stationed in Blackpool, which had a huge theater with a cinema, restaurant, ballroom鈥攅verything under one roof. We had a [performing] contract there, and my parents had rented a house. Dick was the liaison between the Lockheed [Martin] base in Ireland and Wharton RAF base in Blackpool. I was sharing a dressing room with three girl dancers, and to get out of their way, I would and a cup of tea. One night an American asked me if I could do him a favor. He said, 鈥淚 met this very nice girl in the show named Margot. Could you take a note to her?鈥� I said sure. That鈥檚 how I met Dick.

We got to know each other, and one day, he asked me out for a rum coke鈥攈at was the new drink. He was good-looking and very friendly. He came [to the show] one night and I got on the stage and there he is in the front row! We stayed in touch by writing letters.

After the war, and after working for Lockheed in Ireland, he moved back to California. We got married [in 1946] and Dick built our house. But he was longing to go up into the Sierra. Dick was an avid backpacker ever since he was a little boy.

He found an old Boy Scout backpack and took it for a hike and was absolutely miserable with the quality of the backpack. A lot of people back then had Boy Scout gear, and it was very uncomfortable. Backpacks actually had wooden frames. But at Lockheed, he was exposed to lightweight materials, such as aluminum and nylon, which were new. I had a sewing machine. So both of us, in our spare time, set about making a backpack.

Dick was a very good designer. Everything we saw, he鈥檇 see how it could be better. He had a good brain for problem-solving. Dick was working as a carpenter, and he was gone all day. But I could see the improvements he was making, and he needed help. I learned to sew in elementary school, so I helped. But I think my encouragement was just as important as anything else.

We learned that you couldn鈥檛 just cut nylon with scissors, or it would fray. You had to cut it with a hot knife so it would seal itself. Dick visited factories that made things using nylon fabric, which nobody knew too much about, to find out what the problems were.

We also needed someone to weld aluminum frames. Aluminum is not like other metals; it takes a special technique. Dick knew a man who worked for Lockheed and he would come and weld the frames in the garage.

Finally, we had made a model in each size, Small, Medium and Large. One day, I got a call from a doctor in Pasadena who had read an article that the Sierra Club had written about our packs. He came and bought all three, and when Dick got home and found out that I had sold our whole inventory, there was shock on his face. He was in awe that somebody liked these packs.

It was a very personal business. Some of [our customers] came to our house to try the packs on. Dick鈥檚 old school friends were into backpacking too, and they were more than eager to wear his packs and tell him what they didn鈥檛 like. That鈥檚 how we changed the weight from the shoulders to the waist: [One of Dick鈥檚 friends] wore our pack and said, 鈥淢y shoulders were killing me until I stuck the pack [frame ends] into my back pocket and I didn鈥檛 feel the weight. It was a miracle!鈥� Dick thought, we could put a belt on the backpack.

I had three children at that time, so I wasn鈥檛 able to go backpacking at first. But later I went with Dick. I was always athletic, and I enjoyed it. Around that same time, food became easier to take on a backpacking trip: Suddenly there was dried food that had not been available before.

Soon we needed more than one person at the sewing machine. We moved into a proper factory, on Victory Boulevard in Glendale. Dick no longer needed me, because all I was doing was sewing. That鈥檚 when I started to step away from the business, and it just got bigger and bigger.

I don鈥檛 know how the word got out. Dick never wanted to advertise, but the Sierra Club really liked our packs and wrote glowing articles. Movie stars were wearing our packs, and firemen.

Dick did not enjoy the constant responsibility of everything. He knew that he didn鈥檛 want to be a big businessman. He really was a very good designer; he had that eye that knew what an item needed. But he was no Henry Ford. [Kelty sold the business in 1972. Today, Dick and Nena both have Kelty backpacks named after them.]

Backpacking was a very central part of our lives. Richard [Kelty, the couple鈥檚 oldest child] loves to go. And we all go every September, and spend a few days together as a family, in memory of their dad [Dick died in 2004]. His ashes were scattered outside of Yosemite. Many of our equipment testers hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, and they were so grateful to Dick for making this pack, because there wasn鈥檛 anything like it on the market.

The post Nena Kelty, Godmother of the Modern Backpack, Looks Back on a Century of 国产吃瓜黑料 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.