2023 Winter Gear Guide
The latest
Archive
We had 28 testers check out 30+ pairs of bottoms for winter backcountry adventures. These ones rose above.
We spent all winter testing 50+ outer layers in the backcountry. These ones came out on top.
From insulated pants to no-nonsense bibs, we have the rugged bottoms you’re looking for right here
Our top picks feature flattering cuts, durable and weatherproof materials, and functional design choices (read, drop-seats that actually work)
These jackets are designed to weather any and all days at the resort
The year’s best women’s jackets are stylish and don’t mess around when it comes to weathering the cold
Six testers spent three months checking out the coolest new airbag tech to hit the market. Spoiler: it lives up to the hype.
These boots are the only ones you’ll need all winter long
This gear withstood over 10,000 vertical feet of climbing by some of the best in the sport
Having the proper equipment is the best way to stay prepared in an emergency—and to help you prevent one
These shelters will keep you warm and dry—no matter the weather
Shoes to get you moving down the trail—no matter the conditions
We found the most effective tools for getting great workouts in the comfort of your living room, basement or garage
Good news: there’s a new generation of super shoes that are cheaper, just as fun, and might be better suited for your running
We spent two months testing 25 tops and bottoms. These are the best.
We tested over 25 products to find the best pieces to help you brave the cold and dark more boldly this winter
We tested more than 70 items to find the most effective pieces to keep you warm and dry on the run this winter
We put in over 700 miles testing 70 pieces of running clothing. These are the best.
We took 20 shoes out on trails from our doorsteps to mountaintops. These 7 came out ahead.
We put 49 pairs through their paces. These 7 came out ahead.
It’s the little, forgettable things that make the difference between a good trip and a bad one
These snow-ready indulgences will revive you after a long day on the mountain
Seven testers took 45 pairs of sunglasses out into the world. These are the ones that came out on top.
Eight kiddos (and their parents) helped us suss out the best cold-weather apparel for little ones
From cranking on airplanes in New Mexico to working construction in freezing Alaskan conditions, this apparel held up to all our hardest tasks
From herding to hammering, this rough and tumble gear is just as capable as you
It all started with a marine store in Washington and a company called Showa
We can’t guarantee you’ll ride just like Barrett Christy, but this snowboard might get you a little bit closer
After record- and internet-breaking lift lines plagued resorts nationwide last winter, the splitboard has never looked sexier
From freestyle to freeride, these snowboards put fun first
We’ve never encountered a zero-degree puffy this light and packable
We spent two months testing 46 products. These are the best.
Over the course of last season, this touring shell impressed us with a combination of serious weight savings and surprising durability
We asked 58 testers to put 99 puffies through their paces. These are the best.
Nothing feels better than a bone-dry, ultra-cozy wardrobe change after a bone-chilling day on the slopes
Shopping responsibly isn’t easy. We asked an expert for help.
Ten testers checked out 50-plus baselayers to land on this list
From lightweight racers to all-day trekkers to deep-powder plowers, there’s something for everyone
Wintry parking lots and cumbersome ski gear have finally met their match
This lightweight, storm-resistant puffy earned an Editor’s Choice award. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
Introducing this year's crop of SKI Test category winners. Chances are, they'll be at the top of your list, too.
With this boot, advanced and expert skiers with a wider foot no longer have to sacrifice performance for fit
A high-performance boot for advanced skiers with narrow feet
This high performance ski boot is for those who refuse to sacrifice control for comfort
If you liked the Salomon S/Max, wait till you step into this new boot
We rallied 441 testers and 1,300 products across every category of winter gear. After more than 7,500 miles and 830,000 vertical feet, we landed on 500 pieces that stood out for skiing, snowboarding, running, climbing, hiking, and more.
These new alpine, hybrid, and touring bindings come packed with exciting new features
Finally, an Enforcer designed to adventure beyond the ropes
If you have your sights set on long backcountry tours even during low tide, this ski may be just the ticket
An ideal ski for beginners to gain confidence on hardpack and corduroy
A bomber all-mountain ski tailor-made for hard-chargers
This ski is one of the best in class when it comes to balancing performance and approachability
Don’t let the pretty top sheet fool you—this all-mountain tool means business, especially in the crud
No women’s powder ski list would be complete without this perennial favorite
A slight change in construction makes the new Kendo 88 more accessible and more fun
Looking for a jack-of-all-trades in the backcountry? Look no further
These skis let you bring the playfulness of your resort skiing to the backcountry
This wider all-mountain ski can cut through crud and carve up groomers
A ski for those who want an all-mountain ski, but don’t want to sacrifice the ability to carve
Testers once again designated the Enforcer 100 as the benchmark ski of the all-mountain category
This ski didn’t steal the show again this year, but you’d be hard pressed to find a better crud ski
This forgiving and energetic all-mountain ski is ideal for those looking to gain confidence off the groomed
If you gravitate towards quick and playful skis that can still hold their own when the going gets tough, check out this little number
A beer-league racing ski for those ex-racer types out there
A wide all-mountain ski for the more playful skiers out there
This year’s Most Improved award goes to this energetic and fun ski
If you’re looking for a a no-nonsense frontside ski that excels in crud, look no further
These traditional women's downhill ski boots are built for ladies who charge the resort
These playful planks were designed for skiers of the mountain west
These wide, rockered planks will help you milk those powder days for all their worth
Featuring a slim waist and lightweight construction, this backcountry ski is for those who need quick sticks to tackle big, technical terrain