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Every outdoor situation demands a slightly different layering system, but with these three puffies and three shells, you can pretty much do it all
Our Minnesotan travel writer spent a year looking for good snow boots. She finally found them.
This winter, staying warm and cozy may be more important than ever. Here are a few of our favorite outdoor pieces for doing just that.
The Selk'bag is here to help you survive a pandemic winter
He's put this gear through its paces, and now it's on sale
Stay warm and get outside more during these colder months with smart gear picks
It's not as simple as you may think
Getting off the ground makes you feel like you're lying in an actual bed
The Nano Puff is a classic jacket that is super versatile, warm, and looks good with any outfit. Its ripstop shell is built with 100 percent recycled polyester and it’s stuffed with 60-gram Primaloft Gold Eco insulation. Plus, it packs down into its own chest pocket for easy transport.
Coats for every adventure, from sunny singletrack to frigid summits
Keep your hands toasty in below-freezing temps
A handful of big insulation brands are suddenly raising the bar for premium down. What changed?
I've tested hundreds of them. These are the best daily drivers.
PrimaLoft and Sitka have collaborated to make the material more reliable
From camp grounds to house blends, these brewers can handle anything
This magic fiber has been keeping humans warm for a very long time
Musher Blair Braverman tested 20 gloves and mittens head to head to find the warmest handwear that fits in your pocket
From wind-resistant undies to traction devices, build a kit to brave the cold this season
Challenge winter's chill with these insulated jackets
These vacuum-insulated containers will keep your soup warm again and again this winter
It's a vessel. It's a koozie. It's perfect.
20 pieces we'll be using on the mountain this winter
This hoodie takes synthetic insulation to a new level with Marmot’s Thinsulate Featherless insulation. The loose fill is quilted into small compartments to keep it from shifting and matches the performance of 700-fill-power down. But unlike down, this jacket will still keep you warm if it gets wet.
Powered equipment to stave off the cold
Because you don’t want to be huddled in the lodge while fresh snow is falling
He's tested them, and now they're very on sale
Fight Turkey Day couch lock with these secret weapons
We drove to Mexico and filled our thermoses with margaritas (for gear testing)
The trick to staying the right temperature this time of year? Bring smart options.
We included this vest in our list of the best men’s running gear in our 2020 Winter Buyer’s Guide. The vest is coated with a water-repellent finish, wind-resistant, and has reflective detailing to increase your visibility at night (or during early winter mornings). “It’s perfect for days when you…
Hydro Flask's mountain bike packs are designed to keep water cold for up to four hours
Rated for arctic conditions, here’s how it holds up in frigid work environs
Swaddle yourself in light-weight, breathable warmth
The synthetic insulation in the Ventrix is made to be active, with gill-like vents cut into the underarms to dump heat. The soft face fabric glides easily under your shell for perfect layering when the weather turns. We included this jacket as one of our favorite splurge items.
The Terrex Agravic Alpha was our top choice jacket for “going aerobic” in our 2018 Winter Buyer’s Guide. “I can’t imagine next winter without it,” said one tester. The superlight shell is thin and breathable, but has a layer of Polartec Alpha insulation on the chest area that lends…
By focusing on breathability, Polartec Alpha works when you’re moving, too
The North Face’s ThermoBall synthetic insulation came out in 2013 after years of design and quality testing. After we got our hands on it, we realized the insulation will hold warmth even when (a little) wet, is lightweight, and is packable enough to stuff into the jacket’s own pocket.
In 2015, we highlighted Cotopaxi as a brand to feel good about because of their humanitarian efforts and we specifically liked the Pacaya Insulated Jacket. It still has all the features we loved (durable, water-repellent nylon and underarm stretch panels), along with added improvements like the Polartec Alpha insulation.
The Azura and its new synthetic insulation piqued our interest when it debuted earlier this year. “The prospect of a sleeping bag that offers the versatility of synthetic insulation without completely sacrificing on weight and bulk seems like a win in my book,” our editor wrote.
While the Illuminate might not be a top choice to withstand repeated rubbing against rock, it is perfect for keeping warm while camping or hiking. Bonus: it packs into its own pocket to make a comfortable camping pillow with a soft-brushed tricot covering.
The Air Core Insulated sleeping pad offers a 4.1 R-value, with a comfort range down to 15 degrees. Complete with a ripstop nylon outer and stuffed with a thin layer of PrimaLoft insulation, it’s a durable multi-season pad for those chilly nights under the stars.
An ideal quilt for summer and fall in the Mountain West
Because you shouldn't have to go without your morning kick in the pants, no matter where you are
The best ones hit all the notes of lightweight, portability, and (relative) durability
Made with 700-fill recycled down throughout the entire vest, the Origins keeps your core toasty without restricting your arms. We reviewed six vests in this year’s Winter Buyer’s Guide and this one stood out for its water-resistant hood, which provides face and ear protection. Plus, the vest packs into…
When reviewing this jacket, our tester wrote: “If I could only have one insulation piece for the rest of my life, this would be it.” The Crowe’s Polartec Power Fill insulation is warm yet breathable and the ripstop fabric is water- and wind-resistant. Plus, the insulation is made from…
After several months and thousands of miles, Outside's Taylor Gee knows what works and what doesn't
Stay comfortable on the trail, whether you're out for two days or ten
Any brew worth drinking deserves more than crappy single-use plastic, so we stuck to reusable vessels
For supreme durability and warmth, grab one of these
Our favorite puffies and shells for men and women, whether you’re riding lifts or out for a tour
Understanding a few technical basics—and being honest about your needs—will help you pick one you'll love
The shirt jacket is an essential layer for anyone living in colder climates. Built from the same cut as Patagonia’s iconic Fjord flannel, this shacket ramps up the warmth level thanks to a thin layer of polyester on the inside. Of course, on the outside, it still looks like your…
Hestra has been making gloves since 1936 and they know what they’re doing— every single pair of their gloves are made in their own factories and they personally source all materials. The Army Leather Couloir is a classic sport glove that combines leather and a high tech polyester lining to…
These gloves were included in our 2018 Winter Buyer’s Guide. “Stylish warmth on a budget is the sell on these gloves, which are made of leather stuffed with 60-gram PrimaLoft insulation,” wrote editor Axie Navas.
We don't get the day off from school anymore, but warm clothes and a few accessories can still make storms fun
Higher-priced gear almost always performs better. But how much better? And is it worth the extra bills?
Two kids and one adult put the Finnish brand's new winter wear through its paces
Focus on fit, insulation, and fancy extras (or lack thereof)
There's little a warm cup of joe won't solve
