OZ OZsym
Edges that lock together stay together.
Gear
Gear
K2 Split Bean
Now you can tour with a fat pow board.
ThirtyTwo MTB
This splitboard-specific boot is ready to climb.
La Sportiva Vapor Float
When it gets deep, there’s no better rig.
Black Diamond Helio 105
These skis delivered a best-in-class ride.
Dynafit Dhauligiri
They can handle all conditions, top to bottom.
Black Crows Anima Freebird
We dug these hard-charging fat skis in the sidecountry.
Dynafit TLT 7 Performance
Walking is effortless with these futuristic boots.
G3 FINDr 94
We loved technical descents on these light-but-stable planks.
K2 Wayback 96
Don’t carry more weight than you have to.
DPS Wailer 106 Tour1/ Zelda 106 Tour1
It’s a true one-ski quiver.
La Sportiva Spectre 2.0/ Sparkle 2.0
This four-buckle boot is ultracustomizable.
Dalbello Lupo Carbon T.I.
The hardest-charging boot in our lineup actually has an incredible range of motion in walk mode.
Salomon MTN Explore
This boot charges as hard as it climbs.
Scarpa F1
We loved this anatomically shaped featherlight on long, gentle tours.
Kelty Redwing 50
Sometimes pure comfort trumps fancy features.
BCA Stash 30
This pack withstood everything from cliff drops to sharp ski edges.
Bergans of Norway Helium Pro 40
This pack carries a lot— but weighs little.
Cotopaxi Taboche 55L
Long hauls and big loads are this pack’s specialties.
Dakine Poacher RAS 26L
Keep your gear tight.
Primus Winter Gas
Press your light-duty canister stove into the shoulder season.
Exped Down Booty WB
A two-part booty system keeps feet warm and dry.
Adidas Outdoor Terrex X-King
Deep lugs make these the most mud-worthy running shoes we tested.
Salewa Vultur Vertical GTX
Boots this supportive shouldn’t be this comfortable.
LOWA Innox GTX Ice QC
These are the comfiest hikers we tested, thanks to a flexible sole and fleece lining.
Oboz Bridger 8” Insulated BDry
One of our favorite all-arounders gets winterized.
Vasque Snowburban Ultradry
These insulated hikers kept our toes warm on frigid peaks.
Mountain Standard Thermal Henley
This midweight top performs well above its price tag.
Arc’teryx Satoro AR Zip Neck shirt LS
Wear it all winter and still smell as good as you look.
ExOfficio TermA ¼ Zip
High-tech fabric delivers the year’s best warmth-to-weight ratio.
Halti Pinta Top and Pant
Technical performance meets luxe comfort.
MyPakage First Layer Pant Pro
An innovative pouch means ultimate comfort for dudes.
VOORMI ¾ Length Thermal II Bottoms
Special wool and a boot-friendly cut make these ski-ready in most conditions.
WoolX Merino Wool Tunic Top
This women’s pick pulls off flattering and functional.
Marmot Powertherm ½ Zip
This wool/synthetic blend works as a four-season midlayer.
Skhoop Supreme Gore Thermium Short Skirt
Who says you can’t wear a skirt in winter?
Patagonia Nano Puff Pants
Ounce for ounce, there’s no warmer option.
Stio Environ Pant
Women reached for these hardshells, thanks to the thoughtful tailoring and top-shelf breathability.
Outdoor Research Prusik Pant
These pants stand up to all conditions and activities.
Mammut Ultimate Alpine SO Hooded Jacket
Stay drier, longer in this highly protective shell.
Marmot Corsair
This versatile hybrid is airier than most softshells.
Ternua Yangra
Fight the chills in this warmer-than-it-looks softie.
White Sierra Glacier Point II
Get solid winter protection at a great price.
Adidas Terrex Fastr GTX Active Shell
This light and breathable shell is a true year-rounder.
REI Stormrealm
Get a full-featured, premium fabric winter shell for less than $300.
Brooks-Range Armor Jacket
This winter workhorse delivers uncommon comfort and protection.
Black Diamond Helio Alpine
This forcefield has the test’s best protection-to-weight ratio.
Montane Endurance Pro
Super-durable fabric makes this the go-to shell for the worst gear thrashers.
Columbia OutDry EX Diamond Snow Shell
Need burly, never-wets-out performance for punishing winter weather? This is your shell.
Mountain Hardwear Exposure Parka
Powder seekers will love this durable shell.
Sponsored By REI: Patagonia Nano Puff
Check out jsrashkin's author page.
Mishmi Takin Nimba
Smart features make this the bargain of the year.
Patagonia Stretch Nano Storm
The Nano-Air gets a weatherproof shell.
Big Agnes Shovelhead Hooded Jacket
A beloved puffy armors up.
RAB Alpha Direct Jacket
Here’s a new idea: nothing between you and your insulation.
Montane High Q Luxe Pro Pull-on
Smart features make this an all-day insulation piece.
Arc'teryx Proton LT Hoody
Stay cool on hard-charging trips.
Sponsored By REI: Mammut Wenaha
Check out jsrashkin's author page.
Starbucks VIA Ready Brew
The perfect backcountry cuppa maximizes convenience and taste.
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol
This multipurpose mat makes winter better.
Black Diamond First Light Hoody
If a puffy is the sum of all its parts, there’s no better insulated jacket.
Petzl LEOPARD FL
Lightweight crampons that actually pack small? It can’t be.
G3 Ion LT 12 Bindings
These brakeless bindings shed grams.
Black Diamond Helio Fixed Length Carbon Pole
Swing weight matters, which is why we love these featherlight poles.
QALO Rings
The wedding ring gets an adventure upgrade.
Mountain Hardwear StretchDown Jacket
Stretch your money and your arms with this new down puffy.
Outdoor Research Skyward Jacket & Bib
This softshell performs like a hardshell—or is it a hardshell that performs like a softshell?
Tecnica Zero G Guide Pro Boot
This super-stiff, aggressive boot is the lightest ever in its category.
Columbia Outdry EX Gloves
Sweaty hands are no match for these waterproof/breathable gloves.
Arc'teryx Procline Carbon Boot
It’s a one-boot quiver for alpinists.
Backpacker Editors' Choice Snow 2016
From skis to jackets to boots, these 12 products are the cream of the crop.
Altra Lone Peak 3.0 Neoshell Mid
Check out Aaron H. Bible's author page.
Mountain Laurel Designs 38L BURN
Check out Aaron H. Bible's author page.
GSI Outdoors Essential Travel Spoon
Spatula spoon
Under Armour Infil Hike GTX
Light and stiff hiker
Katadyn BeFree
Mini filter
Tailwind Endurance Fuel
Liquid Food
Omeals
Camp food
Sol Altitude Sunguard
Sun protection
Fjällräven Abisko Lite Trekking Trouser
Trail armor