Nothing ruins a good hike faster than blisters forming on mile three of a twelve-mile trek. I learned that the hard way on a backpacking trip in the Smokies, limping the last five miles because my socks turned my heels into raw hamburger. That experience sent me down a rabbit hole researching the best liner […]

I'll be honest with you: the best parkas for extreme cold aren't the ones with the loudest marketing. After testing 8 top contenders across a Vermont winter (where temperatures dropped to -22F), a 4-day work shift in a cold-storage facility, and a quick weekend trip to Mount Washington, our team has a clear view of […]

When the temperature drops below freezing and the wind cuts through every layer you own, your shelter can mean the difference between a good night and a miserable one. I have spent the last three winters testing bivy sacks in conditions ranging from wet Pacific Northwest snow to dry sub-zero alpine ridges, and I can […]

When the temperature drops and the wind cuts through your jacket collar, a quality neck warmer becomes the difference between a good day outdoors and a miserable one. Our team spent three months testing the best neck warmers for winter across skiing trips, early morning hikes, and freezing commutes to bring you this guide. That […]

I spent three months testing merino wool beanies through cold morning hikes, windy commutes, and multi-day camping trips to find out which ones actually deliver on warmth without the itch. The best merino wool beanies should keep your head warm in freezing temperatures, wick sweat during active use, and resist odors even after days of […]