What’s in a name? How much does changing the name of a body of water really matter?

These are the questions that irked U.S.-based cartographer Michael Hermann when President Donald Trump renamed the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America.” Hermann and his wife had been traveling throughout Mexico for years, and he became increasingly fascinated by the immense scope of the Gulf’s history.

While visiting Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula several years ago, Hermann — the founder of Purple Lizard Maps — had an ambitious idea. What if he tried to make a “story map” that visualized 10,000 years of the Gulf’s history, from ancient civilizations to modern oil extraction?

The idea crystallized when Trump changed the Gulf’s name on the first day he returned to the presidency. Hermann didn’t like how Trump depicted Mexico only as a place “filled with gangs and murderers and rapists.” He didn’t like Trump changing North America’s highest mountain from its Indigenous name (Denali) to Mt. McKinley.

Those actions fuel a “nationalistic narrative” with “all the overtones of white colonial power,” Hermann said this week. So Hermann launched a Kickstarter to fund his vision for a new map of the Gulf of Mexico.

“Maps tend to shape things like memory and meaning,” Hermann said. “They can tell stories, and this lets us tell a deeper story about the Gulf.”

An amazing history

Trump wasn’t content with just issuing an executive order changing the Gulf’s name. He has instructed federal agencies to ban or limit the phrase “Gulf of Mexico.” When the Associated Press (the country’s oldest news organization) continued using “Gulf of Mexico” in its stories, Trump banned AP reporters from the White House.

Amid all the rhetoric, however, it became clear to Hermann that few people really understood the uniqueness of the Gulf itself.

After all, it’s the place where a meteor struck the Earth 66 million years ago, killing all the dinosaurs. It’s where ancient civilizations like the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec developed for thousands of years in the lands that eventually became Mexico. The Gulf was critical to the arrival and expansion of colonial powers from Europe.

Then it became crucial to U.S. political power, and finally an international hub for extracting the oil — created from all those dead dinosaurs.

The whole story

His vision for the map includes not only markers, but also brief explanations of history and culture similar to iconic maps from National Geographic.

“People think of the Gulf from the traditional American perspective, like spending a week in Cabo,” Hermann said. “This will show the whole landscape, from the earth science and cultural side of it, as well as the modern day, with metrics of the oil and gas industry.”

It will also be printed. That may sound obvious for a map, but Hermann thinks that printing historically accurate maps is more important than ever. He pointed to the Trump administration, which has begun rewriting web pages of the National Park Service (NPS), one of several federal agencies charged with preserving U.S. history.

When Trump’s administration updated an NPS page devoted to the Underground Railroad this month, they removed a photo of Harriet Tubman and any mention of the word “slavery.” Hermann sees the same revisionist history in Trump’s name change.

“According to Google Maps’ official statement, if you’re in Mexico, it says Gulf of Mexico, and if you’re in the U.S., it says Gulf of America,” Hermann said. “So, where is the truth? We’re being fed different geographic names based on where we’re standing.”

‘Bye bye, traitor’

Despite the “political subtext” to his idea, Hermann maintains that his project is still just a map. But not everyone is stoked about it.

When Hermann promoted the Kickstarter through the email list for Purple Lizard, which mostly focuses on trail maps and outdoor recreation, it angered some of the company’s longtime fans. And when Hermann promoted the campaign on Facebook, he received lots of support — and also quite a bit of vitriol. One person called the project “an exhibition of pure stupidity,” while another labeled Purple Lizard a “liberal company that doesn’t want to sell” to conservatives.

“It’s the Gulf of America now, dips—t,” another user commented. “Your types aren’t wanted in America anymore. 77 million Americans said so. Bye bye, traitor.”

For Hermann, the pushback is more interesting than worrisome.

“The idea of this map is threatening to certain people in the population, and I find that fascinating,” he said. “When we did a map of Shenandoah National Park, we never got pushback about what we were doing. Nobody came at us with obscenities.”

Project's uncertain future

Ultimately, Hermann doesn’t know if the Kickstarter will get funded. He still has 23 days to go, but only about $12,000 of his $65,000 goal. It’s the kind of project that could normally get funded through academic institutions. But with Trump punishing universities that don’t agree with him, that option doesn’t seem viable, Hermann said.

Moreover, Trump’s name changes aren’t likely to end with the Gulf of Mexico and Denali. In his initial executive order, Trump mentioned the 250th anniversary of the U.S. in 2026 as another opportunity for “restoring names that honor American greatness.”

For Hermann, Trump’s insistence on renaming geographies has a “symbolic power” that “sets the stage for a distorted truth."

“Purple Lizard Maps doesn’t have the ability to fight for due process, or for international students having their green cards revoked just because they’re international students,” Hermann said. “Making a map is something we can do. For many people, this seems unimportant compared to other things. But we’re cartographers. This is what we do.”

Early-bird pricing for Purple Lizard’s Gulf of Mexico map starts at $29.

This article first appeared on GearJunkie.

As I pulled into a Buc-ee’s gas station here in Georgia last week, it was impossible to ignore the huge sign planted at the corner: “Tariffs are a tax paid at the pump by you, the consumer.”

Like most of us here in the Land of the Free, I’ve been hearing lots of anxiety lately over President Trump’s tariffs. That’s not a word many Americans hear in their day-to-day life, but they are essentially taxes (also called duties) placed on imported goods. Trump has significantly increased tariffs on many overseas products, especially those from China, Japan, and Europe.

Like many Americans, that’s not something that I was expecting to actually impact my life. But then I got a $58.50 bill in the mail from FedEx to pay “additional tariffs” on some high-tech, Chinese-made glasses I was planning to review for GearJunkie.

With Trump now implementing even more tariffs — 10% on all countries and higher rates for China, Japan, and Europe — many Americans may end up with a surprise bill for online purchases.

Let me explain.

Careful what you order

GearJunkie editors constantly receive new gear for testing, so I barely thought about the pair of AI-powered cycling glasses that a Chinese company decided to send me. But then I received a phone call and email from FedEx asking me to clarify details about the shipment to get it past U.S. Customs officials.

A few days after that, I received the package with the glasses, followed by a bill in the mail from FedEx. They want me to pay $58.50 for the total duties associated with the shipment. It shocked me, as I’ve never received a bill like this.

Apparently, I’m not the only one. Other Americans across the country are receiving similar bills from delivery services like FedEx, DHL, and UPS, Reuters reported.

Surprised and a little agitated, I called the number for FedEx customer support. The line initially offers phone assistance and then informs you that it’s no longer available and you’ll need to use email.

When I heard back from FedEx via email, they explained that the Chinese company had indicated that the package’s recipient (me) would pay the additional taxes. That means FedEx must pay those taxes to get the package through Customs.

So to recap: the company passed on the burden of the tariff to FedEx, which then passed it on to me. Notably, FedEx did not answer my other question: What are the consequences if I don’t pay the tax?

But this episode also raises an even more important question: If foreign companies can simply choose to pass these taxes onto consumers, how will Trump’s tariffs actually hold them accountable instead of Americans?

I’m fairly certain the answer to those questions is the same. Nobody really knows.

This article first appeared on GearJunkie.

The Garmin company, which makes InReach satellite devices, has released its annual report on how people got into trouble over the past 12 months.

While most incidents occurred in the United States, off-grid users signaled for help worldwide. The company created a map showing the global distribution of SOS calls.

The breakdown

Most people who triggered emergency calls were hiking or backpacking. Driving and motorcycling were the next most common categories. Other activities included rafting, mountain biking, and skiing.

Injury was the most common cause of emergency calls, followed by vehicle issues and medical incidents. A significant percentage came from stranded and lost individuals. But major wildfires ravaged the outdoors in 2024 and endangered a growing minority of users.

In July, for example, two backpackers used their InReach to signal for help when a wildfire trapped them in Alberta's Jasper National Park. As wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense, this category will grow.

Most callers sent a distress signal for themselves or their group, but concerned bystanders also made a fair number of calls.

About one in ten callers were able to rescue themselves. But for those who didn't, the most common emergency response was by helicopter, followed by ambulances. Reflecting the increase in wildfire calls, the percentage of fire-related responses also went up.

More SOS calls were placed in 2024 than in any previous year. This doesn't necessarily mean more people had emergencies. It may reflect that more outdoor people now carry satellite devices. Note the absence of SOS calls in countries like India, where InReach devices are illegal.

BY JUSTIN MOCK

“Detained at [a] police station most of yesterday til 2 am. Out on bail (!!!!),” Tina Lewis messaged to me on December 6, 2024. “I’m too f$%&ing tired to explain right now,” she said.

I didn’t know what she was accused of and was a little worried. She confirmed that she was okay.

“This is surreal,” the messages and anger kept coming, that day and the next several.

It took Lewis six days to get her passport back. Her violation? Possessing a satellite GPS device without permission from Indian authorities.

A Canadian citizen, Lewis, aged 51, lives in Colorado and was the 2012 Leadville 100 Mile winner. An experienced adventurer, she’d been traveling alone through India for two months and documenting her trip on social media.

At first, she visited the Taj Mahal, proclaiming it was “the moment I’ve dreamed of for years! Another 7 Wonders of the World added to my list!” She then got off the beaten path and into the mountains of Northern India, and later posts were positive too. “Feeling like a princess at the opulent City Palace, Jaipur, Rajasthan,” she smiled on one post.

Trouble in Goa

Then she went to Goa, a coastal state in Western India. Everything was great there, too. She enjoyed the beaches, reggae vibes, and Portuguese influences. But while traveling between the cities of Goa and Kochi, she was detained at Goa Dabolim International Airport.

Lewis had a Garmin inReach Mini in her carry-on baggage.

The incident made the local news.

And a post on the local news channel’s social media received over 2,000 likes. The comments were largely in support of Lewis.

Garmin describes its product as “your go-to connection for maintaining off-the-grid contact. It’s our palm-sized satellite communicator for adventures where size and weight matter. Need assistance? Send interactive SOS alerts anytime, globally. No matter where you are, two-way messaging lets you connect to the ones who matter.”

Lewis explained, “I had the Garmin for camping and trekking solo. And to use when no reception to check in with family to let them know I’m safe. As a solo female traveler, I think it’s wise.”

But the safety device landed Lewis in trouble. Satellite phones are illegal in India, banned as part of the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933. The Garmin inReach Mini and similar devices are commonly mistaken for satellite phones.

Several countries ban satphones

Whether for security concerns, including concerns that they can be tracked by military authorities, or the potential to interfere with government telecommunications, satellite phones are banned in some other countries too, like Cuba and North Korea. Iridium satellite phones, in particular, are not permitted in India and can land unwitting travelers in trouble.

Lewis isn’t the only one unaware of the law. Arrests appear to be a near-daily occurrence. A December 9 article shared that a Czech national was arrested at an airport for carrying a Garmin Edge 540 GPS. And on December 10, it was an American citizen with an actual satellite phone.

Lewis didn’t involve the Canadian embassy for fear that it would slow the process, and she didn’t actually go to jail. She benefited from a local connection that rushed a lawyer to her aid, in addition to the police-appointed lawyer.

“I was detained at the police station, being questioned and literally about to go the hospital for a medical exam before jail when my friend’s lawyer showed up,” she explained. “But I spent several full days in court.”

Thousands of dollars in fines and fees

She says she spent thousands in court fines and lawyer fees, and of course forfeited the Garmin device.

Having just gotten back her passport, Lewis reflected, “I’ve taken a few days to process and I don’t want this ruining my trip.”

But the six-day event left Lewis frightened, discouraged, and feeling violated. It’s a bad spot on an otherwise great trip and a genuine appreciation for India.

“This outdated law needs to be challenged at [a] higher court so other travelers do not experience what I, and others, have,” Lewis shared on social media.

In the meantime, perhaps an upside to Lewis’s situation can be education for those of us who are taking our adventures to new-to-us locations where the use of advanced communication tools like these is not yet legal. The best advice is to check your home government’s website for information and advisories about satellite device rules in the country you'll be visiting.

This article first appeared on iRunFar.

BY WILL BRENDZA

Starlink released its latest, smallest, and most portable internet terminal yet in U.S. markets this week, the Starlink Mini. Now, backpackers, river rats, world travelers, and anyone else who lives out of a pack can access Wi-Fi anywhere. The satellite internet provider also released a new internet plan with the Mini called Roam. Both are add-ons for existing Residential plans.

The portable dish measures 11.75 x 10.2 x 1.45 in. — slightly larger than a standard laptop. And at just over 2.5 pounds, it weighs about as much as one.

Starlink described the Mini as a “compact, portable kit that can easily fit in a backpack, designed to provide high-speed, low-latency internet on the go.”

Starlink Mini Roam: Wi-Fi where it’s never gone before

At $600, the Mini is $100 more than Starlink’s Residential units. Adding the Mini Roam service to an existing Residential plan will cost an additional $30 per month (on top of the $160 per month Residential plan).

Users get 50 GB of data monthly with the Roam plan and can purchase additional data for $1 per GB. You can’t get the Mini or Roam plan without an existing Residential plan — at least, not yet.

With the purchase of a Mini, customers get the terminal, a kickstand, gen-3 router, Starlink cable, AC cable, and power supply unit. According to the website, billing for the Roam service is paid in one-month increments and can be canceled at any time.

It’s important to note that the Mini has no internal power, so you’ll need a power source. In a true backpacking scenario, the Mini with a power bank will only get you limited access to the internet.

According to The Verge, “the Mini kit consumes an average of just 20-40W…that means you can power the Mini dish for two to three hours from something like an Anker Prime 27,650mAh (99.54Wh) power bank, or a little over an hour with smaller 10,000mAh (40Wh) portable batteries you might already have laying about.”

According to Starlink, the Mini uses even less power than other Starlink terminals but still delivers over 100Mbps internet speeds. However, Starlink specifies that the Roam plan only provides this service “on land,” meaning it is not available for ocean use.

The Mini Roam setup instructions on the webpage only include two steps: Plug it in; Point at sky.

“I just set it up right now and am writing this post through space,” Starlink founder Elon Musk posted to X on June 16. “Took less than 5 mins. Easily carried in a backpack. This product will change the world.”

Regional rollout

While the Starlink Mini and Roam plan is new in the U.S., it is not new globally. Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Panama have all had access to this device and Mini Service or Mobile-Regional Service plans since earlier in 2024.

Starlink first became available in 2019 and has grown to become a global leader in providing internet to rural areas. Today, the brand claims to have over 3 million customers worldwide. It recently made headlines for introducing the internet to uncontacted tribes in the Amazon.

This article first appeared on GearJunkie.

Apple revealed enticing news for backcountry travelers at its annual Developers Conference this week: off-grid messaging in the upcoming iOS 18 release. This feature will let U.S. users with an iPhone 14 or later send and receive texts via iMessage and SMS without cell service or WiFi.

Apple's existing Emergency SOS via satellite feature already enables users of newer iPhones to message emergency services and share their location without WiFi or a cellular connection.

This new satellite texting feature will allow messages to be sent directly through the Messages app with iMessage features like emojis and end-to-end encryption. Texts to non-iPhone users will also go by satellite, via SMS.

Apple pioneered satellite connectivity in mainstream smartphones with the launch of the iPhone 14. Apple's development of specialized components, software, and algorithms has enabled iPhone 14 antennas to establish connections with satellites.

Photo: Apple

To enable satellite messaging, Apple relies on the Globalstar satellite network, which is a low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation of 24 satellites. Globalstar covers most of the planet, except the far north and south and parts of Asia and Africa.

This new Apple capability seems unlikely to cover those gap areas soon. However, SpaceX is due to replenish the Globalstar constellation in 2025, with Apple's backing, so this may change in the future.

Globalstar's coverage map for the SPOT messaging device. Note the gaps over most of India and northern Russia. Photo: Globalstar.com

What of InReach?

At present, off-grid adventurers have to rely on bespoke satellite messaging devices like the Garmin InReach Mini or the Motorola Defy. This new functionality from Apple would reduce the need for an additional device.

Like Apple's existing SOS functionality, satellite texting requires being in open areas with an unobstructed view of the sky. Natural barriers like trees and canyons can impede coverage.

Photo: Apple

In addition to messaging, iOS 18 proposes to enrich Apple Maps by adding numerous hiking trails across America's national parks. Users will be able to filter trails by length and elevation, personalize routes, access trails offline, and manage them within a new "Places Library."

Ahead of the official iOS 18 launch, a public beta will be accessible next month via the Apple Beta Software Program. Apple suggested future charges for satellite messaging services, yet specific pricing details remain under wraps. iPhone 14 and 15 users currently enjoy two free years of Emergency SOS via satellite.

There are no details on when or if Apple will expand this new feature beyond the United States.

The range of satellite communication devices for adventure travelers increasingly focuses on smartphone technology. Last year, Apple added satellite capabilities to the iPhone 14, and Qualcomm is readying its Snapdragon Satellite service.

Joining these, Motorola recently released the Motorola Defy Satellite Link. This palm-sized device pairs with an Android or iOS app via Bluetooth to allow two-way messaging and emergency calling capabilities. The Link is designed and manufactured by the Bullitt Group in the UK, who are known for producing the CAT and Land Rover tough phones.

Over the past few months, I tested the Defy Satellite Link to get to grips with the device's potential use in the backcountry. First, here's an overview of the key device features (full specification here) and how it works.

Key features and how the device works

• Two-way satellite messaging
• Location sharing
• SOS assistance
• Check-In and SOS function without phone connection
• Estimated up to 5 full days battery life (600 mAh)
• Waterproof (up to 1.5m for 30 minutes)
• 85 x 62 x 11. 2mm and 70g

The Defy Satellite Link pairs to a smartphone via Bluetooth, and connects to a network of satellites that are in a geostationary orbit around the equator. To send text messages when out of regular cell phone or Wi-Fi connection, you must tap into the Bullitt Satellite Messenger app (your phone will require iOS 14 or Android 11). It allows you to text, share a GPS location point, and send a distress call. When activated, the SOS function sends the user's location to Focus Point International. This organization then communicates via text with the user to assess the severity of the situation. If required, it alerts local emergency services.

There is no screen or keyboard on the device itself. Instead, all messaging capabilities (to a phone number, not email) rely on a connection to a smartphone and the use of the app. The device does have a physical "check in" button, which allows users to send their location as a text message, with accompanying latitude/longitude with a Google map location link. The app detects mobile connectivity status and sends and receives all messages via satellite when not in range.

Field performance

I tested the device in the British mountains, across locations in the Peak District National Park with limited or no cell phone coverage. The setup was fairly straightforward. The instructions guide you to download the app and register your phone. The app itself is fairly basic and intuitive, with the main interface displaying options to send a text message, send a check-in message (wording can be pre-customized) to your designated contact, and a tracking function. Tracking is not available for Defy users yet, and a launch date has not been announced.

Initial tests at home ran smoothly. The Defy locked on to a satellite connection (more on that later) in clear view of the sky, and I was able to send a message to multiple contacts, which were received. At this point, however, it is worth noting that the recipients were unable to reply directly to these messages via SMS.

On this, the Bullitt Group states: "For the foreseeable future the way that the service works is app-to-app. This is how the service was designed and will give users the best experience. Although recipient gets notification by SMS, they do need to download and use Bullitt Satellite Messenger to enter into a two-way conversation."

Drop-proof, waterproof

Out in the field, satellite connection was almost always seamless. On occasion, the signal was briefly lost or the initial connection required some patience. In our experience, this is not uncommon with other brand devices. Some early users in the United States have reported connection issues. For those in the northern hemisphere like me, orienting the device toward the south (where the satellite network is located), with a clear view of the sky, may help.

I hit no issues when sending text messages. These were sent and received within a few minutes (tick icons display delivery and read status). However, beyond the initial SMS, recipients did not receive notifications of further incoming messages via the app, which is a current design limitation.

Like many modern satellite communicators, the device is billed as durable and drop-proof. I dropped the device from standing height onto small rocky outcrops and continued to use it with no issues. The only concern, especially when kept in a well-stuffed backpack, is that the SOS button on the side of the device is uncovered. It would, however, take significant pressure to inadvertently deploy an SOS message.

Battery life

Battery life for the Defy is advertised as "up to 5 full days," although this will of course vary based on usage frequency. I found this is the case with intermittent use, but battery life will likely last around 2-4 days with heavier use.

By comparison, I recently used a Garmin InReach Mini 2 continuously for 10 days hiking in Greenland, with heavy tracking and message use. Plenty of juice remained at the end.

Users should note that a smartphone battery will take a hit with continual Bluetooth connection to the device, and with the app open in the background. However, most backcountry travelers should know to connect to the device only when necessary. Charging is straightforward via an enclosed USB-C port.

Coverage

Coverage for the Defy is live in Western and Central Europe and the United States, with roll out to other regions in the coming months. "This [the coverage map below] will be updated in the coming weeks though as we prepare for the rest of our North American coverage to go live. Next month, we will be bringing online most of the Canadian land mass and retailing in Canada," the Bullitt group told ExplorersWeb.

It is important to note that the Motorola Defy Satellite Link uses the Inmarsat and Echostar geostationary satellite networks. These groups of satellites revolve around the equator at an altitude of around 35,000km. This means that coverage for the Defy is limited to around 70 degrees of latitude both north and south. This rules out parts of Alaska and the polar regions.

Comparatively, the Iridium network (used in some other satellite communicators such as the Garmin InReach Mini), relies on satellites in a near-polar orbit at lower altitudes, which allows for near-global coverage. However, the Defy was designed more for everyday adventure, as opposed to expeditions at extreme latitudes.

Cost and subscriptions

The Motorola Defy Satellite Link is very competitively priced and currently retails for $149 in the United States (or £159 in the UK). This includes a 12-month "essential service" plan that covers up to 30 messages (sent or received) per month, as well as SOS assistance. There are various other 12-month subscription plans available, as well as a one-off, no-contract plan. The everyday plan includes up to 80 messages per month and should cover most users' needs ($9.99 per month).

The competition

Other obvious direct competitors include the Garmin InReach Mini 2 and the Zoleo satellite messenger. These do offer global coverage, some additional functionality such as navigation tools, and longer battery life. However, they cost more for the device itself (particularly the InReach Mini 2 - $399.99), and the basic subscription plans are more expensive. Apple iPhone 14 users already have a satellite messaging service, but this requires an outlay for an expensive iPhone.

Conclusion

The Motorola Defy Satellite Link offers a functional, compact, and durable tool for those wanting basic two-way satellite messaging and SOS assistance in the backcountry. The device is easy to set up and use and has a very competitive price. It will become more attractive to backcountry travelers when the teething issues (e.g. lack of recipient notifications) are ironed out. It may be worth waiting for a few months after it launches in your region to confirm backcountry coverage.

I can count on one hand the number of times I've gone camping for the weekend. On the other hand, I've accumulated about four years in a tent in the Arctic, usually on six- to eight-week expeditions.

So admittedly for me, a tent is different than it is for most campers. When you live in something for weeks at a time, it has to be both secure and feel a little like home. Some extra weight is worth the roominess, for example, so you don't feel like you're crawling into a doghouse for two months.

Most of the time, I've used high-quality mountaineering dome tents, so I know their pros and cons well. Their head clearance is particularly good for tall people. Most are hexagonal-shaped, and the side corners are ideal real estate for personal gear. Because they're freestanding, often you don't need to stake them down like Gulliver by the Lilliputians.

Dome tents have one main disadvantage, and that is wind. Although they're structurally stable when up, inserting the third and fourth poles, which give the dome its rigidity, is a wrestling match against forces that want to rip the half-finished tent from your hands and send it skirling away like a tumbleweed. Once started on such a trajectory, you will never, ever catch it.

Having to attach a separate fly doubles the time in which you are in real peril of losing your shelter or snapping a pole if a gust hits at the wrong time.

Chogori

Which is why I really appreciated the design of Nemo's Chogori mountaineering tent. First, the inner tent and outer fly are permanently attached to one another, with an air space between them. No fussing with a separate fly.

Second, you can insert all four poles in such a way that the tent lies flat until you're finished. No danger of blowing away during this most vulnerable time. Then you can quickly bend the poles into position, then clip the tent to them. In almost no time, the entire tent has its rigid structure. Now you can continue staking it down.

The Chogori feels like a modern version of a classic dome tent. It has all the advantages of a time-honored dome, but it's been rethought through a contemporary lens. This has eliminated many of the disadvantages of its predecessors.

Features

Some of the tent's many pros:

- Six interior mesh pockets, three on each side, plus two light pockets on the ceiling to diffuse the headlamp glow.

- Spacious. Some tents advertise themselves as being for three persons like freeze-dried meals cynically claim "Serves Two". The Chogori 3P actually fits three comfortably, though I would use it for two on winter expeditions when clothes and sleeping bags are extremely bulky. The Chogori also comes in a slightly smaller and lighter two-person version, the Chogori 2P.

- Lightweight. New materials have reduced the overall weight to just under four kilos, almost a kilo lighter than comparably large tents.

-  The fly incorporates a plastic window. This isn't a new feature -- my old dome has it too -- but it's a useful accessory. Typically, you won't see a lot through it, especially in cold weather, because the humidity from breath frosts it over from the inside. But the diffuse light is noticeable. Incidentally, the great polar ship Fram used a similar idea. Thick crystal wedges embedded in the top deck let natural light into the staterooms below.

- Expedition tents like this one are made for colder weather and can get unbearably hot when the sun beats on them. The Chogori does its best to minimize this with zippers on the ceiling and a little pop-up chimney on the exterior fly to vent the warm air.

The peculiar problem of cold

As someone who has often camped in temperatures closer to the cold of outer space than our typical cool winters can provide, I look at materials differently. At -15˚C, everything behaves pretty normally. At -40˚ or -50˚, they do not. The little plastic biners (there are five of them) that hold interlocking poles together depend on the flexibility of the plastic to detach the metal gate.

But in severe cold, most plastic loses its flexibility. Sometimes it breaks. Sometimes it just becomes rigid and immovable. Although you need to give these biners just a little squeeze to release the gate, I will add a couple of spare metal utility biners to my repair kit until I see how these plastic ones behave at -40˚.

Winds and dome tents

I have not yet used the Chogori in high winds, but other good mountaineering domes are cozy to about 50kph. Then they start to whump! up and down, as if breathing convulsively, as the wind gets underneath the tent and shakes it. The Chogori's convenient snow apron keeps mild breezes from sneaking under the fly and cooling off the inner tent, but would not hold out a determined wind.

At even higher winds, these convulsions of a dome trying to shake itself free of its moorings become even more noticeable. At 75kph, I once had to line the inside of my dome with heavy rocks to keep the tent down.

So on expeditions likely to be very windy, I reluctantly leave my dome behind and use a tunnel tent instead. Tunnels are far superior in crazy winds. That's why everyone uses them in Antarctica. They set up relatively easily in a gale, with no danger of blowing away. I've had a tunnel tent in winds up to 110kph, with no problem.

Drawbacks of tunnel tents

But tunnels have their own disadvantages. Because they aren't freestanding, solid anchors are a must even in calm conditions. Such anchors can be hard to come by in certain environments, such as soft sandy beaches or the mushy snow of late spring.

Tunnels are narrower than domes and don't have that corner real estate for personal gear stowage. With two big guys, only one can get into his bulky expedition sleeping bag at a time. There isn't enough room for both to do it at once. More coordination and less independent movement is required.

The other disadvantage comes up in a snowy blizzard when the wind shifts to a crosswind. The tunnel can handle the crosswind itself, but drifting snow accumulates on the windward side of the tent. This doesn't happen when the tent is oriented properly, nose or tail to the wind. But in crosswinds, the snow must be shoveled away every couple of hours, or it will engulf the tent completely.

My partner and I once had to dig for eight hours to excavate our tent and its many guylines after a two-day storm that turned the snow into concrete. On that occasion, we had originally gone to sleep in calm conditions and woke up with the storm upon us and no time to re-orient the tent.

No item of gear is perfect, no matter how excellent, which is why you need different designs for different situations. For those conditions allowing domes, the Chogori is now my go-to.

See Nemo Chogori 3P on Amazon

See Nemo Chogori 3P on Nemo Equipment

Although I've done many expeditions to both the North and South Poles, both as an independent traveler and a guide, every fresh trip brings up new gear ideas. There are also old, tried-and-true standards that I have used for years. As I begin the South Pole season, let's take a look at my gear. Today's last installment in the series: solar chargers.

One note: Proper gear is just one aspect of polar travel. Developing skills, planning and logistics, understanding the polar environment, and knowing how to minimize risk are all equally important. If you would like to fast-track your development as a polar traveler, consider hiring an IPGA guide.

Solar chargers

There are a lot of solar chargers on the market but few are suitable for polar expeditions.

Sunlight needs to pass through more air mass in the polar regions and is therefore less efficient. With direct sunlight, solar chargers work adequately for about two months on either side of the summer solstice. The further you are from the solstice, and the equator, the greater the chance of underperformance. That’s why we use solar chargers on South Pole expeditions, which take place in summer. They don't work well on North Pole expeditions, which are typically late winter-early spring.

Assuming you need to consistently charge or top-up a 20,000mAh power bank, you’ll need a minimum 21W solar charger to cater to the vagaries of your polar location. I have never needed anything more than the Anker Power Port 21W in Antarctica or across Greenland (May-June).

Often, the panels will even work inside the tent, which is super convenient. If you’re hungry for more, the Big Blue 3 28W is a good choice. They have two or three USB ports, will deliver a regulated charge to multiple devices under optimum conditions, and have charge interruption recovery. Be sure to use dummy USB plugs to keep snow out of any unused ports. My old iPhone 11 charged directly from my panel but I haven’t tried my 14 Pro yet. When in doubt, I use the power bank.

One of my pet peeves is over-engineering for the sake of having something look robust when it's actually not. Solar chargers with mechanical hinges and hard exteriors fail miserably. In my experience, the best solution is a foldable charger with cells surrounded by polyester canvas. Nothing breakable. Heavy-duty eyelets are needed to keep it connected to your sled/tent.

You can damage a frigid power bank if you try to charge it, so warm its battery first. Keep your power bank topped up at every opportunity and never allow it to drop below 20%, as it may not recover.

Although I've done many expeditions to both the North and South Poles, both as an independent traveler and a guide, every fresh trip brings up new gear ideas. There are also old, tried-and-true standards that I have used for years. As I begin the South Pole season, let's take a look at my gear. Today: electronics.

One note: Proper gear is just one aspect of polar travel. Developing skills, planning and logistics, understanding the polar environment, and knowing how to minimize risk are all equally important. If you would like to fast-track your development as a polar traveler, consider hiring an IPGA guide.

Batteries

There are two types of batteries recommended for cold-climate use: Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) and Lithium Polymer (Li-Po). Both are high density, which means lots of power in a relatively small package.

Li-Ion batteries use a liquid electrolyte and they can be prone to leaking and combustion. On the other hand, they have little memory loss and are cheaper (and more readily available) than Li-Po.

Li-Po batteries use a gel electrolyte so are much less likely to leak and can be manufactured in a multitude of profiles. But they’re more expensive and have a shorter lifespan.

Depending on the length of your trip and how power-hungry you are, you’ll recharge your power banks using solar or wind (I’ll chat about these later) or take multiple power banks. In 2011, I guided a team from the North Pole to Canada, and we uploaded a minute of footage almost daily for 40 days through a MacBook and Iridium modem. From memory, we carried 10 HyperJuice batteries (18v ) because it was still too early in the season for effective solar charging.

Check power bank specs before buying, as some deliver less than 80% of their stated power.

Things to consider:

• 20,000mAh is a good compromise of weight and capacity
• USB-C offers faster charging
• Dual output ports charge two things at once
• Pass-through charging (charge the power bank while it charges your device)
• A backup wireless power bank, if your phone supports it
• Only use quality braided cables; multi-heads might be convenient
• Protect batteries from moisture. I once destroyed a power bank knocking over a kettle in the tent.
• Only use lithium AA and AAA

Keeping batteries warm

Although electronics tolerate cold better than heat and lithium is (currently) best for polar use, any battery will perform better once warmed up.

For years, I used a Lumix DMC-FT6 camera because somehow, the battery worked at -40°C. No idea how. The optics were average but the magic battery allowed me to take photos even on very cold days. Now I prefer better optics, and I have a system for taking photos that works for me. I keep the battery of my Sony RX-100 in a pocket on my shell pants and slide it into the camera when I want a photo. This seems to be enough to operate in all temperatures.

Taking photos with a phone is common, but the risk to fingers in severe cold is obvious. Phone batteries (Li-Ion) are improving all the time, but you will need to keep it warm if you want to use it during the day.

There’s usually no need to keep your power bank warm while you travel though it will probably accept a solar charge more efficiently. Drone batteries are typically the most demanding. Keeping them next to a Nalgene filled with boiling water til you need them is a good option. Alternatively, stash them in an inner pocket, although that can be fiddly. Chemical hand warmers don't seem to work too well for this purpose.

A power bank delivers charge in most temperatures but will just do it more consistently when warm. In Antarctica, you’ll probably have enough solar radiation in the tent to keep the battery warm enough. If you need power quicker, use the hot bottle trick or hang the battery in a bag from the ceiling, preferably not above the stove!

For optimal charge overnight, sleep with your power bank while it charges your devices unless it’s being solar charged. That’s where it’s useful to have two banks and alternate them each night. I place my phone under my pillow while it charges overnight, using vibrate as my alarm.

Although I've done many expeditions to both the North and South Poles, both as an independent traveler and a guide, every fresh trip brings up new gear ideas. There are also old, tried-and-true standards that I have used for years. As I begin the South Pole season, let's take a look at my gear. Today: sled traces.

One note: Proper gear is just one aspect of polar travel. Developing skills, planning and logistics, understanding the polar environment, and knowing how to minimize risk are all equally important. If you would like to fast-track your development as a polar traveler, consider hiring an IPGA guide.

Traces

Traces are lines used to pull a sled. There are lots of different rigs. Here’s what we do.

First, the sled should have two connection points (tow loops) on either side at the front. These should be 6mm-8mm Spectra, static climbing rope, or double-braided yachting rope. We secure these with simple knots on the inside, bolstered if we are traveling on glaciers.

For Arctic Ocean expeditions, we use a V-trace system. Because the hauling rope can be useful for other purposes, we attach it to the tow loops with carabiners to make it removable. Here, the trace should be 10mm-12mm waterski rope, which doesn’t absorb water and floats.

The waist belt on your pulling harness should have integrated D-rings on either side, with a hauling loop connecting one to the other. There is no need for carabiners here. We use 6mm Spectra or climbing webbing for this line.

To relieve the tugging on our harness, we make a loop from an 8mm bungee cord. It connects the V and the harness with a carabiner or loop. We call it the Download.

The Download should run free on the harness loop so that your load is always equalized between both D-rings. Whether you pull forward or from the side, the pressure is always on both hips. Use keylock carabiners to avoid annoying snags when disconnecting from your trace. After all, it's behind you and you usually do it blindly. Always place double bends in your ropes for longevity when connecting to carabiners.

On rough sea ice, where there are so many obstacles, you don't want your sled too far behind you. It should follow your tracks as closely as possible. Just check that your ski tails don't touch the sled when you're fully stretched out. We place a knotted handle in the trace, which is convenient for manhandling your sled over pressure ridges.

Trace configuration options

I use a different trace configuration when traveling on long, flat snowfields.

On the sled, I attach a short rope from one tow loop to the other. It should reach over the nose of the sled, above. No need ever to remove this during the trip, just tie it in on both sides, carabiners not needed. Then tie a single line into the middle. It shouldn’t slip from this midpoint. This line can be varying lengths, from 2m to 4m on an icecap, 4m to 10m in crevassed terrain, and up to 20m if kiting. You can place knots along this rope, which could catch the edge of a crevasse in the event of a plunge. Then connect this rope to your harness loop with a carabiner, letting it run freely on the loop.

If you do fall into a crevasse and your sled doesn't follow, your trace system should be strong enough to hold your body weight. Therefore you need your Download bungee loop in parallel rather than in series, meaning that if the bungee breaks, the rope will still hold. See below for different ways we use our Downloads.

Solid traces and breaking

If the route includes steeper downhills, so your sled often glides under gravity, consider using rigid traces. This can simply be two single bars, but I find that the sled is more responsive using a rectangular system with a central crossbar.

Every fixture should be as rigid as possible: corners, joints, and the connection to your sled. I do, however, connect to short bungee loops on each hip to deal with jerkiness.

On our Aussie Alps trips, we use 19mm polyethylene electrical conduit with a rod doweling insert. Because of their strength and bendiness, they create a built-in crash dampener on steep slopes. The entire system flexes when you come to a sudden halt. On long trips with heavier sleds, increase the diameter of the conduit. Don’t use polypropylene -- it’s too brittle.

Finally, when it’s really steep, we revert to the "lawnmower technique", flipping the bars over and walking them down in snowshoes. Make sure the bars are tethered to you in case you accidentally let go!

Sled brakes

If you have intermittent downhills that don’t warrant a rigid system, you need a braking mechanism for steep slopes to prevent the sled from nipping at your heels or bowling you over. Sure, you might be a gun skier and manage to stay in front of your rocket, but you have little control over its speed or direction. Things can go bad quickly. Skiing with your sled in front, like walking a dog, is rarely a good option.

On steep descents, we clip a short line between the sled tow loops and let this loop drag under the sled. Super-easy and reliable. For mild slopes use a thin cord; for greater stopping power, use a thicker line, and add knots for greater resistance. The key is to find a happy friction.

To make this system usable on the go, attach a lanyard to the middle of this loop and tuck it into your harness belt, releasing it to allow the brake loop to deploy under the sled.

The final method is tobogganing. We do this a lot in Svalbard, steering with skis and emergency stopping by throwing the trace loop over the nose. Freaking fun, but you need to be confident of the terrain ahead.

Although I've done many expeditions to both the North and South Poles, both as an independent traveler and a guide, every fresh trip brings up new gear ideas. There are also old, tried-and-true standards that I have used for years. As I begin the South Pole season, let's take a look at my gear. Today: ski poles.

One note: Proper gear is just one aspect of polar travel. Developing skills, planning and logistics, understanding the polar environment, and knowing how to minimize risk are all equally important. If you would like to fast-track your development as a polar traveler, consider hiring an IPGA guide.

Poles

I’ve used carbon fiber poles on long trips, and they are prone to breaking. Also, avoid folding poles (with the internal wire) as repairs can be really difficult. I used them once; never again.

I prefer all-aluminum two-piece telescopic poles to 155cm. Although I keep my poles relatively short (for warmer hands), I prefer long telescopic poles. On long trips, I get a sore shoulder and a fully extended pole alleviates the ache.

Telescopic poles are also excellent on mountain traverses (uphill pole shortened, downhill lengthened) and logical in guiding situations to cater to different heights. Use an external fliplock rather than internal camming for securing the length. Shock suspension is not needed. It just adds weight and complication.

I attach ribbons to both poles to indicate wind strength and direction. This is very useful for navigating in poor light.

The basket must be pivotable 360º. Otherwise, it's liable to catch on the snow when you de-pole. Once, I used a team member’s pole with a fixed basket for a day, and the difference was remarkable. I was very happy to return them. Leather cross braces inside an aluminum ring are a bombproof solution.

The tip should be made of steel or tungsten carbide for durability and must be circular concave, not uni-directional as on Nordic racing poles. This gives good traction in every direction and is particularly important on Arctic Ocean expeditions. Here, you must often use poles at every angle to balance amid pressure ridges.

Ski pole grips

I've heard mixed reviews about using pogies in Antarctica, usually with light gloves. These are big mittens that attached directly to the ski pole. You slip your lightly gloves hands into them. I’ve never used pogies, and they are not viable on the Arctic Ocean, where you often have to change from skis to boots and manhandle sleds.

Ski pole straps and techniques are also important. We teach people to use different techniques, depending on circumstances. It seems to me that the Scandinavian method (as seen below) can place a lot of pressure on the wrist where blood is near the surface.

I prefer the typical alpine ski method, below, where veins are not compressed and I can push on the pole with relaxed hands, not forcing blood out of my fingers.

Pole straps should be long and adjustable, and the pole should have a foam extension below the handle for the lower grip.

Although I've done many expeditions to both the North and South Poles, both as an independent traveler and a guide, every fresh trip brings up new gear ideas. There are also old, tried-and-true standards that I have used for years. As I begin the South Pole season, let's take a look at my gear. Today: Parka ruffs.

One note: Proper gear is just one aspect of polar travel. Developing skills, planning and logistics, understanding the polar environment, and knowing how to minimize risk are all equally important. If you would like to fast-track your development as a polar traveler, consider hiring an IPGA guide.

Parka ruffs

A fur ruff is an essential item that has been used for generations by indigenous northern people to protect their faces against cold and wind.

Many assume that a ruff is just a fashion accessory worn by modern adventurers to complete the explorer look. Equally, many polar travelers don’t quite get it right. Their ruffs are too short, poorly placed, or made from the wrong type of fur.

But as anyone who has skied for weeks into a headwind on the Antarctic plateau knows, even the best ruff by itself isn't enough. It needs to be matched with a suitable hat, mask, neck gaiter, and eyewear. Having an excellent ruff just gives you more options.

Sunburst ruffs

Originally made from caribou fur (later coyote, wolf, husky, wolverine, and even beaver), the ruff was part of a full-body fur ensemble. The most efficient style of ruff was the sunburst configuration, where the ruff completely encircles the face.

Early polar explorers adopted this traditional clothing system but found it too warm for active work such as sled hauling. Slowly, more modern fabrics and designs better expelled excess heat and moisture. But the ruff remained, now attached to the rim of a modern shell jacket hood. It is still a key component in facial protection for polar adventurers.

The science (and associated low-speed wind tunnel data) behind ruffs is complex but distills down to minimizing the disturbance of a boundary layer of warm air next to the face.

A ruff shouldn't obscure vision

Traditionally, polar inhabitants wore baggy anoraks with loose hoods. This allowed heat from the body to rise into the hood and move outward, creating a warm layer against the face. The ruff, in particular the starburst geometry, encircled the face but sat behind the cheekbones for better side vision for hunting. It also minimized frost buildup. The pocket of stagnant, warm air over the face mitigates frostbite in winds from any angle. Because of zippered fronts on our jackets, modern ruffs are worn more openly and we lose the sunburst effect. But ruffs can still provide an excellent defense.

Fur with stiff guard hairs (the long ones that break up the wind) and dense matting underneath is preferable. One of the biggest considerations is the irregularity of the fur. A rough halo of fur creates frictional forces that slow the air moving onto the face, minimizing heat transfer. Wolverine remains the best fur for extreme cold because ice from breath doesn't stick to it. It just brushes off as loose powder. Wolverine fur is often paired with wolf.

A typically prepared ruff is around 7-10cm (3-4 inches) wide with a length of around 65-75cm (26-30 inches) depending on preference. But if you want to create a ruff that can encircle your face, then longer is better.

Attaching a ruff

There are a number of ways to attach a ruff to your hood. The most secure method is hand sewing, but velcro, a zipper, press studs, or even magnets, make ruffs interchangeable. Except for sewing, these require reciprocal connectors on the hood.

First, be sure to orient the ruff correctly. When holding it horizontally, the middle peak of guard hairs should point upward. Otherwise, it will obscure your vision. I prefer to wrap the ruff equally around the rim of the hood, half inside and half outside. To attach, fold the ruff in half and mark the center, do likewise with your hood, and then start sewing from the middle, down one side, and then the other. I use broad stitches of strong polyester thread.

Continue all the way to the end of the hood where it meets the zipper of your collar. Let any surplus ruff hang over the edge, as these bits will close the circle when you zip up. Trim to a point as required.

Synthetic ruff?

Once attached, you will need hood adjustment options to position the height of the ruff, or it may hang over your eyes. Ruffs can be quite heavy. All my hoods are fitted with an old-fashioned tilt adjuster.

I have tried a synthetic ruff and it was next to useless. We are not quite there with faux fur, just as we are not quite there with synthetic down. Sustainability of and trade in fur are issues you should be acutely aware of. How was the animal killed and harvested? Perform your due diligence to find out exactly what type of animal your ruff comes from. Is the animal endangered or threatened? Trappers in North America can still sell wolverine pelts, although it is a threatened species.

Finally, be sure that the fur comes with a certificate of origin. Freighting or traveling internationally with any animal product is complex and can lead to confiscation at international borders. Consult the laws of the country of origin, your own country, and any country you travel to. Always travel with your paperwork. The best place to start your research is the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, or CITES.

Although I've done many expeditions to both the North and South Poles, both as an independent traveler and a guide, every fresh trip brings up new gear ideas. There are also old, tried-and-true standards that I have used for years. As I begin the South Pole season, let's take a look at my gear. Today: Cooking setups for polar travel.

One note: Proper gear is just one aspect of polar travel. Developing skills, planning and logistics, understanding the polar environment, and knowing how to minimize risk are all equally important. If you would like to fast-track your development as a polar traveler, consider hiring an IPGA guide.

Stoves

In the polar regions, most of us use MSR's XGK EX stove for melting water. Though noisy and not easy to fine-tune if you want to make a delicate soufflé, it's fast and reliable. But there are ways of making it work even better.

Rather than using a heat exchanger or other add-on (most of which increase carbon monoxide production), I use a paneled windshield as a heat reflector and safety barrier. These are superior to the windscreen supplied with MSR liquid fuel stoves and only marginally heavier. The air vents at the bottom deliver the right amount of oxygen and sit nicely over the fuel line.

I mount the XGK stove with bolts and wing nuts, along with the fuel bottle to a board covered with aluminum tape to create a stable system. Though secure, the stove removes easily for deep servicing. A second board insulates the hot kettle and other pots. I also have a fire blanket and spare pump with every stove.

We transport the stove, boards, blanket, spare pump, service kit, laminated instructions, and up to three bottles in a custom-made bag.

I also use a couple of quirky hacks.

The first is a device (originally for hanging decorative plates on a wall) that I use on all our kettles to lock the lids during transportation. If your pot travels with its lid firmly in place, it will preserve the rim seal, you’ll emit less steam into the tent, and use less fuel.

https://www.facebook.com/743083980/videos/pcb.10159402671813981/686174366272243

The second is a fuel float I designed recently and will try out on my next trip. On our guided expeditions, it’s not unusual to refill 10 or more bottles at once. I find the use of a funnel annoying because I am constantly stopping, pulling it out, and checking the level. And overfilling is a pain. It needs a steady hand (you should use a spill mat) and is probably not useful in windy conditions, but it’s otherwise a one-stop shop for refilling bottles. Another solution is to fill bottles with a measuring jug.

https://www.facebook.com/743083980/videos/pcb.10159402671813981/678694540188228

I’m interested to know how much fuel people use on an expedition where the tent benefits from solar tent warming e.g. in Antarctica. I have reduced it to 175ml per person in a tent of two people, catering for 24 hours of water needs.

Did you know, 1L of white gas weighs 670g, almost 300g less than the same amount of water?

Stove pumps and stove safety

The International Polar Guides Association (IPGA) recently published a document on Stove Safety Management. These guidelines, which are only available to members, are a collaborative effort summarzing anecdotes across our membership. It includes intel from hundreds, perhaps thousands, of trips.

We discussed at length MSR’s Arctic Pump, which is compatible with their XGK-EX and WhisperLite stoves. It’s distinguishable by its blue collar. (The standard pump is red.) Introduced in 2017, the Arctic fuel pump has specific components that tolerate lower temperatures. The collar (which screws onto the bottle) is made of a more pliable material that becomes firmer as temperatures drop and is resistant to shrinkage. This creates a more consistent seal between the pump and the bottle.

All O-rings in the Arctic pump are made from a different compound and shouldn’t be interchanged with the standard pump. It also has a leather plunger cup (instead of rubber on the standard pump). This is less prone to damage in extreme cold. However, it does require more oiling and shaping to give consistent pressure during pumping.

Here is my personal experience with the two pumps. The standard pump is excellent in most conditions but can leak from the collar in severe cold, even when in operation. I have experienced this leakage at -25°C and colder. Even a pre-warmed pump will cool down during operation because it’s shielded from the warmth of the stove. You should regularly check for dripping below the collar, wipe and smell it. If it’s leaking, immediately shut the stove down and replace it with the Arctic pump. Be sure to swap back to the standard pump if the temperature abates.

For each stove on our Arctic trips, we carry a spare standard pump and an Arctic pump. Because O-rings are not interchangeable, spares should be carried for each pump type.

Because of solar tent warming, I have never needed to use an Arctic pump (and never supplied one) for expeditions during the typical Antarctic season.

If you have never dismantled a stove pump, or indeed a stove, then do it before your next trip.

Kettle

Finally, here’s a look at the type of kettle I’ve been using successfully for 10 years or so.

Made from aluminum with a steel wire handle, these 2.8L ‘billy teapots’ are readily available in general camping stores foe about $20. Don’t get the steel ones, the bottoms burn out.

These kettles are straight-sided and flat-bottomed. They don’t overhang the spreaders on an MSR XGK stove. These features all minimize carbon monoxide production. The spout, of course, is awesome for filling thermoses.

I modify them by adding a notched handle to the wire for single-hand pouring and put some thread locker on the lid handle bolt. A poor lid seal will increase escaping steam and fuel usage so I take care to protect my kettles. For my upcoming trip, I’ve made protective boxes out of the original packaging, covered in reinforced aluminum tape. The kettle weighs 256g, the box weighs 208g.

Some kettles on our arctic programs have melted hundreds of kilograms of snow and traveled over 2,000km in sleds. Out of the 12 or so that I have in service, I’ve had one leak. I repaired it with a kneadable polymer repair compound. Keep 5 grams of it in your repair kit: It’s excellent for sealing cracks in almost anything, metal included.

Although I've done many expeditions to both the North and South Poles, both as an independent traveler and a guide, every fresh trip brings up new gear ideas. There are also old, tried-and-true standards that I have used for years. As I begin the South Pole season, let's take a look at my gear. Today: Skis and ski skins for polar travel.

One note: Proper gear is just one aspect of polar travel. Developing skills, planning and logistics, understanding the polar environment, and knowing how to minimize risk are all equally important. If you would like to fast-track your development as a polar traveler, consider hiring an IPGA Polar Expedition Guide.

Skis

The choice of ski comes down to a few factors: mode of travel, what’s on the market, surface, and skiing ability. Here, I won’t be getting into any technicalities about construction. This is about general principles.

Snowkiters typically use an alpine ski, usually quite long to span sastrugi, but ordinary manhaulers will opt for a cross-country (nordic) ski. Such a ski has a camber, which is the arch you see under the ski when it sits unweighted on the ground. When weighted by a skier, the ski sits flat on the snow and either permits forward glide or, if the base has a pattern, wax, or skin, it provides grip.

It’s this glide and grip that polar travelers need in equal measure. Too much glide and attempting to drag a heavy sled leads to backslipping. Too little glide saps our energy trying to push a ski across the snow. Most of us use skins for grip.

Below, you can see the tip widths of some of my skis. Far left is an old Karhu XCD GT that I used to ski to the South Pole in the 1990s. Tip, waist, and tail dimensions are 62, 54, and 59mm respectively. Its length is 205cm. A long and narrow ski, and a sign of those times.

Different models

The second ski is a Karhu Catamount that I used between Russia and the North Pole in 2002. It measures 85, 70, and 80mm. It is a wider ski for convoluted terrain, with a wider surface to spread on thin ice.

In the Aussie alps, I use a Rossignol BC, third from left. It measures 110, 78, and 95mm. This wider ski with a greater discrepancy between the width of the waist and tip/tail (side cut) is preferable for backcountry skiing.

For my upcoming icecap trip, I’m on a Madshus Eon, far right, measuring 83, 62, and 70mm, 175cm in length. Madshus and Åsnes seem to have cornered this little market.

For ice cap expeditions in Greenland and Antarctica, you want a relatively long and narrow ski. We used to say that ski length should be the height of the wrist on your upstretched arm, but that is a bit long these days. On our guided Svalbard and North Pole trips, we use wider and shorter skis. These are slower but ultimately easier for novices to balance on.

The longer the ski, the better the glide, but maneuverability becomes an issue among pressure ridges or big sastrugi.

All these skis have metal edges for robustness and edging capability.

Ski skins

Ski skins attach to the undersurface of a ski with a kind of reusable glue that doesn't freeze in the cold. They are critical for traction. A base pattern or wax alone can't give enough grip to move a heavy sled across a snowy surface.

The plush of the skin (one-way fibers, like the fur on a dog) allows it to slide forward in one direction and grip in the other. For superior glide, use a plush of mohair (angora goat hair). For durability, choose nylon, or use a mix of both.

My preference on a long expedition is durability over glide because so many other factors (ski ability, sled weight, surface, slope) conspire to disrupt glide. And nylon skin technology is constantly improving glide performance while retaining grip. I can’t see goats coming to that party!

I buy 140mm wide nylon skins and cut them into 45mm strips (with a homemade skin-cutting jig) to cover the length of my skis. I’ve never needed any more than 45mm. Narrow skins also allow a bit of glide across the length of the exposed base. I've used skins as slender as 30mm.

Half-skins

Half-skins might be a good option. These only cover the grip pocket under the camber, allowing superior glide. You typically put them on as the sled lightens over the weeks and a full-length grip is no longer required.

However, half-skins do pose a few problems. On a polar expedition, we often deal with terrain where only the tip and tail touch the snow: pressure ridges, cracks in sea ice, sastrugi, or a steep slope. I have seen expert skiers reduced to tears trying to negotiate sastrugi with half-skins. Kicker connections are also a bit fiddly. Some attach through a hole in the skis, a potential weak point.

Attaching skins

There are many skin manufacturers to choose from and they all claim the latest plush, glue, and connector technology. But many users give them mediocre feedback. I’m interested to know if anyone has completed a long (1,000km plus) and cold (continuous -25°C) expedition and not had trouble with glue drying out.

This is my method for worry-free skin application on a long polar expedition.

Skins normally attach to a ski using a special pre-applied glue that allows them to be removed and re-attached. But this glue tends to dry out, and the sides and tail of the skin begin to peel off the base. You could bring extra glue, but re-gluing skins in the field is messy.

I screw my skins to the base at the tip, tail, and two midpoints. The Phillips-head screws are very short and barely penetrate the core of the ski. The pan head sits within the plush, so there is no effect on glide. Your glue will probably hold on shorter trips, but for long expeditions, I’d rather add 20 screws at 7g total than suffer an avoidable headache. And, starting with a heavy sled and usually uphill (Antarctica and Greenland), you’re going to need those full-length skins for a while.

Tips for attaching skins

Connect the tip using a solid fixture like a wire bail. Don't use stretchy rubber tips, they get knocked off. The rear is a bit trickier, as skis usually double as tent stakes. You can damage the skin/connection by planting your ski in the snow. I typically taper the skin at the back, wrap it over and screw it to the top.

Changing over to half-skins is a bit fiddly if your skins are screwed on, but you only need to do it once. Kickers definitely offer better glide. Just be sure other factors don't stymie it. They commonly connect through holes in the ski forward of the binding and have no rear connector.

In warmer environments, snow can ball up on the plush, and this is a major pain. Some bring some skin wax for this, but I have successfully used butter and olive oil to lubricate skins in Greenland and Patagonia.

Although I've done many expeditions to both the North and South Poles, both as an independent traveler and a guide, every fresh trip brings up new gear ideas. There are also old, tried-and-true standards that I have used for years. As I begin the South Pole season, let's take a look at my gear. Today: Ski bindings for polar travel.

One note: Proper gear is just one aspect of polar travel. Developing skills, planning and logistics, understanding the polar environment, and knowing how to minimize risk are all equally important. If you would like to fast-track your development as a polar traveler, consider hiring an IPGA Polar Expedition Guide.

Cable bindings

On my first South Pole expedition, we used One Sport boots with Rottefella Riva cable bindings (similar to the ones below).

The toe piece on all our boots came apart and the side walls of our bindings broke. The next models had a crossbar from wall to wall which solved this problem, such as G3 Targa that we used in Patagonia in 2000.

Nobody seems to use cable bindings on polar expeditions anymore, despite Baffin and Alfa making compatible boots.

Three-pin bindings

I’m sure there are some people who have not been introduced to the three-pin binding system, having jumped straight to cable, backcountry (BC), or Flexi bindings (though cables actually predate three-pin by many years).

Three-pin bindings were very common and are still used by some diehards. I used them on my Ellesmere Island expedition in 1992 and maybe even my Greenland crossing in 1995. Two clients used them when I guided the route from the Messner Start to the South Pole for ALE in 2007-08.

The holes in the underside of the toe would fill with snow which, when engaged into the pins and clamped down, would turn to ice and remain in the steel insert within the toe. Subsequent entries meant more icing and a deteriorating engagement between pins and plate. They would catch only the rubber part of the toe which would eventually rip out. After a few tears, the rubber would become too damaged and the system would ultimately fail.

Manufacturers started adding cables to the three-pin system, which was an improvement but added a layer of complexity. Baffin still has holes in the toe of their Guide Pro models.

The Salomon Nordic System (SNS)

Salomon introduced the SNS binding sometime in the 1980s. Their Profil model was the first straight bar integrated into the toe of the boot. They later introduced a heavier version for backcountry, but NNN (New Nordic Norm) became more popular and their BC model became somewhat of a backcountry standard.

It is still used widely today but the mechanism is very prone to clogging with ice and I have seen some clamp mechanisms break. There is a manual and step-in version and of course, it requires a dedicated (and very expensive) boot. Alfa A/P/S is the standard polar-climate boot for this binding.

This kind of binding with the pivot point forward of the toe and a rubber flexor to create forward momentum of the ski encourages a more classic Nordic ski style rather than a plod. However, there are so many factors that will bring a manhauling skier using this system back to a plod.

Flexi bindings

Following consistent failures with boot/binding combinations of the 1990s, I added to the mix with the first prototype of Flexi bindings.

I first used these while skiing from Russia to the North Pole with Jon Muir in 2002. I modeled it on a snowboard binding, using straps rather than toe pieces or cables to secure the boot to the binding. This completely eliminated any toe connection.

Flexis were originally designed for use with Baffin winter boots, but they work with any boot, Alfa included. Like the pioneering yet fragile Berwin binding, early models broke at the flex point. I didn’t see consistency until I started using UHMWPE plastic on the base plate. Even then, we had some failures. These have been completely eliminated since I re-engineered the entire binding in 2014.

These bindings are heavier and not very pretty but they will survive any Arctic Ocean expedition at -50°C, the ultimate test of any polar equipment. Some people will argue that they’re slow, but I can pull up stats that suggest otherwise.

New binding?

Finally, let's consider a potentially interesting new model, the Rottefella Xplore. Currently, these don't seem to be an option for polar expeditions because there are no suitable boots yet. It has 70mm of connection between the boot toe and binding, NNN BC has 42mm and three-pin has 33mm, so it seems Xplore is already designed for backcountry.

But is it polar-rated? It concerns me that the system relies on internal spring pins on either side of the boot toe, perhaps vulnerable to icing up and malfunction, particularly after a dunking through thin ice on the Arctic Ocean.

The binding itself might be less prone to the icing up common in NNN BC (which can ultimately lead to failure of the mechanism), but the binding release relies on a potentially vulnerable spring. The exchangeable flexor appears to be difficult to replace or service in the field. Xplore is super light, maybe a red flag? However, I will keep an eye on this promising system.

Heel risers

Despite their usefulness, heel risers (also called climbing wires) are not common on polar expeditions. They’re typically used for skinning or snowshoeing up slopes to reduce overextension of the Achilles’ tendons. This also relieves the calves.

Hauling a heavy sled creates the same angles, so it makes sense to relieve the stress with heel risers. In 1998, we each started with 190kg, skiing from Ross Island to the South Pole, and the risers were excellent. Judging by my photos, we used them a fair way across the Ross Ice Shelf. We also used them in Patagonia, but mainly for the slopes, as we do on our Aussie snowshoe trips.

When no longer required, the riser is simply folded away. For the sake of an extra few grams, they’re a worthy addition if you’re hauling a heavy sled.

Although I've done many expeditions to both the North and South Poles, both as an independent traveler and a guide, every fresh trip brings up new gear ideas. There are also old, tried-and-true standards that I have used for years. As I begin the South Pole season, let's take a look at my gear. Today: The controversial vapor-barrier liner (VBL).

One note: Proper gear is just one aspect of polar travel. Developing skills, planning and logistics, understanding the polar environment, and knowing how to minimize risk are all equally important. If you would like to fast-track your development as a polar traveler, consider hiring an IPGA Polar Expedition Guide.

Vapor barriers

As the name suggests, a vapor-barrier liner is an inner layer of waterproof material that locks moisture next to the skin. It aims to prevent perspiration from moving into, and potentially freezing, insulating layers. You use VBLs with boots and sleeping bags.

You don't notice ice build-up for the first few days, but over the weeks, it can render sleeping bags almost useless and turn boots into frozen coffins that your poor feet need to melt into softness every morning.

Keeping moisture next to your feet with a VBL is not ideal, but it's a lesser evil. And because you don't remove boots during the day, the temperature remains relatively regulated, so long as your breaks are not too long.

Unlike footwear, we can tinker with handwear layering on the fly to vent heat and moisture. It’s a skill that every polar traveler must learn. Never use vapor barriers on your hands. The use of Latex gloves or other impervious barriers can quickly lead to frostbite. You must keep fingers dry.

It’s also important to use a VBL in your sleeping bag in extreme cold. Without it, moisture from your body will pass into the insulation of your bag, then freeze before reaching the outer shell. You simply can’t generate enough heat to push it all the way out. Ice build-up inhibits the insulating capacity of your bag, especially a down bag. It becomes extremely difficult to dry. Left untreated, you will feel the crunchiness build up in the insulation.

Don’t use a silk or fleece liner inside the VBL. It will get wet and is difficult to dry. Sure, the base layers that you sleep in will get damp, but you can dry them out next to your skin pretty quickly. A good layering rule for sleeping in these conditions: base layers, VBL, down inner bag, and synthetic outer bag.

When to use VBLs

There are no rigid parameters that dictate when to use VBLs. Instead, it is based on equipment, temperature, and amount of sunlight. For example, there's no need for a VBL with Intuition boot liners, as they are made from closed-cell foam. As a rough guideline, VBL usage correlates loosely with solar charging. If you can charge a power bank daily from a 21W solar panel, you likely won’t need VBLs. If it's not too windy, you can lay your sleeping bag in strong sunshine during morning chores, and the accumulated overnight moisture will sublimate out.

When in doubt, use VBLs on your feet.

Lying in a plastic bag is unpleasant, so you might be able to use other methods to minimize ice accretion in your sleeping bag. Any ice in the tent (frozen steam, icy clothing, etc.) can contribute to moisture in your sleeping bag if that ice is allowed to melt. Some people mitigate this by keeping the ambient temperature in the tent well below freezing, but this means no stove inside. I have never felt the need, or desire, to do this. It’s a pretty uncomfortable strategy at -30°C, so it is better to be familiar with alternatives that allow using a stove in the tent.

How successfully you vent during the day has a bearing on how comfortable your tent will be at night. There will likely be ice on your facial coverings, so be sure to scrape it off outside the tent with a grout brush before drying inside. You’ll need to bring damp liner socks and inner boots into the tent, but other clothing layers should be totally dry on entering.

Scrape ice off your shell clothing and ruff but leave them in the vestibule with your outer boots. Ice will build up on the inner tent from steam during cooking, so minimize it. Even your breath will contribute.

In the morning, meticulously brush ice off the inner tent and from your sleeping bag before lighting a stove (or place your sleeping bag in the vestibule or outside before lighting). Keep a dry microfibre cloth handy to wipe up any dampness on your bag, but be sure to dry the cloth out so that you can reuse it.

Using a stove inside a tent is common on polar expeditions but it is dangerous and must be done with care and precision.

Staying dry from the inside

The following pertains to long expeditions in no or low-sun polar environments. This means the Arctic rather than the Antarctic since Antarctic expeditions take place during the austral summer, when the sun is high. Overnight, the average person sweats and exhales approximately 200ml of moisture. This varies based on body temperature, diet, and gender.

If using a sleeping bag VBL, it should be quite long so you can breathe into it. In severe cold, you need to cinch your hood right down. Sometimes it’s too cold to have your face exposed, forcing you to breathe into your VBL the whole night. Of course, you still need oxygen, so don’t block that aperture.

I would personally never use a single-down bag without a VBL on a polar expedition that does not benefit from solar warming. Ice build-up will eventually collapse the down, if left unmanaged.

If not using a VBL, avoid bringing damp clothing or boots into your sleeping bag to dry out. That just adds to the problem.

In the morning, I use my microfibre cloth to soak up any dampness on the shell.

Note that red tents have a superior greenhouse effect, while green is better for sunny Antarctica.

Dealing with moisture in the polar regions requires active management. You can’t let anything slip. Take every opportunity to keep ice buildup under control.

Although I've done many expeditions to both the North and South Poles, both as an independent traveler and a guide, every fresh trip brings up new gear ideas. There are also old, tried-and-true standards that I have used for years. As I begin the South Pole season, let's take a look at my gear. Today: boots, socks, gloves, and mitts.

One note: Proper gear is just one aspect of polar travel. Developing skills, planning and logistics, understanding the polar environment, and knowing how to minimize risk are all equally important. If you would like to fast-track your development as a polar traveler, consider hiring an IPGA Polar Expedition Guide.

Handwear

Start at your most extreme needs and work backward: -40˚, windy, Day 20, altitude, fingers already deteriorating.

Use a windproof shell with cinchable gauntlet together with a thick fleece (Icetrek Kelvin mitts pictured) or thick wool inner mitt. (Down is not ideal with ski poles.) Add a thin liner mitt, merino if you have sensitive skin (Devold pictured).

You need to size your mitts to accommodate this liner. You don’t want anything tight or sloppy. Add a glove to this combo and you’re asking for troubled fingers. And never, ever, use a vapor barrier liner, a sure fast-track to frostbite. You need windproof breathability, not waterproofing.

The pull loops on my inner mitts and attached neck lanyard ease the burden of managing my mittens. I can mix up these layers as conditions change. Leather gloves with removable wool inners (Hestra pictured) are great for camp chores or when conditions improve.

Everything is modular for ease of drying. Touch-screen gloves for inside the tent, or as a liner with my Hestras. Or, rarely, for skiing. Outside, I use a capacitive stylus with my phone. It’s silly to risk your fingers for a photo.

In fact, you must be able to work any device with a fully mittened hand. Use the handle of your ski pole to push GPS buttons. Practice makes perfect.

Ski pole grips

I've heard mixed reviews on using pogies with light gloves in Antarctica. I’ve never tried them myself. They are not viable on the Arctic Ocean. as I’m often changing from skis to boots and manhandling sleds.

Ski pole straps and techniques are also important. We teach people to use different approaches, depending on the circumstances. It seems to me that the Scandinavian method, below, can place a lot of pressure on the wrist where blood is near the surface.

I prefer the typical alpine ski method, below, where veins are not compressed and I can push on the pole with relaxed hands, not forcing blood out of my fingers.

Regardless, pole straps should be long and adjustable and the pole should have a foam extension below the handle for the lower grip.

Make life easy for your fingers: add extensions

Most of us are familiar with adding extensions to our clothing and tent zippers, but this strategy of making life easier for our fingers should extend to everything.

All metal should be taped or covered (thermoses, tool shafts, fuel bottles, etc.).

The tension buckles and pulls on our tents all have toggles added. It takes hours to thoroughly winterize our tents.

One of the fiddliest bits of kit is the polar bear perimeter fence we use in Svalbard. We can set it up fully mittened, a necessity given the risk to fingers when assembling and dismantling a fence in severe cold.

Boots

This one might start a debate! I’ve been using Baffin boots since my first North Pole expedition in 2002 and have skied over 7,000km with them, mostly their Impact model but others too.

They're warm and comfortable, and I've never had any foot problems or frost damage, but I do have pretty resilient feet. This is their current ski model, the Guide Pro II, for use with three-pin or cable bindings (which are becoming less common these days), or Icetrek's Flexi bindings. The boots feature a built-in gaiter, removable liner, three layers of footbed/insulation, and lots of other features.

Liners, footbeds, and socks

Although I have poor circulation in my fingers, my toes are more tolerant of the cold. However, I still need to make the right choice of liners, footbeds, and socks.

For my upcoming Antarctica trip, I’m using Intuition Pro Tour liners. They have many models to choose from, but the lace-up Pro Tour is a proven model for long polar trips. They mesh perfectly with my Baffin boots, don’t absorb foot moisture, and are easy to remove for airing. They also come in light, medium, and thick for different temperatures.

The Baffin liner is also good. It is very warm but more prone to blowing out in the heel on long trips and will need a VBL during winter or early spring journeys. You’ll want to provide your own footbed or orthotics. I use this Rottefella Touring insole.

Socks

Many to choose from and only trial and error will get it right for you. And what’s right for you may not be right for the next person.

Start by preemptively taping up any areas on your feet that consistently give you grief. Use a hypoallergenic tape (micropore) followed by sports tape, whatever stays on. For blister mitigation, you might like to try a super thin and smooth liner like the Armaskin but I don’t have much feedback on them.

The second sock is a pair of Wilderness Wear liners I used for 33 days skiing to the South Pole in 2017-18. They are still in great condition -- the best sock I ever used on an expedition.

You want anything next to your skin to have a percentage of hard-wearing nylon or lycra, as well as merino for warmth. The blue Wilderness Wear Velo sock is a great option. I use standalone waterproof winter SealSkinz socks as a VBL for North Pole and early spring trips, though not required if using non-absorbent Intuition liners.

The last sock is a thick fleecy Wilderness Wear wool sock to wear with booties in the tent. Lush!

Socks don’t need to be knee-height. That’s a lot of extra sock when layered with shell pants, underlayers, and boots. Wear your sock over your leggings to keep them up but be sure to smooth out any folds.

Although I've done many expeditions to both the North and South Poles, both as an independent traveler and a guide, every fresh trip brings up new gear ideas. There are also old, tried-and-true standards that I have used for years. As I begin the South Pole season, let's take a look at my gear, starting with how I protect my face on the Antarctic plateau.

One note: Proper gear is just one aspect of polar travel. Developing skills, planning and logistics, understanding the polar environment, and knowing how to minimize risk are all equally important. If you would like to fast-track your development as a polar traveler, consider hiring an IPGA Polar Expedition Guide.

Setup one: severe cold

Consider this for deep cold and high winds, where any exposed skin becomes frostbitten and layers can be penetrated. The full sunburst fur ruff, formed by closing the tilt-able hood and storm collar on my shell jacket, disrupts wind and creates a microclimate around my face. It adds a final protective layer above my Julbo Aerospace goggles, Celsius Hat, and Guru Face Mask.

Not one iota of skin is exposed. Any colder and it’s not wise to be outside. I’ve rarely needed this kind of protection: only on the Arctic Ocean and Antarctic plateau when conditions are truly bitter.

Setup two: manageable wind

This works when wind and cold are more manageable wind but will still frostbite exposed skin.

My Julbo goggles mesh perfectly with my Icetrek Celius Hat and Guru Face Mask to create an impervious barrier. Again, no exposed skin. People often place tape on their cheeks but no need if you have the right rig.

It’s important for the mask to be open at the bottom, allowing the exhaled breath to escape. Otherwise, it moves up into the eyewear which, if poorly designed, can freeze onto the inside of the lens. Julbo Aerospace goggles deal with this perfectly, having a hinged lens that pulls away from the frame, creating airflow.

My wolf/wolverine ruff still provides a warm pillow of air around my face, despite venting with the open storm collar of my Mont polar jacket. Still bloody cold but I can tolerate a full day of this.

Setup three: no hood

I’m still fully protected but no longer require my hood or ruff, a common strategy on the Antarctic plateau.

My Celsius Hat is made of eVent windproof fleece, and the ear flaps give my lobes full protection. My Guru face mask is made from hypoallergenic neoprene, high cut to protect the upper cheeks, full nose protection, and just the right amount of breathing holes. A neck gaiter protects the exposed area below my mask.

I’ll flip my hood up and down as conditions dictate, but all my venting adjustments are done on the fly, so long as I’ve made the right wardrobe choices when I get dressed in the morning.

Setup four: exposed skin

Exposed skin can now tolerate the conditions, but only when I’m working hard enough to generate heat.

I’ve exchanged my thick fleece hat for a thinner windproof cap with a small peak. Direct sun glare is not an issue on a South Pole expedition because I structure a travel schedule that has the sun behind me. This is easier on the eyes, eliminates the need for a big peak, and lets me use my shadow to navigate. I swap my goggles for Julbo Ultimate Cover sunglasses. The Guru mask is still doing its thing.

Setup five: getting warmer

The cap and mask are exchanged for a breathable Icetrek LoGo Beanie and Smitten merino neck gaiter, pulled over my nose if needed.

I still need to be careful with exposed skin, in particular my earlobes, but the beanie is long and can pull down to fully protect my ears if required. Don’t take the fashionable beanie that sits halfway down your ears. Leave that for the ski slopes.

I've attached a nose guard to my Julbo glasses, for both sun and wind protection.

Setup six: as warm as it gets

Rarely do we experience warm days on the Antarctic plateau. Those are much more typical of lower elevations. I struggle when it gets this warm. Gone is the shell jacket. I now travel in my superlight Smitten merino beanie, Julbo Ultimate Cover glasses, buff, and Mont Grid Pro fleece, which is a superb, all-around zippered top. Lots of sunscreen and lip balm.

If you've just been watching cats playing piano on YouTube, then you're missing out on a whole world of fun.

Robert Maddox, aka Rocketman, started his own channel four years ago, where the aging daredevil shows off his jet-powered inventions. From skateboards to go-karts to coffin cars, this mad scientist/speed demon will seemingly put flaming propulsion behind anything.

In his latest vid, Maddox decides to take his grandmother's 1960s lawn chair, strap a high-powered rocket to the back, and blow down the highway like he's running from a fleet of cops.

"It's a blast!" Maddox says. "You don't have to make super expensive things to have a lot of fun."

No doubt, Rocketman, no doubt.

Runtime: 6 minutes

Unorthodox outdoor brand Vollebak is giving away a bunch of gear to help you live through the end of the world (or just really bad weather).

Imagine a mad scientist designed super-high-end apparel to help him survive the end times. That's pretty much the vibe of Vollebak, a company (in)famous for off-the-wall clothing like a Dyneema Composite Fabric puffy, a jacket woven mostly of copper, and a technical shirt made of "rare cotton".

Surviving the zombie apocalypse can get pricy, but folks can get their hands on more than $10,000 worth of Vollebak gear starting on October 12. That's when Vollebak will drop an appropriately intimidating wardrobe full of clothing somewhere on the planet. After that, it's finders keepers (the clothing, not the wardrobe.) It's a bummer you don't get to keep the giant metal closet, but a free Apocalypse Jacket is just going to have to do.

Two ways to win

There are two ways to get the swag — a guessing game and a treasure hunt. For the former, head here and type in the GPS coordinates or address you think the wardrobe might end up. You've got between now and October 12 to input your guess. The closest answer wins.

It's a little like playing the lottery, except if you win, you'll be all set to weather whichever apocalypse scenario ends up being "the one". Our guess is "rogue asteroid", but your mileage may vary.

If you happen to be the treasure-hunting type, check back at Vollebak on October 12 at 1:00 pm EST. That's when the company will release a short video with a clue as to the wardrobe's location. Vollebak says the wardrobe won't be in the Arctic or Amazon, but other than that, all bets are off.

Hunters then have 48 hours to find and snag some gear before Vollebak extracts the wardrobe.

Let's just hope the world lasts that long.

The GoPro HERO11 Black comes with multiple improvements over its predecessor. However, big things come in small packages, and the Mini variant made the biggest splash.

This article was originally published on GearJunkie.

GoPro introduced the brand new HERO11 Black and then sought to make a smaller version that's just as good. The HERO11 Black Mini consolidates most of the bigger camera's capabilities, offers leading-edge video quality, and shaves weight and profile.

The array tops out in capability at the HERO11 Black Creator Edition. But the whole line comes with a bigger sensor than ever at 1/1.9 inches, which renders 5.3K resolution.

For the Mini and the Black, that translates to high-frame-rate videos. It lets the Black shoot 27-megapixel photos and affords the whole line aspect ratios from 16:9 to 8:7, which the company says represents the largest ever fields of view in any of its cameras.

Meanwhile, the Mini seeks to offer more flexibility in mounting, thanks to an added pair of dual-mounting "fingers" on the back. These provide a wider variety of angles.

If you're looking to capture sick moments on your latest outdoor adventure, the HERO11 Black — or its Mini version — should help you get the shot you need.

GoPro HERO11 Black vs. Mini

Thru-hikers, road cyclists, backpackers, or anyone looking to minimize weight could find value in the Mini. It's about 20g (0.7 ounces) lighter than the HERO11. It also measures about 13% smaller in volume and weight, the company said.

But how does it compare in terms of the critical function of shooting video? Thanks to the shared sensor, video quality shouldn't differ much between the three HERO11 options. The shared hardware should deliver equal frame rates and resolution across the lineup.

Speaking of resolution, how clear is 5.3K? To put it in perspective, GoPro said it delivers 91% higher resolution than 4K, and 665% more than 1080p.

The lineup also comes with GoPro's HyperSmooth 5.0, which supports a 360-degree horizon lock to stabilize shaky shots.

Interestingly, it's only possible to control the Mini with an app. It does away with the touch screen the bigger cameras use; instead, users interact with it via the Quik app.

The camera has a tiny display showing four things: the current resolution, frame rate, and the remaining recording time and battery life. It's situated right next to the camera's only button: record.

The camera's time-lapse preset lets users shoot and even light paint at night.

Setting the HERO11 Black or Creator Edition interface to "Pro Controls" gives you the same level of detail the HERO10 afforded. The "Easy Controls" setting facilitates a simplified interface if you prefer to go basic.

The Creator Edition offers the same capability as the base model, plus a juicier battery that gives up to 4 hours of 4K recording.

A battery grip helps you run it with one hand easier and allows the connection of other accessories like a directional microphone (mic not included). It houses an HDMI port for connecting to external displays.

Subscribe and save on pricing

Pricing for the GoPro HERO11 Black lineup depends on the company's annual subscription service. The $50 yearly package gives users discounts on cameras, a trade-in program for broken gear, and an auto-uploading service to the cloud.

The service backs up all your content at its original quality automatically and sends you a highlight reel it compiles automatically after each upload.

The HERO11 Black comes at the same price as its predecessor: $400 MSRP if you subscribe and $500 if you opt out.

The Mini runs $300 for subscribers and $400 for everybody else. And the Creator Edition clocks in at $580 (subscription) or $700 (without).

The HERO11 Black dropped September 14, but GoPro won't release the Mini until October 25 — and you'll only get it that early if you subscribe. It hits retail shelves sometime after that. The company didn't specify a date.

When it comes to work gloves, I need a quality pair. From home improvement projects to cleaning boulders to woodworking, I need a pair of gloves that serves me well and actually fits. For the last couple of years, I’ve had several pairs of gloves to choose from for the task at hand. However, after testing the Ironclad General Utility Work Gloves, I might have found my forever pair.

The Ironclad Work Glove fit

I am always skeptical of trying new gloves, specifically because few pairs actually fit well. I have relatively small hands and short fingers, so most gloves are baggy at the fingertips or have too much wiggle room in the palm. I ordered the Ironclad General Utility Work Glove in extra small.

The fingers fit well with less than a quarter-inch of space, except for the thumb, which had nearly a half-inch of space. The room in the thumb was not problematic for me but could be for some. The tops of the index, pointer, and ring fingers felt square initially but broke in a bit after time. There was a slight air bubble in the palm as well.

Overall, the fit was better than most gloves I’ve found, and my rating of this pair is missing just half of a star only because of the loose-fitting palm and too-spacious thumb.

Review

On a cold day outdoors, I spent nearly nine hours in the Ironclad work gloves, preparing an area for rock climbing, working with saws, and with wire brushes. Despite the chilly 30°F temps and off-and-on rain, the gloves kept my hands surprisingly warm and allowed for excellent breathability.

The thermoplastic cuff nestled nicely around my small wrists and the impact protection Ironclad logo on the knuckles came in handy when working around tough boulders. My hands were exhausted after a hard day’s work. Still, the impact protection and synthetic leather palm and fingertip reinforcements helped me push through. They allowed me to continue working with a saw throughout the day.

The Ironclad work gloves also performed well while moving firewood and rocks. They excelled at more delicate work like mounting hardware onto softwoods, an essential part of installing frames onto some of my paintings. The snug fit allowed for excellent dexterity when working with small hardware and wires. Between tasks, I was able to throw the gloves in the washer with my regular laundry without concern of shrinkage, a benefit that gave me peace of mind when taking it from the muddy forest to inside an art studio.

Lastly, one could easily overlook one of my favorite features of the Ironclad General Utility Work Gloves: the TPR cuff puller is a piece of contoured plastic at the end of the gloves that allowed me to pull the gloves on easily by providing extra grip. Every glove should have this feature.

The buy

Before purchasing be sure to measure your hand and fingers appropriately for the best fit. Once you have your measurements, head to the size chart provided by Ironclad, and determine the appropriate size for you.

From there, just a few clicks and an MSRP of about $16 will land a pair of Ironclad General Utility Work Gloves on your doorstep.

See the Ironclad General Utility Work Gloves on Amazon

See the Ironclad General Utility Work Gloves on Walmart

When it comes to workwear, few brands are known as well as Carhartt. The Carhartt name is synonymous with quality goods. The Carhartt Men's System 5 Safety Cuff Work Glove is no exception. This Carhartt glove is a heavy-duty work glove with synthetic leather construction and suede reinforcements for demanding jobs and excellent protection. A hard day's work can be made exponentially easier with quality protective gear.

Stay warm, stay tough

Because of the all-leather construction, these gloves were incredibly warm, which was excellent for cold days and chilly warehouses. When working outdoors, I found them well suited for chilly, rainy Pacific Northwest days while moving logs and other debris. I used this model to move firewood, saw branches for trail work, and improve pasture fencing. These gloves performed well, were undamaged, and kept my hands warm during the long day.

I've used lots of gloves and occasionally still got splinters when working with wood. But the Carhartt System 5 Safety Cuff Work Glove protected me from splinters, and the suede palm patch provided some additional grip, but not quite as much as I would have liked.

The fit

I found the fit to be somewhat loose with a size small, but I have small hands. The elastic cuff still left plenty of space for dust and dirt to enter the glove, and it sat a bit above the wrist. Because the glove and cuff were not tight-fitting small debris, sawdust, and dirt were able to get inside the glove.

You don't usually expect dexterity with an all-leather glove, especially in a glove that doesn't quite fit. To my surprise, the Carhartt System 5 Safety Cuff Work Glove's dexterity was decent despite the large fit and the fact that it's leather. I had some gaps in the fingertips, which would be problematic for some jobs, but I opted to use these for loading, trail work, and fixing pasture fencing, and they performed well. I had approximately a half-inch of space in each of the fingertips and additional space in the thumb. But this is a common trend in gloves for me, it is rare I find a glove that fits snugly.

Carhartt System 5 Safety Cuff Work Glove buy

All in all, Carhartt crafted a quality glove that provides warmth, wrist protection, and durability. Be sure to measure your hands accurately before purchase, so you get a proper fit. If the Carhartt System 5 Work Glove is your next work glove, you can pick up a pair on Amazon for $22, a reasonable price for durability, and a name brand.

See the Carhartt Men's System 5 Work Glove on Amazon

See the Carhartt Men's System 5 Work Glove on Carhartt

See the Carhartt Men's System 5 Work Glove on Dungarees

When I’m participating in high-output outdoor activities, my main concern for gloves is that they are warm enough to keep my fingers toasty while I’m moving or during short windows of time while I’m not. They need to be waterproof and windproof enough to stand up to the elements, but more importantly, tactile enough that I don’t have to remove them to do basic tasks. Hestra’s Ergo Grip CZone Tactile gloves can do all of this, and they are durable to boot. They are my new favorite outdoor gloves.

The Ergo Grip CZone Tactile gloves have two layers –- the shell (made of leather and Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper), and the lining (a proprietary waterproof breathable membrane that Hestra calls CZone Tactile). In researching the Ergo Grip CZone Tactile gloves, I discovered that many people use them as hiking gloves. But they are versatile enough to be useful across a range of activities.

I evaluated these hiking gloves based on five performance metrics – tactility, warmth, waterproofness, durability, and utility.

Tactility

I evaluated this first because it is the glove’s chief selling point. I’m skeptical of manufacturer claims but these are highly tactile gloves. I just typed this sentence while wearing them, which is pretty good for leather gloves with an insert. I’m generally only able to pass the typing test with the most minimal liner gloves.

I also tested tactility by pulling zippers and buttoning buttons on all of my outdoor clothing, as well as tying knots on tent guylines, hiking shoes, and work boots. It took a little practice to tie the knots, but I got there. In short, these gloves provided a lot of tactility while still remaining durable and (somewhat) warm.

Warmth

The Hestra Ergo Grip CZone Tactile gloves don’t have any insulation other than what the shell materials and insert provide. I found it to be a reasonable amount of insulation while moving around outside in temperatures below freezing–in other words, I had to be generating some body heat in order for these gloves to keep me warm long-term.

Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper is an effective outdoor fabric. It does what it says it does –- stops the wind. Between that and the leather palms, these are fairly windproof gloves, though probably not enough to keep hands warm on low-output, high-wind activates like downhill skiing.

The neoprene cuff with hook-and-loop closure was effective at keeping out wind and rain and sealing in warmth.

Waterproofness

Leather isn’t inherently waterproof, but the Ergo Grip CZone Tactile gloves come treated with a waterproof compound and ship with a tube of treatment for upkeep. Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper is not a waterproof fabric. In fact, water tends to zip right through it. That’s why there’s a waterproof breathable membrane on the interior of this glove.

I’ve found the whole setup to be effective at keeping my hands dry in snow and light rain. I haven’t tested it in heavy downpours, but given the shell materials and the limitations of waterproof-breathable membranes, I’d recommend waterproof over-mitts in environments likely to have heavy deluges.

The Durability of the Hestra Ergo Grip CZone Tactile Gloves

This is a well-constructed glove. The seams are tight and the materials are hardy. I subjected these gloves to abrasion on tools, trekking poles, rocks, trees, and firewood. I encountered the scuffing you’d expect to see when those materials encounter leather, but no rips, tears, or popped seams.

Utility

I didn’t limit my testing of the Ergo Grip CZone Tactile gloves to backpacking and hiking but that’s certainly their best use-case. They are expensive for work gloves and downhill athletes will likely prefer gloves with more insulation–though I could see them being effective for mountain bikers in shoulder seasons.

One of my favorite features on this glove is the attached elastic loop that allowed the gloves to dangle from my wrist while I interacted with my phone or accomplished other tasks that required naked fingers. A wrist connector isn’t a new idea by any means, but it is effectively realized here, and I found it easily removable when necessary.

The Buy

Hestra Ergo Grip CZone Tactile gloves cost $165 dollars on Hestra’s website. That’s a lot for a glove, but in my opinion, it’s a worthwhile investment. This is a glove that will last me a while, felt great on my hand, and kept my fingers warm while I completed all but the most complex outdoor tasks. Hard to beat!

See the Hestra Ergo Grip Glove on Amazon

Hydration Packs are an easy way to transport large amounts of water without worrying about the added weight or varying shapes of water bottles. You might need one if you hike, run or ski regularly and the Vibrelli Hydration Pack is a fantastic choice as it’s versatile and capable with plenty of additional storage space for gear. This hydration pack has a bladder pocket, and lots of storage for snacks and other small items, plus an adjustable bungee strap for other gear that traditionally doesn’t fit in a pack, bike helmet included. I’ve had this pack for about two years now and have been pleasantly surprised with its performance.

Big Days Outdoors Means Lots Of Water

The two-liter capacity means I have plenty of water for pretty much any activity - I rarely run out. I’ve only used the full two liters for long day hikes or during very long, full-day ski tours. The Vibrelli has joined me on multiple cross-country ski days proving its resistance to freezing. I’ve even packed this pack onto my paddleboard for access to water for long paddles on the Willamette and Klickitat Rivers. I often pack the bladder in the main pouch if it is completely full as it fits better there. Then, I tuck my snacks, a knife and/or multitool, and any other necessities like sunscreen into the mesh pouch. While there isn’t enough space for all of my needs for bigger adventures, this pack is perfect for moving fast and light.

I often struggle to find packs that appropriately fit my frame but I've liked the fit of this pack and how snugly I can adjust the hip and sternum straps to prevent it from bouncing during high-impact activities. The pack distributes weight evenly and doesn’t dig into the skin, which is a must-have when I’m not all bundled up on hot days. You'll find an emergency whistle on the sternum strap, in a very accessible position, for a little extra peace of mind should disaster strike while you’re outdoors. The tube can be set up on the left or right side. I usually keep my water on the left but to each their own! Reflective tabs on the pack’s exterior enhance visibility, and the durable, high-tenacity 420 denier ripstop fabric suffered plenty of hits and abrasions from trees, rocks, spiny things, and a couple of falls onto the snow and rough ground and held up incredibly well.

The Buy

In my humble opinion, the affordability, durability, and space made the Vibrelli Hydration Pack stand above the rest for any outdoor activity. At an MSRP of $23.98, the Vibrelli Hydration pack is an affordable option in a world of high-tech hydration packs.

See Vibrelli Hydration Pack on Amazon

The Swedes know a thing or two about staying warm in cold weather, which is why Hestra is a leading glove manufacturer in the outdoor adventure space. Their Fält Guide Glove is a simple glove designed for moderately cold conditions and with durability in mind. They are made of goat leather cowhide and feature a removable liner made from 100% wool.

I got my hands on a pair and evaluated them on warmth, tactility, and durability. I also thought about their utility as hiking gloves, in addition to other winter sports and activities.

Warmth

Mittens are warmer than gloves; let's get that out of the way. But as far as gloves go, the Fält Guide Gloves were pretty warm. I tested these gloves in conditions ranging from 15˚F to 50˚F, on sunny days and in snow/rain/slush, and my hands stayed warm throughout.

That’s almost all because of the 100% wool removable liner. The liner is terry cloth at the palm and wool-pile at the backhand, which created plenty of loft between the skin and the glove's leather surface. The result was a comfy experience that kept my hands toasty in sub-freezing conditions even while partaking in low-output sports like downhill skiing.

The removable liner system created a lot of versatility. During skiing and hiking, I removed and reinserted the lining depending on conditions, temperature, and output level. And the versatility didn't stop there. The Fält Guide Glove is sized to accommodate any liner so that you can pair it with your liner of choice –- screen compatible, waterproof, whatever. But Hestra’s liner is hard to beat –- it may be wool, but it was soft and comfortable. As a bonus, wool doesn’t stink as much as synthetic fabrics and insulates even when wet.

The long cuffs on this glove also added warmth by preventing wind, rain, and snow from worming their way down between layers. And the impregnated leather stopped any chilly breeze in its tracks. The Fält Guide Gloves shrugged off light rain and snow, but keep in mind that this glove is leather and will need care and, at minimum, regular treatment with Snowseal or a related product. Hestra ships these gloves with a tube of their own proprietary leather treatment. I haven’t used them long enough to judge how this treatment holds up.

Tactility

All that warmth came with a tradeoff, though. I’ve tested a good deal of hiking gloves, and these weren't the most tactile in the bunch. Again, that’s the tradeoff for lofty insulation. I could zip zippers and button large buttons in these, but you can forget about tying knots or other fiddly tasks. Even the included wool liners are pretty thick and were not great for high-tactile jobs.

But that’s the beauty of switching in your own liners. If you think you’ll need high sensitivity and fine dexterity, you can use a thinner, more tactically responsive liner glove.

Durability

The Hestra Fält Guide Gloves make winter work or outdoor gloves because they are so durable. Continuing trends towards space-age, lightweight materials mean that a lot of outdoor-oriented gear doesn't stand up to repeated use. I’ve used gloves that were light, waterproof, and breathable but that I had to take off to collect firewood or scramble across rocks because I couldn’t risk tearing them. Not these. The leather is buttery soft, but tough, and has so far stood up to abrasion on rocks, trees, ski poles, snow shovels, and other hand tools.

The stitching is tight and even, and in my time using the glove, I never noticed any threads wiggling loose. Even better, the stitching is doubled in strategic locations –- around the thumb, at the cuffs, and across the backhand. As long as you routinely care for the leather, I anticipate these gloves will last any user a long, long time.

The Utility of the Hestra Fält Guide Gloves

Although these gloves are called "guide gloves," they are fantastic for all-around use in cold conditions. In one day, I used them to shovel my driveway, keep my hands warm while driving to the local ski slope, while downhill skiing, and on a hike with my wife later in the afternoon. The one downside to their usefulness as hiking gloves is that they are less tactically responsive than many competing products.

The Buy

You can buy Hestra Hestra Fält Guide Gloves at Hestra’s website for $165. That’s an investment, but one we think is worth making for gloves of this warmth and potential longevity.

See the Hestra Falt Guide Glove on Backcountry

Neck gaiters are indispensable for outdoor enthusiasts. The ubiquitous tube-shaped accessories made famous by Buff and similar brands can be worn in a dozen ways, take up virtually no room in a pack or pocket, and deliver a lot of warmth for their weight.

Buff ThermoNet Neck Gaiter

I’ve tested many neck gaiters in my time as a multi-sport outdoor athlete and writer. I tend to favor Buff’s merino wool line for its odor control and insulative properties. When I need something super-warm, I gravitate towards double-layered options like the one sold by Appalachian Gear Company. But Buff’s ThermoNet collection grabbed my attention because of the PrimaLoft yarn construction, which promised a lot of insulation for very little weight or bulk. My neck can get itchy under bulky layers, and the silky finish of the ThermoNet neck gaiter was also attractive.

What is PrimaLoft?

PrimaLoft is proprietary synthetic insulation made by a company of the same name. A variety of gear companies use PrimaLoft to add moisture-resistant warmth to outdoor apparel. In this case, Buff used a PrimaLoft yarn (70% recycled) to create a neck gaiter with a four-way stretch that weighs 2.12 ounces. That’s about an ounce heavier than the original Buff and half-an-ounce heavier than the lightweight merino wool option.

Testing Conditions

I tested the ThermoNet neck gaiter in cold conditions that ranged from 20 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Wet late-season snow was falling during almost every one of my tests, which took the form of cross-country and downhill skiing, trail runs, and snowshoe hikes.

Review of Performance

Buff touts its ThermoNet products as warm for the weight and for the ability to handle moisture without losing insulative properties. I found both of these claims to be true!

I loved the silky feeling of the PrimaLoft yarn against my skin. The slender fabric might be slightly heavier than classic synthetic neck gaiters, but it’s much less bulky than a fleece-style gaiter and provides (anecdotally) the same amount of warmth.

The fabric is stretchy enough to accommodate all the uses I put it to, including as a beanie on snowy runs. The ThermoNet gaiter mostly shrugged off moisture, dried quickly, and kept my head warm even once it got wet. The promised wicking and breathing properties seem to be present as well, though my testing conditions were so wet that it was hard to get an accurate read on that.

Final Thoughts on the Buff ThermoNet Neck Gaiter

I’d recommend the Buff ThermoNet Neck Gaiter (MSRP $27) for people who want a little more warmth in cold, wet conditions than a classic neck gaiter provides, without the bulk and limited utility of a fleece-style layer. When I’m looking for those properties, I generally gravitate towards natural fibers like merino or alpaca, but sometimes even the finest spun wool feels itchy.

This gaiter's merino fabric certainly isn’t that — the finish is smooth and silky, and so ultimately might be most attractive to people with wool allergies or sensitive skin.

See BUFF ThermoNet Multifunctional Headwear on Amazon

Appalachian Gear Company is a relatively new outdoor gear manufacturer based in Charlotte, NC, and manufacturing alpaca wool products in small batches. The products are starting to pop up on “best of” lists all over the internet, so I thought taking a look at their All-Paca fleece neck gaiter would be worthwhile.

What is a Neck Gaiter?

A neck gaiter is one of the most simple yet versatile outdoor accessories. It’s a simple tube of fabric, usually constructed with a flat seam for comfort. The classic examples are from Buff and showcase over 10 ways to wear a gaiter (as a beanie, a scarf, a mask, etc.). Appalachian Gear Company sells these tube-style gaiters, but they are routinely out of stock.

The AGC’s All-Paca Fleece Gaiter, on the other hand, seems to be easier to find. It has a little more shape than a tube-style gaiter and has some other features that set it apart. Let’s take a look at the cut and style first, and then I’ll delve into the unique material choice.

Fleece Neck Gaiter Cut and Construction

AGC’s All-Paca Fleece Gaiter is slightly longer in the front than the back. It’s also slightly wider at the bottom than at the top. Both of these features set it apart from most of the neck gaiters on the market and give it a sort of a western-style bandana feel. The idea here is to tuck the gaiter beneath layers or leave it on top of the outer layers to prevent snow or moisture from entering the inner layers.

I found this design ideal while downhill skiing especially. I could pull the gaiter up over my face when I needed to, but it was nice and loose around my neck (it also accommodated my beard nicely–bonus points!). I’m actually fairly sensitive to constrictive things around my neck, so this nod towards comfort while layering is well thought out and nicely realized.

Another thing that sets the Appalachian Gear Company All-Paca Fleece Gaiter apart from the competition is its double-layer construction. I found it ideal for active pursuits in below-freezing temperatures, but it is likely overkill if the mercury is above forty or so. It’s also worth noting that the double-layer construction and unique cut preclude this product from being used with as much versatility as the classic tube-shape offered by Buff and other companies.

Alpaca Fibers

Appalachian Gear Company makes many claims about the benefits of alpaca fibers, most of which are pretty hard to test. For instance, I don’t have hard data on if this product insulates better than similar products with less weight and bulk, as AGC claims. I did find that the material lived up to the hype where moisture resistance is concerned. I found the gaiter's fleece fabric absorbed very little water, less than competing neck gaiters, even in heavy snow or rain.

AGC also claims that alpaca fibers are more comfortable (finer) and stronger than merino. Full disclosure, I didn’t test this product long enough or extensively enough to judge its durability vs. merino of similar weight. Time will tell. As far as comfort is concerned, I think it’s a toss-up, at least for me.  The material is certainly fuzzier than merino but didn’t itch or irritate the sensitive skin around my neck any more or less than competing neck gaiters made of synthetics or natural fibers from other sources. Interestingly, I find the AGC Crew Sweater that I own to be slightly itchier on naked skin than the Fleece Gaiter.

All-Paca Fleece Neck Gaiter in Review

The All-Paca Fleece Neck Gaiter is excellent for anyone who needs a neck gaiter with maximum insulation (remember that double-layered construction) with enough shape and stretches to stay on the face when needed. The wide neck ensured comfort over or under my other layers and held its shape well with moderate use.

Claims like superior strength, comfort, and insulative properties over merino are hard to test to their utmost, at least in my limited time frame.  But I can safely say that the fabric was at least equally comfortable to merino wool and probably holds odors even less than that classically anti-microbial fabric. I certainly noticed that the alpaca fibers absorbed less moisture than similarly weighted merino would have, though exactly how much less is hard to say.

When you combine all that with Appalachian Gear Company’s practice of not using plastics in their packaging — and the fact that there are no chemicals or plastics used in the product itself — you end up with an attractive and responsibly-produced three-season neck gaiter. The MSRP of $39 makes it a little more expensive than competing products, but outdoor enthusiasts with a passion for natural fibers will likely find the price worth paying.

See All-Paca Neck Gaiter on Appalachian Gear Company

When the weather gets bad, you’re often left with one of two choices: wear a goofy-looking rubber boot that will keep your feet dry but will feel horribly out of place when you get to where you’re going (rubber boots in a coffee shop are a terrible icebreaker on a blind date) or wear some fancy kicks that will look great but will leave your socks soaked. If you want to look good but don’t want to make that noticeable “squish squish” sound when you walk through Target, you’re going to want a rain boot that’s got a bit of style. This is where the Palladium Pampa Cuff WP Lux rain boot comes in handy.

Testing & review of the Palladium Pampa Cuff Rain Boot

Looking more like a fashion or motorcycle boot than a rain boot, the Palladium Pampa Cuff WP Lux sports an outer made of waterproof oiled nubuck leather that’s held together with sealed seams and waterproof stitching.

During long walks through crappy weather, the nubuck leather was totally waterproof. Tromping through puddles and walking through the rain was no problem for the boot. I even blasted the boots with a sustained stream from a hose when the sun was out, and zero moisture made it inside the boot.

In addition, the soft microfiber collar added a touch of comfort to the boots and gave them a soft feel. This went for the sole as well. The EVA sponge midsole provides plenty of cushioning during long walks, and the molded rubber outsole was a great combination of flexibility and support.

The durability was a plus too. The leather wore in and got softer with time, and instead of showing wear, the boots only looked more stylish over time. In fact, they were so tough during walks that they started doubling as my motorcycle boots when I rode around town. The sneaker feel and boot-like durability made them perfect for my daily bike commute.

Part of that durability is due to the rubber toe cap, which protects the boot’s toe from anything you may walk through (as well as my motorcycle’s shifter lever). In addition to providing a bit more protection, this toe cap also gives the boot a sneaker look. It looks a bit like a burlier version of Converse high-tops, which definitely suits my vibe.

The only real ding was that while the boot totally locked moisture out, the full leather upper didn’t breathe well. Zero water got in, but the boots also didn’t let any sweat out, either. The breathability and heat ventilation weren’t as much of an issue when the weather was lousy, but I got some seriously sweaty feet during long walks in warm weather.

Conclusion and availability

It’s hard to beat the combination of style, waterproofing, and comfort that you get with Palladium's Pampa Cuff WP Lux rain boot (MSRP $155). You get the sneaker look and feel combined with the durability of a boot. If it had burlier outsole lugs, they’d be in contention as a solid hiking boot as well.

I found the only problem with them was the breathability since the leather upper doesn’t provide much venting. But for foul weather, these rain boots are an excellent choice.

They’re available in men’s sizes 6.5 through 14, women’s sizes 5 through 11, and various colors.

Pros

• Price
• Style
• Comfort
• Durability
• Weather-resistance

Cons

• Limited breathability

Features

• EVA midsole for support and comfort
• Rust-resistant steel eyelets
• Padded cuff and tongue
• Waterproof oiled nubuck leather upper

See Palladium Pampa Cuff WP Lux Rain Boots For Men on Amazon

See Palladium Pampa Cuff WP Lux Rain Boots For Men on Walmart

See Palladium Pampa Cuff WP Lux Rain Boots For Men on Zappos

Do you want a lightweight, compact, yet powerful flashlight that doesn’t rely on disposable batteries? Does durability and craftsmanship matter to you? Do you need the flexibility of a streamed light or a wider beam? What about the ability to clip on to a hat brim, a helmet, or on your person? As a volunteer firefighter, EMT, and outdoor guide, I needed all of those things and more. Don’t worry; the ProTac 2L-X 500 Lumen Rechargeable Flashlight from Streamlight checks every box, which is why it made the list for our best rechargeable flashlights.

Putting My ProTac Rechargeable Flashlight to the Test

I’m not easy on gear; my tools are crunched in the mud, stepped on by steel-toed boots, dropped into rivers, exposed to smoke, flames, and cold temperatures, and tossed across parking lots to uncoordinated coworkers. Having a light source with a tough enough body to handle these environments and sheds a bright enough light is important in all my work and play.

The ProTac 2L-X rechargeable flashlight gave me an ergonomic light with diamond groove grip — useful for wet or sweaty hands, a two-way clip for strategic placement — useful on firefighter helmets or backpack straps. I appreciated the ability to recharge my batteries during my downtimes and the option of replacement batteries.

It also features an IPX7 waterproof rating of up to one meter for 30 minutes, as well as a two-meter impact-tested resistance. (I have personally only dropped it from the top of a truck, but it barely has a scratch!)

This 500-lumen tactical LED flashlight charges from a USB source, but it also supports 3.7V CR123A lithium batteries. The military-grade anodized aluminum housing keeps your light source protected from whatever you come across — rain, snow, fire, clumsy teenagers, teething children, and more! This protection is no joke, either — I used this flashlight on the scene of multiple nighttime fires and vehicle accidents with our local fire department, and it stood up to the heat of a house fire as well as 3-degree weather.

The ProTac rechargeable flashlight has two light output settings, plus a strobe setting for alert and detection — useful for directing traffic at night, locating personnel, or illuminating the scene for smoking debris. This tactical flashlight is also lightweight, coming in at 3.9 ounces, with batteries. Maximum illumination at 500 lumens has a claimed 165-meter beam distance and run time of 2.75 hours, while the low setting sports 40 lumens with a claimed 49-meter beam distance and 30-hour battery life.

This model uses a removable clip, which was useful but caused issues at 4:00 a.m. with numb fingers or gloved hands. The metal clip is sturdy and sprung tight, but it’s thin and close to the flashlight's body, which made the grip difficult on occasion. However, the S-shaped clip gives you two options for attachment — the shorter clip near the top was useful for holding the flashlight inside a pocket with the bulb facing down, while the longer clip was better for placement on a hat, helmet, or strap.

Review Conclusions

In terms of a reliable and sturdy tactical light source, you won’t be disappointed by the Streamlight ProTac 2L-X rechargeable flashlight ($47). It's the kind of light you want to keep in your go-bag, on your tool belt, or in the glove box of your car as an everyday carry essential. Trust me — this flashlight can survive a beating and keep on shining. What more could you ask of a light?

See the Streamlight ProTac 2L-X Rechargeable Flashlight on Amazon

See the Streamlight ProTac 2L-X Rechargeable Flashlight on Walmart

The best flashlight is the one you have with you. Thanks to its diminutive proportions, the Olight S1R Baton II is easy to bring with you everywhere.

Sure, the concept that having it is better than not having it is something of an oversimplification. There are many small keychain lights on the market, but most of them produce woefully little light.

Enter this little Olight powerhouse. Though it's tiny in stature, it's massively useful.

In short: The Olight S1R Baton II is a top choice for a rechargeable flashlight where low weight, powerful output, and good battery life are key concerns.

Olight S1R Baton II: Small Light Packs Big Punch

I’ve been using the Olight S1R Baton II for a few months. Given that it's smaller than a pack of chewing gum, I have been consistently impressed with its spectacularly useful light beam.

This tiny flashlight packs a huge punch. At just 2.5 inches long and 1.8 ounces, it's easy to slip (or clip) into your pocket.

Push the intuitive power button, and the S1R Baton II kicks out up to 1,000 lumens. For most of my needs, I use it on level 2, which creates 600 lumens. I didn't measure it, but Olight claims it throws the beam 145 feet at this setting, which seems about right.

The Olight also has great battery life at level 2. I've never actually killed the battery, but the brand claims a run time of 20 hours on its lowest setting of 12 lumens.

This light has smart battery regulation. It runs at 1,000 lumens for 1.5 minutes, then drops to 300 lumens for up to 37 minutes. Or, if you start at level 2 (600 lumens), you get 1.5 minutes of power before it drops down to 300 lumens for another 45 minutes. If you use the dimmest setting, you get a full 20 hours.

Charging

My only gripe with this light, and many Olights, is that you must use the brand’s charger. Olight includes a very useful magnetic charger to power its lights, and it works great. Just set the base of the light on the magnet and plug it in, and the light will glow green when it’s fully charged.

But it requires you to own, and store, and possibly travel with, one more cord. Cord management is a bummer. Of course, the Olight charger is highly efficient — faster than something like a micro USB. Still, you're out of luck if you lose it.

Other than that single issue (I am nitpicking, but it is admittedly common), the light performs flawlessly.

For a tiny flashlight for EDC use, the Olight S1R Baton II ($65) is a powerhouse that's tough to beat.

See the Olight S1R Baton II Rechargeable Flashlight on Amazon

See the Olight S1R Baton II Rechargeable Flashlight on Olight

See the Olight S1R Baton II Rechargeable Flashlight on Walmart

I've been running for as long as I can remember, not lengthy runs but consistent, avid ones. I remember my first watch: a $20, purple and black Timex from Target. I still have it; it's dead in a make-up bag, like an old friend reminding me how far we've traveled on our own two feet.

In eight years, I only replaced the battery in my trusted Timex twice. Granted, it had only a small fraction of the functions that today's running watches offer. But after retiring the Timex for a Garmin Forerunner 45S, the battery-demanding features of a smart running watch had me excited, on my tiptoes, even. And it connects via Bluetooth to the Garmin Connect mobile app. Essentially, it unified my running progress and my health monitoring on one platform.

My Timex had a light, a calendar, an alarm, and a stopwatch. The best-running watches replace the Timex-style stopwatch in function, including vitals, Smart features, complementary mobile apps, and emergency services. The Garmin Forerunner 45S is a low-profile, average-priced, functional, smart running watch that'll keep you honest about your training and feeling safe while running.

Garmin Forerunner 45S details

For an MSRP of $200, I think the Forerunner 45S packs a punch. It's slightly smaller, with a 40mm diameter face, than its larger sibling, the Forerunner 45. While its best use is running, the watch does have other pre-loaded activities like cycling, cardio, elliptical, and yoga settings. You can upload free training programs to the watch for pre-programmed workouts or routes in the Connect app.

The Lithium-Ion battery life is up to 14 days as long as the GPS feature isn't constantly engaged. If you're an ultra-runner and race for longer than 13 hours, the 45S won't see you to the end of the race. It has a stopwatch and timer for training and an alarm to get you out of bed.

The GPS watch is satellite detectable and the pedometer uses a digital three-axis accelerometer. With a 50-meter water resistance rating, 45S owners are clear to swim with the watch on cross-training days.

Choosing a running watch

I knew what I wanted in a running watch when it came time to replace my Timex: a low profile, GPS, and training features. I would highly recommend figuring out your budget and needs before heading to the Garmin online store or your local retailer. Narrowing down the field based on features and price makes for a smaller playing field, and ultimately an easier choice.

I've been running with this Garmin watch for about three years. The only grief I have is the lack of an altimeter. But, in reality, Texas's elevation changes aren't significant enough to justify the cost of a model with an altimeter.

Otherwise, the Garmin Forerunner 45S was ideal for me. The one-inch color display screen sits about a quarter of an inch above my wrist. Its profile didn't impede my arms cadence, and I could still wear a fitted long sleeve thermal layer over the watch without feeling bulky or too tight. I have worn the watch over my long sleeve in some cases, and the heart rate monitor would still read my wrist's HR.

Setting up the Garmin Forerunner 45S

Setting up the 45S was hassle-free. Once I downloaded the app and turned on the Bluetooth, the app immediately recognized the watch and confirmed the pairing. Once in the Garmin Connect app, I made a profile. From there, I could view daily activity, stress levels, sleeping habits, and "body battery", monitored by the wristed-based heart rate monitor.

The app also allows for manual input of water intake, a female-specific calendar to track your period, and specific workouts that correlate to a tracked activity.

Safety features

Users can set three emergency contacts inside the app. I've never had to use the feature but if I did, the watch would send my GPS location to my designated contacts. The assistance feature felt like a safety blanket as I ventured into the woods for a trail run. Additionally, the incident detection feature senses any major changes in motion. After tripping over my own feet, the 45S prompted me with a question: "Incident detected, contact emergency assistance?"

Splits on my wrist

Old habits die hard, and previously, while doing interval training or tempo runs, I've always had to peek at my wristwatch frequently. The customizable pace alerts and the integrated interval training features changed the course of my training. The vibrating and audio pace alerts allowed me to keep my eyes up and look in front of me.

Pairing my phone also meant I could link my music app to the watch. Instead of having the confusing touch-control dance with my AirPods, I could change the volume and the songs from my wrist, keeping me on pace and off my phone.

Long runs are my favorite, and it has been rewarding to see improvement towards becoming a more efficient runner. After the run, splits appear on the watch face. After syncing the information to my watch, I could see heart rate splits, average pace, individual mile splits, a map of the route with a color-coded pace, and average speeds. I could finally get into the nitty-gritty of training.

Garmin Forerunner 45S review conclusions

The features of the Garmin Forerunner 45S border between what a runner needs and what a runner wants. Some features render nothing for a new runner, whereas others aren't advanced enough for a competitive athlete.  If you're living in the realm between a casual health-oriented runner and a uber-competitive athlete, the Garmin Forerunner 45S should suit you.

See the Garmin Forerunner 45S on Garmin

See the Garmin Forerunner 45S on Amazon

See the Garmin Forerunner 45S on Walmart

This type of jacket says you mean business but know how to throw down on the bumps. While it comes at a premium price, you’ll understand why once you realize just how much it can do for your ski days.

Helly Hansen Alpha 3.0: Test Time

I braved New England’s winter playground for a few late-winter ski days in Maine and New Hampshire in the Alpha 3.0. Besides the flip-up reflective hood stripe (which helped my ski partners to find me among the vacation-week crowd), the dual warmth and breathability of this jacket truly stood out. Helly Hansen provided insulation in the places most needed (the core and the arms) and set vents strategically placed in high-output areas (like underarms and the mid-back). This gave me the ability to ski hot laps without drowning in sweat and then freezing in the lift line back up.

The two-ply, four-way full stretch fabric is waterproof, windproof, and still breathable. What does all of this mean? It means you can ski from the first chair to the last bell in blizzards, whiteout conditions, and blower snow without feeling wet or cold. However, if the sky opens up to a bluebird day or you’re hustling up a ridge to catch first tracks when patrol drops that rope, the breathable fabric dumps out excess heat that would normally make you sweat. (I tested this out when she had to sprint back across the parking lot for her brother’s ski pass. The pit zips that run down to mid-chest were a godsend after that.) Helly Hansen’s seam-sealed, DWR-treated, and fully insulated (with premium Primaloft Gold and Black Hi-Loft insulation) jacket will keep you warm and comfortable through your entire ski vacation — and will earn you more than one appreciative nod in the lift line.

In Review: Justifyin' the Buy-In

What makes this jacket worth the $475 MSRP? Top-notch technology and the kind of handy features that make gear nerds giggle with joy. The Alpha 3.0 sports an external ski pass pocket on the left forearm, two chest pockets (with a ski goggle shammy and the LIFE POCKET insulating layer for your phone), two insulated hand pockets, and internal dump pockets to keep your gloves, neck gaiters, and snacks warm and safe.

The hood is helmet-compatible and detaches easily via zipper and velcro, but uses specialized sleeves. These sleeves work to keep snow out of your collar and to keep the hood attached when you need it most. The sleeves also feature wrist gaiters with thumbholes and velcro-adjustable straps to keep snow out of your jacket arms and ski gloves. The taped zipper keeps snow and water from entering your jacket, and the zippers are big enough for gloved hands to grab and open easily.

But the piéce de resistance? This ski jacket holds RECCO Advanced Rescue technology (essentially a magnetic tracking device) that is detectable from the air should you get lost in the sidecountry or if an avalanche sweeps through. Thanks to the latest innovations, this search and rescue tech doesn’t add extra gear/weight to your person and helps rescuers locate lost adventurers much more easily. As a professional guide, volunteer Search and Rescue technician, and apparent jacket connoisseur, I am all about this feature.

At the end of the day, the Alpha 3.0 blends the best of quality, warmth, comfort, technical performance, and thoughtful life-hacking features. While it’s certainly not the best budget option on the market, it’s no Arc’teryx Macai, either.

Helly Hansen is a staple name in rough-and-rugged industries like Alaskan fishing, alpine skiing, and sailing alike. The company's quality is nearly impossible to beat. If you want good looks with even better warmth and technology, stop searching. You found it in HH's Alpha 3.0 ski jacket.

See Helly Hansen Alpha 3.0 Ski Jacket on Amazon

See Helly Hansen Alpha 3.0 Ski Jacket on Helly Hansen

See Helly Hansen Alpha 3.0 Ski Jacket on EVO

You’re looking at the champagne of in-bounds ski jackets. Not the $15 prosecco you saw on sale at the local Foodway; we’re talking bottle-service-level quality and style, slope-side. Forget the hand-me-down sweater your dad let you wear on the annual trip to the ski hill; this is the jacket they’ll announce your arrival in when you step onto the gondola at Chamonix. Allow us to introduce you to the emperor of insulated, waterproof, breathable ski jackets: The Arc’teryx Macai. This jacket rivaled the second coming for me, gear tester who cut her teeth facing down New England ice storms, Colorado blizzards, and Alaskan winter temperatures. There’s a reason it won our premium pick for the best ski jackets. Find out why for yourself.

You Get What You Pay for With the Arc'teryx Macai

For us mere peasants, the MSRP $999 price tag was enough to make me choke on my porridge. The opportunity to test the caviar of ski jackets was closer to a Cinderella story than I would care to admit, but there was no going back once I zipped up the Macai, stepped into my skis, and carved my way down the frozen New England ski trails.

Those who knew me scoffed at the thought of me donning a jacket that costs more than most mortgages; those who didn't nodded in envy as they froze their buns off waiting for the lift. As for me? Well, I was toasty, dry, and ready to shred well past the bell.

You may be asking what could justify a price tag that would eat up most of your stimulus check, and I wouldn’t mock you for it. Unless you’re committed to this as your ski couture quiver killer, it may be too far out of budget as just another ski layer. However, ask anyone in the ski industry, and they’ll tell you that Arc’teryx jackets are the platinum standard of ski jackets. Arc’teryx has incorporated the latest in warmth, waterproofing, and rescue technology into their Macai jacket.

Macai Construction Specs

From the burly three-layer Gore-Tex exterior (which feels like a soft, warm, comfortable winter jacket, rather than a hardshell rain jacket) to the compressed down and synthetic insulation, which provides mega warmth without mega bulk, this jacket is made for those cold, cold days. Arc’teryx does so with “down composite mapping”: synthetic Coreloft insulation, which still retains heat even when it’s soaking wet, provides the insulation along with the hood, hem, and underarms, where you’re the most likely to come in contact with moisture. Its 750-fill European goose down insulation in the core and sleeves gives you the most warmth where you need it to keep your core and arms toasty warm when winter rages around you.

The fit should stop at the hips (which it did on both male and female testers) with enough room to allow for a thin layer below. The cut sits between Euro-athletic and American comfort-baggy for a smooth, clean, and sharp-looking outline.

With all that insulation, though, I was worried about overheating with exertion. Arc’teryx was one step ahead: mesh-backed PowderGuard vents and a mesh-backed, water-resistant front zipper prevent snow entry but allow heat to escape. This design comes in handy when you’re hoofing it up a ridgeline or just hustling across the flats to get the last beer cheese pretzel at the end of the day.

The Macai features a myriad of specialties, too: taped seams and watertight zippers for snowproof protection, even on blower powder days or icy storm days. An adjustable, removable, synthetic-insulated, and helmet-compatible hood with pull-string adjustment and a low visor to protect from windy gaps is there to move with your head motion keep you 100% protected. A high-necked, insulated collar to keep the wind and snow out of vital warm spots. Adjustable hems and cuffs, along with a powder skirt with gripper elastic, will keep your skirt from riding up on your ski pants.

Did I mention the six different pockets, including an exterior pass pocket, internal mesh pockets for gloves and Buffs, plus zippered hand pockets to stay warm, keep the snow out, and hold onto your valuables? Yeah, I was impressed by the pockets.

Rescue Technology

What do I love most of all? As an outdoor professional guide and Search and Rescue volunteer, I can’t say enough about this RECCO Advanced Rescue reflector included in the design. The magnetic RECCO designs are ultralight, built-in tech that makes it possible to track lost skiers (or hikers, or snowshoers, or anyone) from the air, which is one more safety feature to help rescue efforts. In a warm, windproof, waterproof, and breathable Gore-Tex ski jacket (did I mention those pit zips?), you couldn’t ask for more than peace of mind.

Arc'teryx Macai Review Conclusions

At the end of the day, I couldn’t recommend this jacket to just anyone (who has a spare grand to drop on a ski jacket?). But if you have the budget, I wouldn't recommend anything less.

The Arc'teryx Macai has earned its title as the king of the winter realm; bundle up and ski your heart out knowing you’re warm, protected, and as stylish as royalty in this insulated snow shield.

See Arc'teryx Macai Ski Jacket on Arc’teryx

Like any athlete, runners can get infatuated with gear — high-tech running shoes, the best hydration packs, compression socks, gooey gels, the latest sweat-wicking fabrics, wireless earbuds, and other gadgets and gizmos. But running is simple by nature, and sometimes I just want the basics: my shoes and my GPS running watch. This GPS watch only needs to deliver live performance data and safety features. That's it. And it shouldn't break the bank.

Anyone looking for a GPS running watch under $100 should thoroughly consider the Forerunner 35. Even if budget isn't an object, the GPS features, training programs, and intuitive interface make the  Garmin Forerunner 35 a running watch for anyone, not just those on a tight budget.

Inside the Garmin Forerunner 35

The Garmin Forerunner 35 is built tough with a silicone band and a chemically strengthened glass watch face. The 1-inch watch face displays stats and live-streaming data broadly on the screen while running. A 9-day battery life is sufficient while training, and the 13-hour battery life with GPS will see you through roughly 70 miles at a 5-hour marathon pace. Take advantage of the 5-ATM water rating and the cardio setting to swim on cross-training days.

The watch has five activity settings: outdoor running, indoor running, cardio, bike, and walk. Within each activity, there are options for intervals, run, jog, or a paced run; each can be programmed directly in the watch rather than through the Garmin Connect app.

A slew of features makes it hard to believe the Garmin Forerunner 35 has a $100 MSRP. Running and cycling-specific sensors, profiles, cadence, heart rate, distance, and calories barely breach the list of the Forerunner 35's features. The Garmin Elevate heart rate monitor is wrist-based, so a chest strap isn't required, and the watch can send alerts to help you stay in the correct heart rate zone. An accelerometer allows the watch to recognize changes in pace and will auto-pause recording to keep the data accurate.

Other perks include Find My Phone and connectivity. Once paired with the phone via Bluetooth, music, weather, and other notifications appear on the watch's display to keep you connected hands-free during your workout.

Setting Up the Forerunner 35

The Forerunner 35 setup was just like any other Garmin watch setup: straightforward and quick. Once I established the Bluetooth connection through the Garmin Connect app, I was immediately prompted with steps to link and set it up. I have two Garmins, and both connected to my Mobile Connect app simultaneously without a hitch. The app summarized data from both watches into the same calendar for a complete synced physical activity calendar.

The Forerunner 35 Fit

The Forerunner 35 felt quite large on my wrist. The wristband is just shy of an inch wide, and the square watch face seemed more imposing and slightly thicker than the circular 45S model. Folks with bigger wrists, though, probably will feel like the size is perfect.

GPS Running Watch Training Partner

The 4-button controls of the Forerunner 35 were straightforward to learn and intuitive once I knew the interface's basics. I felt in control interacting with the watch while bounding down the trail. The font was easy to read on the wide display.

The Forerunner 35 offered a gentle nudge towards my running goals without overwhelming me with advanced technical data that usually accompanies the GPS running watches in the $600 range. The audible and vibrating lap and pace alerts helped keep me on target with my workouts.

The interval and pace training features were game-changers. Previously, I've had to keep my head down to keep time on my watch, which didn't have alerts. With Garmon 35's signals,  I was able to keep my eyes up ahead and focus more on my breathing and cadence instead of being distracted by eyeing my watch.

Garmin Mobile Connect App

I utilized the Garmin Mobile Connect App more than I anticipated. Customizable reminder notifications from the app about logging specific women's health stats and hydration levels kept me honest about all aspects of my training and lifestyle, not just the physical activity.

The specific breakdowns of heart rate, cadence, and elevation change throughout the activity got me pretty nerdy about my training plans.

I was much less inclined to skip workouts after inputting a training plan and receiving daily reminders on both my watch and phone.

Garmin Forerunner 35 In Review

Garmin makes impressive GPS running watches, but not all of them are realistically priced for the everyday runner, and they can have an overabundance of functions and features.

The Garmin Forerunner 35 offers live GPS tracking and gathers just enough information to be a reasonable choice for an avid everyday runner that doesn't want to spend the big bucks.

See the Garmin Forerunner 35 on Amazon

See the Garmin Forerunner 35 on Garmin

The Ryng by Brunt Workwear is a work boot for people who hate work boots. As anyone who has to wear them daily knows, work boots can be uncomfortable, cramped, stiff, and heavy — all of which leads to exhaustion at the end of the day.

That’s the last thing that folks with hard, physically demanding jobs need. The Ryng boot is light by work boot standards, boasts a quick break-in period, and sports a toe box that feels spacious enough to accommodate wiggling toes and extra-thick socks.

Tested: Versatility, Grip, and Warmth

I tested The Ryng boot for a period of 2 weeks, mostly using it while splitting and chopping wood — an application that demanded stable footing and a good grip. The Ryng’s multi-directional tread pattern is moderately aggressive, but the rubber is fairly soft. The result? The work boots gave me a stable platform for swinging heavy things and gripped the loose soil and wood-chip-strewn surface around my chopping block with ease.

My testing conditions were somewhat cold (somewhere between 32˚ and 50˚F, depending on the day). Those are temperatures that don’t mix well with steel-toed boots. That’s why I liked The Ryng’s composite construction toe. My piggies never felt cold in these boots — at least not as cold as they would have felt if steel was there.

Another point in favor of The Ryng’s versatility is its adjustable width. You can remove an insert beneath the insole to take the boot to a relaxed fit. I utilized this feature when I wanted to add a little additional warmth via extra thick socks or boot socks and a liner. It worked like a charm. I suspect people with wide feet will enjoy this feature as well.

The Ryng by Brunt Workwear: Comfort, Safety, Lightness

I’ve mentioned the composite-material toe in terms of its comfort, but how does it stack up in terms of safety? Pretty well. As an experiment, I gave The Ryng a few whacks in the toe with my sledgehammer (I wasn’t wearing them) to see if I could crush the toe box. No luck. So the composite material seems to hold up as well as a steel toe would, at least in my little slapdash testing.

A few other comfort features are present in the boot that aren’t really unique to Brunt — a padded collar around the ankle, midfoot shank, and thick foam midsole.

But where The Ryng stands out is in material choice. Many work boots are made of leather, and indeed Brunt offers several leather choices on their website. But The Ryng’s upper is made of a textile material. This stuff seems durable enough, is waterproof (at least to the extent that it will repel snow and puddles), and is certainly more breathable than leather.

Brunt boasts of The Ryng’s “ultra-lightweight” qualities (each boot weighs around 1.57 lbs). A quick comparison with other leading mid-duty work boots shows that weight data is shockingly hard to come by, though Danner’s Steel Yard 6’’ Steel Toe weighs about 2.25 lbs. My guess is that companies that don’t provide weight data have relatively heavy work boots.

 If you already own a pair of work boots, toss them on the scale and see if they weigh more than 1.57 lbs each. If they do, consider upgrading to The Ryng boot. As an expert in footwear, I can tell you that the less weight you have swinging around on the end of the pendulum that is your leg, the less exhausted you will feel at the end of the day.

Finishing Touches & Review Conclusions

The Ryng’s all-black styling continued to look good through my testing period, even covered with dust and pine sap. I had no qualms in spraying them off and then wearing them casually around town. One final touch that I liked — the upper two lace hooks can function in a pass-through or wrap-around capacity, depending on your preference.

It’s that kind of attention to detail that catches my eye, and a final reason I would recommend The Ryng by Brunt Workwear ($135) to anyone who needs a comfortable, relatively lightweight boot that maximizes protection while minimizing fatigue.

See Brunt Workwear The Ryng on Brunt

On Tuesday, February 22, three ski mountaineers captured the first descent of the east face of Mt. Ethelbert (3,180m) in Canada's Purcell mountain range.

First ski descent of Mt. Ethelbert's east face

Mark Herbison, Christina Lustenberger, and Sam Smoothy began their trek from the 1,200m mark in early morning conditions that Lusternberger described as frigid but ideal.

"Alpine low of -30," she wrote, "ridge winds east 15km. But splitter." Elevation and exposure gain ultimately rendered a -40°C windchill. Smoothy later said it was "the coldest day of my life."

Herbison and Lustenberger had previously attempted the route a week earlier but intractable fog socked them in at the summit, and forced a bail.

The ascending line trended up the peak's west face. They started by taking snowmobiles to the Templeton Lake trailhead, then broke a new trail to the base of the wall. Mountain photographer Jamie Tanner posted up on an adjacent ridge, documenting their effort via drone.

Instant frostnip

The team summited Mt. Ethelbert at 1:30 pm, amid high winds.

"Instantly Mark and Sam had frostnip on their faces," Lustenberger reported.

Looking down from the top, they found perfect snowpack for skiing. They proceeded to cruise down Mt. Ethelbert's east face, dividing the descent into three pitches. Per Lustenberger's report:

Mark dropped first, leaving billowing snow in his tracks. We skied the face in three pitches, yo-yoing leads while Jamie reset the drone to capture the descent.

Skiing out the bottom and into the windless sun was a quick break from the chilly shade. We transitioned and [started] skinning back up the south aspect to meet Jamie on the ridge. After a quick high-five we skied a north couloir back to the valley we started in. 15min of skinning back to the sleds we then reversed our tracks back to the truck. Frozen, but enjoying the Arctic sunset over the Columbia Valley.

On October 11, 2017, tragedy befell an accomplished young big wall climber in Yosemite Valley. That was the day that Quinn Brett fell more than 30 metres from a fabled multipitch line on El Capitan's Boot Flake.

The injuries she sustained were harrowing. The impact shattered her T12 vertebra and split open her scalp. Most heartbreaking of all, it robbed her of the ability to use her legs.

Quinn Brett & the accident that changed her life

It was no small miracle that she survived the incident. Flight For Life lifted Quinn from the Valley and carried her to a new chapter. It would prove far more challenging than any big wall route ever could.

She underwent a litany of operations, began physical therapy, and slowly started to learn how to live in a body so transformed from the one that had carried her to the world-renowned summits of Longs Peak, Half Dome, and Cerro Torre, to name a few.

An Accidental Life, a mountain festival film, documents Quinn after her fall. Through it, director Henna Taylor bears witness to Quinn's tenacious spirit as she fights to reclaim her strength, peace, and stoke.

In a 2018 essay, Quinn Brett on Her Life-Changing Accident and Her Passion for Wilderness, the young woman wrote:

My accident rerouted my life, but I’m still alive. I can still act. The therapists have a machine that supports my legs so I can stand, and although I can’t feel my legs, standing tall feels good in ways that I cannot describe. When my friends help wheel me onto gravel and gentle dirt trails, my heart sings. I still love wild places so much.

An Accidental Life premiered this week at the 2022 Big Sky Documentary Film Festival. Viewers can take in the feature-length film here from February 23-26, 2022.

In 1937, France considered wolves locally extinct. Yet in 2021, the population numbers an estimated 600. Perhaps cross-border migration helped flip the numbers, or perhaps the species evaded detection for years.

In this week's Weekend Warm-up, a team of snow riders and environmentalists track France's wolves and discover that they roam surprisingly close to humans.

An elusive predator

At the end of the 18th century, thousands of wolves lived in France. But they were unpopular. Locals thought they were a threat and hunted them to local extinction. Lynx in France suffered a similar fate.

Despite hunting in packs of up to 30, wolves can be tricky to find. Often, it is only their howl (used to communicate with their pack) that locates them. Wolves can run at speeds of more than 60kph. With more than 40 teeth, they can devour up to 10kg of meat in one meal. Large hoofed mammals like bison, moose, and deer are their preferred prey. Their keen sense of smell, which is more than 100 times more powerful than humans, helps them remain relatively invisible.

Today, killing wolves is illegal in France. The wolf population is rising, which means that wolves and humans will have to coexist.

Tracking wolves

Thomas Delfino is a snow enthusiast who spends his winter days skiing untouched snow. He shares his recreational territory with many wild animals but rarely sees them.

“I knew nothing of the wild world in which I would ride almost every day in winter,” Delfino explains. Working with Pierre Sellier, Lionel Tassan, and Guillaume Collombet, he now seeks a better understanding of his wild neighbors.

Tassen is a wildlife photographer who specializes in mountain environments. His image collection includesowls, wolves, and other alpine species in their natural habitat.

By tracking footprints, Tassen learns where wolves roam. When the footprints are sharp, he knows that they are fresh. Once he understands where the wolves move, he sets up camera traps.

The camera traps have provided plenty of great footage. One video shows a wolf carrying a severed deer head in broad daylight. When the animal nears the camera, it smells that humans have been close by and turns in the opposite direction.

Leaving no trace has become a common turn of phrase. Humans should strive to co-exist with nature, without spoiling it. Wolves have come close to mastering that. They coexist with humans and remain largely undetected.

Paraglider and filmmaker Adrien Nisan, 39, lives in his van in the French Alps. Recently, he was having a hard time -- lonely, depressed, and with little work because of COVID. Then he adopted a three-year-old Samoyed named Ouka who had been abandoned twice by previous owners.

On mountain scrambles, Nisan noticed that Ouka was not afraid of heights. He decided to see how the dog would take to paragliding. So he sewed Ouka a special harness and away the pair went.

In the clip, produced by the BBC, Nisan admits that despite Ouka's relaxed demeanor, not everyone approves of this unusual tandem. But although the dog can't express any discomfort in words, "When Ouka doesn't like something, you immediately know," says Nisan.

Four Masted Barque Rounding Cape Horn is a dull title for a flamboyant compendium of live-action footage of life aboard a monstrous cargo vessel in 1928, all captured and curated by a young captain, Irving Johnson.

In 1980, Johnson compiled his collection, added his own narration, and created this energetic, one-of-a-kind film. It's informative, humorous, full of action, and remarkably well documented — even by today's adventure film standards.

Captain Irving Johnson

American captain Irving Johnson was a colorful adventurer, sail training pioneer, speaker, and writer.

The documentary opens with a reel of Johnson riding boneshaker and big-wheel bicycles on his family's farm in Hadley, Massachusetts. (The footage includes an over-the-handlebars face plant.) He then proceeds to scale a rotted, wobbling electrical pole, and pulls off a pearl-clutching, hands-free headstand once at the top "to make sure he'd never be scared."

He did all of these things to get in shape for his lifelong ambition — a maritime voyage to Cape Horn.

"Now there's a boy with a one-track mind if you've ever seen one!" the elder captain exclaims. "I got ready for it on the farm before I'd even seen saltwater."

The Peking

Johnson set sail for Cape Horn aboard the Peking, the largest sailing ship in the world, and one of the last cargo vessels ever used in the nitrate-and-wheat trade around Cape Horn.

Built by F. Laesiz company in 1911, the film's titular steel-hulled, four-masted bark weighed 3,100 tons when bone-dry (which it never was), donned more than an acre of canvas across its 32 sails, and ran entirely off human and wind power. It had benefited Germany and Italy by the time Johnson joined its ranks.

The crew stuffed its cargo hold with 5,300 tons of goods and set off on a 17,700-kilometre voyage from northern Ireland to South America's southernmost tip.

Sailing to Cape Horn, 1928

The Peking spent 17 hectic days in the North Sea. Storms battered the ship, sometimes submerging its rails up to nine metres underwater. Drenched but seemingly cheerful sailors dumped out the water from their galoshes between turns at managing the great bark's 315 lines. The only way to dry one's clothes? By sleeping in them.

"There's something about these vessels that causes a kind of hypnotism! You can do things you'd never dream of doing on land," Johnson enthuses in the film.

Mending sails — Johnson tells us they'd learned to sew seven metres of canvas an hour at "racing speed" — lining up for weekly trims, harvesting shark, and sharing four-on/four-off shifts knit the crew together tightly.

In unfavorable weather, the Peking could sail at speeds up to 16 knots with, as Johnson notes, the help of her crew. "We felt like Superman!" said the extroverted skipper. "We made all of this happen!"

After weathering one last nautical storm, the crew approached Cape Horn — and then the Peking came to a lulling halt. The wind had literally been taken out of its sails. Foggy, warm, still air enveloped the ship for a week or so. The crew was forced to mitigate the current without so much as a breeze, causing the Peking to pulse to and from the Chilean coast.

He wanted to experience a storm

"I'm disgusted with the weather." Johnson's narration showcases the exasperation he felt as a greenhorn. "I came all these thousands of miles to get a big 'storm-off' coupon."

And then came the storm he'd always wished for. And a second storm. Johnson, miraculously, provides comprehensive footage from high up on a mast. "Now watch this," he prompts us, "the bottom of Niagara Falls looks exactly like what you're gonna see here."

So what did the young sailor learn? And did the Peking ever make it to the port of Cape Horn? You'll just have to see for yourself.

Runtime: 38 minutes

Last winter, Emily Ford of Duluth, Minnesota, became the first woman and only second person to hike Wisconsin's 1,900km Ice Age Trail, supported by Diggins, her sled dog.

This year, the 29-year-old and Diggins aim for a 320km ski tour along the Minnesota-Ontario border.

Emily Ford's winter ski trek

Ford and Diggins will depart from Crane Lake on February 11 and spend the next month skijoring, and when necessary, skiing and hauling along the Boundary Waters.

She is also packing snowshoes for the inevitable portages through the deep snow of the north woods. Ford will tow a pulk with all of the gear and provisions she and Diggins need along the way. The pair should reach Grand Portage near Lake Superior around March 13.

They'll follow the Border Route that crosses the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) for part of the trek. The Border Route is a millennia-old line historically used by Native Americans and fur traders.

After rocketing to influential heights following her historic hike last year, Ford said she's very aware that the causes she chooses to support and the trails she decides to pursue are important. This trip is about adventure, sure. But it's also about elevating wild places that need preservation and respect, like the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

"A lot of people know about the Boundary Waters in the summer. But it's so much more than that. I want to give it a face in the wintertime," Ford said.

You can follow her and Diggins on their 2022 trek via her Instagram account, @emilyontrail.

In September 2019, climber Emma Twyford became the first British female to climb 9a. The accomplishment, which required more than two solid years of dedication, broke the climbing grade 9 barrier for British women. What may be more impressive is the route that she chose to break that barrier with — The Big Bang. And a just-released film by the same name documents Twyford's ride to the chains.

The Big Bang resides at a seaside cliff in North Wales known as Lower Pen Trwyn (or ‘LPT’). Owing to the often inclement weather and the stoutness of its rock formations, crags in the U.K. are notoriously challenging. Those conditions are made all the worse when the location of the route is sea-level and metres from the shore.

So it's little wonder why very few climbers can say they have successfully redpointed The Big Bang, which is the LPT's ultimate test piece. When Twyford first encountered the route in 2017, only two people in the world had sent it.

A bit about 'The Big Bang' 9a

Despite LPT's temperamental conditions, it is home to one of the few limestone havens in the entire United Kingdom. Britain is best known for its burly gritstone trad routes, but limestone lends itself to sport climbing.

Limestone's steepness, variety of features, and intricacy inspire the cutting-edge acrobatics seen on many advanced sport routes today. The LPT has all of that to offer, which is why it became the U.K.'s epicentre for elite sport climbing in the 1980s. Those familiar with the climbing there describe it as steep and sharp. As the area's most difficult route, The Big Bang is no exception.

Neil Carson claimed The Big Bang's first ascent in 1996. The next ascent wasn't until 2011 by James McHaffie. Reportedly, it took McHaffie just 13 days to project and redpoint the watershed line.

At the time of Carson's ascent, the climbing world heralded it as the U.K.'s first 9a sport climb.*

Emma Twyford

Twyford began trad climbing when she was just seven years old. At the age of 10, she began competing and earned the title of British Bouldering Champion when she was 24.

After retiring from competitions, Twyford turned back to trad climbing and became quickly accomplished in the style discipline. She landed several impressive E9 headpoints, one E8 flash, and numerous E7 flashes by her early 30s.

Then she turned her sights on sport climbing. When asked why she chose The Big Bang specifically, "I think because of the history behind it," she told UK Climbing. "LPT was at the forefront of British climbing back in the day with hard and historical climbs being put up by Ben Moon and Jerry Moffatt such as Statement of Youth (Britain's first 8a) and Liquid Ambar (8c)."

According to Twyford, setting the record as Britain's first woman to 9a is just a bonus. "I'm more psyched about getting the 3rd ever ascent of this route. That feels pretty special, knowing it is hard and hasn't been repeated very often, and that I'm one of three people to unlock the sequences."

*This claim has met some dispute, particularly after Hubble at Raven Torr. Ben Moon claimed the first ascent of Hubble in 1990 and graded it 8c+ at the time. The route has seen fewer than 12 ascents since Moon's FA. Most of the climbers that have redpointed Hubble agree that a grade of 9a more accurately reflects the route's difficulty.

As such, Hubble is technically the first 9a sport climb in the UK, preceding The Big Bang by six years.

Last month, two of Brazil's foremost highliners set sail for the skies. Their mission: to string up and traverse the highest slackline in the world. And they would do it in the whimsical fashion so baked into balance culture, supported by a pair of rainbow-colored hot air balloons.

From 1,860 metres above Earth, Rafael Bridi lifted himself over the hot air balloon basket and planted his bare feet on the narrow, 2.5cm tightrope. With a grin on his face, the 34-year-old daredevil smoothly cantered across the webbing.

The feat, captured on Bridi's GoPro Max, suspended him at a height twice that of the world's tallest building. His balancing act shattered the previous highline record and landed Bridi's name in Guinness World Records.

Take a look.

For thousands of years, trees have given us wood for our fires and lumber for shelter. They provide the air we breathe and they house vital plants and animals. Forests have always meant stability and security, yet they remain a great mystery to us.

We cannot begin to fathom how old trees can be. Ecologists can tell the age of a tree by counting its annual rings. Tree rings are like an archive of thousands of years of information. They let us see into the past. They show what the climate was like and how the land affected local plants.

5,000 years of history in a single tree

Some trees are so ancient that they pre-date the Pyramids of Giza. Bristlecone pines are the longest-living trees in the world, and the oldest individual has survived over 5,000 years. How is this possible? Bristlecone pines are especially resilient to changes in climate and harsher conditions. And their past might hold the key to nature’s future survival.  

In Japan, trees are deeply respected. Individuals believe that forests have thoughts and consciousness. There is almost a religious aspect to their activities in the deep forests or even among the trees in urban areas. Arborists or “tree doctors” help heal them when they are sick, snowboarders traverse the forest in winter and liken the practice to a conversation. The Japanese believe that trees have spirits and that we should treat them as we do humans. They are much older than we are, after all. 

In British Columbia, ecologists see ancient forests as vast networks. Think of a computer or nervous system. Each tree relays information to the other, sending signals to fungi on the forest floor or signaling the presence of new animals or insects. This only reinforces how very much alive trees are. These ancient forests are vital for storing carbon and supporting ecosystems. Unfortunately, logging is increasing. If it continues without adequate checks, recovery could take over 1,000 years. 

What will it take to rebuild our respect for trees? We must remember that one day, we will rejoin them in the Earth. We must remember that our energy will replenish the forest. 

During Arthur’s first year of life, he toured Ethiopia while his parents climbed the Towers of Tigray. As a new mother, I watched in awe while imagining my daughter exploring the contrasting colors and cultures of life on the trail, like Arthur. Now his family are at it again. This time, bike touring France and climbing along the way.

Arthur's parents, James Pearson and Caroline Ciavaldini, are two of the most accomplished climbers of their generation. Based in France, they each started climbing as youngsters (Ciavaldini age 12, Pearson age 15) and quickly developed a global reputation. Their partnership intertwines a love of travel and scaling rocks. In 2018, when Arthur arrived, none of that changed.

Parenting is tough; traveling as a parent even harder

Ciavaldini says, “I am living the dream life now.” Most likely, she is referring to sharing her passion with her best friend, partner, and the father of her child. In my eyes, she and Pearson are inspirational. Parenting is tough, let alone simultaneously upholding pre-child ambitions.

Anyone with a toddler knows that the previously simple task of leaving the house becomes an elaborate affair with a phenomenal amount of baby paraphernalia. No matter how simple a family keeps child necessities, there are a ton of extras required. Throw in COVID-related travel restrictions, and any parent would be forgiven for putting family travel in the “too hard” category.

Not this family. On their recent adventure, Ciavaldini has the additional responsibility of being pregnant with Arthur’s sibling. Yet the family make a few adjustments and continue following their passion.

Solution-oriented people

When they become frustrated by cross-border restrictions, the family make transport a part of the adventure. They attach a trailer to the back of Pearson’s e-bike, turning it into Arthur’s mini-oasis. On the back of Ciavaldini’s e-bike is another trailer equipped with the family's kit.

Then, the couple ride for three weeks from the Alps to their home. Along the way, they visit some of France’s most highly regarded climbs.

Riding in southwest from Briancon, they first stop at Ceuse. Arthur rides up front near the handlebars on the long approach to Cascade, one of Ceuse’s oldest sections. Next, they follow single track through to Orpierre. When a trailer breaks, they have a local ironmonger fix it.

The family take time between climbing to find parks and ice cream for Arthur. Then they leave the Alps behind. The scenery becomes green valleys as they head toward Provence.

At Saint-Léger, Ciavaldini does a final lead climb. She decides to ease back on difficulty as her pregnancy progresses.

As I write this during my own final weeks of pregnancy, I can’t help but once again be in awe. The physicality of climbing during pregnancy is not lost on me.

Now or never

Timing wasn't generous for the family though. It was now or never, said Pearson as he weighed up waiting for warmer weather with second trimester pregnancy. Leaving later in the year would have offered fewer wet days. But the relentless rain doesn’t matter much. In any case, Arthur is warm and dry in his trailer, which is their main concern.

Toward the end of their journey, temperatures rise to the mid-30s Celsius and the terrain flattens. The family make a final stop in Gargantua, a local haven similar to an outdoor climbing gym where almost all holds are chipped and quickdraws in place.

Ciavaldini and Pearson seem to be solution-oriented people. Many families find it easier to hunker down at home until COVID restrictions ease. Some also choose to wait until their young form reliable behaviors and sleep patterns before traveling.

But Ciavaldini and Pearson seek out ways to overcome barriers associated with young family travel. Without letting life pass them by, they reward Arthur with new experiences.

The documentary Why Do I Hike? tracks Croatian filmmaker Nikola Horvat as he tackles the Colorado Trail and attempts to answer that existential question.

A veteran thru-hiker, Horvat has walked from Canada to Mexico, completed the Pacific Crest Trail, and established the Croatian Long Distance Trail. After collaborating on two documentaries during the PCT and CLDT, he decided to go back to school to study video production.

Throughout the course, other students asked him time and again: “Why do you hike?” He realized that over time, his reasons have changed. He set out to learn other hikers' reasoning.

A one-man effort

Though the film features many hikers, this is a one-man endeavor. He walked, shot all the footage, and carried all the equipment. His backpack included a camera, tripod, two lenses, a GoPro, and a drone. Once he had completed all the filming, he edited everything himself.

“I wanted this movie to look like a million-dollar film with at least 15 people involved. The truth is, my budget…was $0,” he told The Trek.

On the trail, he reflects on what he learned during previous long-distance hikes. Walking from Mexico to Canada, he gained self-respect. By creating the Croatian Long Distance Trail, he made something for others while “discovering secrets of my own abyss.”

Horvat splits the film into five chapters. Each chapter is an answer to his film's question. The first chapter is nature, followed by time, community, and mental health. The final chapter is a summary of Horvat’s thoughts and what he wants from his life.

This is not a documentary trying to convince others to hike. It is purely one man's thoughts. In each chapter, Horvat intersperses his narration with comments from other hikers. What soon becomes clear is that there is a common thread of reasoning that brings hikers back to the trails each year. In the first chapter, Horvat says “every time I venture into the wilderness, I feel as if I am returning to the place I belong.” Other hikers mirror his sentiments.

A hiking community

Although many hike alone or in small groups, everyone featured has a similar community mindset. They are kindred spirits, who bond through their love of the outdoors. This community helps them become the best version of themselves. “In the wild, people respect and listen to each other more,” says one hiker.

On the topic of mental health, many hikers comment on the therapeutic value of hiking. “A bad day hiking is probably one of the better days of your life,” says one. It is a form of escapism where you can once again find joy in the small things.

At one point, you see Horvat overcome with excitement over a bottle of sugared water. He has been looking forward to it for three days.

Occasionally, the documentary tries to tackle more deeper questions about life, and meaning. Horvat muses that humanity is “an assemblage of molecules that unite the chaos of the Big Bang.” This may not resonate with everyone, but most of the film will.

Set to a backdrop of beautiful landscapes and music, the documentary might give you one more reason to get out there.

The next time you hear the high-pitched whine of a drone cut the alpine silence, it may not be because an influencer is hunting down video content.

In Scotland, mountain rescue teams have implemented drones to make their jobs, and the mountains at large, safer. The machines can already help search for missing or injured people in remote, hard-to-access locations. Drone experts see their mountain utility expanding, thanks to the wide range of tools and technology they can carry.

ExplorersWeb has called drones "game changers" for mountain rescue. In those applications, they work fairly intuitively. Most elementarily, a drone pilot on the ground can help rescuers suss out the situation from below with the unit's onboard camera. Operators can also fit drones with various gadgets like lights, speakers, and even radio handsets.

Experts say the technology has helped rescue teams access terrain previously thought too dangerous for ingress. So far, Scotland's 28 volunteer search-and-rescue teams have all adopted the technology. Rescuers implemented drones on Ben Nevis, the southern uplands, Fife, and the Trossachs over the last year.

Drones in mountain rescue: how it works

John Stevenson leads a rescue team for Lochaber mountain rescue in Fort William, which covers Ben Nevis. The group currently employs four drones. Their most critical advantage is in scouting.

"The drones are definitely an asset; there's no doubt about it," Stevenson told The Guardian. "We're putting drones into places where years ago, we might have thought twice about putting people in."

The Lochaber unit has also found that drones can sweep terrain faster than humans can during searches for missing persons. Tom Nash, a former RAF Tornado navigator, founded the Search and Rescue Aerial Association of Scotland and has trained rescuers to pilot drones across the country. He explained further:

Risk reduction is a key use of a drone. Previously, where someone has needed to do a rope rescue or a stretcher lift, you would have some poor person dangling over the edge of a cliff, roped back, peering over saying 'I think we should put the rope down here.' Now, just put the drone 20 yards out the other side of the cliff and look back, [and] you can see where the casualty is. You can floodlight that at night. We can put a speaker on, and if we know it's going to be a while, we can speak to the casualty and say help is on the way, 'give us a thumbs up if you're OK but can't move.' That's a really critical use.

Nash looks for drones' roles on rescue crews to keep expanding as pilots' skills and available technology advance. In the future, he said they could potentially "drape" 4G mobile phone coverage over areas where phone masts are knocked out or don't exist. Eventually, drones could even deliver supplies and equipment to rescue sites.

"It's so exciting because it can and will revolutionize things," he said.

“The Collective” features 45 minutes of epic ski and mountain cinematography interspersed with musings from some of the world's best freestyle skiers.

The opening scenes ask you to “travel through the emotional dimension with the Collective”.

They tour Canada, Norway, Finland, Japan, Switzerland, and France. The shots flit between wild mountain faces, classic powder skiing, and rail tricks, but the thread of the film is that skiing is collective.

Everyone is there to build connections, memories, and adventures. Their innate love of skiing extends beyond language and individual talent.

“Some call it a tribe mentality, others call it a shared sense of purpose…The Collective is more than the sum of its parts. No matter who you are or where you come from –- it feels good to be part of something special.”

A message but no narrative

Interestingly, the film doesn't follow a narrative. You are not watching the team try to achieve something, and the film does not build to some big scene-stealing moment. Instead, you watch skiing in all its purity and glory, and its ability to build connections.

Each individual has his or her own style and specialty. As a group, they move with ease between huge peaks and the inner city. Intermittently, the collective splits into smaller groups to push the boundaries. “When you see your friends do something crazy, you want to do it too," says one. "They push you to be better.”

After opening with some big jumps in Norway, the scene shifts to Switzerland. Here, we have our first breakaway group, the duo of Sam Anthamatten and Andrew Pollard. The Swiss-born Anthamatten was originally more of an alpinist, but in 2009, he changed his focus to free-riding. He shows Pollard the ropes in his home country.

Pollard has been competing in the Freeride World Tour since 2019 when he won Rookie of the Year. He is fearless and tells the camera that he was able to push his skiing to new heights in Switzerland thanks to Anthamatten's expertise in the Swiss Alps.

Terrain park women

We next move to terrain park skiing, a discipline typically associated with male skiers. Kelly Sildaru, Caroline Claire, Giulia Tanno, and Sarah Hoefflin, who hold many Youth Olympic, Olympic, and X Games medals between them, quickly show why this is no longer the case.

In Hakuba, Japan, rain that turns to ice forces the skiers to briefly convert from deep powder hijinks into a more cultural adventure. Then in Finland, the urban skiing begins dramatically, as Will Berman dislocates his elbow. Now one man down, the remaining trio delivers one of the highlights of the film. Seeing them execute rail tricks and jumps is not all that surprising, since that is their specialty. But watching it unfold in inner-city Helsinki is almost mind-boggling. Things usually confined to large slopes and terrain parks are somehow recreated in confined and unusual places.

In Canada, another experienced threesome takes one of their number on his first foray into backcountry skiing. “Most of the time it was more fun for them to watch me,” the backcountry rookie said, as the other observed him come up with new ideas as he crashed through the powder.

The final, whole group segment in France showcases the Collective in all its glory. The talent of some of the best skiers in the world permeates the screen.

Deep in the Tusheti Mountains, a lone patriot struggles to maintain his legacy. Irakli Khvedaguridze is a walking memory of a time long past, when Europe’s highest settlement of Bochorna was a bustling village full of life and hope. Now, his beloved home is a shell that continues to fade into the snowy oblivion of the mountaintops. 

Irakli Khvedaguirdze is 78 years old and the last resident of Bochorna. He has lived in these mountains since the 1940s. After the Second World War, his family, friends and neighbors gradually left the snowy slopes in search of a better life in the cities.

Eventually, he had only the sounds of nature and for company. The settlement declined into a ghost town, with the once-proud Georgian flags becoming tattered in the powerful mountain winds. Houses fell into disrepair. Phone communication ceased. 

After 2,000 years, the last man standing

Today, any contact with the outside world comes from occasional tourists or shepherds in the summer. On good reception days, Irakli can listen to the radio playing traditionally Georgian folk songs. The village is only accessible via helicopter.

Despite this, Irakli remains loyal to his childhood home. People have been living on these slopes for 2,000 years, and he does not want to be responsible for ending that legacy. 

Irakli goes long periods without seeing his children and grandchildren. The difficulty of the journey to Bochorna, along with the unstable communication, has contributed to Irakli’s ongoing loneliness and disappointment. He feels like he’s the only one in his country who cares about their roots. “The mountains are my life,” he says. His identity as one of the last of the Tusheti people remains unshakeable. 

It's likely that his generational resilience from growing up in wartime and living a more traditional lifestyle have a lot to do with his devoted sense of place. We now live in a time of maximum comfort and immediate gratification, where a traditional struggle to survive is rare. It would be a shame to see two millennia of tradition evaporate for the sake of wanting to be modern. 

It is bittersweet to acknowledge that his final contribution to Georgia is his role as the last inhabitant of Europe’s highest settlement (2,345m). After that, nothing. Nature goes on, and the mountains will abide.

At least memories last forever.

Our fingers are almost always the first to go numb when the temperatures drop. Whether we're pulling our glove off to send a text message, clean our sunglasses, zip up a jacket, or to help the kiddos, it's always a relief to pull back on a well-made glove or mitten that warms us up fast. For everyday travel and work, outdoor play time, and recreation, these gloves and mittens have withstood the test.

Warmest gloves and mittens: Winter tested

Not only do we thrive on exploring the wildest corners of the planet, but we also recoup energy outdoors in our own backyards and local backcountry. We also need solid, dependable pairs of gloves and mittens for everyday work and errands whether we're shoveling out a roof avalanche in the hamlet of Crested Butte, Colorado, cycling to grab groceries in Minneapolis, Minnesota, or commuting to the Nordic Centre in Canmore, Alberta. Here are our favorite pairs that keep our hands happy.

The Heat Company Heat 3 Smart, $169

Best For: Extremely cold conditions where tactility is needed, from photography to backcountry skiing 

• Style: Adaptive mitten with integrated interior liner
• Materials: Goatskin leather palm
• Insulation: PrimaLoft Gold
• Cuff Length: Extra-long and above wrist
• Touchscreen compatible: Yes
• Sustainability Features: The insulation contains 55% recycled content
• Options: The Heat Company Heat 3 Special Force pair is well-constructed and costs less though not as warm and is not touchscreen compatible

Three decades ago, the Heat Company Heat 3 Smart gloves were originally designed to help military units in Germany and Austria navigate terrain in the coldest temperatures imaginable -- and they're perfect for outdoor recreation, too.

Both the thumb and mitten covers fold down to expose the interior liner, which gives the wearer  more dexterity for tasks from operating a camera to fixing a snowboard binding. When peeled back, the mitten cover magnetically attaches to the back of the glove and the thumb cover keeps out of the way via Velcro.

The glove's interior microfiber is breathable and the exterior leather resists wind, water, and snow. (For polar use, note that leather is one of those materials that feel colder than many other materials in extreme cold.) The synthetic insulation retains warmth when damp, and the materials dry fast.

A pocket on the back of the hand can stash a hand warmer or other small items like a key. The cuffs have an attachment point for small carabiners, if you want to add what are called idiot strings to the mitts to keep them from getting lost.

See the The Heat Company Heat 3 Smart

Outdoor Research Alti Gore-Tex Mittens, $199

Best For: Arctic conditions, ascending peaks, and expeditions 

• Style: Mitten
• Materials: Fleece and nylon liner, leather palms
• Insulation: PrimaLoft Gold
• Cuff Length: Gauntlet style and well above wrist
• Touchscreen compatible: No
• Sustainability Features: None
• Options: Check out the Women's Outdoor Research Alti Mittens, $199

If insulation and protection from the elements are your main priorities, grab this tenacious, voluminous pair. Stretchy and durable, the Outdoor Research Alti Mittens keep your hands toasty despite plummeted temps.

The leather palms provide great grip whether you're handling tools or ski poles. Kevlar is a super tenacious synthetic fiber, and it takes a lot of abuse to wear out its stitching. While digging in snow or braving a storm, the waterproof Gore-Tex exterior and sealed seams completely block moisture from seeping in.

Long gauntlets bar moisture and biting wind from reaching the wrists, and pull easily over jacket cuffs. A wide pull tab helps with getting the mittens back on, and they tighten closed with a drawstring. To help dry, the liner is removable, too.

See the Outdoor Research Alti Gore-Tex Mittens

Canada Goose Northern Utility Gloves, $275

Best For: Provides warmth and more dexterity than a mitten in cold weather 

• Style: Glove and down-filled  liner
• Materials: Arctic Tech (85% polyester, 15% cotton) fleece liner, goatskin leather palm nylon shell
• Insulation: 525 fill goose down
• Cuff Length: Above the wrist
• Touchscreen compatible: Yes
• Sustainability Features: None
• Options: Consider the Canada Goose Arctic Down Gloves for women, $225

The gauntlet-fashioned Canada Goose Northern Utility Glove pulls on easily and stays on just as easily. Thanks to a ventilation feature, if you start to get too toasty, you can dump heat via a zipper on the back of the hand. This is one of our favorite features in a super warm glove. The opening also doubles as a small pocket.

The outermost glove's goat skin palm is durable and grippy, which is mixed with nylon that's treated for waterproofness, yet the material is fairly breathable. Inside, the removable and water-resistant fleece five-finger liner is backed with pockets of down insulation along the backside of the hand and fingers.

Although it's bulkier than a streamlined glove liner, these beefy gloves are functional with touchscreen compatibility along the index finger. We also appreciate the soft nose wipe on the thumb.

If you're in the market for more finger control than a mitten can offer, this fully functional glove is one of the most comfortable to choose.

See the Canada Goose Northern Utility Gloves

Canada Goose Northern Glove Liner, $150

Best For: Practical everyday streamlined liner that's super warm

• Style: Down-filled liner
• Materials: 
• Arctic Tech (85% polyester, 15% cotton) fleece liner
• Insulation: 600 fill goose down
• Cuff Length: Above the wrist
• Touchscreen compatible: Yes
• Sustainability Features: None
• Options: The Canada Goose Northern Utility Gloves feature a slightly less insulated version of this liner

If you don't need extreme waterproofness but want to protect your hands from the steering wheel or a cold breeze while walking the dog, these lean liners are a solid option. The Canada Goose Northern Glove Liner is loaded with pockets of down insulation along the backside of the hand and fingers: the ultimate down jacket for your hands. It is also   excellent glove for active travel in extremely cold weather, if you cherish dexterity and don't want to reach for mittens until you absolutely have to.

The index fingers can operate a touchscreen, so you don't need to remove the gloves to check your navigation app. Comfortable, long fleece cuffs fit tightly around the wrists and block wind.

The liner itself is Arctic Tech fabric, a strong blend of polyester and cotton that's treated for water resistance. These are one of our favorite warm options for running around town, everyday winter travel, and for ski touring, manhauling or other active use in serious cold.

See the Canada Goose Northern Glove Liner

Hestra CZone Contact Glove 5-finger, $70

Best For: Waterproof, bulk-free glove made for dexterity 

• Style: Glove
• Materials: 4-way stretch polyester
• Insulation: Foam
• Cuff Length: Shorter than our other gloves here but covers the wrist
• Touchscreen compatible: Yes
• Sustainability Features: None
• Options: A thinner non-waterproof option is the windproof Hestra Merino Windwool Liner, $75

This Hestra CZone Contact Glove 5-finger design prioritizes an athletic fit while remaining waterproof. Though these gloves are foam insulated -- foam is suprisingly warm -- they aren't the warmest on our list. They certainly don't equal the cold protection of a mitten or the Canada Goose Northern Utility Gloves.

That said, sometimes dexterity is more necessary than warmth, especially if the temperatures aren't extremely low, you aren't bike commuting against harsh wind, or you're not standing outside in freezing conditions for too long.

Hestra is known for creating products with extreme durability. We like that this design is breathable despite being waterproof. The soft brushed polyester liner sits inside a softshell polyester exterior that's stretchy. As a practical everyday glove, the design is usable with a touchscreen.

Note, however, the elastic snow-and-wind crimp near the mouth of the glove. In extreme cold, this slight elastic tightening can impede circulation noticeably. Some folks on our team snip all of these elastics on our arctic gloves -- even if we need to cut open the gloves, snip from inside, then resew. Not the most convenient, but the modification works. 

See the Hestra CZone Contact Glove 5-finger

Rab Expedition 8000 Mitt, $200

Best For: Expeditions, extremely cold temperatures at home or work 

• Style: Mitten
• Materials: Pertex Quantum Pro tightly woven nylon, leather
• Insulation: 850 goose down, hydrophobic down, PrimaLoft Gold Insulation
• Cuff Length: Extra-long gauntlet
• Touchscreen compatible: No
• Sustainability Features: Fair Wear certified, Climate Neutral Company, Responsible Down Standard certified, PFC-free hydrophobic down
• Options: The Women's Rab Astral Mitt, $142, offers a bit more dexterity

Hands down, the Rab Expedition 8000 Mitt is an excellent construction and shields our dexterities against the elements. It probably goes without saying, that what you lose in dexterity with this pair you gain in warmth.

To brave the cold, this design pairs 850-fill goose down in the back of the hand and thumb coupled with a PFC-free hydrophobic down that repels water in the rest of the glove.

The palm features a double-layer of synthetic PrimaLoft Gold Insulation, a lightweight, packable down alternative that's water resistant and provides the warmth equivalent of 500- or 550-fill down. Through and through, the insulation of this mitten is among the most thoughtful and burly on our list.

Constructed for cold and damp environments, the Pertex Quantum Pro exterior is water resistant yet lightweight, pliable, and breathable. Preventing wear and tear, 70-denier nylon reinforcement is used in select spots and a texturized leather adds some grip along the palm. Inside the mitten, the removable fleece liner is comfortable and treated with DWR for water resistance.

See the Rab Expedition 8000 Mitt

Auclair Blaze Gloves, $46

Best For: Cross-country ski days and work environments with potential flames, heat, or electric arc

• Style: Gloves
• Materials: Polyester
• Insulation: Foam and 3M Thinsulate
• Cuff Length: Covers the wrist
• Touchscreen compatible: Yes
• Sustainability Features: None
• Options: For more aggressive recreation, the Women's Auclair Lady Boss Gloves, $115, are a solid pick

Auclair is a Canadian company and they’ve always made reliably warm winter gloves. We've never been cold in Auclairs, even in the Arctic, and their nordic stuff fits pretty well, too.

These Blaze Gloves hug the hands well for great finger control  -- an Auclair trademark. At the same time, they protect against colder temperatures, as long as you're on the move and building heat.

A windproof shell exterior helps block the breeze while the foam padding in the palm provides comfort against ski poles, heavy grocery bags, or grips on the fat bike. The soft brushed polyester liner has a nice hand feel.

The 3M Insulation is a lightweight blend of very fine microfibers, which are a down alternative that trap body heat. The insulation is water resistant and flame-resistant, meaning its designed for fieldwork in the electrical, oil, or gas industries. Note, however, that this doesn't mean the material or glove is flame-proof.

See the Auclair Blaze Gloves

The North Face Summit Advanced Mountain Kit Softshell Glove, $300

Best For: Premium dexterity and grip while working with tools, equipment, or gear

• Style: Softshell Glove
• Materials: Polyester, nylon, elastane, goat leather
• Insulation: 80g PrimaLoft Silver Insulation
• Cuff Length: Covers the wrist
• Touchscreen compatible: Yes
• Sustainability Features: None
• Options: A robust upgrade is the The North Face Summit Advanced Mountain Kit L4 Insulated Glove, $375

If you need to shuffle tools around in the back of your truck in piercing ambient temperatures, tuck your snowmobile onto the trailer, or are working on an engine in the driveway, grab these gloves. Excellent dexterity pushes this lightweight model -- and its price tag -- high on the list: The North Face Summit Advanced Mountain Kit Softshell Glove. Again, you give up insulation value when you opt for finger control, so the choice really comes down to your glove's purpose.

Despite a sleek silhouette, the liner is loaded with PrimaLoft Silver Insulation, which is super breathable for high output yet retains heat. The malleable material is water-resistant and stuffs easily into a glove compartment or pack. A texturized fabric fills the entire palm and under the fingers for great traction.

The Durable Water Repellent (DWR) shell withstands water. Pull tabs on the cuff help snug-up the glove. To prevent wear and offer better handhold, goat leather patches sit  between the thumb and forefinger. For tinkering on equipment on cold days outside, this is our go-to choice.

See the The North Face Summit Advanced Mountain Kit Softshell Glove

The North Face Denali Etip Glove, $35

Best For: Simple protection with adequate warmth for moderately cold days

• Style: Light glove
• Materials: Synthetic suede, recycled polyester and nylon
• Insulation: None
• Cuff Length: Covers wrists
• Touchscreen compatible: Yes
• Sustainability Features: Recycled nylon and polyester
• Options: Check out The North Face Women's Etip Recycled Glove, $45

This simple model, the North Face Denali Etip Glove, is most excellent. This is our mid-arctic-cold glove set — not best on the coldest days up north but on an active arctic expedition, it's the model we turn to most often. It's a great glove to wear for camp chores and everyday tasks. When the wind blows or the mercury drops too low, its svelte profile allows it to fit well under overmitts.

Not to mention, this model has the highest amount of recycled material of any on our list. The model features 93% recycled-polyester (and the fit is women's specific). Recycled nylon is used for the back-of-hand, the shell is 100% recycled polyester-knit fleece, and the palm is 100% recycled polyester.

In a unique take, all five fingers are touchscreen capable compared to the typical forefinger connectivity. The palm's silicone grip also provides a nice hold on a shovel, ski pole, ski, or whatever you're grabbing at the moment. We also like the articulation of the glove, and the loops help pull it on.

See the The North Face Denali Etip Glove

Leki Xplore XT S Glove, $129

Best For: Nimble yet warm gloves for alpine skiing and snowboarding in windy places 

• Style: Glove
• Materials: Leather, polyester, elastane, polyurethane
• Insulation: PrimaLoft
• Cuff Length: Gauntlet that passes wrist
• Touchscreen compatible: No
• Sustainability Features: None
• Options: If mittens are your style, opt for the Leki Xplore XT S Lady Mitt, $130

The Leki Xplore XT S Glove provides top-notch protection against polar-grade wind on a ski lift, which is why this tight-fitting glove is one of our favorites for a cold day carving the slopes. Though the glove is compatible with Leki ski poles, with a small loop between the thumb and forefinger that clicks into the ski pole, we also like this dexterous model for snowboarding.

The 100% premium goatskin leather outer and palm is very durable with no sign of wearing out after a few seasons. The comfortable liner is not removable, but a boot dryer doubles as a glove dryer most days, regardless.

They're fully waterproof and we've never noticed them soak up any moisture from snow. To cozy up the fit, a velcro strap stretches across the top of the glove. The gauntlets feature cinch cord closures. We also love the heat pocket, which we've actually only used for ventilation versus stashing hand warmers.

One complaint: the elastic safety leash is attached to the glove via a really long band. We wish that it was shorter. It's annoying to walk without the gloves pulled onto our hands.

See the Leki Xplore XT S Glove

Swany X-Change Glove, $115

Best For: A must-pack to recover cold hands in the backcountry from snowmobile to ski or splitboard adventures

• Style: Glove
• Materials: 4-way stretch Swany Softshell, Leathershield trim,
• Insulation: Tri-plex Alpha
• Cuff Length: Past the wrists
• Touchscreen compatible: No
• Sustainability Features: None
• Options: Check out the Men's Swany X-Change Gloves, $115

After getting advice from countless professional ski patrolers who work around high-altitude lifts, we took note of the soft-feeling Swany X-Change Glove. It hasn't disappointed.

Insulation is the key ingredient here. The waterproof glove's Tri-plex Alpha insulation features various weights of PrimaLoft Gold mixed with Aerogel, which retains heat. We always keep this pair as an emergency set when we're deep in the backcountry, snowmobiling through powder in high peak basins or traversing ridgelines on our splitboard or skis. These are also the pair we wear when handling the snowmobile at 80kph on groomed access roads in -23°C at dark-thirty.

We love the full leather palms and hand warmer pockets, which we've also used as ventilation. Those pre-curved fingers provide a comfortable fit. The gloves are even rather breathable despite being so bulletproof against water.

The drawback is that these gloves are not as streamlined and nimble to use as lighter, less protective gloves. But there are ample times when we simply need to prevent frostbite. We've had our pair for more than six years with hardly a rough patch on the exterior to show.

See the Swany X-Change Glove

Dynafit Borax PrimaLoft Mittens, $70

Best For: Skimo races and cardio-intense uphill or nordic workouts, especially when the ambient temperature is low or the windchill factor is high

• Style: Adaptive glove
• Materials: Dynashell ultralight fabric (elastane, leather, polyamide, polyester)
• Insulation: 80g PrimaLoft
• Cuff Length: A a bit above wrist
• Touchscreen compatible: No
• Sustainability Features: None
• Options: Warm and waterproof, the Dynafit Tour Infinium Gloves, $90, can be paired beneath these mittens

It's ideal to be wearing a liner while producing so much body heat, but as soon as you hit a crest and get a blast of freezing wind or mellow out in a flat zone, the hands get cold fast. Our solution is the Dynafit Borax PrimaLoft Mittens.

There's no other glove like this one, and we regret not adding to our kit sooner. How it works: Pull on the mittens. There's an opening in the palm's fabric where you can quickly slide your hands out for ventilation, while the mitten's cuff remains intact around the wrist. As soon as you get cold, pull the mitten's body back over your fingers and palm. Easy.

Water repellent and windproof, this insulated glove also has a grip zone for a comfortable connect to your ski poles.

The Borax is a great, simple addition to use in variable weather, conditions, and workouts--when you're uphilling at the resort, skating along the groomed nordic trails, or skimo racing and get smacked with an icy gust.

See the Dynafit Borax PrimaLoft Mittens

Outdoor Research Fortress Sensor Gloves, $114

Best For: During chilly climbs while backcountry skiing or splitboarding or uphilling in-bounds

• Style: Gloves
• Materials: Synthetic leather, polyester and fleece, nylon plain weave
• Insulation: Enduraloft polyester insulation
• Cuff Length: Past wrists
• Touchscreen compatible: Yes
• Sustainability Features: None
• Options: The Outdoor Research Fortress Sensor Gloves for men, $114

This is a nice active pair of gloves to wear while making an ascent when it's too cold to wear liners or go bare handed. The Outdoor Research Fortress Sensor Gloves simply fit well: the fingers are not to bulky or long. The wide pull-on loops help us quickly transition. And the soft thumb wipe is really long, which we appreciate.

The synthetic leather palm is paired with insulation along the back of the hand and a polyester fleece liner. Synthetic touchscreen leather means we can use our devices without removing the glove.

Overall, the design is waterproof, windproof, breathable and wicks sweat well. The soft pair is durable, and we see no sign of degrade after many trips in the backcountry.

See the Outdoor Research Fortress Sensor Gloves

How to choose mittens or gloves

When in doubt about whether a pair is truly among the warmest gloves or mittens on the planet, look for these features:

Waterproofing

Opt for a waterproof design if you plan on having your hands in the snow -- say, digging out a snowmobile again and again on a backcountry shred day--or if the snowfall has particular high water content. The same goes if you'll be in extremely cold conditions and cannot risk getting wet and cold, especially if you have hindered blood circulation for any reason.

When you're considering gloves or mittens that are waterproof versus water resistant, usually you'll see the price tag on the waterproof models is a bit higher, because creating a completely water-blocking design is a more technical process.

Keep in mind that the more waterproof apparel is, the less breathable it will be. If you plan to be doing aerobic activity in a waterproof glove, you will sweat more.

Cuff length

The cuff will at least cover your wrist or reach an inch or so past it toward your forearm.

Gauntlet-style gloves can pretty much swallow the outer cuff of your jacket and prevent snow or wind from sneaking inside. Streamlined, shorter cuffs, on the other hand, easily slide inside your jacket arm, which can be easier and quicker to manage while skiing and snowboarding in-bounds and taking glove breaks on the lift.

Insulation

The amount and type of insulation varies across each of these gloves and mittens. One of the most common and field tested options is PrimaLoft synthetic insulation.

At the lower end of insulation, you'll see the Auclair Blaze Gloves, $46, with foam and 3M Thinsulate, or foam in the Hestra CZone Contact Glove 5-finger, $70. Another option is the The North Face Summit Advanced Mountain Kit Softshell Glove, $300, with 80 grams of PrimaLoft Silver Insulation.

Other gloves on our list here have down fill that is hydrophobic, meaning it likewise resists water. With fierce protection against cold, the Rab Expedition 8000 Mitt, $200, features several types of insulation in a single design: 850 goose down, hydrophobic down, PrimaLoft Gold Insulation.

The best choice hinges on the use of your gloves and mittens and where you'll be adventuring with them on.

Mittens

Although there are some extremely warm, oven-style gloves -- like the stalwart Swany X-Change Glove -- if you are in doubt about severely cold weather, mittens reign in arctic conditions to warm up your digits. But bear in mind, fine functionality will be lost when you don't have five-finger gloves on.

Dexterity versus warmth

Handwear is a tug-of-war between warmth and dexterity. You can put mini-sleeping bags on your hands, and they’ll never be cold, but you’ll never be able to do anything, even unzip a jacket. Same with gloves.

Size and fit: A challenge

Our key thing with gloves is how well the fingers fit our fingers. Impossible to tell without trying them on, but if the index finger is even 1 cm too long, you’ll never be able to take a photo — not just with your phone but with a full-sized DSLR.

For instance, one of our editors wear men's size large gloves. Some designs fit, well, like a glove, whereas other size-large gloves have fingers that are so hopelessly long that they flop over whenever he tries to grip anything.

The overall fit depends not only on the size dimensions of the brand but also the particular size and shape of your own hand. Wide hands need a larger size, but if you also have short fingers, you have to shop around for gloves that balance these contrasting elements.

Price

The price tag of our top-tier warm gloves and mittens ranges from $35 to $300, with a very diverse range of application across that selection. Not every pair is meant for handling tools, a skating workout on nordic trails, a winter hunt, pulling a sled in the Arctic, or standing at the skating rink in freezing temperatures. Each design is unique, and you'll need to pick the best ones for your intended application. Yes, you'll probably need more than one pair -- we certainly do.

The more economic options -- like the Auclair Blaze Gloves, $46 and The North Face Denali Etip Glove, $35 -- are leaner and offer more finger control. As you climb the price ladder, the gloves become more protective and robust from an insulation standpoint, with the materials used, and a hike of durability for encountering rugged conditions. For instance, the Rab Expedition 8000 Mitt, $200, Canada Goose Northern Utility Gloves, $295, and Outdoor Research Alti Gore-Tex Mittens, $199, are among the most heat-holding and burliest builds.

Sustainable features

Many of these gloves and mittens have components of sustainable design while others have none. For the longevity of the planet and human exploration, it's essential for brands worldwide to prioritize high-level product design that also pushes the needle forward on environmentally-friendly materials, fabric treatments, sourcing, and manufacturing solutions that are less toxic for people and the earth.

A few sustainable design features in these gloves and mittens include certifications from the Fair Wear Foundation, a nonprofit based in the Netherlands with a mission to improve the working conditions in the clothing industry, and Climate Neutral Certified, when a company measures and offsets their entire annual footprint in order to reduce emissions and decarbonize the planet. Another certification is Responsible Down Standard (RDS), which ensures that the down and feathers are sourced from ducks and geese that have not been subjected to harm including live-plucking or force-feeding.

All three of these certifications are found in the Rab Expedition 8000 Mitts. The mittens also feature PFC-free hydrophobic down, meaning the down fill was treated to be water resistant with an agent free of fluorocarbons, which have harmful effects on human health and the environment.

Gloves and mittens: subpar details

Likewise, here are the product details that may or may not serve you on a frigid commute or outdoor adventure. It depends on the specific conditions and your personal needs.

Finger shape

We are skeptical of squared-off fingers. Those are a danger signal of a bad fit. How many square-tipped fingers do you see on people?

Short cuff

A short cuff may be easier to manage with tight-fitting, svelte jackets, like the ones worn for Nordic skiing and winter runs, and fit nicely beneath a ski or snowboard jacket. But, there will be more opportunity for cold wind and snow to reach the wrists and upper hands. Just be aware and manage your short cuffs.

Bulk

The more insulation inside a glove, generally the bulkier the pair gets. As you lose finesse in a glove's shape, it gets much harder or impossible to manage the fine-tuning of devices like, say, adjusting a snowboard or ski binding.

Weigh out if your priority is dexterity or insulation and find a pair that strikes a happy medium between the two.

In 2018, buddies and pro snowboarders Travis Rice and Chris Rasman left on a 10-day quest for utopian powder in Alaska's little-explored yet surprisingly accessible Tordrillo mountains.

But what does snowboarding — or any winter sport — have to do with truffle pigs?

Well, much like pigs trained to sniff out highly prized forest fungus, Rice and Rasman register as focused, tenacious, motivated to seek out the most exceptional mountain terrain. And that's precisely why the pair chose to explore the Tordrillos.

The Tordrillos: untapped Alaskan backcountry

Situated nearly 3,500m above sea level on Alaska's Matanuska-Susitna and Kenai Peninsula Boroughs, the Tordrillos receive 15m of snow each year. The area may be known by non-adventure crowds for its exquisite, tiffany-blue glaciers which feed the peninsula's lower lakes and rivers in the warmer months.

Limit-seekers and elite mountain athletes like Cody Townsend have traveled to the Tordrillo range because of its renowned winter sports environment. The region lies just 110km northwest of Anchorage and is reasonably accessible.

Yet Alaska's Tordrillo mountain range remains one of the least explored spots in the state.

There are just two problems for Rice and Rasman: The Tordrillo range spans 3,200 sq km — more than 400,000 hectares. And the weather proves particularly tumultuous during their stay. It means they have an unimaginable canvas to cover and very little time to cover it.

"Somewhere out there is the perfect gap," Rice says from atop a pearl-white massif. "We just gotta find her."

"Yep," agrees Rasman."Just gotta keep on sniffin' 'n' searchin'!"

"Seek, persist, and manifest...A truffle you will find"

So, like pigs sniffing out truffles, the adventure-hungry mountain slayers find just what they were looking for, but it doesn't come easily.

A snowstorm becomes the savior and scourge of Rasman and Rice's trip, dumping a heavenly 1.5 metres of fresh powder down before kicking it up in 160kph gusts of wind. The blizzard makes for long, often unrewarding search missions and wine-laden evenings cooped up indoors.

In concise order, the film crew gathers surreal footage of the mountain athletes at play and at rest. From exquisite jump tricks off-ramps into a world of untouched, perfect alpine snow to the precise carve-ups down steep, exposed couloirs.

But Truffle Pigs'also pays heed to the majesty of the boundless Alaskan backcountry, the sled dogs, and the creatures that thrive in it.

"What is the find without the hunt?"

Without trying, the film also seems to capture the levity and warmth possible when kindred spirits combine.

We witness, for example, a simple scene over morning coffee. From the comfort of their alpine lodge, the two boarders express their starkly diametric "ideal day." Rice wants to hunker down and prepare for the next strip of good weather. But Rasman is champing at the bit to get out, even if it means they'll hike 12 hours through the unforgiving wilderness just to snowboard a little.

Watch the two carve up the vast Alaskan canvas — and take in the generous mountain views in Truffle Pigs: An Alaskan Odyssey.

Runtime: 13.5 minutes

If you haven't seen the 2014 documentary, Valley Uprising, it's about time.

At the heart of the project lies Yosemite Valley and the climbers who've loved it. Legend by legend, the film takes viewers through modern climbing's very recent but incredibly rich history. And more to the point — the filmmakers do it all well.

From climbing's stick-it-to-the-man beginnings at Camp 4, Valley Uprising sort of raises you with it. Characters like Camp 4 founding member, Royal Robbins, the now-deceased Dean Potter, tomboy extraordinaire/crusher Lynne Hill, and a wide-eyed, cheeky, far-less-famous Alex Honnold (he wouldn't catapult to Free Solo stardom until 2018).

As a culture, climbing encompasses many a retelling of guts and glory. But much like Yosemite Valley itself, the quirky, impish, dirtbag moments are what give Valley Uprising life. Take, for instance, the tale of Dope Lake, teased in the clip below. It recalls the time a ganja-laden plane crashed high up on Merced Pass in the late 1970s, and how the fringe climbers from Camp 4 made a very lucrative business out of it.

For the full story an so much more, watch Valley Uprising on Amazon Prime.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY FIANN PAUL

As a psychoanalyst, I hear more and more about the presence of indigenous peoples in the dreams of my clients. Why are they so important to the human psyche? Is it because their culture is slowly fading away and can only be experienced as a dream?

Partly. Indigenous peoples represent an important part of both ourselves and our planet and its history. This part of us also disappears, and sometimes it cries out for help.

I have learned a lot from my clients while working as a psychoanalyst. The modern world is predominantly an intellectual construct that ignores the primal side of man.

Most clients are looking for a chance to communicate with this mammal, with this unregulated aspect of themselves. As humans, we have lived at least 100 times longer this way than the intellectual part of us. That primal self has many answers on how to find happiness in life.

 

Understanding the body

When we understand psychology better, we see that this part of man rules mankind much more than the intellect. Unfortunately, when we disregard it, it rules more by retaliation than cooperation. An important element of this is to understand our own bodies, a skill that we Westerners have almost completely lost. We often drag the body along like a mechanical object. The bodies of indigenous peoples are perfectly integrated into their lives, and we can learn a lot about our bodies from them.

Indigenous peoples are wearing only about 100 years of guilt and shame that have been stuck to them by modern culture. Westerners have carried this burden for much longer, at least several centuries. Sometimes it is difficult for us to hear our own voices from beneath these negative feelings, and we have the impression that we will not have enough life to break through.

But indigenous people hear this inner voice whenever it calls, and this 100-year-old layer holds on very provisionally. I don't just mean people living in the jungle. I am also thinking of the ones who live in cities, even for two generations.

Originally published in the Polish version of National Geographic. Reproduced by permission of Fiann Paul.

Troll Wall, in Norway's Trolltindene massif, is the tallest and one of the most dangerous rock faces in Europe. The danger doesn’t come from difficulty, steepness, or height. It comes from the rock itself. The rock is loose.

At any given moment, sheets of rock, some the size of shipping containers, crash down the face into the rubble below. In 1965, two teams, one British and one Norwegian, raced to make its first ascent. The Norwegians won, with the British just one day behind.

Since then, the wall has seen a number of successes, failures, and deaths. Last July, Pete Whittaker and Mari Augusta Salvesen decided to make the latest attempt on the Troll Wall. They had tried once before but bailed before they started because the conditions were too dangerous.

A giant piece of rock crashed down the Wall

On this second attempt, the duo wanted to climb the Norwegian route in 24 hours. They completed the first nine pitches in seven hours. With every pitch, they heard two or three rockfalls happening somewhere else on the wall. The worst occurred at pitch four. A loud cracking noise came from the back of the valley, just 400m away. A truck-sized piece of rock dislodged from the steepest section of the rock face and crashed down the wall. Both climbers said that it felt like the wall was crumbling around them.

As they speak into the camera after this, you can hear the nerves creeping into their voices. The danger of the wall is clearer than ever. Still, they continue and manage to make the halfway point in 12 hours.

Over 27 hours and 20 minutes, they creep their way to the top of the 1,000m wall in 30 pitches. They are glad that they chose the Norwegian route since they wouldn’t have felt comfortable climbing further to the right without more local knowledge and experience.

Though the wall is famous for its rockfall, the two were surprised at how often it happened during their climb. "It is not a wall to be taken lightly, that’s for sure,” said a relieved Whittaker after it was over.

As polar explorers and mountaineers, we use cutting-edge equipment in the world's harshest environments. While we're serious about outdoor adventure, we also live in a range of extremely cold climates from Canmore, Alberta and Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Crested Butte, Colorado, and other moderately cold mountain towns and cities.

These are the best-insulated winter jackets we use for daily life.

Best cozy jackets: Cold-weather tested

Below, you'll find a range of belay or down jackets (also known as a "puffy"), streamlined micro-puffy jackets, insulated shells, and active insulation. A micro-puffy can serve as a midlayer or outerlayer, working as a versatile option throughout the cold months. Many of these modern jackets also have synthetic counterparts or hybrid synthetic-down designs.

A handful of these options are well-suited for skiing or high cardio output plus day-to-day meanderings. Others work best for everyday use rather than training sessions. But all will keep you toasty and protected from the low temperatures.

For more extreme models, check out our Best Winter Parkas of 2021-22 According to Polar Explorers.

Best micro-puffy

Arc'teryx Cerium LT Jacket, $430

Best for: Streamlined micro-down for everyday errands, low to moderate output, as a midlayer, or to pull on during backcountry ski stops  

• Fill power: 850 goose down (plus Coreloft synthetic insulation in moisture-prone areas)
• Weight: 279g (9.8oz)
• Materials: Coreloft 80 and 100 with polyester plus nylon
• Repellency: DWR (durable water repellent) coating repels moisture
• Sustainability features: Fair Trade Certified
• Options: See the Women's Cerium LT Jacket, $349

In the northern Rockies, which are chilliest in December and January, most people in Canmore wear svelte down jackets like the Cerium LT Jacket. We've found it best conserves heat until the temperatures reach about -17˚C, then a beefier model is better. While this versatile, popular Arc'teryx jacket works well for everyday life, it's also a great layering piece for outdoor adventures.

Day to day, the Cerium LT works well as an outermost layer or midlayer beneath a shell, which blocks precipitation and wind, or a full-on parka. The lightweight, compressible design lends itself to backcountry ski and splitboard hut trips, snowshoe outings, ice skating, and winter hikes. The design's insulation generally suits ascents with a mellower grade at a moderate or slow pace and is nice to slide on during breaks. For steeper climbs and cardio-busting activities, active insulation jackets provide better breathability than this micro-puffy.

The jacket is packed with premium 850-fill white goose down and Arc'teryx also strategically placed synthetic insulation in the areas where moisture usually builds up. That synthetic fill's lightweight, breathable polyester yarn packs down well.

An insulated, mid-height collar helps block the breeze from sneaking in, and we appreciate the smooth interior liner. The Cerium LT's face fabric blocks moisture and wind fairly well, too. To carry our belongings, the exterior hand pockets have zip closures. There's also an internal zippered pocket with an integrated stuff sack.

See the Arc'teryx Cerium LT Jacket

Best puffy jackets

The North Face Bellion Down Jacket, $530

Best for: A slim-fitting down jacket that blocks water and wind

• Fill Power: 700 goose down
• Weight: 1165g (41.1oz)
• Materials: Recycled polyester and elastane twill plus 100% recycled polyester insulation
• Repellency: Water and wind repellent
• Sustainability Features: Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified, 95% recycled polyester, Non-PFC Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish
• Options: See the Women's North Face Printed Carto Triclimate Jacket, $260 for a fully waterproof and super warm choice

If you don't like moving around with bulk, the streamlined The North Face Bellion Down Jacket is your new first pick. Areas of synthetic insulation (dubbed the Heatseeker Eco and made with 100% recycled polyester fiber) complement the down filling. The resilient, compressible synthetic fill is water repellent.

Despite its fully waterproof exterior, the jacket is fairly breathable. But when heat does build up, underarm zippers allow extra ventilation. We appreciate the wrist gaiters, too.

Skiers, riders, and bikers can fit their helmets beneath the compatible hood. You'll find an internal chest pocket, two internal mesh pockets, a wrist pocket (for a goggle wipe), and two hand pockets for stashing goods.

See The North Face Bellion Down Jacket

Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie, $279

Best or: Running errands or biking around town in warmth, comfort, and style 

• Fill Power: 800 goose down
• Weight: 400g (14.1oz)
• Materials: Recycled ripstop polyester fabric and liner
• Repellency: Water and moisture thanks to a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish
• Sustainability Features: Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified, 100% recycled polyester fabric
• Options: Check out the Men's Patagonia Down Sweater Hooded Jacket, $279

On casual outings (as in, not walking miles in a blizzard) in freezing temperatures, the Patagonia Down Sweater Hood Jacket is one of our favorites. And though wet heavy snowfall can dampen this jacket, it rebounds fast.

We found this jacket blocks wind really well and the collar is just right: not too tight yet sturdy enough when zipped to stand and protect our chin and lower face. The elastic cuffs around the wrists are comfortable, though not extra long, if that's a priority. And though the hood is comfortable and snug, it's too head-hugging to fit a helmet or a hair bun beneath.

Among the eco-friendly traits of the design, it has third-party certified RDS goose down. This means that the geese sourced for the down are not force-fed or live-plucked, a process that is traced from the farm to the apparel factory.

See the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie

Mammut Broad IN Hood Jacket, $269

Best for: Super compressible down jacket for alpine tours and everyday travel

• Fill Power: 800
• Weight: 380g (13.4oz)
• Materials: Polyester
• Repellency: Water repellent
• Sustainability Features: Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified, Bluesign-approved materials, PFC-free DWR, Fair Wear
• Options: See the Women's Mammut Broad IN Hood Jacket, $299

It's a delicate balance: The more insulation a jacket has, the bulkier it will be. This Swiss-made puffy is one of the most compressible we've found. Although not as packable as a micro-puffy, it is warmer.

The Mammut Broad Peak IN Hooded Jacket is a great grab for winter commutes and strolling local trails. You can still access the zippered hand pockets while wearing a backpack with a hip belt or climbing harness. The chest pocket is likewise compatible with a pack's chest strap. The waterproof front zipper also goes in both directions, which is a helpful touch if you do need to wear a harness.

The exterior's Pertex Quantum fabric is tightly woven, soft, and malleable, so the down insulation can completely retain its loft. Plus, that buttery material makes it enjoyable to wear.

See the Mammut Broad IN Hood Jacket

Rab Positron Pro Down Jacket, $425

Best for: Blustery, cold, or damp days in the city, mountain trips, and expeditions in the Himalaya 

• Fill Power: 800 down
• Weight: 760g (27oz)
• Materials: Durable, water-resistant Pertex Quantum Pro fabric
• Repellency: Windproof and water-resistant (not waterproof)
• Sustainability Features: Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified, PFC-free hydrophobic down
• Options: See the Women's Rab Positron Pro Down Jacket, $425

The Rab Positron Pro Down reigns as an insulation layer and wind-blocker for gusty commutes like the blasts that rip through downtown Chicago. The jacket doesn't pack small, but if you're traveling to an extreme enough environment, the space it needs is well worth it. You won't notice the bulk when you're warm rather than shivering.

This Rab is constructed with a tenacious, tightly-woven material called Pertex Quantum Pro, which is treated for water resistance. Despite the coating, the fabric remains lightweight, soft in the hand, and fairly breathable, too.

The boxwall build throughout the torso, hood, and upper arms eliminates seams where cold air could sneak through. The hood is compatible with a helmet.

See the Rab Positron Pro Down Jacket

Sync Performance Stretch Puffy Jacket, $349

Best for: Flexibility in extremely cold temperatures like building snow caves and sledding with kids or skiing and snowboarding at the hill

• Fill Power: None
• Weight: 453g (16oz)
• Materials: 50/50 PrimaLoft Black ThermoPlume and polyester insulation
• Repellency: Waterproof
• Sustainability Features: None
• Options: See the Men's Sync Performance Stretch Puffy Jacket, $349

The Sync Performance Stretch Puffy Jacket couldn't have a more on-point name. We grab this jacket when the temperatures drop toward -18˚C to -23˚C, but we know we'll be working up a sweat. Shoveling. Sledding. Working on the snowmobile. Clearing off the trailer. You name it.

This jacket is especially comfortable for ripping through trees on a snowboard or skis at the resort. No matter how fast you're moving, this pliable jacket moves with you and the 30-denier exterior fabric never feels like it's about to rip against a tree limb or tool.

Beyond the flexible nature, the jacket is breathable yet warm. The fabric's durable water repellency means it blocks moisture and snow. For the folks who do not want to purchase a down jacket, this 100% synthetic fill is a great alternative.

See the Sync Performance Stretch Puffy Jacket

Arc’teryx Cerium SL Hoodie, $359

Best for: Superlight packable, ultra-warm, athletic choice for above a midlayer or beneath a parka or rain jacket in dry, cold conditions 

• Fill Power: 850 down
• Weight: 204g (7.2oz)
• Materials: Nylon shell and additional polyester insulation
• Repellency: Water resistant but not a waterproof option for snowy days, wind-resistant
• Sustainability Features: None
• Options: Check out the Men's Arc'teryx Cerium SL Hoodie, $359

We found the Arc'teryx Cerium SL Hoodie to be feathery light, super warm, and also durable. It's a solid choice to squish into a small backpack when you head out the door or for rougher adventures like ice climbing.

Though the jacket is beefed up with 850-fill down, it also has a portion of synthetic insulation made from polyester yarn, which aids the loft retention. The hood fits very comfortably and blocks wind well, and the elastic wrist cuffs are sleek, too.

One of our favorite components of the jacket is the zipper. It's small yet hefty. After years of use, it has yet to snag or break. This is one of our go-to jackets to pack throughout the year.

See the Arc’teryx Cerium SL Hoodie

Big Agnes Fire Tower Down Belay Parka, $500

Best for: Long periods of idling, from watching outdoor hockey to glassing for animals on a fourth season hunt

• Fill Power: 850 goose
• Weight: 822g (30oz)
• Materials: Nylon and polyester exterior and interior
• Repellency: Water-resistant
• Sustainability Features: Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified, Bluesign certified, Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certified, DownTek PFC-free water-repellent chemistry on down, recycled polyester fabric, and nylon
• Options: Big Agnes doesn't make a robust parka specifically for women but another option is the Bearsley Jacket, $300

Sometimes you simply need a super burly jacket. It's a good idea to have one on hand in case of emergencies, whether you're covering wintry ground on foot or making a long commute in your rig. Stout down jackets are also comfortable to pull on for spectating events during cold snaps.

We've used this design for glassing for animals during a high-elevation fourth-season hunt in the mountains. Despite sitting and scouting for lengthy periods of time, we never got cold. Not even chilly.

High-wear spots are reinforced with 30-denier fabric. The down's PFC-free coating means the clumps won't clump together and lose their warmth factor if they get damp or wet. Inside, two spacious pockets are available to carry items, plus two hand pockets, and two chest pockets.

See the Big Agnes Fire Tower Down Belay Parka

Stio Colter Infinium Down Jacket, $429

Best for: Everyday stylish, cozy winter jacket for ice-cold cities, towns, and mountain communities  

• Fill Power: 650 down
• Weight: 737g (26oz)
• Materials: Gore-Tex Infinium, recycled polyester, plainweave fabric
• Repellency: Windproof, waterproof
• Sustainability Features: Recycled polyester, PFC-free DWR, HyperDry PFC-free water resistant down treatment, Bluesign approved, RDS certified down
• Options: Check out the Men's Stio Colter Infinium Down Jacket, $365

Though not very contoured, the Stio Colter Infinium Down Jacket made in Jackson Hole, Wyoming quickly became one of our favorites.

The Colter has nicely tailored cuffs that taper out a bit more than others, reaching diagonally over the back of your hand. The hem's length is slightly longer in the back, which is nice for more lower back protection against harsh wind. There are also two side zippers on the hem to widen the circumference of the jacket.

Inside the jacket, the down's water repellency means its loft and warmth is steadfast in snowfall and humidity. The Gore-Tex Infinium fabric fiercely blocks wind, yet is buttery, smooth, and quiet. The outermost layer's recycled polyester is paired with a Gore-Tex waterproof-breathable laminate and treated with a PFC-free DWR, so water beads off the surface. All said, the jacket's exterior is tough but cozy, including the down-filled hood.

See the Stio Colter Infinium Down Jacket

Best parkas

Arc'teryx Alpha Parka, $999 

Best for: Extreme warmth, withstands cold temperatures and wind; outer layer for belaying, physical labor, and commutes

• Fill Power: 850 goose down
• Weight: 805g (284oz)
• Materials: Coreloft 90 made with a polyester blend plus Gore-Tex Infinium fabric and the tenacious Arc'teryx Hadron face fabric
• Repellency: Windproof plus a light rain beads up and runs off
• Sustainability Features: Dope dyed (uses significantly less water and energy), Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified
• Options: See the women's Arc'teryx Alpha Parka, $999

The Alpha Parka is the warmest down-insulated belay parka that Arc'teryx makes. Although lightweight, its construction resists tears and abrasion. It's a top choice as an outermost layer. While this burly build is fit for alpine and rock climbing, it's also a solid choice to pull on for around-town travel during wild wintry conditions.

The jacket's Gore-Tex Infinium fabric blocks wind and is super breathable. Similar to the Arc'teryx Cerium LT Jacket, high-perspiration areas are filled with synthetic insulation to offer warmth even when damp. The kicker: the Alpha Parka's face fabric is Hadron, a proprietary and lightweight blend made from a liquid-crystal polymer, which is durable and resistant, yet soft.

The taller collar successfully retains warmth and the hood (which is helmet compatible) offers ample protection. We like the cuff gaskets, which block any biting wind from getting to our wrists and forearms. In addition to two hand pockets, there are two internal dump pockets and a chest pocket.

See the Arc'teryx Alpha Parka

Canada Goose Shelburne Down Parka, $1,275

Best for: A longer heat-holding coat for everyday meanders in the coldest weeks of winter 

• Fill Power: 625 down
• Weight: 1,418g (50oz)
• Materials: Polyester and cotton
• Repellency: Water repellent surface due to Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment
• Sustainability Features: None
• Options: Check out the men's Canada Goose Emory Parka Hood Trim, $1,150

Adding an extra foot or so of jacket length does more than boost style, floor-reaching designs offer a load more heat while protecting the hips and upper legs from freezing gale-force winds or when digging out the truck after a huge snowfall. Riding a bike with a frosty seat, sitting down on a chilly bus or subway train, or riding in a vehicle sans seat heaters becomes not only bearable, but comfortable. The Canada Goose Shelburne Down Parka is our premium choice for that style.

The full-length parka is water-resistant and features two back vents for dumping heat, if necessary. The hood includes a detachable fur trim that, in an everyday context, can help prevent snow flakes from flying into the hood.

To help keep the wrists warm, we really like the thick, long rib-knit cuffs. We also like that the two fleece-lined hand pockets are soft.

See the Canada Goose Shelburne Down Parka

Helly Hansen Arctic Patrol Modular Parka, $1,600

Best for: As a work garment and everyday commute

• Fill Power: PrimaLoft Gold insulation
• Weight: 1,179g (42oz)
• Materials: Durable exterior polyester
• Repellency: Waterproof, windproof
• Sustainability Features: Includes a repair kit, PFC-free DWR
• Options: Helly Hansen also offers a women's Arctic Patrol Modular Parka, $1,185

The Arctic Patrol Modular Parka ($1,600) is more of a work garment for oil rigs in the North Sea or for taking a temperature reading at the South Pole than for shoveling the driveway.

This heavy-duty jacket is waterproof and everything-proof. This 3-in-1 modular parka (insulator, shell, and parka) will keep you warm in the nastiest conditions. But you'll pay for it. Expect to pay double the price of most other parkas.

There's reinforced fabric on exposed areas of the jacket. The cuffs, hem, and hood are adjustable. Ventilation underarm zippers help dump heat, if needed. The brand also developed a technology called Life Pocket, which is a cold-resistant pocket that stays two times warmer than a regular winter jacket pocket, helping to preserve the battery of devices in the cold.

See the Helly Hansen Arctic Patrol Modular Parka

Canada Goose Snow Mantra Parka, $1,600

Best for: Everyday use, even when blizzard or arctic conditions challenge in-person conversation

• Fill Power: 675 goose down
• Weight: 4,300g (152oz)
• Materials: Arctic Tech (85% polyester, 15% cotton) for cold, dry conditions
• Repellency: Water-resistant
• Sustainability Features: None
• Options: The women's Canada Goose Snow Mantra Parka is available for the same price

Stylish, trendy, and brilliantly marketed (the one-of-a-kind Inuit collection is stunning), Canada Goose stores turn up everywhere from Ilulissat, Greenland to urban malls.

Some of this jacket's design elements point to its industrial lineage. For example, it has a clear ID window on the chest so you can wear a name tag for when conditions are so bad that communication is difficult.

The Snow Mantra Parka ($1,600) is one of the brand's more retro models, although the price is anything but retro. There's a removable fur ruff, two-way adjustable down-filled hood, and webbing grab straps on the shoulders. This is a good, industrial-use parka for those who live or work in cold regions.

See the Canada Goose Snow Mantra Parka

Best insulated shells & active insulation 

Picture Organic Haakon Jacket, $350

Best for: Insulated shell for skiing or riding in frigid conditions and wind-biting ski lift rides 

• Fill Power: None
• Weight: 1,440g (51oz)
• Materials: Coremax synthetic insulation, recycled polyester, polyester
• Repellency: Waterproof-breathable fabric
• Sustainability Features: PFC-free DWR treatment, 58% recycled biosourced polyester
• Options: Check out the Men's Picture Organic Clothing Stone Insulated Jacket, $300

When you don't need a full-on down jacket but you need more than a shell or a shell paired with a fleece midlayer, this insulated shell makes all the difference. The Picture Organic Haakon Jacket is a great everyday and ski or snowboard jacket for mild to cold conditions. It works well from below freezing to -9˚C, or days with occasional spouts of bitter wind.

Regardless of the narrow, athletic fit, the jacket's knit construction beneath the arms and along the body offers freedom of movement. Even after months of use on the ski lifts, no wear and tear is visible around the torso or shoulders.

At 20,000mm/20,000g of waterproof-breathability, this hip-length jacket is also one of the most water-resistant and breathable options on our list, making it a good choice for active users. There are underarm zippers, too. Inside, the brushed liner is soft, and the jacket is sound-free.

See the Picture Organic Haakon Jacket

Dahlie Winter Run 2.0, $170

Best for: Slender-fitting active insulation jacket for high output, winter runs or nordic ski days 

• Fill Power: None
• Weight: 219g (7.7oz)
• Materials: PrimaLoft aerogel insulation
• Repellency: Water-repellent finish
• Sustainability Features: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 fabric
• Options: Check out the men's Dahlie Vest Run, $120 

For high-cardio output in wintry conditions, go for active insulation. These jackets, including the Dahlie Winter Run 2.0, blend breathable fabric in high-perspiration areas with insulation in vulnerable spots to keep the core warm.

The sleeves are articulated and very well-fitted. Don't expect to layer much beneath, either a synthetic t-shirt or streamlined long sleeve base layer will do. Beneath the armpits, the fabric is ventilated. The fabric on the shoulder, upper arms, and across the chest is filled with PrimaLoft aerogel insulation, which is very lightweight and warm.

With action in mind, this jacket performs best if you're on the move. Once you stop, especially if you've been sweating, and a breeze picks up or the sun starts to go down, you can start to feel a chill. For performance-oriented outings, this is a solid choice.

See the Dahlie Winter Run 2.0

How to choose a cold-weather jacket

When in doubt about whether a winter jacket is truly one of the warmest on the planet, look for these features:

Offset or box-wall baffles

This means that there are no sewn-through seams where cold can leak through. The seams of the baffles, or down chambers, are protected by another down baffle on top of it, so the insulation is continuous. This is an old principle in sleeping bags, but only the warmest jackets have this feature.

Longer length

Some otherwise warm jackets are cut short so that climbing harnesses can be worn with them. These aren't always ideal for everyday travel or tasks. Sometimes you want a jacket that reaches mid-thigh or lower for drive or bike commutes in winter.

Oversized

If you need it: "Make sure it's oversized to accommodate layers," advises polar guide Eric Philips.

Neck and head protection

Good jackets have a comfortable down-filled collar that zips under the chin and has a soft interior liner. Other models have a down-filled hood, too.

Price

The more insulation, the pricier a cold-weather jacket becomes. In general, as the quantity of insulation goes down, so does the cost.

Most of the warmest jackets for everyday adventures have a price tag of $300 to $450, like the Sync Performance Stretch Puffy Jacket, $349, and Picture Organic Haakon Jacket, $350, which both have synthetic insulation for high-action activities like skiing and snowboarding.

At the upper-end of the scale, there are jackets the $1,000 range like the Canada Goose Shelburne Down Parka, $1,275, and the Arc'teryx Alpha Parka, $1000.  A step down, though still on the pricier end is the Big Agnes Fire Tower Down Belay Parka, $500, and the The North Face Bellion Down Jacket, $530.

The Stio Colter Infinium Down Jacket, $429, Arc'teryx Cerium LT Jacket, $430, and Rab Positron Pro Down Jacket, $425 are among the coziest, best-constructed, and detail-oriented choices for everyday use. They differ in their strengths but each fit well and deliver.

The most economic option is an active insulation blend for high-cardio output, like running: the Dahlie Winter Run 2.0, $170.

Sustainable features

Many of these jackets have components of sustainable design while others have none. For the longevity of the planet and human exploration, it's essential for brands worldwide to prioritize high-level product design that also pushes the needle forward on environmentally-friendly materials, fabric treatments, sourcing, and manufacturing solutions that are less toxic for people and the earth.

Certifications

A few sustainable design features in these insulated winter jackets include Fair Trade Certified, Global Recycle Standard (GRS) certified, OEKO-TEX standards, and Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified. The lattermost ensures that down and feathers are sourced from animals that have not been subjected to harm, in order to incentivize human treatment of ducks and geese.

Some products are Bluesign certified or have bluesign-approved materials, meaning the materials and accessories had a minimal impact as possible on the environment and humans.

Recycled fabrics 

A handful of jackets feature recycled fabrics including polyester and polyester-based insulation, like in The North Face Bellion Down Jacket.

Chemical-free treatments 

Some manufacturers implement eco-friendlier compounds onto the face fabric, such as PFC-free Durable Water Repellent.

Brands can also opt for a PFC-free chemical treatment for the down itself, so that the down clusters are moisture and water resistant though not bogged down with environmentally toxic chemicals. As a result, the down absorbs less water, retains warmth and loft, and dries faster.

The Big Agnes Fire Tower Down Belay Parka, for instance, features the DownTek PFC-free water repellent down fill insulation. The Stio Colter Infinium Down Jacket has ALLIED Feather & Down's HyperDRY water-resistant down.

Dyeing process

Another eco-choice for production is dope dyed: pigment is added to the material compounds, which reduces water use, as well as CO₂ emissions. The process also increases a color's resistance to fade or run.

Winter jackets: What to watch for

Likewise, here are the jacket details that may or may not serve you on a frigid work day or commute or in your environmental standards -- it depends on the specific conditions and your personal needs.

Down versus synthetic fill

The outstanding debate is, can synthetic fill live up to the warmth that natural down fill provides? Ultimately, down won't serve you well if it's completely soaked. As a general rule of thumb, if you are in a dry, cold environment, down is the ideal choice. If you'll be wearing this jacket in wet, cold environments, synthetic is more steadfast.

That said, technology has really skyrocketed in this arena. A lot of our favorite jackets blend the two types of fill into targeted areas in the jacket. Other coats are stuffed with hydrophobic down or the exterior fabric is treated for water resistance. The innovations blend the best of both worlds.

Water and wind resistance

Insulated jackets are chock-full of down, synthetic fill, or a blend of the two and they excel at retaining heat. They do not all equally provide wind or water resistance. Be sure to pay attention to those attributes if you live in a climate that's very windy, humid, or wet.

Compressibility

Not all down jackets are compact and can compress down to the size of a large russet potato. Some designs are very bulky and take up a lot of space, but their tradeoff is that they deliver the most coverage, loft, or warmth. Others are super packable, fit in their own pocket or a small stuff sack, or can be pushed into the bottom of your backcountry ski pack with ease. For instance, the Arc'teryx Cerium SL Hoodie is very stuffable, and we always bring it on a backcountry snowmobile or ski tour, while the Stio Colter Infinium Down Jacket is far less so.

A pair of protective, insulated boots is a foundational piece of your kit for frigid environments. That's true whether you're winter camping in the Rockies or exploring the polar regions.

Ice crystals can form on digits or feet with too much cold exposure, blocking blood flow and killing cells: Frostbite is no small injury. These health emergencies are extremely painful and require extensive healing time. Severe cases never recover. Plus, you'd never want to cut your trip short because of inadequate footwear.

Let's avoid the risk, starting with a solid selection of warm winter boots. From polar exploration to ice fishing, snowshoeing, outside work, and everyday commutes, here are the warmest pairs to protect your feet.

Protective footwear: cold-weather tested 

In our decades of exploring some of the coldest places on Earth, we’ve tested many pairs of boots in rugged terrain. If you want to learn more about the category, check out our detailed breakdown of important features at the end of the article.

But if you’re just shopping for a pair of warm winter boots that we know will work in freezing cold or arctic conditions, check out the product selections below. All of these will keep you warm, no matter how cold it gets.

Steger Mukluk Arctic With Ribbon, $220

Best For: Adventures in extreme cold, from ice fishing and dogsledding to arctic trekking to horseback riding and base camp

• Insulation: 9mm polypropylene lined wool felt liner
• Warmth Rating: -40° C
• Weight: 635gm (per boot)
• Shaft Height: 41 to 43+cm
• Pros: Excellent warmth, breathability, and light weight
• Cons: Not the most rugged tread design
• Sustainability Features: None

These Arctic With Ribbon boots from Steger Mukluk are the absolute classics for dry snow conditions. Mukluks are a soft footwear traditionally worn by the Inuit and Yupik of the Arctic. Often, the exterior is made of sealskin or reindeer skin and the interior is lined with fur. And Steger is owned by the former wife of polar explorer Will Steger. Our team uses this model on the coldest expeditions with total security.

In traditional fashion, this Steger pair is lightweight, comfortable, and cozy. It is far lighter than all the other polar models in this roundup -- full one-third the weight of the Baffin Guide Pro, for example. It is the ideal choice for long-distance cold-weather trekking or snowshoeing.

The exterior moose hide is very durable and the canvas is weather-treated. Though the upper appears supple (and it is) the tread is aggressive, providing excellent traction across various snow surfaces. The natural rubber bottoms remain supple and never crack in the cold.

The boot cinches by way of a moosehide ribbon that wraps around the shaft. You don't need this cinching to keep the foot secure in the boot, but it keeps snow out if you're postholing through deep powder. Inside, a 9mm wool felt inner boot provides the warmth. Not only is there an option to upgrade to a wide boot -- there's also a double-wide option for the broadest feet. In fact, while standard models are fine for use around town or on day outings, the company rightly recommends ordering extra-wide and one size larger than normal for expedition use.

See the Steger Mukluk Arctic With Ribbon

Baffin Impact, $261

Best For: Hiking, casual use, and camp chores in arctic conditions

• Insulation: Removable multi-layer system including a PolyWool polyester wool blend
• Warmth Rating: -100° C
• Weight: 1683g (per boot)
• Shaft Height: 38cm
• Pros: Comfortable midsole, available in women's specific
• Cons: A heavier choice
• Sustainability Features: None

Baffin is a Canadian footwear company based in Ontario with a huge foothold on cold-weather goods, including boots that support polar expeditionists like Eric Larsen.

The Impact boots have a reputation for ultra warmth, even while users sit idle at an ice-gleaming base camp in severe cold. Inside, the materials features an aluminum membrane that reflects and retains body heat in the boot. The waffle-comb footbed holds warm air, too, and another double layer of aluminum shields cold air from below. The system is top notch.

Hugging the feet is a soft, smooth proprietary material, called Thermaplush, that wicks away sweat -- if your feet do happen to get hot during camp chores or other activities.

When walking across dicey ground, the outsole is waterproof and provides strong, confidence-providing grip. The midsole offers ample cushion and a bump of insulation. Two buckles help tighten up the boot and the snow collar with a sliding toggle helps prevent snow from sneaking its way inside. We also appreciate that they're easy to pull on, thanks to the hardy pull loop.

See the Baffin Impact

Baffin Guide Pro II, $465

Best For: Ski expeditions, cross-country ski trips, and activities like hiking or ice fishing 

• Insulation: Removable multi-layer system including a PolyNylon blend and gel-based insulation
• Warmth Rating: -70º C
• Weight: 1882g (per boot)
• Shaft Height: 44cm
• Pros: Tough toe piece is useful for icy, hardpacked terrain
• Cons: Not the quickest entry and exit
• Sustainability Features: None

If you plan on using skis, this pair of expedition boots fits the bill. The Baffin Guide Pro II has a reinforced steel toe piece that's compatible with a three-pin binding for big mountain missions or cross-country ski tours. They're toasty, too: Developed using nanotechnology, the removable liners feature a lightweight, gel-based thermal insulation.

An integrated gaiter with a Velcro closure surrounds the boot and the waterproof-breathable upper. Across the top of the talus, a buckled strap tightens the fit. Beneath the gaiter, the boot has a gusseted lace-up system. Up high, the collar has a snap and elastic closure to help block out the elements.

Thanks to the EVA midsole, there's a comfortable cushion, which helps prevent fatigue (for a while). The outsole's rubber and tread design delivers dependable grip across slick ground. For additional warmth, there's a double aluminum insole, as in the Baffin Impact boot, that deflects cold back to the ground.

Overall, this pair's stout toe is a game changer for more than skiing: It helps break trail, bootpack up slopes, and kick into icy hillsides.

See the Baffin Guide Pro II

Alfa Polar Advance, $910

Best For: Ski expeditions, ski tours, and ski races

• Insulation: Wool liner
• Warmth Rating: Unavailable
• Weight: 1070g (per boot)
• Shaft Height: 21cm
• Pros: Durable, timeless design
• Cons: Short shaft doesn't offer the most protection in deep snow
• Sustainability Features: None

For expedition ski use in extremely frigid weather, these boots are old classics, and have a special reputation across Europe. The Mørdre brothers designed their prototypes years ago for an early Antarctic expedition.

The toe piece is the Vibram 75mm standard three-pin binding for clicking into skis. They also work with a cable binding. The shell is constructed with tenacious Cordura, a synthetic material blend that's reinforced with leather and fiercely water repellent.

The upper's full-grain leather is durable and breathable. The midsole's rubber is built to not break or crack in cold temps. For a tailored fit, the traditional hook-and-lace system stretches from the toe to the cuff, allowing adjustability around the entire ankle and forefoot. Three exterior buckles bolster the laces and further secure the fit.

An important note: The brand recommends buying two sizes larger, so that you have room to add a thin nylon sock and a second vapor barrier sock. The vapor barrier sock (some use a bread bag or even a Ziploc) keeps foot moisture from accumulating as ice in the boot over the days and weeks.

See the Alfa Polar Advance

Alfa Polar A/P/S Expedition Ski Boot, $955

Best For: Ski expeditions, covering long kilometres on skis in extreme cold

• Insulation: Felt
• Warmth Rating: Unavailable
• Weight: 995g (per boot)
• Shaft Height: 19.5cm
• Pros: Gaiters are made from Cordura, a tenacious, protective fabric
• Cons: Expensive
• Sustainability Features: None

Are you prepping to cross the Greenland or Norway's Hardangervidda plateau on skis? The Alfa Polar A/P/S Expedition Ski Boot is durable for that trip and more. Though this boot is pricey, it will round out your kit with the right tool for a safe polar mission.

This robust but comfortable design keeps feet warm -- but not hot -- and dry even on blustery days with biting temps. The integrated durable Cordura gaiters shield the lower legs from the elements. The Rottefella outsole and felt insole both are loaded with hardy insulation. The insole is also anatomically-shaped for solid support, absorbs sweat yet is breathable, and features an antibacterial treatment to squelch odors.

The boots are compatible with the Rottefella NNN BC backcountry ski binding. This makes them mechanically more efficient than the Alfa Polar Advance boots, made for the old rat-trap bindings. A key note: The brand recommends buying two sizes larger, so that you have room to add a liner or wool inner boot and vapor barrier sock, for extreme conditions.

See the Alfa Polar A/P/S Expedition Ski Boot

ThirtyTwo Jones MTB, $659

Best For: Splitboard mountaineering, splitboard tours 

• Insulation: Closed-cell foam
• Warmth Rating: Unavailable
• Weight: 1,500g (per boot)
• Shaft Height: 17.5cm
• Pros: Durable construction, features a walk mode collar for excellent range-of-motion on the ascent, available in women's specific
• Cons: Too rigid for some riders, a tad heavy
• Sustainability Features: None

In partnership with Jeremy Jones, one of the most prolific big mountain freeride snowboarders in the sport's history, ThirtyTwo released the ThirtyTwo Jones MTB boot, which is arguably the most rugged splitboard-specific boot ever made.

First off, the Jones MTB keeps your digits toasty thanks to the Elite Liner that's constructed with Intuition foam, a closed-cell compound that's durable and warm. The stout full-zip gaiters also block snow, ice, and wind, which helps to maintain the laces but also helps retain warmth. The Vibram rubber outsole helps to block cold and delivers traction.

Beyond warmth, the most favored feature in this design is the walk mode collar, which allows a wider range of motion for longer strides on ascents. The boot includes inserts to add stiffness, though you likely won't need those right away. The stiffness rating is 10/10, the highest you can find. The rigidity is a drawback for some riders, especially if their feet don't perfectly fit that stalwart mold.

See the ThirtyTwo Jones MTB

La Sportiva Nepal Evo GTX, $525

Best For: Mountaineering missions with an emphasis on ice and supporting a loaded pack 

• Insulation: GORE-TEX
• Warmth Rating: Unavailable
• Weight: 1012g (per boot)
• Shaft Height: Mid-calf
• Pros: Top-notch waterproofness and breathability
• Cons: A bit heavier-set
• Sustainability Features: Laces are made from recycled PET from plastic bottles

The Nepal boot series has thrived for more than three decades. The La Sportiva Nepal Evo GTX isn't your go-to pair for simple hikes but is built for mountaineering pursuits and getting vertical on frozen waterfalls.

To block cold, the boot features GORE-TEX insulation, which boasts a 4-layer laminate. The combo includes a strong ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) membrane sandwiched with a material that retains warmth. Then there's a durable, quick-drying textile liner and shell.

La Sportiva also adds the Ibi-Thermo footbed, with its insulating properties. The lateral flex is fair, and the boot is sturdy overall. For long-standing durability, the upper is made with 3.2mm premium Perwanger leather reinforced with silicone. A gaiter at the top of the boot helps block snow and debris and fits seamlessly with apparel.

See the La Sportiva Nepal Eno GTX

Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro GTX, $549

Best For: Ice climbing, alpine ascents, rugged work days like clearing trees

• Insulation: GORE-TEX
• Warmth Rating: Unavailable
• Weight: 900g (per boot)
• Shaft Height: Lower calf
• Pros: A bit lighter weight than competitor boots, comfortable, available in women's specific
• Cons: The toebox is too narrow for some wider feet
• Sustainability Features: None

Whether you're ice climbing or clearing trees from power lines, these precise-fitting boots will keep your feet glowing, far from an icebox, and supported.

The construction has out-of-box comfort and is a bit forgiving, making sidehilling easier and more nimble on an approach. The ankle is reinforced with a plastic web that's injected into the elastic upper. The boot equally provides ample backbone for kicking crampon front points into a frozen waterfall.

The upper is a 3mm blend of Perwanger leather, suede, synthetic, and polyurethane. Underfoot, the Vibram outsole's firm compound withstands and performs in super low temperatures.

Like the La Sportiva Nepal Evo GTX boots, this pair likewise features the GORE-TEX insulation 4-layer laminate for warmth. While belaying during a multi-pitch frozen waterfall climb in -23º C, we found the insulation worked extremely well and we never felt chilled feet.

See the Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro GTX

Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 1000, $505

Best For: Late-season hunts

• Insulation: 1000g Thinsulate
• Warmth Rating: Sub -18º C
• Weight: 1021g (per boot)
• Shaft Height: 25.4cm
• Pros: Stout, stable choice for low movement scenarios like hunting with bursts of high activity, available in women's specific
• Cons: Not the lightest boot
• Sustainability Features: None

For tackling creek crossings in the wilderness or waiting for elk deep in the snow-covered pines, the Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 1000 boots are furiously waterproof and toasty.

The full-grain leather upper is treated with Windtex, a waterproof-breathable membrane that's malleable and burly against the elements. Our feet stay extremely dry in these boots. The edge is reinforced with a rubber sole guard, and the 7mm nylon midsoles help brace a heavy load. Deep lugs on the tread of the lightweight outsole give excellent traction.

On the high-end of the scale, the Thinsulate insulation is rated at 1000 grams. So these super sturdy boots have kept our toes snug during moderate to low movement, like glassing for animals, even in temperatures below -18º C.

See the Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 1000

Vasque Breeze WT GTX, $200

Best For: Cold-weather hikes and snowshoe adventures with moderate to high output

• Insulation: 200g 3M Thinsulate
• Warmth Rating: Up to -32°C
• Weight: 647g (per boot)
• Shaft Height: Above the ankle
• Pros: Lightweight waterproof hiking boot, available in women's specific
• Cons: Not the burliest option for low and moderate movement or extremely cold temperatures
• Sustainability Features: None

With virtually no break-in period, the all-season Breeze WT GTX is Vasque's premium winter hiking boot in a comfortable off-the-shelf design that blocks water and cocoons heat.

The feet stay cozy thanks to 200 grams of 3M Thinsulate, a lightweight and very warm synthetic insulation. (The grams refers to the grams per square meter of insulation.) This quantity of insulation is on the lower-end to serve recreationists with more rigorous, ongoing movement. The result is a boot that's free of bulk that feels bomber on an all-day mountain trek in -12°C plus windchill.

The midsole features an EVA cushion and a strong plastic shank for support and alleviation beneath the feet. Against mixed surfaces and snow, the outsole's durable Vibram Megagrip compound grabs wet, muddy, slippery, and dry terrain. (That said, traction devices would likely be advised for steep or hardback slopes.)

In a well-balanced blend, the upper is constructed with GORE-TEX waterproof Nubuck leather and mesh, which helps the boot feel malleable and comfortable while providing a window for heat to be released while climbing to the top of a snowy 4,000m peak.

See the Vasque Breeze WT GTX

Muck Boot Company Arctic Sport Tall, $170

Best For: Work days, long drives, and casual around-town use

• Insulation: 5mm neoprene
• Warmth Rating: 4° to -40°C
• Weight: 1134g (per boot)
• Shaft Height: 42cm
• Pros: Prime choice for cold and wet conditions, women can check out the Muck Boot Company Arctic Ice Tall AGAT ($190)
• Cons: Not as warm as other boots in our guide
• Sustainability Features: None

While these are not as warm as some of the other boots listed here, they are good in everyday winter conditions, especially around wet snow. We use the Muck Boot Company Arctic Sport Tall boots when driving Zodiacs in the Arctic in freezing temperatures for hours upon hours. They’re the only boots that keep our feet warm in both cold and wet conditions. That heat is thanks to the 5-millimeter neoprene interior boot plus an additional 2-millimeter layer of thermal foam beneath the foot.

For additional comfort and warmth, the boot features a fleece liner that's soft. The EVA midsole provides cushion and helps prevent foot fatigue. The shaft is wide to accommodate broad calves. The boot also provides plenty of traction with the robust outsole and tread pattern.

See the Muck Boot Company Arctic Sport Tall

Sorel Caribou, $170

Best For: Shoveling deep snow and commutes in frigid temperatures 

• Insulation: 9mm recycled Felt
• Warmth Rating: -40°
• Weight: 1134g (per boot)
• Shaft Height: 22cm
• Pros: available in men's specific
• Cons: Not a super streamlined or precise fit, especially for narrow-footed folks
• Sustainability Features: Recycled felt interior liner

When we step outside for a shoveling mission or a blustery walk in ice-cold degrees, this is one of the hardiest boots on our front door mat for everyday use. There's a reason that this is one of the most classic winter boots on the planet.

The Sorel Caribou is built with a waterproof Nubuck leather upper that's completely seam-sealed: water and snow just isn't getting inside. The interior feels plush and protective with 9mm thick felt. The liner is topped off with a pile cuff to grab snowflakes and block wind if we're quickly pulling these on with sweats or jeans to shovel the deck. Otherwise, snow pants with gaiters fit fine around the outside of the boot. The rubber outsole has fairly good traction, too.

See the Sorel Caribou Boot

Timberland Authentics Waterproof Roll-Top Boots, $165

Best For: Casual all-day style in slick conditions, ice-cold temperatures, and moderately deep snow

• Insulation: Faux fur
• Warmth Rating: Unavailable
• Weight: 624g (per boot)
• Shaft Height: 16.5cm
• Pros: Streamlined fit, men can check out the Timberland Richmond Ridge 6-Inch Waterproof Boots ($160)
• Cons: Relatively time-consuming to lace up
• Sustainability Features: Silver-rated eco-friendly Better Leather, ReBOTL material in the faux-fur collar and liner that's made with recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) from plastic bottles

We've never received as many compliments on any other stout winter boot from guys and gals alike as we have on this pair. The Timberland Authentics Waterproof Roll-top Boots keeps our feet mighty happy in freezing temperatures and turbulent conditions.

To be honest, we've never worn this boot rolled down--we always pull the neck streamlined against our leg and tighten up all the laces for a guarded approach. One of the best aspects of this design is how well the shaft hugs the leg, which helps keep in warmth and prevents snow from sneaking into our tall socks.

The faux-fir liner is super soft and cozy. That waterproof upper blocks moisture from getting inside. An EVA foam footbed absorbs shock and a steel shank is integrated into the boot for support. We're also a big fan of the hefty slip-resistant rubber outsole, muscular tread, and deep lugs--we don't slide around in these boots.

We'd also like to give a nod to the brand for designing this boot with sustainable materials including recycled plastic in the faux-fur collar and liner and leather from a tannery that's audited for environmentally sound practices.

See the Timberland Authentics Waterproof Roll-Top Boots

Vans Standard Snow MTE Boots, $160

Best For: Stylish and warm for casual use, snowshoeing, and professional meetings 

• Insulation: Felt
• Warmth Rating: Unavailable
• Weight: Unavailable
• Shaft Height: Mid-calf
• Pros: Out-of-box comfort and super warm for low temps, available in women's specific color options
• Cons: Not the most durable construction
• Sustainability Features: None

As a daily driver, the Vans Standard Snow MTE Boots keep our feet toasty while walking around town through deep snow or slush puddles, shoveling after a powder storm, and snowshoeing, too.

The waterproof upper is made with a blend of synthetic leather and rubber. The interior felt liner is removable for easy dry out. Simply put, they look good and are very warm. The tread is also nice and grippy.

See the Vans Standard Snow MTE Boots

Blundstone Thermal Chelsea Boots, $239

Best For: Efficient on-and-off boots with universal style and function from framework to dinner or shoveling the deck

• Insulation: Thinsulate
• Warmth Rating: Unavailable
• Weight: 510g
• Shaft Height: Ankle-high boots
• Pros: Lightweight and quick to slip on, available in women's specific
• Cons: Not the tallest shaft or most protective boot for deep snow
• Sustainability Features: None

The Blundstone Thermal Chelsea Boots is one of our all-time favorite everyday winter boots because of the ease of pulling them on and off, high warmth factor, and sturdy support beneath our feet. This low-profile design is also relatively lightweight. Blundstone Footwear is a legacy Australian footwear brand that specializes in lace-free utilitarian boots originally made for cobbled streets and rough farmland work. More recently, these boots have become popular in snowy mountain towns.

We pull the insulated Chelsea on for everyday use, travel, walking and riding our bike around town, and days at the farm. They're a great option for sliding out of snowboard or ski boots at the ski base area, pulling off wet booties after frigid winter surfing, or after a cold winter mountain bike or fat bike ride.

Inside, the removable sheepskin footbed provides warmth and comfort--and ours has only begun to wear out after three 8-month winters of nearly everyday use. The upper is made with premium waterproof leather, which is free of eyelets and any chance of moisture leaking inside. The seams are made with waterproof elastic.

The durable outsole is constructed with slip-free thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and moderate lugs for walking on variable surfaces. To help prevent fatigue with long days on foot, the patented ergonomic midsole is designed for shock absorption and extra comfort in the heel and toe area.

See the Blundstone Thermal Chelsea Boots

How to choose cold-weather boots

Before you buy a pair of winter boots for cold conditions, consider how you plan to use the boots. Are they for everyday use cruising around town and shoveling the driveway? Is this a work boot for days in agriculture or construction? Or are you planning a specific expedition for ice climbing or a ski traverse? We have all of our favorite options across those categories lined up here.

When in doubt about whether a model is truly one of the warmest winter boots on the planet, consider these features:

Types of winter and cold-weather boots

There is a wide variety of winter boots. On one end, our closet has a few pragmatic, comfortable pairs for everyday errands, outdoor work, and travel. Then, we have a lineup of sport-tailored designs for everything from ice climbing to mountaineering, winter hikes, and long-distance, multi-day ski traverses.

Each boot design provides a unique fit that's either more roomy or precise. Some boots are more simple, utilitarian, and easy to pull on. Others are far more technical and usually more complicated to close up for an extreme adventure.

Shaft height 

The shaft height protects your body, socks, and base layers from getting wet from snow infiltration. Also, the taller a boot is, the warmer it can feel, because it's encapsulating additional body heat from the ankle up.

If we're playing outside in deep powder, or digging our rig out of a huge snow storm, we love a tall boot like the Steger Mukluk Arctic With Ribbon. The Steger reaches the highest of any boot, up to 43cm high. Their warmth and lightness makes them one of the boots of choice for long-distance manhauling expeditions with Berwin-type ski bindings. But their softness and comfort comes with a drawback: no lateral support for even gentle downhills. They excel at shuffling on the flats.

For some high-aerobic activities, like snowshoeing, or other movement on packed snow, a shorter shaft height provides adequate warmth, more breathability, and more maneuverability. For instance, the Blundstone Thermal Chelsea Boots are ankle high, and the Vasque Breeze WT GTX reaches a tad higher, above the ankle.

Insulation 

One common type of insulation you'll see in several of our select boots is made by 3M Thinsulate. The quantity of Thinsulate insulation in a boot is referred to by the grams per square metre of insulation, which can commonly range from 200 grams to 1000 grams. For instance, the Vasque Breeze WT GTX has 200 grams of Thinsulate, and the Blundstone Thermal Chelsea Boots also has Thinsulate.

On the warmest side, the Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 1000 has 1000 grams of Thinsulate insulation, which is ideal for low to moderate movement like posting up in the woods to glass for elk during a late-season hunt. On the other hand, 200 grams of Thinsulate insulation is a good fit for activities that are more rigorous, aerobic with consistent movement that builds heat: You don't want to be sweating up a storm on your snowshoe tour.

Other dependable forms of insulation in our top-choice winter boots here include GORE-TEX, closed-cell foam, wool and wool blends, felt, recycled felt, and neoprene, which offers resistance against wet, sloppy, and cold conditions.

Generally, you'll see a price uptick in insulation technology that is both warmer and lighter weight, which is key when you need a streamlined boot for activities like alpine or ice climbing and mountaineering.

Boot closure

The type of boot closure is key for usability and function. The ideal choice mostly depends on how you will use the boot, as well as your personal preference.

Among our favorite cold-weather boots, the Muck Boot Company Arctic Sport Tall and the Blundstone Thermal Chelsea Boots are the easiest boots to pull on, given they are slip-on designs that are lace-free. If you find yourself running in and out of your house throughout the day, these could be a good choice.

The Baffin Impact is a unique slip-on design with buckles for reinforcement. And the Steger Mukluk Arctic With Ribbon features a traditional ribbon that wraps around the shaft.

On the other hand, the Sorel Caribou closes up via traditional laces yet is easy to slip on and off due to the relatively minimal amount of lace and the wideness of the shaft. Comparatively, you'll notice that the Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 1000 laces are finer for greater tuning and stretch further up the shaft and lower toward the toe box. The laces are likewise tighter on the See the Timberland Authentics Waterproof Roll-Top Boots, and therefore require more time to lace up. But the user experience is more sturdy, well-fitted, and protective. 

A handful of boots also have a wrap-around gaiter to protect the interior lace system. These models include the Baffin Guide Pro II and the Alfa Polar A/P/S Expedition Ski Boot or the ThirtyTwo Jones MTB. 

Weight 

In our perspective, the grams of each pair of our favorite boots is fair, essential, and worth the carry. The reason why goes back to the application of the boot. If we are climbing a frozen waterfall or traversing the Arctic on skis, we'd expect the boot to provide adequate protection for that activity and environment. Equally, such a boot would generally be overbuilt for everyday use, even in blizzard conditions. Regardless, none of these boots are built with lead or make our hips feels like they're going to fall off.

To give you an idea of the weight for protective winter boots, the lightest pairs range from 500 to 700 grams per boot and are good for casual, utilitarian applications and hikes. That includes the Blundstone Thermal Chelsea Boots, which are 510 grams, as well as the Timberland Authentics Waterproof Roll-Top Boots at 624 grams, and the 647-gram Vasque Breeze WT GTX.

On the slightly heavier side, the Sorel Caribou and Muck Boot Company Arctic Sport Tall are both 1134 grams. On the heaviest end of the spectrum, the ThirtyTwo Jones MTB is 1,500 grams and the Baffin Guide Pro II is 1882 grams. Again, during mountaineering pursuits, we find that higher weight is appropriate for the overall protection that's delivered.

Outsoles and tread

The outsole and tread of these winter boots are important for several reasons. First, the type of material used to create the outsole is made for specific temperature ranges and terrain from ice to snow or rock and mixed coverage. Otherwise, the material can break down faster in colder or rougher conditions or more aggressive use patterns like kicking into ice. An outsole's material also provides a particular grip on slick icy surfaces. 

The depth, size, and pattern of the lugs is made for particular conditions, as is the heel and toe design. The height and material also offers a barrier against cold temperatures of the snow or ice beneath.

Some boots are developed with an outsole that easily and safely accommodates crampons for mountaineering, including the ThirtyTwo Jones MTB and the Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro GTX. Likewise, other boots are built to click into ski bindings like the Baffin Guide Pro II or Alfa Polar Advance, or Alfa Polar A/P/S Expedition Ski Boot. We've found that the boots we've selected here all have sound, sturdy outsoles and tread for their given use. 

Sustainability features 

A handful of these winter boots have components of sustainable design while many have none. For the longevity of the planet and human exploration, it's essential for brands worldwide to prioritize high-level product design that also pushes the needle forward on environmentally-friendly materials, fabric treatments, sourcing, and manufacturing solutions that are less toxic for people and the earth.

A few sustainable design features in these warm winter boots include recycled felt interior liners and eco-friendly leather. Specifically, Timberland partners with the Leather Working Group, a multi-stakeholder auditing organization, to rate the environmental friendliness of the leather that is sourced for their footwear. The pair we include here, the Authentics Waterproof Roll-Top Boots, is silver-rated: The classification is based on the responsible energy use, waste management, and water treatment at the tannery.

Another sustainable material used in winter boots is called ReBOTL, which includes at least 50% recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) sourced from plastic bottles.

Price

Generally you'll find two price ranges among the warmest winter boots for cold weather. Nearly half of our favorite boots here cost from $160 to $260. This camp of boots is usually less technical or sport-specific and a tad less burly or tall, but these designs offer great protection against cold temperatures and are comfortable. Boots in this price range are usually great for everyday use, snowshoeing, and work days. A couple of options include the Blundstone Thermal Chelsea Boots and Timberland Authentics Waterproof Roll-Top Boots.

Our second tier of winter boots has a cost hike: $465 to $585, according to our top picks. These boots are even more superior at providing thermo-regulation and warmth in freezing conditions and in low-to-moderate movement. You'll find more sport specific options like the ThirtyTwo Jones MTB for splitboard mountaineering and snowboarding, and the Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 1000 for late-season hunters or the Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro GTX for ice climbing and tree climbing on work days.

Occasionally, you'll see extremely built-out, sport-specific footwear for arctic exploration like the very expensive Alfa Polar A/P/S Expedition Ski Boot at $955--but what you pay for is what you get. Don't skimp on footwear if the protection is a necessity for the environment where you plan to go.

A note on socks

Be sure to pull on dry and appropriately cushioned socks for your outdoor adventures. Well-constructed hosiery makes a big different with moisture management, warmth, and comfort. We tend to prefer socks that are a synthetic wool blend: Wool is a great insulator and also naturally fights odors.

This is a story meant for a new generation of climbers. As we get deeper into the 21st century, after all the 8,000'ers have been climbed, and then tamed in both summer and winter, a new concept of exploration arises. Seek out virgin peaks in hidden valleys, go lightweight, and find different ways to climb and descend.

Andrzej Bargiel and Jedrek Baranowski of Poland starred in one of the most exciting expeditions in Pakistani last summer. They climbed and skied down the remote Yawar Shar II (6,178m) and then the commonly photographed but rarely summited dagger known as Laila Peak (6,096m).

Afterward, they shared a few details and short clips, but we never saw the true extent of their adventure. We never thought about, for example, how they managed to access isolated Yawar Shar II and how they skied the distinctive ramp of Laila Peak, which ends in a massive cliff.

Red Bull has just released a 45-minute video documenting Bargiel and Baranowski's Pakistan adventure. Videographer and drone operator Jakub Gzela directed the film, with the help of veteran climber and coach Darek Zaluski and photographer Bartlomiej Pawlikowski.

Gzela's exquisite work (at only 23!) has almost made us forget Bargiel's brother Bartek, who notably filmed his brother's 2019 K2 ski descent. Bartek was not there to fly his drone this time. The footage in this film shows 360º perspectives of sharp summits and the nearly vertical slopes of their chosen descents. Meanwhile, the climbers' helmet cams document the vertigo accompanying every turn.

Beauty, but also a serious risk

Andrzej Bargiel has become one of the best-known high-altitude skiers since his landmark run down of K2. Baranowski, on the other hand, had no high-altitude experience, so this was quite an extreme introduction. Especially since it took place in the wildest corner of the Karakorum.

This background, plus Bargiel's reflections, fill the first part of the video. We get progressively more eager to see the skiers tackle nearly impossible turns. And in time, we indeed get plenty of amazing footage. The film shows the beauty of the place but also the serious risks that the skiers took.

In addition to the steep slopes, Bargiel and Garanowski had to deal with extremely tricky conditions. On the upper sections of Yawash Sar II, a thin layer of soft snow concealed hard blue ice below, which no ski edge could hold. Only Bargiel reached the highest point and so achieved the first ascent of the peak.

On Laila, the main challenge was the changing, icy conditions on the section right above the cliff, and a serac area through which they hurried. The weather was good, but their window was short on both peaks, and they had to hurry.

Most of all, the skiers couldn't wait for the right moment or ideal conditions. When they stepped into their skis, their next stop was base camp.

We can't embed the video, but you can watch it by following the link below.

https://www.redbull.com/ca-en/films/doo-sar-a-karakoram-ski-expedition

If you are a climber, polar explorer, or anyone considering an expedition in subfreezing temperatures, you’ll need a suitable cold-weather sleeping pad. At a minimum, the right pad gives proper insulation for a good night’s sleep in cold weather. But today’s sleeping pads are advanced enough to have a whole lot more, including a high R-value, packability, durability, and comfort.

Cold-weather sleeping pads: Polar tested

A strong R-value (how well an object resists heat transfer) is an indication of a good cold weather pad. Summer sleeping pads range from an R-value of 1 – 3, while 3-Season sleeping pads range from 3 – 5. Then, 4-Season (the most extreme) have an R-value of 5 or higher.

Although warmth is our top consideration, we also consider weight and packability for our list of best performing sleeping pads below. Whichever pad you choose, make sure your entire sleep system, including the tent, sleeping bag, and clothing, is well-curated for cold-weather excursions.

Sea to Summit Comfort Plus XT Insulated Air, $240

Best For: Everything from winter expeditions to short backpacking and car camping trips

• Category: Air pad
• Weight: 1.2kg (2 lbs. 9.8 oz.)
• Thickness: 7.6cm (3 in)
• Insulation Type: Insulated Air
• R-value: 4.7
• Pros: Incredibly comfortable
• Cons: Heavy and bulky
• Sustainability Features: None

The Sea to Summit Comfort Plus XT synthetic insulated sleeping pad is a comfortable, 4-season sleeping pad that’s great when the weather gets chilly. Its 7.6cm (3 in) thick interconnected chambers support and conform to your body. We especially like that the Comfort Plus has two layers of XT Air-Sprung Cells providing adjustable support (the bottom can be firm for extra support and protection from rough terrain, while you can fine-tune the top to your personal preference). An advantage to this design is that it adds reassurance in case one layer gets punctured.

When comparing the Comfort Plus XT with the popular Comfort Plus, the Plus XT weighs a hefty 1.2kg (2 pounds 9.8 ounces), adding 340gm (12 ounces) to your pack over the Comfort Plus. However, we found that the rectangular shape of the Plus XT is suitable for all types of sleepers.

It’s also superior to the Comfort Plus in comfort and warmth, with an added half-inch of thickness and an increased R-value of 4.7 (versus 4.0). The weight of the XT may be a burden in your backpack, but on a long-distance manhauling trek, or anywhere that comfort is important, this is our first choice.

See the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus XT Insulated Air

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm, $220 

Best For: Very lightweight cold-weather option

• Category: Air pad
• Weight: 425gm (15 oz)
• Thickness: 6.3cm (2.5 in)
• Insulation Type: Insulated Air
• R-value: 6.9
• Pros: High R-value, lightweight, and highly compactable
• Cons: Not the most silent or comfortable sleeping pad
• Sustainability Features: None

Therm-a-Rest is known for crafting solid sleeping products with exceptional warmth, impressive weight, and remarkable packability. Unlike down or synthetic filler insulated pads, air pads like the NeoAir Xtherm don’t typically include a filler insulation. Instead, they use metallic thermal linings on their internal baffle surfaces to retain heat. In the case of the Xtherm, its stacked triangular air baffles, lined with a reflective coating, make this pad a strong powerhouse for warmth, providing excellent insulation with a captivating R-value of 6.9.

With that said, the NeoAir XTherm earns our best lightweight sleeping pad choice because it compresses down to about the size of a water bottle and weighs an exemplary 425gm (15 oz). Compare that to the 1.1kg of the Comfort Plus XT above. If you need to be equipped for rowdy excursions, then the XTherm provides a 70-denier bottom, creating a durable pad that can last for many adventures. If you need more variety in sizing, then the XTherm MAX offers a few additional options with comparable specs.

We would be remiss if we didn’t address the pad’s initial crinkle sound that may not be ideal for light sleepers. And with Therm-a-Rest’s standard 6.3cm thickness, it’s not the most comfortable sleeping pad compared to those with a more congenial 7.6cm (3 in) thickness. However, if you need serious warmth and a pad that’s incredibly lightweight and don’t mind a slight sacrifice in comfort, then the XTherm is our best lightweight sleeping pad choice. Besides, if you're sleeping on snow, your floor is already soft. All you need is insulation.

See the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm

Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra, $200

Best For: Cold-weather campers and explorers on a budget

• Category: Air pad
• Weight: 623gm (1 lb 6 oz)
• Thickness: 8.25cm (3.25 in)
• Insulation Type: Synthetic
• R-value: 4.5
• Pros: Reasonable price range; even lower price for shorter lengths
• Cons: Vertical baffles make it relatively squeaky
• Sustainability Features: 3M repair patches included

If you are not camping in frigid temperatures and don’t plan on many excursions, you may not want to spend upwards of $150 on a sleeping pad. Some sleeping bags cost that much. We found the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra to be an excellent value for a reasonable price. But the price isn’t its only appealing factor; you will find yourself on ample 8.25cm of thickness on tall lengthwise chambers that keep you on the pad. Its double ripstop fabric increases strength by 25 percent, making this pad durable over harsh terrain.

For those looking for a 3-season sleeping pad, then the Air Core Ultra is a superb introductory pad with an R-value of 4.5. Differentiating this sleeping pad from many Therm-a-Rest pads, the Air Core Ultra is bulkier and heavier at 624gm (1 lb 6 oz). But compared to Sea to Summit’s Comfort line in the one-kilo range, this pad marks an even balance.

While not the most impressive sleeping pad on the market, we like the Air Core Ultra because it provides air construction with synthetic insulation for decent warmth and cushion without extreme excess weight while well within an acceptable price range.

See the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra

Nemo Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad, $40

Best For: A must-have supplemental foam pad

• Category: Closed-cell foam
• Weight: 298gm (10.5 oz)
• Thickness: 2.3cm (0.9 in)
• Insulation Type: Foam
• R-value: 2.0
• Pros: Versatile sleeping pad; affordable, adds warmth and preserves air pads
• Cons: Should not be used alone in cold conditions
• Sustainability Features: None

The Nemo’s Switchback Ultralight sleeping pad should belong in every adventurist’s collection. This 2.3cm closed-cell foam sleeping pad’s metalized thermal reflective film is designed to help keep you warm by reflecting heat up toward your body. Containing an R-value of just 2.0, we don’t recommend individual use in cold weather. But, since R-values are additive, it will increase warmth when paired with an additional sleeping pad.

We found Nemo’s Ultralight to be an upgrade in weight, compactness, and comfort compared to Therm-a-Rest’s Z Lite SOL. Its hexagonal nesting pattern creates taller nodes for uncompressed insulation and efficient packability. The Ultralight has premium dual-density Axiotomic foam with a supple layer for comfort and a resilient layer for support.

At $40, the Ultralight is affordable, durable, and an excellent all-around sleeping pad. It can be paired with a sleeping pad to add warmth (R-values can be layered) and help keep your expensive inflatable air pad intact. Bonus: it can be used as a sitting pad on snow or a windbreak for cooking. The Ultralight’s versatility makes this pad a must-have.

See the Nemo Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad

Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme, $200

Best For: Most comfortable cold-weather pad for side sleepers

• Category: Air pad
• Weight: 720gm (1 lb. 9.6 oz)
• Thickness: 10cm (4 in)
• Insulation Type: Synthetic
• R-value: 6.2
• Pros: Incredible comfort for all sleeping positions, especially side sleepers
• Cons: Heavier than others
• Sustainability Features: None

The Ether Light XT Extreme inflatable sleeping pad combines synthetic insulation with dual-density layers that reflect heat and prevent heat loss, resulting in a remarkable 6.2 R-value. With a height of 10cm (4 in), this thick pad amplifies comfort, especially for side sleepers, although, understandably, it adds to the weight and overall bulkiness. Most sleeping pads that venture beyond the 7.5cm (3 in) territory risk losing stability, but it's Air Sprung Cell construction appears to mitigate this problem by being extra thick.

We consider the XT Extreme to be heavy at 720gm. In comparison, the Therm-a-Rest XTherm came in at an attractive 425gm (15 oz) with a higher R-value than XT Extreme’s 6.2. And for durability, the XT Extreme is slightly less durable with a 40-denier bottom than that of XTherm’s 70-denier.

Aside from the weight and thinner material, the XT Extreme offers considerable warmth and is terrific for side sleepers and light sleepers alike with added cushioning and crinkle-free top fabric. Considering these highlights, we classified the XT Extreme as one of the best in comfort for anyone who sleeps on their sides.

See the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme

Klymit Insulated Static V Luxe SL, $140

Best For: Sound-sensitive sleepers

• Category: Air pad
• Weight: 879gm (1 lb 15 oz)
• Thickness: 8.9cm (3.5 in)
• Insulation Type: Synthetic
• R-value: 6.5
• Pros: Dimensions are larger than most standard sizes
• Cons: Heavy; weighing close to two pounds
• Sustainability Features: None

The Klymit Insulated Statis V Luxe SL sleeping pad has a V-chamber design, its uniquely crafted lofted air pockets form to the body while providing almost 9 cm of ample space between you and the ground. Over 7.5cm (3 in), we like that the V Luxe SL has built-in, inflated side rails to keep you on your pad and off the frozen ground while keeping you warm with a spectacular 6.5 R-value. This luxury design sleeping pad provides soft and quiet material that provides an undisturbed, comfortable sleep.

Dimensions of the V Luxe SL measure at 198cm x 69cm (78” x 27”), making it roomier than most standard sleeping pads, albeit slimmer, yet warmer and lighter, than their Static V Luxe. But the V Luxe SL comes with a setback, weighing almost 900gm. That aside, we are surprised at its remarkable warmth, restrained price, and silent fabric, a worthy contestant against the NeoAir XTherm.

Admittedly, with the excess weight, it’s not our most ideal sleeping pad, but for the comfort and high R-value, the Klymit Insulated Static V Luxe SL is worth considering for those on cold excursions that don’t involve long distances.

See the Klymit Insulated Statis V Luxe SL

Therm-a-Rest Women’s NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad, $180

Best For: Top-notch women's specific sleeping pad 

• Category: Air pad
• Weight: 340gm (12 oz)
• Thickness: 6.3cm (2.5 in)
• Insulation Type: Insulated Air
• R-value: 5.4
• Pros: Reasonable price
• Cons: Doesn’t come in any other size
• Sustainability Features: None

It’s not surprising that Therm-a-Rest sleeping pads keeping making it on our list, but what we did find surprising was discovering the Women’s NeoAir XLite sleeping pad. We chose the Women’s XLite (a stand-alone model, not a size) not only because it weighs a tidy 340gm but because it offers four-season, functional warmth with an R-value of 5.4.

There are a few things to mention. First, its limited sizing. The Women’s XLite sleeping pad is labeled for women, but many climbers can benefit from a warm and lightweight pad if they can fit on the 50cm x 167cm (20” x 66”) mummy-style sleeping pad. This pad has a moderately low 30-denier count and is accompanied by that pesky crinkle sound and only has a 6.3cm thickness, so we don’t consider this pad to be the most comfortable nor the highest in durability. But those compromises are what makes this Women’s XLite so lightweight.

If you are 5’ 6” and under and still want a four-season sleeping pad that’s exceptionally light without paying over $200, then we strongly suggest the Women’s XLite (although, not to confuse it with their other, less warmer, version “NeoAir XLite” sans “Women” in the title).

See the Therm-a-Rest Women's NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad

Nemo Tensor Alpine Ultralight Mountaineering Pad, $230

Best For: Ultralight sleeping pad option

• Category: Air pad
• Weight:  567gm (1 lb 4 oz)
• Thickness: 7.6cm (3 in)
• Insulation Type: Insulated Air
• R-value: 4.8
• Pros: Great packability and weight without sacrificing comfort
• Cons: Less durable and more expensive for a 3-season pad
• Sustainability Features: None

When it comes to Nemo’s insulated packable sleeping pads, the Tensor Alpine Ultralight Mountaineering Pad is the warmest in their product line, coming in at a 4.8 R-value, surpassing the Tensor Ultralight, Flyer, and Quasar pads. The Tensor Alpine’s warmth is mainly attributed to its three layers of suspended metalized film, facilitating an effective and efficient method in retaining your body heat.

While this pad states use for “extreme cold,” its three-season R-value warrants use in more moderate temperatures or it can be paired with a closed-cell foam pad. The Tensor Alpine’s 7.6cm Spaceframe undulating baffles makes it relatively comfortable and silent. Granted, we appreciate the weight-saving design that makes this a desirable 567gm (1 lb 4 oz) pad, but its 20-denier PU polyester ripstop makes it less durable than others with a thicker denier count, so we recommend a gentle approach with the Tensor Alpine.

If you don’t mind the high price but want adequate warmth, comfort, and small pack size, we regard this Nemo Tensor Alpine sleeping pad as a great option to consider.

See the Nemo Tensor Alpine Ultralight Mountaineering Pad

Klymit Insulated V Ultralite SL, $120

Best For: Moderate r-value with weight savings and great loft 

• Category: Air pad
• Weight: 454gm (16 oz)
• Thickness: 6.4cm (2.5 in)
• Insulation Type: Synthetic
• R-value: 4.4
• Pros: The weight savings is comparable to more expensive sleeping pads
• Cons: Not incredibly remarkable in any one category
• Sustainability Features: Patch included for repairs

This Klymit Insulated V Ultralite SL sleeping pad has a lot to offer. Its V-chambered baffles and Klymalite Synthetic insulation mitigates air transference, keeping you relatively warm with an R-value of 4.4.

We like the deep seams creating expansion zones that permit the pad to loft beneath you for enhanced thermal comfort, especially at only 6.4cm of thickness. Let us not forget to mention how light this pad is, weighing in at 454gm, making it a strong contender among the ultralight, but it is slightly less durable at a 20-denier count.

It’s only fair to point out another runner-up among Klymit’s sleeping pad line, in addition to the Ultralite SL, is the Insulated Static V Lite. The V Lite is less expensive, hovers at the same 4.4 R-value, is more durable with a thicker 30-denier count and 7.5cm (3 in) wider than the Ultralite SL at 51cm (20 in). But the Ultralight SL is 113gm (4 oz) lighter and that significant weight savings landed it on our list of considerations.

See the Klymit Insulated V Ultralite SL

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad, $150 

Best For: Compact and lightweight option for warmer-yet-chilly conditions

• Category: Air pad
• Weight: 354gm (12.5 oz)
• Thickness: 6.4cm (2.5 in)
• Insulation Type: Insulated Air
• R-value: 4.2
• Pros: Remarkably compact and lightweight for standard measurements
• Cons: Actual weight varies
• Sustainability Features: None

Many readers may confuse this pad with the “Women’s XLite,” but one look at the difference in R-values (4.2 vs 5.4) will reveal that this 3-season pad is not the same pad.

Sharing standard features among many of Therm-a-Rest’s pads, the NeoAir XLite is also characterized as incredibly lightweight and compactable at 354gm and compresses down smaller than a single liter Nalgene bottle. We certainly think that’s significant, considering some closed-cell sleeping pads weigh more and don’t offer nearly the same warmth rating. Ideal for those camping in the in-between seasons where warmth is not crucial, the XLite’s internal reflective structure rebounds enough radiative heat to keep you relatively warm with a 4.2 R-value.

NeoAir pads tend to be noisy, and there’s no exception for the XLite. Something else worth mentioning for serious gram counters is that the advertised weight of the XLite has been reported to differ slightly from the weight as delivered, though we have not independently weighed the XLite for this review. In any case, weight remains under one pound. With the combination of incredible packability and 3-season R-value for those setting up a tent in moderate weather, we had to add the NeoAir XLite to the list.

See the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite Sleeping Pad

Big Agnes TwisterCane BioFoam Sleeping Pad, $50

Best For: Environmentally friendly sleeping pad for summer trips (or paired with additional pads for warmth)

• Category: Closed-cell foam
• Weight: 400gm (14 oz)
• Thickness: 1.3cm (0.5 in)
• Insulation Type: Foam
• R-value: 1.7
• Pros: Environmentally friendly: made with sugarcane biomass
• Cons: Not as remarkable as the Nemo Switchback pad
• Sustainability Features: Sugar-cane based foam

Those looking for a closed-cell foam pad similar to the Switchback Ultralight sleeping pad, but who are trying to minimize their carbon footprint, will be pleased to learn about the Big Agnes TwisterCane BioFoam Pad. This 60% sustainably grown sugarcane resin closed-cell foam pad applies an environmentally friendly process that removes carbon from the atmosphere using Proforest standards. The design itself has two foam layers of texture: one side with a smooth surface and the other containing dimples for a firm grip and insulated barrier.

Aside from its impressive pro-environmental features, evaluating the BioFoam pad in terms of the Nemo Switchback, it underperforms, but just marginally. With a heavier weight of 400gm versus 283gm, reduced thickness at 1.3cm versus 2.3cm, a lower R-value of 1.7 versus 2.0, and a $10 higher price tag, it comes in slightly behind the Switchback.

We do like that the BioFoam rolls up tightly, unlike Switchback’s Z-fold panels. Overall, we love the environmentally friendly aspect of the BioFoam pad, giving adventurers a sustainable option to pair with any three-season rated air sleeping pad to upgrade to a four-season sleep system.

See the Big Agnes TwisterCane BioFoam Sleeping Pad

How to Choose A Cold-Weather Sleeping Pad

A cold weather sleeping pad is designed to withstand winter camping by creating a protective, insulating barrier between you and the cold ground. When in doubt about which sleeping pad to choose, read about the details you should consider below:

R-Value

A sleeping pad’s R-value measures how well the layer of insulation resists the conductive flow of heat. The higher the R-value, the better the pad is at reducing heat loss. Those who are winter camping or find themselves sleeping in freezing temperatures will want a 4-season sleeping pad (R-value of 5 or above, ideally above 5.5).

And for those who want a warm sleeping pad for chillier but not freezing weather, then a 3-season sleeping pad would suffice (R-value between 4 to 5.4). If you only own a 3-season sleeping pad but don’t want to spend close to $200 on a new 4-season model in order to venture into cold weather excursions, then adding an inexpensive closed-cell foam pad like the Nemo Switchback or BigAgnes BioFoam will provide extra insulation, cushion, and protection from any rough obtrusions on the ground.

Recommended sleeping pad R-values:

- 3-seasons or cold conditions (-7˚C) 4 to 5.4

- 4-season or extreme conditions (-17˚C): 5.5+

Down insulation

Although down is the premier insulator in sleeping bags, parkas, and other items of clothing, we have tested it in down air mattresses in temperatures as low as -30˚C, and it does not work in those polar temperatures, despite favorable R-ratings and what some manufacturers claim. It is possible that they can not include enough down to insulate that volume of air.

Synthetic insulation

Synthetic insulators are popular for a number of reasons, including price, hypoallergenic properties, ease of care, and the ability to function even when wet. These insulators offer strong overall performance and feature in many high-quality cold-weather sleeping pads, including Klymit’s Insulated V Ultralite SL.

With so many brands marketing their synthetic insulation under impressive-sounding names, it can be difficult to tell what the differences really are between them. Ultimately, there are two fundamental types of synthetic insulation. Short staple insulation is made up of short, densely packed filaments that trap heat, compress easily, and feel soft and flexible, much like down insulation. Continuous filament insulators feature longer strands that are less flexible and compressible than short staple types but resist shifting to better avoid creating cold spots.

Insulated air

Inflatable pads, like those offered by Therm-a-Rest, Sea to Summit, and many others, typically don’t include any fill insulation and instead employ foil-lined baffles to reflect heat and create insulated air chambers. This comes with the two-fold advantage of high compressibility and low weight. Needless to say, moisture doesn’t affect their performance either. Durability can be an issue, however, so pay attention to the denier ratings: Most inflatable pads come with patch kits for a reason.

Different brands use different foil coatings and different baffle/chamber shapes to meet their desired performance parameters. This makes sorting through all the marketing and industry jargon in their product descriptions a bit overwhelming, but R-value ratings give a reliable baseline for comparing them side by side with cold-weather sleeping pads of other styles or manufacturers.

Weight and packed size

Weight and packed size for sleeping pads are considerations for many backpackers and explorers alike. On our list of inflatable sleeping pads, you’ll come across weights ranging from the 340gm (12 oz) Therm-a-Rest Women’s NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad to the 1,185gm (2 lb 10 oz) Sea to Summit Comfort Plus XT Insulated Air. In general, those who want to go ultralight will want to try to stay at or under 454gm (1 lb). But any 4-season pad that is at or slightly above that is considered light.

A few of our lightest selections from above are the 354gm (12.5 oz) Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad, 425g (15 oz) Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm, and the 454gm (16 oz) Klymit Insulated V Ultralite SL. But it’s not uncommon for many sleeping pads, especially those designed for more extreme cold weather, to hover around 625-710gm (22-25 oz). Of course, the weight will vary depending on the sleeping pad shape, material, and size. It’s also important to note that the lighter the sleeping pad, the less durable they tend to be.

Inflatable insulated air and lightly insulated sleeping pads are incredibly lightweight and can pack down remarkably small. Sleeping pads like Therm-a-Rest’s NeoAir line are a great demonstration of just how lightweight yet warm a sleeping pad can be while packed down to the size of a Nalgene water bottle or smaller.

Thickness and comfort

When it comes to sleep, the ground isn’t an ideal place to be and a warm, comfortable sleeping pad is crucial to getting quality rest. Many different factors come into play regarding sleeping pad comfort. While thickness isn’t everything, it is a good place to start.

Many closed-cell foam pads are under 2.5cm (one inch) thick. That isn’t offering much cushion, but they are useful for enhancing the comfort of any pad they are paired with. For many sleeping pads, 6.5cm (2.5 in) is the standard thickness. However, more and more sleeping pads are adding extra comfort, boosting them to 7.5cm (3 in) and beyond, like the almost 9cm-thick (3.5-in) Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra. The increase to 7.5cm or higher thickness often comes with a higher R-value for warmth and undeniably offers more comfort, but tall pads can also risk being too bouncy if not constructed well enough. Sleeping pads of 10cm (4 in) or higher are considered more deluxe and often come with a bulkier and heavier weight range, like the 10cm-thick Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme.

Baffle design and stiffness have a noticeable effect on the comfort of inflatable pads, regardless of how thick the pad is. Companies have various innovative approaches to baffle design that are worth noting. Sea-to-Summit, for example, uses an airsprung cell design that offers a more supportive feel than most pads of the same thickness with more traditional vertical baffles.

Sustainable features

Many of these sleeping pads have components of sustainable design while others have none. For the longevity of the planet and human exploration, it's essential for brands worldwide to prioritize high-level product design that also pushes the needle forward on environmentally friendly materials, fabric treatments, sourcing, and manufacturing solutions that are less toxic for people and the earth.

One sustainable design feature in these sleeping pads is the Oeko-Tex 100 certification, a label for textiles that are tested for harmful substances.

Other brands include a repair kit with the sleeping pad to help extend product life. And a few manufacturers are pushing the envelope of sustainable materials like the Big Agnes TwisterCane BioFoam Sleeping Pad, which uses renewable sugarcane resin in 60% of the EVA foam, resulting in a carbon-negative development.

Durability

A sleeping pad’s durability is commonly measured by its denier (D), measuring the fabric’s thickness which can range from 20-denier up to 100-denier. On our list above, the denier thickness ranges from 20-denier Klymit Insulated V Ultralite SL to the Therm-a-Rest XTherm's 70-denier.

Similar to R-values, the higher the denier the tougher, more durable, and longer lasting the material will be. Also of note, the higher the denier, the heavier the sleeping pad will often be. Although not always, as in the case of the very reasonable 425gm Xtherm.

Inflation and deflation

Most brands share the same valve between their sleeping pad lines, something to keep in mind if you prefer a specific valve type. Inflatable air sleeping pads and self-inflating feature valves that inflate/deflate. The technology behind valves has improved greatly over the years moving away from the traditional round, pull, and twist plastic valves, making them more efficient and effective at both inflation and deflation.

The older style valves tended to stick up, making them susceptible to catching on gear and accidentally opening. Now, companies including Sea to Summit, Nemo, and Big Agnes have upgraded to flat valves. These valves lay flat against the pad and contain separate convenient and reliable openings for inflating and deflating. For Therma-a-Rest, they’ve upgraded to a proprietary valve called WingLock, which is an innovative one-way inflation valve that offers “wings” to twist the valve for a quick air release. And for Klymit, they’ve created their own unique flip valve, that’s operated by rotating the valve to ‘inflate’ or ‘deflate’.

Regardless of valve type, most (but not all) sleeping pads come with their own pump sack, making inflation at higher altitudes easier and more efficient by gently blowing into the pump sack that’s connected to the sleeping pad’s valve then rolling it up to transfer air into the sleeping pad. The pump sacks are also helpful for minimizing the introduction of mold and mildew into your sleeping pads.

The one potential problem with these newer, larger plastic inflation plugs is how they perform in extreme cold. Unlike the traditional blow-up valves, which you just screw open and screw closed, the hard plastic caps must be pulled off and the valve inflated with the little nylon bellows, then recapped. When we tested one model at -35˚C, this plastic cap fared poorly. It was impossible to unstopper by hand; we had to use pliers. The second time we tried, the plastic tongue at the end of the cap snapped under the pliers: Most plastic becomes brittle at those temperatures. The cap was also impossible to stopper up again after inflating. We had to warm the pad up slightly indoors in order to stopper it properly.

We tested only one model (not included in our recommendations) at these temperatures, but many of these pads use the same type of stopper. Most of us will not be lying outdoors at -30˚, but polar expeditioners or winter Himalayan climbers may be. However, polar guide Eric Philips has used our top pick, the Sea-to-Summit Comfort Plus, by itself on a South Pole expedition, and it has that sort of valve. However, the high summer Antarctic sun can make the interior of a tent quite mild, even when the air temperature itself is frigid. So the true test of a polar pad is not in summer Antarctica but in the Arctic in mid- or late-winter. Note that Philips now uses a backup foam pad underneath the Comfort Plus, for redundancy.

Women’s specific cold weather pads

The “Women’s” label on sleeping pad models refers to size and size alone. No other features of the pad are changed, so any adventurer who can fit on a shorter pad (usually 5’6” or less) can reap the benefit of less weight and typically less expense than the larger unisex pad.

Open-cell foam sleeping pads

On our editor Jerry Kobalenko's first expedition, he slept poorly in part because 2.5cm (one inch) of closed-cell foam just wasn't warm enough, especially with a marginal bag. He soon changed to a two-inch thick, open-cell foam pad that came with the sleeping bag. This bag doesn't have down on the bottom; the pad slips into an envelope beneath. (We're sure there's open-cell foam out there that you can cut to form. No need to get Kobalenko's particular bag, if you already have a model you're happy with.)

One advantage of this system is that you never accidentally roll off your sleeping pads. However, this is an extremely bulky bag. Stuffed, it is about the size of a large garbage bag full of leaves. A good part of that bulk is the open-cell foam. It's fine on big sleds during multi-week odysseys, but you would not want to carry it on a backpack.

Although the open-cell foam is covered with a light drycleaning bag, there is little moisture at polar temperatures to worry about. Snow behaves like white dust. And the pad is, in fact, extremely warm: He once tested a variety of winter items, including pads, at a thermophysiologist's lab. The lab technicians attached thermocouples to his back, rear end, legs, etc., then he lay in a freezer at about -20°C. The open-cell foam outperformed even a caribou skin rug, which Inuit up north sometimes use in their bush tents.

Closed-cell foam sleeping pads

Kobalenko also carries a closed-cell foam pad to sit on while cooking, plus a Crazy Creek-type chair, which really gives your back a break. These all go under the sleeping bag at night. You can't have too much insulation beneath you.

Supplemental foam pads

One of the best warmth weapons in an adventurer’s arsenal is the supplemental foam sleeping pad, such as the Nemo Switchback Ultralite and the Big Agnes TwistCane BioFoam. Popular as standalone pads for summer use because of their low weight and packability, they can be paired with another sleeping pad in colder environments to increase the total R-value in your sleep system.

Foam sleeping pads also prove useful in winter camping in a number of ways unrelated to sleep. They can keep you and your gear off the snow while lounging around camp. Are you considering an expedition in freezing overnight conditions, but your current inflatable sleeping pad only has an R-value of 3.5? Adding a supplemental foam pad with an R-value of 2 gets your R-value up to a more suitable 5.5 without the expense of a dedicated 4-season item. Placed underneath, it also reduces the wear and tear on your inflatable pad.

Compact sleeping pads

Although Kobalenko uses a compact model of Therm-a-Rest for sea kayaking, where space is at a premium, in winter he doesn't want to risk anything that can puncture. In summer, it's easy to find out where a leak is: Just sprinkle water on the pad and look for bubbles. But that's awkward in winter, when you're melting all water and it instantly freezes on surfaces.

Watch a grown man carrying a shovel dressed as a train engineer run a marathon through muddy swamps, dense brambles, and people’s backyards.

You read that right. The short film Run the Line depicts Beau Miles “following his nose on something half-cooked that’s only half there” — in this case, a long-abandoned train line near his home in southeastern Australia.

Miles totes no electrolyte packets, no nutritional goo, no form of instant sugar. He has no smartwatch, no system for measuring distance. He doesn’t even wear running clothes. A pair of work pants, a cutoff plaid shirt, and a scarf get the job done.

Why the shovel? According to Miles, it’s to shove aside blackberry brambles when the going gets thick. It's a curious tool for the job, but it makes the ruddy-complected runner's anachronistic kit uncannily complete.

The objective: “Run” a semi-rural 43km train line that once carried timber between Noojee and Warragul (outside Melbourne) from the early 1900s until 1958.

Beau Miles hunts history on the traces of a trail

Why pursue such a bizarre objective? According to Miles, his aim was to perform first-hand (or boots-on-the-ground) historical research.

“I think it’s easy to forget about eras before our current one,” Miles says. “Especially when they get lost under layers of new suburbs and development. There comes a time when you have to actively search out history. Running what was last run by big steel wheels — what a cool idea! At least, I think it’s a cool idea.”

Noting that the route has not existed for over 60 years, the chipper Australian understandably predicts some obstacles. Hijinks ensue.

Almost as soon as he sets New Balance to train track at the station in sleepy Warragul (population 1,476), he runs into his first bottleneck: a small house, right where the track used to be.

He considers his options.

“Yeah, I don’t know,” Miles begins, “if I was sitting there having my cup of tea and a bloke wanders through looking like an idiot train driver with a shovel, I’m probably going to get up and say ‘get out of here. You’re not supposed to be here, train drivin’ man.’”

Trespass as exploration, and 'bush tucker'

He resolves to go around, but it won’t be his last time weighing the pros and cons of attempting to harmlessly violate personal property. Trespassing is the zany exploit’s principal antagonistic behavior, and the marathon-distance run proves to require it on a nearly constant basis. (The film counts the last fence Miles jumps as number 176.)

“My thinking was, if I was continually moving and being mindful of the animals, I wasn’t doing anybody any harm,” he says.

At one point, the police respond to phone calls from anxious residents and conduct a notably non-threatening interrogation.

The encounter tests Miles’ mettle little, if at all. He simply churns through the landscape, eating leftover mush packed in multiple upcycled peanut butter jars in his backpack. At one point, he chomps down wild mushrooms growing beside the road. “That is a good bit of mushie,” he exclaims. “A good bit of bush tucker.”

He’s delighted to discover that fence number 68 is not electric, stating, “That’s good for my balls.”

“I want to be engaged with what’s around me,” he says. “I don’t want to be distracted by the trail, or the lack of one. This is my new kind of running — which in some ways isn’t running at all. It’s exploring. And I bloody love it.”

Revelations with a magpie

Reflecting at the end of the adventure, Miles finds himself talking to a curious magpie at Noojee station. “I spent years and years going to the ends of the earth trying to find adventure,” he confides to the bird. “It’s right under my nose here. Under all these multilayered things in my own backyard.

I guess that’s the big takeaway here. Explore your own backyard.”

Are you planning to meet your mates from that trek to Everest Base Camp to discuss future adventures? Pre-holiday or Christmas dinner at the local mountain club? All are great occasions to exchange some gifts, without hitting the budget too hard.

Top holiday gifts for mountaineers

Let us help you choose. Below, some of our ideas for a mountaineer's gift exchange. Except for one case, we've kept all the items at or below $50.

Nervana Tibetan Prayer Flag, $12

Best For: Hanging at home, inside or outside, or in a special gathering outdoor place

• Size: 25.4 x 25.4cm
• Materials: Cotton
• Colors: Five shades (red, green, yellow, blue, white)
• Details: Large 7-metre-long strand featuring 25 flags

The Buddhist Lungta (wind-horses) are the Tibetan prayer flags seen all around the Himalaya. They are meant to be placed outdoors, in order to let the wind take the prayers printed on them up to heaven. The sacred texts, the drawings, the colors and even the flapping sound is all about promoting peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom.

They come in the classical five bright colors, representing the five pure lights and the Five Elements: Blue for Sky, White for Air, Red for Fire, Green for Water, and Yellow for Earth. These are hand-made in Nepal and are 25cm (10in) square. The 25-flag set measure about seven metres when stretched out.

See the Nervana Tibetan Prayer Flag

Petzl Sm'D Locking Carabiner, $19

Best For: Climbers, alpinists, and mountaineers year-round

• Size: Mid-size with a 20mm gate
• Materials: Aluminum
• Colors: Yellow
• Details: Lightweight construction at 46 or 51g

One of Petzl's most versatile locking carabiners. Its "D" shape is easy to handle and the "H" frame grips easily with the gloves on. It's a mid-size carabiner (20mm gate), extremely light (46 or 51gm, depending on style) but impressively reliable.

It has a major axis strength of 23kN. It can connect to other devices, including belays, lanyards, a Grigri, etc. The twist-lock system (here) worked well for us with a Grigri while sport climbing. It is also available with a screw lock.

Finally, it includes Petzl's Keylock system that helps avoid accidentally snagging on your gear. Moreover, there is something symbolic about giving a carabiner as a present, something so durable, safe and reliable -- an image of true friendship.

See the Petzl Sm'D Locking Carabiner

CTJ Chalk Bag, $21

Best For: Indoor gym climbers and outdoor climbers from sport and trad to boulders

• Size: 13 x 13 x 18cm
• Materials: Water-resistant, durable polyester exterior and fleece interior liner
• Colors: United States National Park prints including Zion, Joshua Tree, Monument Valley, and Yosemite
• Details: 114g with a drawstring top closure and dual attachment points

A nice touch of art to wear at the climbing gym or outside, for those based in currently warm places. Its medium size and classic shape makes it excellent for bouldering but it also fits for all rock-climbing disciplines.

It's well-built and sturdy, with a fluffy fleece interior, a drawstring closure to prevent chalk spilling all over your bag (and you) when not in use, and double belt-loops to keep it from swinging on overhangs and bouldering moves.

What makes these bags special, however, is their colorful design. They depict iconic U.S. climbing spots.  The one above features Yosemite's granite giants, Half Dome and El Cap. Other models show Zion's Angel's Landing, Joshua Tree National Park, and the sandstone towers of Utah's Monument Valley.

See the CTJ Chalk Bag

Darn Tough Vermont Midweight Hiking Sock, $26 

Best For: Everyday boot-wearers, day hikers, and long-distance trekkers  

• Size: Small (35-38 EU women's), Medium (38-40 EU women's), Large (41-42 EU women's)
• Materials: 69% Merino Wool, 27% nylon, 4% lycra spandex
• Colors: Four unique color-blocked variations including Slate, Denim, Plum Heather (pictured here), and Moss Heather
• Details: A midweight, boot-high sock with a 360-degree full cushion option or cushion option that wraps around the calf, shin, heel, toe box, and beneath the foot

We know, we know, socks are the worst present ever...but these are different. Many hikers and skiers still think that nearly any sock will do, as long as you wear good boots. Surely, they also think that blisters and cold toes is also part of the game.

I personally am a fan of merino, and these midweight socks are 69% merino and the rest, bombproof material that holds it all together. They feel soft but don't shift or wrinkle. They are seamless, with a soft, cushioned sole and ribbed support that stays up but doesn't impair circulation.

This time, we have chosen a women's model (love the colors!) for not-so-extreme conditions, but the company makes thicknesses, lengths, and colors for everyone and every activity. Last but not least, the U.S. company that makes these socks, Darn Tough out of Vermont, guarantees them for life. The minute you wear a hole, you get a new pair of socks.

See the Darn Tough Vermont Midweight Hiking Sock

Dream28 Ice Cleats, $26 

Best For: Non-technical hikes and everyday use from shoveling to walking down the driveway or around town  

• Size (insulated boots): Medium (40-41 EU men's), Large (42-42 EU men's), Extra-large (44-46 EU men's)
• Materials: Stainless steel and silicone
• Colors: Black or orange
• Details: 28 spikes and double-chain

These stainless steel spikes feature a chain system and a silicone frame. They attach easily and quickly to all kind of outdoor shoes and boots for sure footing on icy trails.

Please note the word "trails": They are for non-technical terrain. They are NOT proper climbing crampons for hazardously steep terrain or hard ice. But they do shine on winter approach treks. The mini-teeth bite in better than those models with small carbon studs. Finally, they are unisex, light, and packable.

See the Dream28 Ice Cleats

Dr. Prepare Boot Dryer, $29

Best For: Drying out the interior of gloves and boots after exercise or travel in snow

• Size: 28 x 9 x 17.5cm
• Materials: Unavailable
• Colors: Black
• Details: Heat circulation at 40-50°C for up to 99 minutes per cycle with a 90-degree folding design and a portable weight of 1225g

A boot dryer is always a good idea, and there are endless options on the market. We liked this one because it has an ozone option to eliminate odors (and follows FDA guidelines).

The two poles are great for insert shoes, boots, and other garments such as gloves and hats. When not in use, both poles fold into the side of the base, making this boot dryer easily portable.

See the Dr. Prepare Boot Dryer

Craft Glove and Mitten Combo, $35

Best For: Cyclists, runners, and skiers

• Sizes: XXS to XXL
• Materials: Polyester exterior and brushed elastane interior
• Colors: Silver and black or flumino and silver (pictured here)
• Details: Five-finger gloves with attached mitten cover that's waterproof and wind-resistant with reflective details

Gloves are a must in cold weather, but it's hard to balance warmth and breathability in high-intensity sports. Contrary to what most people think, the problem is not temperature when you're exercising hard, but the wind. Too thin a glove may not be warm enough and too thick will get our hands sweaty, which is worse.

A pair of medium-thin gloves plus a lightweight shell mitten are ideal. I fell in love with these while randonnée racing, but they are also excellent for normal ski touring, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter trail running, and cycling. This pair comes from Sweden, where they know a thing or two about both cold and cross-country skiing. The stretchy inner glove combines with a light, waterproof outer mitten. It covers the back of the hand and the four fingers, shielding them from the wind, while leaving the thumb free.

See the Craft Glove and Mitten Combo

Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High Gaiters, $49

Best For: Hikers traversing muddy, snowy, buggy, or debris-dense terrain

• Size: Small (35-40 EU men), Medium (38-42 EU men), Large (41-45 EU men), Extra-large (43-47 EU men)
• Materials: 420-denier nylon
• Colors: Black
• Details: Fabric is breathable and gaiters are secured via a buckled strap that reaches beneath the boot plus an upper lace hook

Gaiters are a must for mountaineers who refuse to stay at home in rough weather. The ones featured here sacrifice the Gore-Tex layer for economy but offer enough protection against water, snow, mud, and dirt.

Materials are waterproof and durable, thanks to a Hypalon instep strap, reinforced boot lace hooks, and a buckle top closure with a hook and loop front closure.

They are the best and simplest way to keep your feet dry when part or all of the way is covered in snow. To clean, just give them a quick rinse and throw them in the washing machine.

See the Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High Gaiters

Black Diamond Alpine Bod Harness, $50

Best For: Ice climbers and alpine climbers alike

• Size: Extra-small (56-68cm waist) through extra-large (89-99cm waist)
• Materials: Quick-dry nylon webbing
• Colors: Black
• Details: Traditional buckle closure around waist, quick-release buckle leg loops, four gear loops, and a 12kN-rated haul loop

Is your in-law bragging again about being ready for Mont Blanc, Mt. Rainier, or even the Seven Summits? Black Diamond's BOD Alpine Harness is an absolute classic for both expeditions and climbs. It is light and easily packable, which is great because part of the time, it rests in your backpack.

Once you're about to climb or reach crevassed terrain, you can put it on without having to sit down or take off your crampons, thanks to its quick-release leg loops. Its four gear loops hold a belay lanyard, carabiners, rappeling device, ice screws if needed, or that essential item for commercial high-altitude mountaineers -- the jumar.

We have chosen the non-padded model in order to save some grams. Waist padding is not as essential as it is in rock climbing, because this harness is usually over layers of clothing on flat, glacial terrain or for rappelling. In case of crevasse rescue, its 17kN-resistant haul loop make it more reliable than some other ultralight -- but scary -- models.

See the Black Diamond Alpine Bod Harness

Kailas Selma II Climbing Helmet, $108

Best For: Rock or ice climbers, mountaineers, spelunking, and tree climbing

• Size: Extra-small to medium (48-57cm), or medium to extra-large (53-61cm)
• Materials: Super lightweight EPS foam with a polycarbonate shell
• Colors: Yellow, bright blue, or flame red
• Details: Eight vents including two with stainless steel mesh covers plus four clips to attach goggles or headlamp

We have chosen this final item for a good reason. Winter hikers and climbers are often hesitant to wear helmet on "easy" ascents and traverses. The fact is, that there is no easy ascent in winter.

Accidents multiply and a helmet can make the difference between a scare and a serious injury. There are many options for helmets in the market, but most of them over $100.

In our search for a relatively inexpensive yet safe option, we have chosen this one by Kailas, the (Chinese) company ever-present in Nepal's expeditions. Its design might be not so cutting-edge, but it is certified UIAA/CE/EN certified (UIAA106 EN12492 CE1015). It looks comfortable and light enough (220gr) while offering protection for ascents and climbs in alpine, mixed, or snow-ice conditions.

And sure, you can tell everyone you got it before climbing Manaslu in October: Just make sure you have an explanation ready about how far you reached.

See the Kailas Selma II Climbing Helmet

It's 217 kilometres from the lowest point in the Americas (Badwater Basin, 86m below sea level) to the base of the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States (Mount Whitney, 4,421m). Naturally, two of America's sufferfest heroes recently took the hard way up and the dangerous way down.

The mission: bike the distance through the blistering desert, then summit Mt. Whitney's 13km, 1,870m Mountaineer's Route. Then ski back down.

After introducing the objective, professional skier Cody Townsend says, "I've got one other person who's just dumb enough to do this with me."

Enter the world's most famous rock climber, Alex Honnold.

It's the latest installment in Townsend's The Fifty video series, which chronicles his tour of the 50 most famous ski descents in North America (according to the guidebook, Fifty Classic Ski Descents of North America).

Honnold's first line in the video: "I legitimately haven't skied in a couple of years, I don't think." Then he makes a dad-tastic rock climber joke.

Hijinks and danger ensue, as the two athletes defy the weather to visibly struggle through the task. They endure some legitimately hairy moments. Some activities they're clearly not good at: Alex Honnold grasps the concept of french fries vs. pizza, but that's about it.

Can they complete their charge? "Only one way to find out," says Honnold.