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Winter Gear Reviews

We hope to inspire adventure and promote wilderness conservation through in-depth gear reviews, skill-based tutorials, and comprehensive trip guides.

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10 Best Winter Gloves of 2025
Closeup of a bearded man wearing the Hestra Fall Line gloves on a snowshoeing trail

10 Best Winter Gloves of 2025

From snow and slush to icy water, we’ve dunked our hands and hiked mile after mile to find which gloves will keep your hands the warmest no matter what winter throws at you.
Best Winter Jackets for Men of 2025
A man with a backpack wearing a red REI Stormhenge winter jacket in a snowy scene

Best Winter Jackets for Men of 2025

We’ve taken the guesswork out of finding the best jackets to bundle up in and keep you warm and dry this winter season.
Best Winter Jackets for Women of 2025
a woman zipping the fjallraven nuuk

Best Winter Jackets for Women of 2025

We tested this year’s finest winter jackets and parkas this winter in Colorado, Montana, and British Columbia to bring you a complete guide to the best winter coats on the market. These kept us feeling stylish and toasty in howling winds, driving snow, wintery mixes, and sub-zero temperatures.
Best Fleece Jackets of 2025
A woman unzips the chest pocket on her fleece.

Best Fleece Jackets of 2025

Looking for the ultimate fleece for men and women? We’ve thoroughly tested these jackets from windswept peaks to cozy trail towns – and they’ve earned their spot in our layering lineup.
Best Winter Boots for Women of 2025
All the boots we tested are lined up on top of the snow with mountains in the background.

Best Winter Boots for Women of 2025

We’ve braved the winter chill to find top-notch boots that blend function with fashion. These winter wonders will keep you stomping away with confidence.
Best Winter Boots for Men of 2025
A hiker standing on a snowbank in the Salomon X Ultra Mid Winter boots with blue mountains on the horizon

Best Winter Boots for Men of 2025

Get the traction you need and keep the chill off your toes with a pair of our favorite winter hiking boots. These kicks are cozier than a snow day with a side of hot cocoa.

All Winter Gear Reviews Content

The North Face Summit Series Breithorn Down Jacket Review
a man in a blue jacket standing in a field. He's facing somewhat away from the camera and lookign off into the distance.

The North Face Summit Series Breithorn Down Jacket Review

Published: August 16, 2025
North Face knows how to make a warm, mid-weight down hoodie designed for winter adventures. It’s comfortable, durable, is solidly weather resistant and not super bulky.
Best Down Jackets of 2025
Front view of a person smiling while wearing the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody with the hood fully zipped, standing in a snowy landscape with trees in the background.

Best Down Jackets of 2025

Last Updated: August 15, 2025
Down for an adventure? We trail-tested the best down jackets to bring you a complete guide to puffy jackets that will keep you warm and comfortable on the trail and in town.
North Face Retro Denali Fleece Review
Woman sits next to a creek, cozied up in the Retro Denali Fleece.

North Face Retro Denali Fleece Review

Last Updated: July 24, 2025
This classic jacket is a cozy heavyweight fleece with a variety of fantastic features such as adjustable bungees at the waist, pit zips, and 3 zippered pockets.
Black Diamond Distance Spike Traction Device Review
A hiker runs on snowy ground with a pair of ice cleats on a desert background.

Black Diamond Distance Spike Traction Device Review

Published: April 4, 2025
For the most serious winter trail-runners, these lightweight and aggressive cleats provide confident traction on steep and challenging terrain.
Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction Device Review
A hiker walks away from the camera on a frozen lake while wearing a pair of ice cleats.

Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction Device Review

Published: April 4, 2025
Thanks to their affordability, user friendliness, and firm traction, these spikes earned ‘best overall hiking spikes’ on our list.
Kahtoola EXOspikes Traction Device Review

Kahtoola EXOspikes Traction Device Review

Published: April 4, 2025
Ditch the spikes that you constantly constantly take on and off and equip yourself with these babies for the entire trail.
Hillsound Trail Crampon Traction Device Review
A hiker pulls on a pair of ice spikes against a snowy, rocky background.

Hillsound Trail Crampon Traction Device Review

Published: April 4, 2025
If you need serious traction on trail, these bad boys can tackle it all – from steep, snowy slopes to icy ridge scrambles.
Kahtoola NANOspikes Traction Device Review
A person runs away from the camera on a frozen lake wearing a pair of ice cleats.

Kahtoola NANOspikes Traction Device Review

Published: April 4, 2025
Whether you’re on a casual dog walk or training for a marathon, these cleats provide just the right amount of extra traction on ice and packed snow.
Kahtoola K10 Hiking Crampons Review
A hiker kneels in snow, showing the bottom of his foot wearing an aggressive trail crampon.

Kahtoola K10 Hiking Crampons Review

Published: April 4, 2025
These trail crampons are a great intro to mountaineering gear at a fraction of the price. Their giant spikes and rigid design gives you the confidence you need on steep icy terrain.
Yaktrax Chains Traction Device Review
A hiker showing the bottom of his shoe which has an ice cleat caked with snow.

Yaktrax Chains Traction Device Review

Published: April 4, 2025
This budget buy provides the traction you need for casual winter outings on the trails around town. These cleats are tough on ice but gentle on your wallet.
Yaktrax Diamond Grip Traction Device Review
A hiker looks away from the camera on a frozen lake while wearing a backpack with ice cleats attached to the outside.

Yaktrax Diamond Grip Traction Device Review

Published: April 4, 2025
These lightweight, low-profile, snow-shedding machines are a great budget buy for confident trail to town traction. The innovative steel bead design sets them apart from other traction devices
Best Winter Ice Cleats & Traction Devices 2025
A hiker wearing the Hillsound Flexsteps with trail running shoes

Best Winter Ice Cleats & Traction Devices 2025

Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Whether you’re trekking in the depths of winter or traversing north-facing slopes in spring, a pair of traction devices offers surefootedness and peace of mind in slick conditions.
Men’s The North Face McMurdo Parka Review
A man stands at sunset in a winter forest.

Men’s The North Face McMurdo Parka Review

Published: February 12, 2025
Conquer winter in style with this water-proof, 600-fill down jacket. Stay warm, dry, and ready for adventure, even in extreme cold.
L.L. Bean Ultralight 850 Down Hooded Jacket Review
A man walks along a snowy ridgeline at sunset

L.L. Bean Ultralight 850 Down Hooded Jacket Review

Published: February 12, 2025
Stay warm without the weight. This 850-fill down hooded jacket offers warmth, packability, and three-season versatility for all your cold-weather adventures.
Women’s Fjallraven Nuuk Parka Review
a woman wearing the fjallraven nuuk while standing in the front of a glacial river

Women’s Fjallraven Nuuk Parka Review

Published: February 12, 2025
Ready to invest in a lifetime winter parka? This jacket is your new best friend that will never leave you hanging when conditions make you put your head down.
Patagonia Down With It Parka Review
a women walking along a fence on a snowy day with her hands in the pockets of the patagonia down with it parka

Patagonia Down With It Parka Review

Published: February 12, 2025
Featuring 600-fill down insulation and a durable water-repellent finish, this parka is designed for cold-weather outings year after year.
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