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Whether you’re bedding down in a state forest campground or deep in the wilderness, these nine sleeping bags will keep you warm and cozy

23 testers snoozed on nineteen pads. These are the very best of the year.

16 testers tried 40 hikers. These ones came out on top.

Eight testers tried seven new car-camping tents. These three came out on top.

Here’s how some shops are navigating the crisis

From insulated pants to no-nonsense bibs, we have the rugged bottoms you’re looking for right here

These jackets are designed to weather any and all days at the resort

These shelters score major comfort points

From weighing every binding to throwing ski-club parties, here's how the country's top winter retailers rule the snowy season

The Bowhead Reach is designed to help those who can’t walk access mountain-bike trails

These shelters make vast wilderness feel like home

Base lodge closed? No problem. Turn your car into a private post-ski lounge.

Dialed and ready for big loads, these bags will help you keep the pace

Superior lodgings for weekend jaunts and extended outings

Tim Fish talks about gaining design inspiration from unexpected places

Comfortable, technical, light—sleep systems for every season

And how to tell if you really need one

Finally, a winter hauler that hits the sweet spot

It's not good enough to simply keep one with you while you're on the water. You've got to know how to work it.

Sleep so magnificent, you’ll be turning in early

There’s no painful mortgage, but a few key factors should guide your decision when shopping for a tent

Shelters that rise above in affordability, sturdiness, and headroom

At long last, full-protection shells that breathe, too

Designed for hut trips to sidecountry adventures and everything in between, here are our favorite snow-sports packs

From plush to ultralight, there's something here for everyone

Gear haulers slim down and grow up

10 testers. 20 sleeping bags. 6 months. Here are the results.

Sleeping in a tent doesn’t have to mean roughing it

When to wash your shell, how to apply a DWR, and whether to choose a spray-on or wash-in

When weather rolls in, grab one of these

Sack out in something snug, breathable, and packable

The year’s top shelters are quick to assemble and roomier than ever

Here’s our comprehensive guide for how to choose the right backcountry shelter

Eleven companies making apparel and equipment just the way you like it

Traveling far and wide for powder doesn't have to be an awkward nightmare, thanks to this cleverly designed carry-on

Hopefully after reading this, you'll never buy luggage without two shoulder straps again

Running dead is not an option—at least not one we want to contemplate

We put together this list of seven essentials for keeping the groove going no matter where you are

Why settle for crappy hotel-room java when you can bring your own?

Load them up, kick them through the snow—these haulers will serve you well no matter what.

The result: quality gear made for the masses

Portable abodes for every clime

Sacks for a comfortable night’s sleep, wherever you lay your head.

Would you pay $200 for a Canadian tuque?

Packs to keep you adventuring, and safe, in the snow

Your sleeping bag is arguably your most important piece of backcountry gear.

For diehard gear geeks, there’s no more exciting category right now than jackets.

A great trip starts with the right roof overhead

We tested the Canadian company's new backcountry ski boot and avalanche airbag for a week in B.C. Here's what we learned.

On Monday, we got a sneak peek of the two new backcountry products at the company's Canadian headquarters

Square footage and height matter. But a new group of companies is advocating for adding another metric to the spec list: volume.

Better bags so you can go farther, faster, and safer

2015 Gear of the Year Winner

2015 Gear of the Year Winner

2015 Gear of the Year Winner

Not long ago, there were three clearly defined categories for jackets: waterproof hard shells, stretchy and breathable soft shells, and wind shells.

Choosing the right tent requires finding the perfect balance of price, weight, and space.

The rising cost of down is spurring insulation alternatives that will have us all sleeping soundly.

A top-tier down sleeping bag that handles rain for only $230?!? We’ll take it!

Staying dry doesn’t have to mean looking like you’re on a mountaineering expedition. Case in point, the waxed-canvas Fjallraven Abisko.

There’s good reason for the shocking $700 price tag: comfortable in temps from 55 degrees down to 5 degrees and able to fend off moisture, it’s the only bag you’ll need year-round.

Transceivers work well, but are costly. Apps may offer a cheaper alternative.

With ice-ax retention you can release with the pack on, gear loops for ’biners and belay devices, and an integrated crampon pocket, the Matrix is purpose-built for ski mountaineering. But you don’t have to rope up to appreciate how light, roomy, and useful the Matrix is.

The Marmot prodigy is a do-it-all soft shell

The Ignite DriDown offers water-resistant down filling at a great price

Outside reviews the best gear in the Summer 2013 Buyer’s Guide, including the Rab Maverick.

A livable, freestanding three-season tent.

According to Mountain Hardwear, the Ghost Whisperer (hooded) is the world's lightest down jacket—seven ounces, 850-fill down, two pockets, and a ripstop shell that's down- and wind-proof and water repellant

Think of your pack as a closet on your back. And just as there’s no right way to fold your clothes, there’s no single pack that’s suited to everyone. But allow us to offer some advice.

After air bags saved lives in several high-profile slides last year, demand (and curiosity) has never been higher. In 2011, there were five manufacturers making air-bag packs. This winter there are at least 10, and an increasing number of cat- and heli-ski operations are outfitting their clients with them.

In the past 12 months, Columbia, Mountain Hardwear, Polartec, Gore-Tex, and Stoic have introduced new waterproof-breathable membranes. We won’t bore you with the wonky details of their lofty claims; all you need to know is that each is more breathable than many of the jackets we’ve been raving about for years.

An avalanche in Washington State killed three skiers but spared a fourth who was wearing an avalanche air bag. For years, experts have warned skiers never to travel in the backcountry without beacons, rescue shovels, and probes. Is it time to add one more piece of gear to the list?

Outside reviews the best gear in the 2012 Winter Buyer's Guide, including the K2 Rescue Shovel Plus.

Outside reviews the best gear in the 2012 Winter Buyer's Guide, including the Salomon Quest 30 pack

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