Gear Picks
Leather Hiking Boots to Pass Down to Your Grandson
There’s something to be said for going with a classic leather boot
Featured
$200.00
$150.00
from REI
25% off
For years, Vasque has been known for its straight-out-of-the-box comfort and has made a substantial contribution to the world of leather hiking boots with its classic Sundowner. The sportier St. Elias has a full-grain all-leather upper with a Gore-Tex waterproof liner, a soft EVA footbed for cushion, and a urethane shank for support and protection against sharp rocks.
$160.00
from Moosejaw
Hoka One One went for an uncharacteristically subtle approach to the day hiker with the Tor Summit. You get the maximum cushion and rocker you’re used to with Hoka but also a Vibram Megagrip outsole with extra sticky lugs and a nubuck and suede upper with a eVent membrane bootie. Put it all together it’s a surprisingly stylish package that’s warm, waterproof, and agile on the trail.
$245.00
$170.00
from REI
31% off
The Thyrus boot is built for day hikes and quick weekend backpacking trips. With a Perwanger waterproof leather upper and Gore-Tex liner, it’ll be a completely dry hike, regardless of how hard it’s raining. The upper and dual-density footbed are complemented by the popular Vibram Megagrip sole for traction on the worst terrain. You can get it in brown, but we dig the Johnny Cash black.
All Gear
$13
$10
from Backcountry
23% off
Ultramarathoner, coach, and mom Meghan Laws swears by five-toe socks from Injinji. “Without them, I get blisters between my toes,” Laws says. Injinji has a patent on its popular five-toe design, and the lightweight mini crews are made with synthetic, breathable Coolmax and nylon.
$180
$117
from Backcountry
35% off
The Altus MIPS won a Gear of the Year award in our 2021 Winter Buyer’s Guide: “Testers wore the Altus for multiple self-powered laps up southern Oregon’s Mount Ashland on a 50-degree afternoon, never wanted to take it off, and came away with dry hair,” we wrote.
$15
$11
from Huckberry
27% off
This polyester microfiber neck gaiter is printed with a map of Grand Teton National Park. There are a dozen ways to wear sweat-wicking neck tubes like this one—we think it’s handy as a headband, too.
$56
$39
from Huckberry
30% off
The timeless Crazy Creek is still one of the best camp chairs on the market. “My Crazy Creek is an essential part of my adventure kit that has literally saved my butt more times than I can count,” wrote podcast producer Maren Larsen. “Its classic design isn’t going anywhere—except on every outdoor excursion I take.”
Sponsor Content
ATG by Wrangler™ Mixed Material Shirt (Women’s)
$40
from ATG by Wrangler™
Bring comfort and style with you on your next outdoor adventure. The Women’s Mixed Material Shirt made with 85 percent recycled materials is quick drying with UPF 50 to keep you cool and protected from the sun. The comfortable stretch and zipper pockets add the functionality you need to play (or work) hard outside.
$24
$18
from REI
25% off
If you’re a skier who wants less cushioning, these are the socks for you. “Icebreaker’s take on the superthin ski sock features moisture-wicking merino wool, nylon, and Lycra,” wrote associate editor Abigail Barronian. “It has little cushioning to speak of, but it still feels substantial, striking a good balance between weight, warmth, and breathability.”
$170
$110
from Backcountry
35% off
The Looper MIPS was the best helmet on a budget in our 2021 Winter Buyer’s Guide. It “retains the fantastic fit and rich feature set we have grown accustomed to at a much lower price,” wrote one tester. “Perhaps most significantly, the Looper is remarkably breathable, with two slits each at the front and back of the helmet connected by internal channels.”
$169
$110
from Huckberry
35% off
Contributor Kaelyn Lynch fell in love with this wearable sleeping bag, which she thinks is the cure for winter blues. “An Everest expedition suit for the common folk, it is essentially a ripstop nylon, water-resistant, synthetic insulated Snuggie with legs,” she wrote.
$120
$84
from REI
30% off
What’s the best base layer top for women? Contributor Kassondra Cloos thinks it’s the Kari Traa Rose. “With a deep half-zip and thin side panels running from hip to wrist, the top also works in a wide range of temperatures,” she wrote. This version has a slim hood to seal in extra warmth.
$299
$165
from Backcountry
45% off
We gave the Micro Puff jacket a Gear of the Year award when it debuted in 2017. Tester Frederick Reimers described its innovative insulation: “[It’s] tacked between sheets of ten-denier nylon fabric in long strands, so it won’t shift and create cold spots.”
$499
$399
from Evo
20% off
The Sabre Snow Pants are our Gear Guy’s favorites. He included them in his ultimate ski touring kit. “The perfectly articulated legs bend and move like champs while I’m skinning, and ample zippered vents prevent sweat buildup,” he wrote. If you plan to really get after it this winter, these are the pants you want.
Gear Picks is a curated selection of products we’ve tested and heartily recommend. We stand by this gear—and the brands that sell it—and many of our editors and writers use this stuff weekly. Whenever possible, we provide a link to a past review so you can make sure it’s something that suits your lifestyle—ideally at a steeply discounted price. Happy shopping—and gear-picking.