Basics
What You Really Need in Your Backcountry First Aid Kit
You Don’t Need a Fancy Washing Machine to Clean Your Down Garments
Our Gear Editor Loves His Crag Wagon Climbing Pack. Here’s Why.
You’ve Skied and Now You Want to Party. Here’s How to Achieve the Perfect Après.
Finding a Multi-Purpose Bike That Fits Your Needs
Do This Before Your First Ski Tour of the Season
Cold Legs? You Need Puffy Pants.
Nordic Skiing Is the Best Beginner-Friendly Winter Sport
The Essential Camping Gear That Lives in My Car
The Gear That Makes #Dadlife Happen
Save Money and Wax Your Skis at Home
Our Senior Gear Editor Explains How She Stays Warm in Winter
Our Editor’s Shoulder-Season Running Kit
Watch and Learn How to Clean Your Yoga Mat
Trying a “Self Healing” Jacket
When to Retire Your Climbing Gear
Essential Sewing Stitches to Fix Your Gear
How to Care for Your Cast-Iron Pan
Watch How to Re-Waterproof Your Tent
How to Replace Your Tent Pole Cord
Do This Before Your First Ski Tour of the Season
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
No matter how experienced a backcountry skier you are, it’s crucial to triple-check your equipment before you head out for your first tour of the season. From battery corrosion in your beacon to damaged skins, a lot can happen when your gear isn’t used for months. While this is by no means an exhaustive list, here are some of the steps I take to make sure my touring kit is dialed after a summer in hibernation.
Note: It is strongly recommended that you take an American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education course before recreating in the backcountry for the first time. You can sign up for a class here.
Associate gear editor Kelly Klein recommends:
Ortovox Freerider 26 S pack ($200)
Pomoca Climb 2.0 skins ($170)
Ortovox Shovel Pro light ($70)
Ortovox ALU 240 light ($56)
Nikwax Fabric and Leather Proof Waterproofing ($13)
Smith Liberty helmet ($220)
