Gear

Are you a beginner snowboarder? Not sure where to start when it comes to gear and apparel? We get it. Here’s some of our favorite clothing and accessories for when we hit the slopes.

It’s a debate as old as time itself (OK, maybe just as old as the sport of skiing): Ski pants or bibs? After all, they each bring something different to the table. And often, folks who love one hate the other (though we’ve been known to be fans of both). So if you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, it’s important to get this right. After all, the right pair of bottoms can result in hours of fun on the slopes while the wrong pair can result in frustration and discomfort. But which is right for you? We’ll break down the pros and cons of both bibs and pants to help you decide, plus tips on choosing the perfect pair.

When it’s time to layer up for winter adventures on the slopes, no layer may be more important than the one that goes on last: your ski jacket and ski pants. A quality set keeps you dry, warm, and frankly, looking pretty dang fly. It’s a definite upgrade from a hoody and jeans, which, no shade if that’s what you’ve got, but we fall way too often and get cold way too fast to wear clothing that’s not waterproof. But we also know a good ski kit (made up of a jacket and pants) is important to get right in the name of mobility, comfort, and convenience. Plus, we want gear that lasts, fits our riding style, and comes from brands that care about the environment as much as we do. If that’s you, too, then check out these 5 sustainable ski wear that’ll have you stoked to hit the slopes.

Grid fleece: it’s all the rage these days. And for good reason. It’s cozy, lightweight, comfortable, wicks sweat, and is perfect for active outdoor pursuits. And yes, it can even be part of a good winter layering strategy. And if you love outdoor apparel, especially grid fleece, chances are you’ve heard of Melanzana, the small Colorado brand that’s based in Leadville. Do they make fun and functional grid fleece? Absolutely. But are they easy to get? Absolutely not. Fortunately, there are excellent alternatives and, guess what? You can buy them online! We rounded up some of our faves to help you decide which grid fleece is right for you.

We’re big fans of snowshoeing. We love hitting quiet, powdery trails no one else is on, layering up, and hiking to enjoy a snack and a hot beverage with a view (and we always bring a hot beverage). Do empty trails, wildlife sightings, and stunning scenery sound good to you, too? Then gear up! ‘Cause snowshoeing offers it all. But if you’re not sure what to wear snowshoeing or what gear you need, allow us to recommend some of our favorite clothing and gear for the task. Bonus: it’s all more sustainable than your average tech shirt.

We’ve always loved hiking and backpacking here at Terradrift. In fact, those activities were our first loves when it comes to outdoor adventure. But we love to try new things and explore, challenge ourselves and learn new skills. So when we finally moved to the mountains in Utah, we knew it was time to add one more outdoor sport to our repertoire: snowboarding. But being a beginner snowboarder can feel daunting. There’s so much to learn and so much specialized gear required! Here’s all the snowboard gear you need and why and how to pick out the best beginner gear so you can kick the season off right.

We love Gnara’s Go There Hiking Pants with the brilliant extra pee zipper designed for people who squat to pee. But do the new leggings also impress? We put them to the test to see if they fly or fail.

Snowshoes. We love ’em. They allow us to get outside and blaze trails all winter long, no matter how much white powder covers the route. Indeed, we’re convinced they’re an essential piece of gear every outdoorist should keep in their closet. But with so many options to choose from (and so many price points!), how can one possibly be convinced they’re getting the best snowshoes for the money? We recently tested two pairs of snowshoes from MSR and will help you map out the differences, plus answer some of your burning questions, like what snowshoes to buy, if expensive snowshoes are worth it, or which MSR snowshoes are the best of the best. Read on.

Keen to ride 100 miles on rocky, dusty dirt track and off-road trails, climb 7,097 feet of elevation, camp in the desert with no water availability, and sit on a bike saddle for something like 14 hours over three days or so? Then you’re ready for bikepacking White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park.

It’s that time of year, again! Time for the annual REI Cyber Week Sale! Which means tons of camping and backpacking gear is on sale! So we rounded up 10 items we think are worth a look AND can be bought with a solid discount this holiday season. Bonus: these items are also more sustainable options. So if you need some new gear, now’s the time. Just make sure to shop between November 30-December 9.