Hybrid jackets. They’re a beautiful thing. You’ve got nice cozy insulation in the front, sometimes the back, exactly where you need it to keep you warm plus plenty of stretch on the sides or under the arms to aid in breathability and flexibility. It’s the best of both worlds: warmth and freedom of motion. We reviewed 4 more sustainable jackets that are not only vegan, but also PFC-free. Check them all out here.
It’s winter! Which means snow and ice for many of us, which means a lot of folks are hunkering down indoors instead of getting outside to play. But I refuse to let snow and ice keep me from enjoying time outside, taking winter hikes, or exploring new parks and trails. So right after I layer up (check out our guide to layering for winter hikes here), my next move is to strap some traction devices on my feet.
What are traction devices, you ask? I didn’t know either until I started winter hiking in super snowy regions like Colorado. But they’re brilliant and make snow- and ice-covered trails totally hikeable in wintry conditions. They come in many forms: Snowshoes, micro spikes, and crampons. But we’re going to focus on micro spikes because they’re not only accessible and easy to use, they’re useful for all manner of outdoor adventures, from teaching your niece to ice skate on a frozen lake, crossing a snowy mountain pass, or hoofing it around town after freezing rain. So here are some of our favorite traction devices. (Learn more about traction devices and which to use in this article).
Winter backpacking is the bomb Trails are empty, campgrounds aren’t crowded, you don’t have to fight for backcountry permits, there are no bugs or snakes or bears or other things that you have to watch out for in warmer months, and you definitely don’t have to plan months in advance to make park or camping reservations. But it does require a bit more gear and preparation. So if you’re gonna hike, camp, or backpack in the winter, you definitely need to be ultra prepared. Fortunately, we gathered up a bunch of great winter-specific gear, took it into the backcountry, and put it to the test to see what worked and what didn’t. Here’s what we thought of ALL OF IT!
Snowshoes. We love ‘em. They’re super handy for, you know, walking on snow. Because nobody likes post-holing in a foot and a half of powder over three miles when you’re just trying to enjoy a scenic winter hike. But there are tons of snowshoe options out there and, frankly, most of ‘em aren’t terribly sustainable. But we found two that do, in fact, leave a lighter footprint–no pun intended–and we’re gonna compare them so you can pick the best snowshoes for you. So allow us to introduce you to the MSR Revo snowshoes and the TSL Symbiox Hyperflex Instinct, two different snowshoes for different types of snowshoers (and terrain). We’ll help you figure out which one is right for you.
It’s March! And in most of the country, that means there’s still a solid chance of snow. But don’t let that stop you from getting outside to hike, because snowy winter hikes are seriously the best. So strap on a pair of snowshoes and get to it! We recently tested a couple pairs of TSL Snowshoes and had a blast. Here’s what we thought of the two models we tested: the Symbioz Hyperflex Phoenix and Highlander Adjust snowshoes.
Winter is a phenomenal time to get outdoors to explore. There are fewer people crowding trails, it’s quieter, the views are spectacular, and frankly, snow makes everything more magical. But if you don’t have the right gear, getting out to hike in snowy or icy conditions can seem scary. But it doesn’t have to! All you need are the right tools and gear to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground (literally). And that means hiking spikes. But if you’re wondering what kind of traction devices you need for winter hiking, we’ll break down the three main types, right here, right now.
When it comes to staying warm during outdoor winter activities, protecting those digits is of the upmost importance. So we did some digging and found a whole slew of cozy, warm, sustainable gloves and mittens that are perfect for winter (and also happen to be vegan). So cover those fragile extremities and get out there and enjoy the season!
It’s officially ski and snowboard season! Which means it’s time to dust off the ol’ snow pants and hit the slopes (or the sledding hill…). But if yours have seen better days and are ready to be retired, take a look at these rad, sustainable snow pants that promise to keep you warm, dry, and lookin’ fly on the lift, on a toboggan, or in the backcountry, while simultaneously doing less damage to the planet. You know, the one you ski on… So check out these sustainable snow pants and get out there and enjoy the season already!
Winter and cold-weather camping is still far from over in most parts of the country. So if you’re done being stuck in the house and are ready to spend a few nights out of doors, then don’t be afraid of a little cold! Grab a winter camping tent, a warm synthetic sleeping bag, and one of these cozy sleeping bag liners to give that bag’s temperature rating a much needed boost!
Winter is coming. And yeah, that oft-quoted phrase carries extra negative connotations this year (thanks, COVID). But the one thing it’s always mean: it’s gonna get cold. Even down here in Texas where, I kid you not, the high today is 44º. (Don’t laugh! That’s cold for those of us who can’t run far enough south to escape cold weather!) And though winter means more people will likely be hiding indoors this season, that’s certainly not necessary. In fact, for quiet, secluded trails and lots of vacancies at campgrounds, winter is a great time to get outside and beat the crowds. But the key to keeping the cold at bay during outdoor activities this season: our outdoor guide to layering.