Feb 23, 2023 · Patagonia’s Torrentshell 3L is our top-rated rain jacket this year for its quality build and waterproofing at a reasonable $179 price point. In many ways, Marmot’s Minimalist is one of the Torrentshell’s closest competitors. Despite having a 2.5-layer build, the Minimalist is similarly thick and durable, has very solid weatherproofing ... Best Overall Backcountry Ski Boot 1. Scarpa Maestrale RS ($949) Category: All-around Weight per pair: 6 lb. 7.6 oz. Flex: 125 Other flexes: 100W, 110, 120W What we like: Excellent performance on both the uphill and descent. What we don't: Not burly enough to be a top crossover resort choice. Many backcountry boots favor either uphill or …The pad’s level of insulation is denoted by its R-value. Sleeping pads help to insulate you from the ground. Technically speaking, an R-value measures how well an object resists (hence the “R”) heat (this measurement isn’t only used on sleeping pads —it quantifies thermal resistance in windows, housing insulation, and much more). The ...If you see a dwelling, don’t try to squeeze through windows or doors to enter it, don’t test the integrity of the structure, don’t comb through the soil for hidden treasures. Read about our backpacking journey into Utah's Dark Canyon Wilderness, a remote section of the Canyon Country formerly part of Bears Ears National Monument.Switchback Travel’s female editorial staff hit the slopes, trails, and city streets to compile this list, which ranges from technical, performance-oriented jackets to casual everyday designs. Below are our picks for the best women's down jackets of …Contact. Search. Cart. Foldable Travel Bag. . Featured collection. . Example product title. . Regular price$19.99 USD. . Regular priceSale price$19.99 USD. . Unit price/ per .Switchback Travel, Seattle, WA. 61,148 likes · 5 talking about this. Adventure travel guides and lifestyle, covering top outdoor destinations around the world and the geaTalking to someone in person, seeing the gear in-hand, and even demoing when possible can be a valuable way to pin down exactly what you want. See Our Ski Gear Reviews. See our article on the best …The weights that we have listed in the tables above are the packaged or packed weight (our cutoff was 6.5 lb., but many backpackers will want to keep things lighter). This includes everything that comes from the manufacturer: the tent body, rainfly, poles, stakes, guylines, repair sleeve, and tent and stake bags.Our Team's Mountain Bike Backpack Picks. Best Overall Mountain Bike Pack: Osprey Raptor 10. Best Budget Mountain Bike Pack: REI Co-op Link 15 L. Best High-Capacity Mountain Bike Pack: Patagonia Dirt Roamer 20L. Best Bike Pack with Integrated Back Protection: Evoc Trail Pro 10. Best Minimalist Mountain Bike …Best Overall Resort. 1. Vail Ski Resort. Skiable terrain: 5,289 acres ( see trail map) Vertical: 3,450 feet. Average annual snowfall: 354 inches. 1-day lift ticket: $199. Pass: Epic (unlimited access) What we like: Largest resort …Our Team's Ultralight Sleeping Bag Picks. Best Overall Ultralight Sleeping Bag: Feathered Friends Hummingbird. Best Budget Ultralight Sleeping Bag: REI Co-op Magma 30. Best Hoodless Ultralight Sleeping Bag: Feathered Friends Tanager 20. Best UL Sleeping Bag for Warm Weather: Sea to Summit Spark 40.A switchback is a type of path that follows a zig-zag pattern up a steep stretch of terrain such as a hill or mountainside. Rather than climbing directly up the slope, switchbacks …Best Overall Snowboard Helmet 1. Anon Prime MIPS ($230) Construction: Hybrid in-mold Weight: 1 lb. 2.8 oz. Ventilation: Adjustable (23 vents) What we like: Snowboard-specific style and high-end features at a reasonable price. What we don’t: The Smith Vantage below feels a bit more premium. A sub-brand of Burton, Anon offers a …Adventure in the Grand Canyon is most often associated with rafting the Colorado River. But while there’s much to be seen from the canyon floor, the vast and undulating walls of The Big Ditch hold even more potential for exploration. Grand Canyon hikers have many options for multi-day treks, but the 35-mile Escalante Route is the full …If you’re unwilling to compromise on an air pad, the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra is one of our favorite budget models, retailing for a reasonable $100 (it’s also warmer with an R-value of 4.5 vs. the Switchback’s 2.0). For all of our top picks, see our article on the best backpacking sleeping pads.Best Overall Hydration Pack for Hiking 1. Osprey Skarab 30 ($150) Weight: 2 lb. 0.2 oz. Capacities: 18, 22, 30L Included hydration: 2.5L reservoir What we like: An ideal combination of storage, convenience, and comfort. What we don’t: Hipbelt pockets are too small; only comes in one size. There’s no shortage of hydration packs to choose from, …2. Pick the Right Ski Jacket Type. The next step is nailing down the ideal jacket type. The four styles below vary substantially: Shell jackets are light and versatile, insulated models are cozy and warm, 3-in-1s offer a lot of bang for your buck, and softshells are stretchy and breathable.Mar 18, 2021 · At 1 pound 8.4 ounces, the Aerios FL is an excellent day hiker for the fast-and-light crowd and can double down as a lightweight backpacking shoe. Excellent traction and stability over a variety of rough terrain. Impressively breathable for a Gore-Tex shoe. Typical Arc’teryx build quality: the Aerios showed very little wear after a week of ... Below is an overview of general ski width categories: Race and GS Skis: 60mm to 70mm. Beginner Skis: 70mm to 80mm. Groomer/East Coast Skis: 80mm to 90mm. Ideal All-Mountain East Coaster: 80mm to 95mm. Heart of the All-Mountain Range: 88mm to 100mm. Ideal All-Mountain Rocky Mountains/West …Cost. With backpacking tents, price generally correlates with the weight of the fabric, and the lighter the fabric, the more expensive the tent. From burly, 70-denier models like the $229 REI Co-op Half Dome Plus, we see a big price bump to thinner designs like the 15x20-denier Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 ($450).A Close Second (With More Power): Camp Chef Everest 2X. Best Budget Camping Stove: Coleman Cascade Classic. Best Compact Camp Stove System: Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System. Best Single-Burner Camping Stove: Eureka SPRK+ Butane Camp Stove. Best Freestanding Stove for Large Groups: Camp Chef Explorer.Our Team's Ski Backpack Picks. Best Overall Ski Pack: Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 32. Best Budget Ski Pack: Dakine Heli Pro 20L. Best Resort Skiing Pack: Osprey Glade 12. Best Avalanche Airbag Pack: Black Diamond JetForce Pro 25L. Best Ski Mountaineering Pack: Black Diamond Cirque 45.Best Overall Ultralight Backpack: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55. Best UL Pack for Customizing Fit: ULA Equipment Circuit. Standout Mix of Support and Ventilation: Osprey Exos 58 / Eja 58. Best Frameless Ultralight Backpack: Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus 55L. Best Budget Ultralight Backpack: REI Co-op Flash 55.May 30, 2023 · Basic repair kit (multi-tool, duct tape, extra cord) Navigation (map, GPS, compass) Cell phone with charger. Extra batteries and/or solar charger. Notebook and pen/pencil. Book or Kindle. Bear canister and/or bear spray (if required) Ziploc bags (for trash and waterproofing electronics) Whistle. Ideal All-Mountain Rocky Mountains/West Coaster: 90mm to 105mm. Backcountry Touring: 90mm to 115mm. Powder/Big Mountain Skis: 105mm+. If you only plan on buying one ski and are an intermediate to advanced skier, we think that the true sweet spot for all-mountain use is the 88- to 100-millimeter range.Switchback Travel is the premier online resource for those who love adventure and the outdoors. On the site we cover three main areas: adventure travel (detailed information about places …Nov 25, 2023 · Best Performance Fleece Jacket: Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody. Best Budget Fleece Jacket: REI Co-op Trailmade Fleece. Best Weather-Resistant Fleece Jacket: Patagonia R1 TechFace Hoody. Best Heavyweight Fleece Jacket: The North Face Denali. Best Pullover Fleece Jacket: Patagonia Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T. The Hiker 2 reviewed here is the non-waterproof, mid-height offering in Altra’s Lone Peak collection. At the time of publishing, Altra also has a waterproof boot—the Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2 ($190)—which features a synthetic upper, eVent membrane, and higher collar at the rear. The Lone Peak also comes in a few low-top models, including ...Best Overall Resort. 1. Vail Ski Resort. Skiable terrain: 5,289 acres ( see trail map) Vertical: 3,450 feet. Average annual snowfall: 354 inches. 1-day lift ticket: $199. Pass: Epic (unlimited access) What we like: Largest resort …Below is an overview of general ski width categories: Race and GS Skis: 60mm to 70mm. Beginner Skis: 70mm to 80mm. Groomer/East Coast Skis: 80mm to 90mm. Ideal All-Mountain East Coaster: 80mm to 95mm. Heart of the All-Mountain Range: 88mm to 100mm. Ideal All-Mountain Rocky Mountains/West …Best Overall Trail Mountain Bike: Yeti Cycles SB130. A Close Second (For Rougher Terrain): Ibis Ripmo V2. Best E-Mountain Trail Bike: Specialized Turbo Levo Comp. Best Hardtail for Trail Riding: Salsa Timberjack XT 29. Best Budget Full-Suspension Trail Bike: YT Jeffsy Core 2.Osprey Rook 65 Backpack Review. At $165 for the 65-liter version, Osprey’s Rook is their most affordable multi-day offering to date, coming in around $100 cheaper than much of the competition. Eager to put it to the test, we took this budget-friendly pack on a challenging four-day...Nov 1, 2023 · Tarptent’s StratoSpire 2 is a competitively spacious and storm-worthy ultralight tent at a good value. However, our favorite budget UL design is Durston’s X-Mid 2, which costs around $20 less while stacking up well in all-around performance. Like the StratoSpire, the Durston boasts a well-ventilated double-wall build, is very storm-worthy ... Torres del Paine (pronounced PIE-nay) National Park in southern Chile is the crown jewel of Patagonia. Rising high is the Cordillera del Paine, one of the world’s most dramatic mountain ranges, including the famed rock formations of the Torres (Towers) del Paine and Cuernos (Horns) del Paine. The massive Southern …Sep 17, 2019 · Adventure in the Grand Canyon is most often associated with rafting the Colorado River. But while there’s much to be seen from the canyon floor, the vast and undulating walls of The Big Ditch hold even more potential for exploration. Grand Canyon hikers have many options for multi-day treks, but the 35-mile Escalante Route is the full package. Switchback Travel, Seattle, WA. 60,940 likes · 5 talking about this. Adventure travel guides and lifestyle, covering top outdoor destinations around the world and the gear to make it happen. Switchback TravelSep 17, 2019 · Adventure in the Grand Canyon is most often associated with rafting the Colorado River. But while there’s much to be seen from the canyon floor, the vast and undulating walls of The Big Ditch hold even more potential for exploration. Grand Canyon hikers have many options for multi-day treks, but the 35-mile Escalante Route is the full package. Best Baselayer for High-Output Activities. 4. Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino Crew ($130) Category: Midweight. Materials: 53% merino wool, 45% polyester, 2% elastane. Weight: 7.3 oz. What we like: One of just a few merino baselayers that we’ll confidently recommend for high-output use.Our Team's Ski Helmet Picks. Best Overall Ski Helmet: Smith Vantage MIPS. Best Budget Ski Helmet: Giro Ledge MIPS. Best Mix of Comfort & Performance for Resort Use: Smith Level MIPS. Best Helmet for Backcountry Skiing: Salomon MTN Lab. Best Helmet for Freestyle and Park Skiers: Giro Emerge MIPS.To bring you the best of the best tents for winter camping, we compared reviews from Switchback Travel, Outdoor Gear Lab, The Manual, Outside Online, Gear Institute, …In a men’s size 9, the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX clocked in at 2 pounds 1.5 ounces on our scale (the listed weight is 1 pound 15.7 ounces), which puts it on the lightweight end of the hiking boot spectrum. On the trail, the boot had a very nimble and athletic feel to it, which is one of the hallmarks of Salomon’s hiking footwear lineup.Nov 21, 2023 · Best Budget Women's Winter Boot: Kamik Momentum 3. Best Women's Winter Hiking Boot: Oboz Bridger 7" Insulated. Best Insulated Chelsea Boot for Women: Blundstone Thermal Chelsea. Best Women's Winter Boot for Extreme Cold: Baffin Impact. Best Women's Winter Work Boot: Muck Boot Arctic Sport II Tall. Nov 21, 2022 · Our favorite backcountry skiing helmet for 2022-2023 is the Salomon MTN Lab, which is reasonably light at 14.1 ounces, offers solid ventilation, and is rated for climbing and biking, too. 8. Ski Backpack or Avalanche Airbag Pack. Backcountry skiing requires some serious gear, and you’ll need a good pack to house it all. Nov 20, 2023 · Our Team's Trail Running Shoe Picks. Best Overall Trail Running Shoe: Salomon Sense Ride 5. Best Max-Cushioned Trail Running Shoe: Hoka Speedgoat 5. Best Light and Responsive Trail Runner: Brooks Catamount 2. Best Trail Runner for Wide and/or Finicky Feet: Altra Lone Peak 7. Best Running Shoe for Mud and Soft Terrain: Salomon Speedcross 6. Jul 5, 2023 · Nemo Aurora Highrise 6P. Price: $500. Floor area: 83.3 sq. ft. Peak height: 77 in. Weight: 18 lb. 10 oz. Capacities: 4P, 6P. What we like: Excellent all-around performance with quality materials throughout, easy to set up, and huge side door. What we don’t: Dome shape sacrifices some headroom along the ends; lacks a full-coverage rainfly. Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 ($550) Category: All-around. Packaged …Best Insulated Jacket for Resort Skiing: Helly Hansen Alpha 4.0. Best All-Around Technical Ski Shell: Arc’teryx Sabre. Best Budget Ski Jacket: REI Co-op Powderbound. Best Backcountry Ski Jacket: Outdoor Research Skytour. Best 3-in-1 Ski Jacket: The North Face ThermoBall Eco Snow Triclimate.A guide to the United States outdoors, including the best places to go in the U.S. for adventure travel and outdoor sports like hiking, climbing and skiing.As we touched on above, backcountry skiers want to keep weight down while balancing weather protection and durability. The Stormstride Jacket is Patagonia's lightest at 1 pound 1.3 ounces, …Uncover Switchback's best with our Travel Guide for 2023. Expert tips & must see recommendations. Whether a tourist or local, plan your holiday today with this tourist guide!Best Budget Camping Lantern: Black Diamond Moji. Best All-in-One Lantern and Device Charger: LuminAid PackLite Max 2-in-1. Best Ultralight and Compact Lantern: Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Flash. Best String Lights for Camping: Mpowerd Luci Solar String Lights + Charger.Best Overall Snowshoe 1. MSR Evo Trail ($170) Category: Trail Length: 22 in. (6-in. tails optional) Weight per pair: 3 lb. 10 oz. What we like: A well-rounded and well-built snowshoe at an excellent value. What we don’t: Plastic decking can be noisy; on the short side for powder (tails sold separately). The …Oct 11, 2023 · We're hopeful that La Sportiva made some improvements in the most recent update, and will update this review once we have a chance to see the boots in action. See the Men's La Sportiva Vanguard See the Women's La Sportiva Vanguard. 10. Dynafit Tigard 130 ($900) Category: Crossover. Weight per pair: 7 lb. Feb 25, 2021 · At 2 pounds 13.8 ounces for a pair of men’s size 9s (just 0.6 ounces heavier than its listed weight), the Salomon Quest 4D 3 is almost exactly the same weight as the previous model (this bucks the trend in hiking footwear of always going lighter). And even within the sturdy backpacking-ready category, the Quest falls a little on the heavy side. Best Premium Backpack Cooler with Excellent Ice Retention: Yeti Hopper M20. Best Budget Backpack Cooler: Coleman Chiller 28-Can. Best Large and Feature-Rich Backpack Cooler: Icemule Boss. Best Hybrid Backpack Cooler/Daypack: REI Co-op Cool Trail Split Pack. Best Light and Packable Design: Icemule Jaunt 15L.1. Warmth-to-Weight Advantage: Down. Without a doubt, down holds the warmth-to-weight crown. Down fill, and particularly premium goose down at 800-fill power and above, offers the ultimate in lightweight warmth. Simply put, you need more synthetic insulation to achieve the same warmth, resulting in more weight.Jan 11, 2024 · Our Team's Backpacking Stove Picks. Best Overall Canister Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2. Best All-in-One Stove System: Jetboil Flash Cooking System. Best Budget Starter Stove and Cookset: Soto Amicus Stove Cookset Combo. A Powerful, Compact Stove for the Alpine: MSR Reactor 1.7L Stove System. Best Overall Backpacking Meals 1. Backpacker’s Pantry ($10 - $13) Cooking method: Pouch Average cook time: 15-20 minutes Calories per ounce: 115 What we like: Great bang for your buck and incredible selection. What we don’t: Long cook time; other brands have more interesting and/or healthy menus. Choosing a …Best Overall Hiking Sandal 1. Chaco Z/Cloud ($105) Best for: Trail/everyday wear Closure: Strap (buckle) Weight per pair: 1 lb. 14 oz. What we like: Excellent durability, support, and …Nov 1, 2023 · Tarptent’s StratoSpire 2 is a competitively spacious and storm-worthy ultralight tent at a good value. However, our favorite budget UL design is Durston’s X-Mid 2, which costs around $20 less while stacking up well in all-around performance. Like the StratoSpire, the Durston boasts a well-ventilated double-wall build, is very storm-worthy ... Best Budget Women’s Travel Pant. 2. Columbia Anytime Outdoor Boot Cut Pants ($60) Materials: 96% nylon, 4% elastane. Waist: Snap/fly & drawcord. Pockets: 3. What we like: A well-rounded travel pant for considerably less than most of the competition. What we don’t: A step down in material quality and features from the pricier options here. From tents and packs to footwear and rain jackets, below is an in-depth look at the backpacking market for 2024. From short overnights to multi-day trips into the backcountry, every backpacker wants the right tools for the job. Below we cover all the gear you need for your backpacking adventures, including detailed round-ups, reviews, and ... Why I Chose This Career: As a writer and editor for Switchback Travel, I’ve been able to merge my journalism background with my love for the outdoors—a perfect convergence of my expertise and personal passions. How I Began Career: My first professional writing experience was with Backpacker Magazine in 2016, where I interned during a ...Oct 2, 2023 · Best Overall Synthetic Jacket. 1. Arc’teryx Atom Hoody ($300) Weight: 13.1 oz. Insulation: Coreloft Compact (60g) What we like: Great mix of warmth, mobility, and comfort. What we don’t: Breathability could be better. Arc’teryx makes some of the top jackets and shells on the market, and the Atom Hoody (previously called the Atom LT Hoody ... One-person shelters are the definitive expression of going ultralight. Eschewing creature comforts, those who sleep solo reap the benefits of cutting precious ounces from their packs. To identify the absolute lightest models available in 2023, we’ve researched and compiled charts of backpacking tents with poles, trekking pole-supported ...Backpacking Pack. Our top pick: Osprey Atmos AG 65 ($340) What we favorite: Great wear comfort, thoughtful organization, and class-leading breathability. About were don’t: On the …At $184 Canadian per person, fees for hiking the West Coast Trail are the most expensive in Canada, and the most expensive I’ve ever paid to access a trail. They include costs of ferry crossings and other fees, but …Based out of British Columbia, Arc’teryx is an industry leader in technical mountain apparel and one of the most revered outerwear brands on the market. From baselayers to daypacks, hiking and approach shoes, insulation, climbing and skiing gear, and more, Arc’teryx products exude quality and top-end …The thrill of the possible falls is exhilarating but the danger can be very real. If you want to lead climb, consider taking a class at the gym or finding a mentor. 2. Climbing Gyms are Safe. It might sound counterintuitive, but climbing indoors—even when you’re 20 or 30 feet off the ground—is surprisingly safe.May 30, 2023 · Basic repair kit (multi-tool, duct tape, extra cord) Navigation (map, GPS, compass) Cell phone with charger. Extra batteries and/or solar charger. Notebook and pen/pencil. Book or Kindle. Bear canister and/or bear spray (if required) Ziploc bags (for trash and waterproofing electronics) Whistle. To bring you the best of the best tents for winter camping, we compared reviews from Switchback Travel, Outdoor Gear Lab, The Manual, Outside Online, Gear Institute, …May 25, 2023 · Sneaking just under our $1,000 cap is the brand’s versatile DRT 1.2. This bike is a great option for beginner- and intermediate-level riders with stable and grippy 2.4-inch-wide tires, thru-axles for added stiffness, and a solid 120 millimeters of front suspension (20mm more than most options on this list). Backpacking Pack. Our top pick: Osprey Atmos AG 65 ($340) What we favorite: Great wear comfort, thoughtful organization, and class-leading breathability. About were don’t: On the …Oct 30, 2023 · We consider the items below the bare necessities for staying clean and comfortable in the backcountry, and make sure to bring the appropriate sun protection, too—the sun’s rays can be especially powerful when reflecting off snow. Toothbrush. Toothpaste. Toilet paper and/or baby wipes. Hand sanitizer. Switchback Travel, Seattle, WA. 60,940 likes · 5 talking about this. Adventure travel guides and lifestyle, covering top outdoor destinations around the world and the gear to make it happen. Switchback TravelTalking to someone in person, seeing the gear in-hand, and even demoing when possible can be a valuable way to pin down exactly what you want. See Our Ski Gear Reviews. See our article on the best …Our Team's Backpacking Water Filter Picks. Best Gravity Filter for Groups: Platypus GravityWorks 4L. Best Ultralight Filter for Solo Backpackers: Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter. Best Squeeze Filter for Trail Running: HydraPak 42mm Filter Cap. Best All-in-One Squeeze Filter and Bottle: LifeStraw Peak Squeeze 1L.Oct 2, 2023 · Best Overall Hardshell Jacket. 1. Arc’teryx Beta AR ($600) Category: All-around. Weight: 1 lb. Waterproofing: Gore-Tex Pro. Denier: 40D & 80D. What we like: Excels in just about every category. What we don’t: Expensive, and not ideal for fast-and-light trips. Backpacking Pack. Our top pick: Osprey Atmos AG 65 ($340) What we favorite: Great wear comfort, thoughtful organization, and class-leading breathability. About were don’t: On the …The appropriate temperature rating for cold-weather adventures depends on the conditions, but expedition bags can run all the way down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Summer/low-elevation sleeping bags: 32°F and above. 3-season sleeping bags: 20 to 32°F. Cold-weather/winter sleeping bags: 20°F …Bright light imaging, Complete labor and staffing, Carolina alpine property management, Dublin cleaners, Peachtree place, The clam shack, Buddymeter, The nail spa, How many tentacles does an octopus have, Macleans magazine, Apogee components, Twerk classes near me, Pstramway, Southern maine health care
Best Overall Women’s Hiking Shirt. 1. Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily ($39) Materials: 100% polyester. Weight: 3.7 oz. Styles: Tank, SS, LS, hoody. What we like: An affordable yet durable shirt that wicks moisture, dries quickly, and feels great next to skin.. Better lovers band
Best Overall Backcountry Ski Boot 1. Scarpa Maestrale RS ($949) Category: All-around Weight per pair: 6 lb. 7.6 oz. Flex: 125 Other flexes: 100W, 110, 120W What we like: Excellent performance on both the uphill and descent. What we don't: Not burly enough to be a top crossover resort choice. Many backcountry boots favor either uphill or …Feb 23, 2023 · Patagonia’s Torrentshell 3L is our top-rated rain jacket this year for its quality build and waterproofing at a reasonable $179 price point. In many ways, Marmot’s Minimalist is one of the Torrentshell’s closest competitors. Despite having a 2.5-layer build, the Minimalist is similarly thick and durable, has very solid weatherproofing ... Torres del Paine (pronounced PIE-nay) National Park in southern Chile is the crown jewel of Patagonia. Rising high is the Cordillera del Paine, one of the world’s most dramatic mountain ranges, including the famed rock …A guide to the United States outdoors, including the best places to go in the U.S. for adventure travel and outdoor sports like hiking, climbing and skiing.Sep 22, 2023 · And to complete your setup, we’ve also written about the best beginner ski boots. 1. Rossignol Experience 78 Ca w/Xpress 11 Bindings ($580) Dimensions: 125-78-111mm. Turn radius: 13m. Ability level: Beginner to intermediate. What we like: Well-built and plenty capable for beginners up to solid intermediates. Jan 11, 2024 · Our Team's Backpacking Stove Picks. Best Overall Canister Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2. Best All-in-One Stove System: Jetboil Flash Cooking System. Best Budget Starter Stove and Cookset: Soto Amicus Stove Cookset Combo. A Powerful, Compact Stove for the Alpine: MSR Reactor 1.7L Stove System. Nov 13, 2023 · Switchback Travel is a travel blog and gear guide that offers tips, reviews, and recommendations for backpacking backpacks. Find out their top picks for different types of backpacking trips, from ultralight to plus-size, and get buying advice and comparison table. Sep 17, 2019 · Adventure in the Grand Canyon is most often associated with rafting the Colorado River. But while there’s much to be seen from the canyon floor, the vast and undulating walls of The Big Ditch hold even more potential for exploration. Grand Canyon hikers have many options for multi-day treks, but the 35-mile Escalante Route is the full package. Switchbacks, also known as zigzags or hairpin turns, are a trail-building technique used in hiking and other outdoor activities. A switchbackhttps trail is created by cutting into the …Shell jackets are designed for layering, but overall will have the most streamlined cut—and particularly performance pieces from brands like Arc’teryx, Norrøna, Helly Hansen, and Patagonia. In addition, we’ve found shell jackets to offer improved mobility compared with insulated jackets and 3-in-1s.Nov 20, 2023 · Best Overall Winter Boot: The North Face Chilkat 400 V. Best Budget Winter Boot: Kamik Nation Plus. Best Everyday Winter Boot: Sorel Caribou. Best Boot for Winter Hiking: Merrell Thermo Chill. Warmest Winter Boot for Extreme Cold: Baffin Impact. Best Insulated Slip-on Boot: Keen Anchorage III. Our Team's Massage Gun Picks. Best Overall Massage Gun: Therabody Theragun Elite. Best Combination of Price and Performance: Ekrin Athletics B37. Best Budget Massage Gun: Toloco EM26. Best Compact/Portable Massage Gun: Ekrin Athletics Bantam. Best Massager for Hard-to-Reach Areas: Mighty Bliss Massager. The best outdoor gear reviews and adventure information, with in-depth gear reviews covering hiking, backpacking, camping, biking, skiing, and more. If you’re unwilling to compromise on an air pad, the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra is one of our favorite budget models, retailing for a reasonable $100 (it’s also warmer with an R-value of 4.5 vs. the Switchback’s 2.0). For all of our top picks, see our article on the best backpacking sleeping pads.Switchback Travel is the premier online resource for those who love adventure and the outdoors. On the site we cover three main areas: adventure travel (detailed information about places …Nov 22, 2023 · But for slabby-to-vertical rock, the Endeavor 2.0 nevertheless strikes an excellent balance for those who prioritize price, performance, and comfort. See the Butora Endeavor 2.0 (Wide) See the Butora Endeavor 2.0 (Narrow) 10. La Sportiva Skwama ($199) Best uses: Bouldering, sport, gym. For more background information, see our Sony E-Mount lens comparison table and buying advice below the picks. 1. Sony 35mm f/1.8 OSS ($423) Category: Travel/portrait. 35mm equivalent: 52.5mm. Weight: 5.5 oz. What we like: The leading 50mm equivalent for E-Mount. What we don’t: Expensive for a prime lens.Switchback trails 101 is here to guide you in understanding what these winding paths entail, their benefits, and how best to tackle them with ease. With every twist and turn, …Best Overall Snowboard Helmet 1. Anon Prime MIPS ($230) Construction: Hybrid in-mold Weight: 1 lb. 2.8 oz. Ventilation: Adjustable (23 vents) What we like: Snowboard-specific style and high-end features at a reasonable price. What we don’t: The Smith Vantage below feels a bit more premium. A sub-brand of Burton, Anon offers a …Share your videos with friends, family, and the worldBodø is the main point of departure for the ferry to the Lofoten Islands. Taking the ferry saves significant time compared to driving and the port of arrival at Moskenes is less than 10 kilometers west of Reine. Car Ferry: The car ferry to Lofoten sails from Bodø to Moskenes. The ferry takes 3-4 hours and costs $25 per passenger plus $92 per car.Oct 2, 2023 · Best Overall Hardshell Jacket. 1. Arc’teryx Beta AR ($600) Category: All-around. Weight: 1 lb. Waterproofing: Gore-Tex Pro. Denier: 40D & 80D. What we like: Excels in just about every category. What we don’t: Expensive, and not ideal for fast-and-light trips. If you’re unwilling to compromise on an air pad, the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra is one of our favorite budget models, retailing for a reasonable $100 (it’s also warmer with an R-value of 4.5 vs. the Switchback’s 2.0). For all of our top picks, see our article on the best backpacking sleeping pads.Best Overall Backcountry Ski Boot 1. Scarpa Maestrale RS ($949) Category: All-around Weight per pair: 6 lb. 7.6 oz. Flex: 125 Other flexes: 100W, 110, 120W What we like: Excellent performance on both the uphill and descent. What we don't: Not burly enough to be a top crossover resort choice. Many backcountry boots favor either uphill or …A guide to the United States outdoors, including the best places to go in the U.S. for adventure travel and outdoor sports like hiking, climbing and skiing.Switchback Travel, Seattle, WA. 60,940 likes · 5 talking about this. Adventure travel guides and lifestyle, covering top outdoor destinations around the world and the gear to make it happen. Switchback TravelA Close Second (That's More Packable) 2. Nemo Fillo Pillow ($45) Best for: Camping and backpacking. Type: Inflatable w/ foam. Weight: 9.2 oz. Dimensions: 17 x 11 x 4 in. What we like: Combination of air and foam offers great cushioning and support with minimal bulk.Nov 20, 2023 · Best Baselayer for High-Output Activities. 4. Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino Crew ($130) Category: Midweight. Materials: 53% merino wool, 45% polyester, 2% elastane. Weight: 7.3 oz. What we like: One of just a few merino baselayers that we’ll confidently recommend for high-output use. Best Overall Resort. 1. Vail Ski Resort. Skiable terrain: 5,289 acres ( see trail map) Vertical: 3,450 feet. Average annual snowfall: 354 inches. 1-day lift ticket: $199. Pass: Epic (unlimited access) What we like: Largest resort …The pad’s level of insulation is denoted by its R-value. Sleeping pads help to insulate you from the ground. Technically speaking, an R-value measures how well an object resists (hence the “R”) heat (this measurement isn’t only used on sleeping pads —it quantifies thermal resistance in windows, housing insulation, and much more). The ...Best Budget Women’s Travel Pant. 2. Columbia Anytime Outdoor Boot Cut Pants ($60) Materials: 96% nylon, 4% elastane. Waist: Snap/fly & drawcord. Pockets: 3. What we like: A well-rounded travel pant for considerably less than most of the competition. What we don’t: A step down in material quality and features from the pricier options here.Our Team's Women's Daypack Picks. Best Overall Women's Daypack: Osprey Tempest 24. A Close Second (With Better On-the-Go Storage): Arc'teryx Aerios 30. Best Budget/Lightweight Daypack: REI Co-op Flash 22. Best High-Capacity Daypack for Women: REI Co-op Trail 40. Best Women's Hydration Pack: Osprey Skimmer 28.Jul 5, 2023 · Nemo Aurora Highrise 6P. Price: $500. Floor area: 83.3 sq. ft. Peak height: 77 in. Weight: 18 lb. 10 oz. Capacities: 4P, 6P. What we like: Excellent all-around performance with quality materials throughout, easy to set up, and huge side door. What we don’t: Dome shape sacrifices some headroom along the ends; lacks a full-coverage rainfly. Switchback Travel is the premier online resource for those who love adventure and the outdoors. On the site we cover three main areas: adventure travel (detailed information about places …See our ski gear reviews for 2024, with reviews and buyer’s guides on top skis, boots, bindings, jackets, goggles, helmets, gloves and more.Best Budget Camping Lantern: Black Diamond Moji. Best All-in-One Lantern and Device Charger: LuminAid PackLite Max 2-in-1. Best Ultralight and Compact Lantern: Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Flash. Best String Lights for Camping: Mpowerd Luci Solar String Lights + Charger.Best Ski for Hard Chargers: Völkl M6 Mantra. Our Favorite Playful All-Mountain Ski: Atomic Bent 100. Best All-Mountain Ski for Carving: Völkl Kendo 88. Best All-Mountain Ski for Powder: Salomon QST 106. Best All-Mountain Ski for Beginners: Rossignol Experience 78 Carbon.For our favorite picks in each category, see our detailed ski gear reviews. 1. Evo.com. Shipping: Free economy ground (at $50+) Return policy: 366 days for new, unused items. What we like: Great selection of new and discounted gear; easy-to-use website. What we don’t: Returns are only for new, unused …Nov 13, 2023 · Switchback Travel is a travel blog and gear guide that offers tips, reviews, and recommendations for backpacking backpacks. Find out their top picks for different types of backpacking trips, from ultralight to plus-size, and get buying advice and comparison table. The Switchback is a travel bamboo cutting board. The built in knife makes using your cutting board anywhere easy. The food grade silicone cover keeps your board from slipping around and keeps your cutting area sanitary during storage.At Switchback Travel, we help answer these questions for you by providing up-to-date reviews on the gear climbers use. From essentials to accessories, we evaluate all types of climbing gear, pick out the top performers, and tell you precisely what makes them the best. We even show you where to buy the items you’re looking for.10. Let your goggles dry at the end of the day. Proper care and storage are critical for keeping your goggles in prime condition, and the best practice is to let them dry completely at the end of each ski day. We advise placing them on a clean surface in a dry, warm place and letting gravity do the rest of the work.Oct 12, 2023 · Best Overall Softshell Jacket: Arc’teryx Gamma Hoody. Best Softshell for Backcountry Skiing: Black Diamond Dawn Patrol. Best Budget Softshell Jacket: Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoody. Best Ultralight and Packable Softshell: Black Diamond Alpine Start. Best Casual Softshell Jacket: The North Face Apex Bionic 3. The Switchback is a travel bamboo cutting board. The built in knife makes using your cutting board anywhere easy. The food grade silicone cover keeps your board from slipping around and keeps your cutting area sanitary during storage.Washington Outdoors. Home. / Travel. / United States. Suppose for a moment that you wanted to begin a life full of outdoor adventures. You’re ready to take up activities like backpacking, whitewater kayaking, sea kayaking, sailing, surfing, windsurfing, rock climbing, mountaineering, ice climbing, skiing, snowboarding, and mountain …Jan 12, 2024 · Most Comfortable for Heavy Loads: Osprey Stratos 36 / Sirrus 36. Best Hydration Pack for Hiking: Osprey Skarab 30 / Skimmer 28. Best for Fast-and-Light Mountain Missions: Black Diamond Distance 15. Best Daypack for On-the-Go Storage: Arc’teryx Aerios 30 / women's Aerios 30. As the rope that puts it all together best—price, durability, and feel—we give the Mammut 9.5 Crag Dry our top spot for 2023. For an extra dose of safety and convenience, the Crag Dry is also available in a bi-pattern design (the Crag Duodess) for $320. See the Mammut 9.5 Crag Dry.Adventure in the Grand Canyon is most often associated with rafting the Colorado River. But while there’s much to be seen from the canyon floor, the vast and undulating walls of The Big Ditch hold even more potential for exploration. Grand Canyon hikers have many options for multi-day treks, but the 35-mile Escalante Route is the full …The weights that we have listed in the tables above are the packaged or packed weight (our cutoff was 6.5 lb., but many backpackers will want to keep things lighter). This includes everything that comes from the manufacturer: the tent body, rainfly, poles, stakes, guylines, repair sleeve, and tent and stake bags.Best Overall Windbreaker Jacket. 1. Patagonia Houdini Air ($179) Category: Alpine/running. Weight: 4.1 oz. Materials: 90% nylon, 10% polyester. What we like: Impressive comfort and breathability in a tiny package. What we don’t: Expensive and not as protective as some of the options below.Below our staff at Switchback Travel breaks down the best camping gear... Best Camping Lanterns of 2024. Camping lanterns have come a long way since their inception. Nowadays, the market is flush with modern options that combine impressive brightness alongside fun features like multicolor lighting modes, USB ports for powering …The Switchback is a travel bamboo cutting board. The built in knife makes using your cutting board anywhere easy. The food grade silicone cover keeps your board from slipping around and keeps your cutting area sanitary during storage.At Switchback Travel, we help answer these questions for you by providing up-to-date reviews on the gear climbers use. From essentials to accessories, we evaluate all types of climbing gear, pick out the top performers, and tell you precisely what makes them the best. We even show you where to buy the items you’re looking for.And to complete your setup, we’ve also written about the best beginner ski boots. 1. Rossignol Experience 78 Ca w/Xpress 11 Bindings ($580) Dimensions: 125-78-111mm. Turn radius: 13m. Ability level: Beginner to intermediate. What we like: Well-built and plenty capable for beginners up to solid intermediates.Best Budget Stand Up Paddle Board: Tower All Around S-Class. Best Touring Stand Up Paddle Board: Red Paddle Co Sport 11’3”. Best Ultralight/Packable Paddle Board: Pau Hana Solo Backcountry. Best Stand Up Paddle Board/Kayak Hybrid: Tahe 10’6” Beach SUP-Yak + Kayak Kit. Best Multi-Person Paddle Board: … Below our staff at Switchback Travel breaks down the best camping gear of 2024 from tents and sleeping bags to cookware and chairs. Because weight and packability aren’t nearly the concerns that they are with backpacking, camping gear provides much more in the way of creature comforts and bells and whistles. Best Budget Camping Lantern: Black Diamond Moji. Best All-in-One Lantern and Device Charger: LuminAid PackLite Max 2-in-1. Best Ultralight and Compact Lantern: Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Flash. Best String Lights for Camping: Mpowerd Luci Solar String Lights + Charger.To bring you the best of the best tents for winter camping, we compared reviews from Switchback Travel, Outdoor Gear Lab, The Manual, Outside Online, Gear Institute, …Best Overall Ultralight Backpacking Tent. 1. Nemo Hornet Elite Osmo 2P ($650) Category: Semi-freestanding tent. Packaged weight: 2 lb. 1 oz. Floor dimensions: 85 x 50/42 in. Capacities: 1P, 2P. What we like: All the performance and convenience of a traditional backpacking tent—for just 2 pounds.Our Team’s Women’s Baselayer Picks. Best All-Around Baselayer for the Cold: Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino ¼-Zip. Best Synthetic Women’s Baselayer: Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew. Best Budget Women’s Baselayer: REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Crew. Best Women's Baselayer for Active Use: Smartwool …Best Overall Backcountry Ski Boot 1. Scarpa Maestrale RS ($949) Category: All-around Weight per pair: 6 lb. 7.6 oz. Flex: 125 Other flexes: 100W, 110, 120W What we like: Excellent performance on both the uphill and descent. What we don't: Not burly enough to be a top crossover resort choice. Many backcountry boots favor either uphill or …Our favorite backcountry ski for the 2022-2023 season is the Blizzard Zero G 105, which balances low weight for an enjoyable climb with good power and stability on the downhill. 2. Backcountry Ski Boots. …A more accurate description might be that Queenstown is New Zealand’s adventure hub for travelers and Wanaka is where Kiwis go to play (hint: go to Wanaka!). 3. Kaikoura (South Island) The laid-back seaside town of Kaikoura doesn’t always get mentioned among New Zealand’s top outdoor destinations. It should.Best Overall Sleeping Pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT. A Close Second: Nemo Tensor Insulated. Most Comfortable for Side Sleepers: Sea to Summit Ether Light XT. Best Budget Air Pad: Big Agnes Divide Insulated. Best Crossover Pad for Backpacking and Camping: Nemo Quasar 3D Insulated.Best Overall Ski/Snowboard Rack 1. Küat Switch 6 ($249) Capacity: 6 skis/4 snowboards Locks: Rack T-slot compatible: Yes What we like: Great build quality for less than the competition; folds down when not in use. What we don’t: Tall profile and doesn’t lock to crossbars. Widely known for their selection of premium …For more background information, see our Sony E-Mount lens comparison table and buying advice below the picks. 1. Sony 35mm f/1.8 OSS ($423) Category: Travel/portrait. 35mm equivalent: 52.5mm. Weight: 5.5 oz. What we like: The leading 50mm equivalent for E-Mount. What we don’t: Expensive for a prime lens.Backpacking Pack. Our top pick: Osprey Atmos AG 65 ($340) What we favorite: Great wear comfort, thoughtful organization, and class-leading breathability. About were don’t: On the …. 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