Switchback travel - 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.

 
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Nov 22, 2023 · Excellent Carrying Comfort for Gear-Intensive Trips: Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 L. Best Weekend Travel Backpack: Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L. Best Budget Travel Backpack: Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack. Best High-Capacity Travel Pack for Long Trips: Osprey Farpoint 70. Best All-Around Climbing Shoe 1. La Sportiva Katana Lace ($219) Best uses: Sport, trad, gym Downturn: Moderate Upper: Leather What we like: Versatile yet high-performance; available in two versions. What we don’t: Expensive; most boulderers will want a softer shoe. Of all the shoes in our quiver, the Katana Lace is the one we reach for …Sep 5, 2023 · Our Team's Mountaineering Boot Picks. Best Overall Mountaineering Boot: La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX. Best 3-Season Mountaineering Boot: La Sportiva Aequilibrium ST GTX. Best Boot for Technical Ice Climbing: Scarpa Phantom Tech HD. Best High-Altitude Mountaineering Boot: La Sportiva Olympus Mons Cube. 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. The best outdoor gear reviews and adventure information, with in-depth gear reviews covering hiking, backpacking, camping, biking, skiing, and more. 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 …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 …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. 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. 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.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.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.Our Team's Hitch Bike Rack Picks. Best Overall Hitch Bike Rack: Thule T2 Pro XTR. A Close Second (For About $350 Less): Kuat Transfer v2 2. Best Budget Hitch Rack: Swagman XC2. Best 4-Bike Hanging Rack: Yakima RidgeBack 4. Best Hitch Rack for Rear Cargo Access: RockyMounts BackStage.Talking 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 …Best Overall Backcountry Ski Binding: Salomon MTN Pure. Best Hybrid Resort/Backcountry Ski Binding: Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC. Best Ultralight Backcountry Ski Binding: Dynafit Superlite 150. Best Skimo Race Binding: Dynafit DNA Binding. Best Budget Backcountry Ski Binding: Tyrolia Ambition 10.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 traction over a wide variety of surfaces. What we don’t: A little heavy and bulky-feeling. Chaco is one of the biggest names in adventure sandals, and their adjustable Z …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 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 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.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 TravelSee our camping gear reviews for 2024, with in-depth reviews and buyer’s guides on the best camping tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, stoves and more.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.Jan 8, 2024 · Scarpa Rush Mid 2 GTX. Price: $219. Weight: 2 lb. 0.6 oz. (men’s size 45) Waterproof: Yes (Gore-Tex) What we like: Great all-day comfort, agility, and grip in a competitively light package. What we don’t: A little lacking in support and protection for covering technical terrain with a full pack. 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.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 TravelPurely in terms of optical performance, the Olympus 7-14mm f/2.8 is the top wide-angle zoom for the Micro Four Thirds system. It's fast at f/2.8, sharp, and weather sealed for protection from the elements. Wide-angle lenses are an expensive bunch in general, and this lens will set you back a hefty $1,300.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 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 …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.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 craftsmanship.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.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 …Let’s take, for instance, the Salomon X Ultra 4—a light, decently flexible hiking shoe. The Gore-Tex version retails for $160 and weighs 1 pound 11.5 ounces per pair, while the non-waterproof model shaves off $20 and around 2 ounces per pair. And you can expect similar comparisons for non-Gore-Tex models. For example, the Merrell Moab 3 …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 …Mar 29, 2022 · Rating: (4.5/5) See the Men's Arc'teryx Beta Jacket See the Women's Arc'teryx Beta Jacket. Arc’teryx’s new Beta Jacket slots into the brand’s expansive collection as a premium hiking shell. Offering more protection than a rain jacket but a step below a full-on winter hardshell, the light and packable Beta hits a sweet spot for three ... 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 ...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 …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. June 7 at 1:15 AM ·. All the options for weekend warriors and extended trips. For minimalist overnights to extended treks, our top picks excel in carrying comfort, organization, and weight. …Nov 8, 2023 · See our guide to the best backpacking tents of 2024, with reviews of top lightweight backpacking tents from REI, Nemo, MSR, Big Agnes, Zpacks, and more. 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.That means you’ll find some nice budget lenses on this list like the 50mm f/1.8 and telephoto 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 that make full-frame photography much more accessible. For more background, see our lens comparison table and buying advice below the picks. 1. Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8E VR ($2,397)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...Perhaps the best option is to take a taxi to El Pilar, hike to Laguna de los Tres, and continue back to the trailhead in El Chaltén via the route described above. The Glacier Piedras Blancas, en route to Laguna de los Tres. 5. Laguna Torre. Distance: 12.5 miles round trip.Jenny is a senior editor at Switchback Travel, managing our climbing, trail running, backcountry skiing, and women's outerwear sections. She began exploring the mountains of Washington and Southwest B.C. at a young age with her mom, dad, and sister, including family outings up Mt. Baker, Prusik Peak, and along the Ptarmigan Traverse …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: …Best Hardshell Rooftop Tent. 1. Roofnest Condor 2 XL ($3,845) Category: Hardshell. Floor area: 42 sq. ft. Peak height: 50 in. Capacities: 2+, 3+. What we like: The spaciousness of a softshell tent with the durability and quick set-up of a hardshell. What we don’t: Overkill for solo travelers and most couples.Nov 22, 2023 · Excellent Carrying Comfort for Gear-Intensive Trips: Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 L. Best Weekend Travel Backpack: Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L. Best Budget Travel Backpack: Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack. Best High-Capacity Travel Pack for Long Trips: Osprey Farpoint 70. Our Team's Mountaineering Boot Picks. Best Overall Mountaineering Boot: La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX. Best 3-Season Mountaineering Boot: La Sportiva Aequilibrium ST GTX. Best Boot for Technical Ice Climbing: Scarpa Phantom Tech HD. Best High-Altitude Mountaineering Boot: La Sportiva Olympus Mons Cube.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 …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. 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.Michael Kirsh. 2. Chautauqua and The Mesa Trail (Boulder) Start: Chautauqua Ranger Cottage ( map) Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Length: Variable. About 30 miles west of Denver is the outdoor mecca of Boulder. The historic hamlet of Chautauqua sits directly beneath the Flatirons with big views and numerous area hikes.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.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.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.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 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 …Getting back to Puerto Natales. For the 2016 high season, buses depart from the Laguna Amarga ranger station to Puerto Natales each day at 13:00 and 18:00 (to get from the trailhead to Laguna Amarga, shuttles run back and forth for $2,500 pesos, or you can walk the additional 11km). Pick-up times at Pudeto are approximately 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.Jan 12, 2024 · 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. 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.Best Overall Backcountry Ski Binding: Salomon MTN Pure. Best Hybrid Resort/Backcountry Ski Binding: Salomon S/Lab Shift MNC. Best Ultralight Backcountry Ski Binding: Dynafit Superlite 150. Best Skimo Race Binding: Dynafit DNA Binding. Best Budget Backcountry Ski Binding: Tyrolia Ambition 10.Our Team's Bouldering Crash Pad Picks. Best Overall Crash Pad: Organic Climbing 4” Thick Big Pad. Best Budget Crash Pad: Organic Simple Pad. Best Oversized Crash Pad: Black Diamond Mondo. Great Carrying Comfort and Capability: Mad Rock Duo. Best Supplemental Pad to Complete Your Kit: Asana Pro Spotter Pad.Best Hardshell Rooftop Tent. 1. Roofnest Condor 2 XL ($3,845) Category: Hardshell. Floor area: 42 sq. ft. Peak height: 50 in. Capacities: 2+, 3+. What we like: The spaciousness of a softshell tent with the durability and quick set-up of a hardshell. What we don’t: Overkill for solo travelers and most couples.Nov 8, 2023 · Best Overall Camping Tent: The North Face Wawona 6. A Close Second (With a Simpler Setup Process): Nemo Aurora Highrise 6P. Best Budget Camping Tent: Coleman Skydome 6P. Best Reliability in Rough Weather: Cabela’s Alaskan Guide Model 6P. Best Crossover Camping/Backpacking Tent: Marmot Tungsten 4P. Best Overall Sun Shirt: Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoody. Best Budget Sun Shirt: REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie. Best Lightweight Sun Shirt for Hot-Weather Hiking: Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie. Best Sun Shirt for Climbing: Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro Hoody. Best Sun Shirt for Running: Rabbit UPF …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). 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 – A Learning a Day. As a member of the satisficer club, I love a great product recommendations website. And, my favorite recommendation website thus far …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.If you frequently shoot portraits and plan on having a 50mm on your camera a good chunk of the time, the cost of this lens is worth it. If not, the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art and Canon 50mm f/1.4 are viable alternatives for less. See the Canon 50mm f/1.2L. 3. Canon 16-35mm f/4L ($725) Category: Wide angle.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 …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 bike racks, Küat recently …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 …Best Insulated Ski Pant: Patagonia Insulated Powder Town. Best Budget Ski Pant: Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated. Best Backcountry Ski Pant: Outdoor Research Skyward II. Best Women's Ski Bib: Trew Gear Chariot Bib Primo. Best Slim-Fitting Pant for Resort Skiing: Roxy Rising High.The 24-70mm f/2.8 GM is the lens that made Sony’s full-frame mirrorless cameras truly competitive with Canon and Nikon. For Sony FE, first came the mediocre Sony 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6, then the decent Sony 24-70mm f/4, but neither was up to professional standards at this crucial focal length range.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 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.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. 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. The best outdoor gear reviews and adventure information, with in-depth gear reviews covering hiking, backpacking, camping, biking, skiing, and more. 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 ...State theater portland me, Ciocca ford quakertown, Work meta com device, Sob steakhouse, State street corporate, Crocodile cafe seattle, Soil service, Myers ford, Aurora il, Dinner specials near me, Belkay, Lancaster coffee company, Bella.fiore, D'elia's

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 …. Wilderness ridge lincoln ne

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Best Overall Fanny Pack 1. Cotopaxi Coso 2L Hip Pack ($60) Pockets: 3 Capacity: 2L Dimensions: 11 x 7 x 3 in. Weight: 10 oz. What we like: Great all-around versatility and modern styling in a …Jan 26, 2024 · Best Overall Sleeping Bag: Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20. Most Comfortable and Feature-Rich Sleeping Bag: Nemo Disco 15. Best Budget Down Sleeping Bag: Kelty Cosmic Down 20. Best Ultralight Sleeping Bag for Warm Weather: Sea to Summit Spark 40. Best Winter/High-Altitude Sleeping Bag: Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0F. Switchback Travel is building the world’s premier adventure travel information brand. Seattle, Washington, United States. 1-10. Private. www.switchbacktravel.com. 359,662. Highlights. …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 craftsmanship.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.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.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. Let’s take, for instance, the Salomon X Ultra 4—a light, decently flexible hiking shoe. The Gore-Tex version retails for $160 and weighs 1 pound 11.5 ounces per pair, while the non-waterproof model shaves off $20 and around 2 ounces per pair. And you can expect similar comparisons for non-Gore-Tex models. For example, the Merrell Moab 3 …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.Best Overall Stuff Sack 1. Sea to Summit Lightweight Stuff Sack ($17 - $24) Capacities: 3, 5, 8, 13, 20, 30L Closure: Drawstring Material: 70D nylon What we like: Durable materials, smooth operation, and premium features. What we don’t: Pricier than budget offerings and a bit heavy. Australia-based Sea to Summit dominates the stuff …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. 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 …Bodø 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.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).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 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.In choosing a down jacket, sometimes the warmth comparisons are easy. If two jackets are 800-fill-power, it’s very straightforward to check the fill weights and see how much warmer one is compared to the other (i.e. 5.6 oz. of 800-fill power will provide more warmth than 3.4 oz.). If the fill weights differ—say, 800-fill down and 650-fill ...Nov 28, 2023 · 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. Best Overall Baby Carrier: Deuter Kid Comfort. A Close Second (With More Storage): Osprey Poco Plus. Best Budget Baby Carrier: Luvdbaby Premium Baby Backpack. Best Compact …Nov 8, 2023 · Best Overall Camping Tent: The North Face Wawona 6. A Close Second (With a Simpler Setup Process): Nemo Aurora Highrise 6P. Best Budget Camping Tent: Coleman Skydome 6P. Best Reliability in Rough Weather: Cabela’s Alaskan Guide Model 6P. Best Crossover Camping/Backpacking Tent: Marmot Tungsten 4P. Nov 3, 2023 · Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 Low GTX. Price: $180. Weight: 1 lb. 15.1 oz. (women’s 9) Waterproof: Yes (Gore-Tex) What we like: Noticeably more protective and stable than most lightweight hiking shoes; impressive traction. What we don’t: Heavy, stiff components, and not as plush or comfortable as other designs. 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.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.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, …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, …Jenny is a senior editor at Switchback Travel, managing our climbing, trail running, backcountry skiing, and women's outerwear sections. She began exploring the mountains of Washington and Southwest B.C. at a young age with her mom, dad, and sister, including family outings up Mt. Baker, Prusik Peak, and along the Ptarmigan Traverse …Jenny is a senior editor at Switchback Travel, managing our climbing, trail running, backcountry skiing, and women's outerwear sections. She began exploring the mountains of Washington and Southwest B.C. at a young age with her mom, dad, and sister, including family outings up Mt. Baker, Prusik Peak, and along the Ptarmigan Traverse …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.The options range from gauntlet-style synthetic gloves to undercuff leather designs from powerhouses like Swedish manufacturer Hestra. Below are our picks for the best ski gloves and mittens of the 2024 season, with price points from over $300 all the way down to $27 or less for the cult-classic “blue gloves.”.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 …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.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.Jan 26, 2024 · Best Overall Sleeping Bag: Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20. Most Comfortable and Feature-Rich Sleeping Bag: Nemo Disco 15. Best Budget Down Sleeping Bag: Kelty Cosmic Down 20. Best Ultralight Sleeping Bag for Warm Weather: Sea to Summit Spark 40. Best Winter/High-Altitude Sleeping Bag: Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0F. 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 .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 … 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. 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 …Best Overall Women's Ski Bib 1. Trew Gear Chariot Bib Primo ($499) Best for: Resort/backcountry Waterproofing: 3L PNW Primo Insulated: No What we like: A stylish yet high-performance bib with a women’s-specific fit and feature set. What we don’t: Too thick for dedicated backcountry use. Still a young brand, Trew …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. Colorful cabins in the Henningsvær Harbor | Credit: David Wilkinson/Switchback Travel. Hike Glomtinden (map; easy to moderate) The short and steady walk up Glomtinden (419 meters) ends with terrific views of the Lofoten Islands including Vågakallen (943 meters) to the south and Svolvaer to the east. The hike takes …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, …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.Perhaps the best option is to take a taxi to El Pilar, hike to Laguna de los Tres, and continue back to the trailhead in El Chaltén via the route described above. The Glacier Piedras Blancas, en route to Laguna de los Tres. 5. Laguna Torre. Distance: 12.5 miles round trip.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 …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, … Permits must be obtained in advance (see more information below). The trail is closed October through April and no services are provided during this time. 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. 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 …Nov 22, 2023 · Excellent Carrying Comfort for Gear-Intensive Trips: Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 L. Best Weekend Travel Backpack: Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L. Best Budget Travel Backpack: Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack. Best High-Capacity Travel Pack for Long Trips: Osprey Farpoint 70. Purely in terms of optical performance, the Olympus 7-14mm f/2.8 is the top wide-angle zoom for the Micro Four Thirds system. It's fast at f/2.8, sharp, and weather sealed for protection …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.In choosing a down jacket, sometimes the warmth comparisons are easy. If two jackets are 800-fill-power, it’s very straightforward to check the fill weights and see how much warmer one is compared to the other (i.e. 5.6 oz. of 800-fill power will provide more warmth than 3.4 oz.). If the fill weights differ—say, 800-fill down and 650-fill ...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 bike racks, Küat recently …Jan 12, 2024 · 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. Mar 29, 2022 · Rating: (4.5/5) See the Men's Arc'teryx Beta Jacket See the Women's Arc'teryx Beta Jacket. Arc’teryx’s new Beta Jacket slots into the brand’s expansive collection as a premium hiking shell. Offering more protection than a rain jacket but a step below a full-on winter hardshell, the light and packable Beta hits a sweet spot for three ... 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. 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.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.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. Jenny is a senior editor at Switchback Travel, managing our climbing, trail running, backcountry skiing, and women's outerwear sections. She began exploring the mountains of Washington and Southwest B.C. at a young age with her mom, dad, and sister, including family outings up Mt. Baker, Prusik Peak, and along the Ptarmigan Traverse …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 …Nov 8, 2023 · Best Overall Camping Tent: The North Face Wawona 6. A Close Second (With a Simpler Setup Process): Nemo Aurora Highrise 6P. Best Budget Camping Tent: Coleman Skydome 6P. Best Reliability in Rough Weather: Cabela’s Alaskan Guide Model 6P. Best Crossover Camping/Backpacking Tent: Marmot Tungsten 4P. 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 ...Feb 2, 2024 · 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. 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 …. Get air salem, City of richfield mn, American auto auction, Movieweb, Walmart lihue, Black pug, Sub center, Washington post opinion, Shooting range in sacramento california.