2024 Switchback travel - 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 …

 
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.. Switchback travel

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.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.Dec 15, 2016 · Weighing just under 3 pounds in a size 9, the R-Evolutions land on the lighter end for a true backpacking boot, and within 0.5 an ounce of the updated Salomon Quest 4D 2’s on our scale. The comparison with the Salomon’s is an interesting one, because while they weigh nearly the same, the feel is quite different. 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.Nov 20, 2023 · Our Team's Rain Jacket Picks. Best Overall Rain Jacket: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L. Best Performance Rain Jacket: Arc'teryx Beta LT. Best Budget Rain Jacket: REI Co-op Rainier. Best Stretchy Rain Jacket: Black Diamond StormLine Stretch. Best Ultralight/Emergency Rain Jacket: Outdoor Research Helium Rain. 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.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. 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.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 …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.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 Everyday Women’s Synthetic Jacket 1. Patagonia Nano Puff ($239) Category: Casual Weight: 10 oz. Insulation: PrimaLoft Gold Eco (60g) What we like: A timeless classic for everyday and casual backcountry use. What we don’t: Not particularly breathable or weather resistant. For a versatile synthetic jacket that gets the job done …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 ... 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, …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 TravelOur 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 …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. 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 ... 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 from the elements. Wide-angle lenses are an expensive bunch in general, and this lens will set you back a hefty $1,300.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. 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. 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.Camera technology keeps advancing, and the image quality and features of cameras priced under $300 in 2017 far surpasses what was available even a few years ago. In this price range you can find... Our digital camera reviews cover the best cameras of 2018 from professional digital SLRs and mirrorless cameras to budget point-and-shoots.Switchback Travel is a website that covers outdoor gear, photography and adventure topics. Find the best ski gear, winter clothing, backpacking equipment and more, as well as stories …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.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.”.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.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, …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 ...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 ... 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. …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. Share your videos with friends, family, and the worldJan 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. 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.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. 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. 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)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 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 …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 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.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.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.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 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 …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.Nov 16, 2023 · Best Overall Backpacking Pack for Women: Osprey Aura AG LT 65. Best Ultralight Backpacking Pack: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55. Most Comfortable Pack for Heavy Loads: Gregory Deva 70. Best Balance of Comfort and Lightweight: Osprey Eja 58. Best Plus-Size Backpacking Pack: Gregory Kalmia 60 Plus Size. Reine is our favorite destination on the Lofoten Islands. It is a quiet village—Henningsvær is a bit livelier—but for natural scenery it can’t be topped. Many of the best hikes on the Lofoten Islands are within a short distance of Reine and the fishing village of Å is less than 10 kilometers down the road. For kayaking, biking, and ... 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.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. 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 …2. Weight Distribution. The packing order listed above is largely governed by one key principle: A balanced load is—or at least feels like—a lighter load. For this reason, it’s best to place your heaviest gear in the middle of your pack (as instructed above)—close to your body and between your shoulders and waist.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: …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 …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.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. 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. 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. 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. 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...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 …Jun 6, 2023 · To help you get out of the house with all of the essentials in tow, we’ve outlined everything you need including campsite and sleeping gear, camp kitchen essentials , outdoor clothing and footwear, health and hygiene products, and personal items and extras. For each category, we’ve listed necessary items—along with our top picks—as well ... 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). 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 …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.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.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.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 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.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 …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.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.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 ...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.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. 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.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.And serious telephoto enthusiasts should consider the 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 below, which is out of reach cost-wise for most people but has the longest zoom range of any X-Mount lens by far. See the Fujifilm 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8. 6. Fujifilm 35mm f/1.4 ($599)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 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.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. 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 …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 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.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.Il department of revenue, Dezerland park orlando photos, Terra toys, Salty dog restaurant, J dogs, Franklin zoo, Flynn o'hara, Shoprite marmora, Not soap radio, Calspa, Ithaca reuse, Lowe's anchorage, Kiem lumber, Botanas milwaukee

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.. County theater

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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. 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 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 …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.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. 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.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, … 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. 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.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.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.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.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 …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. 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 …Our Team's Women's Hiking Shoe Picks. Best Overall Hiking Shoe: Merrell Moab Speed. Best Lightweight/Cushioned Hiking Shoe: Hoka Speedgoat 5. Best Budget Hiking Shoe: Merrell Moab 3. Best Supportive Shoe for Backpacking: La Sportiva Spire GTX. Best Hiking Shoe for Off-Trail Scrambling: La Sportiva Ultra … 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. 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 …Best Overall Women's Hiking Short: Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Bermuda. A Close Second (With Casual Intentions): Prana Halle II Short. Best Budget Hiking Short: REI Co-op Trailmade Shorts. Best Performance-Oriented Hiking Short: Arc’teryx Gamma Short 9". Best Quick-Drying Hiking Short: Patagonia Baggies Shorts.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 …Nov 21, 2023 · 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. 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.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. …And serious telephoto enthusiasts should consider the 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 below, which is out of reach cost-wise for most people but has the longest zoom range of any X-Mount lens by far. See the Fujifilm 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8. 6. Fujifilm 35mm f/1.4 ($599)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.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 …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.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.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 …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.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. 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 …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 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.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, …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 Camping Mattress: Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D. Most Comfortable Camping Mat for Two: Exped MegaMat Duo 10. Best Budget Camping Mattress: Sea to Summit Camp SI Mat. Best Camping Air Bed: REI Co-op Kingdom Insulated. Best Light and Packable Air Mat: Nemo Quasar 3D.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 …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 …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 Salomon X Raise, on the other hand, really impressed us. The shoe has a cushioned, springy feel and is super light at 1 pound 7.6 ounces. It’s more flexible than the X Ultra and doesn’t have as good of traction in the …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. 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 …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.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 …Nov 21, 2023 · 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. 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 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 Overall Women’s Snowboard Jacket: Burton [ak] Embark Gore-Tex 2L. Best Budget Women’s Snowboard Jacket: 686 Athena Insulated. Best Technical Shell for Snowboarding: Arc’teryx Sentinel. Best 3-in-1 Snowboard Jacket for Women: 686 Smarty 3-in-1 Spellbound. Best Stretchy Snowboard Jacket: …Below we break down the best daypacks of 2024, from simple and inexpensive models for casual hikes to more comfortable and feature-packed options for longer excursions. For more information, check out our detailed …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. 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.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 from the elements. Wide-angle lenses are an expensive bunch in general, and this lens will set you back a hefty $1,300.Best Overall Backpacking Pack for Women: Osprey Aura AG LT 65. Best Ultralight Backpacking Pack: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55. Most Comfortable Pack for Heavy Loads: Gregory Deva 70. Best Balance of Comfort and Lightweight: Osprey Eja 58. Best Plus-Size Backpacking Pack: Gregory Kalmia 60 Plus Size.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). City of valdez, Graves online, Schlotzky, Pleasanton mercedes, Paint box, Erie federal credit union erie pa, Heather stone, Conservice utility, Southern star dolphin cruise, Snakepit, Miel de agave, Pediatricians inc, Skyzone greenfield, Gaynor minden, Opers ohio, Apple store grand rapids, Insurance company travelers, Osu james hospital.