Editor's Letter
We take winter gear seriously here at Outside. When the mercury drops and snow falls, our reviewers get to work, hitting the slopes and backcountry to test the latest gear. Below, you’ll find our ever-growing list of product reviews and buying guides to help you find the best winter boots, layers, cross-country skis, snowboards, and more this season. If you’re into skiing, be sure to also check out our 2025 SKI Guide, with ranked picks for all kinds of skis and related gear.
Winter Apparel
We tested over 25 different styles to find the warmest, comfiest, most capable boots to get you through the winter
Your first layer can be the difference between a standout day in the elements and a mediocre one
We tested 42 tops and bottoms to help you find the perfect layer for skiing and other cold-weather outdoor pursuits
We tested more than 25 fuzzy pullovers and jackets to find the very best for every cold-weather adventure.
Our crew tested 60 fleeces in every winter condition they could find. The winners are warm, breathable, and downright cozy
Our top high-output insulated jackets are the key to staying out all winter long
We tested over 70 men's jackets and hoodies to find the warmest and most breathable options on the market
Of the 27 insulated jackets we tested last winter, we couldn’t get enough of these nine (and they're up to 25 percent off right now)
Cross-Country Skiing
Challenging conditions last season helped us test the best Nordic skis that are breaking boundaries in the sport right now
The best Nordic ski gear provides comfort, support, warmth, and breathability, all in a deceivingly streamlined package
Snowboarding
Our testers put 59 unisex snowboards to the test. These impressed us the most.
Of the 47 snowboards our female testers rode this spring, these nine radical rides rose to the top
Our testers’ favorite board, the Nitro Alternator is a capable, no-frills, cambered all-mountain crusher
The Gnu Barrett board wins the Editor’s Choice award for a second time thanks to its reliable, ripping all-mountain prowess
Meet our snowboard test director’s go-to Japow board and a perennial favorite of our Tahoe test team
Ditch the resort crowds and enjoy the pow with our testers’ favorite splitboards
This deck rides switch exceptionally, floats well, and may be the most durable split on the market today
Strap in and find your flow with these tester-approved bindings
Lace up and lace your line with these tester-approved snowboard and splitboard boots
Accessories
After 31 summits, 68-mile gravel rides, and five broken pairs, we’ve narrowed down 115 contenders to these top picks.
After testing 51 pairs, our picky lead sunglass tester finally found shades that don’t suck for trail running: the Julbo Density
We tested 55 models on runs, swims, climbs, and commutes to find the best earbuds for every listener and budget
We tracked hundreds of diverse workouts and adventures during a year of testing to find the best sports watch for your favorite activities.
Hunting
We tested over 25 different styles to find the warmest, comfiest, most capable boots to get you through the winter
We tested 40 jackets, pants, boots, and layers through the heart of winter—these kept hunters warm, dry, and in the field longer.
From an all-rounder bow to a portable archery target, these accessories made preparing for hunting season more productive.
Running
Our test team of 25 runners put more than 100 road running shoes through their paces to find the best for every type of run.
From versatile road-to-trail cruisers to speedy, agile racers, we found the best trail running shoes for every runner and terrain.
The right marathon shoe can boost your performance and make the race more enjoyable
Eleven testers spent months running, hiking, biking, and training to find the sports bras that hit the mark in comfort and performance.
These running hats and gloves are proven to keep your head and hands comfortable in any cold-weather conditions
Whether you need a waterproof shell for Virginia rain or an insulated layer for Colorado snow, these seven jackets actually perform.
These tested and approved weatherproof jackets keep you comfortable running in cold and wet conditions.