Editor's Letter
There are a lot of things I love about fall, but giving my skis their first wax of the season sits near the top of the list (right below cranberry sauce and desert bouldering). It’s not that I love moving my kitchen furniture to make space for the work bench, covering everything in drop cloths, and permeating the room with hydrocarbon dust. I don’t. But there’s something meditative about the process—brushing, heating, melting, scraping. It’s a signal that I’m one step closer to sliding on snow. No matter how you like to get outside in the cold months, you probably have your own preparation ritual, whether it’s washing puffies or re-waterproofing winter hikers. It’s a chance to reflect, get stoked, and set goals and expectations.
This fall we have a lot to reflect on. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to rethink how we spend time outside. We’ve added a new piece of gear—a mask—to our adventure kits. Some have picked up new sports altogether; over the summer, sales of bikes and camping equipment skyrocketed as cooped-up Americans searched for ways to get out of the house and have fun safely, away from crowds. As I write this letter, communities around the country are waiting to find out how ski resorts will safely operate this winter, which means more change is likely on the horizon.
Maybe that’s why I’m looking forward to my first ski-waxing session more than ever, and why I’m excited for you to sit down with this issue of the Winter Buyer’s Guide, which includes our recommendations for everything from fun, hard-charging skis and goggles that quickly adapt to shifting light to winter-ready bikes and running shoes for all surfaces. Because in the face of such upheaval, rituals are a source of comfort. And when it comes to the outdoors, the best ritual I can think of is kitting up to play in the cold and snow.
Ski and Snowboard
This season's best boards charge hard, but they're a blast at all speeds
Fast tint shifts, seamless lens changes, and better antifog technology mean you can focus on your line
Speed demons, air addicts, and powder hounds, meet your matches
The right combination of power, finesse, and comfort
Ski faster and safer this winter
This season’s best for climbing up and ripping back down
Four days. Eighteen testers. More than 150 pairs of skis.
One kit to conquer every slope
Explore the backcountry, XC style
Our writer reflects on the uncertain ski season ahead
What you need to know about navigating the ski season to come
Layers
Coats for every adventure, from sunny singletrack to frigid summits
With these key items, regulating your body’s temperature is a cinch
Keeping your body temperature at a happy equilibrium starts with the right layers
Keep your hands toasty in below-freezing temps
Hard efforts need bottoms that keep up
Goods for when the going gets tough
Stay a head above the rest
Essentials
Versatile lids that keep your noggin safe, inbounds and out
Dialed and ready for big loads, these bags will help you keep the pace
Maximize your child’s winter fun this season
Make even the coldest nights cozy
Kit yourself out for comfort, no matter the journey
Gear to aid you in the stalk
Essential auto gear for the season’s worst-case scenarios
Fitness
Faster splits and higher summits are just around the corner
Mine for PRs no matter the weather
Nasty weather shouldn't stop you from getting your run in. Here's what kept our testers warm and comfortable.
For every foot in every condition
Leading gear for frozen alpine missions
Three smart tickets to winter riding fun
Gear to help you appreciate cold-weather riding
Exercise outdoors all winter long with these essentials
Cold weather is no reason to skip your sweat sessions
Keeping tabs on training and health has never been this seamless
Workout tools to help you reach your potential
Better gear for your ups and downs
Conquer diverse terrain with ease
Score peak-season waves no matter how low the mercury goes
Après
Shades for charging hard and aprèsing harder
Down those post-ski brews in style
Head to happy hour in warmth and style
Get to work in style, no matter the weather
Warm, cozy tops for every kind of happy hour
These timepieces are ready to get down to business
Elevate your happy hour
Make sure your après involves self-care
Winter utility and post-ski comfort