Manitobah: Making Mukluks, Building a Legacy

Thousands of years ago, Inuit, Yupik, and other Native peoples inhabiting what is now Canada had to make it through some of the coldest winters on Earth.  So they invented a winter boot called a mukluk.

In 1997, when he … Continue reading


Exerting in Cold Temps, the Argus Jacket by Arc’teryx Stands Out

What are we looking for in a lightweight jacket for snowshoeing?  Probably three things:  Little bulk, for maximum body motion.  Insulation, for weather protection.  And breathability, for moisture management.

Arc’teryx’s Argus jacket meets all these criteria.  It is a good … Continue reading


Gear Review: Active Accessories For Four-Legged Trekkers

Loft Jacket by Kurgo

The first time I put the Kurgo Loft Jacket on our dog, Jack, the air was pushing its way into the negative digits outside our home in Minturn, Colorado. It was early November, but after a temperate and sunny Indian … Continue reading


Warm, Dry, and Primed for Adventure: Canada Goose’s Merino Wool Pilot’s Hat

Okay, yes, the ear flaps on an aviator hat do make it a tad goofy looking.  And when you wear it your friends, like mine, may egg you on to “talk Canadian, eh.”

But those same Canadians know about cold. … Continue reading


Mountain Khakis’ Field Pants Offer a Stellar Performance on the Snow

You’d expect me to be partial to Mountain Khakis, since I live in Jackson, Wyoming, and Mountain Khakis is a Jackson-based enterprise.  But after wearing their original field pants out snowshoeing these past few weeks, I’m more than partial.  I’m … Continue reading


ANALYSIS: Will Merino Wool Keep Us Warm While Snowshoeing?

“My Merino wool hat keeps me toasty warm.”

“I swear by my Merino wool socks.”

“Snowshoers are coming back to traditional materials like Merino wool.”

“I can snowshoe for hours in Merino!”

“There is nothing warmer than Merino wool.”

“Merino … Continue reading


Bambool Base Layers Born in the Vail Valley

Out of all the base layers you own, how many do you actually wear? For most avid recreationalists, a few long sleeves come out of the drawer to be worn, then washed, folded and returned. We all know of a … Continue reading


Hi-Tec’s OG Hikers Make the Winter Cut

In a sea of beige-colored hiking boots, Hi-Tec has set out to bring some flavor to the trails with the Sierra Lite Originals. Inspired by the brand’s first boot in 1978, the Sierra Lite Originals are a throwback to a … Continue reading


Winter Wanderings in Washington’s Kettle Range

Named after the roiling falls near where the Kettle River enters the Columbia River, eastern Washington’s Kettle Range is deceptively mellow. Although this range in the far northeast corner of the state features a half-dozen of eastern Washington’s highest peaks, … Continue reading


Pair the KEEN Revel With the KEEN Olympus Sock

Although the snowshoe season is still going strong, I’ve given myself a few months to properly test and review the KEEN Revel Winter Hiking Boot.  They still look and feel brand new after months of wear and abuse.

I have … Continue reading


Columbia Omni-Heats Up… The Battle of the Base Layer

With so much competition among base layer brands, the battle of the base layer is on! Not only does it take time to properly review a critical piece of gear, the verification of claims by high-tech gear manufacturers like Columbia’s … Continue reading


If You Can Snowshoe, You Can Race The Yeti

“If you can walk you can snowshoe” has become a household phrase. According to Adam Campbell of the 5 Peaks Winter Adventure Series, The Yeti is well worth a try for beginners.  I was inspired to meet up with Adam … Continue reading