Outdoor Gear Guides
Outdoor gear guides are there to help when you don’t know where to start or you’re suffering from “information-overload” paralysis. Gear guides help sort through the jargon so you can make an informed decision. Check out Backcountry.com’s gear guides to get the skinny on all sorts of premium outdoor equipment.
Softgoods
Fleece Jacket Guide: Fleece jackets aren’t just puff pieces anymore. This guide clarifies fleece weights and uses.
Insulated Jacket Guide: Down jacket or insulated coat? Find out what all the puff’s about.
Rain Jacket Guide: We’ve come a long way since yellow slickers. Insight into single-layer, double-layer, and three-layer rain jackets.
Softshell Jacket Guide: Softshell jackets have gone from the fringe to everywhere. Info on types, advantages and disadvantages of softshell jackets.
Camping, Backpacking & Trail Running
Backpacks: From overnight backpacks to expedition behemoths, this backpack guide makes it easy to plan for adventures of all sorts.
Camping Gear: This camping gear guide goes over tents, backpacks,and sleeping systems for all sorts of camping, from do-it-all standbys to ultralight specials.
Sleeping Bags: Down or synthetic? The sleeping bag guide outlines the advantages and disadvantages of both.
Tent Guide: An exhaustive look at tents so you choose the right backcountry home.
Trail Running Gear: Shoes to backpacks, what you need to get ready to hit the trails.
Paddling
Guide to Packing for Paddling Trips: Even Shackleton made a packing list. Tips on packing for kayak expeditions.
Snow Sports
Alpine Ski Boot Guide and Reviews: Put an end to the pain. This ski boot fit guide provides some pointers on how to choose the right ski boot.
Cross Country Skiing: Pick your poison: classic, skate, or touring. This XC guide helps decipher ski shapes, flexes, and boot/binding systems.
Ski Sizing: Forget the old ways; choosing the right sized ski can be a pain. This ski size guide breaks down the method.
Snowboard Boot Guide and Boot Reviews: Buying the right snowboard boots can be a daunting task. This how-to guide clarifies fit and lacing systems.
Snowboard Sizing: Choosing the right snowboard comes down to a few factors: riding style, rider level and rider weight/shoe size. This buying guide goes through it all.
Snowboard Tuning: Why waste money at the shop? Do it yourself.