Dressing in layers is key to staying comfortable on a hike. Check out our top picks for the best base layers on the market.

Long Johns. Long underwear. Thermal underwear. Base layers. These are a few names used interchangeably for garments designed to regulate body temperature in cold-weather environments. Heated base layers pack an additional punch by powering up the thermal capabilities—literally. Leveraging a battery-powered heating element, a heated base layer lets you reduce the number of total layers [...]

Learning how to layer in the winter seems simple, but can be a challenging skill to master. You want—and need—to be warm, but we’re often moving through a mix of activities and intensity levels which adds complexity, like actively hiking to a lookout then sitting still in the cold. The best way to stay warm [...]

We have talked a lot about base layers to prepare for the cold weather. But what about the outer layers? Here are some options.

Being fortunate enough to hike in a wide variety of climates around the country has taught us an important lesson: it matters what you put in your pack. If we’re heading out for a few hours and want our packs to be as light as possible, we make decisions based on the type of geography [...]

At least once a week I come across an article about layers. How many should I wear? What should they be made of? How many layers should I have for various activities? There is a lot written about layering because it is actually really important to get it right in cold weather. If you’re going to be [...]

Overview: SmartWool aims to make a difference in avery aspect from communities, to having a positive affect on change in the world. They make all of their products with compassion and when you buy a SmartWool product, you’re not just getting a product; you’re the last stop of a long supply chain that will feel [...]

Thanks to the Polar Vortex last year I had to endure the coldest winter in my entire life. I threw boiling water in the air and watch it turn to mist – that’s cold. Summer is over and the fall foliage is developing all around us. That only means winter is coming and the dreaded [...]

Fall is probably my favorite time to be outside. The humidity drops, there are fewer bugs, and of course, the leaves start to change. It’s a great time to camp as well, and while your afternoons can still be warm, you’re often dealing with temps in the forties in the evening and early morning. I [...]

Looking to stay warm on your next winter outdoor adventure? Here are the best winter jackets for extreme cold.