We can all agree that the coronavirus pandemic has been terrible. Though we’re excited to return to a normal Gear Test Week this year, one small silver lining of going to remote testing was that it gave our testers more time to truly get to know their equipment. In lieu of bringing 60 testers, techs and cooks to Powder Mountain, Utah, for a week, we held mini tests across the country all season long. Local testing pods brought gear to their home turf for longer days on the skintrack, a wider variety of conditions and open-air après.
Since we couldn’t trade gear at lunch, like usual, we shipped it around the country between eight tester pods. From Tahoe to the Tetons to Vermont to Alaska, we put 51 pairs of skis, 26 splitboards, 28 boots, 14 bindings and 37 accessories through the wringer. With that kind of comprehensive, season-long testing, you can rest assured that our 35 Editors’ Choice picks deserve the accolade.
SKIS
SKI BOOTS
SKI BINDINGS & ACCESSORIES
SNOWBOARDS, SNOWBOARD BINDINGS & BOOTS
APPAREL
TESTER PROFILES
Get your copy of the 2022 Backcountry Gear Guide with in-depth reviews of all 35 Editors’ Choice winners, plus additional reviews of 153 skis, splitboards, boots, bindings, apparel and accessories.
When are snowboard and apparel awards coming? Website says both should have been up by now (snowboards over a week ago).