Fast is light, and light is expensive. But the miles go by fast and easy. If that’s what you’re looking for, speed touring gear may be for you. See what skis and boots shined in this category.
2023 Editors’ Choice: Sport Touring Skis, Boots and Bindings
Sport touring bridges the gap between free skiing and skimo—the result: powerful performance that’s still lightweight. Check out the skis, boots and bindings that topped the category.
2023 Editors’ Choice: Free Touring Skis, Boots and Bindings
Whether taking a chairlift bump, firing up the snowmobile or hitting a skintrack, those who free tour prioritize an aggressive, tough (if heavy) kit for a dominant descent. Inspired by big mountain competitions and freeride style, free touring gear focuses on sturdier materials for downhill-focused performance.
2023 Editors’ Choice: Apparel and Accessories
Though our testers spend much of Gear Test Week in denim, sequins and fur, they’re well versed in denier, down and wool. Here are their top choices.
2023 Editors’ Choice: Splitboards, Boots and Bindings
Now that splitboarding has entered the mainstream, riders can buy specialized boards to match any backcountry goal. Welcome to the Quivercene.
2022 Editors’ Choice Awards: Snowboards, Boots & Bindings
Used to be that you strapped a plate on your resort bindings and used your resort boots for backcountry snowboarding, but now we have lightweight touring-specific gear that performs well on the up and the down. Our splitboard testers celebrated that fact by highlighting their favorite boards, boots and bindings.
2022 Editors’ Choice: Apparel
Our testers have always pushed apparel in harsh conditions, and last season was no exception. After all, the folks who make the cut as BCM testers aren’t scared of skinning in sleet, heavy snow and blistering sun—sometimes all on the same day. Here, you’ll find the cream of the crop of jackets, pants, puffies and midlayers.
2022 Editors’ Choice: Ski Bindings & Accessories
Our testers were choosier when it came to bindings, skis and poles than when it came to skis, but if you’re following their advice, that might make your life easier.
2022 Editors’ Choice: Freeride Skis
There’s a time and place for skimo gear, and there’s a time and place for fat, freeride skis that handle drops, steeps and deeps like a champ. Our testers found several pairs they liked in the latter category.
2022 Editors’ Choice: AT boots
Boots can be the difference between a great day in the mountains and a miserable one. Our testers narrowed down the ever-expanding world of AT boots to just six pairs to help you decide.
