Editor's Letter
We take winter gear seriously here at Outside. When the mercury drops and snow falls, our reviewers get to work, hitting the slopes and backcountry to test the latest gear. Below, you’ll find our ever-growing list of product reviews and buying guides to help you find the best skis, snowboards, layers, cross-country skis, and more this season. If you’re a diehard skier, be sure to also check out SKI’s 2026 Winter Gear Guide for more intel on the best skis, boots, and backcountry ski gear of the season.
Ski
We worked with the experts at SKI and Masterfit to find the best ski boots for every skier, from frontside cruisers to backcountry adventurers
We teamed up with the experts at SKI to find the most versatile, confidence-boosting skis for every mountain and condition
These affordable skis are built to help intermediates progress from blues squares to black diamonds
Challenging conditions last season helped us test the best Nordic skis that are breaking boundaries in the sport right now
The best Nordic ski gear provides comfort, support, warmth, and breathability, all in a deceivingly streamlined package
Snowboard
Lace up and lace your line with these tester-approved snowboard and splitboard boots
Strap in and find your flow with these tester-approved bindings
Our testers put 59 unisex snowboards to the test. These impressed us the most.
Of the 47 snowboards our female testers rode this spring, these nine radical rides rose to the top
Ditch the crowds and enjoy the pow with our testers’ favorite splitboards on the market
Apparel & Accessories
Five outer layers for men and women that won’t drain your savings
We tested over 70 men's jackets and hoodies to find the warmest and most breathable options on the market
Our crew tested 60 fleeces in every winter condition they could find. The winners are warm, breathable, and downright cozy
We tested more than 25 fuzzy pullovers and jackets to find the very best for every cold-weather adventure
We tested 42 tops and bottoms to help you find the perfect layer for skiing and other cold-weather outdoor pursuits
Our top high-output insulated jackets are the key to staying out all winter long
We tested over 25 different styles to find the warmest, comfiest, most capable boots to get you through the winter