This post has been updated with our picks for winter 2016.
Most people see winter as the season of retreat. Snow, wind and a dearth of sunlight are trials on both the body and spirit, the cures for which tend to be hot toddies by the fireplace and foreign cinema streaming on demand. A select few tend to reject these prescriptions. Instead, they seek the silence and stillness of the wintertime outdoors: pristine, peaceful and ready to be explored. But venturing out for any extended period of time cannot be taken lightly, and requires serious planning and investment on late-season gear to be accomplished safely with any level of comfort. Your checklist is going to change with the activity — skiing, snowboarding, even surfing — but here are the essentials for a proper base camp to help you settle into that next adventure. When the sun goes down, you’ll be glad you came prepared.
Additional reporting by AJ Powell
Hilleberg’s Nallo GT 3 features a massive vestibule so you can keep your gear protected without having to stash it inside of your sleeping area.
Hilleberg – Nallo GT 3 $885
Made from heavyweight wool, the Woolies 3 bottoms will keep you warm all day out on the trail while still being breathable and managing moisture.
Ibex – Woolies 3 Bottom $63
