I woke up well before the winter sun rose, the sky still cloaked in darkness. My day began by boiling water for my Kahawa 1893 bagged coffee. Yes, you read that right: coffee in a tea bag. It’s simple, mess-free, and surprisingly effective. As the water boiled, I loaded my ski gear into the car. Just in time for the kettle to ring, the car was loaded. Pouring my first cup into my travel mug and enough water into a different thermos for more coffee later. Skiing and coffee have become the ultimate pairing—a ritual that kickstarts my day and keeps me fueled for the slopes. This winter, I discovered the joy of caffeinated skiing adventures with Kahawa 1893’s bagged coffee. It’s not as strange as it sounds, so hear me out.
Read MoreCall Me a Jerry for Using My Backcountry Ski Gear at a Resort
“Do you look sick, or do I look like a Jerry?” It’s the question I ask myself every time I strap into my backcountry setup for a day at the resort. Early season turns blur the line between style and practicality, and I’m unapologetically in the latter camp. The truth is, I only own backcountry ski gear, so I use it at the resort. Why not just head into the backcountry? Let me explain—but first, here’s a breakdown of my setup.
Read MoreI Wouldn’t Make It in Vanlife Without a Mr. Buddy Heater
When fall arrived in the Tetons, I found myself facing the harsh reality of freezing temperatures. Nights dipped into the 20s, and my van became an icy box by morning. With just a sleeping bag and some sheets, I woke up shivering and surrounded by frost. Running the van’s engine all night for heat wasn’t an option, so I needed a solution fast. That’s when I discovered the Mr. Buddy Heater.
I drove to the nearest Home Depot, grabbed a Mr. Buddy heater and a small propane tank, and hoped for the best. It worked—kind of. After years of living vanlife through all seasons, I’ve learned what you need to know about using a Mr. Buddy heater to survive cold nights in a van.
Read MoreHow to Properly Layer for Winter Camping
Winter camping offers a unique opportunity to experience the serene beauty of nature in its frozen state. However, to fully enjoy the experience, it's essential to stay warm and comfortable in the chilly conditions. Proper clothing is the key to surviving and thriving during a winter camping trip. The secret to staying warm in the frigid outdoors is layering your clothing effectively. This strategy allows you to regulate your body temperature, manage moisture, and stay comfortable throughout your winter adventure. In this article, we'll guide you on how to properly layer for winter camping.
Read MoreA Winter Trail Running Shoe Showdown
Winter trail running can be a challenging yet exhilarating experience, as you navigate through slippery and muddy terrain while battling the cold and wet conditions. To conquer these elements, choosing the right pair of trail running shoes is crucial. The good news, did the testing for you and we are here to compare three top contenders for your winter trail runs: the Hoka Speedgoat 5 GTX, Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX, and Merrell Agility Peak 5 GORE-TEX.
Read More686's GORE-TEX Bib Excelled In Antartica, It'll Do Just Fine Anywhere Else
I just got back from Antarctica where I lived in the 686’s GORE-TEX Stretch Dispatch Bib for 18 days. Zipping around in the splash zone of a zodiac while snapping images of penguins, seals, and whales this bib did just what I needed it to do. Keep me dry. If I wasn't on the zodiac, I was on land or kayaking, both places I relied on this bib for comfort in the extreme cold. They didn't fail me.
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