Snow season is upon us so let the winter fun begin! Check out the Winter Gear Hub on our new site for all the recommendations and advice you need to get after it in the cold. Today and tomorrow are the final days of REI's Holiday Warm Up Sale. Check out our sale guide to see what you can snag at a discount. As December chugs along, we've got a couple of adventures up our sleeve. Members of the CleverHiker team have some upcoming adventures including a van trip to the CA Redwoods and Tahoe, and exploring the canyons in Utah. We hope you've got something fun planned too. As always, thanks for following, and happy holidays from all of us at CleverHiker!
Best Traction Devices When trails freeze over, a pair of traction devices will offer surefootedness and protection from painful missteps. We tested the best spikes and studs to make it easy to find the right pair.
100 Gifts for Hikers, Backpackers & Campers Check out our Gift Guide for some can’t-miss recommendations for anyone who enjoys hiking, backpacking, or camping in the great outdoors.
10 Tips for Hiking with Your Dog in Winter Adventuring with your pup in cold, wet conditions comes with its own specific challenges. Here are a few tricks to keep your dog safe and happy on winter hikes.
GEAR PICK OF THE WEEK
Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Quarter-Zip Base Layer Top A high-quality base layer top is an essential cold-weather piece for outdoor enthusiasts, and the Smartwool Classic Thermal Quarter-Zip (view women’s here) is the best of the best for chilly fall and winter conditions. This midweight top is warm, breathable, and highly odor-resistant, so you can wear it over and over between washings. It's extremely versatile for layering and looks great worn solo. There are several versions, but the zip-neck is our favorite because it provides excellent ventilation when you're active. To complete your cold-weather clothing system, you may also want to grab a pair of the Classic Thermal Merino bottoms (view women’s here). If you're looking for something a bit lighter that you can wear year-round, the Smartwool Classic All-Season base layer (view women’s here) is also a great option. As a bonus, all these items are 30% off until tomorrow. You'll also find these gems on our list of the best base layers on the market.
