Now that the new year has begun, it’s safe to say we are in the throws of winter. Although it may not always feel like it, daylight is getting longer each day and the magic of the season is abundant. For many folks this is the perfect time to gear up and get out!
Winter presents it’s own set of outdoor adventures that require some specific gear to keep you cozy and safe. If you’re a winter explorer you have likely encountered special-winter-type II-fun due to cold weather. Or Deluxe Type II as we like to call it! While Deluxe Type II is fun hindsight, being impacted by full-on winter conditions can be a little too deluxe in the moment. Season-specific gear can be the difference between a very good and very bad time for winter explorers.
Gear Guide for the Winter Explorer
Some of the top brands in winter adventure are releasing exciting new gear or refreshing the classics we’ve come to depend on each winter season. Many favorites are on sale to kick off the new year as well! We’ve rounded up the best gear and biggest sales on winter gear and you can learn about all of it right here in the handy dandy Winter Explorer Gear Guide 2024. Check out our round up below!
Revo Descend Sunglasses
Something all experienced winter explorers know is that you’ve gotta protect your eyes! We really like Revo’s Descend Sunglasses for this. Featuring a rimless, classic design the Descend Sunglasses also have MotionFit™ design which ensures a secure fit without pinching or slipping. The lenses come in an array of options, ensuring you get sunglasses that will give you the best sight possible for your respective adventures. It’s no wonder these were awarded the Best Sunglasses for Golf in 2023 by GolfWeek!
You can save 15% off your first order from Revo when you sign up for their email newsletter.
See the Revo Descend Sunglasses
Hammock Gear Classic Burrow Lightweight Top Quilt
Established in 2009, Hammock Gear is a small manufacturing company based just outside of Columbus Ohio. They use the highest quality materials available on the market to produce ultralight backpacking gear. Their Classic Burrow Lightweight Top Quilt is one of our favorite winter exploration picks this season. It is a stand-out in warmth to weight ratio with a great price point!
You can have the Burrow Lightweight Top Quilt sewn custom to you. With your choice of colors, sizing and fill what’s not to love? Through January, Hammock Gear is offering free shipping on all orders, making it a great time to pull the trigger on that custom quilt you’ve always wanted!
See the Hammock Gear Classic Burrow Lightweight Top Quilt
Scarpa Rush Polar GTX Hiking Boots
Hiking season doesn’t have to end when the snow starts to fly! At least not when you have the SCARPA Rush Polar GTX hiking boot. Packed with warmth, both GORE-TEX® Insulated Comfort and PrimaLoft Gold Eco synthetic insulation, this shoe will keep your toes toasty for winter hikes, snowshoe adventures, and everything in between. A GORE-TEX® lining is both waterproof and breathable, keeping you warm and dry from the inside out. The mid-height cuff works to both protect your ankles on trail as well as to keep snow from finding its way in. A Perwanger suede leather outer provides dependable durability, making this shoe a great option as a daily driver in the winter.
See the Scarpa Rush Polar GTX Hiking Boots
Marathon Sports Hoka Speedgoat 5
If winter exploring looks like running to you, then Marathon Sports has the perfect shoes to keep you surefooted! The Speedgoat 5 will have you feeling stable on the roughest of terrains. Featuring a new midsole that is lightweight and provides a more responsive ride with even more traction than before. The wider forefoot offers a more stable ride and an accommodating fit. The Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole provides exceptional grip in wet and dry conditions. This shoe is available for men and women and of course, is as comfortable as it is responsive.
See the Marathon Sports Hoka Speedgoat 5
lululemon Another Mile Jacket
If running is your ideal way to explore in the chilly months, a good running jacket is just the ticket! lululemon’s Another Mile Jacket is a versatile, breathable and warm piece. It’s become a staple for many cold weather runners over the years. Not only does the Another Mile Jacket offer comfortable stretch that moves with you, it’s also water repellant, windproof and insulated with premium PrimaLoft that keeps you warm even if it gets wet.
We’re all about interesting features when it comes to winter running jackets and lululemon’s Another Mile Jacket features a removeable dickie that creates another warmth barrier for those times when it’s impossibly frigid but you still gotta get your run on. Complete with useable pockets and reflector details, this jacket is a tried and true winter classic.
See the lululemon Another Mile Jacket
Stio’s New Arrivals
This winter Stio has launched many new and exciting pieces to keep you cozy and warm. Over the years Stio has become an innovative and trusted brand for winter explorers. Their Sweetwater Fleece is staple for many, as are their Fernos Insulated Knickers. If winter exploring looks more like a nice chill time at a lodge, Stio makes the perfect loungewear as well with their french terry collection.
Right now Stio is offering free shipping on orders over $49 on top of free returns and exchanges.
Ibex Woolies Tech Long Sleeve Crew
Good base layers are a must for any winter explorer! We are big fans of Ibex Woolies Tech Long Sleeve Crew. This cozy top is crafted from durable nylon Core Merino wool, making it a true do-it-all winter wool garment. Featuring flatlock seams to reduce chaffing, this top is as versatile on a pow day as it is running errands on a chilly winter day. With a weight of just 180gsm, the warmth to weight ratio of the Woolies Tech Long Sleeve Crew is awesome!
This top is available for men as well and it comes in an array of rich, beautiful colors. Currently, Ibex is running a sale on this item, on top of free shipping on orders over $99.
See the Ibex Woolies Tech Long Sleeve Crew
Black Diamond Outlet Sale
New styles have just been added to the Black Diamond outlet! For a limited time you can get an extra 10% off outlet items with code PRAY4SNOW at checkout. This is a great opportunity to replace worn out gear that’s not the most fun to replace- hello new skins! It’s also a great time to try out some new pieces of kit that have felt a little pricey in the past.
Gloves, jackets, lighting and all the equipment a winter explorer would need to have a rowdy adventure can be found in the Black Diamond Outlet Sale. Outlet’s tend to sell out quickly due to incredible savings, so if you see something you really like, we suggest snapping it up quick!
See the Black Diamond Outlet Sale
Helly Hansen Winter Sale
Beat the winter blues and awaken your inner explorer! Helly Hansen is offering up to 50% off on selected winter gear to kick off 2024. Some major sale standouts are the Daybreaker Fleece Jacket, Lifa Merino Balaclava and Legendary Insulated Ski Pants. Helly Hansen is a mover and shaker in the winter exploration scene and has been for decades. Whenever they host a sale this extravagant, it’s a good time to plan some winter adventures you need new gear for! To sweeten the deal, Helly Hansen is giving out free shipping to all orders above $50!
See the Helly Hansen Winter Sale
Patagonia Winter Sale
We all love Patagonia, so when they host a big sale, we are here for it! Right now Patagonia is supporting starving winter explorers with their annual Winter Sale. This sale has loads of items up to 40% off, so get ready to gear up in Patagonia! One of the items on sale that caught our eyes immediately was the Nano Puff on sale for 20% off, in both men’s and women’s sizing.
There are many quint-essential Patagonia items listed on this sale. So whether you need some new gear or a winter explorer in your life does, the Winter Sale is a nice way to save some cash while picking up exciting heritage adventure gear. Patagonia has lots of goodies on sale for the littles too!
All images courtesy of respective brands, All Rights Reserved.
Backpackers.com Affiliate Policy: This guide contains affiliate links, which help fund our website. When you click on the links to purchase the gear, we get a commission, and this goes a long way to creating guides, gear reviews, and other excellent content.
