A workhorse pair of wool socks, a tasty drink, and among the best light-weight headlamps we have tried: This gear saved us shifting by way of winter’s final weeks.
Revealed February 27, 2026 07:25PM
The final month of the chilly season was an odd one within the U.S. Whereas easterners noticed record-breaking snowfall and bitter chilly, most of us within the mountain west noticed dry, above-average temperatures. (I don’t suppose I’ve ever spent a lot of February in a t-shirt; test again and see how I really feel about it when fireplace season begins in earnest.)
With circumstances unpredictable, our editors reached for gear that was nimble and versatile sufficient to deal with them. This month, we waded by way of mud, notched mile after mile on above-treeline ski excursions, and launched into lengthy runs by way of the foothills. From a light-weight headlamp to a gamechanging hydration powder, that is what helped us do it.
Petzl Swift LT Headlamp
Go away the 1,000-lumen head cannons at dwelling: The perfect headlamp for a backpacker is the lightest one you will get away with. Whereas they might not have the battery energy of heavier lights with exterior battery packs, a headlamp that’s highly effective sufficient to see the path beneath your ft and lasts lengthy sufficient so that you can get by way of a few nights at a time will assist you’ve got a extra comfy climbing expertise. At simply an oz and a half, the Petzl Swift LT is about essentially the most gossamer full headlamp you will discover in the marketplace. On the similar time, sensible design and a carefully-chosen characteristic set imply that it by no means feels underpowered: With a most brightness of 380 lumens it has sufficient juice to scout round 200 ft down-trail in a pinch, and may run for as much as 60 hours on its lowest setting; a pink mild with a strobe setting is a night-vision saver. The 2-way hinge was rock-solid, not bouncing irrespective of how briskly I moved, and whereas the shock-cord headband is probably not comfy for everybody, I didn’t discover it, particularly over a hat. —Adam Roy, Editor-in-Chief
Smartwool Hike Ankle Socks
February didn’t really feel like a conventional winter in Southern California; the primary half of the month introduced a warmth wave, and the second half introduced heavy rain and flooding. This solely meant one factor for me: moist ft, both by way of sweat, precipitation, or mud. I’ve had one hike this month with scorching temps within the mid 80s and later, a path run that began off dry and led to a downpour. All through all of it, these Merino socks had been my go-to blister busters. My ft completed each high-demand actions dry and comfy. The seamless toe space prevented hotspots and so did the added mild cushion on the only real. The 58 p.c Merino mix didn’t include that low-level itch that always plagues me once I put on wool merchandise. I’ve had these socks in heavy rotation for years, however you wouldn’t comprehend it due to the sewn-in sturdiness zones. A be aware: These ankle-high socks are excellent for path runners, however they’d be a bit low for high-profile climbing boots. —Emma Veidt, Affiliate Editor
Gnarly Vitamin Hydrate Apple Cider
Hydration is simply as essential on winter hikes as it’s on sweltering summer time days, however it may be more durable to remain on high of consuming sufficient fluids whenever you’re bundled in opposition to the chilly. I like the thought of carrying sizzling tea on winter hikes, however sizzling drinks by no means actually hit the spot for me once I’m on the market. This restricted version taste of electrolyte combine from Gnarly Vitamin modified that for me. Full of all the good things you might want to replenish throughout a protracted day of exertion on the path, this drink combine tastes identical to a fruity, cozy cup of cider out of your native orchard. I discovered myself reaching into my pack for a swig on each break throughout a current ski tour, savoring the warming spices and the candy and tart end. It’s craveable in a method water or tea isn’t, protecting me hydrated lap after lap. What I really like finest about this combine is that it’s nice sizzling or chilly. I could have lastly discovered one thing that takes the place of my go-to lemonade combine on huge days. —Zoe Gates, Senior Editor
