Treeline Writers’ Favorite Gear We're Testing: Winter 2025/2026
Outdoor gear and apparel our Treeline Review testers are excited about this winter
As we turn to cold and snowy weather, our testers are breaking out new winter gear and apparel. Here’s our list of what we’re most looking forward to testing this winter.
While we like to spend a lot of time with outdoor gear before including them in our in-depth reviews and guides, sometimes we test gear we immediately can tell will be a hit. Sometimes we’re just excited to try out whatever new bells and whistles have come along! So while we typically don’t showcase shiny new toys or unweathered apparel, this seasonal article allows us to share something we’re geeking out about and gives you a sneak peek into what we’re currently testing.
Sharing our early testing successes also allows you a chance to hop on some winter gear early before these items become well-worn or well-used fixtures in our guides.
Our writers were asked to only share one thing they love so far this winter, so we're being choose-y in what we're sharing. For our favorites from last season, check out our New Gear We’re Testing in Fall 2025 article.
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PAKA Mayu Ultralight Jacket
The new PAKA Mayu Ultralight Jacket is an ultralight puffy filled with PAKA’s proprietary PAKAFILL–an alpaca wool fiber insulation that’s half the volume of down. This alpaca fiber is also traceable and offers peace of mind in that it’s ethically sourced and sustainable. The 100% recycled nylon shell is water resistant and the jacket is constructed of bluesign-certified materials.
The Mayu Ultralight Jacket weighs 8.8 oz and packs down into one of its pockets, so it seems promising as an option for backpackers and thru-hikers. It has zippered pockets with glove-friendly pulls for easy access. The jacket is designed to thermoregulate, so you stay comfortable during your activities.
Because of the alpaca fiber insulation, this jacket falls outside the down jacket and synthetic jacket categories, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it compares. While winter weather hasn’t quite hit the Colorado Front Range yet, I’ve worn it on chilly fall nights and early morning walks, and am already impressed with the warmth-to-weight ratio. I think this jacket has a lot of potential for backpackers, thru-hikers, and anyone active outdoors who wants the warmth of down but with a more ethically and sustainably sourced insulation option that also keeps you warm while wet.
Rossignol Evo OT 65 Positrack Cross-Country Skis
Last winter, with fewer peakbagging lists to focus on since I’d completed the Northeast 115 4000 Footers (and with it, the Adirondack 46ers) the winter before, I turned my attention to another item on my bucket list: learning to cross-country ski.
While I grew up downhill skiing perhaps eight times a season at small local ski hills around New England, cross-country skiing has seemed like a more methodical activity, with some downhill to satisfy my need for speed but with enough flat and uphill to rev my aerobic engine. And the independence of it really attracted me–the easy ability to leave a groomed resort and instead explore local golf courses or hiking trails. So last winter, I visited many cross-country ski areas in Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire, renting equipment and taking lessons along the way.
This winter, I’m aiming to ski and snowshoe the entire Catamount Trail, which travels the length of Vermont, and I’ll need a trusty pair of skis to accompany me. After reading reviews and having the opportunity to try these skis myself, I purchased a pair of Rossignol Evo OT 65 cross-country skis.
These waxless skis have built-in fish scales, partial metal edges, and balances being narrow enough to still fit within a groomed track and being wide enough to offer flotation in ungroomed snow. I’m very excited to put these skis through their paces soon!
Ibex Nomad Jogger
I’m a wool connoisseur. I became mesmerized by the material while thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail because it took 2-3 times as long as synthetic alternatives to develop a stench. As a penniless hiker, I had a hard time stomaching the idea of shelling out $100 for a shirt that wouldn’t last as long as polyester. But once I did, I never turned back, and quickly began loving the material for reasons like its comfort, moisture-wicking properties, and natural temperature management.
One particular piece of wool that tickles me every time I slip it on is the 95% merino, 5% elastane Ibex Nomad Jogger. It’s comfortable, it keeps my legs insulated during those chilly winter adventures. And it’s way softer than just about any other merino product I own, which is an increasingly important quality to me.
You know how you have a piece of clothing that you wear over and over again despite having a closet that’s packed full of completely reasonable choices? The Ibex Nomad Jogger is that piece of clothing for me. I live in these pants. They accompany me to work, the gym, and to my daily putz around the house. They’re my dark horse–the thing that isn’t on anyone’s radar as a potential winner until it wins in every category. I’m wearing them even as I type this right now.
Admittedly, the Nomad Jogger comes with a hefty price tag, but it’s competitive with wool joggers you’d find at Smartwool and Branwyn. But they’re worth the cost of two mediocre pairs of pants, in my opinion. And I’ve been wearing these joggers for a while now, with minimal show for it. I have yet to experience piling, the stitching is still intact, and they’ve managed to retain their shape. I look forward to continued long-term testing of these joggers–I’ll probably never take them off.
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Patagonia PowSlayer Jacket
I’ve tested more ski jackets for Treeline than I can count, and at this point it’s pretty easy to suss out a good or bad one after a wear or two. From the first time I zipped up Patagonia’s updated PowSlayer, I knew they’d nailed it.
With a slight drop hem, ample room for layers, and a spacious collar, the fit is excellent. Other things I love: the minimal powder skirt that reduces obnoxious bulk and weight without losing functionality, and the dual spacious chest pockets (4 outer pockets on the women’s model– yay!). And the GORE ePE shell fabric is light, packable, and protective, albeit a little crinkly.
So far, I’ve only spent one ski day with this jacket on the classic “white ribbon of death”—the notorious early season single run of manmade snow that resorts often open with—and the weather was very mild. But I’m excited to put this jacket through the paces as the season gets into full swing, both at the resort and in the backcountry. I have high hopes for this one based on these initial impressions.
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Salomon S/Pro Supra Dual BOA 115 Ski Boots
I have been using BOA technology in my snowboarding boots since the early 2000’s and in my trail running shoes for several years. BOA technology isn’t new to the market but it is new to ski boots, with single BOA technology debuting during the 23/24 ski season on the lower half of the boot and buckles on the top half.
This season, for the first time, we have dual BOA technology in the Salomon S/Pro Supra Dual BOA Ski Boots, with two dials one for the top and one for the bottom half of the ski boot allowing for complete customization and precision in dialing up the fit. Unlike traditional buckles, the BOA system helps to reduce hot spots and tingling by adjusting to your unique foot shape pulling the shell across your foot more evenly. I typically start out my ski day with my buckles loose as I walk to the slopes and tighten them up after a few runs. With the traditional buckles it is sometimes a jarring adjustment from one level to the next, but with the BOA technology you are able to dial it up very gradually so you get micro adjustments that you can’t get during the day with traditional buckles.
I am looking forward to skiing hard in these boots this winter as the season progresses and seeing how well the BOA continues to perform over time. So far, testing at home without snow, they seem like they are going to be a great upgrade from traditional boots and I think more brands are going to be offering dual BOA styles in the near future.
- Sara Kruglinski, Operations Coordinator and Contributing Writer
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Women's
This winter, I'm stoked to be testing out the Picture Organic Clothing U54 JKT women’s jacket in the beautiful, earthy purple shade Deep Taupe. The overall build and materials of the jacket feel very durable, with the finishes looking of high quality.
So far, I've brought it along on a short ski day. It was snowy and rainy, and I stayed dry and comfortably warm on my first 40° day of the season. At first try, I felt immediately comfortable with the jacket's fit. I chose a size M, a size smaller than what I usually wear, and have been very surprised by how well the shoulders and arms fit me (not used to this in my curvier and shorter body). The Lycra wrist gaiters are definitely key players in the comfort game, making a smooth transition between all the top layers and the gloves. The ergonomic hood with single-point adjustment slides on easily and fits right where and how you want it–tbd how it performs over a few runs. Overall, I felt super comfortable riding my first runs in the U54 JKT (without the hood).
I really appreciate the diversity and quantity of pockets, with a total of seven, four of which are sizable outer pockets (two hand pockets and two chest pockets). All four are big enough to fit my cased smartphone (iPhone 12 Pro). I love that I get to play around with where I stash what. The upper right pocket includes a leashed shammy for all your goggle-cleaning needs, too. On the inside, there is one elastic net stash and a discreet zippered chest pocket. In short, I need to be wise about using, but not filling, all the pockets.
What first attracted me to Picture Organic in general was their vibe, their fun yet earthy use of color, and cool-but-not-trying-that-hard style. After a season of turning my head to find I was attracted to yet another jacket from Picture Organic, I decided to look them up. Then I found out about their several value-alignment commitments, such as being B Corp Certified, using only sustainable materials, their climate and low-carbon strategy, and ethical production practices. But wait, there is more: every piece comes with a lifetime repair warranty. All you have to do is register your product online.
If I can have all of the above in a durable and reliable ski jacket, I'm feeling good and all in. Cute style is just bonus points.
I’ve been wearing the Ridge Merino Cloudripper Fleece nonstop since I got it a few weeks ago. It’s a wool grid fleece hoodie, so it won’t end up smelly like an old polyester fleece does. It’s incredibly comfortable, warm, and breathable. It also looks great, so I can wear it all day, every day, not just on the mountain.
At its core, the Cloudripper is a midweight grid fleece with a full-length zipper and a hood. It reminds me of a Patagonia R1 mixed with a Melanzana Hoodie, but it’s more breathable than either of those fleeces. And since it’s 65% wool, it doesn't stink when you wear it constantly. I’ve worn other wool-synthetic blend fleece layers, and the Cloudripper has the highest wool content and looks and feels the best.
It fits snug enough to wear while climbing, running, or skiing, where you’d want to layer over it. But it also doesn’t fit too tightly for casual settings. Whether you’re wearing this under bibs, with running tights, or with jeans, it looks great. I’ve even worn it out to dinner, albeit in mountain towns; it doesn’t look too technical for casual settings while being a technical midlayer.
The Cloudripper has been my favorite layer all fall, and I expect it’ll continue to be my favorite fleece all winter, too.
Hedgehog Dryer Buddy Black Ionic i3
To call it winter in Colorado right now is a bit of a joke, sadly. With scant snow in the mountains there’s been little reason to strap on the planks and snowshoes, much less the MICROspikes—so I’m still rock climbing and mountain biking, yearning to get into a couple new pairs of snow pants and bibs. However, one piece of gear I’m stoked to test, and just got to use for the first time, is the Hedgehog Dryer Buddy Black Ionic i3 boot, shoe, and glove dryer.
This little six-limbed beast can dry out up to six items at a time, including wet boots, gloves, shoes, socks, and other items. With an integrated timer and multiple heat and fan settings, you can control the amount of time it takes to dry your cold, wet gear out, without compromising it. It’s sure better than cramming your wet boots with newspaper in the hopes of drying them out before morning. I also love that it has an ionic function that should help break down odors in wet footwear and gloves, but I haven’t placed any really nasty old footwear in it yet.
La Sportiva Lumina Down Jacket 200
Down jackets have been one category where if you get a good one, it should last you a decade. So I haven't got a new down jacket in seven years until testing the just-released La Sportiva Lumina Down jacket. In just a few weeks, I've already realized how much has improved in down jacket design since I last personally took a close look. I'm already plotting taking this jacket on my next thru-hike.
Using 1000 fill down, the 200-weight I tested has an impressive warmth-to-weight ratio of 50% with a fill weight of 4.4 oz (men's) and 3.6 oz (women's). We usually only find these ratios in small cottage brands like made-to-order/must-answer-trivia-questions-to-enter-the-lottery Timmermade.
More notably, we usually see these warmth-to-weight ratios in pullovers that lack a full zip and or two hand pockets. And perhaps this is vain, but a lot of those cottage brands make a unisex or otherwise boxy women's fit. The Lumina is much sleeker-looking, with a V-shaped sewn through baffles. Lastly, the mic dropper here is the price. A full-zip with hood and two pockets with 1000-fill down is unheard of at this price ($379).
La Sportiva also has a Lumina 100 that Sam tested on his thru-hike of the Pacific Northwest Trail and a new 300 fill weight for even colder conditions.
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