Winter Sports & Apparel Buyer's Guide

Sierra, Sept, 2000 by Roy M. Wallack

15. SPORTHILL

XC Pant $90

Sporthill calls it the "Levi's of the outdoor industry," and one run/ski/climb/hike will make you agree. This heavyweight, loose-fitting tight of 85% polypro/15% spandex features dual-zip side pockets, 12-in. offset ankle zips for easy in/out, a key/card pocket, and an elastic drawstring waist cord. The no-frills XC Cross Pant, without pockets and ankle zips, runs $70. 800-622-8444; sporthill.com

website

16 ALTREC.com

It's a store. It s a magazine. It's an interactive, 24-hour customer service line. Altrec is an all-encompassing website of outdoor and active travel. Sections include Camp & Hike, Cycling, Climbing, Paddling, Snow Sports, Fly Fishing, and Conditioning. No matter your interests--from stress-free adventures with your kids to multi-sport vacations in Costa Rica--you'll probably find it here.

tent

17. THE NORTH FACE

Ambition 35 Tent $529

One of the few extreme-conditions winter expedition tents with true ventilation, this 3-person, 5-pole tent weighs 12 lbs. and stuffs to 25 in. x 9 in. Standout features include continuous pole sleeves and 16 guy points for structural integrity, a vented vestibule with a window and built-in gear loft, dual doors, glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls, and color-coding of poles to pole sleeves. For low-weight summer use, it can be pitched fly-only 800-535-3331; thenorthface.com