Ian is an internationally licensed IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guide, meaning he is certified as an Alpine, Rock and Ski guide through the AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association). As a guide for more than 15 years, he now works on the AMGA National Instructor Team to help to instruct and certify the next generation of mountain guides. Additionally, he works for NWAC (the Northwest Avalanche Center) as a professional observer, has worked in Alaska as an avalanche forecaster and currently works for AIARE as a Pro-Instructor; teaching professional-level avalanche courses. Ian is quite passionate about avalanche education and has instructed over 90 recreational Level 1 and Level 2 courses. He has been writing for OutdoorGearLab since its inception and few people are as passionate about gear. A true gear junkie from a young age few people research every item as meticulously, think about how it might affect your day in the hills, and of course most importantly how it compares in performance to other similar products. In the climbing world, Ian has been climbing for over 20 years and authored the guide book SUPERTOPO: Washington Pass Climbing. Some of Ian’s experience ranges from having established over a half-dozen first ascents in his home range of the Cascades as well as opening new routes in farther-off regions such as the Waddington Range, Patagonia and the Alaska Range.
Author Profile
Ian Nicholson
Review Editor
Showing 1-15 of 281 by Ian Nicholson
The Ultimate Backpacking Gear Checklist for 2024
If you are gearing up for backpacking, our comprehensive backpacking list will keep you on track.Best Rain Pants of 2024
Choosing a pair of rain pants is an unwanted bear of a task. We've done the dirty work, which involves sorting through...Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2024
Over the past decade, we've spent hundreds of days testing 15 of the best backpacking packs to give you the needed...10 Best Rain Jackets of 2024
If wet weather is keeping you cooped up inside, get your hands on a top-ranked wet weather winner from our lineup of...Best 4-Season Tents of 2024
Looking for a 4-season tent? Let us help. We've researched hundreds of the most popular tents on the market and put...Best Ski Gloves of 2024
With so many choices, it can be not easy to find the right pair. We hands-on test the best gloves and mittens for...10 Best Patagonia Jackets, Pants, & Gear of 2024
We have exposed ourselves to the weather for over a decade to test over 270 different Patagonia goods, including more...Best Rain Jackets for Men of 2024
Whether you need an all-around rain jacket or one suited for specific types of applications or budgets, we have a pick...Best Avalanche Airbag of 2024
To find the best airbag packs, we researched over 40 models, and tested the top 6 for over three months in the...Best Backcountry Ski Bindings of 2024
Touring bindings offer an excellent opportunity to save weight and enhance your experience and safety. However...Best Buy
Dynafit Speed Turn Review
A perennial OGL favorite for its proven design, reliable construction, reasonable weight, and bargain priceEditors' Choice
Hilleberg Jannu Review
A true all-around 4 season shelter, this tent is bomber enough for Denali, but light enough to be considered for Mt...Best Buy
The North Face Mountain 25 Review
A classic tried-and-true expedition tent that has stood up to some of the world's most extreme conditions. While...Best Climbing Nuts and Stoppers
We researched the best climbing nuts and chose the top options to test side by side for months on end. We tested both...Top Pick
MSR Remote 2 Review
A jack-of-all-trades, this tent does well at everything you'd want a 4-season tent to do. The trade-off is that it...
Next >