About UrbanGearReview
We're a team of winter gear enthusiasts, athletes, and industry professionals dedicated to testing and reviewing equipment that makes urban cold-weather life safer and more comfortable.
Our Mission
UrbanGearReview was founded in 2019 with a simple goal: provide honest, practical reviews of winter gear for city dwellers. We noticed a gap in the market - most outdoor gear sites focused on backcountry adventures, while urban commuters struggled to find reliable information about everyday cold-weather essentials.
Living through brutal winters in cities like Chicago, Minneapolis, and Boston taught us that urban winter challenges are unique. You need gear that works on salted sidewalks, transitions easily between outdoors and indoors, and performs during daily commutes - not just weekend adventures.
Every product we review goes through extensive real-world testing in actual winter conditions. We buy everything ourselves, test it thoroughly, and only recommend gear we'd use ourselves or give to family members.
What We Stand For
Independence
We buy all products with our own funds and accept no payment for reviews. Our only goal is helping you find gear that works.
Real Testing
Every product is tested in actual winter conditions - icy sidewalks, freezing temperatures, and daily urban use. No lab-only evaluations.
Urban Focus
We test for city life, not backcountry expeditions. Our recommendations work for commuters, dog walkers, and everyday winter challenges.
Expertise
Our team combines decades of outdoor industry experience, technical knowledge, and real-world winter living in harsh climates.
Meet Our Team
Expert reviewers bringing diverse expertise to every test
James Morrison
Founder & Chief Editor
Former outdoor equipment buyer with 12 years in the winter sports industry. After moving to Chicago and struggling to find honest reviews for urban winter gear, James founded UrbanGearReview in 2019. Specializes in traction devices and winter footwear.
Michael Torres
Senior Gear Tester
Marathon runner and winter cycling commuter from Minneapolis. Michael brings a decade of cold-weather athletic experience to our testing protocols. Has tested over 200 pieces of gear in sub-zero conditions and knows what works when you're pushing your limits.
Emily Rodriguez
Technical Reviewer
Mechanical engineer and former product designer for outdoor brands. Emily developed our rigorous testing methodology and evaluates gear durability, material quality, and construction. Her background ensures our reviews go beyond surface-level impressions.
Jennifer Walsh
Content Lead
Journalist specializing in consumer products with 8 years covering the outdoor industry. Jennifer ensures our reviews are comprehensive, unbiased, and genuinely helpful. She's passionate about connecting readers with gear that solves real problems.
David Sullivan
Winter Safety Specialist
Former EMT and winter safety instructor with 15 years of emergency response experience. David evaluates gear from a safety-first perspective and writes our educational content on fall prevention and cold-weather preparedness. His expertise keeps our community safe.
Nina Patel
Field Tester
Dog walker and urban explorer who spends 4+ hours outdoors daily, year-round. Nina tests gear in real-world urban conditions - icy sidewalks, salted streets, and unpredictable city weather. Her perspective ensures our recommendations work for everyday life.
Robert Harrison
Photography & Media
Outdoor photographer and videographer documenting gear performance in authentic winter environments. Robert's visual storytelling brings our testing process to life and captures the real conditions that challenge urban winter gear.
Our Testing Standards
Real-World Testing
We test every product in actual winter conditions for a minimum of 2-4 weeks. This includes icy sidewalks, snowy trails, sub-zero temperatures, and the salt-covered streets of real cities.
Multiple Testers
Each product is evaluated by at least two team members with different body types, use cases, and experience levels to ensure diverse perspectives.
Long-Term Evaluation
We track products through entire winter seasons and update reviews based on long-term durability. Many of our recommendations are products we've used ourselves for multiple years.
Get In Touch
Questions about our reviews? Want to suggest a product to test? We'd love to hear from you.
Contact UsAffiliate Disclosure: UrbanGearReview is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Our editorial decisions are never influenced by affiliate relationships. We only recommend products our team has thoroughly tested and genuinely believes in. Revenue from affiliate links helps fund our testing and keeps our content free. Read our full disclosure policy.