At Baffin, we believe warmth isn’t something you can measure in a lab alone, it’s proven when your boots carry you through the unpredictable and unforgiving conditions of the real world. Since 1979, we’ve built our reputation on Real-World Tested™ (RWT™) performance, pushing our products through expeditions across the globe and subjecting them to extreme lab trials where components are frozen, flexed, and stressed at temperatures as low as -50°C/-58°F.

The result is a cold-comfort rating system designed to guide you toward the right gear for your environment and activity. Because comfort in the cold isn’t one-size-fits-all, our RWT™ levels bridge the gap between product and application, combining controlled lab results with data gathered in some of the harshest climates on earth.

The RWT™ Cold Comfort Level Evolution

Every Baffin boot is assigned an RWT™ cold rating that reflects its proven cold-comfort range and the level of activity that helps you stay warm. Activity matters, staying active promotes circulation, which keeps extremities warmer in the cold. That’s why each RWT™ rating is paired with suggested activity levels, described as a percentage of your heart rate max, along with examples of real-world use.

From icy expeditions to brisk commutes, the RWT™ system is about more than numbers—it’s about confidence in your gear when conditions change.

Tundra Rated: Built for Work and Play in the Snow

When snow blankets the landscape, Tundra Rated boots are built to perform. Proven across latitudes and altitudes during Canadian winters, these boots deliver durability and protection in consistently cold, snow-filled conditions. Tested by the Baffin team in tundra regions where temperatures range from -10°C to -30°C (14°F to -22°F), they’re made for the balance of warmth and performance that demanding winter environments require.

Comfort is best achieved with moderate to high activity, defined as maintaining 55–79% of your heart rate max—activities that keep the body warm through steady movement, such as:

• Snowshoeing through deep drifts
•  Shoveling or outdoor work in subzero weather
• Winter walking and trekking

Proven in the Real World

Tundra Rated boots aren’t just lab-certified, they’re field-approved. Members of our Baffin testing team have worn them in comfort while exploring diverse cold-weather regions,  including:

• Mount Rainier
• Mount Baker
• Temagami
• Lake Winnipeg
• Bow Glacier
• Alaska
• Wasatch Mountains
• Chilean Andes
• Lake Ontario

Baffin’s Top Picks – Tundra Rated Boots

ESCALATE X | Women’s Boot

A featherlight winter boot, ESCALATE X is a must-have for comfort and safety on both frozen and snow-covered terrains. Recommended during moderate to high levels of activity, ESCALATE X offers a versatile, easy-pack option that boasts some of Baffin's most comprehensive, proprietary slip-resistant technology.

Shop ESCALATE X here

BOREALIS | Men’s Boot

A completely innovative, hybrid design capable of taking adventurers from Fall through Spring, BOREALIS modernizes the traditional hiking silhouette and winterizes its approach. Body-heat mouldable and designed for greater temperature regulation, BOREALIS allows for higher exertion in a broader range of temperatures and a moderate to high level of activity.

Shop BOREALIS here

WANDER | Kid’s Boot

Inspired by exploration and crafted for adventure, WANDER combines advanced technology with durable comfort. From the playground to the trails, these boots offer year-round protection and style, making them essential for young explorers everywhere.

Shop WANDER here

WHITEHORSE (SAFETY TOE & PLATE) | Unisex Boot

Designed to provide comfort and safety in the cold, WHITEHORSE (STP) combines Baffin's cold climate technology with industrial safety features to create durable work boots recommended for various applications.

Shop WHITEHORSE (STP) here

Confidence in the Cold

Whether you’re working, exploring, or enduring the elements, Tundra Rated boots offer dependable warmth and protection through the heart of winter. Guided by the RWT™ system, you can move through deep snow and subzero temperatures with confidence—knowing your boots have been tested to withstand the coldest challenges, so you can focus on the journey ahead.