The Newest and Best Winter Gear for All Your Snowy Adventures
From base layers, boots, and bibs to board expanders, here are our picks for this year’s best in snow tech, gear, and toys
Audrey Hall
Oros Orion Parka
Courtesy of Oros
Down insulation has kept out the chill since the 1600s, if not earlier. The problem is bloat and moisture-resistance. This line of snow gear uses a filler based on NASA’s aerogel called Solarcore to provide warmth retention in a more streamlined package.
Carv Digital Ski Coach
Courtesy of Carv
In-boot and in-ear technology to improve your technique with personalized instruction while you ski.
Mountain Hardware Ghost Shadow Vest
Courtesy of Mountain Hardware
The Ghost Whisperer puffy is one of our go-to insulating layers, but this “shadow” version amps up the sustainability, featuring a recycled shell, lining, and trim. Fully 55 percent of the innards are post-consumer recycled.
North Face Futurelight A-CAD Jacket
Courtesy of North Face
New high-tech membrane blocks moisture and lets out sweat.
Vermont Gloves and Liners
Courtesy of Vermont Glove
Most work gloves are made from cowhide, but this pair—made in Vermont—uses goatskin, which keeps a soft touch even after it gets wet. The fingers are double-stitched for durability and an optional wool liner adds warmth.
Burton Photon Step-On Bundle
Courtesy of Burton
Gearing up offers the one crack in our conviction that snowboarding is the superior method of making it down the hill. With any other setup, we’re forced to bend and groan to strap on a board while smug skiers look on, adjusting their skin-tight one-piece jumpers. This two-piece combination works on both Burton’s proprietary center-channel boards and other four-bolt setups. To tighten the boots simply twist the Boa dials; to lock into the low-profile bindings you just step, click, and go. It’s a wonder it took this long to develop.
Mountain Hardwear Scrambler 25 Backpack
Courtesy of Mountain Hardware
A removable top storage compartment makes for a smart slope carrier.
Icebreaker Women’s Tabi Tech Pants
Courtesy of Icebreaker
Base layers are the foundation of any successful winter wear. And for our money, one of the original players in the merino wool game remains the strongest: The New Zealand-based Icebreaker. Merino wool is prized for its insulate properties but also the natural stink-resistance of the fibers. In addition to smart foundation pieces that look as good in an après-ski setting as they do on piste, Icebreaker now offers a line of casual and dressier wear including a Japanese collaboration with the design giant Goldwin called Tabi.
Danner Women’s Mountain Pass Boot
Courtesy of Danner
This lightweight boot boasts classic styling for fashion meets function underfoot.
Jones Ultra Mind Expander Board
Courtesy of Jones
We’re not really park hounds, leaving rails and ramps for kids with flexible bones. This board is more our speed: Fast, carve-friendly, and all-conditions. It’s a high performance edition of Chris Christenson and Jeremy Jones’ signature surf shape.
Diamondback El Oso Tres
Courtesy of Diamondback
Carve through drifts with this two-wheeled front-suspension steed.
Hyperlite Versa Cross-Body Bag
Courtesy of Hyperlite
We’ve been fans of this fast-and-light brand for a few years, thanks to the minimalist construction of its bags—many of which use durable, waterproof, and slim Dyneema fabric. This new cross-body bag (or fanny pack, if you must) is the ultimate gateway drug. It’s small enough to be able to stow underneath a coat and bib, but capacious enough to be able to fit a phone, keys, even a smaller water bottle.
Smith 4D Mag Goggles
Courtesy of Smith
Crisp optics give you more slope to scope.
Mystery Ranch Rip Ruck Backpack
Courtesy of Mystery Ranch
Known for military and tactical applications, this line of packs offers easy-open, yet secure closure mechanisms. The Rip Ruck is comfy but spacious, with quick-access ports in the front perfect for phones, chargers, sunglasses, or whatever else you need on the go. Bonus: It sports a protective laptop sleeve for locking down your digital goods.
Flylow Sphynx Women’s Ski Bib
Courtesy of Flylow
Bright colors and crisp tailoring—what more do you need?
Vasque Clarion ’88 GTX Boot
Courtesy of Vasque
Hiking boots shouldn’t look like clown shoes. That’s why we’re huge fans of this throwback boot, available for both men and women. Retro style meets modern comfort in a Gore-Tex buffered upper. Underfoot, Vibram compounds help keep the rubber on the road.
POC Obex Backcountry Spin Helmet
Courtesy of POC
A built-in NFC chip offers medical information in the event of an injury.
Leatherman Free Series Multi-Tool
Courtesy of Leatherman
We’re huge fans of this Portland, Oregon-made utility tool company, which just launched one of the most significant new product lines in its 36-year history. Called Free, the magnetic open/close mechanism makes it easier than ever to access the toolsets inside.
