With so many options, it can be difficult to know how to choose the best baselayers for wintry endeavors. It’s okay to want high-performance base layers that are also cute, even if they’re hidden under your ski jacket all day. There are plenty of brands, styles, materials, and fits available, ranging from big box warehouse basics to high-end, tech-forward super fabrics produced sustainably. Don’t worry ladies, we sorted through the myriad options for you. These are the best baselayers for skiing, touring, and winter backpacking this season.

The Winners at a Glance

• Kari Traa Edith Half-Zip Top and Bottom
• Ortovox Swisswool Hybrid Short Pants
• LĂ© Bent Feathertop Ultralight Hooded LS Tee
• Minus 33 Long-Sleeve Henley and Woolverino Bottom

The Reviews: Best °ÂŽÇłŸ±đČÔ’s Baselayers of 2024

Kari Traa Edith Half-Zip Top ($110) and Bottom ($100)

Sizes: XS-XL
Key Material: 100 percent Merino wool
Best For: Resort skiing

The manifestly feminine jacquard knit top has subtle spacing for bewbs, hugs in at the waist, and sits just below the hip for a fetching fit. The half-zip style gives you the option to vent or bundle up and looks cute either way. Both the top and bottom have airy side panels for better breathability and movement. The pants have a generously wide waistband that plays well with bibs and pants alike. Because they’re made from 100 percent responsibly sourced Merino wool, they are naturally odor-resistant and will keep you toasty whether you’re on the chairlift, slashing pow, or celebrating the snowy weather apres ski. Our testers noted the caveat to wearing these baselayers is that you often get stopped by women wanting to know who makes them and where they can buy their own. Kari Traa’s Nordic-inspired patterning and flattering fit baselayers have developed a cult following. Once you buy into the brand it’s easy to clock the distinctive design and you’ll fit right in if you’re wearing it in Oslo or Svalbard. The Edith Half-Zip performed perfectly during high and low output days at the resort, staying dry and providing a cozy line of defense when temps dropped into the low teens and the wind and snow came to roost.

Ortovox Swisswool Hybrid Short Pants ($220)

Sizes: XS-XL
Key Materials: Swisswool, Merino fleece
Best For: Backcountry ski touring

Somewhere between Grisons and Valais in the Swiss Alps, a mountain sheep living its best life is growing the wooly fibers that will soon become a staple in your ski wardrobe. This cropped baselayer pants from Ortovox are made exclusively for women and won over our testers during long days in the backcountry by punching above their 60g weight class in insulation. These versatile hybrid short pants have thin seam cuffs that hit below the knee to meet at the ski sock cuff and can be worn with other layers beneath shell pants without feeling bulky. Though the waistband could be slightly wider, it was plenty soft and stretchy. If your shell waterproofing fails, this layer will keep you warm even if it gets wet, and it dries considerably fast to boot. Articulate German engineering presents in the clever body mapping with Swisswool inserts on the front and back of the thighs, where you need to retain heat, while light Merino fleece lines the sides, crotch, and back of knees where you need more airflow.

LĂ© Bent Feathertop Ultralight Hooded LS Tee ($160)

Sizes: XS-L
Materials: Merino wool, elastane
Best For: Backcountry ski touring

This ultralight 125-gram long sleeve hoodie is made with raw bamboo blended with twist-free technically spun Merino wool and elastane by using Nuyarn technology, which releases the natural performance characteristics of wool fibers that outperform synthetics and produces a super-fine yarn. It has a noticeably creamy texture and a markedly thin loft that belies its proficiency. This top outperformed other layers in its category during high-output days in the backcountry by drying faster and offering more thermal retention and elasticity. You may get sweaty while you’re hustling uphill, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through damp layers on the way down. The fabric also has built-in UPF 50+ sun protection, which came in clutch when the sun came out and outer layers came off. Wear it with another layer under your ski jacket on colder days or on its own during spring corn farming. It’s form-fitting and will keep its shape after several cycles of wear and wash, plus it doesn’t get stinky—even if you forget to wash it.

Minus 33 Long-Sleeve Henley ($90) and Woolverino Wool Leggings ($85)

Sizes: XS-2XL
Key Materials: Merino wool, nylon, spandex
Best For: Winter backpacking

In addition to performing well during winter backpacking trips to and fro in temperatures ranging from 10 to 60 degrees, our testers loved that these baselayers looked and fit like sporty tops and leggings rather than winter long johns, and that they have UPF 50 sun protection built-in. The Woolverino midweight bottoms feature a yoga-style wide waistband with a small stash pocket and a compression-style silhouette. They are made with a blend of Merino wool, nylon, and spandex so they will keep their shape even if you wear them hiking all day, sleep in them, and then wear them to breakfast the next day. The Henley top is made from 100-percent Merino Wool with a regular fit and flatlock stitching so it’s comfortably worn with a backpack and doesn’t bunch up or rub on your shoulders. The three-button front-closure style adds a bit of flair and airflow while the slightly longer sleeves and hemline add to its classy profile.

How To Buy Baselayers

When shopping for baselayers, consider how they will perform when you’re out in the wild. First and foremost, are they comfortable? These are your next-to-skin layers so they need to feel nice on your body. Are the seams compatible with backpack straps? Does the hem work well with your ski pants? Does the half-zip, button-up, mock neck, or crew neck satisfy your style? Are you looking for something to wear during long days of uphill travel in the backcountry or will you be spending the day riding chair lifts? Merino wool fibers are naturally odor-resistant, moisture-wicking, and breathable, but generally less durable as synthetic materials. Because synthetics are usually a blend of fabrics, they are popular with those keen on stretchiness and moisture management. It’s better to buy something that is thoughtfully designed and durable rather than something whipped up in fast fashion that will fail you on the mountain. Beyond the technical details, you may also want to determine if what you are buying is sustainably produced. Most reputable brands have information about their sustainability practices available on their websites.

How We Test

• Number of Testers: 9
• Number of Products Tested: 53
• Coldest Day During Testing: 10 degrees F (Yankee Harbor, Antarctica)
• Warmest Day During Testing: 60 degrees F (Southern Utah Desert)
• Number of Continents Tested On: 4

Meet Our Testers

We asked our lady gear testers, who get after it daily, to put these baselayers to the test to see how they fit and felt during their everyday adventures and epic endeavors. We wore them in the Arctic and Antarctic, hiked and skied in them, and then hiked and skied in them some more, just to be sure. Category manager and șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű contributor Melissa McGibbon is a freelance adventure travel writer and editor. Melissa is based in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, and skis almost every day. Other key testers include Team F3 Endurance athlete, Stephanie Shew, DPT, civil engineer and snowboarding ace, Lindsay Minck, and Alta Ski Area’s Lady of the Lifts, Shannon Corey.

The post The Best °ÂŽÇłŸ±đČÔ’s Baselayers of 2024 appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

The least fun part of a snow-season getaway is dragging your two sets of skis or snowboards from the frozen tarmac to the resort, dodging black ice and kicking up road salt along the way. These travel tools will take the bite out of the winter schlep, whether it’s across town or across the globe.

Read more: The Best Winter Packs of 2023

How We Test

Number of testers: 65
Number of products tested: 47
Highest Elevation: 11,362 feet, Jungfrau, Switzerland
Lowest Elevation: -30 feet, Pacific Harbour, Fiji
Time Spent in Layover: 25 hours

We invited a small army of our loyal testers and veteran gearheads to help us put these travel essentials through their paces. That meant 65 powderhounds from varying backgrounds and ability levels, ranging in age from 23 to 53, drove hundreds of miles, transited through dozens of airports, summited mountains and skied back down them, hiked glaciers, and descended slot canyons. Then they packed up all their gear and headed back to the airport, train station, or snow-covered road to fill out feedback forms back at home. Only the very best travel gear survived the season of international, ice-crusted abuse and made it into this roundup.

Planning a ski road trip this winter? Here are some tips for camping in ski-area parking lots.Ìę

Reviews: The Best Luggage for Winter șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Travel of 2023

Osprey Women’s Fairview/Farpoint 70L Travel Backpack ($230)

Hauling a week’s worth of gear on your back is no easy feat, but the Fairview (Farpoint is the men’s-specific version) travel pack performed the best of all the packs we tried. As in Osprey’s banner backpacking rucksacks, the Fairview/Farpoint has a frame suspension that transfers weight from the harness to the hip belt. Testers noted that it didn’t feel heavy, even while running through airports or between train platforms loaded up with camera gear and electronics. The pack also makes light work of organizing gear with easy access and thoughtful features: A large main compartment panel zipper was key when trying to access goods without having to unpack the entire bag on a ferry dock, and a zippered rear flap stows the hip belt and shoulder straps for easy bag-checking. When you arrive at your destination, the backmost portion of the main body zips off to use as a day pack (it even has its own lockable laptop sleeve). Engineered with lightweight, recycled, bluesign-approved 210-denier nylon and 600-denier packcloth, the Fairview withstood shoving, slinging, tossing, and thrashing from backpacking and careless baggage handlers.

Bottom Line: A feature-laden pack for every possible outcome while adventure-traveling.

Dakine Fall Line Hardside Roller Bag ($300)

Whether you’re a touring purist or a resort regular, you’ve likely spent a lot of money on your set-up—so protect it. Made with 100 percent recycled ABS and polycarbonate shell material, this hard-sided roller can hold two pairs of skis (up to 190 centimeters), two poles, one pair of boots, and a few pairs of puffies and ski pants. After years of seeing ski bags turn up damaged in baggage claim, we appreciated the extra protection that comes from the laminated foam interior and anchor straps to keep your gear from shifting inside. Testers also lauded the Fall Line’s oversized wheels and grab handles, which made for easy maneuvering. Thanks to a connecting handle, you can pair this bag with non-matching rolling luggage for easier, one-handed shuttling. It has a TSA-approved combo lock for added security, and tie-down passthrough points so you can attach it to your vehicle’s rooftop crossbars.

Bottom Line: Seriously secure armor for your precious ski or snowboard gear, with practical touches that make for easy hauling.

Thule Aion Carry On Spinner ($349)

’s Aion Carry-On Spinner is tailor-made for transitioning from ice-packed gravel parking lots to the airport. We rolled this 36-liter carry-on and its rugged oversized wheels through snow, mud, and sand, pushing the limits of its capacity without broken wheels, soiled fabric, or snagged zippers. The shell, fabric, lining, and mesh are made of water-resistant 100 percent recycled waxed polyester canvas fabric, with a polycarbonate back panel (50 percent recycled) that sheds snow and slush. For hurried exits, a removable compression packing cube with a TPU lining separates dirty gear from the rest of the bag. This came in particularly handy when contending with sweaty clothes after a big day in Idaho’s Sawtooths followed by heading straight to the airport, while others found its transparent material useful for finding toiletries. A large zip down the front offers easy access to a jacket in transitional moments, while a smaller front zip holds keys, phone, and wallet.

Bottom Line: A go-anywhere carry-on that transitions from the backcountry to the frontcountry and beyond.

Thule SnowPack M Ski/Snowboard Rack ($330)

This medium-sized ski and snowboard carrier is the best value for the money lightweight rack we tested thanks to its accessibility and gas-saving design. The SnowPack’s 20-inch clamp securely carries up to four pairs of skis or two snowboards (or two skis and a snowboard). Extra soft rubber arms protect fragile surfaces, and a locking option keeps your high-ticket gear safe while you aprùs. It fits with Thule’s crossbar sets, round bars, and most factory racks so you can attach it to almost any setup and it took two people about an hour to install. Beefy release buttons make it easy to open and close while wearing thick gloves. Thanks to its lightweight aluminum construction and low-profile aerodynamic design, we never felt (or heard) drag while driving up and down canyons or at high speeds on the freeway.

Bottom Line: Intuitive ski and snowboard carrier that won’t slow you down on the road.

Cotopaxi Allpa 60L Tote ($90)

This robust 60-liter tote is ideal for everything from ski and snowboard accessories to a week’s worth of groceries. Thanks to a zippered front pocket, gear loops, and interior organizational pockets, we hauled helmets, goggles, balaclavas, gloves, extra layers, snacks, and water bottles back and forth from the car to the ski lodge countless times. We also used it as a shopping bag around Vancouver, B.C.’s Whistler Village, and even carried bags of ice for our coolers at our end-of-season parking lot party at . The nylon and polyester tote is made from factory remnant scraps and folds down to the size of a Jetboil stove.

Bottom Line: A robust, good-looking replacement for that decaying Ikea tote you’ve had in your trunk for a decade.

Mystery Ranch District 24 Backpack ($165)

The District 24 is a casual, lifestyle-oriented daypack with impressive carrying chops—and without the overengineering characteristic of many other small hiking bags. It has two, padded sleeves large enough to hold a laptop and tablet, a large internal compartment for stashing bulky hard drives and headphone cases, and various smaller internal organizational pockets for dongles, cords, and a mouse. Interior water bottle pockets on either side of the pack and dual stretch woven external pockets that are big enough for a 16-ounce Hydroflask but not a standard Nalgene bottle. Despite this lifestyle focus, the District 24 has load-lifters that allowed our testers to haul heavy spellbooks and magic cloaks in Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Open-cell foam-padded breathable shoulder straps and body panels made the District 24 a comfortable carry while hustling between gates, but we would probably switch to a different pack for working up a sweat while hiking. Extremely durable Cordura Recor—a super yarn that’s made entirely of reclaimed pre-consumer waste—survived tossing, shoving, and dragging without a scratch.

Bottom Line: A heavy hauler with everyday carry features.

FjÀllrÀven Tree-KÄnken Pocket ($45)

The Tree-KĂ„nken is perfect for those awkward moments when you don’t have quite enough pocket space but don’t want to strap a fanny to your waist. The five-by-eight-inch pouch has a zippered one-liter main compartment that’s big enough to hold keys, wallet, lip balm, and even an oversized iPhone. The smaller zippered front pocket can fit small, flat, easy-to-lose things like credit cards, room keys, and tickets. It works by itself as a shoulder sling and also pairs with the classic KĂ„nken backpack with a loop and snap button system. It’s made from 100 percent lyocell sourced entirely from pine trees in Sweden.

Bottom Line: A hyper-functional fanny pack replacement with eco-cred.

Pakmule Sway-Back with Porch Package ($1,280)

Deluxe winter tailgating demands a serious front-porch setup. This fully-welded hitch carrier weighs just 42 pounds but adds a whopping 12 feet of storage space and 500 pounds of cargo-carrying capacity to the back of your vehicle. One tester who attached it to his camper and took it to a remote area near Robbers Roost, Utah, was impressed by its handling and durability thanks to a locking, threaded anti-wobble mechanism for rough roads and rustproof, 70 percent-recycled aluminum construction. Bonus: An optional set of “Stirrup” stairs ($125) offers easy access to your backcountry porch.

Bottom Line: Looking to out-tailgate all the other campers and trucks? Slap an off-road-friendly porch on the back of your mobile home.

Back to the Winter Gear Guide

The post The Best Winter Travel Gear of 2023 appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

The bottom half of a ski kit is often overlooked in favor of its flashier, more glamorous counterpart, the jacket. But there’s a solid argument that your bottoms do as much if not more work both in the resort and in the backcountry. They have to insulate your legs while preserving their ability to hike and hop turn; they also have to be water-resistant enough to avoid sogginess on snowy lift rides yet also breathe well enough to mitigate sweat in your nether regions. The following pairs are so feature-packed and slick-looking that they’ll give any jacket in this guide a run for its money as your favorite piece of kit.Ìę

Patagonia Upstride Pants ($279)

These slim pants are meant for endurance backcountry days with predictable weather. It’s as if Patagonia weaved hustle right into the airy fabric to enable fast and smooth uphill gliding. The DWR-treated bonded stretch-knit fabric is airy and buttery soft yet ­durable—­ideal for baselayer-less spring touring. They’re so comfy you could wear them to yoga. (­women’s XS–XL / men’s XS–XL)

Flylow Kimberly °ÂŽÇłŸ±đČÔ’s Bibs ($300)

The Kimberly is cut to hug the waist while leaving ample room lower down for curves. The smooth two-way right-side zipper is operable ­with one hand for slick temperature regulation, and the stretchy hard-shell material is lightweight with seamless cuff reinforcements. A backside zip permits quick use of the facilities. (women’s XS–XL)

Ortovox 3L Deep Shell Bibs ($600)

Women freeriders who like to ski resort, sidecountry, and backcountry terrain: this bib is for you. These bibs’ small features—an adjustable waistband, deep thigh pockets, lower-back mesh vents, and long two-way side zippers for heat dumping and bathroom breaks—add up to big magic. They’re wind- and waterproof and made with a midweight three-layer fabric lined with merino wool. (women’s XS–XL / men’s S–XL)

Mountain Hardwear Boundary Ridge Gore-Tex Bibs ($400)

Below the waist, the Boundary Ridge is made from ­workwear-quality 75-denier Gore-Tex; stretchy soft shell on top boosts range of motion. This combo kept testers nimble on bootpacks and dry while digging snow pits in the Siskiyou Mountains. A solid and simple integrated cinch allows you to dial in the fit one-handed, and two pockets hold avy tools and a beacon. (women’s S–XL / men’s S–XXL)

Bonfire Ranger ČѱđČÔ’s Pants ($400)

The Ranger is one of those rare pieces of gear that can go from the bunny slope to backcountry hot laps, and from T-shirt weather to blizzard conditions, without compromise. Built from the most breathable and stretchy iteration of Polartec’s waterproof NeoShell that we’ve seen, it moves like a soft shell but kept testers bone dry while resort skiing in eight inches of wet Oregon pow. Cargo pockets and hearty, glove-friendly zippers make these pants as practical as workwear even as they flex and function like athletic wear. (men’s XS–XXL)

Arc’teryx Sabre AR ČѱđČÔ’s Pants ($549)

The Sabre AR’s highly effective ­­knee articulation, waterproof ­stretch fabric, and heat-dumping thigh zips were the ticket on a five-hour backcountry mission. “Anticipates my needs,” wrote one tester, who waxed downright poetic about how the pants’ designers created thigh pockets that virtually disappeared when empty but were large enough to stow a turkey sandwich. Clean lines made them shine at the resort, too. (men’s S–XXL)

The post The Best Ski Pants and Bibs of 2022 appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

Rab Khroma Kinetic Pants ($300)

Comfort is where the Khroma Kinetic shines. The wide waistband makes the legs lie flat, and the woven soft-shell fabric—a flexible, waterproof membrane sandwiched between a wicking inner layer and an outer shell that blocks precipitation—is both protective and delightfully stretchy. A beacon pocket and waterproof zippers bolster utility.

Ìę

Arc’teryx Sabre LT Bibs ($525)

If they weren’t made of Gore-Tex, we’d wear these pants to weddings—that’s how well they fit. They’re burly, with a ­100-denier aramid weave at the cuffs for maximum scuff resistance. But the stretchy waterproof-breathable fabric and ample knee articulation mean they move like athleisure wear. In short, they’re a ski mountaineer’s dream.

Flylow Tannen Bibs ($400)

The Tannen is for people who want resort protection and backcountry breathability. The high-cut waist keeps snow out of your nether regions, while inner and outer thigh vents and ­mesh-lined pockets dump heat. The lightly brushed interior is comfortable against the skin, ideal for blazing tours sans long underwear.

Outdoor Research Carbide Bibs ($299)

Built for the backcountry, the ­Carbide is slim but ready to move. The ­40-denier waterproof fabric is tough yet light and breathable. Quick-release suspenders, courtesy of ­adventure-belt company Arcade, make tinkles easy. The right-leg beacon pocket is a bonus.

Ìę

Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft Pants ($350)

We often give resort pants a pass on breathability and mobility as long as they look cool and keep our butts warm. No longer. Relaxed yet slim, the Alpha LifaLoft is like ski-hill business casual. But with four-way stretch fabric, ample thigh vents, and breathable synthetic fill, it’s shockingly capable on climbs.

The North Face °ÂŽÇłŸ±đČÔ’s Team Kit Bibs ($250)

In 1990, the North Face used Gore-Tex to make apparel for its first ­trans-Antarctic expedition. The ­all-new Team Kit pairs the original design’s retro looks with modern waterproof-breathable fabric. A clever single-pull adjustment on the left shoulder strap makes for easy fit tweaks.

The post The Best Ski Pants and Bibs of 2021 appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

GoPro Hero7 Black Camera and Travel Kit ($399 and $60)

New from GoPro, the Hero 7 understands 14 voice commands. (Example: “That was sick!” lets you flag a particular section of video.) The travel kit includes a mini tripod, lanyard, and padded case.Ìę

Ìę

UCO Sprout Mini Lantern ($15)

Whether you’re headed for a campsite, a yurt, or a cabin, bring this tiny 100-lumen light, which has a handy strap for hanging.

FjÀllrÀven Kiruna Padded Parka ($350)

With a water-resistant, waxed-canvas outer and synthetic insulation, this thigh-length coat is what we grab when a regular puffy won’t do.

Thule Crossover 2 Toiletry Bag ($49)

Tired of rooting around in a Dopp kit? The Crossover 2’s wide opening allows you to see everything at once. (The lid also snaps around towel bars for hanging.) A pair of water-resistant pockets keep liquids quarantined, while small mesh ­pouches hold sundries.

Osprey Ozone Duplex 65 Pack ($220)

Roomy enough for a ski helmet but small enough to still rate as a carry-on, the Duplex is full of features, including internal compression straps and a laptop sleeve. It also splits into a duffel and a daypack, so you can slot it into whatever space is left in the overhead.

Gregory Quadro Pro Luggage ($250)

The 30-inch, hard-sided Quadro Pro swallows everything you need for several weeks. The dirt-, moisture-, and smell-resistant compartment separates sweaty clothes from clean, and a TSA-approved lock and multidirectional wheels make travel a breeze.

​â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹

Klymit Versa Luxe Blanket ($119)

This is for camping, but you’ll want it everywhere. Swaddle yourself in high-loft fleece, fold it into a pillow, or use it at the beach (the bottom is soft ripstop polyester).

​â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹

One Eleven SW1 Solar Three-Hand Watch ($125)

The SW1 has a solar-powered battery, so you’ll never have to worry about your watch dying again. It can even recharge on indoor light. The brushed stainless-steel case and interchangeable straps are classy to boot.

​â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹

Costa x Bureo Caldera Sunglasses ($219)

With every compliment these killer shades get you, be sure to mention that they’re made from recycled fishing nets. The polarized, UV-protective lenses are incredible at reducing glare.

The post The Best Winter Travel Gear of 2020 appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

686 Black Magic Bibs ($250)

On the coldest powder days, turn to the Black Magic and its polyester insulation to keep you warm and cozy. The laundry list of features (tailored fit, boot gussets, mesh-lined leg vents, and more) makes it a good deal for the price. And there’s a nifty belt-loop eyelet for your lift ticket.

Arc’teryx Sentinel AR Pants ($499)

Made for freeriding skiers and snowboarders, these slim pants are remarkably versatile. The soft brushed insulation means they can be worn comfortably over thin or thick base layers. And with Gore-Tex waterproofing and 100-denier Cordura, they won’t break down.

The North Face Futurelight A-Cad Bibs ($549)

Bibs are tricky, since they must fit both the legs and the torso. Testers agreed that these balanced those imperatives best: tight enough to keep out snow, loose enough for athletic movement. The Futurelight membrane kept us dry in a downpour of Cascade concrete on Mount Shasta.Ìę

Ìę

Strafe Capitol Pants ($449)

Testers loved the Capitol in the backcountry. Credit the Recon hard shell, which was the stretchiest we tried. And the soft jersey lining was so supple that one tester wrote, “The only ski pants I’d consider going commando in.”

Patagonia Untracked Pants ($499)Ìę

Three-layer Gore-Tex construction made the Untracked second to none at keeping the elements out as we broke trail through a foot of dense, wet Pacific Northwest snow. The fit system is simple yet brilliant—a thick, stretchy belt attaches to Velcro on the hips. The trim waist is countered by a wider freestyle cut at the cuffs, which didn’t inhibit our strides even on steep boot-packs.

Helly Hansen Powderqueen Bibs ($300)

Ever seen a pair of corduroy ski bibs? Nei­ther had we. Despite the casual vibe, Helly’s Powderqueen is waterproof, windproof, and breathable, with clever nuances like a dedicated beacon pocket. And the look won us over—we’re OK calling these bibs cute.

Ìę

The post The Best Ski Pants and Bibs of 2020 appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

After four years of courses, including digital design, sustainability, and sewing, the students atÌęUtah State University’s first Outdoor Product Design and Development class presented their projects at the school’s Logan campus earlier this spring. Some created entirely new products inspired by their own needs, while others made improvements and design iterations for gear that already exists. They produced technical apparel, packs, hammocks, ski and snowboard gear, even new climbing-belay devices. Here are our favorites from the showcase.

Mackerel Approach Shoe

Veronica Villhard took inspiration for the Mackerel from the landscape and climate of southern Utah. “The spring conditions are unique, the weather is constantly changing, so the technical aspects were influenced by that,” she says. She built these suede and nylon mid-top shoes with materials that lend them capability in variable conditions: Five Ten’s proprietary Stealth rubber, a stiff foam, and laces that extend all the way to the rubber toe cap for a lockdown fit. Villhard named the Mackerel after the fish’s unique patterning, which she incorporated onto the soles (strictly for looks). SheÌędoesn’t have any immediate plans to take these shoes to market but does have a job offer on the table with a big-name brand.

Woolly Snuggers Waders

Natalie Cullum designed a pair of women’s fly-fishing waders, named Woolly Snuggers, that are made to better complement a woman’s physique. “I started fly-fishing about a year and a half ago, and my dad bought me a pair of waders, but they fit like a box and were super unflattering,” she says. So she started prototyping, and after implementing a zippered gusset that kept the silhouette slim while boosting the range of motion, she got the fit she was aiming for. Cullum’sÌędesign led to a job with Orvis, which she starts this month.

Tammock

With two other friends, seniors Riley Hughes and Nick Bierwolf created a company called and developed . As the name implies, it’s a hybrid tent-hammock, with 15-to-30-denier ripstop nylon and nylon mesh attached to a steel frame. (Though for the next iteration, the team is planning on switching to aluminum to bring the current 20-pound weight down.) The freestanding hammock inside the tent can be taken out and used separately. Their and Indiegogo launches were successfully funded, and Hughes and Bierwolf plan on shipping Tammocks to investors by next spring.

Cyclone Pedal

Jake Van Wagoner designed the Cyclone, a bike pedal that accommodates both flat and clipless shoes and is compatible with the standard hole pattern on both road and mountain cleats. He machined the Cyclone out of a quarter-inch-thick plate of aluminum. “I recognized an opportunity to do this while commuting on my performance bicycle,” he says. “It was inconvenient to change my pedals or shoes every time I rode to school, so I created a pedal that converts a clipless pedal into a traditional flat pedal.” Van Wagoner wants to refine the Cyclone before putting it on the market.

Lane Biking Dress

“Because cycling is a very male-dominated sport, I wanted to design a line that is really feminine and really accessible,” Bailey Purser says of her project. “There’s a lot of competitiveness with cycling, too, so I wanted something casual that feels less intimidating for women to wear.” She prototyped what she named the Lane Biking Fress, a half-cycling, half-commuting piece that has built-in shorts and a removable chamois, so it can be worn as a regular dress as well. “It’s made from nylon and stretchy fabric that’s super durable, so you can wear it anywhere,” Purser says.

Summit Snowboard Vest

Logan Reese cooked up this snowboarding vest (shown on the table in the photo) as an answer to the skier’s resort backpack. It can be difficult wearing a pack while riding because itÌęcan throw off your balance. “The Summit keeps all of the weight distributed in a way that keeps you on balance when you’re riding,” Reese says. “It has a lot of cool features, like stretchy side panels and 11 zippered pockets. And it can hold about 25 liters. I [wore] it all season.” He also created a fly-fishing model called the Angler’s Day Pack that can be worn on yourÌęfront (as pictured) or your back and packs into itself. Due to the expensive costs of materials and design, Reese doesn’t plan to mass-produce the packs unless he lands a job with a company that can fund their development.

The post This Next-Gen Gear Was Designed by College Students appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

Somewear Global Hotspot ($350)

Turn your smartphone into a satellite communications device with this wallet-size hotspot. As long as you’re outside with an unobstructed view of the sky, you can send and receive texts, and if necessary an emergency SOS, without cell service. Choose from four data plans (starting at $15 per month) and hit any trail with peace of mind.

LifeStraw Universal Filter ($35)

If finding clean water could be challenging where you’re headed, pack this clever filter. It’s compatible with narrow and widemouthed bottles and protects against bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and chemicals. That filtration helps improve flavor, too.

Quip Toothbrush ($40)

Once you go sonic, you never go back. This slim electric toothbrush is the most travel-ready on the market. Because it runs on a single AAA battery, there’s no bulky charging stand to pack. Adhesive on the case lets you stick it to your hotel mirror.

Skyhour Mile Money ($60 per hour)

This app allows you to buy hours of flight time, trade them with fellow Skyhour users, and use them to book travel on more than 350 airlines. As with a crowdfunding campaign, you can set a trip goal and share it, so friends and family can chip in.

Away the Bigger Suitcase ($245)

Four-wheel rollers are good. One that charges your phone is even better. This piece has an armored shell, interior compression straps, and a TSA-approved combination lock. Plan to check it? The battery pops out to comply with safety regulations.

Tile Pro Tracker ($35)

Place this powerful Bluetooth chip on your key ring, in your pack or purse, or on anything (or anyone) you need to keep track of. If you’re within 300 feet of the Tile, you can see its location on the phone app and make it chime, so you can zero in on it.

SealLine Blocker Compression Drybag ($36)

Is cargo space tight? After closing the roll top, use the Blocker’s waterproof valve to vent trapped air. The ten-liter nylon sack will keep your gear safe and moisture-free in crowded overhead bins and boat holds.

The post The Best Travel Tech of 2019 appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

Seattle Sports Octo Print Roll Top 20 Drybag ($45)

This is one of those pieces that screams, “I’m heading out onto the water!” And we love it for that. The burly material is radio-frequency welded at the seams to ensure the bag doesn’t spring a leak.

LifeProof Fre Phone Case ($90)

Phone-case evaluation is pass-fail—the device either stays dry or it doesn’t. After several soakings both intentional and accidental, the Fre passed. Bonus points for being the sleekest fully waterproof case out there.

OtterBox Yampa Dry 70 Duffel ($299)

OtterBox fortified the TPU-coated nylon Yampa with ultralow-density open-cell foam, which adds a layer of protection. We never had to think twice before tossing the gear-loaded duffel into the truck bed. It’s also airtight, so it floats.

Pelican Go-Case G40 Phone Case ($40)

This is the most apocalypse-defying phone protection we tested. You can’t use your device once it’s inside, but the Go-Case is crushproof and watertight. A ’biner loop makes it easy to clip to a rope or raft.

Chums Storms Series Sling ($60)

Slings are great for watersports, because they keep essentials close without getting in the way of the action. We liked the waterproof, 20-liter Storm for its mesh exterior pocket that’s good for storing soggy gear away from everything else.

House of Marley No Bounds Bluetooth Speaker ($60)

There’s a time and a place to play music outside (like when you’re alone or at the beach), and when we found it, we were happy to have the No Bounds. The palm-size speaker is waterproof, dustproof, and buoyant, and it plays for ten hours on a charge.

Mustang Bluewater 30 Pack ($160)

This waterproof pack has a roll-top compartment, exterior storage for soggy sandals, and internal straps to keep things from bouncing around. The secure sternum strap, foam backing, and waist belt made it comfortable enough for all-day wear.

The post The Best Waterproof Gear of 2019 appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

Slick trousers for powder-day overachievers

Flylow Smythe ($450)

Our male testers unanimously agreed that these were the most comfortable bibs in our test, thanks to the roomy cut. They’re streamlined, too: big vents, well-placed pockets, and nothing else.

Black Diamond Recon Stretch ($329)

Whether on long tours or for big objectives, these pants (women’s pictured) deliver. Black Diamond’s proprietary waterproof-breathable membrane keeps the elements out, while four-way stretch, articulated knees, and offset side venting allow for all the backcountry booty dropping you desire.

Ìę

Marmot BL Pro ($600)

The nylon BL Pro from Marmot deserves an award for being burly without restricting our movement on steep climbs and descents (something most pants struggle with). On top of a mobility-maximizing cut, the tech details are spot-on: there’s a beacon pocket, ample front and back vents, and removable suspenders.

Columbia Powder Keg II ($250)

The Powder Keg (women’s pictured) proves that ski pants can be flattering without sacrificing comfort or affordability. Columbia’s new Omni-Heat 3D tech­nology—a reflective lining combined with pods of fibers that create pockets that hang onto warm air—will keep you toasty and dry from bell to bell.

Ìę

Outdoor Research Hemispheres ($599)

The Hemispheres (men’s pictured) are the least flashy of the bunch but offer the best ski-specific fit. The secret? Stretchy panels that lend them an Ìę“Am I even wearing pants?” feel.

Ìę

Backcountry x Flylow Patsey Marley ($400)

The first women’s bibs to use Polartec Neo-shell, the Patsey Marley excels on all-day missions. Clever zips make it easy to answer nature’s call, and with four pockets, including a handy kangaroo-style pouch, is snack- and camera-friendly.

The post The Best Ski Pants of 2019 appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.