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.��

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 �´dz����’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 �ѱ��’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 �ѱ��’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)

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My first cycling jersey was a Team PDM replica from Ultima. I knew next to nothing about cycling gear; I just thought it looked good on Sean Kelly. But the first time I wore it on a hot day, I began to realize its shortcomings. The thick, densely knit synthetic fabric that felt so luxurious on the clothes rack soaked up sweat and felt hotter and heavier than chainmail. And whatever designer thought a quarter-length zipper was enough ventilation for summer should be consigned to wear it while climbing Tuscon’s��Mount Lemmon at midday in July.

I’m a proponent of the maxim that all clothing is cycling clothing. At the same time, it’s undeniable that hot-weather gear makes summer rides far more pleasant. I tend to manage by riding early in the morning when it’s cool. But that’s not always an option. Thankfully, a number of cycling apparel brands think differently than the sadist who created that old PDM jersey. There are now a number of pieces designed expressly for high summer.

Here is my ideal hot-weather riding wardrobe for road and mountain (most of these pieces come in both men’s and women’s versions). Some��are in my own gear closet and have stood up to extensive use. Others are simply ones that I’ve been eyeing, based on 25 years of testing experience. All of them are suited for hard rides in hot weather.

Road-Biking Kit

Rapha Pro Team Flyweight Bib Shorts��($215)

These aptly named are made from a sheer body fabric and treated with Schoeller’s UV-reflecting Coldblack to reduce heat buildup. The suspenders are a fine, lightweight mesh that won’t hold onto sweat, and the chamois pad (the same as in Rapha’s other top shorts) is perforated for faster drying. All that makes them ideal for hot days outside. In winter, they’ll double as your Zwift kit. A word of warning, however: all that emphasis on breathability comes at the expense of lifespan. Both saddle contact and regular laundering will wear the thin shorts material faster than standard fabrics. And take care with the mesh straps, which don’t have the same level of stretch as Lycra bib straps do; the stitching can rip if you’re not gentle with them.

MAAP Vector Pro Air Jersey ($170)

Stylish riders love this Australian brand for its creative graphics, like the bold color blocking found on the . But the brand isn’t only about style. To create the right mix of sun protection and cooling comfort, designers built the Vector Pro Air out of multiple different Bluesign-approved fabrics. The body is a denser micro-perforated mesh, which balances UV protection (UPF50+) and breathability, while the side panels are made from a see-through, netting-like material. Even the pocket fabric is perforated. The four-ounce garment is perfect for sweltering days.

Pearl Izumi Sun Sleeves ($30)

On sunny summer road and gravel rides I like arm sleeves them as much or better than a generous slather of chemical sunscreen. You can find sleeves from a lot of brands. are made of a thin, lightweight stretch fabric that offers UPF50+ sun protection and doesn’t feel hot even in direct midday sun. Even better: the price is reasonable, and they come in white and hi-viz yellow, in five sizes that fit everyone from stick-figure WorldTour racers to guys with linebacker arms.

DeFeet Evo Mont Ventoux��Socks ($20)

Technical socks are notoriously expensive. If you’re going to pay $20 for a pair (a single pair!), you can do far worse than . The vented grid knit is airy and lightweight yet manages to wear durably, thanks to reinforcement at the heel and toe. The thin fabric is great for hot days when you want a bit of extra room in the toe box. And while they come only in basic solids rather than stylish designs, there are six colors to match to just about any kit.

Specialized S-Works Vent Shoes ($425)

The first thing you’ll notice about the is how light it is (the brand claims just 223 grams per shoe in a size 42). Turn it over and you’ll see why:��a Swiss-cheese sole designed for maximum airflow. Don’t worry,�� it’s still stiff enough. The shoe boasts the same no-stretch Dyneema upper found on the regular S-Works, but with mesh fabric panels for even more ventilation. The plastic toe bumpers feature still more vents. The wide size range (36 to 49) includes half sizes from 38 to 47 so you can get exactly the fit you need for whatever sock thickness you’re running or however much your feet swell in heat. The principal complaint I’ve seen is that the white version, which is the only color you should buy for a hot-weather shoe, suffers from some yellowing on the Dyneema portions. At this price, I’d recommend them only for people who do most of their riding in hot weather (or made a pile on bitcoin.) Still, if hot, painful feet are a problem, these are worth a look.

Mountain-Biking Kit

Aero Tech Delta Tee ($50)

Polartec’s Delta fabric is engineered with a mix of hydrophobic and hydrophilic yarns to speed sweat evaporation. You can find it in some cycling jerseys, but surprisingly few tops for mountain biking. Aero Tech’s new Delta Tee is more form fitting than most mountain bike jerseys, but it’s still casual enough to wear with baggy shorts. The slightly longer tail is designed for full coverage on the bike, but my favorite feature is the two zippered storage pockets. They’re just spacious enough for keys or a phone, and they sit on the hips where they won’t interfere with the center-back pockets on cargo bib liners. The angled zippers also play nice with hip packs if you’re going that route to carry stuff. The only downside is that it only comes in a men’s fit (though we do appreciate that it comes in a wide range, from small to 5XL, which fits guys up to a 50-inch chest.). And Aero Tech took a page from Henry Ford on graphics: You can buy it in any color you want, as long as it’s blue.

Fox Flexair shorts ($130)

Baggies are designed mostly with two goals in mind: style and protection. This means that in hot weather you’re wearing one more layer than you need—and that layer is thick and burly, designed to fend off branches and rocks. the difference as well as��any short I’ve used, with a four-way stretch-woven shell that is lightweight and quick drying but still resists snags. Laser-perforated sections on the thigh offer a bit more airflow. The chamois-padded liner is removable if you want to use a different short, which I recommend. I still haven’t found an inner short on a baggy that matches a good pair of bibs for comfort. And the zippered pockets provide some secure storage. My only real gripe is the ratchet waist closure, which seems over-engineered and can be bothersome if you ride with a hip pack.

POC Essential Mesh gloves ($45)

There are cheaper gloves, like . There are lighter gloves, like . But I’m now on my fourth season with the and they’re still going strong, while other gloves have split stitches in the fingertips or worn holes in the web between thumb and forefinger. There’s nothing unusual about these. They feature a perforated synthetic leather palm with no padding; a stretch-mesh back, and silicone prints on the index and middle fingers for grip. They’re just well-made and have all the features you need. Terrycloth nose wipe? Check. Pull-on, with no bothersome closure tab? Check. Five sizes and six colors? Check and check. Because I’m a cycling fashion Philistine and wear full-finger gloves on the road, I find them great for that too.

Giro Empire VR70 knit shoes ($250)

There’s a bit of a contradiction in the idea of a hot-weather mountain bike shoe. Hot-weather shoes prize ventilation. Mountain biking shoes need to be armored to fend off rock strikes and add durability for hike-a-bike sections. The balance is always going to tip toward robustness. But comes as close as any shoe I’ve seen to also being suited for hot weather. The breathability comes mostly from the lightweight knit upper, a construction technique borrowed originally from running shoes. The high ankle cuff helps keep out dirt and gravel. But the knit itself wouldn’t provide much support, so it sits in a bonded TPU exoskeleton with a lace closure. A molded heel cup and rubber toe bumper provide anchoring and protection. The Easton EC70 carbon sole is reasonably stiff but still walkable, and the Vibram rubber outsole has good grip for hike-a-bike. Those with small feet take note: the VR70 is only available down to size 39.

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What I wear on the bike has a strong influence on how my ride feels that day. And I’m not the only one with this sentiment:��there’s a reason the hashtags or exist. Slipping on��my favorite aero jersey makes me feel sleek and fast. Skipping the chamois guarantees a chill cruise to the coffee shop. One of my favorite items to ride in, though, is a humble T-shirt. Riding in a tee is freeing: goodbye suck-it-in Lycra, hello breeze on my back. Wearing non-cycling clothing on the bike��sets the tone for a ride that equally colors outside the lines, like dragging my road bike up four miles of rocky singletrack (a poor choice��in retrospect) or taking it on��the metro to the edge of town to ride to an alpine lake (a great choice).

This wasn’t my idea. Riders have long worn T-shirts��on bikes. But up until recently, it wasn’t accepted or even practical for serious��cyclists.��(��and all that.)��Besides, where do you put your phone,��wallet, snacks, and any cool rocks you find along the way?

Enter cargo shorts.

I’m not talking about the dorky, khaki-colored knee-length bottoms popular with middle schoolers in the early aughts. I’m talking about the spandex variety you may have��seen hugging the chiseled quads of pro gravel racers in recent years. Essentially��bib shorts with snug pockets on the hips and/or the lower back, cargo shorts are an extension of a trend started by the all-road and��gravel��craze.��With cyclists riding longer days and pushing further off the grid, accessories for carrying more��food, layers, and tools have become popular, as evidenced by the��proliferation of handlebar bags, frame bags, and cargo shorts among drop-bar riders.

But you don’t have to ride epic gravel grinders to appreciate these shorts—they were��designed with everyday selfie takers in mind. “The original concept was created for easier access to your phone instead of trying to grab it out of your jersey pocket,” says Brian Dunlap, president of , the cycling clothing company that created one of the first pairs of bib shorts with hip pockets back��in 2017. “This also eliminated always having to wear a jersey.” In other words, by shifting pocket��space from our jerseys to our stretchy pants, cargo shorts liberated��us from that Power Ranger look��and, I’d argue, from the performance-oriented mindset attached to it.

We ride bikes to feel free: physical freedom, transportational freedom. Sliding my phone into a hip pocket and slipping into a T-shirt lifts a literal and metaphorical weight off my shoulders, and it feels something like spiritual freedom, too.��

My Favorite Cargo Shorts

Pearl Izumi Interval Cargo Bib Shorts ($165)

The Interval’s pockets��are minimalist and snug—just a narrow one on either hip—which is nice for stashing a phone and wallet for a short ride. Bonus: the dropper function on the women’s version allows you to pee without that bib-strap shimmy.

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7Mesh Cargo Bib Shorts (�´dz����’s, $200;���ѱ��’s, $230)��

In addition to hip pockets, these sleek bibs offer extra carrying capacity, with two lower-back pockets, essentially replacing the ones on your jersey. It’s best if you don’t use them��in tandem with jersey pockets, because then that area gets a little bulky.

Rapha Core Cargo Shorts ($130)

These��bib-free options have generous pockets that are big enough to stuff full of snacks for all-day adventures.

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It’s no secret that cycling can be an expensive sport. The bikes themselves can run well into the five figures. And then you’ve got to dress yourself. Clothing for road and mountain riding is rife with price inflation: $250 jerseys, $500 pairs of shoes. Maybe the craziest example is Assos’s new winter jacket.

All clothing is cycling clothing. You can—and should—ride in whatever makes you comfortable. But technical riding apparel exists for a reason. Shorts with chamois pads reduce chafing, especially on long outings. Lightweight jackets provide a measure of protection against wind and rain��but stow easily in jersey pockets when not needed. Those same jerseys, with their said pockets, also offer storage��and are designed with��full-length zippers for temperature management.

That does not mean you need to spend top dollar for a quality cycling kit. There’s a large range of apparel that��boasts a��more reasonable price tag, and the sacrifices to features and performance are marginal. Here are some of the best bargains in cycling apparel—items that are affordable and work well regardless of price.

Bib Shorts

The Black Bibs ($40)

Bib shorts are the foundation of any kit. I use them for road and mountain biking, alone or layered under shell shorts or pants. Good ones tend to be expensive, though, which makes the�� even more impressive. I’ve endured chafing from plenty of cheap bibs over the years. But I have not heard a single person—from former pro racers to new cyclists—utter��a bad word about these. They’re made by the retail arm of Starlight Custom Cycling Apparel, which designs��clothing for cycling teams, and feature the same gender-specific, dual-density CoolMax chamois pad as the brand’s Alpha bibs. They also boast a high-compression Lycra for proper, bunch-free fit and muscle support. What I’m most impressed by is the range of offerings across an inclusive size range: XS to 3XL for women and XXS to 4XL for men.

Jersey

Bontrager Circuit and Anara��($75)

There are a few less expensive jerseys out there: ($55) or the dirt-cheap ($10). But I like the slightly pricier ��(for men) and����(for women), which boast��light, fast-drying fabrics that won’t pill in the wash, a��slim (but not race-tight) fit that won’t flap like a sail, and thoughtful features like a security zip pocket. Often��jerseys come in just a few colors, but the Circuit comes in ten, and the Anara comes in eight. All styles feature minimal Trek/Bontrager branding, so you can avoid the rolling-billboard look.

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Warmers

Castelli Pro Seamless ($30)

Castelli is known for its premium (and often pricey) apparel, but it��wins the affordable award in this category. The is a knit ��(for the arms or knees)��made��from a stretchy, socklike polyester-Lycra fabric that is slightly lighter��than conventional thermal fleece fabrics. Still, it’s surprisingly warm, and the price is hard to beat. The seamless construction means no points of irritation or chafing, and the curved cut on the knee warmer won’t bunch up behind your joints when pedaling. This product��lacks an elastic gripper but comes in two sizes that offer reasonable coverage.

Jacket

Endura Pakajak ($70)

Scotland-based Endura is renowned for its foul-weather gear��but also for its��simple, durable designs. The fan-favorite is all that��and one of the most affordable wind shells you can find. There’s no magic to it. Endura just gets the basics right: a lightweight ripstop fabric treated with a PFC-free DWR��finish, a full zipper, a long-cut tail to protect you from rear-tire spray, and mesh vents under the arms. It’s windproof and water-resistant, so it’ll stand up to showers (though not��downpours). It also packs down tight to fit in a jersey pocket, enabling��you to��take it on any ride.

Gloves

Giro Trixter ($20)

I ride in full-finger gloves all��summer, even on the road. I like the extra grip on brake levers, and I don’t like palm padding, which almost all half-finger gloves have. So��don’t think of the as “just” a mountain-bike glove. It slips on with no bulky wrist closure, the fabric back is lightweight and vents well, and the microfiber palm has good grip and a touchscreen-compatible thumb and forefinger. Bonus: it comes in five colors and six sizes, so you can find one that fits your style and needs.

Road Shoes

Shimano RC300 ($120)

Road shoes are subject to some of the worst price inflation in cycling gear (looking at you, Lake and Sidi). That’s why I like , which is often listed as the RC3. The fiberglass-reinforced nylon sole isn’t as stiff as carbon fiber, but that sole stiffness on its own is not a major performance factor, . The RC300 offers several��advantages��to boot. Unlike numerous shoes at this price, it features fore-aft cleat adjustability to accommodate the midfoot cleat position that many riders find more comfortable. It’s also available in standard, women’s, and wide lasts, in sizes 36 to 52, which means it’ll fit a lot of people. Inexpensive road shoes sometimes sacrifice comfort, in part��due to cheaper closure systems. But the RC300’s Boa L6 covers the entire midfoot with a single micro-adjustable dial that doesn’t lead to hot spots. The synthetic leather upper lacks��adequate��ventilation, so if you tend to ride in hot weather, consider the white version—it’ll show more dirt but won’t absorb as much heat as the black.

Mountain Shoes

Specialized Rime 1.0 ($110)

The is built for versatility on and off the bike. Its��nylon composite midsole is stiff enough to keep your foot from wrapping around small mountain-bike pedals (a large-cage pedal helps even more),��but it’s not so stiff that hike-a-bike sections are��painful, and the street-shoe style won’t scream “bike nerd” in more casual situations. There’s a chunky outsole for grip and a rubberized toe to protect against rock strikes. Specialized didn’t overthink the closure system: it’s just laces and one midfoot strap. And while the shoe��fits all two-bolt clipless pedal systems, it comes with a treaded cleat insert so you can start riding it with flat pedals and upgrade to clip-ins later.

Helmets

Specialized Align II ($50) and Lazer Chiru MIPS ($65)

These are two of the most affordable helmets to get a five-star rating from Virginia Tech’s well-regarded helmet-testing lab, the only independent entity in the U.S. that tests for both linear impact and rotational energy management. The road-ish and mountain-bike-oriented both feature MIPS liners and one-hand quick-adjust fit systems. They’re also available in three sizes and a bunch of colors.

All helmets sold in this country��have to meet the same pass-fail Consumer Product Safety Commission��standards, and the��Align and Chiru test out as well as or better than helmets that cost hundred of dollars��more. So what’s the catch? These are heavier than high-end versions, the fit systems aren’t as elegant, and they have fewer vents. But that’s pretty much it. If you like the look and fit, you can save a ton of cash.

Sunglasses

Tifosi Dolomite 2.0 ($70)

Every pair of shades��I’ve had from this underappreciated company has been durable, comfortable, and offered clear, distortion-free optics for a lot less than you’ll pay for fancy brands. The comes with three sets of polycarbonate lenses—one for sunny days, one for overcast conditions, and a clear one for night riding. The full-wrap design provides great wind protection for fast road or mountain descents. But the aesthetic isn’t so racer boy that they look weird off the bike. And if full-wrap bothers you, the classic-looking ��(from $25)��may be more your speed. Both are also available with prescription lenses (the upcharge varies) through Tifosi’s Rx program.

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We at ���ϳԹ��� devote a lot of words and hours to caring for and refurbishing our winter��hard goods. And��for good reason: ski and board upkeep is satisfying��and delivers the immediate gratification of a smoother ride. Don’t forget your soft goods, though—staying warm and dry on the slopes makes any day more fun.��Pieces like��jackets and bibs are integral parts of your kit that can last for years��(and will help you adventure better) if you treat them right. I spoke with Kipp Godfrey, the general manager and overseer of tens of thousands of fixes��at America’s premier��technical gear-mending shop, ,��about how you can maximize your ski kit’s life and efficacy for seasons to come.��

Wash Often

The most important thing you can do is clean your gear, Godfrey says, “even if it is used sparingly.” The key is to keep your waterproof-breathable clothing’s��technical fabrics from developing��a nasty buildup. “With any laminate, like Gore-Tex, any introduction of dirt or oils is going to have an adverse effect on it over time,” he��says. How frequentlly��should you wash technical pieces? That��depends on how you use them��and how often. At a minimum, Godfrey advises, you should wash these items��at least once a season—even if you’ve only used them��once. But if you ski��every weekend, wash them��at least once every two months, and if��you ski��all the time, especially in the backcountry, wash them��at least��once a month,��he says.

Don’t Let Jargon Intimidate You

“One thing that deters people is��they think a super high-tech fabric is space-age science��that they should just leave alone,” Godfrey says. “The reality is, it’s just fabric.” While the machines that manufacture��these products may look like they’re from the future, laundering them is most definitely not rocket science. “Anybody who has a front-load washer and front-load dryer can wash their garments—even Gore, even technical laminates, even down products,” he��says.��

Use the Right Cleaning Solution

No matter what, use a technical cleaner, not your standard detergent. “Pretty much every detergent you will find on a store shelf is going to have a hydrophilic component that will leave a film on the fabric,” Godfrey says. “What will happen is, you will start sweating in [the garment],��and immediately that internal layer of laminate will start pulling moisture in.” And that’s exactly what you don’t want in a piece designed to keep you dry. While even one wash in detergent can take a toll, repeated use will definitely��be detrimental. “It will expedite the delamination process,” he��says.��

Godfrey highly recommends Nikwax products.��Rainy Pass uses ($10 and up) for waterproof laminates like Gore-Tex, ($11 and up) for down products, and ($15 and up) for��revitalizations. (Godfrey��suggests a wash-in alternative for at-home DWR treatments—more on that below.)

You Can’t Overclean

“Rarely can you overclean Gore-Tex or laminates,” Godfrey says. “And it’s better to overclean than underclean.” Grime buildup on the fabric will break it down over time, but the most you have to worry about from overwashing is a little extra abrasion from your washing machine.��

Pay Attention to DWR

DWR is a hydrophobic treatment that helps water bead up and run off the exterior of waterproof garments. Almost all recently made waterproof jackets will have it (but check the tag to make sure), and any formulation will need to be reapplied over the life of a jacket—but not too often. While it’s important to maintain enough treatment to keep up water resistance, most manufacturer treatments are designed to last at least a few washes. “A brand-new jacket can typically go through four to five washes before you need to reapply DWR,” Godfrey says. However, if��you wash your garment with detergent, then you will want to immediately reapply DWR, he advises.��When the time comes, Godfrey recommends ($13 and up). “It is really easy and no-mess,” he says. “You don’t have to worry about dripping DWR all over your mudroom.”

Use Your Dryer

“A lot of people are skittish about tossing Gore-Tex in the dryer,” Godfrey says. While the laminates and seams that keep our jackets waterproof may seem fragile, the presses that Rainy Pass uses to repair them are set to 300 degrees. “If Gore-Tex can handle 300 degrees, it can certainly handle a dryer,” he says. Laminates take very little time to dry in a tumble dryer: the key is to slough off some of the water first. “Pull the garment out of the washing machine, let it hang and drip for a couple minutes,” Godfrey says. Then ten to fifteen��minutes in the dryer on low should do it.��

While using a dryer is��more convenient when you’re cleaning your gear, it’s��crucial for reapplying DWR. “A dryer expels the water efficiently, which leaves the DWR exactly where it is supposed to be,” Godfrey says.��

Be Gentle

“If a product has a zipper, then that will be its weakest link,” Godfrey says. Even if you take excellent care of your garment��otherwise, the zipper will eventually break. “But you can practice ease of use with your zipper, instead of aggressively zipping up every time you put the coat on,” he says. Little acts of kindness toward��your soft goods��may not seem like a big deal on a zip-to-zip basis, but the force really adds up over time. If your zipper does break, you can bring it into a repair shop like Rainy Pass to get fixed, but that��can be pretty expensive (in the range of��$130 and up).��At the end of the day, whether it’s better to repair a zipper or buy a new jacket is up to you; as long as the garment isn’t delaminated, Godfrey says, it likely has some life in it.

Store Your Gear with Care

“Anytime you are going to put gear away for a season, always clean it first,” Godfrey says. “When something is in storage and it has oils and moisture on it, it will deteriorate.” This problem doesn’t just arise from laminated ski gear, he says, but all waterproof gear. “We see this with tents all the time. Someone will put away a wet rain fly and then pull it out completely shot the next season. Even if you only ski two or three weekends a season, still wash and dry that coat before putting it away,” he says.��

To make sure your gear stays dry in storage,��he suggests poking holes in the lid of your gear-storage bins to stimulate airflow. (You can also toss in a few of those “do not eat” desiccant packets that come with all your soft goods). “You don’t want your gear to be exposed to high fluctuations in temperature, because that is potentially going to have an adverse effect on any sort of laminate or bonded seams,” Godfrey says.��He recommends storing them��in an insulated space.��

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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.

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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.

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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 �´dz����’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.

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A friend of mine who owns a bike shop here in Albuquerque, New Mexico, says his business is��booming. He’s put important safety precautions in place to keep everyone healthy��but has been flooded with questions and customers. That’s because people are realizing that their old bike, which more than likely��gathered dust in the garage, is one of the best ways to��get outside responsibly��and enjoy��some fresh air during the pandemic. Others who’ve never owned one might��want to finally give pedaling a try. To help those of you who are either returning to a bike or getting on for the first time, here’s a list of some essential gear that will make your ride safer��and more comfortable.

Kali Protectives Therapy Helmet ($100)

Cheap helmets will protect your head, but they’re often uncomfortable, hot, and hard to adjust. That’s why I suggest , which isn’t stupid expensive and��comes with features that make it much easier to wear. It’s one of the comfiest��helmets I’ve ever used, thanks to a deep head cup and a micro-adjuster on the rear headband that provides��a precise fit. Tons of vents dump heat on hot days, and the chin strap stays in place and never rubs. Kali also uses��a low-density layer of foam��that helps cut down on the impact your head is subject to in��crashes.

Bontrager Ion Elite R Front Bike Light ($100)

You should always ride with lights on—even during the day (it’s been proven that daytime lights can prevent cars from running into you). I like the ��because it costs��just a Benjamin��and beams��1,000 lumens, or enough light to help drivers��see you from over a mile away, even at��high noon. At night��it’s bright enough to��light up the street or a bike path so you can cruise at��full speed. Mounting it to your handlebars is a cinch with its robust, easy-to-adjust clip. Match the Elite R with Bontrager’s rear light, which can also be seen from the same��distance during the day.��

Velocio �ѱ��’s Foundation Bib Shorts ($129)

You might think bib shorts are overkill for a short ride or a work commute. They’re not.��I wear bib shorts if I’m on a bike for longer than ten��minutes. Why? Because the padded chamois makes sitting��on your saddle twice as comfortable, and the sleek fit��cuts down on��chafing. This pair is��more expensive than some other options, but I think Velocio makes the best in the business, thanks to a precise fit and high-quality materials that breathe well. If you don’t want to look like a Tour de France cyclist on your ride, slip on a pair of overshorts (see��below).

Chrome Union Short 2.0 ($110)

I’ll admit it: I’m vain when I’m on��my bike. I don’t want to look like someone who’s out to win a European race. And if I want to stop for��a to-go coffee, I don’t want��to walk around in just bike bibs. That’s why I always wear the ��over them. Made from durable, four-way-stretch nylon and spandex—and sewn with a gusseted crotch—they move well and never slow me down. They also come with many useful features, including��a zippered phone pocket, a rear one big enough to carry a mini U-lock, and a reflective hit on the back hip that helps drivers��see me at night. Paying more than $100 for a pair of shorts may seem��ridiculous, but they’re great off the bike, too,��so��the value is there.��

Hiplok DX Wearable Keyed U-Lock ($90)

U-locks are��the safest way to protect your bike. I’m a fan of ��because the bar is made of a 14-millimeter��hardened steel that will ward off all but the most determined��thieves. (If someone does decide��to hack through it, they’ll need serious time to finish the job.)��At about six inches long, the locking bar is easy to get around your frame and the fattest bike rack. The keys it comes with are easy to use and don’t require any jiggling or finesse. If you don’t ride with a backpack, the DX comes with a sturdy plastic clip that slides through your belt and allows you to confidently��carry the lock on the back of your shorts.��

Patagonia �ѱ��’s Capilene Cool Trail Bike Henley ($55)

You can bike in any shirt, but ��will feel the best,��I promise. That’s the work of Patagonia’s Capilene material, a recycled polyester that wicks sweat quickly to keep you drier and less stinky. (The textile treatment that fights odor��also allows you to use the shirt a couple times in a row without washing.) Patagonia designed this Henley for riding a��bike, with a longer��hem that covers your back and butt when you’re bent over the handlebars.

The post Getting into Cycling? Here’s Some Gear We Love. appeared first on ���ϳԹ��� Online.

When I first moved to the Arctic after high school, my parents bought me a parka. Or at least, we thought it was a parka. It was from a popular company I won’t name, lest this seem like a critique of them when in fact it is a critique of the��jacket industry as a whole. But it cost about $200 and was baby blue with a fake fur ruff and, at the time it arrived at our house in California, it seemed like the biggest, warmest garment I had ever seen. Then I got to the Arctic and promptly realized that this parka was a joke. It was too short, it didn’t have enough pockets, and—worst of all—it was fitted with princess seams, as if to remind everyone that I had a waist, thank you very much, even as I tromped through the backcountry. I’m opposed to most princess-seamed winter outerwear on both practical and philosophical levels, but the biggest reason is this: when you’re out in deep cold, you want a lot of bulk around your torso, and snug hourglass-shaped “parkas” make it difficult to move freely and stay warm at the same time.

It doesn’t help that most outdoor brands use the term parka for any puffy that covers the top of your butt. Most of these coats are intended, fundamentally, for walking between buildings. But I’d like to propose a return to traditionalism, or at the very least, a return to the intention behind parkas themselves.��The term comes from the Canadian Inuit, and refers to a caribou-fur coat.��It shares characteristics with other traditional northern winterwear, like the Sami pesk (and cape-like��luhkka) and the Nenet yagushka. What do they have in common? They’re long and they’re big—and they’re warm. The size is the point. A well-designed winter parka isn’t made for going outside and then going in again; it is, quite simply, its own indoor space.��

It’s no accident that small parka brands have sprouted up across the North, and that adventurers who spend real time in the cold are devoted to them. Dogsledders know. Go to a dogsled race and you can tell exactly where in the country you are by the parkas people are wearing. If you’re in Fairbanks, you’ll see a lot of and . If you’re on Minnesota’s north shore, they’re wearing Wintergreen Northern Wear—and if you’re in Bayfield, they’re wearing . It’s not because dogsledders are hipsters, although, on an individual basis, this may or may not be true. It’s because they need things that function, and small brands exist because there’s a function vacuum in the parka department. They pick up where commercial parka makers leave��off.

When I asked Justin High of —a dog gear��and parka maker based on Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula—why he and his wife, Jaimee, started making and selling their own parkas in 2016, he answered without hesitation: “Because commercial parkas don’t work for us.” The reason? “They’re either designed for cross-country skiing, where you’re doing aerobic exercise the whole time, or ice fishing, where you’re sitting on a bucket. And companies have existing contracts with textile manufacturers, but those textiles don’t work in real cold.” They wanted something that prioritized function for cold-weather fun.

Let’s say your community doesn’t have its own cult parka, but you want one. What’s a winter-lover to do?

How to Choose Your Parka

First off, let’s not outerwear-shame here: the best coat is the coat that works for you, period. If you’re comfortable in a puffy, or even a hoodie, then that’s what you should wear. But if you’re cold, if you’re limited in your ability to enjoy winter but you want to be warm enough to get the most out of it, here are some parka tips to keep in mind.

• Think of a parka as a wearable bivvy sack. It doesn’t need to be particularly thick (although it can be), but it needs to contain all your inner layers comfortably. I like my parka sized to fit over a thick sweater or fleece, bibs, and a down puffy��if I need one.
• The longer, the warmer. A parka should reach at least to your hips, but it’s not uncommon to see one that’s thigh- or even knee-length. If you go for a longer parka, look for a two-way zipper or side-zip option for mobility.
• Anorak styles, which have only a partial zipper and pull on over your head, are warmer than full-zip coats, but can be unwieldy to put on. They’re a good option for long hours outdoors, but can be unwieldy for short jaunts.
• Look for large outer pockets (for easy access) and inner pockets (to keep snacks and electronics warm).
• Real fur ruffs serve a purpose: they block wind and shed ice from condensed breath. Performance parkas often come without a ruff, so that you can add the kind you want. An attached faux-fur ruff, which can collect ice, may be a sign that a coat is designed more for style than function.
• Avoid anything advertised with the word “sleek.”

Blair Braverman’s Picks

Wintergreen Northern Wear Combo Anorak, $394 (size XS-XXL)

Easy to recognize for their Scandinavian-inspired trim, were originally designed for ’s��expeditions to the North Pole and across Siberia, and they’re great for intermittent activity in deep cold. The fleece-lined nylon is made for layering over a variety of mid-layers, depending on the temperature and your level of activity. For even more flexibility, consider Wintergreen’s separate ($289) and ($345).

Duluth Trading Company Alaskan Hardgear Ice Fog Parka, $279-399 (M-XXL)

This is the I recommend to my friends, and it’s no coincidence that the company’s based in frigid Belleville, Wisconsin. This durable parka has a fleece-lined hood and collar, enormous pockets, and I’ve been very comfortable in it (with the right pants)��in temperatures down to -30F. If you’re looking for a whole outfit, the matching ($324) are another great bet, although I did have to sew up a ripped crotch seam after roughly��three years of heavy use.

Non-Stop Polar Jakka, $499 (XS-XXL)

Norwegian brand Non-Stop makes excellent , and now they make excellent human coats, too. The has box-wall down baffles, making it the most insulated option on this list, even though it’s not particularly long. It also has large inner pockets to keep a water bottle and Camelback thawed, plus neoprene cuffs and a fluffy hood.

High’s ���ϳԹ��� Company Willow Tuff Parka, $399 (size S – XXL, custom for any size)

makes a great outer shell for long hours in the snow. It features deep zip-up pockets, a cinchable waist, a durable water-repellent shell—and much of the rest is up to you, particularly when it comes to fit. The original cut has fairly long sleeves, but High’s makes custom variations of any length and width to fit your dimensions perfectly. You can even get a ��for your dog.

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I’m pretty particular about ski bibs. Trying them on takes me right back to youth gymnastics, when I would awkwardly cram��into a green velvet leotard that was too short for my torso and then have��to take off the whole thing when I went to the bathroom, worrying��that someone would see me naked through the crack in the door.

So the ease of peeing in ski gear��is high on my list of must-have features. If it’s not important to you, you likely haven’t dropped trou in the backcountry or spent 20 minutes in a resort bathroom taking off (and putting back on) your meticulously planned layers. This review of the best bathroom-trip-friendly ski bibs��is for anyone who has experienced ice pellets pummeling her��sorry bare behind while popping a squat on a windy day��or who has purposely avoided��drinking water to skip the ordeal of peeing while skiing. Most of these��use a similar mechanism that involves partially uzipping one leg so you can pull the bibs’ seat to the side to��do your business. (Click��through the photos, below, for a full visual.)

Virtually all of these bibs are well suited for both backcountry touring and resort days. Typically, the backcountry calls for lighter-weight, noninsulated models, with big zippers for ventilation and pockets for beacon storage and snacks, while resort bibs often have light insulation. Ultimately, personal preference will dictate which features are most important to you. (Maybe you’re prone to overheating or need to eat every two hours.)��

I tried a size small in all of these bibs. I’m five foot seven, 130 pounds, and have strong thighs��but��am otherwise��straight as a board. When I mention a pair being roomy or tight fitting, that’s based on my body type. I recommend trying on a few different styles to figure out what works best for you.��

Regardless of where you’ll be skiing, all of these bibs are conducive to easy peeing��without having to take off any of your jackets.��

Arc’teryx Beta SV��($549)

The Pee-tails: ��has��full-length side zippers, a feature I like in hard-shell pants for the ability to take them on and off if you’re already wearing boots��and also for the ease involved when making bathroom trips. Simply undo the double snaps at the waistline, and unzip one of the sides so it flaps open nice and wide. The chest portion of the bib stays secured via the crisscrossed straps when you drop the seat—no need to worry about the whole thing falling down. Bonus: the bibs also have a front zipper, which means you can use a pee funnel.��

The Rest: At 615 grams, these pants are pretty light. The actual bib comes right up to my sports bra��in the middle of my rib cage. This could be an awkward rise for those with larger chests, but it was OK��for me. I��reach for hard-shell outer layers when there’s wind or rain to keep out, so I��like that the SV��is��made of fully waterproof Gore-Tex and has��watertight zippers. It’s an attractive option for Pacific Northwest skiers. This pair is roomy without looking frumpy (though it gave��me diaper butt, which means I have the option to comfortably add layers or size down), though it��could use more zippered pockets.

Mountain Hardwear High Exposure Gore-Tex C-Knit ($450)

The Pee-tails: Like the SV, the High Exposure bib’s system is simple:��unsnap the side flap at the waist, partially��undo the full-length side zip, which opens the drop seat as wide as you want, and then squat. The straps keep the rest of the bibs nicely in place. The only minor annoyance is that the snap is not squarely on the side; it’s tucked about an inch toward the spine, which makes it a little tricky to re-snap when you’re done.

The Rest:��With a lower rise than the Arc’teryx bibs, ��comes up just past the belly button. They, too, are fully waterproof��but feel significantly lighter than all the other bibs here, making them a favorite for touring. I almost��forgot I had them on. The two zippered hip pockets are lower on the leg than the Arc’teryx, which makes them easier to access while wearing a jacket. This pair is roomy in the thighs and butt, which is nice for mobility and adding layers.��

Stio Environ ($450)

The Pee-tails: Un-Velcro the keeper flap by the waist, and then unzip either leg to midthigh. I like this��closure more than snaps, because it’s easier to use with gloves on, and Stio’s zipper design, which runs at a slight angle,��provides more room (i.e., a bigger margin of error) to do your business. There’s also a front zipper for pee-funnel usage.��

The Rest: For my lean and straight body type, ��was one of the more flattering bibs I tried. It’s also roomy enough for layers without being floppy—no diaper butt here. The actual bib, which hits��a few inches below my bra line, made me feel tucked in without being restrictive (belt loops add the ability to fine-tune your fit). Meanwhile, two zippered hip pockets and a zippered cargo pocket can fit your phone, wallet, and ski pass. On cold days at the resort, I layered these with , which��rest��right above the boot.��

Burton AK��Gore-Tex��Kimmy 3L ($580)

The Pee-tails: Like the Beta SV, the����also offer��multiple ways to pee, since the��drop seat unzips from either side. You can also unzip the chest of the bib all the way down to the crotch. This made it easy for me to get it��on and off��but also allowed for easy pee-funnel��access.��

The Rest: Thanks to its high rise (the front of the bib fully covers your chest) and waterproof fabric, the Kimmy 3L is ideal for both powder days and storm days, whether you’re in the backcountry or at the resort. Its straight, narrow cut was flattering on my build��but might not work for more curvy skiers. Standing barefoot, the legs��run about an inch past my heels, which is a perfect length��for me with ski boots and skis on. Half a dozen large zippered pockets store literally anything from a phone, wallet, and keys��to a decent-size��sandwich or a can of beer. Vents on both the inside and outside of the thigh kept me from overheating on the skin track, and a clip in the left chest pocket held my��avalanche beacon.��

Flylow Foxy ($420)

The Pee-tails: The Foxy’s left-side-only drop seat unsnaps and then unzips the full length of the pant leg should you need it.��The straps and chest portion stay securely in place when you open the back. That guaranteed coverage allowed me to retain body heat when doing my business.��

The Rest: ��fits similar to the Burton model on me, with a fairly straight cut and a high rise I enjoyed for added coverage and warmth. It’s a little closer fitting in the chest, even for my not-so-busty figure, so I only wore a base layer underneath and layered on top. (Most of the other bibs can accommodate a thicker midlayer underneath.)��A tailored fit through the thighs and butt allows for mobility without looking bulky. It has zippered pockets on the thigh big enough to fit a beacon, and others on the chest that are great for keeping your phone warm��(and far enough from your beacon). The side zips offer a generous venting option for dumping heat on spring tours. The Foxy is��nice and light, with extra features like belt loops and a zippered back pocket big enough for a wallet, though I probably wouldn’t put anything in there if I was sitting on lifts all day. I especially liked that the straps are secured with easy-to-release snaps.

The North Face Brigandine Futurelight ($649)

The Pee-tails: ��has a harness-friendly zip fly, like you’d find in your average pair of pants, which means you can use a pee funnel. That said, the opening is a little small to maneuver a funnel through layers successfully. In my opinion, this necessitates��an expert-level pee-funneler move. Thankfully, you can also drop the seat��from either side, thanks to a simple single snap and hearty dual zippers with pull cords for ease while using with gloves.

The Rest: The Brigandine won me over for its lack of buckles or hardware��on the thick��straps; instead, they��adjusted via Velcro, so nothing digs into your shoulders. A built-in waist cinch took the cut from frumpy to pretty cute without the need for an external belt, and it’s��also a great feature for accommodating different body types. The DWR finish and sealed zipper and seams keep you dry on storm days. Plus,��there are plenty of zippered pockets, including a high chest pocket for your phone��and a beacon tether in the right pocket (I really appreciate not having to girth-hitch my beacon around a zipper pull).��

Patagonia SnowDrifter ($349)

The Pee-tails: Pick a side, unsnap, pull the zipper cord, and go for it. I did find the mechanism to be a little hard to execute while wearing layers. The snaps are located about as high as up the rib cage as the other bibs, but I had to reach further around my back to fiddle with them (the��same goes for the Mountain Hardwear pair). But I appreciated how secure the bibs felt despite how wide the drop seat opened.

The Rest: These bibs were��the lightest and least restrictive of the full-coverage options that I��tried (the Mountain Hardwear pair is lighter, but it doesn’t have a high-rise bib). It features��a looser fit all around��so doesn’t feel constricting with layers underneath, even while sitting down. Four-way-stretch soft-shell material on the upper bib adds��increased comfort while you’re moving around��yet remains functional thanks to a DWR coating. For big days, the chest pocket and two thigh pockets can hold your phone, snacks, and a beacon. The SnowDrifter is a bit long��for a size small, which I appreciated since I’m five foot seven,��but it may not be ideal for those closer to five feet tall. It was��also roomier in the thighs and butt than the other smalls I tested, so petite folks will want to size down. ��

Helly Hansen Powderqueen ($300)

The Pee-tails: As with the Environ, peeing in is a left-side-only operation. There’s��a clasp like you’d find at the top of a dress zipper, two big snaps, and a large zipper that’s easy to handle with gloves on. The drop seat isn’t as generous as the SnowDrifter��but is easy enough to move out of the way to get the job done. I managed to handily execute this maneuver��on a cold day while wearing a ton of layers.

The Rest: Lightweight down insulation makes the Powderqueen perfect for lift-powered days or frigid tours. It’ll��keep you warm without making you feel like that kid in A Christmas Story��who can’t put his arms down. I was super cozy wearing them on a classic windy resort day on the Continental Divide while my buddy shivered beside me in noninsulated pants. The legs don’t unzip fully, but I don’t need or want that in resort pants.��

Tips for Mess-Free Peeing

I’ve been writing about peeing for several years��and believe that every woman should own a pee funnel (here are my favorites). A funnel is great for those stormy days when you don’t want to expose any skin, but it only works if your pants have a normally placed zipper, like in a pair of jeans. For most ski days, I’m a squatting purist. Still, squatting can be hard to manage when you’re wearing a lot of layers and are trying to keep your behind off the snow. Don’t worry too much about peeing on your pants a little: they’re probably Gore-Tex! That said, here are a few things to keep in mind so you��have a pleasant experience that doesn’t end with frozen pee on your boots.

1. Face your danger: No matter how you shake it, you’re going to have to expose some skin, so the number-one rule is to make sure you’re looking directly at anyone who could see you pee so they’re not looking at your butt.��
2. Face the wind: In general, be sure to take careful note of wind direction. It could very well blow your own pee down your legs or into your face. I’ve seen it happen.��
3. Pick your spot: Find a wooded area (avoid tree wells!) with a little privacy. If there’s no one around on a tour, just step off the skin track and go for it.��
4. Make your own privacy: If you unzip both your bibs and your jacket, you’ll have your own miniature Porta-Potty. Your open jacket will hang down behind you, covering your backside (be careful not to pee on it), while your bibs will cover your front half. Note: this is not the best technique to employ during inclement weather.
5. Cover up your tracks: Be sure to scoot some snow over your yellow patch so people on the skin track behind you don’t have to stare at it. And if it’s particularly yellow, go ahead and drink some water while you’re at it.��

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When my daughter was born two years ago, I made a promise to bring her with me on as many runs and skijoring outings��with my Thule Chariot as possible—inclement weather be damned. This commitment has proven significantly tougher to keep than I anticipated. While the Chariot itself is fantastic for moving efficiently in the outdoors with a child, it has been tough to keep her cozy, entertained, and comfortable in there, which is necessary to keep my promise. However, with the right combination of gear, I’ve been able to maximize both her satisfaction while riding in the Chariot and her fun when we stop to play in the cold.��

A quick caveat: the products I mention in this article are expensive. There are ways to get your kids outside in the cold while keeping them safe and warm that don’t involve many hundreds of dollars’ worth of gear. But through my job, I’m constantly testing and enjoying thoughtfully designed, well-built outdoor products (which are often accompanied by a high price tag), and I want my daughter��to be as comfortable as me. If she’s miserable, it doesn’t matter how good my gear is—our day is over.��

Base Layers

Patagonia Capilene Bottoms ($25) and Crew ($25)

Whether they’re��cozied up in a stroller or charging through the snow, next-to-skin moisture management is just as important for kiddos as it is for adults. have been my go-to synthetic insulators since long before I worked for ���ϳԹ���,��thanks to��how well they mitigate moisture, so I trust them on my child. And as anyone who has tried to dress a toddler who does not want to be dressed knows, it’s usally frustrating, makes you feel like a terrible parent, and is extremely time consuming. The fact that my daughter, Jojo, has never struggled when putting on this��silky top��and bottoms is a huge win.

Midlayer

The North Face Infant Denali One-Piece ($80)

If I’m going to be honest, I got this retro onesie in yellow for my daughter because I thought it would look damned cute on her. (I was right!)��Soon��I fell in love with it as for freezing playgrounds and building snowmen, because it kept her warm and was easy to get on and off. The diagonal, off-center zipper opens wide, making it really easy to slip her into it—even when she’s feeling extra squirmy. With one quick zip, I can guarantee that both her legs and upper body have a solid extra layer of warmth for our adventures. While the one-piece makes changing diapers a hassle (particularly when coupled with the bibs below), I would rather deal with that in the field than have��a hard time getting out the door.

Outer Layers

Patagonia Baby Snow Pile Bibs��($119) and Jacket ($119)��

Patagonia absolutely nailed this combo. I got Jojo��a full size up from what she needs, to guarantee at least two seasons and hopefully a third, and Jojo easily gets after it while staying warm and relatively dry. The other day, we played for over two hours while it snowed nearly three inches on us—after a half-mile walk, heaps of snow eating and throwing, and pretending to swim in the stuff, she was perfectly happy—yet she didn’t look��like the little brother from A Christmas Story. There was a period of time when I swore by down bunting for snowy stroller outings, and while it��certainly has its��place, I find that this set��allows her to get her wiggles out more efficiently when I stop.

Accessories

My First Hestra Mittens��($50)

Cold hands suck for anyone and are a lightning-fast way to bum your kiddo out, especially when snowballs or snowpeople are on the line. I personally trust my digits to ��in both the resort and backcountry, so it only felt right to get premium����from the Swedish company��for Jojo. Their PrimaLoft insulation has kept her hands warm, and even though they’re not gloves, she can still play like crazy in them. These are a full size too large for her (I’m banking on getting two winters out of them), but they have proven dexterious enough to hold tightly to frozen swing chains and my coat hem while navigating icy trails.

Bogs Neo-Classic Boots��($85)

Jojo has never seen a puddle she did not want to dominate. Warm, waterproof boots are key to sustained play in the cold and wet—as well as a comfortable ride home. She has a pair of the generic yellow kind from a second-hand store, which were awesome for the fall, but when things froze up, we went for these insulated ones��from . On top of having a tread that helps her navigate slippery slush, she can get them on herself thanks to the handles, which is a win for the entire family as we dress to get out the door.

Buff Knitted Fleece Hat ($25) and Junior Original ($19)

Jojo is more likely to keep soft synthetic hats on her head, but��they still almost always end up landing in snow or a puddle anyway. This specific one also happens to be very cute. As for the Buff: to be honest, she isn’t crazy about it. That isn’t going to stop me from packing it, though. Her little face gets so cold during longer windy outings that I always bring something to cover her smile if it starts to freeze.

��

Smartwool Toddler Socks (from $19)

It’s ridiculous how hard it is to keep track of a . While most of Jojo’s��drawer is filled with cheap cotton hand-me-downs or gifts, I make sure I have a pair of these from Smartwool for our coldest adventures. No matter how fantastic her Bogs are, Jojo is going to find the deepest snow she can, which increases the��likelihood that moisture will sneak in. On top of staying warm while wet, these socks dry extremely fast. The other day��she got completely soaked as the result of a deep-puddle mishap, so��I hung these socks under a heat lamp to dry. We were able to get back out and play in the same pair��after a 20-minute snack.

Rumpl Blanket��($159)

The�� is amazing to keep my daughter super cozy inside her stroller. One bonus��over all this other gear is how I can tailor-wrap her based on what part of her is cold. Soaking-wet socks from aggressive puddle jumping? No problem, just double-wrap the feet.

Stasher Bag ($12)��

An outdoor mentor of mine, who is a father of three, gave me the following advice when Jojo was first born: “The success of your outings with her will have a direct correlation with the amount of snacks you pack.” On top of feeling like a treat (I give her way more sweets on adventures than I do in everyday life), eating keeps her occupied��and makes her warmer. Jojo can open and close herself, and I find it really easy to fill up with goodies (like gorp��with extra chocolate chips) so she can be autonomous in her munching while I enjoy my workout.

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