Winter Buyer's Guide
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Good for SnowshoeingFor fast-and-light excursions in cold temps, the waterproof, lightweight Multiterra Ultra is our favorite. Its Vibram sole afforded best-in-class traction on frost-covered trails, and when the snow fell, the insulation was just enough for aerobic snowshoeing. hi-tec.com…
Testers reached for the burly Vector when they knew they’d be in changing conditions—like atop Mount Elbert, a Colorado fourteener. Spiked rails and a bear claw of points underfoot bit into hard-packed snow and ice. “I never had to take my gloves off when adjusting my shoes,” one tester…
Aigle Shems – Midweight Jackets: Reviews With a soft fleece interior and warm, durable merino wool/nylon exterior, this jacket combines our favorite fabrics in one versatile top. 1.9 lbs; aigleusa.com Patagonia Pau – Footwear: Reviews (Terry Heffernan) The coolest mocs we’ve ever laid eyes…
BARGAIN PUFFY Good luck finding an equally tricked-out, ski-specific soft shell at this price. In addition to a removable powder skirt and helmet-compatible hood, the Wildcard has everything you need—hidden pass clip, dedicated goggle pocket, and audio-player compartment with earbud port—for an organized day sans backpack. Its low-profile layer of…
This two-in-one combo conceals a zip-in fleece track pant that serves as a midlayer on cold days and an instant lounger back at the condo. Also hidden within: a binding wrench that doubles as a bottle opener. 686.com…
MOST VERSATILE New Gore-Tex Pro Shell fabric, which is lighter, more comfortable, and more durable than the company’s former top-of-the-line stuff (XCR), is one of the season’s standout innovations. The key is a softer inner fabric that works great when worn over a base layer. In the La Grave, Marmot…
The ubiquitous brimmed hat, done right: The Yukon’s understated style, chunky wool knit, and a band of fleece lining make this best in class. coalheadwear.com…
Basically a stripped-down and lighter version of Rossi’s Bandit B94 alpine ski, the Respect was the perfect ski for a day at Silverton that involved hiking, skinning, and skiing everything from untouched powder to windblown mank. It also impressed testers with its grip on firm snow. 122/94/112, 8.4 lbs;…
Testers praised the Targa Ascent's bomber construction, but flat-out raved about its uphill performance: A free-pivot mode offers touring without resistance, which means you'll conserve power for that extra lap. 3.1 lbs; genuineguidegear.com Bonus: The heel piece flips vertically to serve as the climbing bar. Bummer: Difficult to…
1. Most shoes are either racers or trainers. The lightweight SpeedCross 2 manages to be both: Shock-absorbing rubber outsole lugs compensate for the minimal midsole cushioning. And because it’s soft-flexing, with a low-to-the-ground profile, it “hugs” all types of terrain. 2. Salomon designers took inspiration from the legendary…
These chunky numbers hark back to the Buddy Holly frames of the fifties, but they’re lighter than they look. And when you’re riding the trail, the side-vented photochromic lenses quickly adjust from bright to dark yellow, ensuring clarity in changing light conditions. specialized.com…
STEEP AND DEEP When a heavy nor’easter buried the lean-tos on Vermont’s Long Trail, the high-flotation Mountaineer simply cruised over the deep snow. But it’s more than just a big deck. This shoe has Tubbs’s most aggressive traction system yet: stainless-steel claws under toe, ball, and heel that bite in…
This day tripper has a wraparound binding so easy to put on, you can do it with bulky gloves or cold hands. The women-specific shape is tapered, with upturned toes and tails to make your stride more natural. 3.6 lbs; tubbssnowshoes.com. Pair them with: ULU CROW RABBIT…
With duck down inside and houndstooth graphics outside, this puffy fared well during cold days on the slopes and in town. roxy.com…
BACK-BOWL BOARDS Good for All Mountain More of a freeride ski than the Blizzard or V繹lkl, the Lord excels at slinking around the resort in search of bumps, steeps, and leftover powder. But it’s no noodle. The edge grip was unfailing—especially impressive for a ski with…
All you really need: a standard-issue aluminum pole, with a comfy grip and some graphics. joystickskiing.com…
Good for Big Mountain The Zealot is unchanged for this year; it's still big and brown. More importantthanks to its snappy wood core and strategically placed rubber woven into the tip, tail, underfoot, and along the edgesit's better at holding an edge on firm snow than almost any other…
Good for All Mountain The only difference between Scarpa's widely popular (and alpine-inspired) Hurricane boot and the Typhoon? The Typhoon has a walk mode, which adds a bit of weight but, our testers agreed, makes it much more comfortable when you're skinning or hiking. And with its double-injected upper…
Good for BackcountryThe relaxed-fit Unltd is like a soft shell that Super Fly would’ve worn. But with Gore’s latest laminate lining, taped seams, and strategically placed Thermolite insulation, you won’t have to suffer for style. scottusa.com…
1. The problem with most waterproof trail runners is that they don’t breathe very well. So instead of using a Gore-Tex-like membrane in the Syncroseeks, Pearl Izumi opted for a tightly woven, DWR-treated soft-shell upper, which kept our feet almost as dry as with waterproof shoes, without any clamminess.
Our favorite synthetic belay jacket in the test, the Enclosure is light, easy to pack, and slim-fitting. The supple recycled-polyester fabric and PrimaLoft insulation bottomed out around 10 degrees in a stiff wind. 1.6 lbs; cloudveil.com…
APRS This jacket is as comfy as a sleeping bag, but with a flattering waistline it looks exponentially better. The DWR-treated exterior repelled light precipitation surprisingly well, but the wind whipped right through. Alter ego: Use as a liner under a shell on cold days. cloudveil.com…
CHEAP THRILLS Hardcore ‘shoer? Hard up for funds? The fiercely clawed, all-terrain TSLs were the favorite among our more committed testers with value in mind. The bindings aren’t as intuitive as others, but the combination of macro- and micro-adjusting buckles helps them fit a wide range of boots and shoes…
STIFF AND STABLE On paper, the 154 demo model we were sent should’ve been too short for most of our testers. But this true twin proved to be surprisingly stable at speed. “It felt longer and stronger than it should have at top speed,” said one of our larger riders.
The iPad adds 3G connectivity to the debut version’s wi-fi so you can Web-browse, watch movies, or read the new issue of your favorite outdoor magazine from your car or a park bench. No, it won’t replace your laptop just yet, but in our go-everywhere testing, it lived up to…
Doc Marten meets Blundstone in this supple leather boot equally suited for city sidewalks and making hay in the back forty. Named for the first man, per the Norse creation myth, the Ask boot, while less toasty than the rest, has bomber Helly Wear soles and construction that will…
Buy More Passes With its subtle herringbone-like weave, square buttons, and asymmetrical front pockets, the Mohave is stylish in a low-key way. So when we saw the reasonable price tag, we figured Scott blew the budget on flair. Wrong. This insulated hard shell is brimming with smart touches, like wrist…
Fast and Light A standout as one of the most versatile skis in the test, this city kid is really a country boy. Testers found the slightly rockered, variable-sidecut Manhattan quick and snappy in tight trees but at its best with a good head of steam. “Turn it to 11…
The folks up in Vancouver have created an Armani suit for your hands. With the dexterity of a spring glove and the warmth of a mitten (there’s a removable fleece liner), the Gore-Tex-and-leather-palmed Alpha SV is as impressive and unbelievably precise-fitting as it is pricey. Best full-gauntlet glove we’ve…
Patagonia redesigned its flagship line of base layers, and it claims the new fabric wicks and dries faster than ever. We couldn’t confirm that, but one thing’s for certain: Thanks to an antimicrobial treatment, this slim-fitting layer did a much better job of fighting funk than our decade-old Capilene.
Mark Landvik’s pro model, the Lando Phoenix is a big-mountain charger built for Landvik’s home playground near Juneau, Alaska. But like the Rome (opposite), it’s no one-condition pony. Testers loved how the mixed camber (rocker between the feet, with traditional camber at the tails) locked onto rails and made…
WELCOME TO BIG BOY The Sultan 85 features the resilient wood core, powerful vertical sidewalls, and two sheets of vibration-quieting Titanal that elite skiers demand, but thanks to the addition of an “early rise” tip—a hint of rocker up front—you won’t have to muscle it into turns. Which means you…
Designed by Nordica’s big-mountain and park athletes, the brand-new Ace of Spades has an upright stance designed to give you a solid, well-balanced platform for skiing switch and landing big airs. And should you land in the backseat, extra room around the big toe helps disperse some of the…
Finally, embrace your inner nordic dork with CASCO‘s frameless, photochromic NORDIC SPIRIT COMPETITION SHIELDS.
The high-cut, deeply lugged BugaTech not only excels at ankle support and traction, it’s also toasty, thanks to a proprietary space-blanket-like lining. Plus, flat lower lacing makes it a perfect mate for snowshoes.
Telemark This Colorado-made wood-core ski has traditional camber, making it extremely poppy and carvy in tight quarters, yet it’s easily “disengaged” due to its tapered tail. Loves floating in powder and chopped-up crud but lacks punch and bite on firmer snow. 160/110/130, 8.1 lbs. TAGS: powder, playful…
For jackets, you can go for either a base layer and a thick, thermal soft shell—like SALOMON‘s STRETCHY SWIFT MIDLAYER HOODY with integrated mitts—or a lightweight shell.
When things get mucky, throw on PEARL IZUMI‘s microfleece-backed neoprene BARRIER SHOE COVERS.
Trail The Cabrakan is low and responsive and offers good feel for the trail. The flexy forefoot runs smoothly on gravel roads, the aggressive tread stuck to everything, and the water-resistant upper kept our feet reasonably dry in the muck. 9.1 oz. TAGS: all-terrain, moderate stability…
MOST VERSATILE During a week of testing at Copper Mountain, the Mythic Rider’s composite-and-titanal core delivered a smooth, consistent flex on bulletproof groomers, soft bumps, and even manky, wind-scoured snow. And thanks to its thinned-down center and beefed-up edges, it has tenacious grip. Which is a good thing, because this…
For optical clarity, glass is best in class; it’s naturally much clearer, plus it doesn’t scratch. The only downside for casual use? It costs a lot more than poly. But here the modern yet classic design and wire build are equally high-end, so it would be a shame to…
1. It’s a friendly monster. Our advanced-intermediate testers felt like heroes, our former U.S. pro said it “laid a nice rail,” and everyone in between praised its ability to stick on hardpack, plow through crud, and provide the overall smoothest ride of any of the skis we tested. 2.
Like most ski pants, the waterproof-breathable Havens have thigh vents and plenty of pockets. But thanks to smart details—like leather zipper pulls and a loose cut—they look better than most. orageski.com…
ALL-WEATHER PERFORMER Unlike most soft shells, which will keep you dry and comfy 90 percent of the time, the ultra-stretchy Tremor won’t wilt when conditions get sloppy. While OR won’t officially call the Tremor waterproof, our testers will. Thanks to a Gore Windstopper membrane and taped seams, the Tremor bested…
With goatskin palms, waterproof-breathable fabric, and the perfect amount of insulation, these gloves provide the best of both worlds: warmth and dexterity. powgloves.com…
SOFT BUT BURLY You know you have a winner when testers argue over who gets to wear it. Such was the squabbling over the Langtang, which, despite being cut from Gore-Tex Soft Shell fabric, performs more like a storm shell than a softie. It’s completely waterproof, of course, and survived…
These caf矇 loungers segue easily from snowshoe rambling to latte sipping. Credit a casual style paired with Helly’s proprietary waterproof-breathable fabric and built-in gaiters that fit a wide range of boots. hellyhansen.com…
MINIMALIST This featherweight was designed for rando racersthink running uphill on skis, and then bombing back downbut easy access and minimalist design also made the 290 (as in grams) our testers’ choice for the resort. It easily fits under a jacket, but at 1,098 cubic inches, it’s big enough for…
With an alpine-style toe piece, a DIN of 13, and a heel lock to prevent an inadvertent switch to touring mode, the Naxo is ideal for aggressive big-mountain skiers. In touring mode, a smartly designed pivoting mechanism saves you energy by mimicking your natural uphill stride. 4.9 lbs; bcaccess.com …
With four buckles and a dual-density shell, Scarpa's top-of-the-line T-Race is basically an alpine boot with a bellow. This year, it's been upgraded to include Scarpa's signature Intuition custom thermo liners, which are lighter, easier to mold, and have fewer pressure-point-creating seams. 8.6 lbs; scarpa.com Bonus: The heavy-duty cam-lock…
An angler’s dream, these high-definition, polarized amber lenses cut the glare coming off the water, plus the removable rubber side shields ensure you won’t have to worry about wind, dust, sand, or spray. costadelmar.com…
STEEP AND DEEP With a layer of low-bulk PrimaLoft insulation, Gore-Tex waterproofing, and abrasion-resistant uppers, these shoes are made for slogging it out in rough conditions. A fleece liner adds coziness. lowaboots.com…
A waterproof inner bootie, full-grain leather upper, and stiff sole make this a legit snowshoe boot. A removable shearling insole makes it legitimately cozy. uluboot.com…
This soft shell is lined with a “bunny fur” fleece liner that’s so soft and fuzzy you’ll think it’s real. The polyester face isn’t waterproof but sheds snow well. thenorthface.com…
EVERY RESORT, EVERY RUN Good for All Mountain Rossi bills the Phantom as a 60 percent off-piste ski. So we were a little nervous taking it out on early-morning boilerplate at Taos. But even though this shark-nosed and fairly straight ski is silky and light, it…
Chute fiends: This classic self-arrest pole has been redesigned with a non-removable (i.e., more confidence-inspiring) head and a pick cover (5/$10, not included)—so you won’t gut yourself in a wipeout. bdel.com…
Good for All Mountain The Anti Piste has the exact same dimensions as K2's popular Coomba but with a bit of rocker in the tip. You can tell. Testers loved the way the subtle tweak to the shape allowed them to smear turns in a flash but noted…
Big. And burly. With its roomy grip, double-pointed aluminum blade, and virtually unbendable shaft, this was our favorite shovel. 40 in extended, 29 in collapsed, 1.8 lbs; life-link.com…
Good for BackcountryPatagonia’s H2No shell is about as closed off as North Korea, only much cozier, thanks to a polyester mesh lining that puts a warm buffer between your skin and the well-guarded exterior. patagonia.com…
ROAD-AND-TRAIL HYBRID Good for Packed Trails Take a road trainer and a trail runner, smash them together, and voil: the Adrenaline ASR 5. Medial posting (a.k.a. denser foam) in the midsole delivers moderate pronation support, a rarity in trail runners, and the slender fit feels nimble…
Because 20 percent of the 650-fill insulation is goose feather, rather than higher-quality down, this standard-issue puffy is incredibly affordable but still toasty in the low teens. Bonus: Waterproof-breathable Pertex fabric protects the sleeves and shoulders. 1.3 lbs; outdoorresearch.com…
COLD To make this ironclad but breathable jacket, Patagonia took a layer of 700-fill down, lined it with mesh, then topped that off with a waterproof hard shell. The fleece-lined chin and adjustable powder skirt are nice touches. patagonia.com…
EXPEDITION READY Simple. Light. Unbreakable. Infinitely versatile. What more could you ask for in a snowshoe? These hard-plastic classics can be extended with modular tails, so it’s easy to snap on more deck for powder or remove it to save weight. The no-gimmicks plastic-strap binding is effortless (just pull and…
FOR POWDER AND PARK By replacing layers of fiberglass and resin with structural bamboo veneers, Salomon has figured out how to make a board that’s a bit healthier for the planet—and, of course, extremely fun to ride, especially when heading into the sidecountry. The tapered tails help prevent nosedives in…
It has a date window, military-time markers, rotating bezel, 100-meter water resistance, and not much else—except for the great Swiss Army design that spawned a thousand imitators. This time with a cool European black-on-black feel, antiglare crystal, and comfy rubber strap. TAGS: classic, cool…
SCOTT CX TEAM BIKE features a Shimano Ultegra build and ‘cross touches like wide tire clearance and a shaped top tube for easy shouldering. Tread is key, too.
Hot Deal With top-shelf synthetic insulation (PrimaLoft Eco), a tough, waterproof outer fabric, and all the creature comforts you could want (including nine pockets, pit zips, a powder skirt, and a goggle chamois), the 4 Pines has all the ingredients of a high-performance, full-featured resort parka. Normally, all this adds…
Big Mountain With the surface area of an aircraft carrier, aggressive rocker forward of the boot, and traditional camber underfoot and in the tail, the DarkSide dominates deep powder. “Scary fast and maneuverable in the fluff,” said one Utah tester. The stiff, flat tail provides a solid platform for…
The synthetic-and-wool lining on these waterproof spring-weight gloves does a great job of wicking away moisture. Dexterity is only so-so, but they’re a solid glove at this price. TAGS: stretchy, spring skiing…
It’s not just a name. The Sonam, like 90 percent of all Sherpa apparel, is made in Nepal, with a small portion of the proceeds going to support the education of Sherpa children. The poly-and-nylon fabric wicks like a champ and, thanks to silver ions, resists odor. Slim-fitting.
Each size of this all-mountain twin is adorned with a different dude, like John Lennon, Albert Einstein, or Martin Luther King Jr. But all the dudes ride the same: Thanks to a robust poplar-and-beech core, it’s the stiffest and most carve-ready board here. Like the Rossignol One Magtek, it’s…
CARVE IT ALL Like every model in Blizzard’s line, the M-Power is overbuilt, with beefy vertical sidewalls. The resulting deep edge penetration and an unwavering stability made the M-Power the best groomer ski in this category. But there was a tradeoff: It was a little hard to handle in soft…
Expert skiers have long favored the precise fit and feel of Lange boots. The only problem was, if you didn’t have narrow feet, the fit could be painfully tight. Enter the brand-new RX 130, the first high-performance boot Lange’s made—it’s the stiffest boot here—specifically for folks with wider feet.
If your main objective is gentle, packed trails or snowy, rolling hills, the Crest is for you. Testers were drawn to it because of a comfortable and easy-to-ratchet binding, enough float for undemanding trails (like Vermont’s Bolton backcountry), and surprising grip. All at less than half the price of…
Telemark Before last year, women and men with feet smaller than size 26 were locked out from the NTN party. This year, there are several women’s-size NTN-compatible boots, including options from Garmont (below), SCARPA, and Crispi. See page 88 for more details about this binding design. 3.9 lbs. TAGS:…
THE NORTH FACE‘s slim-fitting APEX CLIMATEBLOCK FULL ZIP JACKET, is all wind- and slushproof panels except the stretchy sides and forearms.
Because the races are so short, warm up beforehand on a LEMOND FITNESS REVOLUTION BIKE TRAINER. It works with the rear wheel removed, so there’s no risk of shredding your off-road tread on a steel roller.
Road Think classic American sedan: plush interior, soft in the shocks, and ready to cruise. The updated Ghost is a comfort-minded neutral trainer, ready for high-mileage days and moderate paces, though it was too spongy for our speedsters. 8.8 oz. TAGS: neutral, generous cushioning…
This aerodynamically designed pole is flat for speed and light for quick planting action. But fast doesn’t mean delicate. Because it’s made of carbon fiber and molded under extreme pressure, this pole is not likely to snap. swixsport.com …