Gear & Gadgets

Reading Time: 2 minutes

BG16

1 From Bollé’s Sport lifestyle collection, the new Keelback provides extra protection from extreme weather with an oleophobic and hydrophobic treatment on the outside of the lens (for faceshots or inclement weather) and anti-fog treatment on the inside—just as important when you’re hoofing it uphill in the alpine sunshine with your skis on your pack as it is at a steamy après-ski scene. The perfect-fit Keelback is available in nine frame/lens combinations. $99-$149; bolle.com

GoPro has long been the gold standard of POV cameras, and the Hero4, in Black or Silver models, was the toy wowing the summer crowd of 2015—and soon to be filming See-Me’s on ski slopes around the world. With better and more crazy-sharp HD and slow-mo video, more photo modes including a 30-frames-per-second burst, impressive audio and Bluetooth as well as WiFi connectivity…the feature list has YouTubers drooling. The Silver has an awesome touch screen, while the Ultra HD Black version offers the highest-quality videos. A free app will turn your phone into a viewfinder like the GoPro 3 uses, or there’s an optional accessory of a vid screen available as well. Without external batteries, your shooting time is limited to less than two hours, but that only leaves more pure playtime. $499 Silver, $629 Black; pooch harness $74, dog extra. GoPro.com

Helly Hansen’s Sarah Jacket gives you all the warmth of your cozy soft duvet but in a shorter, tapered fit. PrimaLoft Silver is Helly’s blend of down and synthetic insulation that’s appreciated on cold days, and the extra bling is provided by Swarovski. Premium features continue with a slimming powder skirt, soft wrist-gaiters and a lip gloss pocket for protection against dry air and bad photos. $550; hellyhansen.com

Titanium means premium at Columbia. The line was born from Olympic Freestyle ski team uniforms, where lots of demanding athlete and coach input went into the fit, features and fabrics, along with design tweaks and tech innovations from Columbia, to ultimately create the popular Titanium Collection. The new Shreddin’ Jacket has four-way comfort stretch, waterproof/breathable fabric with Omni-Heat Thermal Reflective technology, plenty of cool design features and a clean, fresh look. $499; Columbia.com.

New Zealand’s Icebreaker Merino has a zillion baselayers to choose from, but we pounced on the eye-turning Men’s Zone One Sheep Suit in “Night/Balsam” for the Ski Canada shop window. It’s a total chick-magnet maker: the “come hug me” look is genius, the contrast flatlock stitching that prevents chafing is pure perfection in design, and the practicality of the back flap with two-way zip and fully functional fly is obvious. From IB’s new premium BodyfitZone baselayer collection for active sports featuring unique “heat-dumping zones.” $209; ca.icebreaker.com

Ski Canada Staff
To top