1. Precise, warm, compact, streamlined, easy on-and-off…all appropriate adjectives for the Women’s Beast by Dynafit ($899). Built for freeride feet, it’s also happy skinning back up. Accurate power transmission via Dynafit’s Precision Lock System is immediate when the shell, cuff and stiff magnesium spoiler are in Ski Mode. At only 1,300g, it’s almost danceable—just don’t drive home in it afterward. dynafit.com
2. With the best of Italy, Austria and Germany built in, the athletic-fit Salewa (pronounced “SAH-lee-va”) Ortles 2 Gore-Tex PRO Jacket ($749) is at home ice-climbing, ski mountaineering…or in a Canadian lift line. The three-layer shell rocks with ergonomically shaped sleeves, soft inner collar, two-way waterproof zips and deep side-vents, as well as Salewa’s Free Motion Patterning that ensures no hem-lift when you’re in active mode. salewa.com
3. Okay fancy-pants, admit it, you want a pair, even with a $650 price tag. Arc’teryx’s Rush LT Pant is lightweight, durable, Gore-Tex breathable and waterproof ready for serious backcountry adventure. The low-bib, lower-leg reinforced design includes a patented TouringCuff, easing buckle management—you’ll wear these trou for years. arcteryx.com
4. Any pack can be clamped down on your body, but the Mystery Ranch Saddle Peak ($299) feels custom fit. With a chairlift-friendly slim profile, its two sizes should fit most heights, torsos and waists. At 21 litres, it’s just big enough to hold your avy gear, water and lunch, but not so big that your stuff sloshes around when you’re dropping big air. mysteryranch.com
5. Whether you add it as an underlayer when the temperature drops or a stand-alone in between seasons, the Verglas Light hybrid jacket from Helly Hansen ($260) is a multi-use winner. It’s a lightweight, 800-fill power down (i.e. high warmth/low bulk) go-to piece with seamless underarm construction, stealth venting zips, and durable water-repellent softshell panels and hood. hellyhansen.com
6. Better the speaker falls off the deck at après-ski than you. All set for roughhousing is the rugged, all-weather, all-season JAM Xterior Max ($119). With two front-facing drivers and a rear-facing passive bass radiator, the rubber-wrapped brick of a Bluetooth speaker has auto-pairing and is drop-proof (IP67 rating), even if it goes into the stream (submersible to one metre). The 12-hour battery will charge your phone, too. jamaudio.com
7. Sweet Protection’s Igniter helmet ($279) is a lightweight (530g for size Large), low-bulk lid with excellent ventilation (26 vents), removable earpads and, most important, higher-absorption MIPS technology that reduces rotational forces. As well, impact shields distribute forces over larger areas. Cool, because it’s Norwegian. sweetprotection.com
by RAY O’REILLY in Winter 2018 issue
