Heading to the U.S. or Europe? The quickest and cheapest Rapid Antigen COVID test we could find comes in Proof of Entry’s DIY kit for $25. Test results are verified within 60 minutes by an MD, followed by an emailed certificate accepted by airlines and at land border crossings. Order a few and the price drops to $20 each with free shipping of nine kits or more. proofofentry.co
Sold in 70 countries, and worn in twice that many. Since 1870, Blundstone footwear is favoured by miners, musicians, Australian soldiers, Everest climbers…and skiers. One of many options is the first vegan-verified boot in black or original brown ($229). Just as soft to doff and don, the lightweight, no-animal variety is also waterproof/breathable with classic slip-on, all-day comfort that’s built to last. blundstone.ca
New for ’22, Scott’s third-generation iconic Cosmos Tour Ski Boot ($879) with a 120 flex weighs in at less than 1,400 grams, making the uptrack quick and comfy. But when your heels are locked, it skis solidly, like an alpine boot with great energy transfer. Design success is partly due to the new, easy step-in-and-out Dual Action Tongue, which follows both a natural walk mode movement and is linked to the cuff to allow a progressive flex in skiing mode. The full-length bi-density rubber Vibram sole will keep you stable when you’re scrambling on rock. scott-sports.com
All Buff neckwarmers come with style instructions for multiple looks. One in a lineup of countless designs and colours is the convertible Hinged Balaclava ($45), which is even more adaptable and includes a subtly hidden ponytail port. Primaloft warmth comes without bulk in four-way ultra-stretch, and VaprGrid laser breathing holes help offer dry warmth. And each one is made from one recycled plastic bottle! buff.com
Trouser fly or tent fly, the first thing to go is often the zipper. So why not fix it instead of tossing everything? Less than $14, reusable and universal FixNzip, made of stainless steel and nickel-plated zinc, has three sizes to fit almost any broken metal or plastic zipper and requires no tools. fixnzip.com
Four baselayer styles in Odlo’s Active collection all ring in at an affordable $60 and offer what’s important: excellent thermal properties and moisture management, vital for all sorts of cold-weather sports including skiing. Made of fast-drying 100-per-cent polyester, each piece in the Active line incorporates a flat-stitch and a soft-brushed inner fabric insulation, while the Odlo-Effect-treated fibres help prevent sweat-odours. odlo.com
We all know how key layering is in order to stay dry and ultimately warm, so Burton went all out with three layers of Gore-Tex in its “guaranteed to keep you dry” 3L Breaker Jacket ($679). The super-durable shell has double-taped seams (both inside and out), and all the necessary and useful pockets and vent zips. It’s available in sizes to fit all bodies from XXS to XXL. burton.com
Nordica didn’t just produce a touring ski, it’s given us an Unlimited Collection! The premium, limited-quantity line uses the same moulds as its alpine brothers and sisters, but dropped weights by 43 per cent using a wood core and carbon chassis construction and minimal ABS plastic. The early rise tip/tail and traditional camber offer a solid, confident ride down, while five waist widths in the Enforcer (88, 94 and 104 underfoot) and Santa Ana (88 and 93 for women) leave you with no excuses. nordica.com
With a water-repellent treatment and removable hood and pit-zips, Avalanche’s Revelstoke-21 puffy ($499) is one versatile jacket. But its micro-velvet collar and snow-guard skirt will keep you warm, comfy and on the hill longer on the coldest days. avalancheskiwear.com
Is wearing underwear under your long underwear really necessary? No, say the designers from SAXX, who brought us the boxer brief with a “ball park pouch.” That support from down under is also available in the super-soft merino wool and recycled polyester, flat-seamed Viewfinder Tight ($80). Slim-fit and thermo-regulating, its 3D chafe-free hammock keeps everything in place, at least until the fly is required. saxx.com
