Discover the season’s best ski gear, blending technical performance with thoughtful design. From Arc’teryx’s insulated jackets to Columbia’s Star Wars-themed collection
The men’s Sabre Insulated Jacket by Arc’teryx is at home on the front or backside, particularly when the temperature drops. Gore-Tex keeps the wind and wet out while the recycled Coreloft insulation will keep you toasty warm on the coldest days. Even the helmet-compatible storm hood is insulated. And if the sun comes out when you’re hoofing it back up, dump heat quickly with pit zips that don’t require glove removal and don’t let in the snow. $1,000, arcteryx.com
We’re guessing Luke was more of a night skier but more important, Columbia has a new line of Star Wars-themed ski wear, including the Skywalker Pilot Ski Suit with Omni-Heat insulation and Omni-Tech waterproof/breathability. Leading the eight-piece collection, in men’s size XXS to XXL, snow pilots will like the T-65 X-wing Starfighter bling, Rebel patch and R2-D2 blueprint graphics. Lots of multi-functional pockets should come in handy while the raised silicone logo and comlink patch (a communication device, according to Wookieepedia) will start conversations on the chairlift. $700, columbiasportswear.ca
We know not everyone agrees, but many of us think bibs beat pants for the resort—and the Mountain Hardwear Powder Maven Bibs are better than most. Like all bibs, they provide more protection for sealing out flakes and chilly winds from inadvertently exposed midriff skin. And they have pockets at the ready, two on the belly and two on the thighs. What elevates these bib pants are three patches of light insulation, over the knees and under the butt. It’s just right for maintaining comfort while riding lifts and playing in the snow, no matter the temperature. $400; mountainhardwear.ca
Familiarizing oneself with all the pockets and features of the Ortovox Haute Route 32 will take most people at least 15 minutes. Those with a still-lively imagination can expect to take longer. The pack is a showpiece of inventive straps and stitching that gives new meaning to the term “a place for everything and everything in its place.” Load gear via two top zippers, or unzip the back panel all the way down to the base, providing wide-open backdoor access to nearly 32L of cargo space. It’s big enough for even a packrat’s most ambitious day tours, and has external strap and tether systems for skis, and either a snowboard or helmet. $240, ortovox.com
Strictly speaking, the 50L Helly Hansen Scout Duffle is nine cm on the long side of airline carry-on baggage limits. But we can attest that its soft-sided nature allows it to fit in the baggage sizing cage next to the ticket agent’s desk, so carry forth with confidence. Don’t think its malleability makes it a flaccid travelling companion. Clever structural design and sturdy 600D nylon material give this duffel a freestanding nature that results in hardside usability. A U-shaped zipper grants wide-open access to all contents—except dirty shoes, which get packed away in a separate section that opens from the end. Best of all, the lid sleeve hides two easily deployed backpack straps, for hands-free carrying. $125, hellyhansen.com
If you’ve ever peered with trepidation to the bottom of the boot bag to see if your expensive and delicate alternate goggle lens is still in one piece, the Adapt 2 goggle from Glade Optics is for you. Why fuss with a second lens when one will cover the bases? Glade has developed a photochromic lens that adapts the tint level to different light conditions. Bright sun? The tint darkens. Low-light? The lens lets the maximum amount through. Glass sunglasses in the 1970s attempted the same trick, but never managed to look cool. Glade’s reflective coating manages to keep appearances up. Do they work? Testers reported forgetting entirely about the adaptive tinting effect, which is, of course, exactly what you want.
$209; shopglade.com
Crinkly shells aren’t for everyone. Some would rather luxuriate in four-way Satin Stretch fabrics and cozy 20,000mm insulation. The Descente Iris insulated jacket manages to combine both fashion and comfort in a design that’s sporty, without trying too hard to be overly technical. That’s not to say it’s not high-performance, with a powder skirt, removable hood, cuff zippers, pass holder pocket and side ventilation rounding out the features. $949, descente.com
