Outfitted: Skiing favorites
Outfitted
Courtesy photo
With winter well past its midpoint, a few new skiing favorites have risen to the top of my gear cache. It can be hard to narrow this list down, but below are some items I’ve been loving this winter.
1. Ortovox Mesola Jacket and Pants
Touted as the best of both worlds, this set combines the comfort of softshell construction and hardshell protection. The hard shell is on the hood, shoulders, upper sleeves, chest, front thigh, and calf while the softshell is on the lower back, sides, underarms, lower sleeves rear thigh, seat, hip, and waist. This strategic placement makes the set not only great for on-piste skiing but also transitions wonderfully to skinning and other snow sports. Both pieces have a soft merino lining to prohibit that hard, crunchy feel that hardshells can have as well as helping to keep a cap on odors. Extremely lightweight, breathable, and stretchy, the set has a classic/loose fit that leaves room for layering. My favorite feature is the combination of the softshell seat and shaped knee area. This makes it so much easier than a fully hardshell pant to bend down to adjust your boots or skis and makes upward hiking motion more efficient. Available in women’s and men’s sizes and colors. $400 for jacket, $380 for pants, Ortovox.com
2. Deuter Freerider Ski Tour Backpack 28/30L
Whether you’re getting in a Buttermilk full moon skin or you’re tackling some backcountry terrain, the Freerider is a great pack with winter-specific details. Features like a fully-opening back panel, quick-access probe and shovel compartments, ski- , snowboard- and snowshoe-specific outer attachment loops, ice axe attachments, and snow-resistant fabric make this a well-rounded winter go-to. I especially appreciate the extra effort that was put into the durability of the fabric since winter gear can be a bit destructive at times. It’s also compatible with up to a 3-liter water system so you can stay hydrated on those long skins. Women-specific fit is 28 liters and general size is 30 liters. $165, Deuter.com
3. Smith Method Helmet
Safety first, right? Thankfully, helmets are pretty much the standard now and all the cool kids are wearing them. Save your beanie and goggles and look for après ski. Smith has long been a go-to for me in the helmet category. The Method version is a great price point but also packs bomber safety features like Mips innovation and Zonal KOROYD for energy absorption in the event of a crash. Some additional features include eight vents for extra airflow, removable earpads that are audio-chip compatible, an adjustable fit system for comfort, and a goggle strap lock. In general, when I’m skiing, I like to feel confident that my head is protected, but don’t want to feel like I’m the Man in the Iron Mask. This one fits the bill. Available in multiple colors and in sizes S-XL. $140, Smithoptics.com
4. Smith 4D MAG Goggles
In my two decades of skiing (I didn’t learn until I was in college,) I’ve worn out, lost or replaced several pairs of goggles, and I always seem to gravitate back toward Smith styles. This is my second pair of the 4D MAGs and they’re still a favorite. With the widest field of view Smith has to offer along with their signature ChromaPop lenses, these goggles seem to make everything bigger and brighter—I feel like they give me a little extra room in my periphery vision to keep an eye on other skiers. With two lenses included, it’s quick and easy to swap them out with the MAG lens change system. Designed to easily integrate with Smith helmets, these fit flawlessly with the aforementioned Method helmet to prevent the dreaded gaper gap. They’re definitely on the pricey side, but a worthy investment in my opinion. Available in a variety of lenses and colors. $340, Smithoptics.com
5. Smartwool Classic Merino Thermal Set
It’s always a good idea to refresh your base layers and it’s hard to go wrong with the aptly named classics from Smartwool. Constructed with 100% merino wool, these continue to be a thermoregulating and odor-resisting workhorse. The classic set is a little on the heavier side of the baselayer scale, so they’re perfect for colder weather activities. I’m especially a huge fan of the wide, mid-rise waistband on the women’s bottoms—an improvement from the old-school elastic waistband. The seams on both have a flatlock construction to prevent chafing and the fit is slim for optimal layering. These are some of the most comfortable base layers I’ve tried and even find myself wearing them solo as pajamas on hut trips or when I’m camping in the summer. Available in women’s and men’s sizes and colors. $120 for 1/4 Zip, $115 for bottoms, Smartwool.com
6. Bombas Zero-Cushion Merino Wool Socks
At the beginning of the season, I wanted to change out my sock stash and decided to give cult-favorite Bombas a try. I have Bombas socks in regular styles but never tried their ski socks. Not being a fan of thicker ski socks, these zero-cushioning ones caught my eye. Constructed with 49% merino wool and 51% synthetic materials, they keep my feet dry and just the right amount of toasty. The fit is super snug without feeling too tight—I like the Y-stitched heel feel—and the fabric blend makes them super soft. There’s also a honeycomb system around the arch that feels supportive but not restrictive. As with all Bombas socks, the company donates one pair of socks to homeless shelters for each pair purchased. I got the 3-pack so I could rotate them out, but single pairs are also available. Available in women’s and men’s sizes and colors. $28 for a single pair, $84 for a 3-pack, Bombas.com
Meg Simon is an Aspen-based freelance writer, graphic designer, and founder of Simon Finch Creative. She can be reached at meg@simonfinchcreative.com.
