Winter sports equipment and clothing get better every winter. To increase your comfort and upgrade performance, you’ll want to check out new, break-through products that have come on the market in the past year.
Smith Holt Helmet/Heiress/Fuse Goggles
An increasing number of manufacturers are designing tight interfaces where goggles and the helmet meet. Smith, among others, makes both helmets and goggles that assure compatibility. Holt helmets for men and women sell for $75, the Heiress goggle for women costs $110 and the men’s Fuse goggle costs $90. Select the helmet first and then find a mating pair of goggles. www.smithoptics.com
—PS
Julbo Revolution Goggle
Shield your vision and adapt to changing light with the Revolution, which has a photochromatic lens that changes tint in seconds. When it’s bright, the goggle lens provides a darkened, sun-filtering view. On overcast days, tint shifts in less than 30 seconds to almost clear. An anti-fog coating is integrated into the lens via laser, which will never scratch off, according to the company. $150, www.julbousa.com
—SR
ColdAvenger Expedition
Designed by a physician – and worn by high-altitude mountaineers including Ed Viesturs – the ColdAvenger Expedition Balaclava might be the warmest head covering ever made. It protects you from cold, sun and wind. The unique ventilator, a filter made of “medical-grade” plastic, fits over your mouth to mix inhaled cold air with exhaled warm air, keeping your body better regulated, the company says. $79.95, www.coldavenger.com
—SR
Manzella Junior Gloves
Manzella’s Flash Mitten in three Juniors sizes falls into the company’s Warmest category of gloves. They are 100 percent waterproof/breathable with a Hydroblok® insert. Water-resistant nylon shell with an adjustable wrist closure and highly durable synthetic leather palm makes this mitten a great choice for your youngster. Comes in small, medium, large (usually ages 6-12), in red, gray or pink. $20. www.Manzella.com
—PS
Mountain Hardwear Heated Jackets
The men’s Refugium and women’s Radiance jackets come wired to provide heat as well as the ability to power small electronics stashed in pockets. Indeed, add the optional Ardica Technology battery pack to these jackets and a wearer will have three temperature settings and a portable plug-in to charge a phone or camera. The jackets cost about $450 apiece with the added battery pack and technology converters. www.mountainhardwear.com
—SR
Marmot Nano Jacket
Super light, super streamlined: That describes Marmot’s UltraLight offering in Gore-Tex Paclite comes with water-resistant zippers, an elastic draw cord hem and laser-drilled pocket backing that enhances breathability. Weighing only eight ounces, this light-weight shell features taped seams, large pack pockets and guarantees serious protection. $250. www.marmot.com
—PS
Kahtoola TS Snowshoes
This unique, two-part winter footwear system includes a snowshoe deck and a removable snowshoe binding that doubles as a traction device. Buckle the binding on your winter boot. When not engaged to the snowshoe deck, the bindings’ four stainless steel cleats serve as pseudo crampons for grip on snow and ice. Then, when the white stuff gets deep, click in to the deck and float over snow. $269, www.kahtoola.com.
—SR
Columbia Bugathermo and Snow Hottie boots
Efficient, comfortable, lightweight heated boots have long been a Holy Grail in footwear circles. Columbia takes another stab this season with its Bugathermo and Snow Hottie models, a men’s and women’s boot that have built-in rechargeable batteries and electronic controls to provide three temperature settings. A single charge provides up to eight hours of heat for yourfeet, the company cites. $250, www.columbia.com.
—SR |
