It’s here. The moment you’ve been waiting for all year. Maybe you’ve been keeping the adrenaline pumping with other things. Like motorcycle riding, canoeing, hang gliding, surfing, or commuting by bike in NYC. Yet nothing comes close to hearing the snow crushing beneath your skis or snowboard; breathing the crisp mountain air; clearing your mind from all the clutter of urban living while enjoying the sound of silence.
We’ve put together a list of all mountain ski gear essentials to help you enjoy those moments to the max, regardless of your terrain or activity preference. Backcountry skiing, groomed slope snowboarding, or just mountain climbing, you name it – you’ll find at least some if not all of the items in this list perfect for making the 2017-2018 season the one to remember.
Smith Maze MIPS Helmet
Safety first. Upgraded with an innovative system that reduces the risk of brain injury, the Smith Maze MIPS Helmet should be at the top of your all mountain ski gear list this season. The helmet features the Multi-directional Impact Protection System for more peace of mind as well as an EPS foam fused to the polycarbonate shell to maintain the design’s status as the lightest snow helmet money can buy. Airflow climate control and a self-adjusting fit system enhance the feeling of comfort, while the AirEvac 2 ventilation system keeps fog away from your goggles.
The Masterblaster “American Sender”
If you’re going to diversify your mountain adventures, you’ll need a pair of skis that can handle just about anything. Meet your new best friend, the J Skis Masterblaster Skis 2017-2018. Apart from the obvious directional shape and low tail, notable features include the multi-dimensional radii and rockered tips for versatility and maneuverability as well as a rigid maple wood core and a strip of Titanal for superior torsional rigidity. And yes, they also look awesome, which is always a bonus.
Black Diamond Helio
Designed for both touring and mountaineering, the Helio Fixed Length Carbon Ski Poles are a must-have for your future adventures. They’re the most lightweight poles ever made by Black Diamond, but they also have an inflation-molded carbon fiber body to provide the perfect blend of stiffness and resilience in a feather-light package. These poles also allow you to easily change the hike levers and come with an integrated grip to help you choke down on steep slopes.
Spyne 120 Heat
Like its name suggests, the K2 Spyne 120 sits right between the 130 and 100 flexes. Which makes it a natural choice for our all mountain ski gear list. The boot features the Energy Interlock technology that pairs with a co-injected Y-shaped support at the back to improve fore/aft flex efficiency as well as lateral stiffness. Ideal for various types of terrain, Spyne 120 also comes with an optional USB-charging heat technology to keep your feet toasty and warm.
Hestra Wakayama Gloves
Bring some vintage style to the slopes with the Hestra Wakayama Gloves 2017-2018. Inspired by retro designs, the gloves feature cowhide leather with wool terry lining, as well as two-tone stitching. A paracord wrist adjustment system allows you to find the perfect fit and ensure that the gloves keep you protected against the cold and the snow so you can enjoy your day to the max. And look sharp while doing so.
EG2 Goggle
If you’re looking for an all mountain google to take on your next adventure, EG2 designed by Electric might be perfect for you. It features an oversized lens with a minimal frame for optimal peripheral vision, as well as anti-fog and anti-reflective technology. Put more simply, you’ll see the spectacular views from the mountain top in a whole new way. Wear it once, and you’ll probably wonder how you’ve managed so far without it.
The Explorer
Perhaps the most important thing that differentiates Douchebags The Explorer backpack from the pack is that while it’s designed for adventures on and off the mountain, it’s also perfectly suited for city streets. More minimalist than other designs, this cool backpack comes with a front compartment for avalanche gear, a protected compartment for valuables, and a top EVA pocket which protects sunglasses and goggles. A diagonal attachment system for skis and a vertical one for a snowboard complete the versatile design.
Zombie S
Looking cool while doing cool stuff is easy thanks to the Zombie-S Sunglasses made by Electric. The sunglasses combine retro design cues from the ‘60s with the latest technology. Handcrafted in Italy, Zombie-S features a feather light construction, boasting a 6 base mold injected Grilamid frame and a high-performance double action hinge system. The OHM Polycarbonate lenses offer 100% UV protection as well as up to 98% Blue Light protection, with the gray tint ensuring extra comfort and clarity, along with an improved depth perception.
Whiskey Peak Beanie
Keep your head protected against the cold without sacrificing on style with the Whiskey Peak beanie. Simple and versatile, it has an elegant design and features a subtle vintage patch logo. The 100% boiled wool offers optimal protection against chilly weather, while the soft, fleece-lined ear band eliminates itchiness and makes the beanie feel even more comfortable and warm.
FITS Medium Ski
Perfect for skiers, hikers, and snowboarders, the FITS Medium Ski sock offers both cushioning and warmth thanks to the super-fine Merino wool and engineered design. Reaching just below the knee, the sock offers protection for both the foot and the shin. The Heel Lock ® minimizes the risk of blisters and protects the heel, with the Dynamic Toe Cup ® also contouring the shape of your foot for extra protection and comfort.
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Flylow Chemical Pant
Fly, climb, shred, float, or slide. Regardless of your preferred adrenaline-fueled activity, the Flylow Chemical Pant is an ideal choice for your all mountain ski gear needs as it suits deep snow and rocky cliffs in equal measure. These hardshell pants have an intuitive three-layer fabric that is both waterproof and conveniently breathable, with fully taped seams keeping any moisture away from your skin. Inner and outer thigh vents, reinforced knees and cuffs along with an adjustable waist and slightly baggy fit for extra comfort complete the design.
Elevation Shell Jacket
The award-winning Elevation Shell Jacket was developed as well as tried and tested by professional free skiers. We’d stop right there, but the jacket also comes with some amazing features we have to mention. Among them, the innovative Life Pocket+™ that preserves the life of your phone’s battery or keeps your camera ready for ‘Action!’, the Helly Tech® Professional 3L fabric with the FLOW technology for extra protection and breathability, the Recco® advanced rescue system and Hi Viz accents, and an ingenious venting system to keep you either warm or cool.