The gear you need to stay warm, dry, safe and ready for whatever the slopes, and the weather, toss your way.
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Whether you’re carving groomers, chasing powder or still learning your pizzas from your french fries, the right gear can make or break a day on the mountain.
Here, we’ve collected over a dozen essentials to keep you warm, dry, safe and ready for whatever the slopes, and the weather, toss your way.
Why You Should Trust Us: Covering products is our core mission, not a side hustle. And we use real-world testing to inform our recommendations. Learn more about our methodology.
Best Ski Bib
686 Gore-Tex Dispatch Shell Bib
One of the few bibs that feels so well-designed and comfortable, you’ll almost forget you’re wearing it. It just so happens to be perfectly pocketed and pretty much bombproof too.
Best Ski Boots
Tecnica Mach1 MV 120
One of the best-selling expert-level ski boots of all time now features a snappy T-Drive rear spine and new, anatomically-shaped performance liner.
Best Ski Socks
Smartwool Ski Over The Calf Socks
“Dang, these feel really good” is what you will be thinking after pulling on these max cushioned, breathable, body-mapped merino wool ski socks.
Best Skis
Nordica Enforcer 99
The Enforcer’s 2025 design update injects playfulness into this stable ski. Increased tail rocker and a livelier character result in a more responsive ride.
Best Snow Mitts
Oyuki EZO GTX Mitt
Like little down jackets for your hands, these well-made mitts include 750-fill recycled goose down, PrimaLoft insulation and a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane. Plus, they look nice.
Best Snow Goggles
Smith 4D Mag
Smith’s largest field of view (25-percent more than other lenses) ChromaPop lens and crystal-clear optics come together in one comfy package.
Best Snow Helmet
Salomon Husk Pro MIPS
Minimalist design, say hello to meet top-notch safety, ventilation and comfort. The adjustable fit offers instant comfort and better hearing.
Best Snowboard
Jones Mountain Twin
This quiver-killer features a surfy design that will have you bringing high vibes to every turn. Camber in between the bindings and rocker in the tip and tail combine power and playfulness.
Best Snowboard Boots
Vans Hi-Country
Ride all day and still stay comfortable with this classic boot, redesigned with a superior moisture-wicking liner, supportive PowerCuff strap and an improved thermal retention layer.
Best Touring Pack
Ortovox Switchback 32
Meet the unrelenting demands of the alpine with this technical, lightweight ski touring pack, which includes quick access features, ergonomic design and a separate safety compartment.
Best Gear Hauler
Yeti Camino
An ultra-tough, all-purpose bag built to handle every adventure’s dirty work. Far more versatile and organization-friendly than typical totes … if you can find it in stock. The bag’s popularity has made it a hot-ticket item.
Best All-Around Mountain Jacket
Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket (Revised)
This classic maintains its workhorse mentality and streamlined aesthetic while upping its sustainability and durability.
Best Base Layer
Patagonia Capilene Thermal Weight Crewneck
This breathable baselayer with built-in odor control is proof basics don’t have to be boring.
Best Neck Gaiter
Smartwool Active Fleece Neck Gaiter
Merino and polyester play well together in this cozy, protective and breathable neck gaiter.
Best Walkie Talkie
Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio
Designed with climbers and skiers in mind, this rugged radio has a range of up to 35 miles and a four-day battery that’s cold-rated for -20 degrees Fahrenheit. It also comes with a built-in carabiner and is ready to use right out of the box.
Best GPS Watch
Garmin Fenix 8 Pro
The Fenix 8 Pro might be the most capable smartwatch across Garmin’s entire roster, now with satellite connectivity to compete with the likes of the Apple Watch Ultra 3. While its AMOLED display already leads the indsutry in trerms of brightness and visibiliy, the Fenix 8 Pro also comes with a MicroLED option for unparralled legibility — even on the brightest days.
Best Backcountry Shovel
SOG Entrenching Tool
Stay prepared for anything with SOG’s folding shovel, designed with a tempered steel blade with teeth cut in for cutting and slashing. Folded up, you’ll barely notice it.
Related Topics
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