Welcome to another installment of Staff Picks from our Outdoors and Fitness team. Every other week, we select our favorite pieces out of the gear we’re testing, mainstays in our kits, as well as items on our wish lists. It’s like a sneak peek at the gear we’re testing and what we’re stoked on. Have something you think we should check out? Or just want to say hi? Drop us a line at outdoor@gearpatrol.com.
K2 Simple Pleasures
Nothing brings me quite as much joy as laying down a big, arcing toeside turn on fresh corduroy — there’s simply nothing like it. You know the feeling. Holding your edge, gliding effortlessly as your nose gets closer and closer to the snow. That’s pretty much my qualifier for how good a snowboard is; how good was my toeside turn? How close can I get my nose to the snow? The K2 Simple PLeasures lays down a mean, near-parallel toeside turn. It’s a wide board paired with a tight turning radius that makes it endlessly fun in nearly all conditions — from powder to east coast crust. Its performance, paired with a minimally branded, understated top sheet put this board at the top of my list. — AJ Powell, Assistant Editor
If you’re looking for something similar, but the pick above isn’t quite right, try these alternatives: Capita Tree Hunter ($525) | Jones Storm Chaser ($599)
Eddie Bauer Ignitelite Hybrid Jacket
Eddie Bauer does a lot of things right — from synthetic jackets to upscale collaborations — but when I received one of its Ignitelite hybrid jackets, I wasn’t sure exactly how I would use it. The weather was starting to get warmer, and I default to a pull-over when the weather is cold. Then it snowed again in NYC, and I found myself reaching for this jacket to get through runs in 20- and 30-degree weather. The fleece-lined core with PrimaLoft insulation protected me from the wind and snow, and the spandex-infused sleeves and back stretched with me during dynamic warm-ups and cooldowns. This jacket really shines in colder weather. I never finished miles feeling like I was drenched in sweat. If winter continues to stick around, I’ll keep this in the very front of my closet. — Meg Lappe, Staff Writer
If you’re looking for something similar, but the pick above isn’t quite right, try these alternatives: Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid Jacket ($99) | North Face Flight Touji Jacket ($104)
Trew Trewth Bib
Last week I went to Montana, which is one of my favorite places to visit. There’s something special about it, something inherently wild that you feel as soon as you get there — it’s often described as “The Last Best Place,” an affirmation I find true every time I go. While there I skied at a little-known mountain called Maverick (which also has a great slogan, “Ride the White Thunder”) and the better-known but still under-the-radar Bridger Bowl. On both days I wore Trew’s Trewth Bib, which has quickly become my new favorite ski pant. Trew used Dermizax three-layer fabric to make the bib, which is incredibly lightweight, waterproof and breathable. There are also vents on both the inside and outside of the legs, which came in handy as I huffed my way from the top of Schlasman’s Chairlift to an adjacent peak for some untouched. Also awesome: lots of well-designed pockets. — Tanner Bowden, Associate Staff Writer
