When dressing for outdoor adventures in winter, a base layer is non-negotiable. While merino wool is the standing base layer champion, for some, it’s simply too scratchy for others. Pro-skiers Darcy Conover and Adam Moszynski were those people; wool was too irritating and there were no viable alternatives on the market. Priorities: high-quality, soft and environmentally-friendly. After years of ski adventures and talking about what they wanted to change, the two created a line of base layers called Corbeaux Clothing.
Born in 2014, Corbeaux launched on Indiegogo with ten styles — all sourced, designed and made in America. After working with brands like Flylow, The North Face, Marmot and Helly Hansen, the two knew what was missing from the market. At first, the team launched base layers made with bamboo, then quickly pivoted to include other fibers that were more earth-friendly. Today, they use fabrics from recycled plastic (like water bottles) and double check that the trims, snaps, zippers, labels and packaging are all recycled as well.
Inspired by their home base, Aspen, each piece is designed to be worn on the mountain and all around town. Our team took the gear to Colorado mountain town Breckenridge to see how it performed. The three-quarter leggings are ideal for the slopes as they won’t bunch up in your boots and they feel more like, well, leggings than a base layer. They’re not see-through and kept us warm on the mountains as the winds hit 50 mph. Corbeaux can’t make enough of the Chinook Hoody — it has thumb holes and a watch window so wrists and hands stay warm while you check your Apple watch or fitness tracker. And the hood works double duty as a balaclava, hat and neck warmer all in one — layer it under your helmet to bulk up your warmth on the ski lift.
Corbeaux Ajax Henley
Base layers tend to have a somewhat tired look that reinforces the fact that you did something all day long, but the Ajax Henley looks like a real shirt meaning you can go straight from the slopes to the bar without missing a beat.
Centennial Pant
Gone is the familiar ache around my shins after a full day on the slopes — these three quarter length tights eliminated bunching and too much layering between my socks and ski boots, while keeping my legs warm as winds reached 50 mph.
Sopris Long Sleeve
The extra long top tucked into snow pants and provided some much needed color to this New Yorker’s typical all-black preferences. The close-to-body fit meant no chafing and enough warmth for a full day of runs.
