Winter Outerwear & Apparel: Reviewers’ Choices (17/18)

Kara Williard

Background

5’9”, 145 lbs. I generally wear a women’s size Medium, and occasionally a Large in outerwear. (see Bio)

I ski primarily in the dry and variable climate of New Mexico, and sometimes Colorado. Temperatures can fluctuate drastically down here in the Southwest depending on whether it is sunny or cloudy. Wind also plays a big part in what I am choosing to wear. Snow conditions are usually very dry, so maximum waterproofing is not often necessary, but in terms of having the most versatility, I still lean towards 20k waterproofing. I run cold in my feet and hands, but otherwise I run fairly average and I hate overheating, especially when hiking / touring.

SKI TOURING — New Mexico

Base Layers

• Top: Mons Royale Checklist Hood LS Geo

I love this lightweight merino wool base layer. I really prefer base layers with a hood for touring, and the thin hood on the Checklist is great to pull over a cap or beanie on the way up while still having some breathability. Plus, the ¼ zip is perfect for opening up and getting a little ventilation if I start to get too warm or sweat on the way up.

• Bottom: Mons Royale Alagna ¾ Legging

These leggings are another really soft and comfortable lightweight merino wool layer, and the ¾ length sits right above my ski boots without bunching up.

Mid Layer 1: Smartwool Women’s Propulsion 60 Jacket

I really appreciate layers that don’t add bulk around the arms, but that still provide a warm, insulative layer around the core. This jacket has 60-g wool insulation around the core, and a 250 g/m2 merino wool knit for the arms and back. It’s a great mid layer for most days, and the wool helps it breathe better than most puffies.

Mid Layer 2: Patagonia Women’s Micro Puff Hoody

This is an excellent lightweight and packable layer. I stray away from down insulation when it comes to going uphill, so this synthetic alternative gives me a little more leeway as it doesn’t make me overheat quite as fast, yet it’s still so cozy and insulative.

Extra Insulation (for really, really cold days): Patagonia Women’s Down Sweater Hoody

I use the Down Sweater Hoody for really cold and stormy days. I have yet to need both the Micro Puff and Down Sweater Hoody, but on the freezing days, the Down Sweater Hoody offers excellent warmth, and still packs down to a very manageable size.

Shell

• Jacket: Flylow Women’s Billie Coat

I have yet to go wrong touring with the Billie Coat. As a high-end 3-layer shell, it is a long-term investment, and one that I have definitely found to be worthwhile. It has a soft and stretchy feel, which makes it comfortable and unrestrictive, and the big pit-zips help during the uphill and temperature / weather fluctuations. I’ve been using last year’s version, and the most recent version (pictured above) does have some minor updates, but maintains the key features of the previous version.

• Pants: Flylow Women’s Donna Pant

This pant has been my go-to for years. Primarily because it is super durable, comfortable, and it has an extensive venting system. For spring touring, I can unzip the entire lateral and medial zippers to cool-off. 20k waterproofing, and when paired with a base layer it’s perfect for any weather or condition

Gloves: Hestra Women’s Leather Fall Line Glove

This cowhide glove is plenty warm for me, especially for spring touring. It is super durable, and offers enough dexterity to still mess around with touring equipment without having to take it off. I often bring a Smartwool Merino 250 Glove as well to use as a liner/extra layer.

Socks: Bridgedale MerinoFusion SKI Ultra Fit

I cannot stand seams or any outstiching in my ski socks, especially when it comes to touring. I also prefer my socks as thin as possible. The Ultra Fit is a merino, polypropylene, and nylon mix, which gives me warmth and smooth, continuous fit, with the wicking I need while skinning.

Other: Smartwool Merino 250 Neck Gaiter & Baseball Cap.

INBOUNDS SKIING — New Mexico

Base Layers

• Top: Arc’teryx Women’s Delta LT Zip Neck

A slightly heavier layer than I would tour in, it’s great for cold rides on the chair, yet it dries quick and wicks well.

• Bottom: Patagonia Women’s Midweight Capilene Bottoms

A warm, soft, and wicking layer that is more compatible for cold lift rides and icy chairs, yet it’s breathable enough to rock every day. I’ve never found myself overheating in it while skiing the resort, yet it gives me the warmth I need on colder days.

Mid Layer: Patagonia Women’s Micro Puff Hoody

The Micro Puff is also great for inbounds days. Down jackets are way too warm when hiking the ridge at Taos, so the Micro Puff is an amazing insulator without being too hot or bulky.

Shell

• Jacket: Flylow Women’s Billie Coat

I can’t seem to get away from this one. It’s just so versatile. When layered with correctly, it works in a variety of conditions, the removable powder skirt makes it great for stormy days, and the adjustable ventilation means it still works for warmer temps. Plus, it’s just so darn comfortable, yet burly, despite the soft and stretchy feel.

• Pants: Flylow Women’s Foxy Bib

Nearly everything I love about the Donna pant, but just a little more protection and pockets. I love the pockets for days when I’m skiing all day so I can stash snacks without having to carry a pack.

Gloves: Hestra Heli Ski 3-Finger Glove

A warmer option than my touring glove, the 3-finger system gives me the best of both worlds: dexterity and extra warmth. Super durable, and it has a removable/washable liner.

Socks: Bridgedale MerinoFusion SKI Ultra Fit

See above.

Other: Original Buff Neck Gaiter.

ONE KIT FOR EVERYTHING (Touring + Resort)

Base Layers

• Top: Smartwool Women’s Merino 250 Base Layer Zip

A well balanced compromise between my previous two choices — good for day-in, day-out application. I’m a big fan of its breathability and odor-resistance.

• Bottom: Patagonia Women’s Lightweight Capilene Bottoms

A nice in-between, a little warmer than my lightest wool layers yet not as warm as the Midweight version.

Mid Layer 1: Smartwool Women’s Propulsion 60 Jacket

This layer is versatile enough for many temperatures, uphill and downhill, and doesn’t add bulk if you’re really having to layer up.

Mid Layer 2: Patagonia Women’s Micro Puff Hoody

See above.

Shell

• Jacket: Flylow Women’s Billie Coat

I’ve used this coat in a ton of different applications, conditions, and temperatures and it really does the job.

• Pants: Flylow Women’s Foxy Bib

See above.

Gloves: Hestra Heli Ski 3-finger Glove

This is a well rounded glove, and the 3-finger option makes it a good option for touring, yet keeps me warm on freezing cold days.

Socks: Bridgedale MerinoFusion SKI Ultra Fit

See above.
Other: Smartwool Merino 250 Neck Gaiter

 

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