Tons of brands are throwing their hats in the ski-touring ring, producing top-notch products left and right. So, when you’re shopping around for a kit, it can get a little overwhelming. To save you the stress of shopping around, and point you in the right direction of some premiere products, we’ve teamed up with evo to put together the products below that’ll have you ready to rip from head to toe.
1. MOD 3 Helmet — Oakley
Oakley came into the helmet scene this season with serious momentum thanks to the MOD 3. An in-mold shell, Boa fitting system and premium venting will keep you safe and comfortable out in the wilderness.
2. Flight Deck Goggles — Oakley
Built to fit perfectly with the aforementioned MOD 3 helmet, these goggles from Oakley are money. Prizm lens technology increases color and contrast so you see clearly on the stormiest of days, and serious peripheral vision doesn’t hurt, either.
3. Thermoball Vest — The North Face
This vest from The North Face comes in handy on any tour. It’s extra-sleek, yet still boasts superior insulation that’ll keep you warm on the uphill and downhill.
4. NST Micro 150 Crew Top — Smartwool
Proper baselayers are crucial for happy days ski-touring. For your upper half, choose the NST Micro 150 Crew Top, decked out with 100-percent merino wool that’s both breathable and warm.
5. Oven Mitts — Flylow
These mitts might look basic from the outside—like your average Kincos—but they’re actually kickass for the backcountry. Treated pigskin faces the most brutal of storms while, inside, they’re cozy-as-can-be (hence the name Oven Mitts).
6. Spark Mittens — Black Diamond
Built for ultra-cold days, the Spark Mittens will keep your digits safe, guaranteed. A waterproof membrane prevents moisture from coming in, while PrimaLoft Gold insulation keeps the heat in.
7. NST Micro 150 Pants — Smartwool
Your lower-half will thank you when you throw on these puppies. They’re made of 100-percent merino wool and boast a slim fit that’ll feel like a dream within your other layers.
8. Beta SV Jacket — Arc’teryx
A light, yet burly jacket is a must-have while out of bounds and Arc’Teryx’s Beta SV is a very wise choice. Waterproof, windproof and full of vents, this thing offers a brilliant balance of durability and breathability.
9. Dawn Patrol Pants — Black Diamond
Keep your tush ‘n’ legs warm and dry with these bombproof pants by Black Diamond. Named after the epic early-morning missions you’ll embark on this winter, they feature suspenders, mesh-backed vents, boot-access zippers and more.
10. Razor Carbon Adjustable Ski Poles — Black Diamond
These poles from Black Diamond are sleek, simple and just right for any uphill-inclined skier. Stay balanced and efficient through their easy-to-use adjustment system and maintain your energy thanks to a super lightweight profile achieved through carbon fiber.
11. Corvus Freebird Skis — Black Crows
Don’t be fooled by the pretty and pink aesthetic of these touring-focused planks; they’re hard-charging tools that will satisfy all of your needs. A 109-mm waist is narrow enough for hardpack while plenty wide enough for powder; a rocker-camber-rocker profile furthers its all-terrain prowess; and a paulownia-poplar core supplemented by carbon laminates combine for a light, yet stable ride.
12. TLT Radical ST 2.0 Ski Bindings — Dynafit
Light, durable and trustworthy, this binding will serve you well on the wildest of backcountry missions. Its rotating toe piece, multiple tour modes and redesigned brake highlighted by built-in AFD all team up like champions.
13. Zero G Guide Pro Ski Boots — Tecnica
A proper touring kit starts with a good pair of boots, and Tecnica’s Zero G Guide Pro is a very wise choice. These only weigh about 1500 grams, but boast a burly 130-flex so you can go full-send when it comes time to go downhill.
14. Heli 12L Backpack — Dakine
You avy gear and other must-pack items need a safe home and the Heli 12L pack will get the job done with excellence. Of its many notable features, it boasts plenty of pockets, external shovel- and ski-carry systems and a insulated hydrosleeve.
