As backcountry skiing gains popularity all over the globe, gear designed for uphill-inclined ladies is improving vastly. From lightweight boots to powder-dominating skis and everything in between, there’s some great stuff out there. Below, we’ve rounded up 12 top-notch products that comprise one hell of a backcountry kit for women in the backcountry.

1. Igniter Alpiniste Helmet — Sweet Protection

$240

The Igniter Alpiniste is built for backcountry skiers, with an attachment point for a headlamp, a moisture-wicking liner (which can be removed for washing) and a certification for both mountaineering and snow sports. An injection-molded ABS thermoplastic shell and shock-absorbing EPS liner check the boxes for safety, too.

2. Huxley Roark Glacier Glass — Electric

$300

Electric added leather eye- and brow-shields to the aviator-style Huxley frames, ensuring you can enjoy your time in the high alpine safely while doing your best Maverick (from
Top Gun) impersonation.

3. Women’s Fall Line Mitt — Hestra

$150

The Women’s Fall Line Mitt is a home run. A malleable impregnated cowhide construction ensures breaking in won’t be necessary and Fiberfill insulation provides warmth while a Bemberg and polyester liner is breathable, lightweight and oh-so-soft.

4. Women’s Exit Insulator Vest — Spyder

$99

The Exit Insulator Vest utilizes Primaloft Gold insulation in the front body to keep you warm, while fleece side and back panels allow for breathability. The outerwear body boasts a DWR coating for water protection as well as rip stop material to up the durability.

5. Women’s Eiger Shell — Spyder

$500

This three-layer stretch shell helps with ease-of-movement on the skin track or bootpack and a 20K/20K rating equates to ultimate waterproofing and breathability. It’s also fully seam taped and boasts waterproof zippers, ensuring you’ll remain dry no matter what.

6. Women’s Turet Shell Pant — Spyder

$300

With a three-layer stretch construction, articulated knees and thigh vents, these pants ensure comfort no matter how tough the journey to your backcountry zone is. On top of that, a 20K/20K rating wards off unwanted moisture and keeps your temperature regulated.

7. Hoji W — 4FRNT

$750

The Hoji W is a wide ride at 112 mm underfoot, but it’s incredibly agile, too. Its matching rocker and sidecut radii (ReflectTech) improves performance on edge, while a combination of poplar and paulownia in the core sheds weight without losing stiffness or power.

8. Radical TLT 2.0 FT Bindings — Dynafit

$550

The Radical TLT 2.0 FT is ultra-easy to switch between hike and ski mode, has a manageable weight of 630 grams and its rotating toe piece helps prevent unwanted prerelease.

9. MTN Explore W — Salomon

$600

This women’s-specific touring boot boasts a 63-degree range of motion in hike mode, allowing for ultimate comfort on the uphill slog. A carbon reinforced spine and oversized, 24-mm pivot ensure power transmission and stiffness, translating to a boot that is capable in all facets of the touring game.

10. Float 32 — Backcountry Access

$550

*Float air cylinder sold separately

This airbag pack boasts 32 liters of storage, a dedicated avalanche tool pocket, diagonal ski-carry system and a hydration sleeve for standard backcountry purposes. Its airbag trigger can be placed on either the left or right strap and with BCA’s 200 authorized refill locations around the globe, it’s easy to replenish the air cylinder when needed.

11. Climb Pro S-Glide Skin — Pomoca

$180-220

The Climb Pro S-Glide Skin boasts incredible grip and gliding capabilities. The addition of nylon to the mohair construction provides the bulk of the grip, while a special finish gives them a seamless sliding character. Another treatment, dubbed Ever Dry 2.0, is applied to shed moisture so they don’t end up soggy and heavy.

12. LCG Compact — Scott

$199

The LCG Compact has a scaled-down frame height, making it ideal for those with small-to-medium-sized faces. Scott’s sliding hook and hinge lens swapping mechanism allows for quick changes on the fly, great for when mountain weather takes a turn for the worst.

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