Gear Shed: Midwinter Round-up

Picture Women’s Arcca 1/4 Fleece

Picture’s Arcca 1/4 Fleece is a retro take on a classic snap midlayer. Made with a recycled polyester blend to decrease its carbon footprint, the straight fit and high collar trap the warmth, while elastic cuffs and hem keep the wind out. It’s mountain-ready and street-approved, but also cozy enough for those days when you don’t want to leave the house. www.picture-organic-clothing.com

Carbon Footprint

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“Since 2008 – the year Picture was founded – we have used recycled polyester from plastic bottles as one way to reduce our dependence on oil. The process to manufacture a finished product is a long one, from recycling bottles, to spinning thread, to weaving and dyeing the fabric, to applying a durable water repellent finish and then laminating a waterproof-breathable membrane…. Using recycled polyester relies on the fact that there will always be waste to recycle: the plastic bottle. This means that as of today, we still depend on waste to make our products, which is a contradiction when you think about it. While our point of view might be too idealistic given the astronomical amount of plastic currently used, recycling remains a good solution.” www.picture-organic-clothing.com

95/100

Total Score iLegend

The best

Dynafit ST Rotation 14 Binding

Crush the climb and bomb the descent with the new DYNAFIT ST Rotation 14 binding. The pivoting toe piece provides a smooth ride, even in the choppiest conditions, and offers a more reliable and consistent release when you need it. Want to charge? Crank your DIN all the way up to 14 and let’er rip. No stress if you send it too hard—all Dynafit bindings now offer a ten-year warranty. www.dynafit.com

Responsiveness, Performance + Stability

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“With its perfect bayonet positive lock at the heel unit, an extremely high power transfer from binding to ski is achieved for increased responsiveness and downhill performance. Meaning you can tap into everything you have even on challenging terrain. The Step-In Side Towers make entry into the toe piece more than 30% easier. Meaning fast as lightning you are fully and easily ready to get going. At the same time, it increases lateral stability on the descent.”

95/100

Total Score iLegend

The best

Outdoor Vitals Ventus Active Hoodie

Available for men and women, the Ventus solves the problem of overheating during high-output winter pursuits. This hoodie is featherweight but offers as much warmth as a heavier jacket, and a lot more breathability. The leading-edge 3DeFX+ insulation and ripstop exterior fabric stretch with you in any direction, which is especially handy when you’re bending down to adjust bindings, etc. And 3DeFX+ insulation boasts tiny fiber coils that expand and breathe when you’re moving, then contract when you stop—holding in your warmth. This is a breakthrough for backcountry or XC skiers who won’t have to worry about getting cold while checking a map or adjusting gear. www.outdoorvitals.com

Breathability + Packability

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This piece is VERY breathable due to the body-mapped placement of the 3DeFX+ insulation. Obviously, a lot of thought and testing went into product development here. There is no insulation in the panels beneath your arms, and perforated underarm vents keep the hottest part of your torso cool. Plus: A hidden inner pocket allows you to easily pack up the Ventus for storage in a pack or luggage when you aren’t using it. You can compress it down to the size of a softball. This makes the Ventus a good choice as a backup layer you can carry in a small backcountry day-pack. But really the Ventus is so comfortable that you’ll want to wear it all the time.

96/100

Total Score iLegend

The best

WNDR Alpine Reason 120 Ski

The biotechnology used in the WNDR Alpine Reason 120 reverse camber ski is what initially sparked our interest in the brand. They feature unique AlgalTech™ sidewalls that are almost zero-waste and offer superior dampening for reduced chatter—because we all love that smooth ride. The full reverse camber profile provides ultimate float, perfect for the deepest days in the mountains. www.evo.com

Eco-Content

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Eco-friendly features include: AlgalTech™ Core: A composite of vertically laminated domestically sourced aspen and high-density algae-based polyurethane stringers with a bio-based carbon content of 41.58%. AlgalWall™ Sidewalls: 68% bio-based algae-derived cast polyurethane bonds secured to the Algal Core to create a seamless interface. The AlgalWall™ delivers superior impact resistance and dampening, plus more power and stability on edge. Plus: the base is Sintered High Carbon UHMW, a penetrating biodegradable all-temp treatment that reduces friction in all snow types without PFC’s or other toxic chemicals. Additional eco-features: bio-based Super Sap® and Entropy Resins® minimize the environmental impact of WNDR products. More at www.wndr-alpine.com

96/100

Total Score iLegend

The best

Dahlgren Socks

The most underrated piece of winter gear, socks can make or break a cold day. Dahlgren socks are the difference between cold, wet, miserable feet and warm, dry, happy feet—no matter what adventure you get up to. Dahlgren pioneered and patented a system that absorbs moisture created by your foot and continually moves it up and out of the sock to where it can be evaporated, leading to feet being drier and more comfortable. Toasty toes for the win! www.dahlgrensocks.ca

Dri-Stride Tech

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“Dri-Stride® Technology uses Alpaca fiber and Merino wool in our Absorption Zones at the heel and toe, a mix of both in the Transfer zone to both absorb and channel moisture and Therma-Dri™ synthetic fiber in the Evaporation zone to wick and remove moisture quickly and efficiently.” www.dahlgrensocks.ca

95/100

Total Score iLegend

The best

Merrell Moab Flight Trail Runner

“Last November, the trails in the rainforests of Squamish, B.C. were about as opposite as it gets from Moab, Utah. But that doesn’t mean the Merrell Moab Flight trail runner wasn’t up for the task. I ran these babies through mud, muck, streams, and piles of decomposing maple leaves to test the slip/skid factor and the Vibram soles delivered the traction I needed to take corners with speed and giv’r on downhills and sidehills. Of course, my feet were soaked by the end of it but that’s what happens when you run in the rainforest in a rainstorm, and the mesh upper makes for quick drying (or sweet ventilation in warmer conditions). My heart loves that these shoes are made with a bunch of recycled materials and contain 0% animal products, and my feet love the way they help me haul ass with confidence.” –Feet Banks

Recycled Sole Rubber

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Made with a minimum of 30% recycled rubber, Vibram ECOSTEP is a pioneering eco-compound (launched in 1994) and is today the worldwide reference for pro-recycled soling applications.

96/100

Total Score iLegend

The best

Eddie Bauer First Ascent BC Fineline Jacket + Bib

The newest generation of EB’s premier ski kit, the BC Fineline (Jacket and Bib) was developed with the extensive input of big-mountain women skiers. Fully waterproof (3-layer WeatherEdge® Pro seam-sealed tech, waterproof/breathable to 20,000 mm) and made with recycled ripstop polyester, it has Everything You Need, Nothing You Don’t. Pairs with the BC Fineline Bib to create a complete kit ready for the world’s toughest conditions. Also: Eddie Bauer recently released an adaptive ski jacket and bib developed in collaboration with Trevor Kennison. www.eddiebauer.ca

Pro-Ready Details

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It’s all in the details: We like the BC Fineline Bib’s full-length zips for venting and removable foam knee pads. And we like the BC Fineline Jacket’s roomy, high collar to shield face; the removable powder skirt; the roomy chest pockets; interior mesh phone pocket and interior mesh stash pocket with goggle wipe.

95/100

Total Score iLegend

The best

ML Coast Mountains: The Optimism Issue – Out Now

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Gear Shed: Midwinter Round-up