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

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

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

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

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

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

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