Gear Shed: Midwinter Picks

ML staff and partners add more top-rung goodies to the Gear Shed.

Filson Deer Island Ranch Coat

The Deer Island Ranch Coat is an ideal layer for shop work, mending fences or most any other task on dry, chilly days. Made with thick fabric that’s brushed for heat-trapping loft and softness, the hand-feel is similar to a cotton blanket. Angled-entry hand and open-stow chest pockets provide quick access to essentials and the front closure and adjustable cuffs secure with highly durable urea buttons. www.Elements2002.ca

Hot Poc+ Hand Warmers

Spring melt at a ski hill reveals a smorgasbord of detritus beneath each chairlift—dropped single ski poles and gloves, tossed smoke butts and beer cans—but the most ubiquitous has to be the disposable hand warmer (and its bright-orange packaging). Hot Poc, a little homegrown company in Quebec, has found a solution: Hot Poc+ reusable hand warmers. Sized to fit in a mitt, the little squishy squares spend their non-working hours in your pocket or pack, awaiting a quick click to activate the heat. www.hotpoc.ca

Jack Wolfskin Atmosphere Pant

A night in a tent or mountain hut in sub-zero temperatures is a warmer experience with the Atmosphere Pants (available for men or women). Filled with lightweight, high-performance RDS-certified duck down for insulation at a minimal weight, the pants’ lower legs, knees and seat utilize recycled Microguard Ecosphere insulation instead of down. This synthetic insulation is less sensitive to moisture than down and better able to withstand compression. Buy Jack Wolfskin in Canada at www.latulippe.com

Kathmandu HELI R Down Vest

The Heli R Down Vest (for women or men) is light and highly compressible—it packs into its own pocket and weighs just 160 g (size medium)—making it the perfect companion to toss in your pack to be prepared for any weather. With traceable 600-fill-power duck down, the Heli R Down Vest aims to lessen its impact on the environment, utilizing recycled materials throughout—i.e., the shell, lining, zip tape, plastic components and labels. Wear under a rain jacket for extra warmth or over a long-sleeved top for chilly in-between days. www.kathmanduoutdoor.ca

K2 Recon 120 BOA Ski Boot

Introducing the all-new Recon 120 BOA (women’s version: the Anthem)—delivering out-of-the-box performance with the micro-adjustable BOA fit system and a MultiFit last, designed to fit a variety of foot shapes with ultimate precision. Featuring a fully heat-moldable Powerlite Shell, FastFit Instep, Honeycomb boot board and Gripwalk outsoles, the Recon boasts a performance-first approach without sacrificing comfort. Little Ed’s Ski Shop, Collingwood www.littleeds.com

ML Skadi Series T-Shirts

Skaði—often anglicized as Skadi—shows up in nearly all the surviving Norse mythological texts. And in all of them, she is a force to be reckoned with; a Norse ski goddess associated with bowhunting, skiing, winter and mountains, whose legend should be celebrated as much as we do Ullr‘s. If we’re going to unearth Skadi’s legend and keep her spirit alive, you might as well start by buying a comfy, quick-dry T-shirt and head for the hills. (And on your way, grab some cold cans of Skadi IPA brewed by The Collingwood Brewery.) Custom artwork by Stu Mackay-Smith.

Muckster Lite Clog

The Original Muck Boot Co. recently released the Muckster Lite Clog—their lightest ever, offering SRC-rated slip-resistant traction and for all-day wear indoors or out, rain or shine. Just as importantly, the new clog is built from a high-performance, lightweight foam called Bio Lite which is ultra-durable, easy to clean—and biodegradable under proper conditions in a bioreactor landfill. The upper features side ventilation holes for breathability and drainage for water and debris. Fit feedback: Customers have recommended ordering one size smaller than your regular size. www.muckbootcompany.ca

Ortovox 3L Deep Shell Jacket

A lightweight hardshell that contains no environmentally harmful polyfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), the Ortovox 3L Deep Shell Jacket (available for women or men) includes Swiss wool merino inserts over key areas (like the chest and neck) that are extra susceptible to cold. (That’s right: a hardshell with merino inserts; very rare, and very welcome.) The outer membrane is long-lasting and carries a waterproof rating greater than 20,000mm and it’s also windproof. The result is a shell with total comfort and freedom, designed for big mountain freeriding. www.escaperoute.ca

Related content from ML:

Paka Sebastian Ski Socks

A lot of socks show up in our Gear Shed but the new Sebastian Ski Socks stand out. The warm, wicking, never-itchy material blend is a winner: 30 per cent baby alpaca, 59 per cent recycled nylon, 7 per cent lyocell and 4 per cent spandex. The calf and arch compression and extended heel cushion mean all-day comfort and performance in your ski boots. Why Alpaca? A lamoid prized by the ancient Inca for its versatile fleece, the alpaca has evolved to thrive in the extreme climate of the Andes mountains, resulting in the most versatile and functional natural fiber on the planet. www.pakaapparel.com

Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack 1L

This tough, lightweight 1-liter hip pack carries the bare essentials and stows into its own pocket when not in use. It’s built from 100 per cent recycled body fabric, lining and webbing, and the easy-adjustable strap extends from 8″ to 36″. The main compartment has a zippered pocket, plus there’s a zippered security pocket for stashing small items. Made in a Fair Trade Certified factory. www.patagonia.ca

Pearl Izumi Summit PRO NeoShell WxB Jacket

The men’s Summit PRO NeoShell Jacket changes the game as the first rain jacket to deliver all-day comfort while mountain biking. It’s built using a membrane that can move a basketball-sized volume of air from the jacket every minute; it’s the world’s most breathable waterproof material. This unrivaled level of moisture transfer manages body temps and keeps you dry like never before. But it’s not just about the breathability. Stretch fabric allows for dynamic movement and the woven fabric improves durability. For riding in unpredictable spring weather, we paired the Summit PRO Neoshell with the AmFIB Lite Gloves, which provide wind protection and 60g Primaloft Gold with Crosscore technology insulation (made from 35 per cent post-consumer recycled polyester). The gloves offer excellent dexterity and the synthetic leather palm is both grippy and durable. The AmFIB Lite serves for spring or fall riding but when temps drop below about 5C, we recommend the warmer AmFIB Gel version. www.pearlizumi.ca

Rossignol Sender Free 110

From wide-open bowls and backcountry kickers to steep lines and high-speed resort carves, the men’s Sender Free 110 ski lets you send it anywhere the snow takes you, inbounds or out. The confident grip and playful responsive skiing combine for a smooth, powerful feel. This freeride ski has it all: Prepare for full send. And as part of Rossignol’s Respect Program, two trees will be planted for each pair of skis purchased online. www.rossignol.com

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