Baby it’s getting cold out there. Winter will be upon us before you know it, but that’s no reason your outdoor activities should come to a halt. The Tech50+ team has assembled a two part guide to some of the best technical winter wear and technology to keep you warm and dry from head to toe. Literally.
Ski Shirt – FALKE Men Longsleeved Shirt, Zip Wool – This longsleeved wool shirt with zip fastener features unlimited climate comfort for the all-around and casual skiers. The innovative ski underwear was designed using seamless technology and is close-fitting but not constricting and combines nature and technology. Merino wool ensures thermal insulation. High-tech polyamide wicks moisture away from the skin and provides an anti-odor and antibacterial function. Available for $195.
Ski Tights – FALKE Women 3/4 Tights, Wool-Tech – The perfect underwear for snow queens! These 3/4-length tights will keep you warm and dry and feature a two-layer design on the outer thigh to protect you perfectly against under-cooling. Special ventilation zones incorporated into the knees cater for super-quick drying, even when the going gets tough. Merino wool provides for optimum moisture absorption along with a heat-insulating structure on the outer thigh. The tights feature flex zones on the knees for maximum mobility and no troublesome side seams. Available for $140.
Heavy-Duty Poncho – Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho – Be king or queen of the campfire with this poncho that doubles as a blanket. Part of Therm-a-Rest’s Camp & Comfort Series, the Honcho Poncho offers extra warmth and water resistance for a variety of adventures from camping to outdoor sporting events. With an extra layer of insulation and a breathable, water-resistant shell, the Honcho is as technical as it is fun. Available for $130.
Fleece Sweatshirt – Eddie Bauer Men’s High Route Fleece Hoodie – A midweight fleece for mountaineering, backcountry skiing, backpacking, and more, this full-zip hoodie is made with FreeHeat polyester fleece. The flat face stretch exterior is exceptionally durable, while the soft, brushed interior adds another level of comfort and warmth. The zippered chest pocket securely holds essentials and the thumb loops extend coverage for a secure fit. Available for $60-$67 depending on size.
Shoe Traction – Yaktrax Pro – Don’t let the winter weather put a damper on your outdoor activities. The Yaktrax Pro will instantly give you better traction, confidence, and safety on packed snow or ice. Walk, run, or work on slick surfaces with the same stability you’re accustomed to on dry surfaces. They feature a spikeless, lightweight design and a durable rubber outerband for a flexible fit. Heel tabs allow for easy installation and removal and the over-foot strap ensures a secure fit. Available for $30.
Four-Season Shell – Outdoor Research Men’s Axiom Jacket – This jacket’s true four-season shell supports everything from spring trails to winter slopes and breathes better than most jackets. The award-winning storm shell is engineered for fast-and-light alpine climbs, all-day backcountry tours, or just a backyard adventure with the grandkids. Available in several colors for $390.
All-Around Jacket – Stio Men’s Environ Jacket – Stio is a Jackson Hole company that understands a thing or two about cold weather. Its Environ Jacket is ostensibly for serious backcountry skiers and hikers, but the jacket’s subtle styling means that it doesn’t look so technical that you can’t wear it in the city. The latest iteration of the Environ is waterproof yet breathable thanks to a 3-layer material under the Dermizax brand. It’s stretchable (so you won’t rip it), and its zippable hood works with a ski helmet. How good is it? Over years of traveling and testing numerous winter brands ranging from Sherpa to First Ascent, this is the only jacket we’ve ever had stolen. That’s how good it is. Available for $425.
Power Pack/Hand Warmer – Celestron Elements ThermoCharge – Stay warm and keep your portable electronic devices fully charged with the ThermoCharge power pack and hand warmer. The ThermoCharge heats up quickly and reaches a maximum of 113 degrees Fahrenheit for an impressive 6 hours of continuous heat on a full charge. It also delivers a full charge most smart phones, MP3 players, cameras and many other USB-powered devices. Unlike single-use chemical hand warmers, ThermoCharge is safe, scent-free, and rechargeable. Just plug it into any USB charging port. A rugged aluminum housing and protective silicone caps make ThermoCharge perfect for your next cold-weather excursion. Available for $35.
Men’s Insulated Top – Ibex Woolies 2 Crew – The striped version of the popular Woolies Crew will quickly make it into your starting lineup. This mid-weight knit Merino shirt is all about action: from business calls to backcountry lines and back again, this durable, breathable shirt can handle it all (without needing many stops through the washer). Available in two colors for $110
Down Jacket – Eddie Bauer Men’s MicroTherm StormDown Jacket – Eddie Bauer’s First Ascent guide team built this ultralight jacket for alpine climbing in cool to cold weather, but it’s good for outdoor adventures of all kinds. The windproof shell is ripstop polyester with a StormRepel durable water-repellent finish. The super high-loft 800 fill StormDown is also treated with a water-repellent finish so the down becomes moisture-resistant, allowing it to retain its loft and superior insulating properties even in wet conditions. Available for $140-$154 depending on size.
Non-Slip Boots – Merrell Moab FST Ice+ Thermo – Falls are not only unpleasant, they can be downright dangerous in winter. Now there’s a stunningly effective material for soles that takes the fear out of walking on icy wet surfaces, Vibram’s Artic Grip technology. The new material literally allows you to walk on wet ice as if you had glue on your feet. The new Vibram material is used in footwear like these new Moab FST Ice+ Thermo boots. The Moab’s use Artic Grip material on one part of the sole for icy wet conditions and then alternate it with a second material that works better on colder, dry icy surfaces. The boots even have “thermochromatic” lugs on the bottom, which means they change color when the temperature drops and there’s a danger of ice. Available for $150.
Insulated Trench Coat – Helly Hansen Welsey Insulated Women’s Trench Coat – This is a stylish Scandinavian take on a longer trench coat for women. Without compromising style, Helly Hansen has bumped up the functionality and created a modern insulated Helly Tech jacket for the city that is warm, waterproof, windproof, and breathable. Classic styling and rich detailing makes this coat unique. Stand-out technical solutions with full zip closure and ventilation prepare you for a busy day and challenging weather. Available for $240.
Jack-Shirt – Walls Workwear Jack-Shirt with Kevlar – Actions speak louder than words with this Jack-Shirt made with Kevlar. It’ll take on work in adverse conditions without a second thought. Brushed duck cotton and polyester meet Kevlar, so it fights tough with tougher. With Dual-entry pockets for utility, this jack-shirt is the definition of durable. Available for $102.
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