1. Patagonia Lined Canvas Hoody
The aptly named Lined Canvas Hoody is not a jacket for when you are sking the backcountry, instead this is what you want to wear when you drive to the trailhead and ready your gear out of the rocket box. It’s tough on the outside, soft and warm inside. $149; patagonia.com
2. BCA Float 32
There is no substitute for proper training and decision making when it comes to backcountry safety (see page 12) but an airbag is one tool that might save your life if you mess up. Just ask pro snowboarder Meesh Hytner who survived a slide in Colorado last season thanks to a BCA airbag (watch it here bit.ly/xJfdyH). The new 32 is the perfect size, big enough to hold gear beyond the bag yet not so large you don’t want to have it on your back. It’s worth testing how the bag works so you can trust it in the field, and if it you do pop it for any reason, you can fill it back up at a dive shop. $725; backcountryaccess.com
3. Flylow Magnum BC
Denver-based FlyLow got its start hawking sturdy pants for backcountry telemarkers, and, as the brand has evolved to encompass the freeride lifestyle all over the mountains, the latest iteration of this pant has also grown up. It’s even sturdier and big, long zippers let you take it off without having to remove your boots.$270; flylowgear.com
4. Stanley One-handed Vacuum Mug
Once again, here’s some gear that’s ideal for the dirve to the trailhead. And it won’t spill all over that fancy jacket while you are rumbling down a dirt road—the one-handed operation means you push a button to drink, let go to rattle around. $29; stanley-pmi.com
5. The North Face Warm Merino Zip Neck
The North Face created this baselayer with its Flashdry fabric, which uses minerals and coconut husks, that will dry, well, extremely fast. That could save a life out in the wild—or at least keep you cozy. $90; thenorthface.com
6. Fits Light Ski
We challenge you to slip on these merino socks and not immediately think that they are the most comfy things your feet have ever felt.That’s because Fits set out to design a sock that would articulate to the shape of your poor, overused foot. Try them. $23; fitssocks.com
7. CoreConcepts Cowboy Pow
A no-nonsense and affordable four-way stretch soft shell, the Cowboy Pow is a versatile jacket for backcountry touring, hiking, snowshoeing or just sampling the seasonals at the local brew pub. $169; corelayers.com •
