honorable mentions
During the winter, an entire WIRED crew tests ski clothing almost constantly. Here are some other things we like.
Courtesy of REI
Hestra Fall Line 3-Finger Gloves for $190: I’ve long admired Hestra gloves from across the lift line, impressed by the Swedish company’s elegant tailoring and thoughtful design touches. This was the year I finally got the chance to try a pair for myself, and the Fall Line is exactly what they sound like. Six sizes are available so you can find the perfect fit in this glove. Cow hide is smooth as butter and has already broken down a bit after five days of use. The wrist strap means you don’t have to worry about your glove falling off on the lift while you’re checking your phone, and they’re very warm and didn’t make me sweat. If you sweat, the lining is removable so you can wash it without damaging the leather. -Martin Szymar
Courtesy of Crab Grab
Crab Grab Snuggler Mitts for $89: These mini sleeping bags for your fingers are packed with PrimaLoft insulation and benefit from a Sherpa fleece lining, they’re super warm, and with a 15K membrane, impressively waterproof too. All-season soils with durable construction for under $100? Yes, please!
Courtesy of Mons Royale
Mons Royale Yotei Merino Classic Long Sleeve for $98: As I’m typing this, I’m nowhere near a mountain, but I’m still wearing the Mons Royale Yotei Long Sleeve Top. It’s ridiculously comfortable, made of 190-gsm-weight, 100 percent merino wool, and it has a mercifully cozy cut, so I stay warm, but don’t feel like a sausage. However, on the mountain, merino wool works its magic, wicking away sweat – especially on a trip up to some fresh powder – and keeping me comfortable. With a shell and a Patagonia R1 thermal hoodie, I’m plenty warm during a bitter Arctic blast.
Senic Powder Puff Down Jacket for $498 and Bib for $398: Senic is another all-women’s outdoor brand that was launched in 2024. It’s got a slightly more Gen Z style, based on fun color blocking rather than a monochromatic look. The Senic Powder Puff Down Jacket features a dry-touch finish. It’s meant for dry days on the mountain, but the PFC-free DWR coating and YKK AquaGuard zippers provide water resistance. The asymmetric front zipper helps keep your chin from rubbing when your jacket is fully zipped up. It also has cool asymmetrical quilting lines, side pockets-in-pockets that provide access to your bib (their bibs have a pocket on the front, so you can get in there without opening your jacket), an oversized removable hood, a forearm pass pocket, soft and stretchy wrist gaiters, and a large interior pocket that can totally handle a sandwich. This jacket was warm, pillowy, and cozy, like an ultra-soft hug.
Silky shell bibs have a slight barrel cut, which gives them a flattering shape without being fitted. Adjustable racer back-style straps and low back (with a stretch waist) also provide a good shape and breathability. There are two pockets on the front chest, pockets on both legs, a two-way zip thigh vent and a butt zipper for bathroom breaks. These fit easily over my shoes, and the instep guards were a nice touch. With a durable three-layer membrane and 20,000-mm waterproof rating, these will withstand any and all weather the mountain throws at you. When I wore them on a wet snowy day, they beaded up and absorbed moisture well. -Kristin Canning
-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE-Kristin-Canning.jpg)
Mammut in hooded jacket for $259 from: This puffy hoodie is a great midlayer under a shell jacket. The insulation is made from recycled rope scraps, and the exterior is coated in a wind-resistant PFC-free DWR coating. The hem falls at the hips, and the high collar and tight hood cover most of the face. I like to wear this piece under shells for snowboarding, but I know it will also double as a casual hiking and camping jacket, so it’s a solid multi-purpose investment. It’s exceptionally light and warm, although from a volume standpoint, it’s heavy for a mid-layer and not the most packable piece. -Kristin Canning
Helly Hansen Evolved Air Half Zip for $112: This wool sweater has a waffle-like texture that traps heat and wicks moisture. With a high zip collar and cinchable hem, you can adjust the fit to make it more windproof or breathable. This middle layer felt surprisingly light while still keeping my toast intact. It’s not heavy at all, only a little thicker than a base layer, housed comfortably under my jacket, and went with me on the mountain. -Kristin Canning
Helly Hansen Lifa Base Layer Long-Sleeve Crew for $115 and Pants for $115: These base layers hit the sweet spot of weight; They’re not too thick or thin, but just right. They’re a little looser than the other options on this list, so if you prefer something that’s not so form-fitting, these are a great option (but note that they last longer). These combine merino wool with Helly Hansen’s LIFA fiber, which adds more moisture wicking ability. They are soft, light, warm and do not retain any odor. I love the cute designs and how well they regulate my temperature under insulated jackets and pants. The waist dips in a bit but doesn’t roll down and they stay in place and move well. -Kristin Canning
We have a full guide on how to layer, but here are your essentials.
base layer: A good set of thermals is essential to fight the cold, especially when you’re working hard. The best clothes absorb sweat when you get hot, which helps regulate your temperature. Merino wool is the best at this, but also the most expensive. However, synthetic fabrics are getting better, and please avoid cotton at all costs, as it tends to get wet and stay that way, leaving you cold and uncomfortable.
Middle Layer: Whether you choose a hooded fleece or a puffer-style jacket, this layer does most of the work in cold conditions. Combined with the base layer, it traps warm air inside, while also allowing moisture to escape. Synthetic insulation such as Primaloft Gold is luxurious and does not lose its properties when wet. Down jackets offer the best warmth-to-weight ratio, but they are not that short, and they should never get wet. If you get really cold a fleece with an insulated vest is a great option.
jacket: While ski jackets with insulation provide bonus warmth in Arctic-like conditions, a waterproof shell will suffice for most people, as it provides protection from both snow and wind. Cold air will chill your bones faster than a little wet snow. Ideally choose a jacket with a waterproof membrane like Gore-Tex (make sure it’s free of PFAS, or forever chemicals), but also check for taped seams for extra waterproofing, plus ample pockets for snacks and lift passes, and wrist cuffs and ski skirts to help keep out the snow.
socks: Like your base layer, socks keep you warm and maintain your temperature when you sweat. Natural fabrics work well, but a blend of merino wool with synthetic stretchy fibers is the way to go, as they last better and can be used for more than a day. Again, avoid wearing cotton clothes and never wear two pairs of clothes, as your feet will almost certainly get cold.
gloves: You’d be surprised at how wet ski gloves get when it’s snowing, even if you don’t fall often. As a result, waterproof options work best in most cases, although well-made leather designs can be just as waterproof when paired with Gore-Tex. Mittens are generally warmer than gloves, but you lose in dexterity what you gain by warming your fingers. Check out our best ski gloves and mittens guide for more details.
Waterproofing and breathability rating: Waterproofing is measured by hydrostatic head rating or HH. This means that if you put a 1-inch, endlessly long square tube over the fabric, you can add 20,000 millimeters of water before it leaks out. Breathability is rated based on how many grams of vapor per square meter can pass through the fabric in 24 hours.
I have been reviewing winter sports gear for over 15 years. In that time, I’ve worn a countless number of jackets, pants, mid-layers, thermals, gloves and mittens. I interviewed industry experts and professional skiers, and asked for opinions from fellow winter sports enthusiasts on the WIRED team. While basic fit testing can be done in the office, nothing can replace testing on the mountain in variable conditions. We also took various trips to the French Alps, as well as spending time at resorts in Vermont, Colorado, Arizona, and Oregon.
Power up with unlimited access wired. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive client content that is too important to ignore. Subscribe today.
