Gallery: Snow Report: 10 Pieces of Winter Gear, Tested and Rated
01slash-by-gigi-atv-hub-snowboard
[](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/playbook/winter-camp-2012/) LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA — It's a tough gig, but somebody's gotta do it. For the last four days, the Wired products team has been up here at the [Squaw Valley](http://www.squaw.com/) ski resort testing a mountain of snow sports gear: boards, skis, boots, goggles, helmets, outerwear, mid-layers, you name it. What follows is a list of the standouts. In some cases, we're showing you our favorites — the best-performing hard goods in our test. But we've also featured a few products that incorporate new technologies or test the limits by applying a new spin to a familiar formula. Read on to see our head-to-toe round-up of boarding and skiing gear. Maybe you'll see something you need to make your next trip to the slopes a success. Slash by Gigi ATV Hub Snowboard ------------------------------- When a board is designed by a rider, it could be a complete trainwreck (like [Homer Simpson's car](http://simpsons.wikia.com/wiki/The_Homer)) or it could be totally freaking amazing. The [ATV Hub](http://www.slashsnow.com/en/boards/atv.html) ($480), designed by Gigi Rüf, is the latter. All-mountain boards are built to perform on all different types of terrain, and because of this, they can end up being pretty boring. But the ATV Hub is definitely not boring. The tips of the board look like Pac-Man got a little chompy, and they're capped by mean-looking metal nose protectors — a nice feature for the lift line. Modern board designs are all over the place — banana, full rocker, super-directional — but the ATV Hub has a traditional design, with a camber profile in the middle and a rocker profile near the tips. But there are a couple of tricks in play: It has some directional flex, and there's an additional edge in the middle of the board (dubbed "Ultimate Traction Bumps"). The extra grabbiness gave me dominion over all snow conditions. You can ride it chill-style, but if you're an aggressive rider, you'll want the extra grip in the middle of the board. That's the way I ride, and it's my new favorite board for every inch of the mountain. *— Roberto Baldwin* __WIRED__ Carve through anything, including a sheet of ice on that double-black-diamond face. Nose guards make it so you won't want to punch the joker behind you in the lift line who doesn't care about gashing up his board because his parents bought it for him. __TIRED__ Could be too intense for intermediate riders. It grabs like there's no tomorrow, so you'll need some time to get to know it if you're not as experienced.
02flow-nx2-gt-hybrid-bindings
Flow NX2-GT Bindings -------------------- The bindings from Flow are known for their quick rear-entry design that negates the need to sit in the snow while strapping your boots to your board. The [NX2-GT](http://www.flow.com/Products/mens-binding/nx2gt/FI12M1NX2GJTB) bindings ($370) continue Flow's quick-load legacy but add the much-needed ability to adjust the bindings mid-run. In Flow's older binding designs, the straps had to be adjusted prior to hitting the mountain — you're supposed to be able to lock the straps into position, then simply slide your toes into a perfectly snug cage before every run. But, if after a few turns you realize you've set the straps just a little too loose or a little too tight, you can't make a quick adjustment. You have to stop, sit down and spend a minute or two re-tensioning the straps. This new hybrid design does away with all that — one side of the binding is locked down like a traditional rear-entry strap, and the other side has ratcheting tension system like a regular binding strap, so you can make small adjustments on the fly. *— Roberto Baldwin* __WIRED__ Fastening your bindings without having to sit in the snow is sweet. Being able to fine-tune those bindings is outstanding. __TIRED__ About 20 percent of the time during my tests, the top strap would slide down my boot, sacrificing support. 
03head-rev-85-pro-skis
Head Rev 85 Pro --------------- When reading up on the "3.0 Era technology" in these new Head skis, I encountered all sorts of puzzling phrases like "precisely calculated dual-radius sidecut" and "piezo-electric Intellirise vibration dampening." I can't say whether I agree or disagree -- much of that ski company marketing verbiage is so confusing, it's not even worth deciphering it. So let me just say this: Whatever Head put into this pair of planks, I like it. The [Rev 85 Pros](http://www.head.com/ski/products/skis/allride/rev-85-pro/4377/?region=eu) ($800) are meant to be a front-side hard snow ski with just enough rocker to make riding in the fluffy white powder still enjoyable. Unfortunately, I haven't seen much of the pillowy stuff since strapping into these beauties. But on the groomers or in the chop, the 85s grabbed an edge instinctively while still being ready and willing to be playful and shmeary. These skis inspired enough confidence to play the weekend-warrior GS card, while still being a blast in short- to medium-radius turns. If you ski where the snow isn't as fresh, or if you like to rip the corduroy but still want to be prepared when the shit gets thick, I suggest you take a closer look at these multi-tools. They'll definitely up your smiles-per-hour. It should also be noted my Rev 85 Pros came with Head's [PRD-12 bindings](http://www.head.com/ski/products/bindings/powerrail/prd-12/2841/?region=eu) ($250) with the PowerRail system. They were super easy to set up. And there's no drilling required, so if Head comes out with something new next season you just can't live without, resale is no sweat. *— Jim Merithew* __WIRED__ Makes an intermediate skier think he could be an expert. Turn, turn, turn, to every situation these babies will turn. A touch of the Rasta colors, mon. __TIRED__ There's really no such thing as an amazing ski for all situations. I paid 50 clams to have someone mount these binding, which took all of four minutes. 
04mammut-nordwand-pantsjacket
Mammut Nordwand Jacket and Pants -------------------------------- When I told my kid brother I was headed to Tahoe to test a bunch of snow gear for work, I asked him which new piece of kit he was most excited about. I figured he would rattle off some sweet pair of skis he could ride through the pow in his backyard at [Schweitzer Mountain](http://www.schweitzer.com/). Nope. Turns out he desperately wants the Mammut Nordwand [jacket](http://www.mammut.ch/en/productDetail/ 101010511_v_5268_XL/Nordwand-Jacket-Men.html) and [pants](http://www.mammut.ch/en/productDetail/102006471_v_0001_94/Nordwand-Pants-Men.html) ($675 and $525, respectively). Nordwand is German for "north face," as in the north wall of the [Eiger](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eiger), the famous peak in the Bernese Alps. And even though I won’t be doing that climb (ever), I feel like I now have the kit to make it not only doable, but as pleasant as humanly possible. Sure, this outfit was overkill for a weekend of 40-degree days at Squaw Valley, but it just made everything more pleasant. The suit is packed with utility: lightweight, triple-layer stretchable Gore-Tex material; pit zips on the jacket and full drop-seat action on the pants; a detachable snow skirt and adjustable snow gaiters. Mammut has left no detail unaddressed. Throughout the day, from the chill of the early morning, during the warmth of the afternoon sun, and into the last icy run of the day, I was able to regulate my temperature and stay bone dry. Mammut's switchback Velcro sleeve fasteners are particularly beautiful, not only aesthetically but also functionally. There are more practical choices for front-side ski attire, but I can’t help agree with my brother — this is one desirable ensemble. I just hope he's happy having it in the family. Thanks, brah. You've got good taste. *— Jim Merithew* __WIRED__ Lightweight, triple-layer Gore-Tex keeps the wet and wind out. Adjustable hood fits over a helmet or cinches down over a hat. Pockets, zippers and adjustable bits are positioned to remain accessible even when you're wearing a backpack. Jacket and pants are designed to work as one. Pick the bright orange option and your ski companions can spot you from three lifts over. __TIRED__ Your ski companions can spot you from three lifts over. Zippers are not glove-friendly. Sizing runs small, so you might want to size up. 
05k2-contour-boots
K2 Contour Boots ---------------- One of the biggest problems I’ve had over the years with snowboard boots is getting the right fit around my ankles. No matter how tightly I lace my boots, I always have too much heel lift. Luckily, boot technology has evolved quite a bit over the last five years on this front and [the Boa system](http://www.boatechnology.com/) is making it easier for riders to get the right fit. The advantage goes to boots using a double Boa, since you can customize two areas of your boot. Usually, one Boa adjusts the upper part of the boot and another adjusts the lower. But K2 has been putting its own spin on the double Boa design with many of its boots this season, including the [Contours](http://k2snowboarding.com/boots/contour-1213) ($280). Instead of upper and lower adjusting, the Contour uses one Boa to adjust the liner and one to adjust the outer shell. This makes it incredibly easy to put the boots on -- no stomping around trying to shove your foot in. But while the boot was quite comfortable overall in my testing, even without much breaking in, I just wasn’t able to adjust the boots to fit around my ankle as much as I wanted. While I certainly had less heel lift than I get with my old lace-ups, any heel lift is too much when it comes to snowboarding. *— Karissa Bell* __WIRED__ Easy to get on and off. Comfortable liner molds to your foot without much breaking in. __TIRED__ Can’t customize the fit around heels and ankles as much as other boots. Independent inner and outer Boas can create pressure points if laced too tight.
06helly-hansen-h2flow-insulated-mid-layer
Helly Hansen H2Flow ------------------- Helly Hansen takes the less-is-more approach by utilizing "negative space" — aka "nothing" — in its new [H2Flow](http://www.hellyhansen.com/h2flow/# ) insulated jacket. Rather than using the familiar goose down, or some fibrous synthetic insulation, the H2Flow ($180) is insulated by a thin layer of synthetic fleece with half-dollar-sized holes cut out every few inches. The gaps in material are designed to not only trap hot air and create pockets of warmth, but also to rapidly purge the hot air out of the jacket when the zip vents open up. I tested it over a few days up here in Tahoe, and the H2Flow served as a great mid-layer — the insulation was plenty warm for the 40-degree weather, and when I had to hike my way out of the flats, opening the vents offered instant relief from overheating. The polyester outer material is resistant to both wind and moisture, so the H2Flow can pull double duty as an outer layer in a pinch. It held the misting, light rain at bay, and also protected me against some minor gales when I wore it as my sole bit of upper-body protection on Squaw's Siberia Express lift. *— Billy Brown* __WIRED__ Innovative "Hollow Heat" insulation traps warmer air and keeps it inside. Highly effective venting system. Blocks wind well. Compresses well. __TIRED__ Inner material pokes out from under cuffs. Vent zips are too small to grab with gloves. 
07poc-iris-3p-goggles
POC Iris 3P Goggles ------------------- Sporting just one lens in your snow goggles is fine if you only ride in one type of light. Problem is, lighting conditions can vary from minute to minute, and that super-dark tinted lens in your frame isn't going to do you any good when the clouds come in. Even a few minutes of cloud cover can wreck your sense of perspective, leaving you to guess where the dips and bumps are. POC's [Iris 3P goggles](http://www.pocsports.com/en/product/1551/iris-3p) ($190) feature a photochromic lens that lightens and darkens in response to varying light levels. When a bluebird Tahoe morning turned into a cloudy afternoon, I was able to keep riding without having to swap new lenses into the frame. In fact, I didn't even notice it had gotten cloudy until someone mentioned it. The lenses also sport a "partially polarized" treatment that knock down excessive glare, but let in enough shine to let me know whether or not that whipped-cream-looking patch of snow in front of me has frozen into a block of ice. __WIRED__ Lens quickly adjusts to shifting light conditions. Crystal-clear optics. __TIRED__ Minor issues with lens fogging. Fit is weird — they only come in size medium, which is too narrow for my face.
08gnu-b-street-snowboard
Gnu B-Street ------------ Take a look around any mountain and the park boards, with their flashy colors and bad-ass graphics, are the sexiest boards around — never mind that they're also the ones beneath the riders catching the craziest air. However, the problem with park boards is that they're not suited as well to variable conditions. The second you take them out of the park and onto the groomers, they just can’t perform. [Gnu’s B-Street board](http://www.gnu.com/snowboards/b-street/) ($430) is an exception. The B-Street, like the rest of Gnu’s boards, uses Lib Tech’s Banana Technology that puts rocker between the feet and just a little camber at the tip and tail. This gives the the board a much more centered feel that’s key to shredding outside of the park. Don’t get me wrong; the B-Street is a park board at heart, and the park is where it rocks the hardest. But it holds its own on the trails. The B-Street is an incredibly fun ride — it’s super soft and has a ton of pop to it — but it can be tricky outside of the park. It’s not built for riding very fast, and it gets a little squirrelly once you start picking up speed. There were a few times going over ice or through some choppy snow when I almost (unintentionally) caught some air. But the park is where this board really comes alive. Getting air off kickers is effortless, and its true twin shape makes riding switch is a breeze. *— Karissa Bell* __WIRED__ So much pop. Rides switch like nobody’s business. Bad-ass graphics. __TIRED__ Doesn’t perform as well out of the park. Gets sketchy at higher speeds. Slides around on ice. 
09giro-nine-10-helmet
Giro Nine.10 Helmet. -------------------- "I'll skip the helmet." That was my thinking while I was suiting up for my first day on the slopes on a warmish December morning. But I brought it anyway. Figured it couldn't hurt to wear it, right? Sure enough, three runs into the day, I hit some of that famous Tahoe blue ice and wound up flat on my ass in a split second, conking my melon hard against the ground as I went down. And that's exactly why you wear a helmet — no matter how smooth you are, you're going to get your bell rung sooner or later. I've had the chance to test several helmets over the first few days of the season, and this one is by far my favorite. [Giro's Nine.10](http://www.giro.com/us_en/nine-10.html) ($100) is everything you'd want in a helmet — easy on the eyes, not bulky at all, extremely light, and comfortable enough that you'll totally forget you're wearing it until it saves you from serious injury. *— Michael Calore* __WIRED__ Supreme comfort. Twist the dial at the back of the helmet to find a perfect fit (easy enough, even with gloves). Generous venting keeps the air moving — never swampy, but never too cold. Pockets over the ears for headphones, so you can blast "Achilles Last Stand" on tree runs. Price is nice; right in the middle of the pack, as helmets go. __TIRED__ Uses a snap-strap instead of a clip in the back to hold your goggles on, so you have to look to see what you're doing when adjusting your eyewear. Styling is conservative and "bike-y" — the gnar kidz may find it too bland. There are only a couple of spots to fit a POV camera mount. 
10icebreaker-premium-merino-underwear
Icebreaker Premium Merino Underwear ----------------------------------- After spending over a thousand bucks on a board, boots, bindings, Gore-Tex outers, a helmet and a GoPro, you'd be forgiven for wanting to skip the $90 underwear. But seriously, don't. A quality base layer is essential on the mountain — it's not just about keeping you warm, it's also designed to keep you dry by wicking the moisture away from your skin. In sub-zero conditions, staying dry means staying toasty. After testing a few different base layers, I kept coming back to the Bodyfit 150s from [Icebreaker](http://ca.icebreaker.com/). Both the [leggings](http://ca.icebreaker.com/Bodyfit-150-Leggings-w/Fly/100199C44S,en,pd.html?start=5&cgid=mens-underwear-baselayer) ($90) and the [long sleeve crew top](http://ca.icebreaker.com/Bodyfit-150-Long-Sleeve-Crewe/100197G20S,en,pd.html?start=4&cgid=mens-underwear-baselayer) ($90) are spun almost entirely from Merino wool, with just a wee bit (4 percent) of Lycra woven in for a pleasant stretchiness. The wool is incredibly soft — of utmost importance, since the snug fit places it right against your skin. And the seams? I never noticed them. Also, the wool is so lightweight, it requires very little care. After changing out of them at the cabin, you can hand-rinse them in the bathroom sink and hang them up to dry in the arid mountain air. By the next morning, they'll be ready to go. *— Michael Calore* __WIRED__ Beautifully soft, remarkably thin and surprisingly warm. No itchiness, unlike thicker or synthetic-based first layers. The company [takes good care of its suppliers](http://ca.icebreaker.com/Icebreaker-Ethics/ethics-landing,en,pg.html). __TIRED__ Covering your whole body in the finest New Zealand Merino wool will cost you a pretty penny (or 18,000 of them). Can't wear them for any more than three days without a wash. 
