Gallery: Lookin' Hot in the Cold: Technical Outerwear for Winter
01spyder-phenomenon-jacket-2
Winter outerwear has come a long way from the clammy straight-jackets your mom would wrap around you every time you wanted to go outside. Every year, we see jackets, shells, bibs and pants that are more breathable, lighter, stretchier, and just plain better-looking than last year's crop. We sifted through the countless options on the racks and selected a dozen or so favorite items, then took the whole pile of gear with us to Squaw Valley in California's Lake Tahoe region. We worked them over on the slopes for three days, then took the lot deeper into to the Sierras for another week. We also tried to pick something for everyone -- from Gore-Tex jeans (pre-distressed!) to a snow shell that costs as much as a mortgage payment, and even a down jacket hand-stuffed by followers of a 16th-century pacifist. It's going to be a weird, Wired winter. Spyder Phenomenon Jacket ------------------------ The [Phenomenon jacket](http://www.spyder.com/products/mens/jacket/jacket/436-phenomenon) from Spyder is pretty much what would happen if you said, "Screw the cost, let's make a jacket with the best materials we can find." The list of what went into the $1,200 garment looks like the textile version of the Robb Report. The waterproof membrane is made of Schoeller c-change, which opens its pores to vent heat and moisture when the interior warms up. Custom-embossed stretch polyester lines the interior. Primaloft One insulation lines the body and sleeves. And the outer shell is composed of DWR-treated stretch polyester material with wool accents. Premium! It was warm, waterproof and comfortable on the slopes, with no movement restricted, plenty of waterproof zip pockets and ventilation, and so many features, I actually lost track of everything that was special about it while I was showing it off to people. To top it all off, the jacket looks like money -- the slim cut and wool accents made it fit right in over a suit and tie on the way to office Christmas parties. *-- Billy Brown* __WIRED__ Fantastic material choices all around. Tough waterproof outer with great stretch. Removable hood and snow skirt. Gusseted cuffs are adjustable. Plays dress-up better than Eliza Doolittle. __TIRED__ I've owned cheaper cars. __Rating: 9 out of 10__
02hh-odin-guide-pants
H/H Odin Guide Pants -------------------- The majority of the gear in this product roundup is ideal for skiing and snowboarding. Fact is, most gear that you get for winter sports is *only* ideal for winter sports. Pieces of gear you can wear and use year-round are few and far between, which is why [Helly/Hansen's Odin soft shell pants](http://shop.hellyhansen.com/us/item/odin-guide-pant-66515/?t_type=rvp) ($225) made such a huge impression on me. They're the most versatile pants in the lineup by far -- the double-weave softshell was breathable enough for hikes in 70-degree weather, but the DWR treatment kept water out whether I was skiing in California or ice climbing on Spencer Glacier in Alaska. Full-stretch construction provided a full range of motion no matter what activity I was pursuing, and the welded reinforcements (along with the tough softshell) let me bushwhack through Chugach State Park without any tears or abrasions. If you're planning on plowing through miles of wet weather, you're better off going with a fully waterproof pant. But for just about anything else, these guys are the way to go. *-- Billy Brown* __WIRED__ Versatile beyond expectations. Tough, but still breathes like a champ. Expandable leg opening accommodates ski boots. Relatively inexpensive for high-performance winter pants. __TIRED__ Water-resistant, not waterproof. Slim cut gives big boys a skinny-jeans look. __Rating: 9 out of 10__
03adidas-terrex-active-shell
Adidas Terrex Active Shell -------------------------- Lightweight, tough, and reinforced against the weather with the Gore-Tex Active membrane, the Terrex Active Shell from Adidas ($425) was a winner when the activity levels were high. On days when insulation wasn't necessary, the 12-ounce jacket was great for blocking the gustier elements. The wind on the Siberia Lift added a chill to our test days at Squaw Valley, but the shell kept it out it effectively without letting me overheat. The jacket proved even more impressive while skiing up Mt. Shasta a few weeks later -- despite the cloudless 45-degree weather, 40 mph winds blasted cold air and ice at us as we skied up past the treeline. The steep slopes elicited sweat with a midlayer, but the wind cut through my t-shirt like it wasn't there. The Active Shell was the perfect solution that day, as it completely negated the wind chill, but was breathable enough to not get clammy while we made our way uphill. My only major complaint: the pockets double as zip vents, so you risk dumping your camera, phone, or whatever's in your pockets if you start overheating. *-- Billy Brown* __WIRED__ Super lightweight. The Active membrane proved breathable than Gore-Tex Pro. Has a nice slim cut, but the hood is still helmet-compatible. __TIRED__ Elastic hem tends to creep up your torso. You'll want a base layer if it's cold outside. No separate zip vents. __Rating: 8 out of 10__
04burton-the-jeans-pant
Burton The Jeans Pant --------------------- Jeans work with almost anything -- a sport coat, a T-shirt, a Yale cardigan. In fact, they'll pair with just about everything except for snow gear. Nothing says "I don't know what I'm doing" more than a guy barreling down the mountain wearing a pair of soaking wet, half-frozen jeans. Which is exactly why these are so funny and awesome: [Burton's The Jeans Pants](http://www.burton.com/mens-the-jeans-snowboard-pant/276494,default,pd.html? start=&q=jean%20pant) ($280) are made of totally waterproof, seam-taped Gore-Tex with a dead-on print of a broken-in pair of jeans. Complete with distressed and fraying spots, they also have the same five-pocket scheme -- two back pockets, two hip pockets, and a smaller watch pocket -- found on regular jeans. Wearing these n the slopes at Squaw, they definitely stood out from the usual black or day-glo ski pants out there. Their beauty isn't skin deep, either. Tech details like inner thigh vents, a comfortable soft satin interior, and a loop that keeps the heel cuff from dragging while you're walking around the boardshop make it clear that Burton hasn't lost its design chops. *-- Billy Brown* __WIRED__ Waterproof and windproof. Soft satin interior. Reinforced cuffs. They look just like a pair of jeans -- you have to get up really close and touch them to tell the difference. __TIRED__ Snow dumps in through the low rise when you cartwheel. They look just like a pair of jeans. __Rating: 7 out of 10__
05arcteryx-sidewinder-jacket
Arc'teryx Sidewinder Jacket --------------------------- There's not much to the [Sidewinder](http://arcteryx.com/Product.aspx?EN/Mens/Sidewinder-SV-Jacket) -- the first time I tried it on, it felt like I was wearing a very stiff, very large, very expensive windbreaker -- but it's got almost everything it needs to be the ultimate snow sports outer shell. Almost. The $650 jacket is a shield against anything you'll encounter on the mountain -- snow, rain, wind and trees (Tree encounter tested but not recommended). It's light, comfortable and the inner liner adds an extra layer of comfort and warmth. The reinforced construction gives the impression that it'll last for years, so you might want to pick a neutral color to make sure it's fashion future-proof. Another plus: the oversized hood fit over my extra-large helmet, and the off-center zipper is easy to close with one hand. Also, I could adjust the hood's drawstrings with my gloves on -- same with the drawstrings on the powder skirt, too. But that's where my love affair with the Arc'teryx Sidewinder came to an abrupt halt. The powder skirt on the jacket doesn't have loops that attach to many of the pants on the market. Instead, it has buttons that connect only to Arc'teryx pants. I was able to cinch the powder skirt tight enough to keep snow from creeping into my pants, but I'd rather be able to attach the jacket to all of the snowboard and ski gear I already own without having to shell out big bucks for a matching piece of pricey Arc'teryx pants. *-- Roberto Baldwin* __WIRED__ A forcefield against Old Man Winter. Funky "sidewinder" zipper closes off-center and won't get caught in your soul patch. Durable enough to survive a run in with a tree (or two). Very light and comfortable. __TIRED__ Powder skirt buttons only work with Arc'teryx pants. Spendy for how simple it is. __Rating: 8 out of 10__
06patagonia-powslayer-bibs
Patagonia Powslayer Bibs ------------------------ Built around Gore-Tex's latest premier membrane -- the most breathable version yet of the tough, weatherproof standby -- Patagonia's new [Powslayer bibs](http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens- powslayer-bibs-with-gore-tex-for-skiing-and-snowboarding?p=30320-0-759) ($600) are designed specifically for backcountry boarding runs. The high-rise bib keeps snow out when whipping through waist-deep pow, while the lightweight shell (the bibs tip in at just over a pound) and leg-length vents let hot air out on uphill hikes. The pants proved their toughness when I slid knee-first over December ice in shady patches at Squaw Valley. And when the snow got deeper in January, the high bib kept it from creeping down the back of my pants. The only real complaint I found was that a lack of insulation made for chilly rides when I chose a thinner baselayer. *-- Billy Brown* __WIRED__ High-cut bib design keeps powder from spilling into pants. Light. Big fit makes room for layering. Huge vents are great for temperature control. __TIRED__ Too thin to provide warmth. Too baggy when layering isn't needed. __Rating: 7 out of 10__
07the-north-face-womens-zero-pants
The North Face Women's Zero Pants --------------------------------- When it comes to women's outerwear, it's not often that you find a piece that you love on the mountain just as much as you love in the lodge, particularly if you're an aggressive rider. The North Face's [Women's Zero pants](http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/womens-pants-shorts/women-39-s-zero-pant.html) ($400) fall into that elusive middle ground of rugged enough for any conditions you encounter, and chic enough you won't mind wearing it in the lodge for post-riding drinks. The Zero, available in black or bright "energy" yellow (Yes, please!) is sheathed in Gore-Tex, which consistently kept me warm and dry in all the conditions I encountered. And the detachable suspenders kept snow out of my pants without the need for a powder skirt, even when I wiped out hard. Instead of vents, the pants have two full-length side zippers, so you can get slip on and off without removing your boots. And speaking of boots, the Zeroes come with some seriously rugged boot gaiters. While I didn't get much use for them on the groomers, I was grateful for them the second I went into the trees. My feet stayed warm and dry, even when I sank into powder up to my knees. My only gripe is with the hardware. The snap on one of the suspenders broke off when I removed them. This is an easy (and cheap) fix but it's shouldn't happen when you spend hundreds of dollars on your pants. Also, while the overall fit was pretty good, I wished the pants were available in a short inseam, as the size medium was just a little too large for my 5-foot, 3-inch frame. *-- Karissa Bell* __WIRED__ Boot gaiters for days. Suspenders come off so you don't have to strip down every time you need a bathroom break. Much more flattering than many ski pants. Did I mention they're bright yellow? __TIRED__ Flimsy hardware. Some vents would be nice. Only available in two colors. No short sizes. __Rating: 7 out of 10__
08patagonia-powder-bowl-pants
Patagonia Powder Bowl Pants --------------------------- Sitting in the snow is a one way ticket to a cold, wet ass without the proper gear. Thanks to the magic of Gore-Tex, the [Patagonia Powder Bowl pants](http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-powder-bowl-gore-tex-pants-regular-for-skiing-snowboarding?p=31415-0-996) ($300) kept me dry after I took a tumble in powder, which happened more than once -- OK, constantly. I also tested them when I got back to the city by wearing them while riding my scooter to work in the rain for a week. They worked well in both environments -- snow slid off once I got back on my feet, and the city rain beaded up and slid off, though particularly heavy rains appeared to saturate the thigh area of the pants while I rode the scooter. Still, water never penetrated the pants, and I stayed dry. The Patagonias felt light while wearing them, and they had a comfortable loose fit without feeling baggy like some snowboarding pants. Instead of placing the vents in the crotch area (which leads to the awkward fight with the zipper near your junk), Patagonia has zippers on both hips that run almost to the knee. This is a huge improvement over the more traditional crotch vents. The powder skirt loops inside are made to work with Patagonia jackets, but I found they worked (to an extent) with my Burton jacket as well. The side hooks on the jacket can be attached through the belt loop. Not ideal, but it works. My biggest complaints are that the elastic at the bottom of the pant legs don't have a small hook to attach to my boots like other snow pants I've used. A few times on the mountain, I had to pull the lower part of the pants down as they crept up my boot. *-- Roberto Baldwin* __WIRED__ Kept me dry in various conditions, from rain to snow. Side vents are a blessing, and the skirt loops are more versatile than expected. __TIRED__ No ankle-elastic hook, and the cuffs tended to creep up to the top of my boots on the slopes. __Rating: 8 out of 10__
09smartwool-phd-smartloft-divide-full-zip-jacket
Smartwool PhD Smartloft Divide Full-Zip Jacket ---------------------------------------------- Merino wool is pretty much the wonder-drug of the outdoor world -- the eco-friendly fabric dries quickly, breathes well, and it resists odor (a huge plus when you spend days in the wild). It's such an effective material, Smartwool, a company which makes everything out of the stuff, decided to see what else it could do, and used it as insulation in the new [Divide midlayer jacket](http://www.smartwool.com/m-s-phd-smartloft-divide-full-zip-12.html) ($200). The exterior of the Divide's sleeves, sides and back panel is made up of a blend of Merino wool and elastane, providing a wide range of motion with a bit of stretch, and the interior is lined with super-soft Merino jersey material. The front panel covers the core in a quilted pocket that's stuffed with wool insulation. The semi-form fit made it easy to layer underneath a shell to keep wind and snow out. The jersey material felt great against the skin, and thumb loops in the wrists kept the sleeves in place whenever I was wearing gloves or layering up. *-- Billy Brown* __WIRED__ Soft wool interior. Panel design with quilted pockets provides warmth where it's needed. __TIRED__ Pockets aren't zippered. Wind cuts through the non-insulated areas like a knife. __Rating: 7 out of 10__
10outdoor-research-vanguard-pants
Outdoor Research Vanguard Pants ------------------------------- A trifecta of materials (softshell outer, Gore-Tex membrane, and tricot backing) gives [OR's Vanguard pants](http://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/mens-vanguard-pants.html) ($495) a "do-it-all" feel. They're warm enough to tromp through a whiteout, but inner and outer thigh venting blow out all the hot air and moisture on long uphill grinds. Totally water- and windproof, the bib kept snow out on deep powder days -- nothing snuck in over the top, and every drop of moisture beaded up and rolled off of the face material. The bib's removable, so if you're not a bib man or the weather's great, you can rock them as plain ol' pants. I tested these guys in a wide range of conditions -- from bluebird days at Squaw Valley to whiteout "I shouldn't have made the drive" conditions on Mount Shasta -- and the pants were ideal in every situation. The bibs sealed out snow in hip-deep pow, and the pants were warm enough to rock without base layers on those sunny days in Squallywood. *-- Billy Brown* __WIRED__ Soft, tricot-lined interior. Bib is removable if you're not feeling the straps. The pants are totally waterproof, and still provide great venting. __TIRED__ Slim cut -- husky riders might want to size up. __Rating: 8 out of 10__
11westcomb-cayoosh-lt-down-jacket
Westcomb Cayoosh LT Down Jacket ------------------------------- You wouldn't expect to find luxury from clothes made by a centuries-old religious colony. But Westcomb's [Cayoosh LT down jacket](http://www.westcomb.com/product/sweaters-fleece-down/82/cayoosh-lt-sweater.html) gets its feathered filling direct from the [Hutterites](http:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hutterite). These Canadian pacifists are known for whipping up down that's testing at 900-fill to provide a great warmth-to-weight ratio. The $260 Cayoosh crams the down into silky-soft Pertex Quantum fabric and adds Polartec's wind-proof Powerfleece Pro on the side panels for extra mobility. It performed well while snowboarding in Squaw Valley, but the lack of closures in the hem and sleeves let wind and the occasional puff of snow creep into the jacket. It really shined while cruising for burgers around the Village at Squaw -- the frigid Tahoe night air couldn't find its way past the holy down no matter how long I stayed out under the stars. *-- Billy Brown* __WIRED__ A windproof jacket with a soft interior. High-loft, lightweight down. Velour-lined pockets are luxurious. Loved the dual-front zipper. __TIRED__ No cuff closure and no hem drawstring, so snow and cold can creep in. Pockets don't zip shut. __Rating: 8 out of 10__
