Honorable mentions
During the winter, an entire WIRED team tests ski clothing almost constantly. Here are some other items we love.
Courtesy of REI
Hestra Fall Line 3 Finger Gloves for $190: I’ve long admired Hestra gloves across the entire lift line, impressed by the Swedish company’s sleek stitching and thoughtful design touches. This is the year I finally got to try a pair, and the Fall Line is exactly what it sounds like. There are six sizes available so you can get the perfect fit in this glove. The cowhide is buttery soft and has already broken down a bit after five days of use. The wrist strap means you’ll never have to worry about dropping your glove from the elevator when checking your phone, and they’re plenty warm without making me sweat. If you sweat, the liner is removable so you can wash it without damaging the leather. —Martin Cizmar
Courtesy of Crab Grab
Crab Grab Snuggler Mitts for $89: These mini sleeping bags for your fingers are filled with Primaloft insulation and benefit from a sherpa fleece lining, they are nice and warm and feature a 15K membrane, which is also incredibly waterproof. All-weather mittens with durable construction for under $100? Yes please!
Courtesy of Mons Royale
Mons Royale Yotei Merino Classic Long Sleeve for $98: As I write this, I’m not near a mountain, but I’m still wearing the Mons Royale Yotei Long Sleeve Top. It’s ridiculously comfortable, made from 100% merino wool weighing 190gsm, and has a thankfully relaxed fit, so I stay warm, but don’t feel like a sausage. In the mountains however, merino wool works its magic, wicking away sweat (especially when hiking into fresh powder) and keeping me comfortable. Associated with a shell and Patagonia R1 Thermal HoodieI get pretty hot during a violent arctic blast.
Seniq Powder Puff Down Jacket and Bib
Photography: Kristin Canning
Seniq Powder Puff Down Jacket for $498 and bib for $398: Seniq is another all-female outdoor brand launching in 2024. It’s styled a little more Gen Z, relying on fun color blocking versus the monochrome look. The Seniq Powder Puff down jacket has a dry-to-the-touch finish. It’s intended for the driest days on the mountain, but a PFC-free DWR coating and YKK AquaGuard zippers provide water resistance. The asymmetrical front zipper helps you avoid chin chafing when the jacket is fully zipped. It also features cool asymmetrical quilting lines, side pockets in the pockets that provide access to your bib (their bibs have a pocket on the front, so you can get in without opening your jacket), an oversized removable hood, a forearm pass pocket, soft, stretchy wrist gaiters, and a large interior pocket that can absolutely hold a sandwich. This jacket was warm, fluffy and comforting, like a super-soft hug.
The silky fabric bibs are slightly barrel cut, giving them a flattering shape without being tight-fitting. Adjustable racerback-style straps and lower back (with an expandable waist) also provide great shape and breathability. There are two front chest pockets, pockets on each leg, vents with two-way zipper on the thighs and a zipper on the buttocks for bathroom breaks. These fit easily over my boots and the instep protectors were a nice touch. With a durable three-layer membrane and a waterproof rating of 20,000mm, they’ll withstand whatever weather conditions the mountain throws at you. When I wore them on a humid, snowy day, they beaded and wicked away moisture well. —Kristin Canning
Mammut Sender in hooded jacket
Photography: Kristin Canning
Mammut Sender in Hooded Jacket for $259: This puffy hoodie makes a great mid-layer under a shell jacket. The insulation is made from recycled rope scraps and the exterior is covered in a wind-resistant, PFC-free DWR coating. The hem falls at hip level, and the high collar and tight hood cover most of the face. I love wearing this piece under shells while snowboarding, but I know it will also double as a comfortable hiking and camping jacket, so it’s a solid versatile investment. It’s exceptionally light and warm, although volume-wise it’s on the bulkier side for a midlayer and isn’t the most compact piece. —Kristin Canning
Helly Hansen Evolved Air Half Zip for $112: This fleece sweater has a waffle texture that traps heat and wicks away moisture. With a high zip collar and cinchable hem, you can adjust the fit to make it more airtight or breathable. This midlayer was wonderfully lightweight while still keeping me nice and warm. It is not bulky at all, only a little thicker than a base layer, fits comfortably under my jackets and accompanies my trips in the mountains. —Kristin Canning
Helly Hansen Lifa Base Layer Long Sleeve Crew For $115 And Pants at $115: These base layers hit the sweet spot when it comes to weight; they are neither too thick nor too thin, but just right. They’re slightly looser than the other options on this list, so if you prefer something that’s not as form-fitting, this is a great choice (but note that they also last a long time). These combine merino wool with Helly Hansen’s LIFA fibers, which add more moisture-wicking capabilities. They are soft, light, warm and do not retain odors. I love the cute designs and how they regulate my temperature under insulated jackets and pants. The waistband sinks in a little but doesn’t roll, and they stay in place and move well. —Kristin Canning
We have a complete guide on how to layerbut here are your essentials.
Base layer: A good set of thermals is essential to combat the cold, especially when working hard. The best fabrics wick away sweat as you warm up, helping to regulate your temperature. Merino wool is the best in this area, but also the most expensive. Synthetic fabrics are getting better though and avoid cotton at all costs as it gets wet and stays that way, making you cold and uncomfortable.
Middle layer: Whether you choose a hooded fleece or a down jacket, this layer does the heavy lifting in cold weather. Combined with the base layer, it traps warm air while also allowing moisture to be expelled. Synthetic insulation such as Primaloft Gold is shiny and does not lose its properties if it gets wet. Down jackets offer the best warmth-to-weight ratio, but they are not as small and should never get wet. A fleece with an insulated vest is a great option if you’re really feeling the cold.
Jacket: While ski jackets with insulation provide extra warmth in Arctic-like conditions, for most people a waterproof shell will suffice, as it provides protection from snow and wind. A cold wind will chill you to the bone faster than a bit of wet snow. Ideally choose a jacket with a waterproof membrane like Gore-Tex (make sure it is PFAS free, or chemicals forever), but also check for taped seams for added waterproofing, plus plenty of pockets for snacks and lift passes, plus ski cuffs and skirts to keep the snow out.
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 and stretchy synthetic fibers is the way to go, as they hold up better and can be used for more than a day. Again avoid cotton and never wear two pairs, as you will almost certainly have colder feet.
Gloves: You will be surprised how wet ski gloves get when it snows, even if you don’t fall very often. As a result, waterproof options work best in most cases, although well-made leather models can be almost as waterproof as a pair with Gore-Tex. Mittens are generally warmer than gloves, but what you gain in warm fingers you lose in dexterity. Check out our Best ski gloves and mittens guide for more information.
Waterproof and breathability ratings: Waterproofing is measured with hydrostatic pressure, or HH. This means that if you place an infinitely long 1-inch square tube on the fabric, you could pour 20,000 millimeters of water before it seeps through. Breathability is rated based on the number of grams of vapor per square meter that can pass through the fabric in 24 hours.
I have been testing winter sports equipment for over 15 years. During this time, I have worn countless jackets, pants, mid layers, thermals, gloves and mittens. I tapped industry experts and professional skiers, and sought input from other winter sports enthusiasts on the WIRED team. While a basic fit check can be done in the office, there is no substitute for on-mountain testing under varying conditions. We spent time on various trips to the French Alps, as well as resorts in Vermont, Colorado, Arizona, and Oregon.
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