Your first layer! Base layers are worn next-to-skin to provide warmth and move moisture away from your body. Base layers can be made of Wool or Synthetic materials - Wool retains its warmth when wet and has natural anti-odor properties.Synthetics are lightweight, dry quickly and can be more abrasion resistant. We reccommend the Rho Heavyweight Base layers for cold days and mixed output activity. The Polartec® Power Stretch® Pro stretches for outstanding freedom of movement. During rest phases – or when it gets really cold – the fleece’s soft brushed interior traps heat to keep you warm.
Insulation & fleece provide warmth while also dissipating heat during periods of high output. When selecting insulation type, consider weight and weather conditions.
Down provides the highest warmth-to-weight value and packs small, but it is best suited to cool and dry conditions. Synthetic materials remain warm when damp, are more abrasion resistant but less compact and heavier than down. If you happen to be someone who runs on the colder side, our pick would be the Cerium hoody for a midlayer. It has our highest warmth to weight ratio and is great for layering under a shell.
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Shells are the most weather protective layer, most often worn on the outside of all other layers. Evaluate your environment, expected output level and typical conditions when making your selection. GORE-TEXÂ shells are fully waterproof, windproof and breathable.
Windshells are lighter weight, wind and weather resistant. Best suited to dry conditions, or minimal precipitation. Softshell refers to a four-way stretch textile with a durable weather resistant outer surface. We reccommend the GORE-TEX Sabre and Sentinel shells for Winter skiing and snowboarding when you might run into snow and cold wind. These shells feature breathable 80D 3L ePE GORE-TEX fabric to shut out wind and moisture and StormHoods for full coverage and exceptional visibility.
The debate between gloves or mittens really is a matter of personal preference! However for the coldest of days, we recommend the Sabre Mitten. The Sabre has the thermal efficiency of a mitten in a design for big mountain freeride, and delivers warmth and protection with grip and dexterity. Designed for easy layering, its weather protection comes from a breathable, anatomically-shaped GORE-TEX insert that seals out wet, wind, and snow. A Fortius™ 1.0 softshell outer provides abrasion resistance and stretch performance, leather palm reinforcements up durability, and two types of PrimaLoft™ insulation provide warmth.
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