Pack: Designed by longtime Alaskan ski guide and snow safety specialist, Paul Turecki, the 55 liter Tactical Ski Pack by Groovee Gear comes loaded with all the features you need in a backcountry pack—vertical and diagonal ski carrying straps, shovel pocket, ice axe loops, avalanche probe pockets, hydration sleeve, adjustable waist belt—but instead of getting stitched together out of low-grade nylon overseas it's hand built in Joshua Tree (by climbers) out of Bomber Ballistic Nylon. A drybag style roll top lets you cinch it down small for quick outings or expand it for big days in cold weather. $235; grooveegear.com
Puffy: A cross between a comfy cotton hoodie and a technical summit parka, the King Hoodie by Flylow Gear can be worn under your shell in place of a fleece, over your shell for descending, or by itself as long as it's not pouring out (the ripstop nylon is DWR treated). There's no cotton in it; just Thermolite insulation. It's so versatile it's been named the king of all hoodies. $160; flylowgear.com
Shell: Part traditional hard shell and part soft shell, the Frontpoint jacket from First Ascent (a new line of technical outerwear developed by Eddie Bauer in conjunction with a team of mountaineers) flexes where you need it to but sheds water like a three-layer waterproof breathable—which it is. Even better is the price. $299; eddiebauer.com
Socks: The teko Ski Light sock is made in the USA out of certified organic wool (the company is based in Boulder, Colorado; the socks are knit in North Carolina). Because they're very thin and comfortable, they work well in ski boots. They also make an Ultralight version for ultra tight boots. $21; tekosocks.com
Hat: It's an acrylic hat. It's called the Doyonator. It's made by Discrete Headwear—the pro skier Julian Carr's hat company out of Utah. It's cool. $15; discreteheadwear.com
Gloves: It's in Level's Fusion line—meaning the Rexford Trigger Mitt works well for skiers and snowboarders. The trigger style gives you enough dexterity to mess with buckles on the chairlift but keeps your lesser digits ganged up and warm. $100; levelusa.net
From the Winter 2009-10 issue
