Lightweight, streamlined designs went head to head at the Outdoor Retailer trade show last week in Denver, with brands prioritizing sustainable materials and manufacturing processes more than ever. We perused the chaotic aisles of waterproof shells, photochromic lenses and carefully engineered backpacks to bring you the best ski apparel and accessories for next winter. Here are a few of our favorite products for resort skiers and backcountry enthusiasts alike.
PICTURE ORGANIC CLOTHING Welcome / Aeron
The new Welcome (for men) and Aeron (for women) are sleek, three-layer shells with an environmental conscience. Each is constructed with what will be the first bio-based technical fabric—a combination of sugarcane waste and recycled plastic—with a full-stretch design that performs like a hardshell but feels like a softshell. The waterproof DryPlay membrane is also made with a PFC-free durable water repellent treatment. Details like a ski-pass pocket, built-in goggle cloth in the chest pocket and a helmet-compatible hood let you lap the resort worry-free, and PICTURE ORGANIC CLOTHING’s commitment to sustainable materials and manufacturing practices should allow you to feel good about your purchase. $400; available on REI.com and in select stores beginning in fall
Sweet Protection Boondock
Known for its unparalleled commitment to safety technology in helmets, Sweet Protection takes that same mindset to goggle design. The lens in the new Boondock is nearly 1mm thicker than most others. Why? Because inside, Sweet Protection has placed proprietary RIG technology, which increases contrast, minimizes color distortion and reduces eye fatigue, the brand says. Each pair of goggles slides perfectly into the goggle garage of all of the brand’s helmets for a streamlined fit that feels natural while skiing. $159; available on REI.com and in select stores beginning in fall
BlackStrap The Hood
Add a little personality to your kit with this fun balaclava from BlackStrap. Made entirely in the U.S., The Hood is a synthetic, moisture-wicking face mask designed to fit comfortably under a helmet. The hinged construction makes it easy to wear up or down depending on the weather, and the mouth panel has a perforated liner to maximize breathability and avoid frozen fabric against your face. The four-way stretch fabric doesn’t feel constricting and the soft material can also be used to clean goggles or sunglasses without scratching the lens. $29.95; available on REI.com and in many stores now
Flylow Moxie Bib
The Moxie is like the award-winning Foxy, but with a roomier fit and available in more muted colors. Like the Foxy, it has three-layer Intuitive fabric that’s soft, breathable and waterproof, with stretch. Articulated knees allow for a natural feel, while inner and outer thigh vents assure maximum ventilation on scorchers and days on the skin track. The kangaroo chest pouch and buttoned pocket provide ample and easily accessible storage, while two thigh pockets (one with a beacon attachment) are ideal for a transceiver, phone or snack. Just like the rest of Flylow’s bibs, the oversized side zipper makes for easy entry and lightning-fast bathroom breaks. $420; available on REI.com and in select stores beginning in fall
Backcountry Access Tracker4
BCA’s latest avalanche transceiver functions similarly to the brand’s best-selling Tracker3 with a few user-friendly updates and a more rugged design. First, it has a larger LED screen that will make numbers easier to see (and is designed to be readable with polarized lenses and on high-light days). Second, it will have a rubber shell for better durability than older models. And finally, it will have a larger flag button and dial that can be operated while wearing gloves. Next year, BCA plans to retire the Tracker1 and Tracker2. $390; available on REI.com and in select stores beginning in fall
Zeal Beacon
Despite its medium frame, the Beacon delivers a wider field of view than many large-framed goggles. Designers at Zeal applied the physics behind air-traffic control towers, tilting the angle of the lens 10 degrees. Called Observation Deck technology, the design tweak increases the field of view without requiring the bulk of a larger goggle. Paired with a rimless, cylindrical lens, the Beacon has a simplified aesthetic that belies the tech. $129; available on REI.com and in many stores beginning in fall
Osprey Sopris Pro 30 / Soelden Pro 32
The brand’s first-ever airbag pack, the Osprey Sopris (for women) and Soelden (for men) use the Alpride E1 supercapacitor system for quick recharging and easy traveling (no canisters). The packs themselves are comfortable and streamlined with the ergonomic fit we’ve come to love in Osprey’s offerings. Other than that, it’s what you want in a touring bag: a dedicated safety-tool pocket, easy-access pockets for snacks and sundries, a wide hipbelt and large enough volumes (30 and 32 liters, respectively) for stowing extra layers and water without issue. $1,200; available on REI.com and in many stores beginning in fall
Find more Outdoor Retailer trade show coverage here. Read about our favorite skis, boots and bindings, our favorite winter-camping products and our favorite gear for kids.