Gear Picks
Now Is the Time to Stock Up on Ski and Snowboard Gear
Take advantage of steep discounts on our award-winning Winter Buyer’s Guide picks, and you’ll thank us on your first pow day next season
Featured
$270
$175
from Backcountry
35% off
We gave the Switcher MIPS a Gear of the Year award. “After more than a dozen testers placed the Switcher on their noggins, all agreed that it was the most comfortable helmet they’d worn,” we wrote. The helmet ticked all the boxes we wanted (like a MIPS construction and a magnetic closure on the strap).
$700.00
$360.00
49% off
At our annual ski test, we loved the Bonafide as a men’s all-mountain shredder. The double sheets of Titanal make these skis stable “steamrollers” for fast, aggressive skiers. One tester said the skis were “both stout as hell and an easy round-turn carver.”
$400.00
$240.00
from Backcountry
40% off
In our review of the best ski pants of 2019, our tester wrote, “the Patsey Marley excels on all-day missions.” Convenient features like side zippers and four pockets allowed us to store plenty of snacks and easily use the bathroom when we needed.
$600.00
$420.00
from Backcountry
30% off
Several years ago, Dynafit introduced a turnable heel to prevent pre-release and the new ST Rotation 10 improves on that. This new version includes a spring-tensioned toe piece that auto-realigns itself so it’s easier to step back into the heel piece. This feature is why we included the Rotation in our 2019 Winter Buyer’s Guide.
$800.00
$680.00
15% off
Salomon took its women’s all-mountain board, the Pillow Talk, and sliced it in half to get this splitboard. This past winter, when we rounded up the best splitboarding gear of 2019, the Pillow Talk was our favorite women's splitboard in spite of the name. "The flex is on the soft side, but the board handled well in mixed conditions,” we wrote.
$130.00
$120.00
from Backcountry
8% off
This past winter, our writer tested 20 new ski and snowboard goggles and the Scott Linx came out on top. He called these the best “performance bang for your buck.” “We took the Linx out in storms and blue-sky sessions through the spring and forgot we weren’t wearing goggles twice as expensive," he wrote.
$800.00
$560.00
from REI
30% off
Unlike Salomon's earlier boot, the MTN Lab, the updated Salomon S/Lab MTN has Custom Shell HD technology making it heat moldable to accommodate your foot specifically. When we tested this boot for our 2019 Winter Buyer’s Guide, our testers said “it skied like a boot with twice the buckles.”
$630.00
$378.00
from Backcountry
40% off
In this year’s alpine touring ski boot test, the Celeste III became a favorite because of its roomier lower portion of the shell and the cuff. “The Celeste performs more like a ski-mountaineering boot than a four-buckle powerhouse,” we wrote. Plus, the boot has a 60-degree range of motion in walk mode so climbing is smooth and efficient.
$675.00
$405.00
from Backcountry
40% off
In our roundup of the best jackets of 2019, we dubbed the Ventus Light the top backcountry shell. “Neither flimsy nor overbuilt, this three-layer shell is breathable enough for high-output climbs and just tough enough to spar with errant ski edges,” our tester said. Bonus: it packs down to the size of a grapefruit so it’s easy to stuff when traveling.
All Gear
$750
$600
20% off
The upgraded version of this best-selling ski performs incredibly reliably in any snow condition, earning it a spot in this year's Winter Gear Guide. Testers enjoyed how intuitive and responsive the skis are right out the gate, great for intermediate to advance skiers alike.
$100
$75
25% off
This rain jacket has been a favorite of ours for years (the fact that it has been $100 since its debut in 1999 may be partly why), and it recently earned a spot in Backpacker's Gear Hall of Fame. It's light, packs down small, and stands up to years of abuse. "Not bad for a bargain price."
$9049
$7049
22% off
Aggressive downhillers can delight in this highly maneuverable e-bike. The motor in the middle of the bike allows you to zip up the trails and get back to jumps, berms, and turns.
$115
$92
20% off
We love a breathable merino layer for this time of year when you can experience multiple seasons in a day. This long-sleeve top is lightweight and slim fitting to layer well under a sweater or jacket without feeling bulky, as well as breathable enough to wear at the peak of a warm-ish spring day. Take 20 percent off sitewide with exclusive code OUTSIDE20.
Sponsor Content
Revo Descend N
$199
Revo's best-selling Descend N glasses features NASA-based polarized lens technology with a rimless design with panoramic views for when you need to see it all.
$160
$104
35% off
Designed with an extended heels to absorb impact, these shoes will keep you supported and comfortable for long runs. Plus, the lightweight, springy foam midsoles provide even more cushioning and stability, allowing you to transition from heel to toe quickly and smoothly. These make a great companion for training or long, leisurely runs.
$115
$80
30% off
This cold weather layer is made from 100% RWS-certified merino wool jersey to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable in variable conditions. The gusseting in the armpits allows you to move freely without any restriction, which is great for skiing, climbing, and other cold-weather pursuits. Plus, the natural odor-reducing properties of merino keep you feeling fresh as the temps rise.
$80
$36
55% off
Named the best pack for hydration in our best fanny packs round-up, this hip pack fits a 1.5L reservoir in addition to plenty of other supplies for a long day on your mountain bike or hike. The mesh back offers plenty of ventilation in warmer weather, while the spongy lumbar pad is extra comfortable.
$75
$56
25% off
Made for icy, snowy, and even muddy trail conditions, these crampons are a winter necessity for backcountry hikers and trail runners alike. They're on the heavier side at 15oz per pair, but incredibly durable due to the heat-treated carbon steel spikes.
$348
$278
20% off
Inspired by traditional hunting jackets, this updated version will stand the test of time thanks to the classic silhouette and weather-resistant waxed canvas material. The wax is pressed into the cotton threads using heat and pressure at a UK mill. Thoughtful details like the super soft flannel lining and corduroy-trimmed cuffs add to the overall rugged durability and style.
$70
$52.50
25% off
Maximize the space of your pack and keep your luggage organized with these lightweight, versatile packing cubes. Perfect for everything from bulky clothing to small, miscellaneous items, these will soon become a staple any time you travel. The set comes with three sizes to meet all your needs.
Gear Picks is a curated selection of products we’ve tested and heartily recommend. We stand by this gear—and the brands that sell it—and many of our editors and writers use this stuff weekly. Whenever possible, we provide a link to a past review so you can make sure it’s something that suits your lifestyle—ideally at a steeply discounted price. Happy shopping—and gear-picking.