There’s so much gear on the market these days, it can be hard to know what to pack — or for that matter purchase — for your annual ski trip. The trick to good packing, especially if you’re flying and need to bring the minimal amount possible, is in advance planning. Lay out all your gear, clothes and accessories a few weeks ahead of time to see what you may be missing or what needs an update. After all, much of what you pack to ski in, is not what you regularly wear, so it’s easy to forget what you even have. Here we’ve listed the essentials we’re packing for this season’s ski trip.
A good helmet is an essential must pack, and really is the most important thing you can have on the mountain beyond your skis or snowboard. This season we are loving the Smith Code Helmet with Boa, which features a recessed Boa FS360 Fit System that delivers a clean in-mold constructed shell among other proprietary technologies to provide maximum impact protection. The helmet integrates really well with Smith goggles and has 6 vents for a complete airflow solution that helps prevent any fogging.
We just love the high-tech heated SuperNova glove that are capable of self-regulating their temperature and keep hands toasty warm in even the harshest conditions. The gloves use the company’s patented ALPHAHEAT 3.1 technology to keep hands heated for up to 3 times longer than other products. They are also the only heated gloves on the market that work in sub-zero weather — they’ve been tested in -20 deg F temps. At $440 per pair they’re not cheap, but if you come off the slopes without frostbitten fingers that is pretty priceless.
Zeal Optics is known for its sustainably made sunglasses and goggles like the Zeal Optic Nomad, which has a lightweight frame, awesome peripheral view and helmet compatible design. It comes with a number of different lens choices although we recommend going with the Automatic lenses that change with the light. They are anti-fog and come with the company’s 5x Permashield hard coat that never wipes off regardless of conditions — this comes standard for all Zeal goggles.
Carrying gear can be the most cumbersome part of ski trip travel. But Mountainsmith makes it a little easier with their bags. The Mountainsmith Dump Truck bag is a hybrid duffel/travel bag that protects and keeps ski gear organized. It features a molded bottom pan and large upper compartment that can also be used to store fishing or bike gear in other seasons. It also has a removable shoulder sling to make going from the airport to the car a breeze. The Mountainsmith Boot Cube is perfect for stashing wet gear in a ventilated and drainage capable cube bag design. It’s easy to carry your boots between the resort and the SUV and also to stow them on the airplane.
A solid baselayer will help keep you toasty on even the coldest ski days. We like Icebreaker’s BodyfitZone winter baselayers for men and women. They are designed with advanced temperature regulating technology that works to trap heat in the places where it is needed and then release it when exertion increases and it becomes excess.
When it comes to a ski sock for your own personal boot — it works best with a custom or very close-fitting boot — the Ultra Light Ski sock is meant to fit like a glove with zero cushioning. Its focus is providing venting at the top of the foot and gradient compression throughout the leg and over the calf to stimulate blood flow in your legs. The company also makes compression socks for sports beyond skiing. In the summer, try out running socks like the women’s light runner, which features high impact cushioning in the toe cup and heel lock areas and a no-show cut.
Men should consider purchasing a pair of BlackSheep from Saxx. These stretch merino tights and boxer briefs come with the company’s famed BallPark Pouch that prevents chaffing whether you are shredding powder on the back bowls or indulging in apres pints at the end of the day. The underwear is also anti-microbial, temperature regulating and moisture-wicking for ultimate comfort.
Hydro Flask is a hydration company we turn to for so many outdoor pursuits and for skiing they have several products that should be on your pack list. It’s especially great for a family ski trip with little ones as they make kids specific bottles like the Hydro Flask 12oz Wide Mouth Kids Bottle that is small enough to fit in your child’s hand. It features the company’s TempShield double wall insulation that keeps hot drinks hot or cold drinks ice cold for up to a full day. For adults consider the Hydro Flask 32oz Wide Mouth Bottle that is big enough for a full day of backcountry powder stash chasing. Hydro Flask also makes two different sized Food Flasks that let you pack your hot soup lunch and eat it right on the snow at lunch.
Skida headwear combines fresh prints and technical fabrics to create a stylish single layer neck warmer known as The Tour. It fends off the elements with its brushed thermal fabric that is soft on the inside and smooth on the exterior, leaving you warm and dry when skiing.