ARTSY AND ADVANCED HELMETS FROM SMITH Optics
This season saw the launch of Smith's new Method snow helmet featuring Koroyd impact technology to crumple, absorb, and protect. The unisex freeride style helmet has a low profile, clean styling, and top technologies for on-snow protection and performance. Offered in a variety of color ways, including a tonal graphic version celebrating Japanese big snow culture in collaboration with Oyuki and illustrated by artist Mike Shankster, with corresponding Squad MAG goggle. This creative collaboration features a full graphic interpretation of the mythical Japanese Yōkai, translated into ‘strange apparition’, a class of supernatural entities and spirits popular in Japanese folklore. Centred around the shared brand ethos of experience and combining Oyuki’s premium materials with SMITH’s best in class technologies, the collab showcases and celebrates winters in the Land of the Rising Sun when the area is literally buried by snow for much of winter, slowing life and stirring up endless opportunity for adventure.
For more info and all the colour choices: smithoptics.com.
BRAND NEW FOR 2024 - Smith’s Venture Performance Sunglasses:
On summit bids or high-speed descents, the Smith Venture Performance sunglasses provide much-needed eye protection in alpine environments. They're Smith’s take on glacier glasses, with removable side shields that protect against light reflecting off snow, rock and ice. ChromaPop™, lens technology offers a terrain-boosting view of every wind drift and crevasse. Autolock hinges make for easy on and off when one of your hands is occupied with an ice axe or ski poles. And then there are the iconic round frames that look just as good glissading down a snowfield as relaxing post adventure.
Available in eight different colours, they also come with a snow-goggle inspired retainer strap and a microfiber bag and hard case. For the latest info, go to: https://www.smithoptics.com/
Fun Fact: In 1965 Dr. Bob Smith, orthodontist and original ski bum, developed the first sealed thermal lens and breathable vent foam. He hand built goggles in his garage and sold them out of his van on weekend ski trips in Utah and Colorado. By 1969, he had refined and perfected the Smith Original Goggle which he started producing with a contract manufacturer.
WARMEST WINTER WEARABLES FROM ORORO:
When it comes to keep hands warm skiing and snowboarding, it’s got to be mitts - and they have to be heated! New this season, the unisex heated Duluth Chopper Mittens have a premium goat-skin leather shell, a waterproof battery pocket zipper, and are water and wind resistant, breathable, sweat wicking and odor-resistant. But BEST OF ALL, the heating is in all the fingers and palm. The batteries last up to 8.5 hours on the lowest setting which typically is all you need. If you are going for just ONE heated item this winter, go for mitts and get them now while the sale is on and another cold spell is just around the corner!
There are several versions of heated jackets now available at Ororo Wear for men and women. New colours for the women’s line this season include Haze Blue, Sunshine Orange, and Purple as well as the classic black. Three heated panels offer unmatched, on-demand warmth in unpredictable weather so there is no need to layer in most cold weather conditions. This adds freedom of movement and less restriction. Machine washable, wind- and water-resistant, the heating system gives up to 10 hours of lasting warmth (3 hours on high, 6 hours on medium, 10 hours on low). And the detachable hood provides added protection on cold chilly mornings and windy days.
A long parka is always a must for those who walk a lot in winter. But can you imagine owning a battery-heated one? Taking warmth to the highest level, the SOHO Women’s Down Parka is definitely a winner. The two-way YKK front zipper provides flexibility, allowing you to unzip the bottom slightly for improved ease of movement during activities such as walking, sitting, and other daily pursuits. Inner stretch storm cuffs provide additional protection against cold winds. The 3-piece hood enables a customizable fit, adding style and comfort and there are two zippered hand pockets as well as the inner battery pocket.
There’s a Winter Sale on right now at Ororo Wear, so go to: https://www.ororowear.com/ to see the extensive range and get your 30 % discount as well as other rewards.
CUDDLY AND COSY CLOTHING FROM SMARTWOOL
Women’s Intraknit™ Merino Insulated Jacket: Recycled wool insulation provides warmth and breathability, while Smartwool’s Intraknit™ technology allows you to move with ease and comfort during higher-intensity activities.
Women’s Intraknit™ Active Base Layer Long Sleeve: Smartwool’s 3D-knit Intraknit™ technology has mesh ventilation zones built for cooling, and a supportive fit that moves with your body.
Women’s Ski Targeted Cushion Extra Stretch Over the Calf Socks: Made with Smartwool’s most advanced sock technologies, this sock has a narrower heel and slimmer, women’s specific fit, with extra stretch around the calves.
Women’s Active Fleece Colorblock Tight: This baselayer is a colorful addition to your look and keeps you moving. Made soft-brushed Merino next-to-skin and a durable synthetic material to protection you against the elements, plus pockets.
HEAT HOLDERS
MEN'S AND WOMEN'S CERAMIC BASE LAYERS
The ultimate in warmth without the bulk, with softness and comfort. A truly innovative lightweight product, Heat Holders® Ceramic Base Layers offer you warmth without the bulk - making them perfect for peak coziness at home and peak performance in the outdoors.
Made from a revolutionary ceramic-infused fabric, these thermals bake in the warmth, keeping you almost as warm as our thicker ORIGINAL™ base layers while being almost as thin as our ULTRA LITE™ base layers.
The Ceramic Base Layers have all-way stretch for full range of motion and fit. Made with flat seams for comfort and easy layering. The fabric is also brushed during the manufacturing process for softness...resulting in the ultimate thermal for lightweight warmth, softness, and comfort.
I’ve been wearing the thicker ORIGINAL™ base layers whenever the temps are testing. But I switch to the ULTRA LITE™ base layers when it’s not so cold - looks like the new Ceramic Collection could be the clever cross over for both conditions!
The Heat Holders Men’s Puffer Vest (pictured here in Black but also available in grey ) is a really cosy layer option when you don’t want to bulk out your sleeves but you need to keep your torso toasty!
The Men's Puffer Vest has an all-weather resistant woven shell on the body that's designed to help keep you dryer and warmer in wet and windy conditions. This wind-resistant shell provides superior protection by repelling moisture while maintaining breathability.
Optimal insulation for your core is provided by a lightweight synthetic fill combined with Heat Holders® luxurious HeatWeaver® lining.
And for Women, there is the equally useful, warm and packable Women’s Hybrid Vest from Heat Holders® - helping you stay warm and dry in the changeable weather of Spring and Fall, as well as being great for layering in the cold of winter.
The Heat Holders® Women’s Hybrid Vest is made with an all-weather water-resistant woven shell to keep you dry and warm in wet conditions and, along with our luxurious HeatWeaver® lining, that holds warm air next to your skin, keeping you warmer for longer.
The vest, available in black or grey (pictured) has uniquely designed side panels and underarm seam for comfort, range of motion, and a flattering silhouette. This versatile vest is great for layering and has two zippered outside and two interior pockets for secure and convenient storage of valuables.
NOT JUST FOR SNOWBOARDERS!
Here’s the Men’s version in Spray Blue Green:
KNOCKAROUND GOOGLES
SLINGSHOTS X-RAYS KSSRB1209: Take your snow game to the next level with the X-Rays Slingshots snow goggles! These bad boys are helmet compatible and have UV400 protection to keep you safe on the slopes all day long. The anti-glare, anti-fog red-to-pink fade lens will keep your view clear all day, and your goggles will stay secure thanks to the silicone strap featuring swirls of green atop hot-pink chevron patterning.
While the standard easy-swap magnetic lens is best for bluebird days, you’ll also get a magnetic yellow lens for cloudier conditions, as well as a hard case and handy cleaning cloth. The Caribbean Blue lens is best for sunny conditions (VLT = 20%). The quick swap magnetic yellow lens included is for overcast or low light conditions (VLT = 62%)
They are Unisex, with a regular fit and there’s a 45mm elastic strap with adjustable buckle and three row silicone strap backing which prevents slippage.
Make a statement with contrasting colors and turn some heads on your next day on the slopes!
For the active female:
- Ski season is in full swing but nothing ruins a day on the slopes more than cold hands and frozen feet. Check out Volt’s lineup of women's heated gloves/mittens and heated socks that will help keep you warm. The Women's Impulse X gloves and Titan heated gloves are not only heated providing full heat coverage on both sides of the hand, they also have a waterproof membrane to help keep you dry. These glove styles were specifically designed for snow skiing and to fit a woman's hand. Volt Heat also makes heated mittens which a lot of women prefer as they typically are warmer - including me! I wear Volt heated mitts in the coldest winter months.
For the winter sportsman:
- This is the time of year when if you are going to be outdoors you are taught to layer up for warmth. Why not layer up with heat and eliminate some of those extra layers? This will also help keep those laundry loads much smaller. Take a look at the Tactical Base Layer or the Torso Vest Liner which are designed to be worn as a mid-layer garment over the top of a thin shirt and then under an outer jacket or hoody. When the temperature dips simply power on the heat with the included battery and select from 4 power level settings. Simon (pictured at the top of the blog) wears the Tactical Base Layer and never has a cold torso!
CHIC AND SNUG GLOVES FROM VOLT HEAT
From the slopes to Main Street, Volt has developed a slimline pair of heated gloves:
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Check out the full range of VOLT’s heated ski wear at: https://voltheat.com/
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