As temps (and ski films) drop, we pick the latest gear to keep you warm while you slide on snow.
Arc’teryx Atom Hoody
This versatile hoody (for women or men) has been around for a few years, warming climbers, hikers, backcountry skiers and downtown commuters. Worn as a midlayer in colder conditions or a standalone when it’s milder, the latest version performs across a range of conditions and output levels. The Coreloft Compact insulation (100% recycled polyester; bluesign-approved) retains warmth even if wet and has loft retention that withstands years of packing and unpacking.
The water-resistant Tyono 20 face fabric is soft, breathable and durable, stretch side panels improve ventilation and freedom and the insulated StormHood adds adjustable warmth. The 6% elastane in the main fabric is just the right amount of stretch for backcountry pursuits.
Versatile Comfort Layer
Versatile Comfort Layer
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This Atom Hoody’s fit has evolved, so check the size chart before buying. The new Atoms offer more room in the body than their predecessors (the Atom LTs). However, the trimmer fit is still patterned to stay close to the body through the chest, waist, hip and thigh. Its low profile eliminates bulk, moves with the body and fits comfortably over baselayers.
This Atom Hoody’s fit has evolved, so check the size chart before buying. The new Atoms offer more room in the body than their predecessors (the Atom LTs). However, the trimmer fit is still patterned to stay close to the body through the chest, waist, hip and thigh. Its low profile eliminates bulk, moves with the body and fits comfortably over baselayers.
96/100
Total Score iLegend
The best
Beta Insulated Jacket
The Beta is Arc’teryx’s alpine shell series that offers ultra-durable, backcountry-ready performance. The Beta Insulated Jacket (available for men and women) is an all-in-one solution for cold weather or mixed conditions, leveraging Coreloft Continuous insulation and a bluesign-approved waterproof-breathable 40D GORE-TEX shell fabric.
Helmet-compatible, the StormHood adjusts to maximize peripheral vision. Pit zippers ventilate, pockets are organized and accessible, and an embedded RECCO reflector can facilitate search and rescue.
All-Conditions Jacket
All-Conditions Jacket
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With 90g/m² and 110g/m² of insulation, this will be all the jacket you need in moderately cold conditions. (In very cold conditions, you will want to also wear a warm midlayer.) Other features we like: the die-cut Velcro cuff adjusters that reduce bulk, and won’t catch or tear off, and the dual lower hem adjusters. The Beta Insulated is a regular fit: cut comfortably throughout the chest, waist, hip and thigh. It allows freedom of movement, provides shape, and layers comfortably.
With 90g/m² and 110g/m² of insulation, this will be all the jacket you need in moderately cold conditions. (In very cold conditions, you will want to also wear a warm midlayer.) Other features we like: the die-cut Velcro cuff adjusters that reduce bulk, and won’t catch or tear off, and the dual lower hem adjusters. The Beta Insulated is a regular fit: cut comfortably throughout the chest, waist, hip and thigh. It allows freedom of movement, provides shape, and layers comfortably.
96/100
Total Score iLegend
The best
Cerium Hoody
As a midlayer, a standalone at camp or around town, and packable warmth to go, the Cerium (for women or men) is revised for this season, and alpine-proven as always. Driven by the Arc’teryx obsessive attention to detail, they’ve refined the design, sourced sustainable materials and kept its exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio. Responsibly-sourced 850 fill down, with Coreloft synthetic utilized in areas prone to moisture, provides premium and compressible insulation.
More sweet details: The outer (recycled 15D Arato nylon) is light and durable, a bio-derived liner reduces petroleum use and an insulated StormHood extends protection. The hoody has been redesigned with a reverse coil front zipper and TPU pulls for a cleaner profile and improved durability. You don’t have to treat it with kid gloves when you’re out in the gnar. And for a hoody this burly, it packs down small.
Compressible Layer
Compressible Layer
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The Cerium is streamlined, minimalist—and warm. You simply can’t beat down as a highly efficient natural insulation that compacts well and offers excellent warmth to weight. The Cerium is also produced in a Fair Trade Certified facility.
The Cerium is streamlined, minimalist—and warm. You simply can’t beat down as a highly efficient natural insulation that compacts well and offers excellent warmth to weight. The Cerium is also produced in a Fair Trade Certified facility.
96/100
Total Score iLegend
The best
Hot Chillys Youth Velvet Fleece Baselayers
If you’re looking for warmth and a velvety next-to-skin feel, you’ll find it in the Youth Velvet Fleece Crew Top and Pant. Kid-friendly baselayers are essential and these patterns will surely please the fussiest youngster. And Hot Chillys’ microfiber poly yarns are durable, breathable and very lightweight. The material never feels clammy and kids will love the soft flannel pajama feel. Flat seam construction adds even more comfort and longevity.
Kid-Friendly Baselayer
Kid-Friendly Baselayer
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With four-way stretch (material mix is 95% polyester, 5% spandex) excellent moisture transfer, flannel-like soft interior and a relaxed fit, this will be your youngster’s go-to winter layer.
With four-way stretch (material mix is 95% polyester, 5% spandex) excellent moisture transfer, flannel-like soft interior and a relaxed fit, this will be your youngster’s go-to winter layer.
95/100
Total Score iLegend
The best
Ortovox 185 Rock ‘N’ Wool Baselayers
Nothing is warmer than merino and the 185 Rock ‘N’ Wool Long Sleeve for women or men is extra soft thanks to its 19-micron wool fibers. This exceptional fineness makes for an unbeatable next-to-skin feeling on all-day missions. And of course, merino is renowned for its temperature- and moisture-regulating qualities, so you won’t find more reliable warmth for unpredictable mountain adventures. Ortovox brings a fresh new look to their crew with a split, asymmetrical design and bright colors with multi-colored twisted yarn to reflect the nature of your winter adventures. Bottoms also available.
Orage Men’s MTN-X Gibson 3L Bibs
Big mountain days and tough weather are no match for the new three-ply Gibson Bib. (Women’s equivalent is the Cliff 3L.) With ultra-durable construction, seam-sealed waterproof-breathability and a vented back, this bib is versatile and adaptable enough to take you from the first dusting through to spring hero snow. The upper body and gaiters contain stretch material so your movements are never restricted.
Multi-Feature Bib Pant
Multi-Feature Bib Pant
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We like the two-way zippers that span the upper knee around to the upper back and will double as vents. (And, when open, create a drop seat.) We also like the adjustable waist band, cargo leg pocket, lower leg reinforcement and zip opening. And the bib is Oeko-Tex®-certified, which means this product is driven by sustainability, safety and a dedication to transparency and proven science. More at www.oeko-tex.com
We like the two-way zippers that span the upper knee around to the upper back and will double as vents. (And, when open, create a drop seat.) We also like the adjustable waist band, cargo leg pocket, lower leg reinforcement and zip opening. And the bib is Oeko-Tex®-certified, which means this product is driven by sustainability, safety and a dedication to transparency and proven science. More at www.oeko-tex.com
96/100
Total Score iLegend
The best
Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody
The perfect warmer for just about everything, Patagonia’s Down Sweater Hoody (available for women or men) boasts a shell made of NetPlus 100% postconsumer recycled nylon ripstop (from recycled fishing nets to help reduce ocean plastic pollution) and is insulated with 800-fill-power 100% Responsible Down Standard down.
The hoody’s quilting is patterned for optimum movement and warmth, and the shell is treated with a PFC-free DWR finish for water resistance. The zipper has an interior storm flap and zipper garage at chin for next-to-skin comfort. The internal zippered chest pocket converts to a stuffsack with a carabiner clip-in loop: This is a warm layer to go.
Sustainability + Durability
Sustainability + Durability
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In addition to being the most sustainable layer out there, this hoody is sewn and quilted to last. That’s why it’s built with Patagonia’s Iron Clad Guarantee—and a quick and easy-to-use repair patch is included.
In addition to being the most sustainable layer out there, this hoody is sewn and quilted to last. That’s why it’s built with Patagonia’s Iron Clad Guarantee—and a quick and easy-to-use repair patch is included.
97/100
Total Score iLegend
The best
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