Gear Shed: January Picks – Mountain Life – GWC Mag

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ML staff and partners unpack a gear shed chock full o’ winter apparel and goodies to amp up your shredtastic January.


Airblaster Youth Ninja Suit

Airblaster’s Youth Ninja Suit is a baselayer kids will actually look forward to wearing. The simple, functional design means easier pre-slope prep, quicker bathroom breaks, and most importantly: warm, happy kids who will want to shred all day. The only new problem might be that your kids won’t ever want to get out of their Ninja Suits—fortunately, they also make the world’s best pajamas. Airblaster available in Canada at evo.com

Airblaster YOUTH NINJA SUIT HERO 2324 e3c98819 60c8 4c86 aefb
Photo: Airblaster

Kid-Friendly Baselayer

Kid-Friendly Baselayer

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A one-piece baselayer really is a no-brainer for youth, especially since the Ninja Suit’s hassle-free zip system includes a 350° waistband zip for bathroom-break ease. And the front zipper is two-way, for even more convenience. The material blend (94% brushed polyester / 6% Lycra 4-Way Stretch Air Tech Fabric) will not provide the same warmth level as wool but breathes well, is softer next to skin and non-itchy.

A one-piece baselayer really is a no-brainer for youth, especially since the Ninja Suit’s hassle-free zip system includes a 350° waistband zip for bathroom-break ease. And the front zipper is two-way, for even more convenience. The material blend (94% brushed polyester / 6% Lycra 4-Way Stretch Air Tech Fabric) will not provide the same warmth level as wool but breathes well, is softer next to skin and non-itchy.

95/100

Total Score iLegend

The best


Dynafit Tigard 130

Punch your ticket to Powder Heaven. Whether stepping into a tech toe or stomping your alpine heel, the Tigard 130 boot dismisses the question of what gear to bring on your adventure. This four-buckle powerhouse rides comfortably under a lift or skinning above it. www.dynafit.com

Dynafit Tigard 130 ski boot
Photos: Dynafit

On-Piste and Backcountry Boot

On-Piste and Backcountry Boot

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A special feature of the Tigard 130 is the optional thermo-moldable Dynafitter 15 boot liner. Thanks to PrimaLoft, your feet stay comfy even in icy temperatures. At the same time, the liner lends the highest comfort and rigidity at a light weight. As with all DYNAFIT ski touring boots, the Tigard is made by hand in Italy’s Montebelluna and includes a lifetime guarantee.

A special feature of the Tigard 130 is the optional thermo-moldable Dynafitter 15 boot liner. Thanks to PrimaLoft, your feet stay comfy even in icy temperatures. At the same time, the liner lends the highest comfort and rigidity at a light weight. As with all DYNAFIT ski touring boots, the Tigard is made by hand in Italy’s Montebelluna and includes a lifetime guarantee.

96/100

Total Score iLegend

The best


Elan Primetime

Elan Primetime skis amplify the joy of carving on groomed slopes. Featuring cutting-edge technology, advanced construction techniques and a fresh design ethos, they offer enhanced control over both inside and outside edges, providing an intuitive feel during every turn. An unmatched combination of power, stability, grip and dynamic rebound make your time on the slopes unforgettable. www.littleeds.com

Primetime 22
Photo: Elan


Fjällräven Nuuk Lite Parka

Available for women and men, the Nuuk Lite Parka is a lightweight, mid-thigh version of the Nuuk parka, designed for milder winter days, autumn and spring. Waterproof, windproof and breathable, it protects against wind and rain/sleet so you can enjoy even the most blustery days. The artificial fur collar and insulated hood add even more classic protection. www.fjallraven.com 

Fjallraven Nuuk Lite Parka women
Photo: Fjallraven

Classic Cut + Recycled Materials

Classic Cut + Recycled Materials

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The Nuuk Lite offers eight pockets for essential items including generous hand pockets. Two-way zipper with protective flap features press buttons sewn into webbing to make any repairs needed easy to carry out. And the polyamide shell and polyester insulation are both 100% recycled.

The Nuuk Lite offers eight pockets for essential items including generous hand pockets. Two-way zipper with protective flap features press buttons sewn into webbing to make any repairs needed easy to carry out. And the polyamide shell and polyester insulation are both 100% recycled.

96/100

Total Score iLegend

The best


Norway’s Kari Traa is best known for its wide range of merino wool baselayers and an increasing roster of mid-layers, jackets and footwear—all made for women, by women. We love their merino for cold and variable days but Kari Traa also does smooth, quick-dry poly baselayers and cozy fleeces better than anyone. For example, the Røthe Midlayer—a versatile addition to any outdoor wardrobe. With a regular fit and high collar, this midlayer is crafted from comfortable pile material and finished with ribbed cuffs and secure hand pockets. Available in multiple colorways.

Kari Traa Rothe Fleece maple Mountain Life Gear Shed
Photo: Kari Traa

Eco-Forward Garments

Eco-Forward Garments

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Kari Traa’s main suppliers of fabrics are bluesign certified which means they only use safe input chemicals, monitor their air and water emissions and ensure worker safety so that the dyed fabric is safe for the end user, workers and the environment. Kari Traa also avoids harmful perfluorinated chemical (PFC) treatments of its products and instead uses Rudolf Bionic-Finish Eco flourine-free technology. And if they used recycled fibres for their fleeces and poly baselayers, we would score this fleece even higher.

Kari Traa’s main suppliers of fabrics are bluesign certified which means they only use safe input chemicals, monitor their air and water emissions and ensure worker safety so that the dyed fabric is safe for the end user, workers and the environment. Kari Traa also avoids harmful perfluorinated chemical (PFC) treatments of its products and instead uses Rudolf Bionic-Finish Eco flourine-free technology. And if they used recycled fibres for their fleeces and poly baselayers, we would score this fleece even higher.

95/100

Total Score iLegend

The best


MADE Custom Hard Shell Jacket

Artificial intelligence can’t quite write ML’s magazines yet (give it six months), but it can design a MADE Custom Hard Shell Jacket to create a perfect fit for each individual. Simply send in a photo of you in your baselayer and the AI will size the garment perfectly. Then you choose colour, zipper type, pocket placement, vents, and if you want a hood or pow skirt. Fully customized, dry, warm and looking unique. www.madeoutdoor.com

MADE Jacket


Muck Arctic Ice Vibram Arctic Grip All Terrain Tall Boot

You won’t find a step-in boot with better grip, comfort and warmth than this robust offering from Muck for men and women. The burly new Vibram Arctic Grip All Terrain outsole provides advanced traction on all terrains including wet ice, snow, mixed/loose surfaces and hard pack. These winter high-performance boots also step up the warmth factor with a 5mm neoprene inner boot layered with fleece for ultimate warmth in extreme conditions. The stretch-fit top-line binding keeps the boots snug to your legs to keep cold air out. www.muckbootcompany.ca

Muck Womens Arctic Grip Vibram All Terrain Gear Shed
Photo: Muck

Traction and Comfort

Traction and Comfort

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You’ll stay sure-footed with Vibram® Arctic Grip for wet ice traction coupled with XS Trek Evo adding durability and improved grip on both wet and dry surfaces. And the 5mm CR Flex-Foam neoprene liner is 100% waterproof with exceptional comfort, flexibility, shock absorption and heat retention properties; plus it adjusts to the contours of your foot to resist blisters and chafing. The lightweight, cushioned EVA midsole adds stability and long-lasting comfort.

You’ll stay sure-footed with Vibram® Arctic Grip for wet ice traction coupled with XS Trek Evo adding durability and improved grip on both wet and dry surfaces. And the 5mm CR Flex-Foam neoprene liner is 100% waterproof with exceptional comfort, flexibility, shock absorption and heat retention properties; plus it adjusts to the contours of your foot to resist blisters and chafing. The lightweight, cushioned EVA midsole adds stability and long-lasting comfort.

96/100

Total Score iLegend

The best


Osprey Transporter Duffel 65

Ditch the old plastic bins and shopping bags. The Transporter Duffel 65 is ideal for a gear-intensive weekend or longer travels as a more effective space-saving storage solution. Built with ruggedly dependable, weather-resistant fabrics in new colourways and prints, the Transporter 65L will lug it all. Deployable backpack harness with sternum strap tucks away when not in use. www.osprey.com 

Osprey transporter duffel 65 f21 side black
Photo: Osprey

Toughness + Sustainability

Toughness + Sustainability

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This duffel is built from bluesign® approved recycled polyester with dual-sided TPU coating inside and out, burly hardware, stiffened main body fabric with protective accent ribs, overlapping zipper and a PFC-free DWR coating that protects your gear from the elements.

This duffel is built from bluesign® approved recycled polyester with dual-sided TPU coating inside and out, burly hardware, stiffened main body fabric with protective accent ribs, overlapping zipper and a PFC-free DWR coating that protects your gear from the elements.

97/100

Total Score iLegend

The best


Patagonia Untracked Bibs

Built with recycled nylon three-layer GORE-TEX fabric bonded to a recycled polyester, solution-dyed flannel backer, the Untracked Bibs (available for women and men) deliver unrelenting storm protection in the toughest conditions—and the unrestrictive fabric (with stretch-mesh fabric at the sides) won’t hinder your movement during descents or on the skintrack. Plus: the fabric, membrane and durable water repellent (DWR) finish are made in a Fair Trade Certified factory without perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs/PFAS). www.patagonia.ca

Patagonia Untracked Bibs men
Photo: Patagonia

Sustainable Materials + Backcountry Performance Details

Sustainable Materials + Backcountry Performance Details

97 100 0 1

The ultra-tough three-layer GORE-TEX shell is made from recycled nylon plain-weave fabric with a recycled, solution-dyed flannel backer that’s waterproof, breathable and PFC-free. And the backcountry-ready details are legion: Drop-seat side zips (which double as vents) and single-snap, zip-fly closure allows for convenient, unisex relief; exterior belt loops at the waist allow bib top to be lowered for temperature control while touring.
The articulated patterning allows for increased range of motion while touring and descending; stretch-mesh fabric at the sides provides increased breathability and comfort.

The ultra-tough three-layer GORE-TEX shell is made from recycled nylon plain-weave fabric with a recycled, solution-dyed flannel backer that’s waterproof, breathable and PFC-free. And the backcountry-ready details are legion: Drop-seat side zips (which double as vents) and single-snap, zip-fly closure allows for convenient, unisex relief; exterior belt loops at the waist allow bib top to be lowered for temperature control while touring.
The articulated patterning allows for increased range of motion while touring and descending; stretch-mesh fabric at the sides provides increased breathability and comfort.

97/100

Total Score iLegend

The best


Prior Pow Stick Snowboard

The iconic Pow Stick has been revised with shorter, swifter swallowtail sections to minimize deflection and maximize edge hold without sacrificing pow flotation. An all-new blunted nose provides weight savings, and a slightly shorter overhang makes it nimbler and more versatile in the trees. This is the ultimate flotation ride, and it’s available in 156, 160, 167, 176 and 181 cm. www.priorsnow.com

PRIOR POWSTICK ILLUSTRATION3S 1920 NEW SHAPE Topsheet
Photo: PRIOR

Big-Mountain Directional Powder Board

Big-Mountain Directional Powder Board

96 100 0 1

The swallowtail sections break down resistance and allow for a more natural stance without the back-leg burn. With limited taper and a long effective edge, the Pow Stick is surprising edge to edge and efficient in variable conditions; the tails also flex independently to increase mobility and provide a smooth transition to finish the turn.

The swallowtail sections break down resistance and allow for a more natural stance without the back-leg burn. With limited taper and a long effective edge, the Pow Stick is surprising edge to edge and efficient in variable conditions; the tails also flex independently to increase mobility and provide a smooth transition to finish the turn.

96/100

Total Score iLegend

The best


Royal Robbins Men’s Baylands Lined 1/2 Zip

Timeless looks, the warmth of a chunky knit and wind protection—this is the ultimate sweater. The soft yarn combines hollow-core polyester fibers to hold in the heat, nylon for durability and recovery, and wool for odor resistance and natural thermal regulation. Wind protection comes from a 100% recycled stretch-woven liner. The deep front zip lets you ventilate, and the tall collar extends warmth. Buy Royal Robbins in Canada at Sail.ca

Royal Robbins baylands lined half zip
Photo: Royal Robbins

Ultimate Sweater

Ultimate Sweater

97 100 0 1

The Baylands 1/2 Zip is made from a non-mulesed wool (‘mulesing’ involves removing part of a lamb’s skin and is considered inhumane), nylon, and a recycled polyester blend that is naturally odor-resistant, warm, soft, and durable. The woven lining helps block wind and is made from 100% recycled materials. The deep front zipper provides ventilation, makes on-and-off easy. Drop-in hand pockets offer accessible storage. Ribbed cuffs, hem, and neck seal out drafts and secure the fit.

The Baylands 1/2 Zip is made from a non-mulesed wool (‘mulesing’ involves removing part of a lamb’s skin and is considered inhumane), nylon, and a recycled polyester blend that is naturally odor-resistant, warm, soft, and durable. The woven lining helps block wind and is made from 100% recycled materials. The deep front zipper provides ventilation, makes on-and-off easy. Drop-in hand pockets offer accessible storage. Ribbed cuffs, hem, and neck seal out drafts and secure the fit.

97/100

Total Score iLegend

The best


Rumpl Puffy Changing Poncho

Built to endure the elements, the all-new unisex Rumpl Puffy Changing Poncho is built with a DWR-treated body and 5K laminated waterproof shoulders/hood to keep you dry and stylish AF. Once the clouds part, it packs into its own pocket and pulls double duty as a pillow. www.camplifestyle.ca

rumpl original changing poncho original puffy changing poncho blue hawaii 28961871134792
Photo: Rumpl

Upcycled Material

Upcycled Material

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Rumple uses discarded plastic bottles and recycles them into the synthetic insulation and polyester that make up their products. The poncho is made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester shell and insulation. Rumpl is also a certified B Corporation, which means they are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community and the environment.

Rumple uses discarded plastic bottles and recycles them into the synthetic insulation and polyester that make up their products. The poncho is made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester shell and insulation. Rumpl is also a certified B Corporation, which means they are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community and the environment.

97/100

Total Score iLegend

The best


The North Face Thermoball Eco-Hoodie

We didn’t believe it possible to improve it, but the latest Men’s ThermoBall Eco Hoodie 2.0 is even more of an industry leader for lightweight warmth, durability and packability—10 years on from its launch. It’s made with 100% recycled fabrics and fill—the manufacturing process creates slight variations in fabric color and texture, meaning that every garment is not just more sustainable, but completely unique. www.thenorthface.com

North Face Thermoball front black
Photo: THe North Face
North Face Thermoball packed
Photo: The North Face

Sustainable Warm Layer To Go

Sustainable Warm Layer To Go

97 100 0 1

The Thermoball Hoodie compresses like down and stows in chest pocket for portable warmth, even if you get soaked. (The hoodie contains ThermoBall™ Eco recycled poly insulation which will perform when wet, and the shell material is treated with a non-PFC DWR finish for added water repellency.)

The Thermoball Hoodie compresses like down and stows in chest pocket for portable warmth, even if you get soaked. (The hoodie contains ThermoBall™ Eco recycled poly insulation which will perform when wet, and the shell material is treated with a non-PFC DWR finish for added water repellency.)

97/100

Total Score iLegend

The best

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