Roasting chestnuts on an open fire is all well and good, but ask any winter sports fan--they’d rather be out in the thick of the elements! For those cold weather mavens who love romping and tromping in the snow, we present our winter gear gift guide.
 |
| Sierra Designs Down Sleepies |
Sierra Designs Down Sleepies
Once camp is set up, it feels so good to dive into your tent and slip into something warm. Enter Sierra Designs’ Down Sleepies. These ultralight down booties lack the heavy outsoles that are found on some down footwear, so you won’t want to head into the snow with just the Sleepies. But if you simply want to keep your feet warm while sitting in your tent or yurt, cabin or camper—the Sleepies are perfect. A size large weighs just 3.5 ounces. $24; 800-635-0461; www.sierradesigns.com.
 |
| Total Telemark V |
Tough Guy Productions’ SESSIONS Total Telemark V DVD
Tough Guy Productions continues to highlight the best in telemark skiing with Total Telemark V. You can't help but get pumped up as some of the world's best telemarkers cut lines in virgin backcountry powder. Shot in Canada, Alaska, Finland, Norway, California, Colorado, and Utah, the massive backdrops and expert skiing will have you dreaming of perfect turns and monstrous descents. Special Hooked on the Outdoors Holiday price: $25 (Ask for the Hooked price online when purchasing the video); 970-668-0216; www.toughguyproductions.com
 |
| Mammut Spindrift |
Mammut Spindrift Backpack
1,830 cubic inches; 2 lbs., 15.25 ozs.
Clean, simple and sleek, this pack is perfect for a day of backcountry touring or slogging up trails on snowshoes. Even when jammed full, the narrow-profile pack rides close to the back to keep you balanced. Access to the pack interior is easy thanks to a large horseshoe-shaped zipper (a second zipper opens the large front pocket). Contoured shoulder straps and a slim hipbelt pull the weight to the center of your back. Though the Spindrift sports ski loops, the clips and bungee cords are too light for heavy items—trying to lash on a snowboard nearly overwhelmed this system. $130; 800-451-5127; www.mammutusa.com.
 |
| MSR Ascent |
MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe
3 lbs., 9 ozs. (8” x 22”)
A few years ago, MSR revolutionized the snowshoe market with its molded plastic snowshoes. Now, MSR offers a shoe with a unique aluminum frame. Rather than use traditional aluminum tubing, MSR shaped a single blade of aluminum, allowing the entire edge of the frame to be a traction device, which works extremely well. The single knock against these lightweight shoes is that they’re only available in one size. Most small-to average-sized hikers will be able to use them on hard, compact snow, but if you’re 6’2” and weigh 220 pounds, like one of our testers, you’ll find them of little use in fresh snow. $249; 800-531-9531; www.msrcorp.com.
 |
| Columbia Ice Dragon Shell |
Columbia Ice Dragon Waterproof Shell Jacket
Designed for cold, snowy, and icy conditions, the Ice Dragon is a member of Columbia’s performance Titanium line. Made with the company’s proprietary three-layer Lazer Rip XP, the jacket features attachment points that snap into a variety of Columbia’s modular insulation layers and soft shells for when it gets cold. $240; 800-622-6953; www.columbia.com.
