If there's one thing Sunshine Village provided us in abundance for Gear Week this year, it was weather. We had sun, we had snow, we had warm days, we had freezing cold ones, we had wind, and often a combination of several of the above in quick succesion. Thankfully, that made for a perfect outerwear test. It's easy enough to tell most things about a ski regardless of conditions, but for outerwear, you really do have to try it in a variety of conditions.
https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/1097511/--YouTubeChoosing outerwear is pretty tricky and of course, personal taste plays a big role. But it's useful to think about what you might want from a kit and tailor your choices to your needs. We think these are the major questions:
Insulated or Shell?
In general, we prefer shells, simple as that. You can generally layer enough underneath to keep you warm and shells are generally a more flexible option. However, if you tend to get cold easily, an insulated jacket can really hit the spot. It might even mean you don't have to layer up so much that you end up looking like the Michelin man.
Technical or Burly?
Do you actually need a kit that will keep you dry in a typhoon? Chances are if you live in the Rockies or Alps, the answer is no. The snow tends to be pretty dry so waterproofing is just less important.
Do you ride a lot of park? If so, a tough, simple kit is probably a better option because chances are you're going to eat shit and wreck it anyway. Kits that are both technical AND burly do exist, but you're going to have to pay a good chunk for them. In general, we've found that if the price/technicality ratio seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Do you care if you get the shot?
We're pretty big fans of the murdered out look if we're honest BUT if you want your homie to be able to get the perfect photo or clip of you for the gram, then get something with some color. Trust us, or more accurately, our media team, on that one.
Steezy or functional?
Only kidding, get XL (& 189s). Or check our fit guides by following the links to the product.
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Armada Ansel Jacket & Team Issue Cargo Pants
This was the kit we struggled to get off our testers when we needed it for shooting the above video, everyone loved it. The jacket is nice and lightweight, and has the right balance of warmth and ease of movement. The pants are heavy enough that they don't flap around but don't feel like they weigh you down (think Harlaut Apparel, but actually good quality). Simply put this kit keeps you dry, feels well made and it's properly steezy. Read More.
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Scott Vertic 3L Ripstop Jacket & Pants
This Scott kit is an interesting middle ground for those who want to ski a bit of everything. Light enough to do some light backcountry work, technical enough for stormy days, and with a burly ripstop fabric. 15K might not sound like a lot compared to some on paper, but we'd be surprised if you ever actually noticed. Read more.
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Rossignol Evader Jacket & Pants
This one is for those looking for warmth and comfort without sacrificing technicality. The soft shell feel of the fabric belies its 20K ratings. It is on the warm side though, so not one for those who regularly find themselves overheating on the hill. Read more.
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Armada Pavara Jacket & Rayleigh Bibs
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Rab Khroma Diffuse Jacket & Pants
Last but by no means least, the Rab Khroma Diffuse Jacket & Pants. Highly technical with a bombproof feel and a surprisingly relaxed fit. This was one that really surprised our team (and went home in the hands of @milo-mcsenderson , much to the disgust of the rest of the crew, because he was quickest of the mark come the end of testing). Read more.
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Check out all of the best 2024/25 goodies in our Gear Guide. Our other best test videos are live on YouTube.
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