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You want a kit with handy technical features thatll keep you warm, dry, and safe.
Original photos by SELF writer Kristin Canning / Kari Traa / Laneen Wells
Finding jackets, pants,base layers, and accessories that meet all those requirements isnt easy.
If you like to layer and peel pieces off as you go, shells are a great option.
I opt for shells instead of insulated outer layers.
Original photo by SELF writer Kristin Canning
Water resistance
Not all ski and snowboard jackets are totally waterproof; some are only water-resistant.
Which jot down is better depends on the kind of skiing and snowboarding you plan to do.
Youll also want to look for taped seams, which will help keep water out.
If you often visit resorts and ski on fair-weather days, then water-resistant gear will work just fine.
Gore-Tex is a great waterproof material that stays breathable, even as you warm up.
Midlayers are the most important part of your kit.
She adds that warm, lightweight, and breathable pieces are best.
Nothing ruins your apres vibe faster than taking your jacket off and feeling like a stink bomb.
(We agree.)
Not all ski brands offer larger sizes, Hooge notes.
For plus sizes,The North Face,Helly Hansen,Columbia,L.L.
Bean, andEddie Bauerare great places to shop.
Additional features
Little details are often what separates a good ski jacket and pants set from a great one.
For pants, I look for multiple adjustments at the waist, she says.
I give a shot to buy quality gear so that I dont have to replace big purchases each year.
Meet the tester
Im Kristin Canning, a journalist and gear tester based outside Denver, Colorado.
I learned to snowboard two years ago and I absolutely love it.
Last season, I bought my first Ikon Pass and logged about 20 days in the mountains.
Im a resort snowboarder, and I want to venture into the backcountry in the next few years.
Its also totally reasonable to want one that makes you feel cool and confident.
After spending hours on the mountain, these are the snow jackets that I think hit the mark.
I also like the voluminous style and feel.
The one downside to puffers is that they tend to be water-resistant (as opposed to fully waterproof).
One con: The snaps on the snow skirt can be hard to open and close.
Kristin wears the Jorde Poppy Ski Jacket with the Lennon Ski Pant.
Another pick: Whitespaces Cropped Puffer Jacketits even more oversized but shockingly lightweight for its size.
Kristin wears The North Faces Lenado Jacket and Freedom Insulated Pant.
Kristin wears the Jorde Poppy Ski Jacket with the Lennon Ski Pant.
Its designed to handle non-resort skiing with features to support the most brutal conditions.
Kristin wears Helly Hansen’s Sogn Shell Jacket and Sogn Shell Pants.
Its the perfect place to put your phone so it wont die on you halfway through the day.
Original photo by SELF writer Kristin Canning
These are our favorite from the plethora we tested.
Cozy waterproof pants
Alessandra Pant
I have to shout out Halfdays again here.
Sogn Shell Pants
Also worth considering: the Helly Hansen Sogn Shell Pants.
But I was a convert after I tried the fleece-lined Whitespace High-Waisted Bib Pants.
(FYI: They dont have a zipper to allow you to pee without taking off your jacket.)
Arc’teryx
Atom Hoody
Arcteryx
Wommacks top pick is the Arcteryx Atom Hoody.
This is another daily driver, no matter what, Hooge says.
Youll typically want to opt for pieces made of wool, which is naturally breathable and moisture-wicking.
Kristin wears Helly Hansens LIFA Merino Midweight Base Layer Long-Sleeve and Pants.
Columbia
Whirlibird III Mittens
Smartwool
Liner Gloves
Wommack uses this layering method too.
Attached to your pack but still want to carry some H2O?
Wommack says a small, collapsible water bottle is the move.
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