Backcountry Snowshoe Gear From Head to Toes: Men's Version
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The ultimate outdoor adventures start with the right gear. Here are ten (plus a bonus) pieces of equipment that will keep you moving comfortably on your backcountry snowshoe adventure.
The women’s version can be found here.
1. Atlas 12 Series Snowshoes ($279.95)
Atlas 12 Series Snowshoes
No matter how technical the terrain- these snowshoes will carry you like a champ. The Atlas 12 Series Snowshoe is made specifically for big-mountain terrain.
-Spring-loaded suspension, your feet will move naturally no matter the surface.
-Smart design- a tapered tails keeps you from kicking up snow and a V-frame allows the shoe to track straight in deeper snow so you stay in control.
-Heel-lift bar takes pressure of your legs when you are climbing up hill.
-Crampons dig deep to grip snow and ice.
-Bindings are easily loosened.
-Extremely durable, these snowshoes showed no signs of wear even after trekking through low powder areas with exposed rocks.
Frame Material: Aluminum
Binding: Wrapp Pro
Crampon Material: Stainless Steel
Snowshoe Weight: [25 in] 4 lb, [30 in] 4 lb 8 oz, [35 in] 4 lb 10 oz
2. Atlas Lock Jaw 3 Adjustable Poles ($75.95)
Atlas Lock Jaw 3 Adjustable Poles
Keep your balance on even the most technical terrain with these lightweight and easily adjustable poles.
-Brilliant locking system clamps securely and releases easily.
-A three-piece design allows the poles to collapse and pack away easily.
-Strong and durable baskets
-Steel tips that pierce through ice and snow.
3. Ibex Breakaway Jacket ($279.50)
Ibex Men’s Breakaway Jacket
Breakaway Jackets made by Ibex Outdoor Clothing keep you warm without weighing you down. Made with a Climawool (nylon, wool, Lycra®) blend, this jacket is perfect for aerobic activities like back country snowshoeing. The fabric blocks sweat, protects from wind and will keep you cozy. The fabric is sourced from Switzerland and made in Canada.
Other pluses:
Generous sized back pocket is large enough to hold hats or gloves.
A chest pocket will hold keys, credit cards or your phone.
Reflective strip on sleeve allows you to be visible at night.
4. Outdoor Research Men’s Cirque Pants ($140.00)
Outdoor Research Men’s Cirque Pants
Durable and technical, these pants thrive in alpine conditions. Tough woven construction protects against snow and wind to keep you dry and moving comfortably along on the trails. The waist is adjustable, allowing for a snug and comfortable fit/ zippered cuff closures at the leg keep you from having to worry about snagging any rocks or have to deal with excess fabric collecting at the base of the pant. Best of all-you will be warm, dry and in a pant that allows for freedom of movement.
5. Outdoor Research: Men’s Verglas Gaiter ($59.00)
Outdoor Research: Men’s Verglas Gaiter
Gaiters protect your feet from the elements- whether it’s pebbles or snow sneaking into your boots, the Verglas Gaiter will keep your comfort level soaring so you can trudge through the elements. A Pertex Shield fabric provides waterproof breathable protection. The abrasion-resistant 500D Cordura on the inner leg and boot protects against sharp crampons. The hypalon will keep the gaiters in place. Plus they are light and can be stored in a pack just like that.
6. PhD Smart Wool Socks ($25.95)
PhD Ski Socks by Smart Wool are the most durable ski sock yet, made with a 4-Degree Elite Fit System and ReliaWool Technology. By adapting to the elements, these socks will keep you warm when it’s cool and cool when it’s warm. And they won’t bunch at the toe, instead molding to your feet the way a sock should. Another plus: they don’t shrink and don’t itch! The socks are available in several bold colors and fun patterns.
SMARTWOOL PHD SKI MEDIUM
*If it’s not too snowy of a day on the trails try the PhD Graduated Compression Ultra Light sock from Smart Wool to increase circulation. It has the same quality and materials smartwool is known for with the added benefit of compression. Without being too tight, they will still give you a comfortable calf hug. Plus- they are easy to put on unlike other compression socks that make you feel like you are in a tug of war. The benefits of compression: increased blood flow, better support, protects against shock and abrasion.
PHD RUN GRADUATED COMPRESSION ULTRA LIGHT
6. Smartwool NTS (Next to Skin) Baselayers (Price Ranges Depending on Style)
These baselayers are perfect for the times weather can turn in an instant. Made from merino wool, they are technical enough to keep you warm on sub-zero days, yet won’t cause overheating when the temperatures warm up. The form fitting fabric wicks sweat, fits comfortably and is incredibly durable! You can also rest assured this baselayer doesn’t itch and is plenty breathable. Made for men and women and in incredibly splashy colors!
The NTS baselayers come in three different weights. The Micro (“150”), Light (“195”), and Mid (“250”). The numbers indicate how heavy the fiber is, in grams per cubic meter.
– NTS MICRO 150: Single layer for warm weather performance. Base layer for cool weather.
– NTS LIGHT 195: Single layer for cool/cold weather performance. Base layer for cold weather.
– NTS MID 250: Single layer for cold weather performance. Base layer for very cold weather.
MEN’S NTS LIGHT 195 BOTTOM
MEN’S NTS LIGHT 195 HOODY
8. Zeal Optics Eclipse Goggle with Photochromic Lens ($249 Lens)
Zeal Optics Eclipse Goggle with Photochromic Len
Whether there is snow coming in heavy or it’s a bluebird kind of ski day, the Zeal Optics Eclipse Goggles are your go to. Equipped with a Photochromic lenses, these goggles will adjust to the light conditions of the day. They also have a spherical lens for extra wide vision and triple foam around the frame for added comfort and offer maximum breathability. Another reason Zeal goggles are so great is the permanent anti-fog placed on the inside of the lens so it won’t wear off. You Can also wear these for skiing or boarding- they are compatible with our without a helmet.
9. Sawyer Sunglasses by Zeal ($129.00)
Sawyer Sunglasses by Zeal
https://www.zealoptics.com/sawyer.htmlIt’s not just the hip designs that make Boulder based Zeal sunglasses stand out. The frames are constructed with Z-Resin™, a much more eco-friendly approach as it’s produced with castor beans instead of crude oil. If you are looking for a lighter option than ski goggles on the trails but still want to protect your eyes, these sunglasses are key! Sporting a full rim and single bridge across the top, these sunglasses are made with the hipster in mind. Technical enough for the trails but also stylish enough for everyday wear, these sunglasses are multi purposeful. Polarized lenses will block light and provide a greater depth of vision that you are used to with other glasses.
10. Phunkshun FaceMasks ($20-35)
Phunkshun FaceMasks
The face masks come in several different color patterns and styles. The five options include the lightest weight Single Layer and the heaviest Double Layer Thermal Mask which is lined with cozy polartec fleece for the coldest winter days. No matter the style you choose- the material wicks moisture, protects against UV rays and is anti-microbial.
11. Rocky Mountain Sunscreen (Price varies depending on size of bottle)
Rocky Mountain Sunscreen
Designed for higher elevations, Rocky Mountain Sunscreen will keep your face from frying whether you are snowshoeing or on the slopes. Aerobic activities in the snow increase the risk of UV light because you are not only battling direct light but also light that reflects off the snow. Also increasing risk is the higher elevations, which is why it’s so important to lather up.
