Best Value Gear: Snow Gear

The first snowfall has officially hit the Southern Hemisphere so we’ve whipped up a gear list that’s sure to get you stoked for the slopes.

When picking out winter snow gear, it’s more important than ever not to skimp on quality (nobody wants to turn into a human icicle) but to also get the best value with products that will last for multiple seasons and snow trips. We have asked the Wild Earth winter frothers and snow gear experts to put together their list of best value picks for snow gear this winter!

1. Helly Hansen Brand Unisex Beanie

Keep warm in the Helly Hansen Brand Unisex Beanie. This versatile beanie can take you from the slopes to sipping hot chocolate around town with its timeless and effortless design. It comes in a variety of colours and it is made from 95% Ocean Bound recycled materials. 

2. XTM Brooks II Men’s and XTM Kelsey II Women’s Waterproof Snow Jackets

When considering the best value for money, XTM is a must for your snow kit this season. The XTM Brooks II Men’s Jacket and the XTM Kelsey II Women’s Jacket are rated 10,000 waterproof and 10,000 breathability to keep you dry and the 140g of toasty insulation will keep you warm in cold temps. Do you know XTM are the official Australian Winter Olympic Team supplier? What better seal of approval do you need than that!

3. XTM Glide II Men’s and XTM Smooch II Women’s Waterproof Snow Pants

The next key item in your snow kit are snow pants and the Glide Men’s and Smooch II Women’s Waterproof Snow Pants from XTM are our go-to. These pants have all of the inclusions you could want for an affordable price. They feature 15,000 waterproof and 10,000 breathability ratings with 60g of insulation and the seams are fully taped for extra protection. These pants have elastic boot gaiters so they stay put on your snow boots, heaps of pockets to store goodies and leg vents for extra breathability. 

4. Rad Gloves Sidehit Unisex Mittens
 

There is nothing worse than having cold hands out in the cold. That is no longer a problem with the Rad Gloves Sidehit Unisex Mittens which include Thinsulate insulation, tough palm pleather material, cuff skirts to keep snow out and 15,000 waterproof and breathability ratings. Best of all, they feature wrist leashes which mean they stay on your wrist and don’t drop while you’re on the chairlift! Are you typically a glove wearer and haven’t worn mittens before? Give them a go, they’re like a hug for your hand! You will thank us later. 

5. Icebreaker Merino 175 Merino Thermal Baselayers

Essential to include in our list are a good pair of thermal baselayers and the Icebreaker Merino 175 range are great value for performance output. The 100% Merino construction will regulate your temperature for chilly mornings or when you start to warm up hitting the slopes. They are also odor-resistant and merino is a natural anti-bacterial fibre so that means you can wear them for a couple of days in a row, no problem. That’s basically a two-for-one right? 

6. XTM Adventure 170 Multi Unisex Merino Neck Gaiter
 

An accessory that can’t be forgotten and could be considered underrated is a neck gaiter and the XTM Adventure 170 Multi Unisex Merino Neck Gaiter is our best value pick. It can be worn in multiple ways - as a neck warmer, a balaclava for super frosty days or a headband for spring conditions. It is made from 45% Australian Merino which means it will stay warm even when wet and it is super soft on your face and neck. For the extra warmth and protection, this will provide for a small investment, you won’t regret adding this to your winter collection. 

7. Icebreaker Merino Ski+ Light Over The Calf Socks

You might be thinking, “Socks are just socks,” right? It can be a piece of gear easily overlooked but when you are stuffed into ski or snowboarding boots all day, you want to start off on the right foot (couldn’t help it!) and get yourself a good pair of socks. The Icebreaker Merino Ski+ Light Over The Calf Socks are anatomically shaped for your left and right foot for optimised support and have built-in padding to support your ankles and Achilles. 

8. Knockaround Slingshot Goggles

To round out our list, we can’t go past the Knockaround Slingshot Goggles. They come in a variety of lens gradients for different weather conditions which are all anti-fog and anti-glare and each pair comes with a bonus yellow lens for low light and cloudy conditions. The Knockaround Slingshot Goggles are magnetic which makes for quick lens changes on the hill when the weather turns in. They also come with a lens cleaning cloth and hard case to keep them protected in your gear bag. 

Not sure what gear you need for your next snow adventure? Chat with our friendly team of Outdoor Gear Specialists in-store or online today and don’t forget to share your adventures with us on Instagram by tagging @wildearthaustralia and #mywildearth in your next post.
 

About the contributor: 

 I guess you could call Adam Inglis the adventurous type. He proposed to his wife Dani on Mont Blanc before riding 7 stages of that year's Tour de France together, spent their honeymoon climbing Mt Kilimanjaro and dog-sledding across the Arctic Circle in Norway, and completed an Everesting "just for fun” on his bike. He has now made the Gold Coast home and spends a couple of days a week working in our Burleigh store as his “fun job”. Follow his adventures on Instagram.