winter - Explore Big Sky

outerwear Gear
backcountry:
arc’teryx gamma sk pants
Made of burly, double weave softshell, the Gamma SK’s are
stretchy and way comfortable, waterproof, breathable, plenty
warm, and roomy enough for layering. The cuffs are ski boot
compatible, and the sleek, built-in gaiters are bomber enough for
tromping around in snow pits. besides, they’re flattering (and
available in plum!). Look out, Gallatin Peak. Men’s and women’s
sizes and colors, available at Northern Lights in Bozeman. – E.S.
arcteryx.com $245
warmth:
flylow ice Man down jacket
The northern Rockies can get frigid, and flylow’s Ice Man down
jacket is made for serious mountain weather. The 700-fill goose
down is cozy, and the fully-taped, two-layer waterproof shell
doesn’t let in an ounce of water, even while I interviewed snowmakers
on-scene. Tack on a removable powder skirt and massive
underarm vents, and the Ice Man is surprisingly versatile. flylow’s
website claims the jacket is as tough as Val Kilmer in Top Gun. I
agree. It can be my wingman anytime. Available in black, navy and
tarmac. – J.T.O.
flylowgear.com $400
in-bounds:
dakine throttle jacket, rPM Pants
Remember when you had to be careful asking ullr for endless amounts of snow? Your jeans got all
soggy and uncomfortable. but then you ditched your snowblades and decided to step up your game
and find some real outerwear. Now, if you're set up with the Dakine Throttle Jacket ($359) and
RPM Pant ($249), you'll be ready for nasty weather, as well as some kind eyes from the bunnies.
Your new setup will handle anything Mother Nature throws at it – fully insulated with Primaloft,
it keeps you plenty warm, and with Teflon DwR finish and 15k/10k laminate, you'll stay fresh and
dry, whether you're throwing down in the backcountry or you spill salsa on yourself in the lodge.
A few of my favorite features are the zip-off hood, the zippered underarm and leg vents, the stylin’
micro-check pattern, the chin-protector flap and the stretch hand gaiters on the Throttle, and the
articulated fit on the RPM’s. Some colors are even available in recycled polyester – way to think ecofriendly,
Dakine. - C.D.
dakine.com
explorebigsky.com
explorebigsky.com
Big Sky Weekly
headgear: smith gage
helmet and i/ox goggles
Smith’s new products for 2013 are proving to be high
quality and totally rad. (we’re not surprised.) Looking
for a domepiece? Check out the Gage. Designed for park
riders, it’s low profile, so it stays out of the way while
you’re riding, and vented for the hike back up. At $80,
the price matches the style. The new I/OX goggles
($174) are about bigger real estate: larger lense, larger
fit on the face and larger peripheral vision. The quick
release lens system lets you swap on the go, and the
vaporator technology adjusts air pressure and prevents
fogging. All of Smith’s helmets and googles are built to
mix and match. – E.S
smithoptics.com
dec. 14 - 27, 2012 59