You’re huffing and puffing from a high-altitude ascent. But when it’s time to rip skins, it won’t take long to catch cold in the backcountry.
Dressing for the backcountry is all about layering. First things first, you’ll need a baselayer to wick moisture away from your skin. That way, your shirt won’t freeze to your back when you break for lunch.
Next, up the midlayer. The midlayer gives you the most room to play around. In late spring, you can keep this layer pretty light. But most of the season, it’s nice to have a heavier option. You can always stash this layer in your pack when you’re trekking. But, if anything unexpected happens out there, you know you’ve got a warm layer to back you up.
On top, you have your hardshell jackets and pants. Designed with large vents to dump heat, these layers are more about weatherproofing than insulation. Check out Powder7’s head-to-toe top picks for backcountry apparel.
What to Wear Ski Touring: Backcountry Jackets
Flylow Billie Coat Why We Love it: Though the Billie Coat has six (6!) pockets, it neatly packs away–even in a cramped backpack. The 20K waterproof/breathable fabric is fully seam sealed and highly durable. The freeride cut and powder skirt give you all the coverage you need on deep days.
Patagonia Women’s Descensionist Jacket Why We Love it: Weighing in at 541g, the Descensionist Jacket is ultra-ultra light. The fabric is highly breathable, making this shell an ideal outer layer on the bitterest winter days and sweatiest spring afternoons.
Arc’teryx Sentinel Jacket Why We Love it: First of all, we love Gore-Tex in the backcountry because it provides the best storm protection. But then you line a Gore-Tex jacket with flannel, and there’s no going back.
We also love…
What to Wear Ski Touring: Backcountry Ski Pants
Strafe Scarlett Bib Why We Love it: With a halter-style cut in place of traditional suspenders, the Scarlett bibs are extra fresh–and extra practical for touring. While other bibs tend to trap heat, this thin back panel is highly breathable so you can stay cool on steep ascents–plus the exposed hamstring vents let you dump heat quickly. And even when your skin is steamy, the elastic band stays comfortable.
Dynafit Yotei Gore-Tex Pant Why We Love it: Easy to adjust, the Yotei pants keep your skin-to-ski transitions fast. The hem adjusts with the snap of a button, and the woven bibs zip off. Plus, Gore-Tex fabric offers the best storm protection.
Flylow Foxy Bibs Why We Love it: Apart from being notably foxy, these ski pants are comfy and easy-breezy to move in. It’s equipped with pockets galore, including a bib kangaroo pouch that is perfect for squirreling away snacks.
We also love…
- Strafe Women’s Boomerang Ski Pants
- Mammut Stoney HS Pants
- Ortovox Women’s 2L Swisswool Andermatt Pants
What to Wear Ski Touring: Midlayers
Patagonia Women’s Micro Puff Jacket Why We Love it: Brand new this year, the Micro Puff offers the best warmth-for-weight of any Patagonia jacket. Period. Patagonia uses an efficient quilting pattern to optimize the loft of the Micro Puff’s Plumafill insulation. Bonus: one of the handwarmer pockets doubles as a functional pouch that easily packs away or attaches to your bag with a caribeener. It’s available as a hoody, too.
Ortovox Piz Bial Jacket Why We Love it: This reversible midlayer is excellent for the backcountry and frontcountry alike. When you’re touring, you’ll want to wear this jacket fun-side out because the pockets are so conveniently placed. And they shouldn’t interfere with any of your backpack straps–even at the waist. Then flip it inside out at the end of the day for a sleek look and cozy handwarmer pockets.
Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody Why We Love it: The taffeta fabric shields against wind and is finished with a durable water repellent. If you like to wear your midlayer as an outerlayer from time to time, the Atom LT Hoody is the way to go. And did I mention it’s L-I-G-H-T?
What to Wear Ski Touring: Baselayers
Ortovox Women’s 185 Rock’N’Wool Long Sleeve Why We Love it: Because nothing compares to merino wool. It wicks moisture away from the skin, absorbs odors, regulates temperature–three essentials in the backcountry.
2XU Midrise Compression Tights Why We Love it: Disclaimer–these compression tights may quickly become a skiing essential. They support major muscles to increase blood flow, alleviate muscle fatigue, enhance agility, and reduce injuries from long-term overuse.
Ortovox Women’s 185 Rock’N’Wool Overall Why We Love it: This dazzling onesie feeds the body, mind, and spirit. Body: Next-to-skin merino wool feels luxurious. And it’s equipped with a convenient drop-seat. Mind: that same wool is ethically and sustainably sourced from Tasmanian farmers. Spirit: Thank you, Ortovox, for contributing this gem to the world.
And you don’t want to miss…
Hestra Touch Warmth Liners Why We Love it: Never suffer from chilly digits again. Yes, the fingers work on touch screens.
2XU Elite Compression Alpine Socks Why We Love it: These compression socks may take some effort to put on, but it’s totally worth it. Wear them comfortably with 2XU’s compression tights.
Need gear to match? Build your backcountry kit with the best skis, bindings, and boots.