Skate Ski Layering System
It may be zero degrees outside, with a windchill factor for the ages, but once you get your V2 on, you'll want to be wearing fewer clothes than you think. What you wear should be breathable, and stretchy to allow the full-body cranking that skate skiing requires. Wind-blocking materials on your front side and light insulation in key areas will keep you comf
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Craft Flow PantsFrom Sweden’s Craft, which outfits that nation’s formidable Olympic team, the Flow Pants have a protective, windproof Hypervent STR front with a super-breathable Flex Fleece back. The pants are stretchy, with an articulated fit, full side zips, and buttoned and elastic ankle cuffs. Removable suspenders allow for extra hold- a welcome touch when pushing your aerobic threshold on the trails. $110; www.craft-usa.com
flow pants
picozip t
Ibex Pico Zip TThis midweight New Zealand Merino baselayer offers enough protection to be worn with just a vest on a warm winter day. Flatlock seams eliminate chaffing, a 9-inch zippered neck (7 inches on the women’s version) with a high collar allows customizable ventilation, and the fit is slim. Machine washable. $95; www.ibexwear.com
Salomon Smart Windstopper Vest & Patagonia Wind Tracker Top
salomon windstopper vest
wind track top
Salomon Smart Windstopper Vest
Euro-styling is a good thing on the nordic trails, not only for the cred factor (Euros kick ass in nordic skiing, traditionally) but for function as well. This thin, slim-fitting vest easily layers and blocks wind when worn alone. Its stretchy back panel allows full range for vigorous poling, and the front and shoulders, made of Gore Windstopper, block wind chill. $120; www.salomon-sports.com
Patagonia Wind Tracker TopThis Nordic-specific piece is spot on, with windproof panels on the chest and front-arm panels made from a polyeurethane film sandwiched between lightweight 20-denier polyester knit with a Deluge DWR treatment. The backside’s polyester/spandex fleece breathes freely and stretches with ease. A zippered rear pocket stashes gloves or a hat, and is accessible from the right or left side and thumb loops prevent cold wrists. $145; www.patagonia.com
Swix Race Hat & Pearl Izumi Gavia Gloves
Swix Race Hat
Gavia Gloves
Swix Race HatMost of your body’s heat escapes from the top of your head, so this beanie features an extremely breathable polypropylene panel on the top of your dome with a warmer, yet still breathable, wool/acrylic blend around the rest. $26; www.swixsport.com
Pearl Izumi Gavia GlovesThe Gavia combines wind- and waterproof fabric in key areas with a soft fleece thumb for runny nose wiping, a grippy palm and fingers for a secure hold, and stretch for comfort and dexterity. $45; www.pearlizumi.com.