The Best Super-Cold Winter Gear
Mission-critical supplies for when the mercury drops
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Oros Insulated Leggings ($90)
These sleek tights are lined with SolarCore, a breathable aerogel that’s superinsulating even when wet or compressed.
Lupine Wilma RX 7 Headlamp ($615)
That gonzo price tag gets you some gonzo features, such as 3,200 lumens—more than your car’s high beams put out—and a remote you can slip into your glove. The battery pack is good for a week’s worth of illumination, and the aluminum body is waterproof.
KLOS Acoustic Guitar ($599)
Climber Chris Bailey carried this ultratough carbon-fiber ax up Denali to play “Stairway to Heaven” above the clouds. The body won’t crack from temperature changes, so you can pack it on your next polar expedition.
Helly Hansen First Tracks App (Free)
No more setting the alarm for 5 A.M. to check the snow report. This free app, available for Android and iOS, monitors the weather and will wake you if there’s a powder dump.
Chaval Supernova Alphaheat gloves ($440)
Think La-Z-Boy chair for your hands. Electric heat that’s never excessive, buttery full-grain leather, and a snug, flexible fit earn these a special place in our winter kit.
Phoozy Phone Protector ($30)
This unassuming “phone coozy” has a chromium-infused shell that borrows technology from astronauts’ boots and gloves. Here on Earth, it insulates your cell phone’s battery from charge-sapping temperatures down to minus 20 degrees, doubling the device’s run time.
Sparkr Flashlight and Lighter ($60)
The ideal multitool for long winters, Sparkr combines a handy 400-lumen flashlight with an electric plasma lighter that won’t blow out or freeze.
Ribcap Jackson Hat ($100)
Made from snug merino wool and soft polyurethane panels that absorb energy—thanks to a liquid injected into the foam that hardens on impact—the Ribcap isn’t quite a helmet, nor is it entirely a beanie. But it’s definitely the comfiest head protection we’ve ever encountered.
Salomon X Pro Custom Heat Ski Boots ($900)
Salomon took its famous X Pro alpine boot and integrated a heating system into the liner that’ll warm your dogs for up to 18 hours. Choose from three settings via easy-access buttons on the liner cuff.