#Breckenridge, Colorado.
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| Photo: Courtesy of Zeal Optics |
As technology advances, the ability to create lighter weight and higher performance apparel evolves. We’ve hand-picked a men’s on-mountain outfit from this season’s hottest styles to keep you in high fashion and high performance.
Helmet
The Sharp Helmet from Bolle is a no-brainer for your brain bucket. This lightweight helmet has adjustable vents to cool your scalp on warmer days. And the soft, comfortable lining is removable and washable — so wash it, fellas. Chicks dig clean. The double-density EPS construction will keep your melon safe, and our testers were 36.8 percent sure the lightning bolt flare makes you faster.
Retail: $109.99; www.bolle.com
Goggles
Leave it to industry innovators Zeal Optics to create the HD Camera Goggle, the first in-goggle camera that’s as discreet as it is advanced. The goggles themselves are full of features that we’ve come to expect from Zeal: 100 percent UV protection, helmet compatible, anti-fog lenses, impact-resistant frames. But the real show stopper is the camera, which captures HD-quality video and 12 megapixel HD photos — that’s right, 12 megapixels. The images are easily shared over social media outlets, letting your friends see just how elevated your style and skills have become.
Retail: $399; www.zealoptics.com
Beanie
The return of retro is still going strong, and we’re on board when it looks this good. This Powder Town Beanie from Patagonia is crafted from a chlorine-free nylon and wool blend, resulting in a hat that stays dry even on snowy days and remains warm and insulated if it gets wet. The eco-friendly treatment of the wool leaves the hat feeling soft and itch-free. Groovy on the outside, cuddly on the inside — it’s the mountain version of a hipster knit hat.
Retail: $39; www.patagonia.com
Jacket
Be bold, be fast and be focused with the Focus LT Hoody from Westcomb. This ultra-lightweight shell is the stylish answer to your speed needs. Constructed with a waterproof/breathable eVent membrane, this highly technical shell gives you everything you need and leaves behind the clunky things you don’t.
Retail: $280; www.shopwestcomb.com
Midlayer
The form-fitting and flattering PhD SmartLoft Divide Jacket from Smartwool is insulated in only the right places and stretchy in the others. The merino wool will keep you warm, dry and smell-resistant while the quilted nylon on the front panel is water and wind resistant. The convenient left chest pocket has media cord routing so you can keep the beats bumpin’ as you slay through the bumps on Pallavicini.
Retail: $198; www.smartwool.com
Baselayer
The [ak] Silkweight Crew from Burton is pure sleek, silky goodness. This modern, lightweight and breathable top is the perfect choice for next-to-skin comfort and performance. The Polartec PowerDry fabric keeps you dry while hiking or shredding the gnar, and the cut is long enough to stay tucked in.
Retail: $64.95; www.burton.com
Gloves
Cold digits are the worst. Nothing can zap the fun out of an otherwise perfect day like cold hands and fingers. The Patrol Glove by Hestra is a burly beast that delivers superior warmth and functionality. Part of Hestra’s Alpine Pro line, these cream-of-the-crop gloves are constructed of fine leather that’s windproof, waterproof and breathable and comes with a removable liner, Velcro closure and a carabineer.
Retail: $125; www.hestragloves.com
Pants
While the Millenium Blur Pant from Columbia may look like simple black ski pants, wait until you see the inside. These sparkling stunners would make Michael Jackson proud. But the Omni Heat silver metallic dots are more than just a party in your pants — the thermal reflective liner provides unparalleled warmth. Pair that with the internal stretch panels and leg ventilation, and you’ve got yourself ski pants that are anything but simple. And we won’t judge you if you rock them inside out on closing day at The Beach at A-Basin.
Retail: $200; www.columbia.com
Courtesy of the Summit Daily News.
