After cold weather outings during the late December cold spell, my Zerofit layers seemed to live up to their promise to regulate temperature with activity and create instant heat. The secret of the extreme warmth of the Ultimate model, which is made for colder, less sweat-prone activities, seems to be the five-fabric blend, which includes a mix of synthetics and wool with long fibers that help generate and trap heat.

The three synthetic fabric blend of the Move baselayer is designed for more active cold weather sports and to encourage moisture to evaporate quickly.

MSRP: $76-$90. Zerofitusa.com

Find more product reviews in the Gear Room department.

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Kids Toboggan Cold Weather Boot

This soft, flexible boot has been perfect for the wide-ranging outdoor activities our 5-year-old engages in. From building massive snow forts, starting maniacal snowball fights, running up icy sledding hills, climbing up rock walls, you name it.

These stylish 6-inch over the ankle boots have kept his feet warm and dry through all of it, and best of all he can put them on and take them off himself thanks to the toggle lacing closure and heel pull strap. We haven’t had to wash them yet, but the fact that they have a removable/washable insole is encouraging.

MSRP: $45. Kids boot: www.northsideusa.com/products/kids-toboggan-cold-weather-boot

Northside Back Country Winter Snow Boot

These behemoth snow boots are built to keep feet warm and dry in super cold weather. They feature rugged mid-calf ballistic leather/nylon upper keeps water out with a premium rubber shell, while a fully insulated lining keeps toes toasty.

The boots are fully waterproof seam sealed and have a gusseted tongue that keeps debris out. A durable cleated rubber outsole ensures exceptional traction/shock absorption/good abrasion resistance in snowy or icy conditions.

I have huge yet narrow feet, and the fit was a bit sloppy for me, a problem I mostly cured with added insoles. You can’t ask for a more solid boot built for extreme winter cold for the price. Plus Northside is a Washington State-based company, so pretty much local!

MSRP: $100. Men’s boots: https://www.northsideusa.com/products/mens-back-country-winter-snow-boot

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The genius of the Dispersion Jacket isn’t a laundry list of superfluous features, but in the simple construction that combines hard and soft shell fabric in all the right places to make a superb, light-weight ski touring jacket that won’t let you down when the weather turns.With the mix of GORE-TEX fabric in the most expose dare as and EXOLITE 125 soft shell fabric on the back and underarms,this jacket keeps you dry and protected from wind where you need it while letting your less exposed and sweat-producing regions breathe. The hood is fully adjustable and stows into the collar, stretchy, pre-shaped sleeves reduce bulk, there are two large mesh-lined zippered chest pockets, and dual tether hem draw cords.I did my best to sweat out my Dispersion on a cold pre-season ski-touring training hike sans skis and was as impressed with the jackets breathability out in the mountains as I was reading the specs and looking it over out of the box. MSRP: $295. Mountain-equipment.com

Saola Niseko Eco-friendly Sneaker Boots

The Neseko mid-boots made by Saola from recycled and sustainable materials area unique find,so it’s fitting the company is named after one of the most rare animals in the world—the saola, a forest-dwelling bovine first discovered in Vietnam in 1992. I picked up a pair of Saolas this fall (the Niseko shoes, not the deer) mostly because of the company’s effort to prioritize the plane tin the construction of their stylish, comfortable outdoor lifestyle boot/shoe hybrid footwear. The Niseko and Baikal (men) and Tahoe (women) are made with recycled PET uppers, algae foam outsoles, natural cork insoles, and organic cotton laces, making them some of the most eco-friendly shoes on the market. Available at REI. MSRP:$89.93. Saolashoes.com

Mountain Equipment Kaniq 33 Pack

he Kaniq 33 is designed with ski mountaineering in mind, although weekend-warrior backcountry skiers who enjoy long days in the mountains or even several day hut tours will absolutely love this incredibly lightweight, durable,and water-proof pack. Like many other backcountry ski packs, the Kaniq 33 features quick access to shovel and probe (via a Velcro-secured stash pack) and the ability to carry skis and poles vertically or diagonally across the pack. But the real beauty of this pack is its tight and simple design and seemingly tough yet incredibly light-weight materials. Other smart features include an interior zipped pocket inside the lid; internal roll-top closure to keep main compartment contents dry;compression straps for carrying skis; and high density EVA back panel and shoulder straps and 40mm webbing hip belt for support when loaded. Depending on what removable components you use, the pack may weigh in less than your ski touring grub bag at 22-33oz. MSRP: $265. Mountain-equipment.com

Maloja ArdurM. Multi-Sport Jacket

Do you every feel a little too much like Mr. Rogers with the frequency you sit down to change your footwear and jackets for different winter and shoulder season outdoor activities? The ArdurM. multi-sport jacket from Maloja helps out on that front. This highly-breathable softshell jacket with just enough insulation, a wind-blocking front, and water-repellent finish will serve you well on after-dark runs, slushy trips to the grocery store, fat bike rides, and hikes. And when a chillsets in, you’ll be glad the hoot fits over your bike helmet. MSRP: $199. Malojaclothing.com

Maloja SamadenM. Biking Pants

Riding in the fall, winter, and early spring can be a lot more fun with the right gear. The SamadenM. biking pants from Maloja are a comfortable, stretchy polyester pant that moves with your pedaling legs, blocks wind, repels water, and breathes like a boss with two deep thigh vents. The easily adjustable waistband means making more room for extra layers or holiday girth is a breeze. With pants like these, there’s no reason to put the bike away,ever. MSRP: $219. Malojaclothing.com

Originally published in the December 2019 issue entitled as “Favorite Winter Gear Gifts.”

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