By Wil Wheaton
Jack Wolfskin Alpspitze Ski Touring Kit
The new Alpspitze ski touring collection from Jack Wolfskin benefits from the German company’s 40 years of product innovation in the outdoor gear industry. Named after an iconic German peak, this collection has been designed with all of the features backcountry skiers rely on to spend long days in the mountains, but it can easily double as a layerable resort kit. Us.jackwolfskin.com
Pro 3L Jacket & Pants: These touring pants and jacket are pretty much the perfect backcountry ski setup. Both are crazy light, breathable, and waterproof thanks to Pertex Shield Air technology (an air permeable nanofibre membrane). The jacket features two raised hip pockets, an inner and ski pass pocket, and an adjustable hem and hood, plus massive pit zips for added ventilation. The touring pants feature full-length leg zippers for better freedom of movement and total venting control to avoid steamy skin tracks, an adjustable waistband (with belt loops too), and two leg pockets. MSRP: Jacket, $499.95; Pants, $449.95.
Wool Baselayers: The Alpspitze baselayers are a majority Merino wool blend (87% wool, 13% poly), which makes for a comfortable, warmer (even when damp), faster drying, and better-smelling choice for ski touring. The top is a long sleeve, half-zip shirt that maximizes warmth and ventilation on the ups and downs. The baselayer pants are a ¾-length that keeps unnecessary extra fabric from bunching up with your ski socks in your boots. MSRP: Top, $119.95; Bottoms, $89.95.
Down Hoody: This compact, packable ski jacket weighs around 11 ounces but packs a ton of warmth and weather protection for cold or stormy ski tours or as an extra layer at the resort. The jacket features a new chemical-free, hydrophobic down treatment that helps keep your feathers dry, and the shell fabric is windproof and highly water resistant. Other features include an adjustable, helmet-compatible hood and two hand pockets. When the wind kicks up, the elastic cuffs and waist drawstring and high collar keep the heat locked in. MSRP: $369.95
