Canada Goose may have started out in a small warehouse in Toronto, but today you can find their coats on every continent, with one of the most unique places being the McMurdo Station in Antarctica. And let’s face it:  if it’s good enough for scientists living on the coldest place on Earth, it’s good enough for me.  The reason for the worldwide popularity of the Canada Goose brand is simple:  they’re the best at what they do. Their Arctic Collection jackets are among the warmest and most well designed coats you can find, anywhere, blending great looking style with an immensely high level of functionality.

While Canada Goose offers collections and styles for nearly any type of weather and body type, here in the Midwest where winter temperatures are regularly in the single digits or below, the Langford Parka from Canada Goose’s Arctic Line is a great choice for looking great and staying warm no matter how cold the wind and temperature gets.

Stylish enough to be at home in the city, the Langford Parka also features everything you’d expect from a coat built to visit the poles. Designed to fall around your mid-thigh, it offers added protection from the cold and the wind as well as giving you a classic, handsome silhouette. Function doesn’t stop at the length of the jacket however, it also features an insulated storm flap under the front zipper and a velcro storm flap over for additional wind protection. For added warmth and protection for your arms, the jacket features rib-knit cuffs to keep gusts of cold wind from going up your sleeves and is designed from Arctic Tech fabric.  Arctic Tech is the perfect winter fabric, as it’s water resistant, windproof and exceptionally durable, thus extending the life of your jacket.

Canada Goose Langford Parka Side

Not forgotten from the Langford Parka is a Canada Goose signature style element – a coyote fur ruff surrounding the hood that offers natural protection for the elements. Coyote fur never freezes and doesn’t hold water, so it always maintains its soft, protective texture, keeping snow and wind off your face. It also adds to the style of the coat and makes it unmistakably a Canada Goose jacket.

Inside, the key to the Langford Parka’s warmth lies in the premium white goose down that surrounds the coat. At a lighter weight than other types and grades of down, premium Canadian down traps more warm air in and keeps you at a perfect temperature in any weather. Rated on The Thermal Experience Index (a five-point system developed by Canada Goose to ensure you choose the perfect jacket for your weather), the Langford Parka is a four, meaning it can handle -15 / -25 Celsius.  If you live in temps any colder than that, you need a new place to live, not a new coat.  The parka also has plenty of room for all of your gear with two zippered interior pockets, two hand warmer pockets, and two ample storage pockets with velcro flaps, all integrated perfectly for a sleek design.

Put it all together, and you’ve got the ultimate coat to do battle with winter’s worst.  Whether you live in single digits like me or are just looking for a stylish winter jacket to keep you warm from cab to door, the Canda Goose Lanford Parka is the perfect fit.  Check it out on the Canada Goose website along with their other equally great winter gear.

It’s no secret that we here at eMercedesBenz love winter and taking part in as many outdoor winter activities as we can, but as the father of a two year old (with another one on the way), I’ve come to learn that outside options for my son are somewhat limited.  But as anyone that’s met my son knows, attempting to contain him to the indoors isn’t really an option.  He has more energy than anyone I’ve ever met, and he constantly needs to either be playing or be in motion.  He hates television; he’ll barely sit still long enough to read a 10-page book; but he loves to go on hikes in his pack; he loves being towed behind a bike; and he loves anything else that lets him see the world in motion.  Because of this infatuation with activity, I knew I had to have an outlet that would allow me to take my son out in the winter months.  At first, it seemed like a daunting task to take my son out in the freezing temps and heavy snow of the Midwest, but the truth is, it’s actually quite easy, provided you have the right plan of attack.  For me, this meant figuring out how to involve my son in the activities I do on an almost daily basis outside – hiking, snowshoeing and cross country skiing – and as it turns out, the answer was quite simple, and it existed in the form of the Chariot CX 2 X-Country Child Carrier.  How great is it you ask?  Read on to find out.

Chariot CX 2 X-Country Child Carrier

The Chariot CX 2 X-Country Child Carrier is, in a nutshell, the most versatile, well-built child carrier on the planet.  I’m already sounding overly complimentary, I know, but the truth is, there’s simply nothing else like it.  In describing the Chariot CX 2 X-Country, it’s best to to look at it as a modular transportation system for kids.  It quite simply does everything, acting as a normal stroller, a jogging stroller, a hiking stroller that you can tow behind you, a bike trailer, and in in the cold months, a winter carrier, all thanks to its modular CTS conversion system.  But before I delve into its versatility, let’s first look at the Chariot CX 2 X-Country’s core element: its chassis.

Unlike most child carriers that feature an open design, the Chariot CX 2 X-Country features a unique enclosed cockpit that can convert from completely enclosed to completely open, depending on the weather.  Think of it as a roadster for your kids.  You can drive it with the top up in the winter, but when the weather is nice, you put the top down and enjoy the warm summer air.  The Chariot is pretty much the same.  In the winter, there’s an integrated 2-in-1 weather cover and zip-down PU front window that covers the child compartment, offering quick and easy access to your kids while providing complete snow and wind proofing.  When the weather gets warmer, you have the option of rolling the front window up and letting your child enjoy the fresh air; however, there’s still a durable mesh shield in place to keep out the sun, bugs and debris (say, for instance, if you’re towing the Chariot behind your bike).  And lastly, you also have the option to roll up the mesh protection, offering complete open air enjoyment that’s perfect for warm weather walks and jogs, with a sunshade that still offers protection from UV rays.

From a construction standpoint, the entire Chariot CX 2 X-Country is built absolutely superbly.  It features a variety of fabrics including Touch-Tek reinforcement fabric, integrated premium Oxford nylon fabric, extra photo-luminescent Energlo fabric and 3M Scotchlite reflective material.  I’m not an expert on fabric selection, but I can tell you that after extensive use in a variety of demanding conditions, it’s held up beautifully, and it still looks and functions like new.  In dark conditions, the reflective materials clearly serve their purpose, as many areas of the Chariot seemingly glow in the dark.  In addition to the fabric, the CX 2 X-Country features several other features that bear mentioning as well.  The chassis itself features an external, mid-frame design thats both incredibly light and incredibly functional.  Despite its ability to hold two, the entire Chariot weighs in at a mere 30 lbs., and thanks to two quick release locks in the rear, it boasts the ability  to fold into a remarkably small surface area without any other disassembly.  Another key advantage of the external frame design is the Chariot’s cockpit.  Inside, because there’s no frame, children note a supremely spacious and open area that’s perfect for longer days on the road.  Protecting your child, Chariot has implemented a unique 5-point padded harness system, and a removable padded seat and fleece-lined interior offer a fantastic level of comfort for your little ones.  And what may be the best feature for new parents, Chariot has also developed a variety of interior appointments for new babies, including a baby bivy, an infant sling and a baby supporter, allowing you to take your child out in the Chariot from as young as a month onward (in a slower capacity, of course).

Chariot CX 2 X-Country Child Carrier

As fantastic as the Chariot CX 2 X-Country’s chassis is, it’s greatness is equally matched by the ingenuity of its CTS modular system.  The concept is really quit simple – the CX 2 X-Country features a total of 4 attachment points (two in the front; two in the rear), and depending on what activity you’re about to undertake, you can attach different components via these points.  So, for instance, if you’re about to go for a run, you simply attach the two 20-inch wheels in the rear along with the single-wheel running attachment up front.  If you want to convert the Chariot into an everyday stroller, you simply swap the front running wheel with two individual stroller wheels.  And if you want to take the Chariot out in the snow, you remove the front and back wheels, attach the two Rossignol skis in the rear attachment points, and you insert the aluminum tow bars into the front two attachment points.  In total, you can choose from five conversion kits:  the strolling kit, the jogging kit, the bicycle trailer kit, the hiking kit, and the cross-country skiing kit.  Best of all, conversion to any new kit takes literally 30 seconds once you’ve done it before, and require no tools.  You simply use the quick release buttons, and the rear axles and/or front attachments slide directly off.  You can’t get any simpler.

How great is the Chariot CX 2 X-Country?  I said it at the beginning of the article and I’ll say it again:  it’s simply the most versatile, well-built child carrier on the planet.  I’ve had my son in one since he was six months old, and he absolutely adores it.  I’ve trained for a triathlon with him; I’ve ridden 100-miles with him; and I’ve gone on 20+ mile runs with him.  No other child carrier can come close to this versatility and comfort for my son.  Thanks to the ski attachment, I can finally take him out in the winter as well, which he loves equally as much.  I’ve taken him cross country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking, and the Chariot has performed equally as flawlessly.  It simply glides through the snow, and as you can see from the photos, I just had it out in a fresh 12-inches of powder.  The design works brilliantly in the winter, because the clearance between the skis and the bottom of the chassis allows the snow to pass through.  I had my son in the carrier for about an hour in 15-degree temps, and I could barely pull him out of the carrier when I was done, as he was having such a good time.  If that’s not a testament to the greatness of the Chariot, I don’t know what is.

Chariot CX 2 X-Country Child Carrier

If you’re a parent and want to be active, you can’t get better than Chariot CX 2 X-Country.  It’s the best at what it does, which is allow you to get outside with your children and take them places you never could have taken them otherwise.  It’s one of those things that once you have it, you don’t know how you ever lived without it.  Pricing for the Chariot CX 2 X-Country is set at about $950, and the various attachments are sold individually, allowing you to select the functionality for the specific activities you’re interested in.  Also, it’s important to note that to note that everything I said pertaining to the Chariot CX 2 X-Country applies to the Chariot CX 1 X-Country as well – the only difference is the CX 1 is for one passenger, whereas the CX 2 is for two.  The features of both are identical, so if you only have one child, the CX 1 X-Country is equally as great.

If you’d like to learn more about the Chariot CX X-Country and its full list of features and attachments, you can head over to the official Chariot Carrier website for the full details.  If, on the other hand, you’re ready to take the plunge and buy your own, you can do so directly at REI.com, where they sell both the Chariot CX 1 X-Country and Chariot CX 2 X-Country.

Growing up in the Midwest, SOREL boots have been a staple in my winter wardrobe for as long as I can remember.  And while the styles have changed over the years, transitioning from more rugged, functional boots to boots as at home on the runway as they are on the street, the one thing that hasn’t changed is Sorel’s core attributes.  They’re incredibly warm, they’re incredibly comfortable, and they do an impeccable job protecting you from the winter elements.

This year for Christmas, I wanted to get my wife a new pair of boots, which is what led me back to the Sorel brand.  I had a relatively good idea of what I was looking for going into my boot hunt, and when I found Sorel’s Conquest Carly boots ($220), I knew my search was over.  They’re really a fantastic boot, with a structured, iconic design perfectly suited for wear in the city.  They’re also quite slimming compared to many of the other boots I looked at.  It’s a design that was taken from one of Sorel’s heritage boots, but re-imagined to be equally bold and beautiful with a hint of femininity.

Don’t be fooled by their good looks though, Sorel’s Conquest Carly boots are rugged enough to take you almost anywhere, and they’re lightweight to the point that they should handle long treks with ease.  From a protection standpoint, there’s a full grain leather and nylon upper (with bungee and lace enclosure) to protect your calf, while the leather stacked heel and waterproof rubber shell help keep your feet dry and toasty.

After ordering my wife’s Conquest Carly’s and absolutely loving the style when I saw them in person, I did the only logical thing that someone in my position could do:  I looked into a pair of men’s Sorel boots for myself.  Lo and behold, the Sorel’s Chugalug ($190) immediately caught my attention, so I picked up a pair.

What I love about the Chugalug is its vintage look.  Inspired by a Sorel boot from the 70’s, the new Chugalugs note such a unique style – totally different than other boots I already own.  They’re a little bit rustic, but modern enough for city life.  I totally dig them.

Construction wise, the Chugalug protects your feet with a full-grain leather upper and moc stitched shell attached to a natural crepe rubber sole.  In use, Sorel’s Chugalug is incredibly comfortable to wear, a little bit roomy (perfect for warm wool socks), and as I’ve come to learn, draw praise from everyone I meet.  Overall, I adore my Sorel Chugalugs, and I have no doubt my wife will adore her Conquest Carly boots as well.

If you’re looking for functional yet stylish boots this season, Sorel has done a fantastic job with their latest designs, perfectly combining each.  They’ve maintained the rugged qualities and craftsmanship they’ve become known for while making their boots equally as fashionable.  The Sorel Conquest Carly and the Chugalug Chukka are a perfect pair of boots in my book, and well worth checking out this holiday season.

You can see more of the Sorel Chugalug and Conquest Carly boots in our gallery below, or head over to the official Sorel website for more details and ordering information.

Think winter’s over?  Think again.  Much of the Midwest and Northeast is about to get blasted with yet another snowstorm, which means it’s the perfect time to tell you about my favorite leather gloves.  They’re from a brand called Hestra – a company started by Martin Magnusson way back in 1936 that’s now in its third generation of family operation.  Known in large part for their skiing and outdoor recreation gloves, Hestra has also perfected the classic and always-in-style leather glove.  And after owning several pairs, I can tell you firsthand that you’ll have an incredibly difficult time finding any other gloves that can match the quality leather and design that Hestra has combined.  I wear mine daily, and I’ve yet to find a pair of leather gloves I love more.

In picking a pair of Hestra leather gloves, there are two main types of leather to choose from – deerskin or lambskin – with an additional elk option as well. For men, Deerskin is an exceptionally strong and durable leather that protects your hands from the elements.  Combined with Hestra’s linings, it also ensures your hands stay perfectly warm. Another great benefit of deerskin over some other leathers is its ability to retaining it’s incredibly soft texture, even after getting wet and drying out.

Lambskin, another leather used by Hestra for its classic gloves, is a very soft and thin leather that gives you complete mobility while you wear them. For their classic gloves, Hestra sources their lambskin from Italy, which is highly regarded for the quality of their lambskin production.  Lastly, another type of leather that you can choose from for a pair of classic leather gloves from Hestra is elk.  For Hestra’s gloves, the Scandinavian Elk is a Swedish moose leather that’s stronger than nearly any other leather, yet still retains a soft texture for a very durable glove.

Once you’ve chosen the type of leather that suits your needs best, the next step is choosing from one of Hestra’s many classic designs.  Here are three of my favorites (two men’s, one women’s), but there are numerous other designs in the Hestra online store to choose from as well.

Hestra Deerskin Classic Wool Gloves

A great all-around men’s glove is the Hestra Deerskin Classic Wool, a distinctly classic style that’s completely handsewn and made from deerskin leather with a knitted wool liner and three point seams on the upper section. This particular style has three color options, dark brown, black or cork. One thing to note:  Hestra Classic Gloves are meant to fit like a great suit, so take the time to measure yourself and use their size guide.

$75, Hestra.com

Hestra Deerskin Country Gloves

Another great option for men is the Deerskin Country Glove, which are my go-to winter driving gloves. Similar in style to the Deerskin Classic Wool, the glove features a classic fitted design with three point seams on the upper. Made from North American Deerskin, the Country Glove has a lambswool lining for added warmth and is also available in three standard colors:  cork, black and dark brown.

$80, Hestra.com

Hestra Claire Gloves

For the ladies, we particularly like the Hestra Claire, a stylish and warm glove designed from Italian Lamb Nappa and also handsewn with lambsfur lining. The Claire gloves come in five different color options:  Sienna, Cork, Chocolate, Black and Red. Like the men’s gloves, the Hestra gloves for women also come in a variety of sizes to ensure a perfect fit, so be sure to follow the size guide.

$145, Hestra.com

If you’ve been watching the 2014 Olympics, you know that for the first time in history America failed to medal in the one event that’s as American as apple pie – an event that we invented, and an event that we’ve dominated in the last three Olympics.  The sport to which I’m referring:  the men’s snowboarding halfpipe.  This failure to medal means one thing and one thing alone:  it’s time to rise up and reclaim our place atop the podium, and the journey starts with you, the parents.  Get your kids a board, get them on the slopes, and get them prepped for 2022 men’s halfpipe dominance.

When my 4 year old son saw the event, it was the first and only event he watched, and it was followed by him pleading to let him get his own board.  I love snowboarding, so it didn’t take much convincing for me to give in to his demands.  But as with any outdoor activity, your kids’ success depends on the quality of their gear.  And this is where a lot of parents go wrong.  When you’re shopping for kids snowboarding gear, don’t run to a big box store and pick up a cheap board. If you really want your kids to learn how to navigate the slopes, shop like you’re shopping for an adult.  Get him a quality board, bindings, boots, and don’t forget the helmet.

I’m a huge fan of RIDE snowboards – it’s the brand that I personally ride – so it only made sense that I looked to RIDE for my kids’ gear.  They’ve been producing quality snowboards since 1992, and today they offer everything you need for the perfect setup, including boards, boots, bindings and gear.  Best of all, because everything’s coming from the same place, everything’s compatible, so the bindings work perfectly with the board, the boots work perfectly with the bindings, etc.

For kids, RIDE offers three options for children’s snowboards:  the Lil’Buck for teens, and the Lowride and Blush for the smallest of riders up to early teens. My son is four, so I chose to go with the RIDE Lowride in a size 90.  It’s an all mountain freestyle board, meaning it’s a board that can pretty much do it all, and it’s really the perfect board to learn on and gain the fundamentals of riding, turning and stopping.  Inside, the Lowride features RIDE’s Gummy Core to provide ultra soft flex in the board and make turns far easier than with a stiffer board. Put its design and construction together, and the RIDE Lowride is the perfect board to introduce your kids to snowboarding and to give them the easiest and quickest path to learning how to snowboard properly (and enjoy doing it).

RIDE Lowride Snowboard

Once you’ve got the board, it’s time for the bindings. As already noted, RIDE offers their own set of bindings, so you don’t have to wonder whether or not the bindings are compatible with your board.  For my son’s setup, we went with RIDE’s Micro Bindings, which are also an all mountain binding. While there are a lot of binding options on the market, the Micro Binding uses a simple ratchet system that makes entry and exit a breeze – another key in making your time out on the mountain more enjoyable. Incorporated with the ratchet system is a BaseLine-V strap system and a Wedgie footbed that guarantees minimal to no movement once strapped in. While bindings may not seem important, if your kids’ boots are wobbling, their ankles aren’t protected, they won’t be able to turn properly, and in all probability, injuries are going to happen. Get the Micro Bindings, tighten them up and enjoy watching your guy or gal shred without worry.

The final piece of the board setup is the boot, and like any boot or shoe you would buy for yourself, you want a boot that is comfortable and supportive. RIDE’s Norris Boa Boots are both of those things –  extremely comfortable without any pressing points to cause pain while heading down the hill, and also exceptionally supportive to stabilize the ankles. Even better, however, is that RIDE took their design a step further by integrating the Kids Boa lacing system.  Once your boarder has his foot in the boot, you push the knob in and twist until tight, and to take the boot off, pull the knob and all the tension is released for easy exit.  There’s no laces to yank on, no questioning whether or not the boots are tight enough and no time spent loosening the boot to get it off.  It makes getting ready to hit the slopes a super quick and painless process.

RIDE Lowride Snowboard

And while all of the above make the perfect setup for snowboarding, I can’t stress enough that you should never send your child out the door without a properly fitting helmet (and I’m not talking about throwing on that unused bike helmet you have laying around).  Invest a little bit extra and get a helmet specifically designed to fit your mini-shredder’s noggin while out on the snow. My son wears the Greenhorn Helmet, a helmet designed specifically for his little dome but with all the protection you’d expect in an adult helmet. It has an ABS hardshell for complete protection and a RideDial fit system to ensure a correct fit.  There’s also venting, detachable ear pads and a soft liner for added comfort, meaning the Greenhorn is as comfortable as it is safe.

So whether your child has Olympic aspirations of regaining halfpipe dominance or you just want a new partner out on the mountain, RIDE Snowboards has the perfect gear to get them shredding.  Great Olympians start with great parents, so get your kid a board, get them ripping the slopes, and let’s bring those halfpipe medals back to the USA.

It’s February and as much I’d love to be discussing the best spring/summer gear, the fact is that’s winter’s still here, and it isn’t showing signs of letting up.  In my last winter gear segment, I discussed with you how I kept my kids warm in their Canada Goose Grizzly Snowsuits – and I’m going to be discussing in the next day or two my own Canada Goose gear – but today, let’s look at a sometimes overlooked piece of gear that is imperative to cold weather comfort:  the all-important gloves.  If you live in a cold climate, you already own a pair.  But finding ones that excel in even the coldest temps to keep your fingers warm and dry is a much more challenging task.

Dakine White Gloves

In my search for the perfect pair of gloves, I tested several different brands, and the one that kept my family and myself the warmest was Dakine.  Dakine is a brand that specializes in delivering high performance gear for a variety of sports, including skiing, snowboarding, surfing and biking, and their winter gloves are about as close to perfect as you’re going to get.

Here in the Midwest, I anticipated that I’d be using the gloves in average temperatures around 5 degrees, so I opted for the warmest gloves Dakine offered.  For those of you that don’t need coverage for such low temps, they also offer a range of gloves with varying degrees of warmth. One of the gloves I chose was the Dakine Kodiak Glove – a glove that was my favorite both from Dakine and every other glove I’ve tried.

Dakine Black Gloves

Insulated with 225g Primaloft and featuring a Gore Tex Waterproof insert, the gloves hold in all the warmth your hands give off but also allow them to breath and not get sweaty. The benefit of the Gore Tex and Primaloft is that they are both waterproof materials. Primaloft will keep you warm much like goose down, but it’s also very light and won’t retain any water. Also adding to the gloves’ appeal is the water repellent leather outer that makes the gloves both waterproof and windproof, further aiding in keeping your hands toasty and warm.

Another feature of the Kodiak Glove that I came to appreciate after multiple uses was the velcro cuff closure, which helped give the gloves a perfect fit that kept the snow out no matter what activity I was partaking in. In the end, there was very little left to be desired from these gloves – they performed perfectly, I had plenty of dexterity, and I hands stayed perfectly warm throughout their use. If you’re looking for a pair of winter gloves for skiing, snowboarding or just going out in chilly temps, the Kodiak Gloves are the way to go.

Dakine Black Leather Gloves

As an alternative to gloves, if you don’t need the added dexterity a glove offers, you Dakine also offers an equally great mitten in the form of the Ranger Mitt.  It features 280g of Primaloft insulation for some serious heat retention, a Gore Tex Waterproof Insert and a removable wool liner for quick drying. While I can’t attest to to the waterproof features on this glove, because in the minus zero temps I tested them in there wasn’t much fluid around, I can attest to the warmth of the mitt. I tested out the Ranger Mitt at Lambeau Field for the -20 degree wind chill Packers game, sitting for nearly four hours in negative temperatures, and my fingers stayed warm throughout the entire game even without heating packets. If you’re looking for the absolute best way to keep your hands warm during the winter and don’t need individual use of fingers, the Ranger Mitt is the way to go.

Dakine Black Mitts

For adults, Dakine gloves are the great at keeping your hands warm; for kids, Dakine’s gloves perform equally as well. For my two children I have the Dakine Avenger Mitt – a mitten filled with high loft insulation and a nylon exterior.  The gloves are light enough for their little hands and warm enough to keep them happy for hours in the snow. They also feature a cinch closure, making my life easier getting them on and ensuring that once tightened no snow reaches the inside of their gloves.  If you have kids, I highly recommend adding Dakine kids gloves to your winter collection as well.

Bottom line, if you’re looking for gloves that will keep you warm, keep water out and last you for years to come, nothing can match Dakine.  Out of everything I tried, none were able to perform as well as Dakine’s offerings, and they’re easily my top pick for anyone looking for winter hand protection from snow and freezing temps.

It’s March, which traditionally means the blessing of warmer weather begins to fall upon us.  And while we’d love to start talking spring, the reality is that for those of us in the northern half of the country, a fair amount of snow still remains.  In an effort to make what’s left of the winter a little more bearable (and a lot more fashionable), we thought what better way to end the cold season than with another look at boots from one of favorite footwear purveyors – the always fashionable Sorel.

This isn’t our first look at Sorel.  As you probably remember, I recommended a pair of my favorite Sorels a couple months back (which I still adore by the way).  Since then, I’ve managed to convert numerous friends and colleagues to make the switch to Sorel, and so today I’m going to be showing you my co-workers’ choices in boots this winter.  And if you think it’s too late to buy a pair of winter boots, think again.  All three of the boots I’m about to show you are on sale, meaning not only can you look great this (and next) winter, you can save a bunch of money doing it.

So without further ado, a look at our staff picks from Sorel boots, each of which varies dramatically in style, but all of which do an incredible job keeping your feet dry, warm and stylish.

First up, the Sorel Joan of Arctic Wedge LTR Boot.

Sorel Joan of Arctic Wedge LTR Boot ($270, on sale for $201.90)

The Joan of Arctic Wedge is a unique winter boot, in that it’s an incredibly sleek and stylish boot perfectly at home in the city; but it’s also one that notes a thick rubber sole to help you take on even the coldest days of winter.   Available in both brown and black, the Joan of Arctic Wedge notes the same great wedge heel that Sorel has popularized over the last few years, but it’s styled in a way that blends perfectly into the style of the boot.  It gives you height, but not at the expense of an overly chunky heel. Overall, the Joan of Arctic Wedge takes a classic boot and adds an air of sexiness to it.  Also worth noting is that the Joan of Arctic Wedge Boot’s note a full lace design with great D-Ring hardware and matching rivet details.

Construction features of the Sorel Joan of Arctic Wedge LTR Boot include:

• Full-grain leather upper
• Leather lined
• Molded rubber outsole
• Weight: 21 oz / 600 g
• Shaft Height: 15 in / 38 cm

You can order the Sorel Joan of Arctic Wedge LTR Boot at the official Sorel online store, with sizing starting to become limited.

Sorel Crazy Cable Wedge Boot ($320, on sale for $159.98)

The Sorel Crazy Cable Wedge Boots are a stylish, cozy pair of boots, with a style perfect for curling up by the fireplace with a book and cup of hot chocolate (at least that’s how the girls in the office describe them).  Up top, a knit upper gives the boot a built-in leg warmer, while a full-grain leather shell and molded rubber sole help to create a durable, comfortable base to protect you from the elements.  To give you a bit of added height, the Crazy Cable Wedge also notes a 4-inch heel with 1-inch offset, but like the Joan of Arctic Wedge boots, they do so in a way that doesn’t look bulky or unattractive.

Construction features of the Sorel Crazy Cable Wedge Boot include:

• Leg-warmer knit upper
• Full-grain leather shell
• Molded rubber outsole
• 4” heel with 1” offset
• 15 in / 38 cm shaft height
• Weight: 26.5 oz / 751 g

You can order the Sorel Crazy Cable Wedge Boot at the official Sorel online store, but we’d recommend doing so quickly, as sizes are already becoming limited.

Sorel Joan of Arctic Reserve Boot ($400, on sale for $299.90)

The Sorel Joan of Arctic Reserve Boots takes the design of a classic winter boot and adds in an edginess with the use of a spotted cow hide.  The ultra-luxe limited edition boot features spotted hair-on cow hide in black and white, a removable shearling liner, and to protect you from water and snow, a vulcanized rubber shell.   The result:  a super stylish, incredibly unique winter boot designed to keep you perfectly protected from even the harshest winter elements.

Construction features of the Sorel Joan of Arctic Reserve Boot include:

• Seam-sealed waterproof construction
• Leather upper
• A removable 6mm recycled felt InnerBoot
• Faux fur snow cuff
• 25mm bonded felt frost plug
• Handcrafted waterproof vulcanized rubber shell with herringbone outsole
• Shaft Height: 12 in / 30.5 cm
• Weight: 31 oz / 879 g
• Sorel rated: -25° fahrenheit / -32° Celsius

You can order the Sorel Joan of Arctic Reserve Boot at the official Sorel online store.  If you’re interested, we again recommend ordering quickly as numerous sizes have already sold out.

It’s mid-February, which means it’s time to start thinking about your spring style.  In colder climates, February, March and even April still mean jacket weather, although not the heavier winter coats currently in use.  Instead, you need a lighter jacket that keeps you warm, but adds in some additional style that’s many times absent in your winter collection.  And that’s where the Barbour Heritage Collection comes into play.  It’s a lineup of jackets, sweaters and shirts that will help you perfectly usher in the start of the new season by not only keeping you warm, but by keeping you looking great.

Barbour Wool Fishing Jacket from the Barbour Heritage Collection walking

But before I go any further, let me tell a bit about Barbour, for those of you unfamiliar with the brand.  Based out of South Shields, England, Barbour is a fifth generation family owned business, with roots tracing back to 1894, and they describe their lineup as a marriage of “wit, grit and glamour.”  Look at their jackets, and you’ll instantly see why.  Barbour jackets exemplify cool – a combination of classic style with modern touches – and they’ve been worn by everyone from submariners in World War II to motorcycle racers in the International Six Day Trials to “The King of Cool,” Steve McQueen.  But despite their cool factor, Barbour jackets are the epitome of functional, as the brand has become synonymous with waxed cotton construction – a process pioneered by Barbour that makes their jackets waterproof, windproof, and if properly cared for, capable of lasting a lifetime.

Barbour is a marriage of “wit, grit and glamour”

I picked up my first Barbour jacket a few years ago – a waxed cotton variant that Barbour has become synonymous for in a style reminiscent of a classic 50’s biker jacket.  And ever since my first Barbour purchase, I’ve been absolutely in love with the brand.

Adding to my immense affinity for Barbour, my most recent Barbour acquisition is the Wool Fishing Jacket, a member of the Barbour Heritage Collection designed in collaboration with Tokihito Yoshida.  It’s the jacket you see pictured, but unfortunately it sold out almost immediately after I bought it.  It’s a gorgeous jacket, featuring a herringbone wool outer construction, a rollaway hood and numerous fishing details.  I’ll be honest – I don’t fish, but the jacket looked great so I bought it anyways.  As is the case with virtually all Barbour jackets, the Wool Fishing Jacket is multi-pocketed, featuring two large chest pockets (one with a fishing net bag), two Napoleon pockets and two upper pockets with side entry zips (perfect for smaller items such mobile phones).

Barbour Wool Fishing Jacket from the Barbour Heritage Collection in snow

As I came to learn, no matter which piece of Barbour style you’re looking at, you need to act quick.  Barbour pieces sell out remarkably quickly, so whatever jacket you’re considering, decide quick before they disappear, as my wool fishing jacket did.

To learn more about Barbour and their full lineup of jackets and spring fashion, head over to the official Barbour website, or you can check out my Barbour Wool Fishing Jacket in the gallery below to see what makes Barbour’s style so special.

If you live anywhere in the North, you’ve no doubt experienced the joyous thrill of freezing temperatures this past week. Here in the Midwest, we’ve even had the pleasure of a balmy -20 degree wind chill during a couple nights. Needless to say, winter’s in full force, and it’s cold.

As a homeowner, freezing temperatures mean one thing: rising heating costs. Whether gas or electric, your furnace is going to be running day and night to keep your home’s temperature at a comfortable level. In my case, I have two furnaces running – one on each side of my home – which equates to roughly an extra $500 per month in the winter. Multiply this by the four months I run the furnace, and I spend approximately $2,000 a year to keep my home warm and comfortable in the winter months. Even worse, this winter, one of my furnaces began acting up, before eventually quitting on me. This meant that on top of the $2,000 I was already going to spend on heating, I had to spend even more money to keep my furnace running.

Of all the ways you can heat your home, there’s nothing more special than doing so with glowing fireplace

As someone that likes to save money, I knew there had to be a better alternative to heating my home than simply running two furnaces 24/7. And it turns out, the answer came from something my home already offered: the fireplace.

Before I go any further, let me give you a quick overview of my home. It’s an older, single story ranch with the kitchen, family room, living room and dining room on one side (heated with one furnace), while the bedrooms and bathrooms are on the other side, heated by the second furnace. The total square footage for the main level is just under 3,000 square feet. In the family room, which is on the far end of the house, there exists an original wood burning fireplace.

Up until recently, this fireplace was purely cosmetic. If you research wood burning fireplaces, you’ll quickly discover how inefficient they are, as most of the heat they generate escapes up through the chimney, as does the heat generated by your furnace when your fireplace isn’t in use. So in my case, we heated our home with the furnaces, and occasionally used the fireplace for ambience and the romantic glow that only a fire can give you.

But this winter, when my furnace went out and I started looking into new furnaces, I came across the wood-burning Lennox® Montlake™ Fireplace Insert. It’s purpose: to transform your wood burning fireplace into a fire-breathing beast, churning out copious amounts of heat while eliminating the inefficiency that’s inherent to traditional wood burning fireplaces. Tired of high utility bills and furnace repair costs, I decided to give it a shot, and the results have been simply spectacular. I’ve managed to completely eliminate the need for one furnace while cutting the run time on the second furnace in half.

Read on to find out what makes the Lennox® Montlake™ Fireplace Insert so great, and whether or not it’s right for you.

Lennox Montlake Fireplace Insert right side view

Lennox® Montlake™ Fireplace Insert Overview

Of all the ways you can heat your home, there’s nothing more special than doing so with a gorgeous, glowing fireplace. But in their standard form, a wood burning fireplace’s inefficiency is only enough to heat a room, if that. Add in a wood-burning insert, however, and you gain two key things. Number one, you gain a tremendous amount of control over the size and intensity of the fire, and number two, you gain the ability to distribute the heat efficiently out into your home.

While Lennox® offers a variety of fireplace inserts (including wood-burning, gas-burning and pellet-burning) in a variety of designs, I opted for the classically designed Montlake™ model. It’s style is one that’s suited for a wide range of home designs, as it’s elegant enough for more formal settings yet classic enough for country and rustic designs as well.

Lennox Montlake Fireplace Insert left side view

Which fireplace insert you pick depends on the size of your existing fireplace as well as the amount of space you need to heat. In my case, the Montlake™ insert was the perfect size for my existing fireplace, while its heat output was enough to heat over half my home (on paper). As I’d come to find out, it actually exceeded my expectations in terms of the heat it produced.

As for what you need to install the Montlake™ fireplace insert (or any of the other Lennox® wood-burning inserts), this is the area that surprised me the most. You need an existing masonry or metal fireplace with dimensions large enough to accommodate the insert. That’s it. Inside your home, the Montlake™ is a completely self-contained unit, meaning that you literally put it in place, plug it in to the wall, and you’re done. The total install time for my installation was a couple hours, which included a new chimney liner, rain cap, and installing the Montlake™ insert itself.

In short, if you have an existing fireplace, you can be heating your home with an efficient wood-burning insert in less than a day, with no interior modifications to your home.

Lennox® Montlake™ Fireplace Insert Features

So what makes the Lennox® Montlake™ fireplace insert so great? There’s a couple key technological advantages that led me to select the Montlake™ over other inserts, and I can tell you firsthand it’s exceeded my expectations across the board.

Without getting overly technical, here’s a quick overview of how the Montlake™ works. At the heart of the Lennox® Montlake™ is what’s called Thermal Fin technology. With all fireplace inserts, the idea is that as you burn wood, the heat generated by the fire heats the insert itself. Air is then passed through the heated area of the insert, warmed, and distributed into the room. What Thermal Fin technology does, however, is increase the amount of surface area that’s heated by the fire. A series of fins extend up into the airflow, increasing the amount of surface area that heats the air by 32 percent. This results in significantly more efficiency and heat output when compared to other similarly sized inserts.

It’s important to note that the air itself heating your home is not passed through the inside of your insert, but rather through the separate, heated portion on the top. In other words, the fire, smoke, etc. never come in contact with the warm air blown into your home, so you don’t have to worry about lessened indoor air quality. And speaking of air quality, the Lennox® Montlake™ is EPA-certified, Washington State approved, and features an air booster, designed to reduce smoke and promote cleaner, more efficient burns.

Further helping the burn process, the Montlake™ is lined with refractory firebrick and a refractory baffle system – a material that manages to retain a tremendous amount of heat and keep the fireplace warmer, for longer periods of time. Other features of the Montlake™ Fireplace include an adjustable damper to control the intensity of the fire as well as an adjustable blower with an auto on/off feature.

Lennox® Montlake™ Fireplace Insert Design

The Lennox® Montlake™ notes a truly classic, beautiful design, as much at home in a luxurious setting as it is in a more rustic country setting. As you can see in the photos, the Montlake™ notes an angular design that projects slightly into the room, not only helping accent the insert but also creating a sense of depth around it. There’s a large ceramic glass viewing window in the front, which frames perfectly the roaring fire, while an airwash system helps to keep the glass clean during heating. One of the great elements of the Montlake™’s design is that because it projects into the room, the top of the insert notes an 8-inch flat heated surface on top, a perfect heating option for warming a tea kettle and enjoying a cozy fireside cup of tea.

For additional style options, you also choose to customize the decorative door trim, with options including black, brushed nickel or nickel, while the top warming element of the Montlake™ can be ordered in either cast iron or heavy-gauge steel.

Lennox® Montlake™ Fireplace Insert In Use

If you have a wood-burning fireplace and have ever used it to burn a fire, then you already know how to use the Lennox® Montlake™ fireplace insert. There’s a damper control to vary the amount of air reaching the fire; there’s a blower on/auto switch, and there’s a blower adjustment knob to vary the amount of air distributed into the room.

The easiest way to start the Montlake™ is to use a small fire starter and add your wood, ensuring it has sufficient air flow underneath. Keep the damper fully open, and keep the front door of the insert cracked open. Light the fire starter, and within ten minutes your wood will be engulfed in flames. Once the fire is blazing, seal the front door, and keep the damper all the way open until the first round of wood has burned. It’s incredibly easy to get the Montlake™ up and running quickly. From there, it’s simply a case of lowering the damper settings and tossing in a couple logs every now and then to keep the fire hot.

As for the blower operation, it’s even easier. You can set the Montlake™ blower to auto, which means once the insert is up to heat, the blower will automatically come on and begin heating your home. Likewise, once you’ve stopped the fire, the blower automatically shuts off once the heating element cools to a certain point. For more manual control, you can also opt to turn the blower on or off yourself, and there’s also a stepless control over the blower, ranging from a slight amount of airflow to a significantly stronger amount of heat output.

In real world use, I can tell you the Montlake™ easily delivers on the heat output it promises (1,200 – 2,2200 sq. ft). On cold days, I’ll start the insert when I wake up and keep it going all day, and the heat output it generates is enough to be the only heat source I use, meaning both of my furnaces are off (with total square footage about 2,800 sq. feet). The only time I operate the furnace is at night on one side of the house while I’m asleep, after I’ve stopped adding wood to the fire. After using the Montlake™, I’ve learned the key to maximizing heating is a long, extended burn, as it takes time for the heat generated by the insert to radiate throughout your home. Give it time, and the Montlake™’s heating output is remarkable.

Another benefit to the insert is the actual temperatures it can reach. Whereas with my furnace, I tend to keep my home’s temperature relatively low to save on heating costs, with the Montlake™, the rooms immediately around the insert get significantly warmer than they do when I run the furnace. So not only do I save money by not running the furnace, the actual temperature is higher as well, meaning my home is more comfortable.

I already know what you’re thinking: “What if I can’t run the insert all day?” With shorter use (i.e., when I get home from work and just want to use it for the night), the Montlake™ can still put out enough heat quickly to avoid turning on the furnace. When lighting the fire, it takes roughly ten minutes for the blower to turn on and begin heating, and by the time I go to bed I’ve usually shed half my clothes because my house is so warm.

The Lennox® Montlake™ is incredible at putting out heat, and has without question surpassed my expectations in terms of what I thought was possible from a fireplace insert.

Lennox® Montlake™ Fireplace Insert Conclusion

Should you consider the Lennox® Montlake™ fireplace insert? If you have an existing wood-burning fireplace, then the answer is unequivocally yes. It takes all the great elements of a fireplace – the romance, the beauty, the warmth – and it eliminates the inefficiency inherent to them. Installation is incredibly quick and painless, and within a day you can be well on your way to heating your home with wood while significantly reducing your home’s heating costs.

In truth, if I knew then what I know now, I would have bought the Montlake™ the day I bought my home. With its limited lifetime warranty, it’s a purchase that will likely last for the lifetime of my home, not only adding home value and saving me a tremendous amount on utility bills, but also keeping the magic that only a wood-fueled fire offers. If you have a fireplace, I honestly can’t recommend a Lennox® insert enough.

You can learn more about the Lennox® Montlake™ fireplace insert at the official Lennox® website, or see more of my Lennox® Montlake™ installation in the photo gallery below.

If you’re looking for a no-nonsense winter boot designed to keep your feet warm while traipsing through the snow, look no further than the Teva Bormio.  Whereas most winter boots tend to be heavy and awkward, Teva Bormio’s are exaclty the opposite.  They’re light, they’re comfortable to hike in, yet they still offer 200g of Thinsulate insulation to keep your feet warm and toasty.

Helping you stay upright in slippery conditions, the Bormio’s feature a White Spider Rubber sole and a nylon shank to keep your feet stable.  Up top, a waterproof leather upper and gusseted tongue keep water out, while all seams are sealed to provide another layer of protection.  And from a comfort standpoint, the Bornio’s are outstanding, feeling more like a pair of hiking boots than a pair of winter boots.  I’ve worn them on numerous excursions this winter, and they’ve done a fantastic job keeping my feet warm and comfortable even in sub-zero temps.

When you want a warm, lightweight and incredibly functional boot, the Teva Bormio fits the bill perfectly.

Here’s the full list of features offered by the Teva Bormio.

Teva Bormio Grip

• White Spider Rubber sole will help keep your face a safe distance from the ground when the temperature drops
• A nylon shank keeps the foot stable and in control

Teva Bormio Hydro

• Waterproof upper materials can handle getting wet
• The gusseted tongue keeps water out
• Seam sealed to keep you dry

Teva Bormio Comfort

• 200 grams of 3M Thinsulate™ insulation keep your feet warm when it’s freezing out
• Leather upper
• Super light EVA foam is waterproof and insulative to keep you warm and dry
• Leather and synthetic upper
• Approximate shaft height: 8″
• Approximate shaft circumference: Adjustable 12½”

Interested in the Teva Bormio?  You can purchase them directly from Teva, with pricing set at $150.

A look at the history of Teva

In 1984, a young Grand Canyon river guide revolutionized the footwear industry when he created the world’s first sports sandal. This idea soon spawned a brand, and the new adventure of Teva was born.

It’s been 25 years since we took our first step into the Grand Canyon, and not a moment has gone by that Teva (that’s “teh’-vah,” not “tee-vah”) hasn’t been hard at work developing products that enable and encourage your adventure. Of course, given our heritage, we have an obsession with water, and our passion lies in identifying and enhancing the areas in which water effects an adventure. To us, water presents a paradox. It is the source of a year-round playground, but it simultaneously poses a year-round problem. Anyone who has ever slipped on a patch of ice or been forced to deal with soaking wet socks can attest to this duality.

Essentially, Teva has two fundamental responsibilities: to play and to protect. We play in the water, but we also see the need to be protected from it. Our responsibility is to manage this delicate balance, so you can go forth without reservation. Armed with a quarter-century worth of knowledge and technology, we are dedicated to developing products that strike this balance to deliver the most out of your adventures.

At first glance, the Helly Hansen ASK Duffel Coat matches the same impeccable design as other duffel coats. It looks great, it’s stylish, and it’s cut beautifully. But because it’s from Helly Hansen – one of the world’s greatest performance outerwear makers – the ASK Duffel differs significantly from other duffel coats, in that it combines a duffel style with world-class technology.  In short, it’s the perfect blend of style and performance.

What do we love about the Helly Hansen Ask Duffel Coat?  There’s a couple key things.  Unlike other similarly sized men’s dress coats that tend to be a tad bloated and overweight, the ASK duffel is lightweight and gives you great freedom of movement. Despite it’s light weight, however, the ASK Duffel Coat is incredibly warm and virtually windproof, yet it still allows your body to breath and maintain a steady temperature. These are all features we’ve come to expect from our outdoor performance gear, but with Helly, you’re getting bleeding edge outdoor performance in a style that’s as much at home in the city as it is in the country.

So how did Helly Hansen do it?  As is the case with much of their other performance gear, PrimaLoft is a key component in the ASK Duffel Coat.  For those of you unfamiliar with PrimaLoft, it’s been tested and proven to be warmer, drier and softer than any other synthetic insulation on the market.  Another element that makes PrimaLoft so great is that it’s also the most compressible insulation of it’s kind which is, in part, why you never feel restricted when wearing a Helly Hansen jacket. With the ASK Duffel Coat, you retain your full range of movement and don’t get the bulky, puffy look.

The Ask Duffel Coat also takes advantage of Helly Hansen’s two-way stretch Helly Tech waterproof fabric. I live in the city and don’t have room to carry an umbrella with me everywhere I go, nor do I have the patience to dry it off and fold it up everytime I go into a building. The Helly Tech Protection in the ASK Duffel Coat keeps everything that is covered completely dry. The same Helly Tech Protection also protects against the wind, keeping cool air and chills out. By keeping the wind at bay, the Ask Duffel Coat adds an additional level of protection, ensuring warmth in nearly any weather condition.

Design wise, Helly’s ASK Duffel Coat has a more structured design, with clean lines for a dressier and slightly more formal look. It offers two weaterproofed zipper pockets that integrate seamlessly into the front of the coat – perfect for cell phones or your wallet. In addition, the ASK Duffel notes two deep hooded pockets with ample room to hold nearly anything you could conceivably want to put in your pockets and two additional hidden pockets perfect for keeping your hands warm and dry.  Additional styling elements added to the ASK Duffel are the trademark toggle buttons, a reflective detail on the front of the collar and the ASK emblem and Helly Hansen logo on the arm.

Overall, there is little in the city that the ASK Duffel jacket can’t handle. It’s built to handle pretty much any weather the city can throw at it.  Whether it’s the cool fall weather, the cold winds and snow in winter or the unending rain in the spring, all are easily handled by the ASK Duffel. Assuming I didn’t have such an affinity for collecting new coats, it could easily be the only city jacket I needed this winter.

You can see more of the Helly Hansen ASK Duffel Coat in the photo gallery below, or head over to the official Helly Hansen website for ordering info.

Didn’t get what you want this Christmas? Fret not, ladies and gentlemen, because we’re here to give you a rundown of the awesomest stuff you didn’t get. So once you’re done enduring those seemingly endless holiday return lines, take the cash you get back and put it towards the stuff you really want, starting with this insanely stylish pair of boots from MOU.

Unfamiliar with MOU? Here’s a quick rundown. Founded in 2002 by Shelley Tichborne, MOU is a London based brand that creates hand-crafted footwear from the finest natural, ethically sourced material. Fundamentally, they pride themselves on providing warm, durable, sensually soft designs that keep you warm and comfortable, all while keeping a back-to-nature feel and eclectic styling. It’s an ideal that’s been met with tremendous success, as MOU has since become one of the most sought after brands by some of the most well known names around the world, including Sarah Jessica Parker, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cameron Diaz and Emma Watson (all of whom can be seen wearing their MOU boots year round).

In addition to their one of a kind designs and eco-friendly production, MOU boots have two great features that many other boot brands lack: first is the exceptionally generous cushioning in the sole, and second is the supportive heel. Over time, most boots mold to your feet, making your boots seem cool and hollow when you wear them. With MOU boots, however, the cushioning stays in place, which means the boots stay soft and warm on the inside, thus keeping your feet more comfortable and protected from the elements. The supportive heel insert, while something easily overlooked in selecting a new pair of boots, is also a huge design benefit found in MOU boots. It keeps the heel in place and prevents the boot from slouching and stretching like similarly styled boots. By keeping the boots original shape, the soft interior remains against your skin, preventing any cool spots while you’re wearing them. And it works brilliantly.

So which pair of MOU boots should you pick? Honestly, you’re going to be hard pressed to pick just one. They’ve got some incredibly gorgeous and unique options, including Macedonian goatskin, calfskin and sheepskin in numerous shades. But in picking my first pair of MOU’s for my wife, I had to opt for the MOU Antelope Cowboy Boots. They note a stunning palette of honey and white colors, and simply put, note an incredibly exotic, stylish design unlike anything I’ve seen.

MOU Antelope Cowboy Ankle Boot Details (€355.00)

The Antelope Cowboy Ankle is a one of a kind boot, designed perfectly to take advantage of it’s one of a kind antelope exterior.  As I’ve already noted, the outer portion of the boot is genuine antelope in a gorgeous honey color mixed with white, and believe me when I say your first instinct is that you want to pet them – they’re simply stunning.  The interior is done in a super soft sheepskin lining with an EVA and rubber outsole.  And before you start questioning my affinity for wildlife, it’s important to note that MOU only uses verifiably NSPCA approved, ecologically managed antelope from South Africa.   NSPCA is an organization in Africa that oversees the welfare of the animals that are sourced by MOU, ensuring a future population by promoting the ethical and sustainable raising of animals (instead of poaching).

So what does my wife think of MOU’s Antelope boots?  She absolutely loves them.  Despite possessing a boot collection that includes a huge variety of different styles (tall boots, short boots, rain boots, heeled boots… you get the idea), the MOU Antelope are without question the most exotic.  Whereas many other styles of boots tend to overlap with one another, the MOU’s are instantly recognizable and note a style unlike anything else in her collection.  They’re stylish, extremely elegant, luxurious, and most importantly, incredibly comfortable to wear (as noted by my wife).  They’re one of those fashion elements that when you walk down the street, you’re stopped by random strangers asking who made them and where they can get their own pair.

So if you didn’t get the boots you wanted this Christmas, we’ve got one word for you:  MOU.  Whether it’s their Antelope Cowboy Ankle Boot or any of their other luxurious styles, MOU’s are one of the most stylish, unique boot brands in the world.

You can check out more of the MOU Antelope Cowboy Ankle Boot in the photo gallery below, or head over to the official MOU website for their full lineup of boots and ordering info.

As a parent, it goes without saying that keeping my kids protected is one of my top priorities. And right now, with winter finally hitting here in the Midwest (complete with a good share of freezing cold temps and a dumping of snow), that means keeping them protected from the elements.

With that said, buying a children’s winter jacket is not an easy task. As the proud owner of his first snowboard, my son is at an age where he’s can’t get outside enough to enjoy it. And anything my son does my daughter has to do, so she’s outside constantly as well chasing him and trying to steal his ride. Together, they’re outside far more than I ever anticipated them being, and plain winter coats just weren’t cutting it. They both owned multiple normal winter coats, but they all were doing a terrible job keeping my kids warm and keeping the winter elements out.

That’s when I decided to check into my favorite performance winter gear brand – Helly Hansen – to see what they offered for kids. Thankfully, not only do they offer kids gear, they offer kids gear that has all the features that made me fall in love with Helly’s larger adult versions. This means your kids are protected with a combination of Helly Tech PERFORMANCE fabric (that’s waterproof, breathable and windproof) as well as PrimaLoft’s Warmcore insulation, which together form the most advanced cold weather protection on the planet.

Helly Hansen K Riders INS Jacket ($130)

In picking jackets for my kids, I went with the Helly Hansen K Riders INS Jacket for both (green for my son, purple for my daughter). It’s a fantastic coat, and it features all the technology you’ll find in Helly’s adult gear.

Construction wise, the K Riders INS Jacket notes an insulated 2-layer construction with Helly Tech PERFORMANCE fabric and PrimaLoft’s Warmcore insulation. As an owner of multiple coats noting the same construction, I know firsthand that Helly Hansen coats excel at keeping you warm irregardless of conditions, but also allow excessive body heat to escape, meaning you don’t have to worry about overheating. For kids, it’s exactly the construction you want.

From there, Helly added a powder skirt, preventing snow from getting up under the jacket during falls or snow dives; fully sealed seams to keep water out; and adjustable cuffs with reflective elements that fit easily over gloves, then tighten to prevent snow from getting in. The smallest jacket available is a size 1 for the smallest of snow lovers, while the highest size is a size 16 for juniors that aren’t quite ready for adult sizes.

Here’s the full list of Helly Hansen’s K Riders INS Jacket features:

• Helly Tech® PERFORMANCE
• Waterproof and breathable fabric
• Insulated 2-layer construction
• Articulated arms and elbows
• Powder skirt
• Warmcore by PrimaLoft®
• Fully seam sealed
• Detachable, adjustable hood
• Reflective elements
• YKK zippers
• Internal pockets
• Multiple exterior pockets
• Adjustable cuffs

You can learn more about the Helly Hansen K Riders INS Jacket or pick up your own at the official Helly Hansen website.

Helly Hansen HH Warm Kid Set ($70)

Underneath their K Riders INS Jackets I decided to add another level of protection from the cold, employing Helly Hansen’s layering system in the form of the HH Warm Sets for kids. Again, Helly uses the same great fabrics and technology used in the adult HH Warm Sets – a combination of Merino Wool combined with LIFA Stay Dry Technology. It’s so great, in fact, it’s the same combination used by the U.S. ski team. It works by insulating the body and keeping you warm, but as activity increases and sweat is produced, it then wicks moisture away from your body, ensuring you stay dry irregardless of activity level. For kids with nonstop energy, it’s a must.

Sizing starts at a size 2, fitting my very large 18 month old girl perfectly, and it goes all the way up to a juniors size 14, ensuring kids of all sizes can take advantage of the HH Warm Sets. My kids love them, they’re super simple to wash and keep clean, and most importantly, I know my kids have the ultimate in cold weather protection.

You can learn more about Helly Hansen’s HH Warm Kid Set or pick up your own at the official Helly Hansen website.

With temperatures dropping and the sun beginning to set a little earlier than the day before, we have no choice but to accept that winter is on its way (and will be here very, very soon).

If you live near the mountains, that’s welcome news.  You’re no doubt anxiously awaiting that beautiful first dusting of snow, so you can get out and hit the slopes for yet another round of winter sports.  For those of us in the city, however, winter is a somewhat less joyous time…  a time that typically means running from building to car; ducking inside stores on longer excursions to warm up; and constantly being bombarded by strong, bitter winds that somehow manage to make their way through whatever it is we’re wearing.

But despite the challenges that living in a city during winter presents, there is hope.  Helly Hansen – the brand that’s been creating the most rugged, high performance outerwear for the past 130 years – recently unveiled their 2012-13 fall/winter collection, and included is the Flow Down Parka.  It’s a gorgeous piece of outerwear that not only features a style that’s perfectly at home in the city, but also one that boasts the warmth and protection we’ve come to know and love from the best of Helly Hansen’s mountain-ready ski jackets.

At the heart of the Flow Down Parka is… you guessed it… down.  Down, as you probably already know, is easily one of warmest, most insulating materials on the face of the earth.  But the problem with most down outerwear is that it’s overly bulky.  Down is stitched inside baffles, and the result is an overly puffy coat that makes you look the Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters – not exactly an endearing style trait.

The Flow Down Parka is different, however, because the down is stitched into pods, not baffles.  As a result, you get all the benefits of 700+ fillpower European goose down, but without the huge amount of added bulk typically associated with it.  In addition, the spaces in between down the pods create channels throughout the interior of the coat, allowing the heat generated by your body to exit the parka while still maintaining the parka’s overall warmth.  So while the Flow Down Parka keeps you warm in the most frigid of conditions, its temperature management always keeps the parka’s internal temperature at a comfortable level.

From there, the Helly Flow Down Parka notes a huge assortment of features that you’ll absolutely love in a winter coat.  Four enormous front pockets that fit seamlessly into the Flow Down Parka’s design are perfect for keys, your wallet, your cell phone,  and any added extras you need to carry.  The faux fur hood – one of my favorite design elements – adds a superb layer of protection in the harshest environments.  Best of all, the hood features a velcro adjustment on the back, so when you’re walking through the city and want the warmth of the hood with full visibility, you can adjust the hood so that it remains farther back on your head.  On frigid days with blisteringly cold winds, loosen the velcro, and the hood is big enough to completely envelop you and keep your head warm and toasty.  And lastly, I love the exterior material of the Flow Down Parka.  It stretches, so it’s not restricting and it’s comfortable to wear even when being active; but it still manages to excel at keeping moisture and cold air out – a must from any winter coat.

Put it all together, and the Helly Hansen Flow Down Parka is an exceptionally awesome choice for anyone seeking the perfect marriage of style and warmth in a single piece of outerwear.

To learn more about the Helly Hansen Flow Down Parka or to pick up your own, head over to the official Helly Hansen website.  Pricing for the Flow Down Parka is $650 in either men’s or women’s variants, and it’s available in either black or espresso flavors.

You can also check out the photo gallery below to see the Helly Hansen Flow Down Parka in action.

Staying warm in the winter is an often misunderstood science.  Let me rephrase that:  staying warm in the winter while being active is an often misunderstood science.

Whereas going out for a quick trip in the cold is simply a case of throwing on a warm coat, spending an extended period of time in the cold with fluctuating body temperatures is significantly more complicated.  Skiing/snowboarding is a great example.  Starting out the day, your body is cold, so you need something to keep your body warm.  But as you begin engaging your body, it heats up from the activity, causing you to sweat.  As you sweat, this moisture accumulates on the clothing layer closest to your body, and when you stop engaging your body (such as your trip back up the mountain), this soaked layer is the first to cool.  It’s this layer that is single biggest cause of uncomfortably cold body temperatures during your time outdoors.

Putting it bluntly, it doesn’t matter how much you spend on your outerwear, if you don’t have the right baselayers, you’re not going to be warm.  It’s as simple as that.

I just got back from a weeklong skiing/snowboarding excursion in Vail, and it’s a truth I became intimately familiar with, as I had the opportunity to test several baselayers that are part of my winter gear collection.  With temperatures fluctuating about 30 degrees during my stay, ranging from cold and windy to relatively warm and sunny, I found that it was exceptionally difficult to find a baselayer capable of managing the expanded temperature range.  They either didn’t warm adequately, or when they did warm, they ended up saturated with sweat, resulting in not only an uncomfortable baselayer, bus also one that cooled significantly during any downtime.

There was one base layer, however, that managed to withstand the temperature swings and fluctuating body temps, and unsurprisingly, it came from the brand that pioneered the concept of layering:  Helly Hansen.  Not only did the Helly Hansen baselayer manage to keep me warm in every temperature I used it in, it excelled at maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the day, irregardless of my activity level.

Helly Hansen Baselayer Construction

The secret to the brilliance of the Helly Hansen baselayer range lies in the fabric it’s constructed from, which Helly Hansen calls Lifa.  Invented by Helly Hansen in the ’70’s, Lifa is a technological marvel – a super fabric developed to not only keep you warm, but also to wick away moisture from your body better than anything else.

Without getting overly technical, Helly’s Lifa baselayers operate under a simple premise:  they repel moisture.  Whereas polyester (one of the most commonly used baselayer materials) absorbs moisture, thus becoming saturated during activity and keeping moisture in contact with your skin, Lifa was created to do exactly the opposite:  it repels moisture away from your skin.  So as you sweat, Helly’s Lifa baselayer is constantly channeling moisture away from your body and onto your mid layer.  Your skin stays dry, which translates into warmer body temperatures, whether you’re active or not.

It’s Lifa’s moisture wicking properties that make the baselayer the first of Helly Hansen’s unique 3-Layer system.  The Lifa baselayer wicks moisture away from your body; the midlayer absorbs the moisture from the baselayer, keeping it safely away from you skin; and the third outer layer protects you from the wind and elements.  The result is continuously stable, warm body temperature, irregardless of conditions or activity level.

Helly Hansen Baselayer Families

During my time in Vail, temps ranged from the 20’s to the 50’s, so I used baselayer pieces exclusively from the HH Dry family.  Constructed entirely from their Lifa fabric and virtually seamless, Helly’s HH Dry family is ideal for a wide range of temperatures and heightened activity levels, due to the aforementioned moisture wicking properties.  Available HH Dry baselayer pieces include the HH Dry Stripe Crew (men’s), the HH Dry Charger Half Zip (men’s), the HH Dry Dynamic LS Crew (women’s), the HH Dry Dynamic LS 1/2 Zip (women’s) and the HH Dry Fly Pant (men’s and women’s).

For even colder temperatures and added insulation, Helly Hansen also offers the HH Warm baselayer family.  Whereas HH Dry is constructed entirely of Lifa fabric, HH Warm is essentially two layers in one, with a Lifa core to maintain exceptional moisture wicking ability and an outer Merino wool layer to provide added insulation in sub zero conditions.  Available HH Warm baselayer pieces include the HH Warm Ice Crew (men’s and women’s), the HH Warm Freeze 1/2 Zip (men’s and women’s) and the HH Warm Pant (men’s and women’s).

Helly Hansen Baselayer Care

One of the things I love most about Helly Hansen baselayers is how exceptionally easy it is to take care of them.  Simply wash your baselayers with a mild detergent at 60 degrees Celsius for HH Dry or 40 degrees Celsius for HH Warm, then let air dry.  Due to their moisture repelling properties, they dry exceptionally fast.

Interestingly enough, the Helly Hansen care guide notes that if you dry your baselayers, they’ll actually melt.  Intrigued, I emailed Helly Hansen’s customer service to find out why my baselayer would melt, and their response was quite interesting.  Unlike conventional thread that’s woven from even smaller strands, Helly’s Lifa fabric is unique in that its thread is created by melting particles together.  When magnified, Lifa’s thread would show a smooth surface, whereas other threads are simply multiple smaller threads joined together with millions of crevices and gaps.

Helly’s process of creating thread through melting has two key advantages.  Unlike woven threads that allow bacteria to enter and hide in its various crevices, Lifa thread’s smooth surface doesn’t have the same places for bacteria to hide.  The result is a baselayer that doesn’t maintain an odor after you wash it.  Secondly, and my favorite part of Lifa, is the fact that the color chips are actually baked into the fabric during its melting phase.  As a result, colors of Helly’s Lifa baselayers will never fade, and they’ll never bleed onto one another, as they’re actually a part of the thread.

After using Helly’s baselayer this winter, it’s easily the most durable, easy-to-take-care-of baselayer system I own.

Where to Get the Helly Hansen Baselayer

I’m clearly a fan of Helly Hansen’s baselayers, so much so that I now own multiple sets of both the HH Dry and HH Warm series.  They’re the warmest, most breathable baselayers I’ve used, period.  If you’re interested in picking up a Helly Hansen baselayer for yourself, you can do so at the official Helly Hansen online store, Altrec, and a variety of other retailers.

December is finally upon us, which means the holiday shopping season has officially kicked into high gear.  We know how difficult it can be finding the perfect gifts (both for yourself and for your family and friends), so to help make your decisions a little easier, we’re going to be bringing you some of our favorite gear throughout the month.  Style, food, gadgets, sports gear – we’ve got a little of everything planned, and you can’t go wrong with any of it.  Kicking things off, we’ve got some great early winter wear for you from one of our favorite outerwear brands:  Helly Hansen.

Here in the Midwest, selecting winter gear can present somewhat of a challenge.  Winter starts out cold, and then it gets ridiculously cold come January and February.  As such, I typically tend to have to two winter wardrobes – one for the cold, and one for the extreme cold.  For normal cold, I love the new Helly Hansen Chill Jacket and W Embla Wool Jackets.  They’re both warm and super comfortable, but they’re not too bulky either.  In addition to the coats, I’m a huge fan of the Helly Hansen Arctic Boots (to help withstand the cold and snow that’s just on the horizon), while for the women, the Stoneham Midlayer is a perfect compliment to the W Embla Wool Jacket.

Here’s a closer look at each.

Helly Hansen Chill Jacket ($300)

For a winter jacket, the Helly Hansen Chill is perfect if you’re looking for a slightly more casual, warm coat that’s not overly bulky.  Available in navy, smoked pearl (a gray color) or black, the Chill jacket is reminiscent of a classic tweed, but with Helly’s leading cold weather technology built in.  Outside, Helly Tech’s waterproof layer keeps the cold, water and wind out, while still allowing moisture to escape, meaning you won’t overheat while wearing it.  Inside, Warmcore by PrimaLoft provides an added layer of insulation with ultra-fine microfiber technology, again keeping you warm while still offering breathability during high performance activities.  As for the style, the Chill Jacket boasts raglan sleeves and diagonal pocket flaps, offering a classic look that still notes an air of sportiness.

For more info on the Helly Hansen Chill Jacket, head over to the official Helly Hansen online store.

Helly Hansen Arctic Boot ($150)

When it comes to trekking through the snow and ice of winter, nothing beats a quality pair of boots to keep your feet dry and warm.  One of my new favorites is the Helly Hansen Arctic Boot, gorgeously constructed from premium quality waterproof full-grain leather and naturally waterproof.  Inside, a natural felt lining and a suede collar at the ankle both make Helly’s Arctic Boot incredibly comfortable, while outside, a moc toe and Helly Wear Rubber outsole with welted construction ensure the Arctic Boot will withstand the harshest winter environments.  I’ve worn mine for a few weeks now, and they’re not only remarkably warm, they’re comfortable enough to wear day-in and day-out in virtually any environment.

For more info on the Helly Hansen Arctic Boot, head over to the official Helly Hansen online store.

Helly Hansen W Embla Wool Coat ($650)

For women, the current staff favorite when in comes to Helly’s winter gear is the Helly Hansen W Embla Wool Coat, available in either grey melange or off-white.  Featuring a gorgeous wool and polyester blend construction that feels great and is naturally water-resistant, the W Embla Wool Coat notes the same brilliant styling and innovation found in all of the W Embla line.  On top, the over-height collar boasts a detachable hood, while a mesh-lined ventilated wind screen provides protection for your lower face from the cold and winter elements.  Another welcome addition to the W Embla Wool Coat is the inclusion of hand warmer pockets that not only keep your hands warm, they zip closed when needed, keeping stored contents shielded from the cold air.  For your arms, articulated sleeves help avoid stiffness commonly associated with winter coats, eliminating bulkiness and increasing comfort, while zips in the lower sleeves allow them to expand, perfect when wearing larger mittens.  And as for style, the W Embla Wool Coat looks incredible, boasting a classical Scandinavian inspired design, including a two-layer yoke detail in the back and Embla detailing on both the hood and lower sleeves.  The W Embla Wool Coat not only looks great, it’s built to perform flawlessly in harsh winter environments – exactly what you want when picking the perfect winter coat.

For more info on the Helly Hansen W Embla Wool Coat, head over to the official Helly Hansen online store.

Helly Hansen W Stoneham Midlayer ($170)

Paired with the W Embla Wool Coat, the Helly Hansen W Stoneham Midlayer (available in red, black or white) makes a brilliant addition to your winter wardrobe.  Featuring a half zip construction with rib-knit mock-turtle collar and stunning contoured styling, the Stoneham Midlayer notes the look of a classic knit sweater, with the sportiness of Helly built in.  Thanks to its uniquely contoured fit, the Stoneham does an incredible job wicking away moisture while still keeping you warm in colder temps.  Rib-knit bands help define the hem and cuffs, and Helly’s trademark Lifa stripes highlight the sleeves.

For more info on the Helly Hansen W Stoneham Midlayer, head over to the official Helly Hansen online store.

If you live anywhere in the northern half of the country, I don’t need to tell you the necessity of owning a quality pair of boots to help get you through the winter.  This winter, in particular, has been particularly fun, as just a couple weeks ago we were blessed with some 18 inches over a 24-hour period.  When it comes to selecting a pair of boots, I’m a big fan of boots that are, first and foremost, functional, but I’m also a fan of boots that look good.  This winter, following the first of what would turn out to be many snowstorms, I decided to indulge in a new pair of boots for everyday use.  Eventually, I settled on the UGG Men’s Butte Boots, and it’s without question one of the best style decisions I made this winter.

In terms of my criteria when seeking out new boots, it came down to a few key elements.  I wanted a pair of boots that leaned towards the casual side – almost like a pair of work boots – but with a dash of elegance thrown in.  I also wanted boots that came up high enough to keep the snow out, boots that were warm, and most importantly, boots that were waterproof.  The Ugg Men’s Butte Boots hit each of the criteria head on, and after picking up a pair, they’ve since become a vital addition to my winter wardrobe.

Designed as the ultimate cold weather boot by UGG Australia, the men’s Butte is loaded with technology to keep you comfortable in even the coldest conditions.  Outside, a waterproof full grain leather upper is mated to an exclusive Vibram outsole designed specifically for UGG Australia.  The leather upper does a fantastic job at keeping the water out, whereas the Vibram outsole has the perfect level of flexibility at your foot’s natural flex points, eliminating the stiffness common in so many other boots.  Inside, the UGG Men’s Butte features a sheepskin sock liner along with a breathable waterproof eVent membrane.  The sheepskin liner is both removable and replaceable, and it does a fantastic job wicking away moisture and keeping your feet warm and dry.

Using the UGG Men’s Butte day-in and day-out in sub-zero temps and bunches of snow, they’ve lived up to their billing.  They’re incredibly warm and comfortable; they’re impervious to the elements; and they exemplify casual sophistication.  Throw them on with a pair of jeans and a wool jacket or down vest and you’re good to go.  You also have the option to wear the men’s Butte with the cuffs up or down, so when the snow get’s extra deep, you gain an even greater level of protection from snow infiltration.

With pricing set at $220, the UGG Men’s Butte are a fantastic buy for an all winter boot.  They come in three colors – black, club brown and worchester – and you can pick any of them up from UGG Australia.

Labor intensive mounting with numb fingers due to freezing cold winter temperatures – those are our memories of snow chains in the past. Modern snow chains, however, can be easily fitted and often do not require retensioning. That also goes for the two new snow chains which Mercedes-Benz carries in the accessories range for the B-Class and M-Class models.

For the B-Class the easy2go model of chain world market leader RUD is available. Its patented mounting device with permanent tensioning effect (PTD = Permanent Tensioning Device) makes manual retensioning of the chain unnecessary. To protect easy2go during transport or storage it is contained in a high-quality textile bag which is resistant to moisture and insensitive to dirt and at the same time saves space. Other advantages are simple fitting and removal while the car is at a standstill, and integrated wheel protection.

The high-quality RUD-matic comfort bow-type snow chain for the new M-Class offers perfect protection for light-alloy wheels and wheel trim with its tough plastic ring (Disc). Since the fastener is on the front side of the wheel, the chain is quickly fitted and removed. The chrome-manganese-alloyed micrograin stainless steel is visually adapted to the light-alloy wheels and meets highest standards also for appearance. Available for tyre sizes 255/50 R19 (8J x 19) and 255/55 R18 (8J x 18).

All winter we’ve been bringing you some of the best winter gear on the planet, but we’ve yet to detail our picks when it comes to winter apparel.  Today, however, that’s all about to change, as we’ve got a look at some of the greatest skiwear mankind has ever seen.  It comes from a little company by the name of Spyder, a brand that has become synonymous with greatness in the ski world.

Founded in 1978 by David Jacobs, former star and later head coach of the Canadian National Ski Team, Spyder burst onto the market in 1978, unveiling a padded slalom sweater designed “for racing, by racers.” Since then, Spyder has dominated race circuits across the globe, reaching the Olympic podium more than 20 times and becoming the gear of choice for the U.S. Alpine, Canadian Alpine, and Jamaican World Cup Ski Teams. Now based in Boulder, Colorado, Spyder is the largest ski-specialty brand in the world, and their skiwear is without question the best in the business.

I own a variety of products from Spyder, and to be honest, you can’t go wrong with anything they offer.  But in an effort to help you narrow down your skiwear choices, here are our top picks for both men and women, all-mountain use.

Men’s Monterosa Jacket ($599)

When it comes to gear for men, I love the Monterosa Jacket, for a variety of reasons.  First and foremost, it’s breathable.  Thanks to what Spyder calls OSMO technology, the Monterosa delivers the highest breathability on the market, with a rating of 20k/30k in waterproof/breathability.  Inside, PrimaLoft One insulation does a fantastic job keeping you warm, while X-STATIC silver fiber technology helps keep your body temps regulated during intense runs (and also provides exceptional anti-microbial protection).  And of course, from a style standpoint, the Monterosa jacket looks great, with my personal preference being the Volcano Red option (there’s also a black verision and a white version).  As for other features of the Spyder Monterosa, here’s a more complete rundown:

• 360° Stretch Polyester with X-Static® 20k/30k Laminate
• Stretch Polyester Woven Lining with Custom Legend Embossed Pattern
• PrimaLoft® One (60g) Insulation
• 2 Way Center Front Zippers
• Abrasion Resistant Overlay by Bemis®
• Adjusable Cuffs
• Back Storage Pocket
• Brushed Microfiber Inner Collar
• Custom Chamois Lens Wipe on Shock Cord
• Drawcord Hem
• Engineered Stretch Interior
• Fully Seam Taped
• Internal Pass Pocket
• Internal Zippered Electronics Pocket with Cord Loop
• Laser Cut and Welded Construction Seams and Details
• Left Sleeve Data Card Pocket
• Mesh Goggle Pocket
• Molded Construction Details
• Recco® Avalanche Rescue System
• Removable Heavy Weather Hoods
• Ventilation System
• Welded Waterproof Zippers with Gaskets
• Zip-out Stretch Powder Skirt with Custom Snaps and Gripper Elastic

Men’s Davos Pant ($399)

Paired with the Spyder Monterosa jacket, the Davos pant is the perfect way to keep you protected from the elements.  The Davos features almost identical technology in terms of insulation and construction, with highlights including OSMO technology rated at 20k/30k in waterproof/breathability , X-STATIC silver fiber technology to regulate body temperature, and PrimaLoft One insulation to keep you warm when the cooler temps hit.  The Spyder Davos full list of features include:

• 360° Stretch Polyester with X-Static® 20k/30k Laminate
• Stretch Polyester Woven Lining
• PrimaLoft® Sport (40g)
• Abrasion Resistant Overlay by Bemis®
• Adjustable Waist with Stretch Gusset
• Cuff Anchors
• Custom Spyder Logos, Hardware and Zipper Pulls”
• Full Seam Taped
• Inner Snow Cuffs with Logo Jacquard Gripper Elastic
• Laser Cut and Welded Construction Details
• Lower Leg Zippers
• Multiple Pockets
• Recco® Avalanche Rescue System
• Removable High Back Suspenders with Mesh Insert
• Scuff Guards
• Ventilation Zippers
• Waterproof Zippers

Women’s Zermatt Jacket ($499)

For the women, our choice has to be the Zermatt jacket, an incredibly good-looking jacket boasting the best winter apparel technology in the business.  As with the men’s gear, the women’s Zermatt features OSMO fabric technology delivering the highest breathability on the market (rated at 20k/30k in waterproof/breathability tests). Inside, X-STATIC silver fiber technology again helps regulate body temperature and dissipates static electricity, while PrimaLoft® One insulation is super soft and provides ample warming in the cooler temperatures. Additional features of the Sypder Zermatt jacket include:

• 360° Stretch Polyester with X-Static® 20k/30k Laminate
• Silver Flax Abrasion Overlay Tape
• Custom Spyder Knit Jacquard
• PrimaLoft® One (60g)
• 2 way zipper at center front
• Adjustable cuffs with gussets for glove room
• Anti-Counterfeit Spyder Authenticity Label
• Cozy micro fiber inner collar that detaches to launder
• Custom Spyder logos, hardware and zipper pulls
• Drawcord adjustable hem
• Fully seam taped
• Internal lip care pocket
• Internal mesh goggle pocket
• Internal zip pocket
• Laser cut and welded construction details
• Left sleeve waterproof data card pocket with custom chamois lens wipe
• Removable heavy weather hood
• Snap back feature holds powder skirt away when not in use
• Stretch inner cuffs with thumbholes
• Underarm ventilation system
• Waterproof hand pocket zippers with key clasp inside
• Zip-out stretch powder skirt with custom snaps and gripper elastic.
• Zippered chest pocket

Women’s Davos Pant ($299)

Complimenting the Zermatt jacket, we again chose the Davos pant – this time the women’s variant.  Several members of our staff use and love the Davos, with much of their praise stemming from the Davos’ fit.  Featuring what Spyder calls an Athletic Fit, there’s the perfect amount of room in the waist, hips and thighs for female athletes, and our staffers all adore them.  In addition to their superior fit, other highlights of the women’s Davos include OSMO fabric technology for superb breathability, PrimaLoft Sport insulation to keep you warm, and X-STATIC silver fiber technology to regulate body temperature.  More features of the Spyder Women’s Davos Pant include:

• 360° Stretch Polyester with X-Static® 20k/30k Laminate
• Stretch Polyester Woven Lining
• PrimaLoft® Sport (40g)
• Anti-Counterfeit Spyder Authenticity Label
• Custom Spyder logos, hardware and zipper pulls
• Fully seam taped
• Hand pocket zippers
• Hem gusset under the zipper keeps you extra dry
• Hem zippers make it easier to put your boots on
• Inner snow cuffs with gripper elastic and cuff anchors ensure protection from moisture
• Lower leg stash pocket
• Removable stretch suspenders

For more information on any of the Spyder all-mountain gear we’ve told you and to view the rest of the current collection, head over to the official Spyder website for the full details and ordering info.

If you spend any amount of time outside in the winter snowboarding, skiing, or doing anything else that involves speed and/or sudden impacts, you absolutely have to have protective head gear to ensure your head and eyes are protected.  I’ve gone through my fair share of helmets and goggles over the past decade and a half, and it seems like no matter which combo I’ve tried, I never was entirely happy with both.  Either the helmet was uncomfortable, too hot, too cold or too heavy, or the goggles didn’t fit me well, they fogged up too much or they didn’t fit well with my helmet.

Finally, after enduring years of various design flaws, I’ve finally found what is without question the best goggle/helmet combo I’ve used, and it comes in the form of the Smith Optics I/O Goggle paired with Smith’s Vantage Helmet.  Together, they form a perfect union of protection for your all-important noggin, keeping out the cold and sun, offering perfect venting in any weather conditions and absorbing brain-rattling impacts.

Rather than describe both simultaneously, I’m going to detail the Smith Optics I/O Goggle and Vantage independently, but truth be told, if you buy one, you need the other.  They’re like Simon and Garfunkel, peanut butter and jelly, beer and brats – individually they’re great; together they’re perfect.

Smith Optics I/O Goggles

First up we’ve got the Smith Optics I/O Goggle, a gorgeous, rimless pair of goggles that, first and foremost, look damn sexy.  Now, let me state for the record that you shouldn’t select a goggle based on its looks – form without function is worthless – but when you first see the Smith Optics I/O Goggle, you’ll understand what I’m talking about, as the sleek rimless design is just damn good looking.  Thankfully, however, they’ve got the engineering to match, as they’re the best performing, most comfortable goggles I’ve ever used.

Technologically, the Smith I/O Goggle is built on an ingenious interchangeable lens concept.  To change the lens on Smith I/O goggles, simply turn a couple clips on top, and the lens pops out.  Once you’ve done it, you can swap out lenses in 30 seconds, meaning that as conditions change on the slopes, you can change the lens quickly, anytime you need to.  As for the lenses themselves, each feature tapered lens technology to address refraction.  Without getting overly scientific, the concept is that when light passes through a medium (i.e. the lens), it changes course slightly (refracts), which when left uncorrected, leads to both visual distortion and eye fatigue.  To correct this distortion, Smith I/O lenses feature a thicker construction in the center and then taper out to a thinner design closer to the peripheral view, meaning that what you’re seeing is 100% accurate.  Improving your vision even more, Smith Optics offers a total of nine polarized and mirrored lens options that provide 100% protection from UVA/B/C rays along with three non-mirrored lens option – each of which will allow you to fine-tune your visibility in any weather conditions.  They’re quite simply the best, clearest lenses I’ve ever used.

But as great as Smith Optics lenses are, I love the I/O goggle’s fit equally as much.  Simply put, they’re built to be used with the Smith helmets, and with the Smith Vantage helmet, the I/O fit absolutely perfectly.  The curve of the helmet is contoured to perfectly match the curve of the I/O’s frame, meaning there’s no gaper gap.  Even better, both the Smith I/O Goggle and Vantage helmet feature an AIREVAC ventilation system to eliminate fog.  Traditional goggle/helmet combos have a tendency to trap warm air in the goggle chamber, which is what causes fogging, whereas the I/O goggle and Vantage work together to create constant airflow.  To create this airflow, the AIREVAC system works by directing warm up up through the top ventilation systems of the I/O goggles, where it then is dispelled by the ventilation system of the helmet.  I’ve been using both the Smith I/O Goggle and Vantage helmet all winter, and I’ve yet to encounter any fogging – the two perform absolutely brilliantly together.

Smith Optics Vantage Helmet

Just as the Smith Optics I/O Goggle fixes all the negatives I’ve encountered with other goggles, the Smith Vantage helmet solves all the problems I’ve encountered with other helmets.  First and foremost, the comfort of the Vantage is fantastic, largely due to its incredibly light weight.  Featuring Smith’s unique Hybrid Shell construction – a fusion of Bombshell ABS construction with flyweight In-Mold technology – the Vantage is not only extremely impact resistant, but it’s also extremely lightweight and boasts a significantly lower profile than other helmets.  It’s so light, it’s easy to forget you’re even wearing a helmet.  Another great feature of the Vantage that enhances comfort is the adjustable helmet fit system in the rear – it opens and closes as needed to help fine tune the fit on an individual basis.

The second area in which Smith has taken the Vantage to a new level in helmet technology is in the area of ventilation.  The Vantage features a total of 21 vents to provide an incredible level of venting for warmer days, a huge problem I’ve encountered with prior helmets.  Even better, however, is that the Vantage features what Smith calls the Dual Regulator climate control system.  The Dual Regulator system controls a total of twelve vents – four in the front and eight in the rear – and then allows you to open or close the front and rear vents independently of each other.  So you can open just the four front vents, just the rear eight vents, and you can even open the vents on a sliding scale, meaning you can open them halfway, for just a bit of extra cooling.  It’s brilliant at keeping you cool (or warm), depending on what you need, and it performs exactly as advertised.

And lastly, the final area of the Smith Vantage Helmet that bears mention is it’s lining, made from what Smith calls EVOLVE X-STATIC.  Constructed from up to 50% recycled silver with other recycled materials, it eventually becomes 3.7% X-Static and 96.3% recycled polyester. It’s super comfortable, warm when you want it to be, and best of all, it’s environmentally friendly.  Another great interior feature of the Vantage is the ear pad design, which feature integration for your favorite audio player by allowing you to insert your favorite ear buds.  In addition, you can also choose from two optional Skull Candy variants that feature either wired or Bluetooth sound systems included (at an extra cost, of course), allowing easy access to either your music library or phone while you’re on the slopes.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the Smith Optics I/O Goggles paired with Smith’s Vantage helmet are, in my opinion, the best goggle/helmet combination on the market.  Together, they’re super comfortable, they provide a tremendous level of protection from the sun and impacts, and they don’t suffer from any of the things I’ve been forced to endure using other helmet/goggle combos.  They’re simply brilliant together.

To learn more about either the Smith Optics I/O Goggle or Vantage helmet, you can check out both at the official Smith Optics website.  To pick up both for yourself, head over to Amazon for the Smith Optics I/O Goggle and the Smith Vantage helmet, currently priced at $165 and $180, respectively.