Girls rip just as hard as guys, so it only makes sense that we cover the hottest women's gear, too. This season, ActiveJunky.com sent Arya Roerig to SIA 2013 in late January to find stoke-worthy gear specifically for chicks who rip. Here's what she named best of best in women's gear for next season. No better time than the present to get ready!
Photo credit Aly Nicklas, Active Junky
Jones Women's Solution Splitboard: A pioneer in splitboarding, these days pro rider Jeremy Jones foregoes the use of helicopters and lifts, opting instead to hike as his sole means of transportation on the slopes. Jones brings that same commitment to the backcountry to the new Women's Solution from Jones Snowboards by letting ladies get off-piste with ease and style. Built to charge lines both up and down the mountain, Mellow Magne-traction on both inner and outer edges keeps you covered when it's icy, and the rocker/camber flex pattern keeps the Solution afloat so you can explore the wilds on even the deepest days.
Photo credit Jones Snowboards, stock image
Luna Julbo Goggles: Staying on your game from dawn till dusk just got a whole lot easier. Luna's new light weight, low density Julbo goggles are taking the "changing" step out of the interchangeable lens. With polarchromatic lenses that change their tint with the light, you'll never be fumbling blind in the sun or snow.
Photo credit Luna, stock image
Astis Sacagawea Mitten: Add a Bohemian edge while keeping toasty warm paws. Astis combines super warm Polartec high-loft insulation with the Cree Indians' historical approach to leather artistry for a throwback mitt with unique weather protection. This handcrafted line features a specially designed gauntlet for a no-fuss fit over jacket sleeves, and it's made of silicone-injected leather to hold against even the harshest winter days.
Photo credit Astis, stock image
Bonfire Taylor Pant: The higher waist band and stretchy twill fabric on Bonfire's Taylor pants may look more at place in the mall than on the slopes, but the body-hugging fit leaves fewer gaps for renegade snow up the back and eliminates the need for a belt or suspenders. Likewise, the stretch fabric cuts down on bulk without restricting movement and the 20,000 waterproofing keeps moisture at bay. The Bonfire Taylor Pant is doing for slope style what Spanx did for evening dresses.
Photo credit Bonfire, stock image
Icelantic Oracle: While some women's skis can feel noodle-y, Icelantic designs their ladies models to keep up with the boys. If you want a ski that will grip an edge on ice and not burn out on speed, the new Oracle is calling your name. This ski offers a powerful construction made lighter with Icelandic's "Fly-weight" wood core that drops weight without compromising performance. A big, early rise tip and slightly tapered back end combine for a better float in powder. Icelantic graphics are no joke, either -- they'll get you noticed more than any other piece of gear you sport.
Photo credit Aly Nicklas, Active Junky
Helly Hansen Panorama Jacket: Helly Hansen gets tech-tastic with their H2FLOW™ Series, an insulation concept that uses air to keep you warm and cool you down. In short, it takes ventilation systems to the next level, and for their Fall/Winter 2013 Line, Helly Hansen is incorporating this technology into more of their goods. The Panorama looks like a regular ski jacket (a sexy one, that is) on the outside, but when pulled inside out, it's obvious that it has some serious power packed in. The rad part? It weighs less than your average slopeside jacket while still retaining crucial components: waterproofing, zip-away powder skirt, pass pocket and more. This is what we call innovation.
Photo credit Helly Hansen, stock image
Virus "Coffee Char™" Base Layers: Coffee can warm you from the inside and the out these days. A truly innovative concept to base layer clothing, California-based company Virus creates its clothing using fibers made from recycled coffee beans. Called "Coffee Char," like charcoal, Virus says it uses the fibers for their comfort and natural anti-microbial properties. Heat Trap technology also raises your surface temperature in the garments by 10 degrees Fahrenheit without the need for any chemical treatments. Plus, they offer all of the other key qualities of a good base, including moisture wicking and anti-stink.
Awesome gear, right? But you'll have to contain your excitement. These items won't be available until next season, but we suggest adding them to your list now. A new set of skis or some goggles could be just the thing to start next season off with a bang!
By Arya Roerig of Active Junky