Gear We Used to Test the Skis of the Year

This article originally appeared on Ski Mag

In the exhilarating setting of Sun Valley, Idaho, 32 top-tier skiers, not professional athletes but experts from across North America, convened for our annual SKI Test in early March 2023. Their mission? To determine which skis would earn the prestigious “Skis of the Year” title for the 2024 Winter Gear Guide. It was a formidable challenge, with over 150 pairs from 27 brands to evaluate.

To aid their quest, we partnered with select brands to provide the ideal gear on and off the slopes, ensuring our testers stayed protected and energized for the task at hand. Here’s a roundup of the top-notch gear and products these dedicated testers utilized to enhance their testing experience:

Sweet Protection Connor Rig goggles ($220)

The Sweet Protection Connor Rig goggles provide a generous field of vision without the need for an excessively large design. They achieve this through a toric sculpted lens with understated style and ample side vision. Testers found them to offer a “medium-sized fit with large-sized vision,” greatly enhancing peripheral vision on the slopes. The lenses are easy to swap and perform well in various light conditions. Additionally, the goggles feature comfortable foam against the face.

Strafe Hayden Jacket ($519)

This jacket offers a cozy and comfortable experience. It has a soft quilted interior lining that smoothly slides over midlayers. The stretchy wrist gaiters are effective at keeping out cold and snow. The hand pockets are fleece-lined, and the jacket’s outer shell and insulation are made from recycled materials with four-way stretch. Testers found it to be non-restrictive, even during active movements. The jacket provides substantial warmth and can be customized with a detachable hood and hidden vents for heat management. One tester remained warm down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit with two baselayers underneath, and described the Hayden as feeling like a weighted blanket in terms of comfort.

Auclair A-Peak 2-in-1 Mitt ($135)

The Auclair A-Peak 2-in-1 Mitt is a high-quality solution for women facing cold winters. It features a durable goatskin leather shell with a powder cuff to keep out the elements. Thinsulate insulation and a soft liner provide warmth and comfort. The standout feature is the removable inner mitten, made of butter-soft fleece with added durability features. This inner mitten can be easily reattached to the shell glove, preventing it from coming out when removing the mitten. Note that sizing may run slightly small, so consider sizing up for a better fit, as per the tester’s experience.

YETI Yonder 1L / 34 oz Water Bottle ($28)

These plastic water bottles are a skier’s ideal companion, offering eco-friendly, leak-proof, and lightweight design. They’re made from BPA-free and 50% recycled plastic, ensuring both gear and skier stay dry. The exceptional lightweight feature allows for carrying more water without added weight, making them perfect for sustainability-conscious skiers seeking convenience in their outdoor gear.

CamelBak Powderhound 12 Hydration Pack ($110)

The Powderhound 12 Hydration Pack is perfect for experienced mountain enthusiasts and those seeking quick day trips on the slopes. This pack features a 12-liter storage capacity and a 2-liter reservoir, striking an ideal balance between functionality and convenience. Designed with winter sports in mind, it ensures your gear stays secure while offering easy access, minimizing downtime, and maximizing time on the snow. This compact pack ensures you’re fully prepared for any snowy escapade, whether a day at the resort or an excursion into the sidecountry.

Pine Ridge Vineyards 2021 Black Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon ($75)

What would a week-long ski test be without indulging in a little apres while we ice our knees? Pine Ridge Vineyards' wines, specifically the 2021 Black Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon, offer skiers a taste of luxury and relaxation after a day on the slopes. This wine, hailing from Red Mountain, Washington, pays tribute to the spirit of adventure, named in honor of Pine Ridge Vineyards’ founder, an Olympic downhill skier. Opening the bottle reveals an enticing bouquet, and the wine’s floral fragrance sets the stage for an exhilarating flavor journey. It combines dark chocolate and acai compote with hints of cassis and lavender candy. The wine’s smooth entry leads to an explosion of pomegranate juice and cherry cordial flavors, akin to carving down a mountain. The finish is lifted by mouth-watering acidity and balanced tannins, with hints of cocoa powder and cassis lingering--a perfect apres-ski indulgence.

Goodr Sunglasses The OG ($25)

Goodr Sunglasses are ideal for skiers seeking a blend of style and performance on the slopes. These non-reflective lenses effectively reduce glare, ensuring optimal visibility while navigating the snowy terrain. Designed to fit medium-sized heads comfortably, these sunglasses offer just the right fit. Their customizable frames allow for precise adjustments, accommodating various users. With a sleek design, Goodr’s sunglasses provide essential eye protection and make a fashionable statement. Their motto, “Look good, ski goodr,” encapsulates their commitment to blending style and functionality.

Decked Drawer System ($1,599)

While in Sun Valley, we had the chance to test out the Decked Drawer System. This burly storage solution offers full bed-length drawers and convenient side access pass-throughs to the wheel wells, providing massive and highly customizable storage space.

What truly stands out is the almost zero wasted space, making the most of your truck bed. It’s as if they’ve managed to achieve a 100% increase in the utility of your truck bed--a dream come true for those of us who need to haul skis, sleds, and other gear to the slopes.

But what really sets this system apart is its customization. Decked encourages you to “customize your Drawer System like a boss for just how you use it.” It’s like the perfect pairing of peanut butter and chocolate but for your gear-hauling needs, and we guarantee it will make your winter trips smoother and more organized. Highly recommended for anyone looking to maximize their truck bed storage for winter activities.

Read More About the Best Gear From the 2024 SKI Test

The Best All-Mountain Skis
The Best Powder Skis
The Best Carving Skis

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