Winter Sports & Apparel Buyer's Guide

Sierra, Sept, 2000 by Roy M. Wallack

Innovative gear to help you conquer the cold

Bears hibernate. Humans respirate. Ventilate. Innovate. As you've probably noticed, outdoor-loving people don't slow down in the fall and winter anymore. They just head outside with new gear--gear that seems to get more amazing year after year. In this guide, you'll see super-carving skis made with the world's first built-in bindings; snowshoes with ultra-convenient step-in bindings; and newfangled waterproof/breathable jackets that are 30% more breathable than their predecessors.

footwear

1. N.E.O.S.

Navigator Overshoes $90

New England Overshoe makes "performance over-shoes," which are galoshes with traction soles that fit over sneakers, sandals, wing tips, or other shoes for waterproof use on street and trail. Its top-end model, the Navigator, conquers snow with a massive-lugged Vibram sole and 13-in.-high ankles. It swallows your foot with a huge Velcro opening in the middle and cinches it tight with an ankle strap. Another new model, the $85 Blazer, has a 20-in. ankle for more extreme hiking and water crossings. N.E.O.S' line begins at $55. 800-335-0184; overshoe.com

2. KAMIK

Courage Boots $90

This handsome, bargain leather boot is not only waterproof, but is loaded with impressive technology for the money. It has Thinsulate microfiber for warmth without bulk, a DryResponse Drynamic moisture management system to wick interior perspiration away, a deeply lugged traction sole, and all-metal lace hardware for secure fit. 800-341-3950; kamik.com

3. TIMBERLAND

Dry Snow Boots $160

These 8-in.-high, waterproof boors are ideal for winter camping, hiking, and snowshoeing in temperatures down to -40 degrees. They feature Polartec fleece for lightweight warmth, and a ComforTemp climate-control footbed, which works like a thermostat to keep your foot cool when it's warm outside and warm when it's cool. A similar Dry Snow with a 6-in. ankle and a range to -30 degrees is $145. 800-445-5545; timberland.com

snow sports

4. SHERPA

Mountain Snow Shoes $259

The Mountain, Sherpa's top-of-the-line model, is improved this year with a new, one-piece, step-in binding. Just step in, push down, and you're in without any tightening--just like a ski boot. Other standout features on the aluminum-frame model include a 5-section lacing system (so if one fails, the shoe won't fall apart), a super-thick, PVC-coated, 10 denier nylon deck--which Sherpa claims is the market's strongest, most tear-impervious material--and a reinforced hinge system to maintain the deck's tautness. 800-621-2277; sherpasnowshoes.com

5. KARHU USA

Escape Cross-Country Skis $135

The Escape is a uniquely versatile "all-terrain" ski that all-around athletes will love. It can be used for telemark, backcountry touring, and downhill, and is not wedded to tracks because it is shorter, wider, and more stable than traditional cross-country skis. Key to its powerful glide are two features: an alpine-like "cap" construction, which results in a smoother feel and a more direct transfer of energy to the edges, and OmniTrak, a unique use-specific "Fishscale" gripping base used only by Karhu skis. Directly under the foot, the Fishscales have a sharper angle, deeper cut, and are more closely spaced for maximum grip. For a transition to a smooth ride and efficient glide, the Fishscales become wider and less aggressive in the transition zone, then disappear altogether in the tip and tail 888-288-2668; karhu.com

6. SALOMON

Pilot Skis

$895 (Scream 8) $1195 (Scream 10) Welcome to the revolution--the world's first ski with a built-in (instead of added-on-later) binding. By combining these two historically separate elements, the two Pilot models (Scream 8 for beginners, and the stiffer Scream 10, which has 2 DIN settings for intermediates and experts), offer immediate benefits. According to Salomon, the benefits are enhanced feel, superior control, and effortless, natural turning. Much of the improvement in performance can be credited to a new attachment method. Instead of bolting the binding to the top of the ski, the binding is attached through the middle of the ski from the sides. This eliminates the ski's traditional rigid flat spot, which inhibits flexing. Because the Pilot can fully flex, it contacts more with the snow and turns easier. In five years' time, will all skis be made like this? Stay tuned. 800-225-6850; salomonsports.fr/us/nordicskiing

jackets

7. SOLSTICE

Backpacker Shell $199

With its arm and shoulder areas made of Stretch Microshed, a new ceramic-coated, waterproof/breathable fabric that stretches, the Backpacker is almost as comfortable as a sweatshirt Good for a variety of activities, this two-pocket jacket weighs 23 oz. and wads up into a coffee can. A matching pant, with Stretch Microshed in the seat runs $79.50. 800-878-5733: solsticegear.com

8. LA FUMA

Conway Stretch Cross-Country Ski Jacket $249

This four-season, waterproof shell is not only bargain-priced for a Gore-Tex garment, but will keep you comfortable doing everything from ski touring to mountaineering to backpacking. It gets its mobility and versatility from back and underarm panels made of new Gore-Tex Stretch, which expands both horizontally and vertically. Features include two outer pockets, an inner security pocket, a rollaway hood, Velcro cuffs, and a lower-back drop waist. For winter weather, it also accommodates a variety of La Fuma zip-in vests and fleece jackets. 800-514-4807; lafuma.fr