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THE GREAT OUTDOORS — While skiing and snowboarding are often considered Utah's marquee winter sports, there are many other ways to enjoy the snow. And whether you love to go snowshoeing, ice climbing or snowmobiling, it's important to have the right gear.
The best winter products are reliable in cold temperatures, easy to use and are versatile enough to perform in varying conditions. This review looks at three products for three different winter sports. Check them out to see if one of them might be a good fit for your next adventure.
Voilé Ski Straps ================
GRADE: A
PRICE: $6
These legendary straps are perfect for holding your cross-country skis in place while you're in transit. They're basically designed like a small belt, and depending on which size you get, they can measure up to 39 inches. Made from polyurethane and a hardened aluminum, they can take quite a beating. Plus, they're backed up by a lifetime warranty.
Like most top-flight products. the Voilé Strap can be used for many purposes. Possible uses include compressing a camp pad, securing gear to your pack or keeping your pant cuffs out of your bike chain. While these straps are made right here in Salt Lake City, they're beloved by adventurers worldwide.
L.L. Bean Women's Winter Walker Snowshoe Set ============================================GRADE: A
PRICE: $159
There's nothing quite like the solitude that comes while snowshoeing. Once you're off the beaten path and stop crunching along in the snow, the silence can be incredible. And with ragged terrain covered in a smooth carpet of snow, you can often traverse areas that would be treacherous on a summer day.
The Winter Walker snowshoe set from L.L. Bean is a great option for beginners and veterans alike. The snowshoes are lightweight and have a tapered shape, making them easier to use than a lot of others in this price range. And while they're designed to give you a natural stride, the crampons still produce impressive traction.
As for durability, these snowshoes are definitely above average. They have a 6,000-grade anodized aluminum frame and rugged decking, which helps them withstand the abuse of intense treks.
Also included in this set is a pair of collapsible aluminum poles and a convenient bag that can hold all your gear.
686 X Specialized 3L Tech Jacket and Bib ========================================
GRADE: A
PRICE: Varies by retailer
Fatbikes allow you to take on snow and rugged winter terrain in a way that would never be possible on a standard bicycle. But powering those huge tires takes a lot of effort, making the sport dramatically different from other forms of mountain biking.
To provide fatbike riders with gear that specifically meets their needs, Specialized has partnered with apparel company 686 to produce a line of custom fatbike clothing. The 3L Tech jacket and bib represent the top end of this new category.
First off, the jacket and bib are waterproof. They feature a three-layer woven shell fabric, fully-taped seams and water-resistant zippers to seal off the usual culprits of water infiltration. The jacket also has an adjustable hood with a nifty rain visor.
Second, the 3L Tech jacket and bib are incredibly breathable. The term "breathable" gets thrown around pretty recklessly these days, but these products actually deserve the title. They feel extremely light and unobtrusive on our body, making their foul-weather capabilities all the more impressive.
Additional features include RECCO Advanced Avalanche Rescue Technology, a custom leg gusset for increased movement and reflective cuff tabs and trims. While these features are intended specifically for fatbike riders, the comfort and resiliency of the 3L Tech jacket and bib make them ideal for other snow adventurers like snowmobilers and snowboarders.
What are your favorite winter gear products? Let us know in the comments.
Grant Olsen joined the KSL.com contributor team in 2012. He covers outdoor adventures, travel, product reviews and other interesting things. He is also the author of the book "Rhino Trouble." You can contact him at grantorrin@gmail.com.
