Gear: Snowshoes and Layering Systems

Snowshoes

There’s no better—or easier—way to explore the snowy landscape in winter than on snowshoes. It doesn’t require much gear; basically warm layers of clothing, sturdy footwear, a pair of snowshoes, and you’re good to go. Here we highlight a number of lightweight models designed for trail walking and light backcountry exploration to get you off the beaten path.

If you’re thinking about snowshoeing into a hut or snow camping with a loaded pack on your back, you should look into larger, more backcountry-oriented snowshoes that will keep you afloat on the snow with the added weight.

Kahtoola Mtn 24 ($279; kahtoola.com) You get a two-in-one deal with the Mtn 24—snowshoes plus trail crampons. The boot-mounted Eight-Point Trail Crampons adjust to fit most footwear and are best worn on icy patches or where snow is hard packed. When snow gets deeper, just grab the snowshoes from your pack and click in to the SKYHOOK step-in bindings. No need to adjust any straps. The full set-up weighs in at 3 lbs. 15 oz.

Redfeather Hike ($134.95; kit $184.95; redfeather.com) These snowshoe frames weigh just three pounds per pair and are designed for a woman’s narrow stride, with stainless steel crampons on bottom in both the front and rear for stability. The binding has a heel plate that molds around both the toe and heel for added lateral support, and straps are easy to adjust with just one tug. This style is available in a kit with the pair of Hike snowshoes, a carrying bag, and Redfeather’s three-section poles with snow baskets.

MSR Women’s Lightning Flash ($199.95; cascadedesigns.com) If you’re just getting into snowshoeing, the Lightning Flash will keep you confident on the snow. Designed for a woman’s narrow gait, they have 360 degrees of traction around the bottom, plus crampons under the feet for added grip. Weighing in at a mere three pounds per pair, these lightweight snow walkers feature easy-to-adjust Speedlock bindings.

Atlas Elektra 10 Series ($199.95; atlassnowshoe.com) A snowy winter trail walk is just what these snowshoes are designed for. The easy-to-use Wrapp Comfort bindings tighten with a single yank and have insulated padding to ease discomfort at pressure points on your feet. The snowshoe frames are ergonomically designed for a woman’s stride (e.g., for wider hips than men), and have a steel toe crampon and spiky Traverse Trac rails for control on both the flats as well as the ups and downs. A pair weighs in at just over 3.5 pounds.

Crescent Moon Gold 15 ($259; crescentmoonsnowshoes.com) Weighing in at just over four pounds per pair, the women’s Gold 15 snowshoes are best on snowy, backcountry trails. Their exaggerated teardrop shape and three-claw system make it easy to walk with a natural stride and feel stable in the deepest of snow. The SPL (single-pull-loop) binding is simple to use and won Crescent Moon a nomination for an innovation award.

Courtesy of Tubbs Snowshoes

Tubbs Women’s Wilderness ($199.95; tubbssnowshoes.com) Great for day hiking, the Wilderness has a specially designed rounded, upturned tail that allows the frame to mimic your natural stride from heel to toe. The result is less pounding on the body and less “slap” when the snowshoe hits the ground on each step. Weighing in at just under four pounds a pair, these also feature steel and carbon crampons under the toes and midfoot for great grip, and custom-fit bindings that are sized for a woman’s boot.

Footwear

You’ve got your snowshoes, maybe some poles, and your layers of clothing from head to toe. But what should you wear on your feet? Hiking boots are always a good option, particularly if you’re concerned about ankle stability. But if you don’t like the weight, you can always wear a low hiker or trail running shoe with gaiters to keep the snow off your ankles. It’s a plus if your shoes are lined with GORE-TEX for added protection from the wet stuff.

Crescent Moon (crescentmoon snowshoes.com) makes some lightweight neoprene Snow Booties ($50) that fit right over your running shoes or hiking boots and provide warmth and water resistance. Available in two sizes.

Stay Stable With Poles

On backcountry snowshoe hikes, poles can help you keep your balance and stability. Lucky for us snowshoe gals, LEKI has created a women-specific backcountry pole called the Aergonlite 2 Crystal ($159; leki.com). The grips are 15 percent smaller than other LEKI grips, and the poles are a bit shorter in length (94–140 cm). They are easy to adjust with the new SpeedLock locking system that flips open and closed, and come with interchangeable baskets for packed or deep snow.

Layering

Performance matters. And a strategic layering system is just as important as your skis or board, or skates or snowshoes, when it comes to a fun day in the snow. We put together two ideal layering systems—one for your downhill resort days and another for your more active backcountry pursuits.

Level 1, Less Active

Staying warm while sitting on the chairlift before jumping off and zipping down the slopes is about more than donning the puffiest jacket. These layers will insulate and protect from blowing wind and dumping snow to keep you toasty—and happy.

Moving Comfort Chill Out ($42; movingcom- fort.com) The weather outside is frightful but the Thermo°Cool inside your bra is delightful, as it helps optimize your body temperature and wick moisture to keep “your girls” warm and dry.

Baselayer: SmartWool W’s NTS Microweight Zip T ($75; smartwool.com) Short for Next-to-Skin, NTS indicates the barely-there, wicking Merino baselayer to be paired with mid and outer layers to keep you cozy on the hill and in the lodge.

Baselayer: Patagonia Merino 3 Bottoms ($85; patagonia.com) A blend of 80% merino wool and 20% recycled polyester in these long johns pulls moisture away from your skin and wicks it away.

Helly Hansen Warm Ski Buff ($30; hellyhansen.com) Under your helmet, opt for a Buff made with insulating Warm Fibre Technology. The inner layer keeps you dry, while the outer layer adds warmth.

Marmot Wm’s Access Glove ($135; marmot.com) A leather glove that allows maximum dexterity, breathability, insulation, moisture management, and protection in the most severe weather conditions ensures your fingers will stay happy on the chilliest of days.

Darn Tough Over-the-Calf Padded Cushion Ski Sock ($23; darntough.com) The cushion in this sock (also available in a lightweight version) relieves pressure on your shin when you’re skiing in tight, shell-fit boots.

Après accessory: Sherpa Adventure Hima Hat ($45; sherpaadventuregear.com) In addition to looking cute as a button, you’ll stay comfy in a wide range of wintery conditions in this Sherpa-designed 100% pashmina hat.

Midlayer: First Ascent Downlight Hoodie ($199; firstascent.com) No matter how hard you ski or ride, this ultra-light 800-fill goose down jacket’s windproof, water-repellent, breathable shell with its helmet-compatible hood won’t wear out or—at 11.2 ounces—weigh you down. Wear it alone on bluebird days or pair with a shell when it’s wet outside.

Level 2, Very Active

Whether Nordic skiing from a local trailhead, telemark skiing in the sidecountry, or snowshoeing and splitboarding in the backcountry, you’ll need layers that wick and vent to keep you warm and dry.

Outer Shell: Outdoor Research Backbowl Jacket ($265; outdoorresearch.com) Part of OR’s new Sidecountry Line, the Backbowl’s waterproof and breathable shell offers extreme weather protection, chest-to-hip zippers for ventilation, and a zip-off hood.

Outer Layer: Mountain Hardwear Quasar Pant ($300; mountainhardwear.com) Mountain Hardwear’s own Dry. Q Elite fabric instills waterproof, breathable properties in an ultra-light but durable shell with full-zip ventilation for warm days.

Icebreaker Rush Bra ($50; icebreaker.com) Merino and Lycra combine in this ultra-supportive, scoop neck, racer-back brassiere for luxurious warmth and just the boost you need during winter workouts.

Baselayer: Terramar Diagonal Stripe Spandex Scoop ($25; hot-totties.com) Terramar’s HotTotties collection, made for and designed by women, follows a layering system called Climasense that’s based on level of activity. This is the lightest layer in the collection.

Baselayer: Ibex Woolies Bottom ($60; ibex.com) Flatlock seams and New Zealand merino combine in a lightweight leg liner to keep active buns warm.

GORE Windstopper Storm Buff ($36; buffusa.com) Cinch up this convertible accessory over your head or loosen it up and sport it around your neck. The GORE-TEX outer layer blocks out the elements, while the colorful inner layer feels silky soft.

Rab Women’s Meco 165 glove ($20; rab.uk.com) This quick-drying glove doubles as a liner when it’s too chilly to wear it as an outer glove. Blended merino and polyester yarn keeps the stink of sweat away.

FITS Ultra-Light Ski ($20; fitssock.com) For minimalists and athletes, these socks boast a toe box to better fit the curve of your feet, feature strategically placed seams to eliminate chafing, include vents for breathability, and are spun from super fine merino wool that naturally regulates temperature.

Midlayer: Salomon Minim Down Vest ($160; salomon.com) Consider this light, packable down vest your essential insulating layer—with a bonus wind-blocking shell for solo use on sunny days.

Outer Shell: Sierra Designs Savage Jacket ($189; sierradesigns.com) Strategically placed polyester fur and fleece in this technical softshell cools non-insulated areas during high exertion activities, but retains heat when you stop to rest.

Outerlayer: The North Face Skinster Pant ($199; thenorthface.com) These only look like a snowbunny’s pants. Fully seam-sealed waterproof, breathable fabric, plus inner thigh vents and a grippy gaiter combine in a shell that includes a Recco avalanche rescue reflector for peace of mind on steeper slopes.