As with any piece of gear, getting the right equipment will help you perform better and enjoy the experience more. A small investment in time and money can provide you with a new hobby that will enrich your winter days.

PRODUCT REVIEW:

180's Storm Glove is a high performance glove with lots of bells and whistles. A 3 layer wind and waterproof exterior soft shell is meant to keep you dry. Forthe most part, in my review, the layers did their job. This glove has a polyurethane palm patch that gives it grip and durability. It's been great for pole grip. One thing I really like about the glove is how comfortable it is onmy hands. A microfleece liner made to trap heat and wick moisture, is also comfy. The bells and whistles include pockets on the back of the hand for hand warmers or a credit card. Patented Tec Touch pod on the index finger andthumb let you interface with phone or iPod without removing your gloves. I found it works well for larger buttons and functions, but not on smaller ones. Bungee straps for quick attachment or storage are found on both gloves, andvelcro wrist straps make them easy to get on and off. Each glove has an elastic safety leash, and though both gloves clip together, I do wish that they had the type of clip that would allow me to attach them to my jacket or pants.All in all the STORM is a glove that gets it done at a great price.

PRODUCT REVIEW:

The Denali Evo have been the most popular MSR snowshoe for years. This youth snowshoe is just a smaller version made for kids up to 125 lbs. The bindings are easy to handle with gloved hands, but personally I love the durability of them. The shoes have an injection molded fight-deck (shoe itself), so it will stand up to RUGGED use. You can fit changing shoe sizes in the bindings and they will last forever so you have great hand-me-down options. I also like that they have bomber traction so my son is secure on side slopes. Stellar performance as my 9-year-old follows me up steep slopes as well--Great crampon and traction system. Five-Stars here for a Youth snowshoe.

PRODUCT REVIEW:

This snowshoe is one of my favorite snowshoes. The binding is easy to get on an off and it stays snug the entire trip. I also like that it’s easy to use with gloves. The maximum traction provided by the teeth that cover the entire rim of the snowshoe is also helpful on slick terrain. Having bite when you need it lends great comfort. This snowshoe is designed for steep and challenging terrain and as such, the 2008 design added a strap to the binding as a safety measure (just in case you’re in the backcountry and one of the other straps breaks- from my experience this is unlikely). Love this snowshoe. I use it on all terrain.

PRODUCT REVIEW:

My time with the Silencer (two years) has proven the Native claims. For winter sports this pair of glasses has out performed the other styles I’ve set it against. The frame sits away from your face a bit and the venting holes at the top of the frames give the glasses enough ventilation that they stay remarkable clear. I love the interchangeable lense system because some days you just need brighter lenses. It makes this one pair of glasses perfect for any lighting. I have 4 different sets of lenses and I use them all at different times. With purchase, the Silencer comes with an optic gear kit which basically consists of a hard carrying case, a cleansing cloth, sunglass cord, soft case, and 2 lenses. This is a well-made, performance pair of glasses with a price point under $100.

PRODUCT REVIEW:

I used the COMP yesterday because I thought I'd be on a packed trail. Turns out we got lucky and found a foot of powder. The COMP still performed. Definitely waterproof, and with a gator they even handle deeper snow. I like the COMP because it looks great on - it has a sort-of hard-core look to it with the big traction nobs, and the fleece keeps it cozy. GoLite has a unique fitting system where you can add or subtract heel inserts to make the shoe fit your foot. This option means the shoe fits great, keeps you dry, and is light enough that snowshoeing is not a heavy stomp up the mountain. If you're interested in these shoes, grab a pair quick as they are only available until June 2010. Bottom line is that they are an IDEAL shoe for trail snowshoeing and with gators their usability broadens.

PRODUCT REVIEW:

The Patriot is a great snowshoe boot for the times you’ll be venturing into deeper snow. Tall on the leg, but not too tall, it provides great waterproof protection and my feet have stayed wonderfully warm. This boot is rated to 50 below, so even if you’re snowshoeing the Arctic it should do the job. Kamik, an international boot manufacturer, uses OutDry technology, which keeps the boot dry from the outside in. The OutDry technology gives Gore-Tex a run for its money with this waterproof, breathable system. The things I’ve liked best about the boot are the ease at which it goes on and comes off; the warmth, and the waterproof aspect. It just does the job well. The Patriot is made for men and women—the men’s last is, predictably, a little chunkier.

PRODUCT REVIEW:

I’m not taking this review from a highly technical stand point, though I could with the advances put into researching and sock development (odd as that sounds), I’ll just simply tell you why I recommend these socks. The stretch and the support are in all the right places. It makes my foot feel like it’s comfortably supported from toe to heel. The sock breathes well and my foot is always dry or dries quickly when wearing them-- I’ve never had any problem with wet feet while wearing the Adrenaline sock. To me, that seals the deal. It’s comfortable, supportive (you feel spoiled when you put them on), and it performs perfectly.

PRODUCT REVIEW:

Altitude Zip: I have to tell you up front that I love this base layer. IceBreaker makes a quality product - the cut fits comfortably with little extras like the way the bottom edge of the top is rounded in front and dips lower as it wraps to the back. The zippers and seams are quality and I love the extra touches like the thumb holes in the sleeves - perfect for a base layer so you can keep it in place as you're dragging other garments on top of it. The wool is breathable but warm. The zip-up neck has proven helpful in adjusting temperature, which is a real bonus in the base layer, and it's washed up well - no peeling. I heartily recommend Icebreaker's Altitude Zip top - it's become my new favorite.

PRODUCT REVIEW:

My favorite aspects of the leggings deal with the quality. The leggings are well made, the seams are sturdy, the weave is dense enough that it doesn't have that sheer look you sometimes get with base layers, and they are soft and comfortable. The leggings have an elegant silky elastic waistband. Every time I pick them up I feel like I'm treating myself to something nice. Sometimes I wear only these under my hard-shell pants. Two thumbs up for comfort and performance.