Protecting our precious soul-windows from the sun’s damaging rays should be tops on the list for skiers and alpinists. If you like the style, check out the Costa Del Mar Diego.

Elongated grips, we love them for their functionality. We review three telescoping options: the BD Vapor 2, Black Crows Duos Freebrid, and Salomon’s MTN S3.

The realm of hardshell and softshell pieces have fused into the “hardish” shell catgory. Gavin Hess reviews four hardish shell pants for backcountry skiing.

Outdoor Research’s Skytour Ascentshell bibs and jacket offer a weatherproof and breathable kit without significnatly depleting the bank account.

Norrøna Lyngen Gore-Tex Pro pants offer up a 440g weatherproof backcountry ski pant with a modular system for a bib attachment.

Lifestraw’s new Peak Squeeze and Peak Straw bundles small scale water filtration with a big upside for late season ski tours; never getting caught out with non-potable water.