Everything to pack for your snow trip (besides your actual skis)
Updated
9Product Reviews
Visiting the snow is a masterclass in packing, especially if you're bringing your own gear. While most snow-centric towns have equipment for rent, it's comforting to know you're bringing clothes no one else has worn. Plus, you need much more than just the jacket and pants; base layers, boots, socks, gloves, and goggles are also essential.
While we're here to help you navigate buying your first snowsuit, we're steering clear of skis, snowboards and helmets for now. These should be properly fitted by a professional.
However, we've got a range of great gear that'll make you a standout on the slopes.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
Snow jackets
Roxy Women's Chloe Kim Parka Snow Jacket
9Product Reviews
This panelled jacket from Roxy has all the trimmings you need for a good snow jacket. It's water-repellent, with Roxy Hydrosmart technology integrated into the collar. It's also effectively insulated with 100 per cent recycled fill, and lined with polyester taffeta.
Other features include a jacket-to-pants attachment system, internal pockets for your phone and goggles, a sleeve pocket for your lift pass, mesh-lined venting to the underarms, a key clip and a lens cleaner.
Helly Hansen Garibaldi 2.0 Jacket
9Product Reviews
With a range of features to keep you comfortable, mobile and safe on the slopes, this Helly Hansen snow jacket is a worthy investment. It features a breathable membrane that's water- and wind-proof, along with a layer of insulation for added warmth. However, you'll be spared overheating by the H2Flow ventilation system. Articulated sleeves help you to feel unrestricted as you move, and the adjustable hood can make room to fit a helmet underneath.
The jacket also features a LifePocket+, a brand-engineered pocket that stays three times warmer than traditional jackets, designed to keep the chill from draining your phone battery.
The North Face Women's Namak Insulated Jacket
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This powder-blue jacket from The North Face will keep you visible on the slopes and nice and dry while you traverse them. Made from mostly recycled materials, it's been waterproofed with a durable water-repellent finish. It also has a synthetic insulation to keep you warm while on the move. For added breathability, it features two underarm vents that are accessible with zips.
It features four pockets on the front, adjustable cuffs to keep out the cold, and a cinch-cord on the hem that'll also help lock in warmth.
Quiksilver Men's High Altitude Gore-Tex Snow Jacket
9Product Reviews
Classic adventure-gear brand Quiksilver have a range of great snow gear, including the Men's High Altitude Gore-Tex Snow Jacket. With a Gore-Tex technology outer, this jacket is waterproof with WarmFlightx1 technology keeping it lightweight and breathable. It has a relaxed fit that'll offer range of movement on the slopes, a roomy mesh pocket for your goggles, and an adjustable hood that can fit your helmet. You can also pack your essentials with a sleeve pass pocket, two handwarmer pockets and another internal pocket for your phone.
Snow pants
Helly Hansen Garibaldi 2.0 Pants
9Product Reviews
Inspired by insights from ski professionals, these pants are engineered for total freedom of movement and durability. They feature the brand's Helly Tech Professional fabric construction with reinforcements, making them waterproof and windproof. For breathability, they feature back thigh zips for releasing excess heat. They also come with adjustable suspenders and have an adjustable waist to help ensure a perfect fit.
Roxy Women's Chloe Kim Snow Pants
9Product Reviews
Featuring a relaxed fit, these snow pants incorporate 15K Roxy DryFlight technology for waterproofing, plus a durable water repellency treatment for added measure. They're insulated with 70 per cent recycled materials, and feature a jacket-to-pants attachment system, pockets on the front and back, leg vents with mesh lining and hem gaiters for adjusting over your boots.
Helly Hansen Ridge Infinity Bib Shell
9Product Reviews
We've also found a bib option for those who prefer it. While snow pants fasten at the waist, snow bibs feature an overall-style design that keeps out snow and provides warmth to the torso. The Ridge Infinity Bib Shell from Helly Hansen features adjustable suspenders, plenty of pockets for your phone and other gear, and attached snow gaiters to keep the snow out of your boots. It's engineered for performance, featuring LIFA Infinity technology that offers durable weather protection in case the weather turns on the slopes.
The North Face Women's Lenado Pants
9Product Reviews
These slim-fit pants offer a fashionable, high-waist design that's also functional for the slopes. They feature Heatseeker Advanced insulation, which is warming without adding too much weight to the piece. Stretch lining provides comfort to the knees and seat when moving on the snow, while an articulated design around the knee allows room for movement. Finally, hem gaiters feature gripper elastic that'll keep any snow from creeping into your boots.
Snow boots
Snow boots are the shoes you'll wear for the in-between. You'll need a pair to wear to and from the ski field, and in the café or pub when your skiing or snowboarding boots are beginning to hurt your tired feet. A good pair should be relatively affordable, as they just need to keep your feet warm, dry, and protected, while also providing enough traction for walking on the snow.
Quechua Men's Waterproof Snow Hiking Boots
9Product Reviews
Quechua Women's Waterproof Snow Hiking Shoes
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Gilkuo Men's Winter Snow Boots
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Ugg Express Australian Shepherd Women Lace-Up Snow Boots
9Product Reviews
Goggles
When it comes to snow goggles, you'll want to choose a pair that suits your specific needs. We suggest something that isn't too heavy, that won't slide down your face, with an adjustable strap and plenty of protection for your eyes.
However, if you're relatively new to snow visits and not quite ready to invest in one of these pairs, you can also stick to wearing sunglasses for the first few days.
Oakley Target Line S Snow Goggles
9Product Reviews
Roxy Women's Storm Snowboard/Ski Goggles
9Product Reviews
Carve Summit Snow Goggles
9Product Reviews
Base layers
Base layers also don't have to cost the earth, but if you want to be well-insulated for the freezing temperatures, it's worth investing in quality materials. These can be reused on any winter adventure or worn as part of your wardrobe rotation if you tend to run extra cold, so the cost-per-wear will diminish.
Kathmandu Men's K-Merino Layers
9Product Reviews
Kathmandu Women's KMDMerino Base Layers
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READ MORE: Finally, gumboots you'll actually want to wear (wet or not)
Accessories
While good snow boots will insulate your feet, you'll want to pair them with thick socks for extra help. We've also thrown in some glove suggestions to keep your hands warm, too.
Aimall Thermal Ski Socks
9Product Reviews
Wedze Adult Ski and Snowboard Socks
9Product Reviews
Dents 3M Thinsulate Lined Touchscreen Knit Gloves
9Product Reviews
Helly Hansen ULLR D 3 Fingers Gloves
9Product Reviews
READ MORE: The It girl jacket you'll be seeing everywhere this winter