2018 Editors’ Choice Awards: Apparel and Accessories

When it comes to buying softgoods, there’s a lot to wade through. But we’ve done the work, choosing the half-dozen best, lightest or warmest in every category, from shells and puffies to packs and avalanche gear. Last winter, we seeded the gear with testers and gathering feedback on what really matters—like fit and functional utility.

And while we’ve reviewed more than 90 jacket, pants, puffies, packs, skins and beacons in the Gear Guide, these are the standout Editors’ Choice softgoods.

Want to see in-depth tester feedback on these products? Buy a copy of the 2018 Gear Guide, packed with reviews of all the Editors’ Choice winners, plus more than 200 other must-have skis, splitboards, boots, bindings, apparel and accessories.


Patagonia Descensionist

$499 – patagonia.com

Bottom Line: “Patagonia crafted another knockout shell, this time a lightweight, moveable, breathable option to handle the elements without that plastic-bag feel.”

Mountain Hardwear StretchDown DS

$340 – mountainhardwear.com

Bottom Line: “Good for those 20-degree mornings where the Everest jacket is unnecessary, but you need something really warm and cozy.” —Rachel Cohen

Available on Amazon

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Scott Backcountry Guide AP 30

$850 – scott-sports.com

Bottom Line: “Scott’s attention to detail shines with a design geared not just toward safety, but also ease of use and comfort.”

Hestra Army Leather Patrol Mitt

$150 – hestragloves.com

Bottom Line: “A trusty mitten for frigid days or a reliable pair to toss in the pack in case of emergency.”

Available on Amazon

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Arc’teryx Rush LT Bibs

$499 arcteryx.com

Bottom Line: “Perfect for resort and backcountry. If you want a pair of bibs, these are hard to beat.” —Cyril Brunner

Julbo Ventilate

$130 julbo.com

Bottom Line: “Though little, it’s a fierce goggle that lives up to its name.”

Available on Amazon

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Outdoor Research Ascendant Hoody

$215 outdoorresearch.com

Bottom Line: “This is a great midlayer that can accommodate many body temps.” —Alix Klein

Available on Amazon

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Colltex Combin Skins

$230 colltex.ch

Bottom Line: “With 100-percent mohair and Colltex’s first silicon adhesive, the Combin offered excellent glide and adhered solidly to skis.”

Mammut Barryvox S

$490 mammut.ch

Bottom Line: “The Barryvox S supersedes Mammut’s well-respected Pulse, with improved signal reception and separation and intuitive graphics to guide the user.”

Available on Amazon

Buy Now »


Comments

  1. I’d say this list is still relevant today. I especially liked the Colltex skins, I still use those when I can.

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