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Super Puff
Forget the Tropics
There are few activities where being uncomfortable is a benefit. And the trouble with cold weather is that it can be really uncomfortable. If you don't have to worry about numb fingers, frostbit toes or ice-cubed ears, making the move from indoors to out will be easier. Here's a list of the best over-the-top big, puffy jackets, toasty boots, warm mitts and all-around great gear that won't have you missing the tropics!
RAB WOMEN'S ASCENT JACKET
Puffy isn't at the top of every women's fashion guide, but Rab has rewritten the rules. Cut to fit a women's body, with a nice, tapered fit that shows more form than most down coats, the Ascent is Eskimo warm and marshmallow soft. The 330g down fill power 650 jacket is also surprisingly light, with a bomber Pertex Endurance 50D shell that's waterproof in all-but-monsoon conditions. The stitch-through baffle construction keeps down in place, even when the jacket's crammed into the handy football-sized stuff sack. Pockets and collar are lined with a soft, synthetic and moisture-wicking fleece. The removable hood has a stiffening wire on the brim to contour to your helmet. $199.99; us.rab.uk.com
MOON SHADOW TOM TOM HAT
From a Montreal-based company that knows winter like Hawaii knows sunshine, there's nothing as comfortable, soft or fashionable as Moon Shadow's new Tom Tom hat. The parent company, Chaos, makes hats for Olympic contenders, but for the rest of us, the Tom Tom is all about puff, with a thick hand-knit warmth that's like snuggling up with a fuzzy baby bear cub. The yarn is a wool and acrylic blend, knit into a festive snowflake pattern. It's hard not to fall in love with the long, furry sherpa lining and big pom pom crest. I love this hat! $38-$42; chaoshats.com
PATAGONIA R2 JACKET
Made from recycled polyester, the R2 Jacket is unbelievably warm, super-light, and unbeatably comfortable. The Polartec Thermal Pro fabric has one of the highest warmth-to-weight ratios available - plus it has outstanding breathability. The cuffs and collar have mink-soft Polartec Power Dry so they wick moisture and don't itch! The jacket has a relaxed, athletic fit, so it can be worn as a midlayer under a shell, or as a stand-alone piece. The coat is entirely recyclable through Patagonia's Common Threads program. $175; patagonia.com
TIMBERLAND OSLO EXPRESS FAUNA
Heidi would love these boots. One glance and you'll want to want to yodel. Flexible, no-slip soles allow kids to jump, run and climb in rain, snow and slush. The Oslo Express Fauna boots have an Ortholite footbed that provides all-day cushioning and support (plus it's made from recycled materials). The lightweight boots have flexible soles with excellent traction (and they are made of 15 percent recycled rubber). The outer is a soft suede, with fun cross stitching and traditional laces. For easy on and off, there's a zipper on the side. Inside is a warm and fuzzy faux-shearling liner! $60 (toddler), $65 (youth), $70 (junior); timberland.com
STOIC BOMBSHELL INSULATED JACKET
The Stoic Bombshell Jacket is insulated, sleek and moves with you like a dream. Waterproof on the outside, with quilt-like warmth on the inside, the Bombshell is the best of all worlds. Inside is a lightweight synthetic Cirrus insulation with the feel of a down sweater. Outside is a 3-layer waterproof breathable shell, with fully welded, taped seams and slight stretch. The 3-D ergonomic fit has great range of motion, whether you're chopping bollards or waiting for your turn at the top of the Super G. The thumb-holed wrist gaiters ensure a great glove/sleeve seal, and the fully adjustable hood provides protection from the worst of storms. $329; stoicgear.com
HESTRA CZONE GAUNTLET 3-FINGER JR. GLOVE
My 7-year-old twins have already skied more than 30 days this season, including a handful of sub-zero outings. While everyone else (adults included) huddled in the lodge warming digits around a cup of cocoa, my girls were poaching fresh powder thanks to Hestra's Czone Gauntlet 3-Finger Jr. gloves. The ultimate combination of mitten and glove, these insulated toasters are also waterproof. Inside is a bunny-warm, soft polyester glove surrounded by a lobster-claw shaped shell with separate thumb and index finger. The result is warm hands with excellent dexterity, even on the coldest days. Sizes Jr. XS to XL. $50; hestragloves.com
BURTON GIRLS ALLURE PUFFY JACKET
The Powder Puff girls never had it so good. Despite its highly fashionable, adorable, cute and cuddly appearance, the Allure Puffy Jacket is a technical masterpiece. The 2-layer construction combines a hydrophilic coating that's applied directly to the backside of the DWR-finished outer face fabric for waterproof/breathable performance. Inside is a high-loft 550 down fill with strategic ribbing to keep the insulation from shifting. There's also a helmet-compatible hood, an easy-to-use season pass pocket and powder skirt. The attention to detail is amazing; from the soft, velvety chin chamois to the bright, fun, artist's palette design on the lining. Plus, your little ripper won't get cold. $169.95; burton.com
SMARTWOOL PARK-ARTIST CONNECTED SOCK
A well-fitting sock is worth its weight in blister cream. With 100 percent SmartWool yarn (70 percent Merino/30 percent Nylon), the Park-Artist Connected sports a 4-degree fit system, so the sock hugs your feet under the arch, across the instep and around the heel. Plus, it doesn't slip down at the calf. There's an extra layer of thickness in the heel and toe to reduce shock and abrasion, plus extra reinforcement for durability. The graphics are designed by artist Debbie Clapper and provide a sense of individuality, even when you're bundled up for wicked weather. $26.95; smartwool.com
OUTLAST IN-BALANCE BLANKET
Get the same performance as astronauts (in the comfort of your own bed). Outlast technology was inducted into The Space Hall of Fame in 1983; since then, it's been made available to the general public as insulation in jackets, boots and gloves. The smart technology helps to buffer temperature swings by constantly storing, releasing and absorbing excess body heat. While the material is a boon to anyone who ventures outdoors, it is particularly beneficial in a sleeping environment. The Outlast In-Balance Blanket has proven to be a year-round performance asset that keeps you warm in the winter, and cool in the summer. The cover's a 300-thread-count 100-percent cotton Sateen. Inside is Outlast Gold Certified material that's hypoallergenic and machine washable. $118.99 to $132; selectcomfort.comPost a comment
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