Better gear.Better dayson snow.
Buying guides and reviews for skis, snowboards, boots, bindings, helmets, goggles and outerwear, with sizing, flex and waterproof ratings explained clearly.
Gear up for the mountain
Start with ski or snowboard, then match length, flex and fit to your height, weight and ability.
Size it right
Compare 2-layer and 3-layer ski shell construction, lining and layering, then check insulation, seams and weather features on the exact jacket.
Define the avalanche transceiver, rescue probe and shovel, what each tool does, and what gear does not replace for backcountry travel.
Compare BOA, traditional lace and quick-pull snowboard boot closures by adjustment, speed and fit, then check the boot's binding compatibility.
- 04
Cylindrical vs Spherical Ski Goggle Lenses
Lens shape
- 05
Fixed vs Adjustable Ski Touring Poles
Touring poles
- 06
How to Layer for Skiing: Base, Mid and Shell Explained
Layering
- 07
Insulated vs Shell Ski Jackets: Which Should You Buy?
Outerwear
- 08
Kids' Ski Gear Checklist: What to Rent, Fit and Pack
Family gear
- 09
Merino vs Synthetic Ski Base Layers
Base layers
Snow Sports Gear questions, answered
What is the difference between 2-layer and 3-layer ski shells?
GORE-TEX describes 2-layer construction as an outer textile and membrane, and 3-layer as an outer textile, membrane and lining textile. Garment details vary by model.
Read: 2-Layer vs 3-Layer Ski Shells →What are the three essential pieces of avalanche gear?
Avalanche Canada lists a transceiver, probe and shovel for every person in a backcountry party traveling in avalanche terrain.
Read: Avalanche Gear Basics →Are BOA or lace snowboard boots better?
Choose by fit and how you want to adjust the boot. Traditional laces allow manual tension by area; BOA provides dial-based adjustment, with the number of zones depending on the model.
Read: BOA vs Laces →What is the difference between cylindrical and spherical goggle lenses?
Cylindrical lenses curve horizontally and stay flat vertically. Spherical lenses curve both horizontally and vertically.
Read: Cylindrical vs Spherical Ski Goggle Lenses →Are adjustable poles better for ski touring?
They can be useful when you want to change pole length for terrain or transport. LEKI also describes fixed-length models as usually lighter, so compare the needs of your route and exact pole.
Read: Fixed vs Adjustable Ski Touring Poles →What should I wear under a ski jacket?
A moisture-wicking base layer and a fleece or light insulated mid layer, adjusted to the temperature.
Read: How to Layer for Skiing →Clear answers about snow gear
Every recommendation starts with your height, weight, ability and terrain, using the manufacturer's own size charts.
Each review says who the gear suits, who should look elsewhere, and what to know before you buy. No filler, no hedging.
Brands cannot buy a review or a spot on a list. Partner codes save you money; they never decide what we recommend.
Prices are dated, codes are updated across the site at once, and pages are revised when a product or rule changes.
The snow sports gear index
- 01SkiAll-mountain, carving, powder and freestyle skis, ski boots, bindings and poles.11 pages
- 02SnowboardAll-mountain, freestyle and powder snowboards, boots and bindings.6 pages
- 03Helmets & gogglesSki and snowboard helmets, goggles and lens tints.6 pages
- 04Outerwear & layersSki jackets, pants, base layers, mid layers, gloves and socks.7 pages