With so much to choose from these days, putting a functional outerwear kit together can be quite the challenge. Having done this for almost 20 years now, and with the extreme privilege of getting try new gear every season, I’ve found there is definitely a method that will both save you time and money. What I speak of basically consists of finding layers that works together as opposed to against each other.
If you are the kind of rider who knows that investing in quality stuff will enhance your overall experience then surely, you know about The North Face. Innovators in outdoor apparel for over 50 years, they consistently put out insane products year after year. The thing with The North Face is that yes, it’s functional and yes, it does have cool features, good colors and is windproof and waterproof as hell, but what I really respect is that it lasts forever. When you invest in technical equipment you should have the assurance that it will hold up for multiple seasons and the bottom line is that TNF delivers.
Ok then, the point of this whole thing is that when you go from the ground up with a system that is designed to work together you serve a few purposes. One, you eliminate the layer game in the morning, thus half of the gear you think you need. And two, a solid kit will work in all conditions simply because it is so versatile. That means you will be good on both the sub-zero lift ride in the morning as well as later in the day when you are hiking the sidecountry in the blasting sun.
So here it is, our favorite powder/backcountry kit from The North Face.
Fuse Brigandine Jacket
Designed with Fuseform® construction, a design that targets areas where abrasion is likely by beefing up the fabric with a texture more apt to take consistent abuse is the first thing we noticed in the Fuse Brigandine Jacket. They do this around the shoulders where your pack sits and under your arms and side-body where carrying a board inevitably rubs sharp edges from time to time. Waterproof, breathable with fully sealed seams as well as Aquaguard protected zippers all do their part to ensure that you stay dry inside as well as out. The ample underarm venting is also a key feature for those who know that energy wasted overheating on the trail is ultimately energy lost when it comes to the fun part — riding down. Helmet compatible hood, media, goggle and pass pocket (to name a few) round out the ultimate jacket for any and all serious snowboard missions.
$499.99
Check out the Fuse Brigandine Jacket in our Online Buyer’s Guide.
Thermoball Snow Hoodie
With any mid-layer what you are looking for is warmth, as this is basically your main insulator, and the Thermoball™ Snow Hoodie delivers in spades. Powered by Primaloft insulation, the secret to this jacket’s superior warmth are the little nuggets of round, synthetic Thermoball™ clusters that lie within the quilted nylon fabric. This alternative to down is a breakthrough tech that TNF features in it’s top of the line insulators as it is ultra-lightweight as well as water resistant. The clean style of this layer can also double as an go-to after riding jacket.
$199.99
Check out the Thermoball™ Snow Hoodie in our Online Buyer’s Guide.
Fuse Brigandine Pant
Again, the Fuseform® fabric targeted in the knees provide lasting durability in a pair of pants that are clean and simple. I also really liked the overall thicker feel of the fabric throughout. No matter how waterproof and breathable a material is, when it’s less than paper thin it is prone to tears, especially on pants. Other than that, these are just the no nonsense bottoms that you’d hope everyone would make. They have a easy to use jacket-to-pant interface to keep the snow out, key pockets and a fit that neither classifies you as high-water, tight thigh climber guy or thugged up, ass hanging out mountain gangster.
$399.99
Check out the Fuse Brigandine Pant in our Online Buyer’s Guide.
Warm Longsleeve / Warm Tights
Simple name, simple function, the Warm Longsleeve and Tights are remarkable base layers for intensive cold weather activities, like, say snowboarding, or better yet, hiking up a ridge line to get at freshies. Constructed with super soft, super stretchy polyester material that insulates when warmth is called for and at the same time wicks sweat away from the skin, this slim fit first layer is meant to be worn close to the skin as your first line of defense.
$50.00 each
Check out the Warm Long-Sleeve Crew and Warm Tights in our Online Buyer’s Guide.
Check out The North Face’s full snowboarding line on its website.
Watch The North Face gear in the field with Lucas Debari and his epic project, Mica to Greenland
