LOCATION BASED LAYERING
Whether you are ski touring in the Coastal Mountains of British Columbia or the Western Alps of Europe, proper layering is crucial for regulating body temperature while shielding you from the elements.
The conditions you face differ as you move around the globe in search of fresh powder and new lines. Arc’teryx Product Line Manager, Jonathan Wong has chosen a few key pieces of gear and provides a bit of insight on his approach to layering for ski touring, depending on where your search takes you.
Everyone is different – some people heat up and sweat faster than others so gear choices will vary from person to person. The below info will hopefully give you a starting-off point when researching new gear or sorting through your gear closet while packing for your next mission.
Next month we’ll be highlighting women’s ski touring gear. Stay tuned.
COAST MOUNTAINS – NORTH AMERICA
STIKINE JACKET
The Stikine is an insulated hardshell perfect for stormy conditions with a 2L GORE-TEX® outer and DWR treated Thermatek™ insulation that keeps you dry and warm. Very weight efficient and packable, the Stikine is great for descents and rest stops. Insulation and weather protection all in one, providing hardshell protection in inclement weather during descents, transitions and lunch stops.
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STRYKA HOODY
The Stryka is a soft, versatile piece that doubles as a light sweater in mountain huts and lodges. The weight of the fabric allows this piece to perform well as a baselayer or light midlayer. The Stryka has a balaclava style hood with no neck gap that provides face protection and warmth during stormy conditions.
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PROCLINE HYBRID HOODY
The Procline Hybrid Hoody is a protective, versatile, midlayer with good thermal management for the skin track up and rapid transitions into descent mode. Great comfort and feel with good packability.
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PHASE AR
Great for high output activities in cooler conditions.
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PHASE SL
Designed for high output activities during ‘warmer’ conditions.
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LITHIC COMP
The Lithic Comp pant uses a composite build to provide a broad range of comfort in a variety of weather conditions. The N70p 3L GORE® Fabric Technology provides wind and snow protection while the Trusaro™ fabric provides comfort and thermal management. The large dump pockets are quick and efficient for easily storing items during rapid transitions while touring. The Lithic Comp pant is versatile and covers a number of situations that would otherwise require a full GORE-TEX® pant or softshell.
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CLASSIC HAUTE ROUTE – WESTERN ALPS
ALPHA FL
Super lightweight and packable weather protection. The FL is highly breathable and waterproof using N40p-X 3L GORE-TEX® Pro. This is a great jacket to have in your alpine pack at all times.
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NUCLEI FL
Weighing in at 280g’s the Nuclei FL offers lightweight thermal protection during transitions and lunch stops while touring mountain terrain.
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PHASE SL ZIP
This technical baselayer with a zip neck allows for great ventilation in warmer conditions. The fabric is lightweight with a comfortable next-of-skin feel making it ideal for sunny ski touring in the spring.
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PSIPHON SL PULLOVER
Lightweight, breathable wind and snow protection ideal for skinning uphill in a variety of conditions. Great versatility makes it easy to bring along on any mission.
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PHASE AR
Great for high output activities in cooler conditions.
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PHASE SL
Designed for high output activities during ‘warmer’ conditions.
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LITHIC COMP
The Lithic Comp pant uses a composite build to provide a broad range of comfort in a variety of weather conditions. The N70p 3L GORE® Fabric Technology provides wind and snow protection while the Trusaro™ fabric provides comfort and thermal management. The large dump pockets are quick and efficient for easily storing items during rapid transitions while touring. The Lithic Comp pant is versatile and covers a number of situations that would otherwise require a full GORE-TEX® pant or softshell.
MORE INFO