Giro Balance | £130
Giro’s Balance goggles have combined increased peripheral vision and an expanded overall field of view with a compact frame, by using their Expanded View Technology – an innovation which also ensures the goggles aren’t too bulky for wearing or transporting.
Add to this good comfort from triple-layer foam, and the fact that the Balance is designed to fit seamlessly with Giro helmets and the two make a great protective combo for the slopes.
The Balance goggles also feature industry-leading optics with injection moulded, torispherical lenses by Zeiss, and there’s an anti-fog coating and all-round venting to keep the lenses clear in the worst conditions.
VERDICT
Stylish and comfortable with excellent peripheral vision for experiencing the mountain around you to the full.
+ ‘EXV’ technology gives wide, open views
– Not the best for larger faces
Cébé Peak | £80
The Peak goggles are designed for large faces, and come with two interchangeable lenses – a dark rose silver mirror category 3 lens and a yellow flash mirror category 1 lens.
To swap the lens, you swivel the outriggers forward, push out the lens, slot the replacement in, snap the outriggers back into place and off you go; it's quick and easy but you will need to remove your gloves for the somewhat fiddly job.
In addition, the lenses feature a polycarbonate outer lens/Acetate inner lens, which is the best anti-fogging combo, and good peripheral vision, despite the quite wide frame.
Helmet fit is good, and the fleece layer backing the single layer face foam is soft and snug.
VERDICT
Given the excellent price and the versatility of the Cébé Peak they are hard to fault on any level.
+ You get two interchangeable lenses
– Slightly fiddly lens changing
Thule Upslope 35l | £110
A good deal of thought has gone into the design of the Upslope 35, which is solidly constructed with off-piste, gear-laden adventure in mind.
The pack’s outer avy gear compartment keeps your tools apart from dry gear in the generous main compartment, and there are versatile and tough carrying options for skis, boards and mountain tools on the outside.
Big zipped side pockets on the outside of the Upslope are capable of storing a one-litre water bottle each, while inside there's an insulated hydration sleeve. You also get a large goggle pocket with a soft, fleecy lining along with a small mesh zipped inner pocket for wallet, keys and the like.
VERDICT
The Upslope 35 is an excellent, hard-wearing pack that will provide many winters – and summers – of use.
+ Bombproof build, well-designed
– Access to main compartment slightly fiddly.
Gregory Miwok 18 l £65
The Gregory Miwok 18 crams a lot of features and storage options into what is a relatively small package, and for piste skiers or those not venturing too far off piste it’s a good option for carrying all the day-skiing basics. Note, however that it doesn’t have avy gear specific pockets or a ski/board carry facility.
The main compartment has zipper access and doesn’t seem that big at first, but this is offset by a large expandable outer pocket that will hold a helmet, and a separate compartment for a hydration system. There’s also a large zippered top pocket which will easily hold goggles, as well as side pockets on the hip belt.
VERDICT
A well-designed pack with lots of nice and useful design features that will work for summer hikes and bikes too.
+ Lots of features in a small package
– Not backcountry specific
Norrona Tamok l £439 
The Tamok is for freeride and backcountry enthusiasts where the three-layer Gore-tex shell does a fine job of keeping the weather out and ensuring you stay dry and comfortable.
Practical comfort is all here with the Tamok's relatively loose cut giving plenty of freedom of movement, while adjustible ventilation comes via mesh-backed zippered vents on the cargo pockets and up the inside of each leg.
Other details include a zip and ‘snap seal’ powder skirt system which integrates with Norrona jackets, Velcro waist adjusters, snow gaiters, inside reinforcements on the lower leg and Cordura armour around the cuff.
VERDICT
Top quality performance and features for back-country enthusiasts.
+ Well designed with all the essentials
– Lower leg zipper adjustment fiddly
Eider Bormio l £180 
The slimmer, ergonomic fit and insulation of the Bormio immediately mark it out as one for piste lovers, and along with Eider’s two-way stretch ’Defender’ fabric, which is also breathable and waterproof, they do a great job of keeping you warm and comfortable, both on the snow and on long, cold chairlift rides.
They come with removable braces and Velcro waist adjusters (but no belt loops) and a higher back with a snug microfleece inner to keep your lower back warm.
Beneath this are two zippered handwarmer pockets. We liked the pre-shaped knees but were disappointed by the lack of reinforcements around the cuffs and boot gaiters.
VERDICT
A good-looking, good-value, warm, piste ski pant for those who particularly feel the cold.
+ Warm and good value for money
– Not enough pockets; needs scuff guards
Ortovox Piz Boe | £220
A departure from the more usual down or synthetic insulation fills, the Piz Boe midlayer uses a lightweight layer of merino wool stuffed between a
Pertex outer fabric and a soft and supple inner. Elasticated fabric underarm panels provide breathability and freedom of movement, while elastic cuffs and insulated hood add protection from the elements.
The Piz Boe is built for demanding ski tourers, and this design principle is echoed in its low weight of 360g and slim, ergonomic fit. The Swisswool Light Tec merino fill weighs just 60 g/m2 and although down insulates better, merino will still insulate to an extent when wet.
VERDICT
The Piz Boe hits the sweetspot with the warmth and breathability of Merino married to exacting design.
+ Merino, merino everywhere!
– Steep price
Alpkit Filoment l £99
The 650 fill duck down used might not be the most efficient of materials, hence why the jacket it slightly bulkier than more expensive alternatives. But that really is the only niggle we can find with it. Weight averages 325g, which is competitive, and the savviness of the design makes this a much warmer layer than you might assume. The elasticated hem and wrists are perfectly judged, as is the well-insulated neck – removing the need for any adjustment. The cut extends down to the buttocks, which helps keep more of your body warm, while the storage options of two hand pockets and a single chest pocket are very nicely executed.
VERDICT
A superbly designed and warm jacket for the price, which even has a DWR treatment to help keep out damp.
+ Superb price, very effective design
– Slightly bulkier than more expensive options
Arc'teryx Shene l £500
The cut of the Sphene is unapologetically athletic, designed to accommodate a technical mid-layer but not much else underneath the Gore-Tex Pro outer, which worked for us. The e3D Ergonomic patterning could easily be dismissed as technical jargon but try this jacket out and you’ll appreciate the effort that’s gone into its active fit – it’s so good it almost feels like you’re not wearing it.
The hem drops and tapers perfectly to provide a snug but not restrictive fit, and the storm hood has been designed superbly well, allowing enough space for a helmet but also working perfectly well without.
The Gore-Tex Pro fabric is a bit rustly but its breathable wind and waterproof performance is well established.
Pockets and features are minimal but so is the weight at 435g, which compares very favourably with other backcountry jackets.
Our only real gripe with the Sphene is that the zips are only water resistant, although in use the pockets did stay dry.
VERDICT
An incredibly well made and thought out, if expensive, jacket for serious backcountry users.
+ Lightweight without too many compromises
– Zips are only water-resistant
Salomon QST Guard l £300
The Salomon QST Guard has been designed to look like a shell but perform like an insulated jacket thanks to – well, insulation, in the form of 40 gram Primaloft.
This is a pretty good combination as it means the jacket isn’t heavy and bulky but still keeps you warmer than a shell. And, of course, it’s also waterproof, windproof and breathable.
The design has been carefully thought out, starting with the helmet compatible hood, which still works without a lid, and the high collar with its soft microfleece lining.
Pockets include a small zipped lift pass pocket on the left sleeve, one small zipped chest pocket (a bit too small to be much use really), two zipped hand pockets and on the inside of the Guard a big mesh stash pocket which easily holds goggles or a water bottle, plus a small, zipped security pocket.
Velcro adjustable cuffs sit over wrist gaiters, and there are mesh-backed pit zips for ventilation and a fixed powder skirt to stop cold air and snow getting in.
VERDICT
The Salomon QST Guard has all you need in an lightweight, breathable, lightly insulated ski jacket.
+ Extra warmth without weight and bulk
– Chest pocket a bit too small
