Reddit mentions: The best snow skiing equipment

It really depends on what you are doing. You say "Not planning on doing any super athletic or intensive activities"... does that mean mostly running from the house to the car, or walking from the car to the shopping mall? Out walking the dog? Or spending 3+ hours watching a football game outdoors?

If it's near freezing, I'll generally wear a heavy softshell and mid weight fleece (and good hat). Below that I'll switch to a hard shell and fleece. This is generally fine as long as I'm moving around... if I'm standing still waiting to get in line for a show, they can be too cold.

If I expect to be out for more than 15 minutes, if there's a big wind chill, I'll throw on a long sleeved thermal shirt and maybe add another light layer. Again, good if I'm walking around.

I have a cheap TNF Nuptse 700 fill down jacket that I wear if it's really cold, if I'm making a quick trip to the store and don't want to bother layering, if I expect to be out sitting in the cold for any length of time, or going to a friend's house who has his thermostat set to 80F and I don't want to have to strip off all the layers when I get there. I don't worry about down getting wet since I only break it out when it's well below freezing. When I'm sitting around at a sporting event, I'll add a fleece, a blanket, a pad to sit on, a thermos of hot drinks (and a Jetboil nearby so I can make more if necessary).

I generally don't wear thermal pants, just jeans. But I do have some cheap snow shell that will slip over the jeans, they don't insulate much but cut the wind which is generally all I need.

Boots... my hiking boots are great in the mountains, but not so much walking the streets around town. Good pair of Sorel Pac boots and wool socks make a huge difference. If I'm at a game sitting around, I'll not above using some toe warmers.

Good windstopper fleece hat like the Mountain Hardware Dome Perignon , gloves, scarf or neck gaiter.

I picked up many of these items at TJMaxx/Marshalls. Stocks are hit or miss, but I've bought a few nice hard shells, down jackets, hats and gloves, thermals, wool socks. I've picked up softshells and other gear at Sierra Trading Post (make sure you sign up for the email and get your discount code, free shipping + 25% off all purchases is generally a good deal but sometimes you get bigger discounts).

Good luck!

PS - I've linked to items on Amazon just so you can see what they look like, but you can often find them elsewhere for cheaper.

Sorry this took so long, but here you goz I added hats, gloves, and scarves as a sort of apology for being so late:

Good outer coats: https://www.amazon.com/ELORA-Womens-Winter-Jacket-Fleece-Trim/dp/B07BS4GTJC/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1540096730&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=winter+coat+for+women&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/CHERRY-CHICK-Womens-Thick-Green/dp/B071FH17GZ/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1540097111&sr=1-2-spons&nodeID=7141123011&psd=1&keywords=long+winter+coat&psc=1

Find something long and thick with a cozy hood. Make sure it is water resistent as well.

Good undercoats:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074WZL5CL/ref=sspa_dk_detail_5?psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/CAMEL-CROWN-Waterproof-Windbreaker-Outdoor/dp/B07FTB6Z34/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1540096730&sr=8-17&keywords=winter+coat+for+women

https://www.amazon.com/Wantdo-Womens-Mountain-Waterproof-Windproof/dp/B01CVG8VCY/ref=pd_sbs_193_4?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01CVG8VCY&pd_rd_r=ea1b4a58-d4eb-11e8-8519-db044f09735a&pd_rd_w=VAj4x&pd_rd_wg=6BXiE&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=763ccc93-bfa2-47be-85ae-0cdd7e00b3da&pf_rd_r=KT5AYQEB1ANASNS1VTCM&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&refRID=KT5AYQEB1ANASNS1VTCM

Find something warm but light and with or without a hood- it doesn't matter too much unless you plan on using it in spring, in which case get one with a hood or a removable hood.

Good hats:

https://www.amazon.com/Yesurprise-Trapper-Russian-Trooper-Windproof/dp/B075L5G81C/ref=sr_1_9?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1540097173&sr=1-9&nodeID=7141123011&psd=1&keywords=warm+winter+hat+with+earflap

https://www.amazon.com/Connectyle-Oudoor-Trapper-Windproof-Russian/dp/B01LXCYGWT/ref=pd_sbs_200_5?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01LXCYGWT&pd_rd_r=41de2d19-d4ec-11e8-9755-ef1de137644a&pd_rd_w=2Sdhb&pd_rd_wg=uJewy&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=763ccc93-bfa2-47be-85ae-0cdd7e00b3da&pf_rd_r=2J9MKDBAHS2JX11S0WNR&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&refRID=2J9MKDBAHS2JX11S0WNR

Get something with clippable ear flaps. Trust me, they'll be lifesavers. Water resistance is important as well.

Good gloves:

https://www.amazon.com/OZERO-Deerskin-Leather-Motorcycle-Cycling/dp/B07DZYG7CB/ref=sr_1_11?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1540097380&sr=1-11&nodeID=7147440011&psd=1&keywords=warm+waterproof+winter+gloves

https://www.amazon.com/Manzella-Womens-Fahrenheit-Touch-Gloves/dp/B00KZCY3Z6/ref=sr_1_36?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1540097437&sr=1-36&nodeID=7147440011&psd=1&keywords=warm+waterproof+winter+gloves

Get something water proof and with fingers. Mittens are the worst when you have to do something outside. Wrist straps are great for keeping the snow out.

Face coverings:

https://www.amazon.com/Seirus-Innovation-Neofleece-Combo-Scarf/dp/B0018BGFF4/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1540097490&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=warm+waterproof+winter+face+covering

https://www.amazon.com/Seirus-Innovation-8039-Weather-Balaclava/dp/B0018BL1XA/ref=pd_sbs_468_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0018BL1XA&pd_rd_r=fd976d18-d4ec-11e8-b597-b92393ce99ab&pd_rd_w=70Glv&pd_rd_wg=vyx40&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=763ccc93-bfa2-47be-85ae-0cdd7e00b3da&pf_rd_r=AJXAJ94F3SA3JYJDF047&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&refRID=AJXAJ94F3SA3JYJDF047

Make sure it covers your face, nose, cheeks, and neck (front and back). If it goes over your entire head like a hat that's even better, it's perfect for wearing under a hat. You'll want it to be waterproof. I find face coverings work better than scarves.

SAFETY

Safety is a pretty massive issue in longboarding, especially when you're a beginner. Don't be dumb, wear a helmet. It's cheaper than the hospital bills, I promise.

At first, feel free to just use whatever you can get your hands on - my first couple of weeks skating was with my mountain bike helmet! ^^#SWAG

However, unless you want to look as cool as me for that first few weeks, get a...

***

HALF SHELL HELMET!

There's tonnes of these out there, and each will name their innovations with funky names and cool logos. In the end, though, the most important thing is what will protect your noggin the best - and that means getting an EPS foam helmet. Look for "CPSC", "ASTM" and "Dual Certified" lids - they've been rigorously tested.

Below is a list of certified half-shell helmets.

^Note: ^Most ^of ^these ^are ^linked ^to ^ChainReactionCycles, ^a ^biking ^site. ^It's ^often ^worth ^checking ^cycling ^stores ^for ^'dirt ^jump' ^lids, ^as ^they're ^exactly ^the ^same ^as ^skate ^helmets, ^and ^can ^be ^cheaper!

|<$30|<$50
|:-|:-
|Speed Stuff Comp|IXS Hammer|
|Bell Faction|Speed Stuff LTD
|Pro-Tec Ace|TSG Evolution
|661 Dirt Lid|Triple8 Brainsaver EPS
|Pro-Tec Classic|Giro Section
||S-One Lifer
||Bern Watts EPS

SLIDE GLOVES

Slide gloves are a pretty awesome bit of kit, and can really boost your confidence levels - Plus, you need them for Coleman slides.

Below is a list of premade slide gloves, but first, consider making your own! You can even just buy the pucks, and attach them to your own gloves bought from a hardware store.

However, if you're not very DIY-minded, here's a list of premade gloves - all of which include pucks.

|<$40|<$60
|:-|:-|:-
|Landyachtz Bones|Blood Orange Knuckles|
|Landyachtz Freeride|Rayne Idle Hands|
|Sector 9 Apex|Sector 9 Downhill Division
||Landyachtz Leather|
||Madrid Trojan Leather|

KNEEPADS

Let's face it. Knees suck. They're absolutely amazing, biology-wise, but they're one of the most fragile pieces of our body - and if you don't know already, it's only a matter of time until you find out that falling on your knees is really easy on a longboard.

Hard kneepads will allow you to bail out of most falls, and just slide to a stop while kneeling - pretty nifty.

If you only want to go slow, consider some G-Form pads - but know that if you bail and slide on them, they're gonna get cheese-grated.

If you think there's a chance you'll fall on your knees while going faster, look at some of these below:

|Pads
|:-
|187 Fly
|Sector9 Gasket
|Smith Scabs Elite OR Hypno
|Pro-Tec Street|
|Pro-Tec Park
|187 Pro


*

I hope that helps some of you out!

This was designed to be linked in the sidebar for newcomers to see, so if you notice any spelling, grammar, formatting or hyperlinking mistakes, let me know!**

Once again, this guide isn't designed to be comprehensive. There's hundreds of skate brands out there, all clamouring for your attention - and most of them are good - so shop around, do your research and try as many boards as your local shop/friends will let you!

I'm gonna go skate now - see ya!

Keep it sideways,

Squidifier.

Your Rossis look like great skis. The boots & bindings I'd choose depend on the terrain I'd use them on. If you were in the West I'd match them up with a lightweight 3-pin/75mm, 2-buckle plastic boot like my beloved Garmont Libero. That would also be a good setup for learning to tele on W NY lift areas. But the Alpina Alaskas look great, too, and along with an NNN binding will keep the total weight down really well, making them much more fun to skate, kick and glide around town on (or the shuffling version of kick/glide that a ski without a stiff-camber wax pocket can approximate, at least). BTW, the Alpina Montana is just one lace hook shorter and I found it for $50/pr on amazon.

There's an REI in Rochester, I'd go there and ask where people tour & get turns nearby. It sure does snow a lot there, there must be some sledding hills nearby at least, some place you could yo-yo with a pair of skins.


> Åsnes fjellskis

Neat you should cite those because they're exactly what I was thinking of when I wrote about skis still made but hard to find outside Scandinavia. Their website does list 3 N. American dealers. Pretty pricey, though. A cheaper alternative would be to find some old Fischers or Karhus used. Like the Fischer Europa 99s with wax pocket camber or the BCX w/o it, or the Karhu PAVO also w/o the pocket, the Karhus with a wax pocket are hard to find since they were foam core and didn't hold up like the wood-core Fischers, not many survived the era. There's a bunch on eBay. Just remember that skis that narrow, in the 50mm waist, 62mm shovel neighborhood, need to be a lot longer. I'm 5'10" 160lbs and ski 205s in that width range, Fischer Europa 99s I've had since Reagan was president. OTOH I have Rossi Bandit B2s @174cm to tele in tight trees.

Good luck with your move, I hope all goes well for you in Rochester, not just the skiing. Feel free to ask me for more advice when you get closer to a purchase, learn more about the locale. I've got a lot of free time lately.

1. As conditions change, so does your outfit. You'll only know what layers work for you with some experience. The solution is to over dress, and then remove layers until you are no longer too warm.
   
2. Rentals typically include: Boots,Skis,Poles, and nothing else. Helmets can be included but some places it's extra.
   
3. I'm sure some people wash their base layers after every use, but I don't. Wool or other antibacterial fabric will stay fresh enough for a week. Make sure it airs out and drys overnight.
   
4. You won't need a beanie, because you will be renting a helmet. They are nice to wear around off the slopes. Hoodies are fine to ski in if the conditions are right. New Years is an unlikely time for that.
   
5. Generally that would be enough. Sometimes a T shift is fine. It depends on the weather.
   
6. Blue jeans or a more heavy weight pant would be preferred.
   
7. Yes, You'll want something that goes around your neck that you can pull over your face if the wind is blasting.
   
8. Yes, you'll want gloves. Kinco makes good cheap gloves that will last you a lifetime.
   
9. The mountain thread rental looks okay. It's cheap. The gear will be adequate.
   
10. Those shoes will be fine.
    
11. If I was in your position, I would take a $250-500 budget and buy cheap stuff on amazon. It wouldn't be the best quality, but it will function just fine for you. These Gloves This Awesome Jacket

I am pretty open with the socks I love LLBean rag wools with a super thin polypropylene liner of wool itches you. Some of the smart wool socks are OK itch less. They also stretch a bit more but I find they bunch under my toes a bit.

http://m.llbean.com/product.html?skCatId=32996&skCatId=32996&page=merino-wool-ragg-sock-10-two-pack&SS=A&llbdrd=#32996

http://m.llbean.com/product.html?skCatId=82196&skCatId=82196&page=polypro-x-static-sock-liners&SS=B&llbdrd=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F#82196


For gloves. Mittens with liners are defiantly a great option. For liners I have been using Mountain hardware Stimulus for the last 2 years. I got them a size smaller to use them as liners. I like them better than e-tip because all 5 fingers are touch comparable. I also wear them alone if over 30 F or I am driving. The one downside is once they get wet they are cold. But they do dry fairly fast.

I have the military 3 finger version of the OR mittens below. Super warm and I love the leashes so when I take them off they just hang from my wrists.

https://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Hardwear-Power-Stretch-Stimulus/dp/B00J58NA4Q

https://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Research-Mount-Baker-Modular/dp/B005D1J7GY


Enjoy your trip.

My thoughts:

• The leather-palmed gloves are an odd choice. Something like these or these would probably provide more warmth.
  
• I know some people really love the firesteels, but for a canister stove like you've got on your list a regular Bic lighter is a whole lot easier. Carry 2 of the mini's: one in your cooking kit for daily use, and a backup in your first-aid/repair kit.
  
• That's almost a pound of water bottles, empty. Instead, carry a 2 liter one of these, for 3.5 ounces of weight, and throw an empty gatorade bottle in your side pack pocket for mixed drinks or drinking out of in camp.
  
• I'd skip the emergency blanket. They're really not that useful on a trail like the AT. Doesn't Winton in his book say that those blankets are one of the most sent home items from Neel's Gap?
  
• There's some real health concerns with using iodine-based water treatment like the Potable Aqua for as long a time period as a thru hike. (The EPA recommends not using iodine for more than a couple weeks, and iodine as a water treatment is banned in Europe completely due to the health issues). Aqua Mira is probably the most popular water treatment you see on the trail.
  
• That knife is overkill. I carried one of the little Swiss Army knives, and even on that the scissors were used more than the blade.
  
• That stove is mighty cheap. I would definitely order that early and do some practice cooking on it beforehand. It does seem to have pretty good reviews though.
  
• I'd lose at least 1 pair of the shorts. You've already got pants that convert, and having one pair of backup shorts to wear in town while doing laundry is a good idea, 2 is overkill.
  
• I'd lose both the fleece and the sweater and replace them with one good down sweater, to be lighter, warmer, and taking up less space in the pack.
  
• That thermarest is a monster. Seems kind of odd to pick an ultralight tent but then carry a 3lb sleeping pad. A neoair would be 1/4th the weight, and just as comfortable.
  
  

It's a perfectly accurate take. Lets pretend you live in an area with every possible environment for any sport a mere walking distance away (so no holiday/flight/accommodation costs to skew things.) We've got Winter sports and Summer sports.

Bobsledding is easily the most expensive, a solid 50K for the sled alone, plus you're going to have to invest either money or a lot of time in designing that slope. Even if you have icy peaks everywhere you can't just jump in a sled and rocket off a mountain top. Gotta make sure the curves are smooth and don't shatter or empty into a ravine.

Everything else involves ski's at several hundred a pop or snowboards for much the same price. Sure you can get cheaper but that's like not paying to check out the bobsled slope, you're really going to skimp out on bits of plastic protecting your feet from 80mph rocks? Alongside that you'll need cases for the kit, gloves, goggles, thermal gear too, and if you're wanting to do more than just racing like ski jumping or freestyle, you're going to have to invest in setting up and maintaining ramps too. The cheapest would be skating, since ice skates are a) basically just modified shoes (so cheap production) and b) functional to a pretty big sport, but even then you're going to have to pay fairly heavily to maintain and use safe skating rinks. Sure there are plenty of frozen lakes around but how regularly are you going to risk using them? At what point is that pockmarked and cut up surface going to collapse and bury you in icy water?

Now Summer sports? Obviously equestrian is the most expensive, some horses go for literally millions and rowing sculls cost thousands, but absolutely no one doesn't see those as the trust-fund sports. Others cost a bit too, fencing kits can run in the hundreds to own your own (source; I used to fence and stopped because cost) and archery....oh no wait, turns out an olympic archery bow costs under a hundred. Beyond that? If you want to do a martial art you can pay to join a class, or just watch youtube videos and practice in your bedroom. Running? Just start walking faster, you don't even need shoes really. Boxing? Go find a tree and punch it. Weightlifting? Pick up the tree. Swimming? Go jump in a lake. Diving? Find a deep lake.

Obviously I'm being a tiny bit facetious here, you'd need to pay for good training maintenance to get good at boxing or martial arts and coaches always help you run better and faster, and a pool is always better than a lake to practice swimming in. But the point still stands, there isn't a single winter olympics sport you can do without investing considerable cost into solely the sport itself, but the vast majority of summer olympics you could do just by going outside as Sparta intended.

​

Also even your own point doesn't invalidate OP. 'Less people living in the area with snow' doesn't stop it being a trust-fund activity, it just proves it is because you're pointing out the only people who can be athletes in it are the ones who can afford to regularly fly out and practice.

Seems they're sold out now but, I recently bought this slouch beanie from amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H3L2LVK/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The beanie itself is a bit cheap quality, but for under 10 dollars it was a really good buy. The slouch is just perfect and allows me to generally pull off the style you showed above, without looking 'feminine'. Def recommend if you want a thin slouch beanie and you're on a budget, good luck!

I've gotten my kids up skiing about the age of 2. 2 is a the perfect age to start. They will only go for about 10 mins at a time and need lots of positive response. Then put them in a backpack or sled and ski on your own.

Bring lots of sweet trail mix. Make skiing = good snacks :)

Discard the poles. The kid will just use them to hit the snow and anyone around them.

Of course keep them very warm with good clothes.

With boots they can use this: http://www.amazon.com/Lucky-Bums-Beginner-Poles-Green/dp/B000WSEA0Q

Have fun!!!

Lived in Nome and Anchorage. Have a great Marmot Yukon parka that has kept me warm in -30 (and -50 with windchill). It's also got a really good shell that keeps the whole thing dry. In Anchorage I never really needed more than a thick wool peacoat unless I was heading out of city limits.

Also: layers, yes; gloves, yes, always have a good set of gloves; hat, ALWAYS, just in case; and boots, HELL FUCKING YES, get yourself some good warm waterproof boots. All of that and more can make such a huge (and often life-or-death) difference ins staying warm and dry.

You'll probably be renting most of your ski gear, so here are the warm items you'll want:

1. GLOVES. Since you're just going on vacation, get a moderately good pair that are waterproof, and buy some cheapo glove liners (example glove, example liner).
   
2. Scarf. Thick scarf preferably.
   
3. Balaclava (example here) - optional if your scarf is really good, but recommended.
   
4. Overpants (wear underarmour and jeans underneath). First time I went, I went to target and got a pair for about $15. (example here)
   
5. Beanie.
   
   Now my personal two most important, but expensive items:
   
   
6. Socks! Go to rei and get yourself a pair of these ski socks. Nothing is worse than freakishly cold feet, or feet that get destroyed by the crappy rental books. These socks are built to keep your feed warm and padded.
   
7. Jacket. Ok...here you can cheat a bit by layering. The 'real deal' would be to get something like this. OR, do what I did (and continue to do): underarmour + long sleeve shirt + sweater + rain jacket. Yeah, you don't have a good seal, and you'll end up getting snow on your clothes and be a bit cold by 2pm, but if you don't have hundreds of dollars for a ski jacket it's a good deal. Note: i've found that cheap ski jackets are garbage, and you will pay the price for them.
   
   Hope this helps! You can buy pretty much all this except for the jacket for under $100, and maybe even less if you're really thirfty. Helmet, boots, and skis should be taken care of by the rental folks.

I am shopping now in hopes of finding a good quality coat for next winter.

This is my prefered style and color, but i was hoping some one might be able to point me at a sale or discount on a $2-300 item that was deeply discounted.

Or, if some one can point at a better quality $80 coat, thats fine too.

pack layers and you can shed as needed: heres my layout

Base Layer:

I try to avoid cotton stuff cause of chafing, highly recommend exofficio if thats an issue.

runner leggings/thermal leggings

long sleeve work out material shirt/ thermal shirt

smartwool socks! smartwool is the best. I use it for backpacking too.

Second Layer:

arctix snow bibs from amazon : 40 (You want snow pants/bibs. getting snow all down your pants/up your back is awful.)

A flannel or other heavy shirt type

Third:

I have wantando jacket (70 from amazon) reeeealy warm. Hardly have worn it out and its been like 10-15 on the mountain. Id imagine I could wear it down to zero.

A lighter waterproof jacket incase the heavy jacket is too much.

Gloves: Get some nice waterproof insulated gloves and glove liners.

https://www.amazon.com/Arctix-Essential-Overall-3X-Large-Regular/dp/B003OIRLC0/

https://www.amazon.com/Wantdo-Waterproof-Mountain-Jacket-Windproof/dp/B00OA1B0Z4/

https://www.amazon.com/TM-YUT32-BLK_Medium-Tesla-WinterGear-Compression-Baselayer/dp/B076LW59GF/

https://www.amazon.com/Duofold-Weight-Wicking-Thermal-Medium/dp/B006SRTGC2/

https://www.amazon.com/OZERO-Winter-Gloves-30%C2%B0F-Coldproof/dp/B073191H74/

https://www.amazon.com/SmartWool-Trekking-Heavy-Socks-Medium/dp/B000UZDAZC/

If you got all of those youd be fine an any resort park

I am anxiously excited to start the RAOA School of Mischief & Merriment. I do, however, feel that I am not quite prepared. I keep looking at the list of supplies needed. Perhaps you could assist me, that is if you don't mind.


I will most definitely need my book, that is if I want to keep track of all the spells and potions. That class will surely give me anxiety, lol.

I have heard that many suffer from Morthy-itis. Perhaps I should bring this so I can open a necessary adult beverage to pour into said container.

I have heard that the professors like us working like house-elves, so I should bring along this just in case.

For those cold nights, this will keep my head in the game.

They're good at getting their nose into trouble, maybe they can teach me a few things.

Oh, I cannot forget these. They will surely keep me hidden and invisible from any pesky bugs.



Answers may be out of order. I also stuck with things that were currently on my wishlist.

Another good tip, if you are going to be out on the ice during the questionable times, it is a great idea to carry a pair of ice picks ... It could be as simple as two nails tied together with a string and wear it around your neck.

It will exponentially increase the chances that you'll be able to pull yourself out of the water on your own. Which can be really difficult if you are already cold.

Also, avoid wearing things like Carhartt coveralls or other similarly thick coveralls because as soon as you fall into the water, they end up acting like an anchor keeping you in the water as they absorb water immediately.

Sealskinz gloves are excellent. I use these ones.

Best combination of water resistance and dexterity I've found.

If you are EVER on ice that you suspect could be the least bit unsafe, PLEASE make sure you're wearing these. They have saved countless lives. If you're on a lake and the ice is a foot thick or more no, you probably don't need them. However, it's not uncommon to ice fish on 4-6 inches of ice with a snowmobile, or for people to xc ski on frozen rivers. Ice picks are the smartest thing you can carry on your person.

I have this bag and have no complaints. No outside padding for the boot sleeves, but I just have the bindings facing inwards always. Lasted 4-5 seasons now with no visible wear (ski ~15 days/season, with 1-2 plane trips). I actually throw my helmet and ski jacket/pants/socks in there too, nice snug fit & super convenient. But I bet most boot bags can do that. tl;dr it gets the job done

I use SKS raceblades, which work great and are very easy to put on/take off in just a minute or 2. The Crud Roadracer 2 might interest you as well.

Overshoes really help to keep your feet *dry. They are more important without fenders as all the water hitting your down tube and BB will splash outward to the shoes.

For pants, I wear Helly Hansen overpants. There are no pockets and they breathable, but 100% sealed. Match that with a North Face rain jacket and I get to work 100% dry.

anyone tried one of these respirator masks?

how funny do they look? how effective are they? know of any other brands other than ColdAvenger that make similar products?

I used these Ozero Winter Gloves! all winter long and they kept my hands warm even on the 0 degree days (and my ride is usually around 45 minutes to an hour long), I would recommend those to anyone. Also, they're pretty cheap.

you get cold masks in neoprene which heats the air, and more advanced ones like this http://www.amazon.com/Talus-Outdoor-Technologies-ColdAvenger-Mask/dp/B001SARMZW/ref=sr_1_8?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1382695287&sr=1-8&keywords=cold+mask

Try looking at webshops that sell XC skis etc, they might have some they recommend.

The Athalon "Everything" bag is the bomb. $69 (lol) and comes in a ton of colors. Fits everything.

https://www.amazon.com/Athalon-EVERYTHING-BOOT-BAG-BACKPACK/dp/B001ASHA68/ref=sr_1_8?crid=1DHMQ3VL3SUEC&keywords=ski+boot+bag&qid=1569511799&s=gateway&sprefix=ski+boot+b%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-8

Look on amazon for fridge work gloves similar to this

https://www.amazon.com/OZERO-Deerskin-Leather-Heatlok-Insulated/dp/B01M3URYRW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1549095376&sr=8-4&keywords=work+gloves+freezer#customerReviews

or;

https://www.amazon.com/RefrigiWear-Double-Insulated-Cowhide-Leather/dp/B00N2Y29BE/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1549095376&sr=8-13&keywords=work+gloves+freezer

Both have worked very well for me.

I need two of these, one for each kid. It seems the borrowers got cold faster than we did. My youngest needs gloves. Thanks for the contest.

More like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Frabill-Deluxe-Retractable-Ice-Picks/dp/B004D1PUTS

The screwdrivers sound like a down home equivalent but you can also make your own with some dowels and nails, and they will float.

I use this face mask, and it has the benefit of making you look like Darth Vader.

SealSkinz sound like they may come as close as I know of to what you're looking for.

Classic Model: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01GQ0X5RC/

Touchscreen: https://www.amazon.com/SealSkinz-Ultra-Grip-Touch-Screen-Glove/dp/B014QM869Y

I have a pair of these rain pants. They keep me dry and button at the bottom so I don't have to worry about the chain. I also use them in the winter over my work pants when I ride to work to keep the snow out and to keep warm.

I've gone through a ton of rain gear, but I've found a winning combo:

Bellwether Screaming Meemie Jacket

and

Helly Hansen Men's Voss Pant

I commute in dress clothes and they both keep me completely dry and don't crumple my clothes too much. They don't breathe so keep your pace leisurely.

*I put my dress shoes and socks in my bag and wear flip-flops when riding.

What do people think of these? They are a third of the price and slightly lighter:

https://www.amazon.com/Helly-Hansen-Mens-Black-Large/dp/B002N19PBE/ref=cm_wl_huc_item?th=1&psc=1

If its because of cold, you could wear this thing: https://www.amazon.com/ColdAvenger-Pro-Softshell-Face-Mask/dp/B001SARMZW. It will make for a very humid environment around your nose/mouth (also available as a balaclava).

I guess you could also try putting chapstick or some other waxy thing (Burts Bee's maybe) on your nose?

> but she lives in Minnesota

Exhibit A.

Exhibit B.

No excuses! :P