For over 130 years Helly Hansen has designed apparel to withstand unforgiving Scandinavian winters, so it's no wonder that skiers and snowboarders alike have developed outsized expectations of anything Norway's preeminent outdoor gear manufacturer delivers for the slopes. One can, therefore, understand the brashness behind the naming of the Legend Pant, a supremely well-rounded and inspired ski pant that embodies Helly Hansen's fastidious approach to their creations.

It's hard to fully appreciate a gondola until you need one.

As wind whips and sleet pelts, it's a pretty miserable feeling lowering your backside onto a wet seat, feeling dampness soak into your thighs as you are hauled up a mountain.

The Lithang pant by Sherpa Adventure Gear will end that feeling forever. The Lithang provides all the protection your body's lower half could ask for.

During the winter months, many runners find themselves running before or after work...in the dark. Preparing for an early-morning or late-night run requires slightly more thought than a day-time run (Which streets are well-lit? Do you need a headlamp?). But when you're considering how to maximize visibility along your course, remember that you need to be visible, too.

Getting hit in your helmet by the overhead ski lift bar by a safety-crazed gaper is annoying. Almost as annoying is not wearing the right gloves or socks, so you are uncomfortably cold and don't enjoy a day of riding.

The soft feel of merino makes you doubt that it's wool. Far gone are the days that wool was scratchy and irritating to your skin. And forget even considering wearing wool underwear. Merino has changed how wool is used in clothing.

Ibex has been designing merino clothing since the late 1990's. The Zepher 3/4 Johns is a base layer that's designed to come to the bottom of the calf.