Gear review: Mid-winter
hestra
The powder days are finally coming, which means warm gloves and clothing, supportive insoles, and glasses to protect your eyes from glare.
Hestra Heater Gauntlet — 5 Finger
I don’t usually wear gloves because my fingers are always cold, but I chose these because they deliver heat to each finger, including the thumb, as well as the back of the hand. Like other heated gloves, heat comes in three different levels, but unlike others, 1) the battery packs are relatively lightweight, and 2) even without the heating element, the G-loft insulation keeps hands warm. Four-way stretch material and goat leather makes these gloves both waterproof and full of dexterity, which is important while skiing; I take my gloves on and off to take photos and videos, and the heat warms fingers right back up. Velcro inside the gloves holds the batteries; I’ve had other brands of mittens with zippered battery holders, and once the zipper breaks (which it has, though they repaired it in the first season), they’re basically useless. Heat lasts 10 hours on low, five on medium and 2 ½ on high, and it’s easy to quickly change levels — just press twice, which prevents levels from accidentally changing by brushing up against something. Inside, the micro-fleece liner is soft and cozy, while the large, extended wrist — with adjustable Velcro strap for snug fit — easily slides over jackets. They also come with elastic at the wrist to keep gloves secure on the lift or in the cafeteria.
$475, hestragloves.us
The Landmark Project National Parks Collegiate Unisex Hoodie
Why choose one National Park when you can show your love for them all? This relatively lightweight hoodie is made of recycled polyester and sustainable cotton and produced with less water, fair compensation, and soil integrity. It’s super soft and comfortable and lays nicely, without heavyweight bulking, like some hoodies. The double-layered hood comes in handy on windy days, and the extra length is nice and warm and looks great with leggings. Plus, a portion of every purchase supports conservation efforts.
$76, thelandmarkproject.com
Remind Insoles Heat Moldable Remedy and Medic Insoles
Designed for a medium-height arch, the four layers of foam on the Heat Moldable Remedy insoles are durable and add a wonderful level of support. Measuring 9 mm thick in the heel and 5 ½ mm in the forefoot, I use them mostly in various pairs of boots I wear, as they seemed a little thick for my ski boots. What really stands out about these are the fact that they’re easy to heat mold to your foot; just pop them in the oven for 2 minutes, and stand on them for another 2 minutes and viola: They’re custom-formed to support ankles, knees, and hips. They both absorb shock and keep my knees alighted, and they include an organic moisture wicker. Meanwhile, the Medics cater to just a slightly higher arch and aren’t heat-moldable but still provide excellent support and cushion; they absorb up to 90% of impact and are anti-microbial and moisture wicking. I’ve been using these in my slip-on shoes, because they come in a wide variety of incredibly fun graphics — they make me smile every time I slip shoes on. I’ve been wearing both pairs of insoles for months, and they still deliver the same stellar performance.
Heat moldable remedy, $70, medics, $60, remindinsoles.com
Lululemon Define Jacket Luon
I complimented a friend figure skating in this athletic jacket and asked where she got it. Next thing I know, she gifted me one. It’s great for a chilly ice rink or under a ski jacket, since its four-way stretch fabric provides ease of movement — and it’s perfect to wear out and about instead of a fleece. Its breathable, sweat-wicking, and soft, with added Lyrca to retain shape. The slim, stylish fit, with cording detail, reaches just below the waistband, so it looks great with leggings or jeans. I love just about anything with a thumbhole, this included. And, I thought it was kind of funny that the company advertised an elastic zipper pull that doubles as an emergency hair tie, but sure enough, I needed that one day skating.
$118, shop.lululemon.com
Adidas Sport SPO100 Dunamis Pro Sunglasses
Comfortable and sporty, the smoke mirror lens on these glasses shields the face while biking, running, or otherwise adventuring outdoors. While these are predominately designed for men, they also wrap around my more narrow face nicely. Designed and manufactured by Italian producer Marcolin, the frameless grey lenses do a superb job of blocking bright light, delivering excellent visibility, as well as ventilation. $210, adidas.com
Kimberly Nicoletti is a freelance writer, editor, and writing coach. She can be reached at kim@kimberlynicoletti.com
