If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside.Learn about Outside Online's affiliate link policy

(Photo: Inga Hendrickson)
Gear to get after it, on the water or the snow.
Guaranteed Pleaser
Red Paddle Co. uses hard plastic rail reinforcements to make the stiffest inflatable stand-up paddle-boards on the market. Case in point, the 13'2″ Explorer+ board is sturdy enough to carry plenty of drybags for an overnight.
Price $1,649
The anatomically shaped carbon Rossignol X-ium WC Skate boots will have you World Cup ready, or at the very least give you an advantage over the guys in your local race.
Price $520
Eddie Bauer built the Telemetry Freeride pants with its burliest weatherproof exterior, then added snow gaiters to keep out the cold stuff and massive hip-to-knee vents to prevent overheating.
Price $299
Made with Columbia’s exceptional waterproof-breathable membrane and a chamois liner, the OutDry Ex gloves ensure fingers stay warm and dry in -everything from Utah powder to East Coast ice.
Price $75
With a half zip for dumping heat and a stretchy polyester-elastane knit that fits comfortably under a shell, the Spyder Commander Therma Stretch T-Neck is the warmth–preserving midlayer you’ll find yourself wearing all winter long.
Price $119
This year, Patagonia revamped its wetsuits—like the R2 Yulex Front Zip—adding a recycled-jersey liner and a plant-based rubber supplement (the Yulex in the name). The result: they’re more durable, dry faster, and have a smaller ecological footprint.
Price $469
Guaranteed Pleaser
Originally designed for Sochi Olympians, the Rossignol X-ium WCS-S2 skis are all about speed. Double grooves boost stability, and short carbon tips cut down on swing weight, affording you a rock-steady platform and easier turning capability.
Price $690
Burton’s FT Gate Keeper snowboard was built specifically for steep-terrain heli trips. Directional camber and subtle taper help it hold momentum and rocket out of turns.
Price $600
Devised with whitewater in mind, the Kialoa Big Eddy paddle is extremely durable and the best we’ve seen for taking on rapids atop a paddleboard.
Price $299
K2 made the Marksman skis with asymmetrical tips and tails to help freestyle riders initiate butters and land backcountry booters. Denser fir at the rails keeps them playful in pow.
Price $800
Whether you’re competing in the Birkie or just cranking out miles on your local skinny-ski trails, Swix’s CT2 poles let you do it all. The carbon is strong enough to withstand the abuse of a mass start, and synthetic cork grips are soft on the hands during long endurance efforts.
Price $240