Winter Sports Accessories Buying Guide

Helmets

There is no practical difference between "ski helmets" and "snowboard helmets," so the term "snow helmets" is becoming popular. When thinking about a new helmet, the first thing to consider is safety certification:

• ASTM International: An international group coordinating voluntary standards for a wide variety of products; F2040 is the snow helmet certification to look for.
• Snell Standard: The Snell Memorial Foundation is a private, non-profit group setting voluntary standards for US-made protective headgear. Snell group's RS-98 is higher than any others.
• European Standard: EN 1077 is used in Europe and many other countries worldwide.

Second, get a helmet that fits: Using a cloth tape, measure around your head about one inch above the eyebrows. Exact ski helmet and snowboard helmet sizes vary a little by manufacturer, but they follow hat sizes fairly closely:

A snow helmet should fit snugly; if you shake your head, the helmet should go with it. If your helmet rattles, you need to adjust the straps, get heavier padding or buy a smaller helmet. Properly fitting snow helmets and snow goggles should meet about one inch above the eyebrows. When the chinstrap is snugged up against your neck, pop something in your mouth; if you can chew comfortably, the strap is tight enough.

Don't be fooled; many a cheap snowboard or ski helmet is sold masquerading as a discount ski or snowboard helmet. "Cheap" means substandard materials and construction; "discount" means last year's model or a manufacturer overrun; these are still top-quality snow helmets that will keep your head safe and warm. Speaking of warm, your head can get too warm, even on cold days. Many football players now wear skull caps of moisture-wicking material under their helmets to keep the head drier and more comfortable; skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts may get a similar boost.

Naturally, children's snow helmets are smaller, but there is very little difference otherwise. The best helmets, adult or youth, are polycarbonate or ABS and are extremely durable and safe. Modern snow helmets also feature a more spherical design to better deflect hits.

Helmet upgrades

• Liners: Ear pads and other add-on liners allow you to customize snowboard helmets for warmth.
• Goggles: Some ski helmets allow for direct attachment of goggles. Since manufacturers may differ on attachments, check the instructions.
• Helmet case: Dings and scratches really don't look good and could compromise your snowboard helmet'sprotective ability, so consider a storage-travel case.

Goggles

Snow blindness and running into things (like other snow sport enthusiasts) are not fun! Snow goggles help prevent both by improving your vision. They also protect the eyes from airborne bits of whatever. To do the job right, ski goggles must fit properly:

• The snowboard goggle strap should fit snugly over your ski helmet or hat and over your prescription glasses, if you wear them.
• Look for a flexible ski goggle frame that will conform to your face; foam padding should lay against your face evenly all around with no pressure points or gaps for wind to get in and dry out your eyes.
• Snowboard goggles with double lenses and small vents are less likely to fog up.
• Look for "cylindrical double lenses" or "spherical double lenses" for the best in optical and weather protection.
• Polycarbonate snow goggle lenses are the most durable.

Most snow goggles have an anti-fog coating on the inside of the lens; to preserve this coating, do not clean this part of the lens. If they get wet, let them air dry.

Lens color is also a consideration, as the different tints improve vision in certain conditions:

• Mirror: They look really cool, but don't affect the color the wearer sees.
• Clear: At night or in stormy conditions, choose clear ski goggles.
• Yellow: On overcast days, yellow snowboard goggles provide extra clarity.
• Pink: For increasing visibility under most conditions, pink snow goggles are a great choice.
• Orange: Orange ski goggles cut the brightness of a sunny day.
• Purple: Preferred for low-light conditions, purple snowboard goggles highlight shadows and contrast terrain.
• Photo-chromic: Changing from a light shade to a darker shade, photo chromic snow goggles are the choice for those who ski and snowboard where the weather changes frequently.
• Polarized: Polarized goggles are excellent for cutting glare (bright spots reflected off snow or ice).
• Rose: For those who want to view the world as better than it is.

Snowshoes get you there and back again

For those who love the simple pleasures, strap on a pair of classic snowshoes and go where cars or skis can't go. Manufacturer's terms may differ, but you will choose among three basics styles:

• Recreational: The basic snowshoe is just the thing for a casual hike on fairly level terrain.
• Mountaineering: Snowshoes designed with aggressive traction to keep you on top of steeper or icier conditions.
• Running: Competitive snowshoeing on groomed trails requires light, strong and highly-maneuverable shoes.

Aluminum frames are the modern snowshoe standard, with decking of new, high-tech plastics. You may choose carbon fiber construction if you want a premium snowshoe. Wood and rawhide are available; these require more maintenance but are perfect for purists and historic re-enactors. Always look for an upturned-toe on the frame because tripping over a 2-inch tall snowdrift is just embarrassing.

Bindings are the harness that keeps the foot in the snowshoe. They should be flexible enough to cover several types of shoes and boots but tight enough to keep hold if you have to run. Bindings should have some pivot for comfortable movement.

Traction is paramount; "crampons" and "cleats" are attached to the frame and deck to grab the snow or ice and keep you on top of your snowshoes. Mountaineering models will need more traction than recreational models; aerobic will have some extra traction on the toe. Proper sizing is also important for good traction. Snowshoes are rated by total weight (user, clothing and pack):

For more extreme conditions--hiking alone, deep snow or breaking trail--pick one size above your normal size.

Travel bags and accessories

Travel bags come in two basic types:

• Specific use: Ski bags, snowboard bags, boot bags and other bags are designed to hold specific items. Just pick the bag that fits your winter sport items, then pick the color and materials you like.
• General-use: Collect all your stuff and measure the size bag you'll need, then choose your style--duffel or backpack; wheels or straps or both--and enjoy your day on the slopes.

Regarding materials, you can choose snowboard bags of nylon, polyester, PVC-coated nylon or some combination; all are excellent choices, high durability and low maintenance. Many fabrics are measured in "denier"; lower numbers mean smaller threads. It actually measures weight, but lower denier fabrics are thinner and weave tighter fabrics--ski bags of microfiber (1 denier or less) get excellent reviews on water repellence. On color, black continues to be most popular, but trim or whole bags in a full spectrum of colors get more popular every year.

Some winter sports gear terminology

ABS: Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is a plastic noted for its shock resistance.

EPS: Expanded poly-styrene is a dense foam often used for padding.

Polycarbonate: Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic that many consider almost unbreakable.

Injection molded: EPS foam is bonded to a separate shell in a single process.

In-mold: The helmet shell and foam are molded in one process.

Venting: Holes in helmets and goggles which allow air flow in and out help to keep the head cool and goggles fog-free.