6 Gifts for Female Backcountry Skiers

November 30, 2015

by Lydia Tanner
6 Gifts for Female Backcountry Skiers

Active Junky gear testers picked out six pieces that every backcountry skier and alpinist can appreciate, whether they’re just getting started ice climbing or heading off to tackle big alpine objectives. Read on for gift ideas—or to stock your own gear closet.

Dynafit Mercury Boots

Dynafit Mercury TF Alpine Touring Skis Boots - Women's

With superior mobility in the skin track and surprising stiffness in ski mode, Dynafit’s Mercury is the do-it-all charger for gals who like to earn their turns. The fiberglass-reinforced cuff includes a removable tongue for a customizable ride, and a three-buckle system keeps your foot snug for direct power transfer in dicey turns. This might sound more suited to the frontside, but with 60 degrees of mobility in tour mode and featherweight construction, the Mercury stays true to its backcountry roots. This is a boot truly made to skin all day and still whoop it up on the descents.

Best For: Backcountry ladies who like to charge on the downs.

Arc’teryx Procline FL Pants

Arc'teryx Procline FL Pant - Women's Starting at: $285.55

For fast and light missions into the alpine, you need pants that will protect you from the elements, provide excellent mobility and let you dump extra heat. The Procline FL from Arc’teryx features Burly Double Weave softshell fabric, which is weatherproof and exceptionally durable while retaining stretch and breathability—so you won’t have to worry about getting shredded if you have to scramble. A streamlined cut also means you won’t catch them on your crampons, while lightweight removable suspenders help with layering.

Best For: High-output adventures where breathability and mobility are key.

Black Diamond Lotus Harness

Black Diamond Lotus Harness

When it comes to harnesses, we ladies can be tough to please, but Black Diamond’s Lotus provides a thoughtful, comfortable fit with the features we need to pursue year-round adventures. Four ice clipper loops hold tools and screws, and four heat-molded gear loops handle your rack and draws. Black Diamond’s “bullhorn” shaped waist belt helps with weight distribution, so you can hang all day if you need to— but with its lightweight, breathable build, you’ll probably be sending sooner than you think!

Best For: Every kind of climbing you want to do.

Petzl Sarken Crampon

Petzl Sarken Crampon

For everything from mixed alpine climbing to steep ice, the Sarken has you covered. T-shaped front points minimize ice displacement for crisp, secure foot placements, and four heel points give you stability on the descent. Designed for versatility, you’ll get excellent ice performance as well as a reliable hold on snow and rock. The wide variety of sizing options ensures you’ll get a snug fit, so go ahead and get fancy with your footwork.

Best For: Frozen adventures on rock and ice.

RAB Icefall Gauntlet Glove

Rab Icefall Gauntlet Glove

There’s nothing worse than an icy glove full of spindrift, so this winter, try something with a gauntlet. RAB tricked these gloves out with a buttery Pittards leather palm, snot patch on the thumb and PrimaLoft insulation to keep your fingers toasty without compromising articulation. Top it off with an eVent membrane for breathability, and you’ve got a winner. While they’re definitely more suited to high-output days than they are to riding the lift, these gloves could become your new best friend in the alpine.

Best For: Technical ice and alpine climbing.

Icebreaker Zone Baselayers

Icebreaker BodyFit 200 Oasis Leggings - Women's

Everyone has their own interpretation of the base layer— maybe you wear stinky polypro, your basketball shorts or (Gear Gods forbid) something cotton. No matter where you’re coming from, the truth is that once you go merino, you’ll never go back. With wicking superpowers, the ability to stay warm even when wet and incredible antimicrobial properties that naturally fight funk, merino is quite simply the only thing you should be wearing. Plus, base layers from IceBreaker feature great colors and just a hint of lycra to keep them flattering—what’s not to love?

Best For: Any day when you want to be warm and happy. 

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