We love winter. But the routine of bundling up in hats, coats, gloves, and boots can get old fast—especially if they’re barely keeping you warm. If you’re looking for something new and exciting to keep you toasty, you’re in luck. Companies that specialize in winter gear are rolling out high-tech winter garments that are so innovative they could be from the future. Here are some of the coolest designs hitting store shelves.
Outdoors
Innovative winter wear you won’t believe exists today
Heatzone Jacket
Columbia Sportswear claims that their Heatzone 1000 is the warmest civilian puffy jacket on the planet (surpassed only by parkas made specifically for arctic explorers). It’s filled with goose down as well as synthetic insulation. The two materials combine in a configuration called TurboDown Wave, which traps body heat and blocks cold air. The shell of the jacket is a metallized reflective fabric that also helps keep the wearer warm and snug. More info: www.mensjournal.com
Fat Tire GTX
Winter running is definitely not for everyone, but people who choose to brave the cold for a good workout will love this specially designed trail shoe by Under Armour. Its grippy soles are constructed with tire rubber from Michelin, meant to simulate a mountain bike that can handle rough terrain. The upper half of the shoe is water-resistant, keeping the runner protected from snow and slush. More info: www.gearjunkie.com
Breathable Backcountry Boots
These mountaineering boots from Dynafit are one of the only boot models with a breathable liner. Most boots have liners made with non-breathable foam, which creates an unfortunate sweaty feet situation. But this model uses a GORE-TEX membrane with ventilation perforations that allow moisture to escape. Any liquid will sit on the outside of the liner, keeping your feet dry and warm. More info: www.wildsnow.com
Nanotech Gloves
It’s nearly impossible to find one pair of gloves that will meet all your winter needs—until now. Using nanotechnology, Chaval has designed a pair of gloves that use wireless sensors to perfectly regulate the temperature of each of your fingers. If any one of your digits starts to freeze or overheat, the glove will automatically increase or reduce the temperature. They’re also waterproof, equipped with activeDRY technology to keep the gloves' inside dry, and are effective in -30 degree temperatures. More info: https://www.chavalusa.com
Aerospace Goggles
Planning a steep mountain climb or a rapid descent on skis? Julbo has designed a pair of goggles that will remain fog-free, even while you’re headed uphill or down. They have a mechanical movement system called SuperFlow that allows the goggle’s lens to be moved a centimeter away from the frame when you’re making your ascent. Then you can quickly snap it back into place when you’re ready to go downhill. More info: www.julbousa.com
Inflatable Puffy Jackets
This new spin on inflatable jackets by NuDown uses hand-powered air pumps and release valves to allow wearers to adjust the insulation on their coats. Every pump gives you enough warmth for a degree drop in temperature. Thirty to 40 pumps will insulate you on really frosty days. The air pump does have its limitations, but if the temperature drops below -20, you can purchase an argon gas upgrade kit, which will provide more warmth. More info: www.nudown.com
Bugaboots
Say goodbye to frozen toes with these battery-powered boots from Columbia. With one touch of a button wearers can activate the Omni Heat Technology to keep their feet toasty. There are three different heat increments to choose from and the boots are completely waterproof. If you’re headed out on a long winter hike you can attach a battery pack for long-lasting heat. More info: www.columbia.com
180s Earmuff Headphones
Not all winter gear is about warmth and practicality. These cool musical earmuffs are guaranteed to bring some much-needed fun to your winter routine. 180s are behind-the-head earmuffs with built-in headphones. The audio jack is compatible with most mp3 players and smart phones. Of course practicality is not abandoned entirely. The earmuffs are down filled and water resistant with a faux Sherpa lining—guaranteed to protect your ears from frostbite while you rock out to awesome tunes. More info: www.amazon.com
Snowmule
Skiing with children—or even beginners—can be difficult and frustrating. The snowmule is a backpack designed to tackle that challenge. It has two retractable ropes that pull out from the body of the pack. Inexperienced skiiers can grip onto the handles while the expert skier tows them across flat terrain. As soon as the going gets easier they can release the handles, which will zip right back into the bottom of the pack. It’s a fun, supportive way to introduce newbies to the joy of skiing. More info: www.snowmule.com
