PlanetSKI Gear Review #4 Winter 23/24

28th January 2024 | Alf Alderson - Gear & Equipment Editor

Last modified on February 2nd, 2024

In our fourth edit of the season Alf Alderson checks out the latest in layering and back protectors for skiers and snowboarders.

Layering

KOMPERDELL AIR VEST LIGHT BACK PROTECTOR £179.95

Depending on what you get up to on the slopes there’s a lot to be said for a back protector, and this model from Komperdell ticks all the boxes.

Plus, it can also use it for other sports such as mountain biking.

The Air Vest Light Protector is light and flexible enough that you soon forget you’re wearing it, and it offers good freedom of movement and ventilation.

Made from adaptive dual density foam, its EN 1621-2 certified for protection of the back and spine, so will provide the reassurance that if worst come to worst when you’re blatting around on your skis you do at least have a decent level of protection.

It’s also available in men’s, women’s and kid’s sizes.

The Air Vest Light can be slipped on quickly and easily under your regular ski clothing (you’ll probably want to wear a base layer underneath it).

It has a front zipper and stretch front fabric to provide a comfortable but snug fit; well worth checking out, particularly if you enjoy a bit of air time whilst on the slopes or park.

VERDICT: A comfortable and easy way of minimising the risk of injury to your back and spine whilst skiing

Komperdell Air Vest Light Back Protector £179.95

SMARTWOOL INTRAKNIT MERINO WOOL HOODIE £224.99

Designed to amplify movement and comfort during high-intensity activities, this stylish hoodie has mesh ventilation under the arms for better breathability, whilst Smartwool’s ‘Intraknit’ technology, which is used in the rest of the garment, provides effective insulation, articulation, and ventilation and there are insulating terry loops throughout the body, hood, and sleeves for warmth.

It feels great in use, snug against the body but loose enough to allow good freedom of movement, and you also get two zippered hand pockets, plus abrasion resistant sleeves, all making for an ideal mid-layer.

VERDICT: A versatile bit of kit that you can use year-round for a wide range of activities

Smartwool Intraknit Merino Wool Hoodie £224.99

SMARTWOOL HUDSON TRAIL FLEECE JACKET £159.99

Another very versatile, stylish hoodie from Smartwool, the Hudson Trail fleece is made from super soft, recycled brushed wool fleece and has a loose fit, providing instant comfort and warmth at the same time as looking good.

It features two zippered handwarmer pocket and a small zippered pocket on the left sleeve (ideal for a lift pass), and a knit binding around the hood and hemline and elasticated cuffs help to keep cold drafts at bay, whilst abrasion-resistant fabric on the front adds to the Hudson Trail’s durability.

VERDICT: Great looking fleece that you won’t want to take off

Smartwool Hudson Trail Fleece Jacket £159.99

SMARTWOOL CLASSIC MERINO BASE LAYER CREW £99.99 www.smartwool.co.uk

This is a plain but classic looking crew that features shoulder panels to eliminate top shoulder seams and a flatlock seam construction to help prevent chafing.

It works especially well if you’re carrying a heavy backpack.

Made to be worn next to the skin, you don’t have to worry about it holding odours since it’s 100 per cent merino wool, which is also soft and warm, whilst side seams wrap to the front for a slim, body-enhancing fit.

VERDICT: One of the best looking and most comfy base layers we’ve seen this winter

Smartwool Classic Merino Base Layer Crew £99.99

SMARTWOOL CLASSIC THERMAL MERINO BASE LAYER BOTTOM £84.99

A super-comfortable 100 per cent merino wool base layer which comes with all the benefits of said material i.e. it helps regulate body temperature, breathes well, and naturally resists odours.

You also get smooth flatlock seams to help minimize chafing and a wide, fabric-covered waistband for additional comfort. Smartwool’s ‘Core Spun’ technology has been used in the construction, by which merino is wrapped around a nylon core for added durability, so you should get several seasons of use out of these leggings.

VERDICT: Comfortable, warm and hard-wearing base layer that does what it says on the tin