Wish List

For The Rider

For $1,000 you can either go for quality and add something new each year, or you can go for value and perhaps not have all the high-tech fabrics and features available. For example, perhaps the best monosuit available is the Klim Lochsa One-Piece. But that will drain 90 percent of your budget, leaving you with only enough to pick up a pair of gloves or goggles.

On the other hand, you could go for something more affordable such as the Arctiva Summit Suit and helmet. This would only require about 40 percent of your budget, leaving room for boots, gloves, goggles and perhaps beacons or radios.

But before you decide where to put your money, realize that there are some necessities that have to function in mountain riding conditions, such as: helmet, suit, gloves, boots, goggles, beacon, shovel and probe. And you may also want backpacks, radios and an assortment of other items for convenience, safety and survival.

Here is a quick look at some of our considerations.

Klim Lochsa One-Piece focuses on durability, ventilation and waterproofing. The Lochsa is rated in the “most durable” class of Klim snow gear. The lack of overlays in fabric construction means the entire suit, built completely from waterproof 3-Layer Gore-Tex Pro Shell, remains extremely breathable. Price: $899.99. Website: www.klim.com.

Arctiva Rise Summit Helmet features dual density EPS that provides traditional impact protection while the addition of the MIPS Brain Protection System protects from rotational impacts. Along with safety, the Rise Summit helmet provides excellent comfort with its moisture wicking liner and dual forehead, chin, and rear exhaust vents. Price: $149.95. Website: www.arctiva.com.

Arctiva Summit Suit is 100 percent waterproof. Made from a breathable nylon shell chassis, it will keep you dry when searching for untouched powder deep in the backcountry. Price: $250-$275. Website: www.arctiva.com.