Gear Guide: New Technical Hardshells for Winter 2014/2015

The new gear that you need to keep you warm and dry this winter!

Snow has begun to fall in the mountains here in the Northeast, laying a soft white blanket onto the pines and paths of the Adirondacks and Green Mountains. While we all hate to see warm, sunny weather go away, it's time to start directing shorts, t-shirts and sandals to the closet, and to begin replacing them with insulated coats, softshell pants and hardshells in preparation for the coming cold temperatures and winter activities. Here at the Outdoor Gear Exchange/ GearX.com, we are Alpine skiers, ice climbers, Nordic skiers, winter hikers and ski-touring enthusiasts, so we love winter and all of the gear that goes along with it. Here is our guide to the hottest technical hardshells for winter 2014/2015:

Hardshells

Black Diamond Sharp End Shell (Men's & Women's)

The Sharp End Shell from Black Diamond, available for men and women, is an innovative, durable technical hardshell for climbing, alpine skiing, and any other activities that require supreme weather protection. Featuring Gore-Tex ® Pro 3-layer fabric with a durable, yet light 40 denier face fabric, the Sharp End Shell can take a beating and protects against harsh weather, while retaining excellent breathability. The Sharp End Shell is also packed with features and innovative design, such as an adjustable, helmet compatible hood; waterproof YKK ® Vislon ® Aquaguard ® zippers; two-way zip armpit vents; harness compatible pockets; and exclusive, integrated Cohaesive ™ cord management technology. The Sharp End Shell provides a great fit, quality construction, superb weather protection and performance design for a variety of winter pursuits! Black Diamond is a trusted name in climbing hardgoods, yet the high-performance Sharp End Shell is sure to brandish their reputation in the technical apparel market as well. Ideal uses: Ice climbing, mountaineering, backcountry skiing Shop the men's Sharp End Shell or women's Sharp End Shell!

Outdoor Research Foray Jacket (men's) and Aspire Jacket (women's)

Lightweight, packability and functionality are the key traits that make the men's Foray jacket and women's Aspire jacket so popular and useful. Featuring Gore-Tex ® Paclite 2.5-layer waterproof construction, the Foray and Aspire are waterproof , yet lightweight and extremely packable. A 50 denier face fabric makes these jackets surprisingly durable for their weights, while waterproof zippers keep water out. Additionally, the Foray and Aspire jackets are versatile and functional, with a hem-to bicep side zipper and opens the jacket up to cover a pack, or so that you can use the jacket as a poncho when storms roll in. For hiking, climbing, or around town, the Foray and Aspire jackets are great options to keep you dry and comfortable. Ideal uses: hiking, camping, climbing, around-town use, as an emergency shell.