Roundup: The Best Winter Gear For 2025
Winter is here! As snow graces the tip-tops of mountains, frost laces the evergreen trees and waterfalls freeze into icicles, get outside and explore the natural wonders of winter with the right clothing, accessories and gear.
Here are 10 new, exciting and essential gear items for winter 2025, tested and reviewed by the explore team.
Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0
LIFA INFINITY™ is one of the most innovative and sustainable developments Helly Hansen has rolled out in recent years. You’ll find it in the new Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0—a backpack- and helmet-compatible hardshell built for three-season adventures in wet, snowy and windy conditions, thoroughly tested by David Webb, explore’s president and publisher. Most of us know waterproof breathable fabrics are constructed of microscopic pores that are large enough to allow condensation (sweat) to escape but small enough to keep water (rain, snow) from permeating in. LIFA INFINITY™ is heated and stretched through a proprietary process that creates the level of waterproof-breathability we expect from Helly Tech Professional gear, but without the use of toxic chemicals. Add to that a PFC-free DWR on the outer layer and you have a rugged and durable hardshell you can feel good about owning.
Price: $450
Buy it here: hellyhansen.com
Icebreaker 260 ZoneKnit Seamless Thermals
These base layers are soft, comfortable and warm. Featuring rib and pique structures engineered to the body’s sweat zones for targeted heat release, and ZoneKnit™ engineered performance designed to help regulate your body temperature during high-intensity activity, the long-sleeve shirt and high-waisted leggings are perfect for winter hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and downhill alpine sports. The material is a blend of 39 per cent merino wool (nature’s way of keeping us warm) and 36 per cent TENCEL™ Lyocell (one of the softest fabrics on Earth). “Worn as base layers on chilly days or alone on sunny bluebird afternoons, these base layer thermals are snug-fitting, seamless and perfectly breathable,” says Alison Karlene Hodgins, explore’s managing editor.
Price: $170
Buy here: Women’s Long-Sleeve Crew Top & Women’s 25” Bottom | Men’s Top & Bottom
Skittenz
“I thought my ski setup was dialed in, but Skittenz added a new winter accessory I can’t hit the slopes without,” says Ben Hopper, national sales manager for explore. Skittenz slip easily over any glove or mitten, adding a fresh, colorful look, water resistance and an extra layer of protection against the winter elements. Their Trail Map Skittenz feature popular ski resort trail maps printed directly on them, so you literally have the trail map in the palm (and on the back) of your hands. “I never expected a simple accessory to be so functional and to earn so many compliments,” Ben adds. Skittenz is this season’s most functional, eye-catching upgrade for skiers and snowboarders.
Price: From $35
Buy here: skittenz.com
Smartwool Lodge Girl Beanie & Hudson Trail Nordic Mitten
“You can find me outside wearing this adorable, comfortable and practical toque and mitten combo all winter long,” says Alison Karlene Hodgins. The cable knit toque is made from recycled polyester and merino wool, while the decorative pompom is made of faux fur. The beanie has a classic “slouchy” look with a ribbed cuff. The mittens are spacious enough for large hands, with an ultra-soft lining to keep your fingers cozy, warm and dry on snowy winter adventures. These mittens aren’t waterproofed for building snowmen, but will be perfect for holding hot cocoa while hiding from a snowball fight.
Price: $50 | $70
OLFA Works
Looking for a lightweight brush craft saw and utility knife? OLFA, a Japanese brand that has been making blades since 1956, has recently expanded into the outdoor adventure market. Great news for us! Whether you find yourself in a survival situation or need to whittle down some branches for s’mores for the kids (which might also be a survival situation), these high-quality, made-in-Osaka knives remind us of the simple joys of getting outside and getting back to basics—and the inarguable importance of good, reliable, durable gear. Explore is the exclusive retailer of OLFA Works in Canada.
Price: From $20
Buy here: explore-mag.com
Motley Woollens Hiker Mid Crew Hiking Socks
Made from a high-quality merino wool blend, these socks offer breathability and moisture-wicking properties, keeping your feet dry and comfortable during long hikes. The mid-crew length provides ample coverage and support, fitting snugly without slipping down. One of the standout features is the reinforced cushioning in the heel and toe areas, which adds an extra layer of comfort and increases durability. These socks are ideal for tackling rough terrain on long day hikes or multi-day backpacking trips. The performance, fit and longevity justify the investment in a pair or two (or three).
Price: From $28
Buy here: motleywoollens.com
Adidas Terrex Xperior Primaloft Loose Fill Insulated Hooded Jacket
“This stylish hooded puffy from Adidas Terrex quickly became my favourite daily-wear jacket as soon as the weather turned from summer to fall,” says David Webb. The recycled outer layer is DWR-treated and water-resistant enough to shed showers with ease. (He recounts, “I’ve worn it for an hour-plus in the rain and stayed dry.”) The synthetic PrimaLoft is low-maintenance, hydrophobic and makes it cozy enough to wear as an outer layer on cool days, but also as a mid-layer when we head for the mountains. Elastic cuffs and an adjustable hem mean tailoring the fit is easy and it even packs into its own pocket. But possibly the best part is the asymmetrical designs on the stitching—it elevates the Xperior into a style zone all of its own.
Price: $320
Buy it here: adidas.ca
UGG Women’s MetroPeak
“Living in Winnipeg (or should I say, ‘Winter-peg’) most of my life, I usually look forward to getting snow,” says explore Business Development Manager Adrianna Szarek. “These boots will be perfect for trekking in the white stuff this season!” The soft UGGplush™ lining provides exceptional comfort and warmth, while the Gore-Tex membrane in the boots guarantees optimal breathability and waterproofing, designed to keep your feet dry and comfortable all day long. Plus, the lug sole has excellent traction for icy surfaces. The boots are rated to -32 C, making them suitable for Canadian winter adventurers. The UGG MetroPeak is a premium winter boot that combines style, comfort and performance into a snow day essential.
Price: $350
Buy it here: ugg.com
Therm Snowrider One-Piece Snowsuit (Ocean)
If you kids are cold and wet, they’re unhappy. And they’ll soon associate this unhappiness with being outside—not what we want, as the benefits of getting children into nature are well-documented. But as kids grow, parents are faced with mounting costs of replacing quality gear… over and over again. That’s where the Canadian company Therm comes in. Founded by a mom of two, Therm is producing gear to keep kids warm and dry outdoors—and it’s all affordably priced.
Take the Therm Snowrider One-Piece Snowsuit. It’s waterproof, windproof and features 120 grams of synthetic insulation throughout. The outer polyester and inner fleece is 100 per cent recycled material, and it’s free of PFCs and PFAs (bad stuff). Thoughtful touches include internal backpack straps for wearing half-off (think: ski lodge), D-rings for mitten attachments and reinforced seat, knees and hems. “My kids jumped right into their suits and wore them around the house for an hour, testament to the comfort—and they loved the ‘ocean waves’ styling,” says David Webb. Fits true to size.
Price: $125
Buy it here: thermkids.ca
Women’s Shellista V Mid Waterproof Boots
The North Face designed these versatile waterproof boots as a modern twist on their classic winter boot. Made with an advanced internal waterproof membrane, Icepick® rubber lugs’ slip-resistant traction technology and 200-gram HeatSeeker™ insulation, these kicks may look stylish, but every pair is practical, too. These boots are ready for whatever winter conditions throw at you, from rain on the wet West Coast to dump-truck loads of snow on the East Coast and even dry, eyelash-freezing temperature dips in the Prairies.
Price: $219.99
Buy it here: thenorthface.com
