Helly Hansen Fusion Component Jacket ($450) and Trace Pant ($300):
Your heli-skiing repertoire doesn't end with backcountry hardware. Nope, you want—scratch that—you NEED ultra-performance apparel like never before. From the company whose legacy was set by providing Scandinavians foul-weather apparel for sailing the cruel North Sea, the Helly Hansen Fusion Component Jacket and Trace Pant are your main defenses against the burly snow gods. Both two-layer nylon creations are armored with eVENT fabric, a waterproof-breathable, fast-drying creation that rebuffs wind, water, and celebratory Schnapps spills with aplomb. The versatile, roomy Fusion is topped with a detachable hood and plumbed with a removable vest loaded with Thermore insulation to maintain your core temp. You want pockets for storing goodies and necessities? The Fusion's got bags of 'em, including a specially concealed pocket for a radio transceiver that all heli-skiers should have. On those balmy bluebird-sky days, weatherized underarm zip vents help you cool down. For your lower half, the Trace Pant is built with the same bomb-proof construction. Your legs are sheathed with a comfortable hybrid mesh/tricot lining that helps keep you from getting clammy, though this should be less of a problem with inner-thigh zipper vents helping to regulate body temperature. The Trace also gives you side cargo and back pockets, water-resistant zippers, and stretchy snow gaiters. Contact 800-435-5901, www.hellyhansen.com.
