This post is sponsored by Backcountry and Shopstyle. Thank you for supporting my brand partnerships.
It has been YEARS since I got any new snowboarding gear. Before buying the house in Vermont we just never got up to the mountains enough for me to justify it and Rhode Island winters are not that snowy. I knew I wanted to find brands with a focus on sustainability and I have discovered some amazing companies on Backcountry. They have a great selection of gear and apparel for winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing and more. I did a ton of research (Craig helped me with the snowboard stuff) and after using my gear on the mountain a few times I am SO happy with it. My goal for 2021 is to do more things that bring me joy. Getting out on the mountain and spending time outdoors makes me so happy. Read on for all the details on my sustainable snowboard and winter gear. Remember to use code JESSANN15 for 15% off your first order (exclusions apply)!
Also don’t miss the Prana sale at Backcountry right now, it’s up to 50% off select styles until January 31. I am not exaggerating when I say I LIVE in these leggings they are SO comfortable. I have them in the Jadeite Heather in size small. They are really great quality. You can see how they look on in this post and this post.
Sustainable Snowboard and Winter Gear
picure organic Snowboard Bibs & Jacket
My bibs and jacket are from a brand called Picture Organic. They are dedicated to sustainability in their materials and manufacturing and have future plans to close the loop in production by using bio-recycling processes to make new products from used ones. Currently they used organic cotton, recycled polyester and reused materials for their technical fabrics. I got the Seattle Insulated Bib Pant (warm, waterproof, breathable) and the Kate Jacket. Most reviews said to size up so I went with a medium in the jacket and bibs. I probably could have done a small but I like my snowboarding stuff a little baggie so it works for me. Craig got these pants and he said they’re great for skiing and snowboarding.
hestra Mittens
I’ve been eyeing Hestra mittens for YEARS and I finally decided to give them a try. I am so glad I did they are crazy warm and amazing quality. I really like the Gauntlet mittens because they have an elastic strap that goes around your wrist so you can easily take your mittens on and off without worrying about dropping them. Hestra’s approach to sustainability is making a high quality long life product that reduces consumption of raw materials. Hestra owns their factories and are one of the few environmentally certified manufacturing companies in the ski and outdoor world. I went with a size 7 which gives me a little extra room above my fingertips.
Skida Neckwarmer
You probably recognize Skida by now because I have been living in these since I discovered the brand a few months ago. The fleece lining is really soft and warm. It’s a woman-owned Vermont based company and the Alpine neckwarmers are also made in Vermont. They are so perfect for any winter activities and there are tons of cute prints. I got them as gifts for a bunch of people and they all loved it. I also got the Nordic headband to wear under my helmet.
Arbor Snowboards
Honestly I wasn’t actually thinking of sustainability when I started looking for a new snowboard. I had heard tons of great things about Arbor snowboards and when I started reading up on the brand I realized they have a variety of sustainable production methods and materials. Arbor works with highly renewable wood and bamboo materials obtained from well-managed forests and other sustainable supply. Their production line is solar powered and they use a closed system that captures, filters and reuses all water. All wood bi-product is reclaimed and upcycled. Now let’s get to the technical aspect, how does it ride? I am not exaggerating when I say this is the BEST snowboard I have ever ridden. It’s smooth, it’s fast, it turns so easily and it’s epic for any conditions the Northeast can throw at you (yes even icy runs). I can not get over how much fun I have on this board. It feels like my snowboarding improved tenfold just from being on this board.
Helmet and Goggles
My helmet and goggles are both from brands that are moving towards sustainability and starting with certain products made from recycled materials. I have the Smith MIPS Helmet which is super warm, lightweight and comfortable and the Giro Millie goggles (polarized).
Also pictured: ThirtyTwo Boa Snowboard Boots and GNU Bindings.
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