The Patagonia Untracked Jacket and Pant provide a go-to shred kit in powder and shelter in stormy conditions

As dedicated snowhounds can attest, skiing and riding on storm days is the best guarantee of untracked powder. But staying warm and dry can be a problem. The aptly named Patagonia Untracked jacket and pant quickly became our go-to shelter from the storm.

Construction

The pieces are made from a soft, 3-layer Gore-Tex. The material is quiet as falling snow. Jacket and pant have just the right amount of stretch, so there’s no restriction of movement. Inside is a flannel lining that’s softer and warmer than other shells our tester has put on trial.

She also feels pretty warm and cozy knowing that all the stitching is Fair Trade, and more than 90% of the nylon used is recycled.

Testing

The jacket and pants were tested in wet, cold, even rainy conditions in from Innsbruck to Banff to Bend, and our tester honestly says there was no leakage, and no wetting out from sweat. Both pieces have plenty of pockets, including ones big enough to stuff skins, gloves and beacons. With strategically placed venting zippers, a sweet adjustable snow skirt, RECCO chips and gaiters that fit both alpine and backcountry boots there’s little question as to why this is a go-to shred kit. www.patagonia.com

UNTRACKED JACKET $649

UNTRACKED PANT $499