When you head into the backcountry, you crave the off-piste solitude, the big mountain landscapes, and the chance to chase partners to the steepest untouched slopes. Backcountry skiers have distinct needs, and today we’re talking about Insulated Freeride Skiing: Bomber durability injected with insulating warmth for the harshest, coldest environments. Whatever your style, and however you like to explore the backcountry, we’re here to get you geared up for the season ahead. Find your favorite backcountry style in our Fall 2018 Ski Collection.

Freeride skiers seek out the steepest lines, the deepest snow, and the most remote backcountry terrain. Because they’re so descent-oriented and seek such strong and powerful skiing in the most aggressive terrain, they’re often up against crazy harsh conditions. Think: Grating ice, pelting snow, and abrasive run-ins with trees and rock banks.

And while we recently covered what a typical Freeride Skier’s Dream Kit might look like, we realize that the higher you live, and the further north you venture, the more you’ll be thinking about how to stay warm throughout all of these backcountry elements.

That’s where the Blackpowder II Collection makes its debut. Waterproof, windproof, and packed with AdrenaLoft™ insulation, the Blackpowder II Jacket and Pants deliver the warmth and weatherproof protection that mountain professionals demand.

Blackpowder II Jacket: Powered by AdrenaLoft™ Technology

Outdoor Research exclusive AdrenaLoft™ powers the warmth you’ll find in the Blackpowder II Jacket – when you need it most. This lightweight, highly resilient, and insulating AdrenaLoft™ technology uses powerful thermal insulation and silky-smooth softness to keep outdoor enthusiasts warm and comfortable throughout the coldest, harshest backcountry adventures. It uses hollow fibers to trap airspace better than ordinary synthetic insulation, while micro-denier fiber sustains lasting softness and durability even after repeated machine laundering.

That means that no matter what you put it up to outside – or how you care for it inside – your Blackpowder II Jacket will keep you warmer for longer in more rugged conditions. Add to that warmth a full list of backcountry-specific features like a fixed powder skirt, pit zips for high-exertion turns, and adjustable cuffs, hems, and stormflaps that trap in heat, and you’re ready for whatever cold front is on the horizon.

Blackpowder II Pants: Updated to peak performance

Slimmed down and streamlined, the Blackpowder II Pants are an athlete-insisted update to a best-selling, favorite piece of bomber backcountry wear. Packed with the same weather-resistant durability that holds up to the demands of mountain professionals, the Blackpowder II uses four key design elements that hit on every detail you demand from a ski pant:

1. Pertex® Shield exterior wards off precipitation.

2. Polyester tricot upper leg lining keeps thighs soft and warm.

3. Taffeta lower leg lining adds durability and comfort to calves.

4. A 420D nylon scuffguard protects ankles from abrasions against rock, ice, and touring gear.

Add to that a ski-specific feature set that will eliminate any hesitation you have on the drop-in; the Blackpowder II Pants are your ticket to tackling a season full of confidence.

Discover the Entire Freeride Collection

Whether you’re thinking about temperature, or the greater scheme of elements, our entire Freeride Ski Collection is loaded with outerwear, layers, and accessories built for:

—Bomber durability: Abrasion-resistant materials that repel ice and harsh elements.

—Soak-proof power: Waterproof technology ideal for the wettest environments.

—Freedom of movement: Stretch-enhancing fabrics that let you reach, extend, and launch into any objective.

Rest assured, we’re here to stoke your journey with purpose-built gear for however you like to get out there. Discover your own perfect backcountry kit in our Fall 2018 Ski Collection.

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