Creature Comforts

[eleveneightnate]

What's your favorite piece of kit/routine/habit/drink/food/etc that makes your life more comfortable on the hill, or even on the drive up? Could be anything from lip balm to glove liners to socks. As I get older, I find the small things add up to make the experience better as a whole.

Mine is this Carhartt beanie. I dunno why, but it's the most comfortable beanie I've ever had.

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[Kevington]

NOS Lowe Alpine mitts I bought in a charity shop. Old 3L Gore Pro Shell and amazingly warm fleece liners. Never been even slightly wet or cold.
My local hill is Hestra where they make the really really good gloves and I have a few pairs as they are often half price. I take these over the Hestras every time.

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[Spenser]

I'd go with a balaclava, specifically Airblaster pterry being the one I've mostly worn for quite a while now. I don't like beanie/open face, beanie/gaiter, etc... just that one piece cover.

[coleslawed]

my hoodless ninja suit with the 3/4 legs. never not wearing it if i’m outside in the winter.

[eleveneightnate]

my hoodless ninja suit with the 3/4 legs. never not wearing it if i’m outside in the winter.

Man, I've been so close to buying one of those every season. Sounds like I should just pull the trigger.

[Krazylegz1485]

I wear a ninja suit every day I ride, regardless of the temp or conditions. I've got a sumo suit (thin), normal one, and a Dan merino one. Definitely a worthy investment.

On top of that, in the last couple years I've had a hard time wearing anything other than my freedom suit. It's so comfortable and just works. Plus it's just funny wearing a onesie, especially one that's Hawaiian print.

Lastly, one other thing that doesn't necessarily make me physically comfortable but is also a "must have" every day I go is a leg bag. Functionally it's essentially pointless (although I do keep a tool in it, as well as take advantage of the leash, just cuz) but it basically guarantees a good day. It's a mood booster just because it's funny, and it's sometimes a conversation starter. And as a somewhat antisocial introvert that's not always a bad thing. Haha.

[scrub]

Blackstrap balaclava, I freaking love that thing. I have other hinged balaclavas but the Blackstrap is way better and I went on about it so much that a lot of my family/friends now use them.

[coleslawed]

my hoodless ninja suit with the 3/4 legs. never not wearing it if i’m outside in the winter.

Man, I've been so close to buying one of those every season. Sounds like I should just pull the trigger.

the only bummer is they don’t do the 3/4 legs anymore. but i suppose i could just get a new one hemmed to my liking.

[michaelangelo]

Weird one but.. Stance X Injiji X Scotty Wittlake socks. Yeah, they’re weird toe socks. I could never get my feet to stop being clammy and would end up being freezing cold in a variety of conditions. Those thin, stick-on toe warmers were a band aid fix for awhile. Different boots, plenty of different socks, anti-sweat lotion, etc. Found a random pair at my local shop in 2014, no one was buying them. Owner gave me a pair for free, changed my life! I think I have 6-7 pairs in rotation now and will seek them out once a season or so for back ups.

Colder days, the AK MFI hooded base layer - thin, polartec style. I think it’s the same as the Mine77 one. It seems like it was a one and done, always my go to layering piece.

[eleveneightnate]

Lastly, one other thing that doesn't necessarily make me physically comfortable but is also a "must have" every day I go is a leg bag. Functionally it's essentially pointless (although I do keep a tool in it, as well as take advantage of the leash, just cuz) but it basically guarantees a good day. It's a mood booster just because it's funny, and it's sometimes a conversation starter. And as a somewhat antisocial introvert that's not always a bad thing. Haha.

Leg bag respect! I think I have one in storage, maybe it's time to make its comeback.

Blackstrap balaclava, I freaking love that thing. I have other hinged balaclavas but the Blackstrap is way better and I went on about it so much that a lot of my family/friends now use them.

Blackstrap makes great stuff, love their baselayers. I'll have to snag one of their clavas.

the only bummer is they don’t do the 3/4 legs anymore. but i suppose i could just get a new one hemmed to my liking.

Oh bummer! 3/4 leg sounds ideal. I hate anything bunching up in my boot liners.

Weird one but.. Stance X Injiji X Scotty Wittlake socks. Yeah, they’re weird toe socks. I could never get my feet to stop being clammy and would end up being freezing cold in a variety of conditions. Those thin, stick-on toe warmers were a band aid fix for awhile. Different boots, plenty of different socks, anti-sweat lotion, etc. Found a random pair at my local shop in 2014, no one was buying them. Owner gave me a pair for free, changed my life! I think I have 6-7 pairs in rotation now and will seek them out once a season or so for back ups.

Colder days, the AK MFI hooded base layer - thin, polartec style. I think it’s the same as the Mine77 one. It seems like it was a one and done, always my go to layering piece.

Weird, but awesome! Never thought about toe socks for snowboarding. If they were easier to find I'd totally try them. Side note: Polartec material is the comfiest shit you can wear on colder days. Love it.