1. Smith I/O Asian-fit / Low Bridge. I apparently have a weird face and these are the only goggles I've owned that sit comfortably AND seal my nose gap. I've owned a dozen plus goggles-- including other Asian/low-bridge fits --and too many times suddenly went blind at speed because of an air jetstream right into the eyes. Smith unfortunately discontinued these a few years back, but I have 2 sets of frames and ~4-5 sets of spare lenses, so I'm good for a few years.
2. High quality socks. Speaking for experience, the difference between the $25 Burton sock and the $35 Burton sock is enormous. I have a cheap set I got for free I literally never wear, and the high-end option I paid for with my own money. The pricier socks perform better because of less foot slip, retains shape better, can be worn for multiple days before needing to be washed, protect against blisters better, etc.
3. Bibs. I exclusively wear bibs unless I'm riding in summer-like warm conditions. No pow down my ass crack unless I REALLY done fucked up, don't have to deal with ineffectual uncomfortable powder skirts or proprietary jacket to pant connections, and more comfortable since I can give my ass more space without worrying about how the waist fits.
These are probably my only musts. Everything below is nice to have, but real nice to have.
4. Calf-length base layer bottoms. The 3/4 cut eliminates so much bunching and overheating issues for me. Patagonia Capilene on most day trips, merino if cold or I'm going out for multiple days and won't have a chance to launder my gear between riding days.
5. Trigger/lobster mitts. Dexterity of a glove, warmth of a mitt. Only meaningful drawback is not being able to flash shakas, rockers, or peace signs to people while riding lol. Thankfully these became a bit of a trend ~15 years ago I had limited options from trendy crap product companies like Grenade or Celtek. Nowadays pretty easy to find a bunch of quality options from the high-end players from Burton AK to Hestra to various cottage industry players.
6. Highback bag. I HATE carrying stuff in my pockets-- highback bag means I don't have to carry stuff in pockets. I also carry some stuff I wouldn't otherwise. Usual kit is snowboard tool, gear lock, zip ties and little roll of duct tape, lip balm + stick sunscreen, emergency mylar foil blankets, and a couple snack bars.
7. WhatVest Backcountry vest. This was an extensive luxury, but I really hate riding with backpacks. Vest means everything hangs closer to my center of gravity and I can counter-balance with some weight in front. I use this on most of my days splitboarding and now even carry a full avy kit while inbounds pow riding. I'd still use a pack for bigger missions, but this is enough for most my days in the BC.
8. Shokz Bone Conduction Headphones. These were a gamechanger for me. I wear them all the damn time. I initially bought them because I wanted to listen to music while still being able to hear baby. Nowadays unless I really need noise isolation, I reach for these over my noise-cancelling over-the-ear headphones. I wear them just around the house, running, skateboarding, snowboarding, wherever. I still retain situational awareness, and they're damned light and comfortable, enough so that I've left the house multiple times forgetting that I was wearing them and have fallen asleep in them a bunch. My only real concern is their life span, since they have a small irreplacable lithium ion battery.
