a man and a woman cross country skiing while wearing proper gear

10 Best Gear for Cross Country Skiing

Is there anything more freeing than skiing? The open air, the range of motion, the great outdoors all around you… and the ski lifts. Don't get us wrong, sometimes you need a lift up to the top of the primo skiing locations, but it mars the natural beauty a bit to see technological posts looming over the mountainside. That's why we love cross country skiing. It provides all the snowy delight of skiing with added freedom of not having to wait in line to be ferried atop the mountain by a mechanical chair.

Cross country skiing is a lot like riding a motorcycle; sometimes you do it to get from place to place, but mostly you do it to have a blast and look cool. You've got to rely on your own locomotion to get anywhere while cross country skiing, and so if your gear is not up to snuff, neither will your cross country experience be up to snuff.

If you want the best cross country experience, you'll need the best cross country gear. Unlike activities like swimming or yoga, the gear is not merely optional or for your added comfort. Of course, without skis, “cross country skiing” is just snowy hiking. But the necessity for reliable gear goes beyond that. If you don't want to freeze or sunburn or dehydrate on your journey, you'll need several items at your disposal.

What are those items? Well, that is exactly what this article aims to answer. Gear is absolutely essential for cross country skiing, but not all pieces of gear that claim to be essential actually are. And in the age of the internet, these claims are myriad. How can one person search through them all? Well, we aim to help with that too.

We have compiled our list of the ten essential pieces of equipment that you will need for cross country skiing. We'll evaluate each of these choices in depth and even tell you where you can purchase them.

PRODUCT

IMAGE

PRICE

Bridgedale Vertige Light Socks

Bridgedale Vertige Light Socks

Image via Amazon

Rossignol X-ium Premium Skate S2 Skis

Rossignol X-ium Premium Skate S2 Skis

Image via Amazon

Salomon Condition-Specific S-Lab Skate Skis

2017 Salomon Snowscape 7 XC Skis

Image via Amazon

Swix Triac 3.0 Poles

Swix WC Pro SL Ski Poles

Image via Amazon

Julbo Aero Sunglasses

Julbo Aero Sunglasses

Image via Amazon

Swix Delda Jacket

Swix Delda Light Softshell Jacket

Image via Amazon

Salomon Pro-Link Bindings

Rottefella BC-Auto Back Automatic Step-in Ski Bingings

Image via Amazon

Toko Profi Gloves

Toko Profi Gloves

Image via Amazon

Fischer Speedmax Skate Boots

Rossignol BC X6 Cross-Country Ski Boots

Image via Amazon

Bliz Rush XT Visor

Oakley Men's Canopy Snow Goggles

Image via Amazon

Product FAQ

cross country skier heading to a higher ground while wearing the proper gear

Image via Pixabay.com

1. What Is Cross Country Skiing?

2. How Good of a Skier Do I Have to Be?

3. How Do You Practice Cross Country Skiing?

4. Where Can You Buy Cross Country Gear?

5. Who Is the Best at Cross Country Skiing?

How We Reviewed

a person wearing ski shoes and ski bindings

Image via Pixabay.com

We've evaluated each of these ten items based on their necessity for cross country skiing. The more they were necessary, the higher we regarded them. Their features, quality, brand reputation, cost, availability, and their pros and cons were all taken into consideration.

Overall Price Range of This Product (and Similar Products) 

Each of these items costs a considerably different amount from each other product. Items like ski visors might be purchased within the $50 to $70 range, but other essential pieces like skate skis might cost you a two to three hundred bucks. Be prepared to drop some money if you want the best experience.

Quality boots may cost you upwards of seven hundred dollars, but this does not mean it is any less essential. If you purchased each of these items you may need over $1000 to complete your collection from scratch.

What We Reviewed 

  • Bridgedale Vertige Light Socks
  • Rossignol X-ium Premium Skate S2 Skis
  • Salomon Condition-Specific S-Lab Skate Skis
  • Swix Triac 3.0 Poles
  • Julbo Aero Sunglasses
  • Swix Delda Jacket
  • Salomon Pro-Link Bindings
  • Toko Profi Gloves
  • Fischer Speedmax Skate Boots
  • Bliz Rush XT Visor

Bridgedale Vertige Light Socks

Bridgedale Vertige Light Socks

Image via Amazon

Features

These socks are made a of a blend of merino wool, endurofil, nylon, and lycra. Imported, they are a lightweight ski sock made with precision fit. They also have a low friction function and micro foot pads. They should be perfect for the ski range of your choice, not to mention the 3 year guarantee.

PROS   

  • 3 year guarantee
  • Perfect for warm feet
  • Blend of materials

   CONS

  • Not the cheapest
  • May not fit some very large feet

Where to Buy

Warranty

These socks have a three-year warranty.

Rossignol X-ium Premium Skate S2 Skis 

Rossignol X-ium Premium Skate S2 Skis

Image via Amazon

Features

The skis have a K7000 base which has been evaluated to have a broad spectrum performance. Ideal for skiing, the 3 edge sensor technology will keep you on top of the snow as you swoop down the mountain. You will can keep excellent directional control as the double groove moves across the snow.

PROS   

  • 3 edge sensor technology
  • Directional control
  • Double grooves

   CONS

  • Very expensive
  • May not fit everyone

Where to Buy

Warranty

The warranty of these premium skis is yearly and you get free returns for thirty days!

Salomon Condition-Specific S-Lab Skate Skis

2017 Salomon Snowscape 7 XC Skis

Image via Amazon

Features

These skis are classic cross country style skis ready to hit the slopes. The S-Cut sidecut keeps you on top of the snow as you whip through both trodden and untred snow. Not only do you get an inexpensive ski, the bells and whistles will keep you on top of your game as you hit the slopes.

PROS   

  • 3 edge sensor technology
  • Directional control
  • Double grooves

   CONS

  • Very expensive
  • May not fit everyone

Where to Buy

Warranty

The warranty is around 5 years for skis. However, they give a 2 year warranty on all the companies products.

Swix Triac 3.0 Poles 

Swix WC Pro SL Ski Poles

Image via Amazon

Features

The material is membrane and laminate with 3 layer softshells of polyester. Furthermore, the inserts are made of nylon and elastane. The fit is semi tight with one zippered pocket in the back. They will not fall down as you swoop the slopes because of the elastic waistband. No one will miss you due to the reflective nature of these comfort focused pants.

PROS   

  • 3 layer softshells
  • Inserts
  • Comfort focused

   CONS

  • Might be expensive for some
  • Tight fit for others

Where to Buy

Warranty

Warranty will be product specific, even changing based on where the consumer purchased the product. However, the company offers free returns within 30 days in exchange for store credit.

Julbo Aero Sunglasses 

Julbo Aero Sunglasses

Image via Amazon

Features

Imported, these glasses give you a wide, panoramic view. Including adjustable wing tips, the glasses will keep the sun from your eyes. They also prevent fog buildup. Light, with a tight grip, these glasses will not fall off as you ski.

PROS   

  • Easy grip
  • Panoramic view
  • Adjustable

   CONS

  • Too expensive for some
  • Too tight for others

Where to Buy

Warranty

The company gives a warranty of 2 years of full coverage.

Swix Delda Jacket

Swix Delda Light Softshell Jacket

Image via Amazon

Features

Reflective with a great fit, the material of this jacket is polyester, spandex, nylon, spandex, and mesh. The length is fit to the hip of a regular human body, with three pockets, well placed for comfort and durability. You will need a good jacket for your next ski trip.

PROS   

  • 3 pockets
  • Great fit
  • Comfortable

   CONS

  • Too expensive for some
  • Not made for everyone

Where to Buy

Warranty

This jacket has the swix guarentee warranty:30 days of free return for store credit.

Salomon Pro-Link Bindings

Rottefella BC-Auto Back Automatic Step-in Ski Bingings

Image via Amazon

Features

These salomonprolink bindings have direct power transmission, perfect for skiing. They feel like snow and are considerably lighter than the leading competitors.

PROS   

  • Lightweight
  • Durable
  • Direct power transmission

   CONS

  • Not for smaller people
  • Few color options

Where to Buy

Warranty

The prolink options have a warranty of 5 years on this product.

Toko Profi Gloves

Toko Profi Gloves

Image via Amazon

Features

With the Toko Profi gloves, you never need to look away from a screen due to the touch screen compatible finger technology. There is also thumb reinforcement with precision fit technology.

PROS   

  • Great fit
  • Touch screen compatible
  • Thumb reinforced

   CONS

  • Not made for all hand sizes
  • Only the thumb is reinforced

Where to Buy

Warranty

Toko Profi has a one-year limited warranty.

Fischer Speedmax Skate Boots

Rossignol BC X6 Cross-Country Ski Boots

Image via Amazon

Features

These skate boots are 20% lighter than other competitors. They come with all the bells and whistles you could want for a shoe to use when skiing. They are durable, minimal, and powerful. They will get you where you want to go.

PROS   

  • Lightweight
  • Durable
  • Warranty

   CONS

  • Expensive
  • Not made for everyone

Where to Buy

Warranty

For the price, you can expect a great warranty, a limited one-year warranty.

Bliz Rush XT Visor

Oakley Men's Canopy Snow Goggles

Image via Amazon

Features

You'll certainly want a visor to keep the stinging snow from your face. Plus, a great a visor will also block the sun, helping to improve your vision and providing facial protection from the rays of the sun. The extra vision, eye protection, and sunblock makes the visor a no-brainer piece of necessary gear. We recommend the Bliz Rush XT Visor, especially if you're into the pink lens aesthetic.

PROS   

  • Shields eyes from snow
  • Provides sun protection
  • Aids vision

   CONS

  • Not everyone looks good in pink
  • Requires microfiber cleaning

Where to Buy

Warranty

Bliz provides a limited warranty and a 14 day return guarentee.

The Verdict:The Best Gear for Cross Country Skiing

a woman wearing a jacket, sunglasses and gloves for cross country skiing

Image via Unsplash.com

The SwixDelda Jacket is the best buy on our list. The experts and novices alike can enjoy this jacket on the slopes as they ski. You and everyone on your ski trip will need a jacket at the very least as you head up the mountain, so think warm and durable as you reach for your gear.

Durability is key when it comes to the best cross country skiing equipment in today's market. Not only is cross country skiing an endurance test on the human body, it is an endurance test of their equipment. Imagine your skis snapping or your coat tearing in the vast distances that cross country skiing tends to cross. The situation is dire, but not if you've prepared well and avoided skimping on the most essential parts of your equipment.

A great cross country skiing starts with you adorning and being equipped with these gear. While we understand no single piece of equipment will complete your cross country kit, we hope that this guide has helped you to complete your checklist for getting out there into the great snowy beyond. We wish all our readers happy skiing!

Featured Image Source:Pixabay.com