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 |  Image via Amazon | |
Rossignol X-ium Premium Skate S2 Skis |  Image via Amazon | |
Salomon Condition-Specific S-Lab Skate Skis |  Image via Amazon | |
Swix Triac 3.0 Poles |  Image via Amazon | |
Julbo Aero Sunglasses |  Image via Amazon | |
Swix Delda Jacket |  Image via Amazon | |
Salomon Pro-Link Bindings |  Image via Amazon | |
Toko Profi Gloves |  Image via Amazon | |
Fischer Speedmax Skate Boots |  Image via Amazon | |
Bliz Rush XT Visor |  Image via Amazon |
Product FAQ
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
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
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
CONS
Where to Buy
Warranty
These socks have a three-year warranty.
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
CONS
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
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
CONS
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
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
CONS
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
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
CONS
Where to Buy
Warranty
The company gives a warranty of 2 years of full coverage.
Swix Delda 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
CONS
Where to Buy
Warranty
This jacket has the swix guarentee warranty:30 days of free return for store credit.
Salomon Pro-Link Bindings
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
CONS
Where to Buy
Warranty
The prolink options have a warranty of 5 years on this product.
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
CONS
Where to Buy
Warranty
Toko Profi has a one-year limited warranty.
Fischer Speedmax Skate 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
CONS
Where to Buy
Warranty
For the price, you can expect a great warranty, a limited one-year warranty.
Bliz Rush XT Visor
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
CONS
Where to Buy
Warranty
Bliz provides a limited warranty and a 14 day return guarentee.
The Verdict:The Best Gear 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
