Santa Cruz Eye 157W 2016 /2017

The first powder day after a long dry spell can turn to low-viz pretty quickly. Pull the Smith Squad XL ChromaPop Goggles over our eyes and head into the madness with fellow powder-starved comrades. B more→oasting the largest cylindrical lens in Smith's fleet, the Squad XL delivers an expanded field of vision, so we spot those sneaky freeriders trying to snake our line in our peripherals. Smith's signature ChromaPop lens enhances color and detail, even if we spend most of our day in the white room. Anti-fog technology on the inner lens keeps things clear while we're huffing and puffing up the bootpack, and the silicone-backed strap holds our goggles secure if we decide to go big and eat it right …

When we're flying around the resort, we wanna make sure our cockpit has the best visibility. That's why we'll be wearing the Oakley Flight Deck Prizm Goggles. A large frameless design opens up our fie more→ld of view, and special Prizm lenses boost our sight making sure no knolls are hidden ever again.

By taking inspiration straight from the skate park, Deeluxe's DNA Snowboard Boots are the ultimate pair for thrashing the streets or the resort's terrain park. The base of the boot features a super-gr more→ippy Skate Flex sole, providing the board feel for freestyle riding on and off the mountain. The Jib Tongue is thin, providing a direct boot-to-binding connection for enhanced power transfer without stiffening the boot. The hybrid lacing system is the icing on top, with a BOA Fit System dial locking our heel in place and traditional laces providing a customizable fit with reliable, old-school tech.

When it comes to a fun day at the ski resort, starting with happy feet is key. We rely on the Salomon S/Pro Supra Boa 105 GW Ski Boot to keep our feet comfortable with its pioneering BOA Fit system. T more→his lower closure locks in a tight fit without pinching so that we can trust the versatile 105 flex and 100mm last to help us drive our skis through whatever the mountain can throw at us.

Happy feet contribute heavily to a fun day on hill, and the Rossignol Alltrack Pro 100 MV Ski Boot contribute heavily to happy feet. For blood flow, warmth, and comfort these boots pair a mid-wide100m more→m last with a thermo-moldable liner that locks your heel in place without pinching. Once you are happy you will be skiing more and more, during this time the 100 flex will promote proper turn initiation technique as well as ample forgiveness between edges.

Back for another season, the Lexa X EST Snowboard Binding still offers the most-popular pro-caliber control on the mountain. With upgrades that make this binding lighter and reground materials that ma more→ke the design greener, this year's edition is our favorite yet. Double Take buckles with Insta-Click let us strap in fast so we can keep charging lap after lap, and the supportive Heel Hammock and highback keep us comfortable while maximizing support. Underfoot, the strong, responsive, and shockingly playful baseplate is equipped with shock-absorbing EVA and B3 gel padding.

The Dakine Low Roller Snowboard Bag is the bag of choice for everything from a weekend trip at a nearby mountain to a week-long dream trip epic. With 360 degree padding, it comfortably holds one board more→or two boards with bindings removed, outerwear, and a removable boot bag in the main compartment. The exterior zippered accessory pocket stows essential items close at hand, keeping your entire kit secure and in one place. It's handle pairs with a rolling luggage bag, for easy one-handed towing, while heavy-duty urethane wheels glide easily through airport terminals and parking lots. The Dakine Low Roller Snowboard Bag makes for smooth travel.