ODIN BACKCOUNTRY: GEAR THAT WORKS HARD ON YOUR DAY OFF
Developed with ski patrollers at Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort
September 18, 2023
4 min read
The new Odin Backcountry capsule collection includes three pinnacle pieces, which share a unified design and can be worn together as a complete set for your backcountry adventures.
It’s 5.30am and ski patrollers Izzy Holmes and Stephen Larson at Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort are waking up for their early morning meeting. Digging out tower pads and driving snowmobiles for avalanche routes are on the to-do list. As experts in mountain terrain, Izzy and Stephen share a passion for ski touring beyond the groomers. We asked them what their ideal backcountry gear would look like. Drawing on their feedback, we created three pieces that they put to the test.
SHOP BACKCOUNTRY GEAR
Optimized for ski touring
We learned early on that Izzy and Stephen rely heavily on their transceivers. These devices require close contact with the body to operate at their best. But when tucked away under multiple layers, accessing them became an inconvenience and led to some serious loss of body heat. We designed each of these jackets with a uniform zipper opening placement in the lower torso area, which is part pocket, part beacon access. Instead of searching through one jacket, only to find that the zipper is somewhere else on your midlayer, you can now delve straight through all three without losing heat in the process.
The jackets are also loaded with technical features, including articulated sleeves for optimal mobility; an adjustable hem for a customized, protective fit; and multiple backpack-compatible storage pockets.
No one else knows the mountains better than search and rescue teams and ski patrollers. We wanted to give them everything they were looking for to support them both at work and at play on the mountain.
Technical shell
Heavenly gets some of the best snow in North America. With an average of 360 inches of snowfall per year, we knew that the shell jacket needed to hold up in deep powder. Using our responsible, professional grade LIFA INFINITY™ technology, which is constructed with a waterproof/breathable LIFA INFINITY™ membrane, the lightweight Odin BC Infinity Shell Jacket offers good protection.
SHOP the Odin BC infinity shell Jacket
In terms of design, Stephen and Izzy both pointed out the need for the front zipper to be offset. This feedback helped to make the collar more comfortable without compromising on waterproof protection. We also took on board their recommendation to elevate the pockets, giving convenient storage for backcountry ski skins.
I’ve worn this jacket in heavy rainstorms and the fabric has kept out all the rain so far. 10 out of 10 for waterproof, windproof protection!
Additional features include: a helmet, harness, and backpack-compatible construction; mechanical ventilation under the arms for added breathability and temperature regulation; and RECCO® reflectors for extra peace of mind.
softshell
SHOP the Odin BC Softshell Jacket
In less extreme conditions, a softshell is arguably the most important piece for backcountry adventurers. The Odin BC Softshell Jacket combines a range of fabrics - each strategically placed - to give comfort as you build up heat and durability to hold up against the brush.
The fabric weight is spot on – a perfect blend of a midlayer and shell.
LIGHTWEIGHT INSULATOR
SHOP the Odin BC LT Insulator Hood
When backcountry skiing, you can quickly lose your momentum on the ascent if you continuously layer on and off. Our goal was to create an insulator that could provide consistent warmth and breathability.
We used a unique lining constructed with OCTA fiber that eliminates the need for extra lining, enabling moisture management and breathability while keeping you warm. Partly recycled 20D nylon stretch ripstop fabric adds durability while a PFC-free DWR treatment gives mild protection in snow flurries.
Fleece-lined waist pockets give a little more warmth and the zipper has a pull tab, making it super easy to take on and off without having to remove your gloves.
This is my favorite hood ever in an outerwear piece – both with and without a helmet, and it doesn’t have a stiff structure that affects layering, yet somehow still has a brim. Fantastic!
READY FOR THE BACKCOUNTRY?
We partner with search & rescue teams and ski patrollers who work on the mountain year-round. Designed to be the ideal kit for these professionals even on their days off, the new Odin Backcountry capsule collection consists of highly technical, premium products, delivering durable, lightweight performance and protection, optimized for ski touring and powder days.
ABOUT HEAVENLY MOUNTAIN SKI RESORT
High above the sapphire-blue waters of Lake Tahoe, Heavenly is one of the most unique snow resorts on the planet. The choices are endless. Do you ski California or Nevada? Will it be 34 miles of wide-open, groomed cruisers, 1,600-foot plunges in the double-black diamond canyons or the most outrageous tree skiing in North America? You can make Heavenly your playground every time you visit.
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