What "wear" do pro shops recommend for 2024-2025?

The staff at pro shops have a keen eye for quality, having looked across a wide range of brands, tested them out on the snow themselves, and gathered feedback from users. So, we asked them which of the new 2024-2025 models they most highly recommend, and which is their second best. If you're interested in multiple new models but can't decide on one, or if you're looking for a top that's highly rated by experts, this is the one for you!

*All prices shown include consumption tax

CANDIDE | THE C1 JACKET & THE C1 PANTS

◆Official website: https://www.candide.co/

Candid, who has amazed the world with her free-spirited skiing, created this ideal skiwear, saying, "All you need is this one piece!!" Its unisex design and Primaloft insulation make it a favorite for both men and women. Why do shell-type skis seem like they're for the connoisseurs, even when it's cold? Some people must have been holding back for that reason... This lightweight, easy-to-move set will keep you warm and wick away sweat, and it's so great that you can wash it at home after playing in the snow♪

Goldwin｜GORE-TEX 2L Jacket & GORE-TEX 3L Denim Pants

◆Official website／ https://www.goldwin.co.jp/goldwin/ski/

The two-layer jacket allows for a comfortable upper body range of motion, allowing for stress-free movement. The denim pants create a stylish look on the slopes and in powder

Haglöfs ｜Latnja GTX Insulated Jacket Men & Pant Men

Recently, outdoor brands seem to be focusing their efforts on developing insulation wear. In Japan, where the latitude and altitude are not particularly high and the humidity is moderate, backcountry activities still typically involve layering with a shell and inner layer. However, insulation wear has also evolved considerably.

This new model from Haglöfs features a durable 75D Gore-Tex 2L ePE outer shell and Mimic Silver, a recycled polyester material processed into sheets, as the padding. The body-mapping structure, which divides the Mimic Silver filling into three levels, provides optimal warmth while keeping the jacket lightweight and preventing overheating. Furthermore, ample ventilation in each material and on both the top and bottom prevents stuffiness.

While already lightweight, the cut, designed with skiing and snowboarding movements in mind, makes it even lighter, more comfortable, and easier to move in. With a slightly loose-fitting half-length design and subdued color scheme, this garment, manufactured with environmentally friendly processes, is sure to be useful for everyday wear, both on and off the job.

Haglöfs | Vassi GTX Jacket Men & Vassi GTX Pant Men

◆Official website: https://haglofs.jp/

This is Haglöfs' flagship snowwear model.
Crafted from durable 75D Gore-Tex 3-layer fabric, its cutting perfectly accommodates the full range of motion during skiing, ensuring a completely stress-free fit. The eight storage compartments—large gusseted pockets on both sides of the jacket and on both thighs of the pants, mesh pockets on both sides and inside the chest, and a pass pocket on the left arm—are all easy to use, and the large two-way zippered ventilation system opens easily without interfering with a backpack.

Other features, such as laser-cut ventilation holes that appear when the front zipper is slightly opened and strong edge guards, ensure a reliable and satisfying design for skiers operating in harsh environments.

While the apparent sizing may be a concern, I believe this is a relatively good fit for Japanese snowboarders among Scandinavian brands. Of course, it's not bulky or restrictive, and it's certainly the most well-made garment currently on the market.

This is a new series derived from Haglöfs' Vassi GTX Pro series in the SNOW category. Suitable for a wide range of snow activities, from slopes to backcountry, the outer fabric is made of a high-strength 75D material. It features a three-layer GORE-TEX construction. While retaining the same three-dimensional cut for ease of movement, it can be used by a wider range of people.

These functional details make it extremely easy to use:
・Two Napoleon chest pockets (goggle wipes included) ・Two zippered hand pockets ・Large inner mesh pocket (for storing goggles and gloves) ・Diagonally positioned two-way zipper ventilation (easy to open without interfering with the pack) ・Long zipper handles make it easy to open and close, even with gloves on ・Helmet-compatible two-way adjustable hood with brim (essential for bad weather or cold days)

Haglöfs ｜Vassi GTX PRO Jacket & Vassi GTX Pro Bib Men

◆Official website: https://haglofs.jp/

This jacket is made with a 40D outer fabric, which is one of the most breathable materials in GORE-TEX PRO, yet is lightweight and comfortable to wear. It's also durable, of course. Shellwear is often said to have few pockets, but this model is an exception. With two chest pockets and two handwarmer pockets, it's also comfortable to wear on the slopes.

The pants are three-dimensionally cut, allowing for easy movement of the legs without feeling too tight when hiking uphill. With a large pocket in the bib and two on each thigh, this is a garment we recommend for both dedicated BC users and those who only go on the slopes! The gorgeous colors available in both men's and women's sizes are sure to stand out on the snow!

Haglöfs ｜Vassi GTX PRO Jacket Women & Vassi GTX Pro Bib Women

◆Official website: https://haglofs.jp/

Made with a professional shell that's perfect for backcountry use. The three-dimensional cut provides a perfect fit for women's physiques. The design, which takes into account even the most energetic hikes, allows for exceptional freedom of movement. The ample ventilation makes it comfortable to wear

MILLET ｜COSMIC GTX 3L JKT & PANT

◆Official website: https://www.millet.jp/

This hard shell jacket features 3-layer Gore-Tex and a thick, sturdy fabric that can withstand the rigors of backcountry use. While the Millet brand is already a familiar name on the slopes, you're unlikely to see anyone else wearing it in backcountry areas. Demand for hard shell clothing is on the rise, especially among skiers who use both backcountry and on the slopes

MIZUNO｜FREE SKI SHELL PULL OVER PARKA & BIB PANTS

◆Official website: https://jpn.mizuno.com/

It is fully seam sealed, and also features ventilation and a beacon loop.More than anything, it has a large number of pockets, with the jacket equipped with a back pocket, front pocket, both sides, and a storage pass case

MOUNTAIN SURF | FREERIDE DX JKT & FREERIDE BIB PANTS

◆Official website: https://mountainsurf.jp/

MOUNTAIN SURF is a Japanese brand. While the sizes and styles are standard, you can choose the fabric and zipper colors to your liking, making it practically a fully customizable garment! (The deadline for custom orders is the end of June each year.) Not only does it have a unique design that lets you express your individuality, but it's also highly functional and popular with active backcountry guides and freeriders

NORRØNA｜lofoten Gore-Tex Jacket & Pants

◆Official website: https://www.full-marks.com/norrona/

Introducing a new model that's even lighter than GORE-TEX PRO. Available in a wide range of colors and sizes from S to XXL, it's perfect for all body types. The pants in particular are over 200g lighter than the original GORE-TEX PRO, making it an exceptional garment in both functionality and ease of use

NORRØNA ｜MORE GORE-TEX Jacket & Salopette

◆Official website: https://www.full-marks.com/norrona/

The jacket and pants have a relaxed silhouette and are lightweight, allowing for easy movement. The design is simple and solid, with a slightly longer length and pants that are not too wide

This collection will be available from the 2024-2025 season. The garment is made with GORE-TEX ePE membrane, making it flexible and lightweight. The pants are overalls, with the fabric not being as long around the chest as bib pants. The waist of the pants is slightly wider, apparently to allow for better air movement within the garment when hiking uphill.

Shell garments tend to be a bit stiff, so if you're hesitant to wear them, this is definitely one to try on. I'm seriously considering wearing this garment myself (lol).

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OAKLEY｜CHANNEL JKT CHANNEL CARGO PNT

◆Official website: https://www.oakley.com/ja-jp

These jackets and pants feature a wide silhouette and tapered hem, a trend for park and snowboarding. With a water resistance and breathability rating of 15K/15K, they're not only stylish but also comfortable to wear. They might just get you one step closer to achieving the style you've seen on social media

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PERMANENT UNION｜NO TEN JACKET＆KOVAL BIB PANTS

◆Official website: https://www.full-marks.com/permanentunion/

The biggest appeal of this item is that PERMANENT UNION is a Fullmarks original brand, so you're unlikely to see anyone else wearing it. It's snowwear, but designed to be worn in the city like a mountain parka. It features a 3-layer, non-porous, breathable, waterproof membrane that won't clog even if you don't wash it frequently, so breathability isn't significantly affected. I wear these heavily throughout the snow season, from November to May.

The pants are bib-style, and the design concept is based on fishing wader pants, so each pocket is perfectly usable. The gusseted pocket on the chest, in particular, offers excellent storage capacity for smartphones, action cameras, and snacks. The side zippers open wide, making them easy to put on and take off, and you can easily use the restroom without having to lower the shoulder straps.

PERMANENT UNION｜KOVAL JACKET & KOVAL BIB PANTS

◆Official website: https://www.full-marks.com/permanentunion/

First of all, because it's a Japanese brand, the fit is better than international brands. The nonporous, breathable, waterproof membrane keeps you warm even in colder areas, and it reduces the bulk of your mid-layer or inner down for a streamlined look.

Both the jacket and pants have a large number of pockets, which initially left me feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to place them. However, once I figured them out, they were easy to use and allowed me to pinpoint exactly what I needed to quickly access even in the mountains.

The large chest section of the bib pants provides excellent insulation and keeps my stomach and waist warm. The wide-opening side zipper (only one side) allows me to go to the

bathroom without having to remove the jacket; I can simply move the back of the bib pants. The large pocket on the back of the bib pants is perfect for storing a spare balaclava or inner gloves when backcountry camping, or for storing a balaclava, inner gloves, thin windshell, or mid-layer that I no longer need when it gets too hot in the early spring.

SCOTT｜LINE CHASER GTX 3L MEN'S JACKET & PANTS

◆Official website: https://www.scott-sports.com/jp/ja/

This is SCOTT's flagship snowwear model. While European brands tend to run one size smaller than average for Japanese people, SCOTT's sizes are never too big, and the pants don't have suspenders, so they fit snugly and comfortably.

Lightweight and easy to move in, both while walking and skiing, this is the perfect garment. Mt. Peaks store manager Tatemi also tried it on during a tour of Hakkoda and was amazed at how functional SCOTT is!

Teton Bros.｜TB Jacket & TB Pant

◆Official website: https://www.teton-bros.com/

Teton Bros. has become quite established, and their most classic products are the "TB Jacket & TB Pant"! These garments are made for the field and are incredibly versatile! And of course, the Japanese-made fabric "Täsmä" is a huge advantage

Teton Bros.｜ Tsurugi Jacket LTD

◆Official website: https://www.teton-bros.com/

Teton Bros., a Japanese brand, is constantly updating its products, incorporating feedback from guides and users into minor changes each year. While its sophisticated color palette is a hallmark of its products, this year it's introducing a limited edition Tsurugi Jacket!

Like the regular Tsurugi Jacket, its main material is lightweight 50-denier stretch nylon "Täsmä." The Tsurugi Jacket LTD uses the same high-strength, durable Täsmä fabric as the TB Jacket & Pant in critical areas from the shoulders to the upper arms and waist, enhancing strength in specific areas for safe and secure wear, even in tough conditions. I've been a Teton Bros. user for 10 years, and with a style that stands out both at the backcountry and on the slopes and unlike any other brand, it's a must-have for any fashionista!