STEEP Editorial Team Selects the Latest Snowwear and Hottest Models for 2022 (USA and Canada)

photo/ Tony Harrington (Jackson Hole, USA)

A vast continent boasting many famous peaks.
Brands born in North America.

North America is a huge continent that is home to world-famous peaks and magnificent mountain ranges, including the Alaska Range, the Rocky Mountains, the Cascade Range, Mt. Denali, Mt. McKinley, and Grand Teton

There are a huge number of snowwear brands originating from North America, including the United States and Canada. From major brands like Patagonia, The North Face, and Columbia, which are born from the mountain culture that has supported the adventures and challenges of alpinists, to rider brands focused on freeriding, such as Armada and 686, and street brands, the collection is very colorful and brings together a variety of elements

GORE-TEX, the waterproof and breathable material essential for snowwear, was founded in the United States in 1976. Polartec, the company that created the familiar fleece material and NeoShell membrane, is also an American company. The history of constantly creating new things is surely a testament to the frontier spirit that is unique to North America


INDEX

ARC'TERYX  

■ From Canada Brand founded: 1989

The unique brand logo symbolizes the oldest bird, the Archaeopteryx. The brand name is also derived from the scientific name of the Archaeopteryx. "Arc'teryx has a history of over 30 years since its founding. It has created many innovative features that are now considered standard equipment in outdoor wear. Even today, it continues to produce high-performance products, mainly for mountain activities, and supports mountain guides and top athletes around the world

PROCLINE JACKET & PROCLINE PANT: Perfect for spring tours and more.

PROCLINE JACKET ¥55,000 / S-XXL / 4 colors available
PROCLINE PANT ¥47,300 / S-XXL / 3 colors available

This is the perfect piece for sunny winter days or spring backcountry skiing. It's made with water-resistant, breathable material. It also uses stretch fabric, so it fits well even during intense movements and doesn't tire you out. It's so comfortable you'll forget you're wearing it. It can be worn throughout the seasons

SABRE AR JACKET & SABRE AR PANT: Warm, high-spec models featuring Gore-Tex.

SABRE AR JACKET ¥82,500 / S-XXL / 5 colors available
SABRE AR PANT ¥63,800 / S-XXL / 5 colors available

This high-spec model offers excellent durability and weather resistance. Its three-layer construction uses a Gore-Tex membrane that keeps out rain and snow while allowing sweat to pass through. The lining is soft and brushed for just the right amount of warmth. The hood is three-dimensional and can be worn over a helmet, ensuring visibility. This versatile and functional piece is easy to use in any situation on the snowy mountains. It also comes in a wide range of colors, making it fun to coordinate with other items


ARMADA | Armada   

■ From the USA Brand founded in 2002

Around 2000, when freeride became a global phenomenon, scene leaders JP Auclair and Tanner Hall founded Armada with the desire to "disrupt the stale, entrenched world of skiing and innovate." As a pioneering rider's brand, Armada has been a driving force behind the freeride scene ever since. Now, they aggressively develop a wide variety of products, including clothing, apparel, and accessories, and have grown into an undisputed top brand

High-end model featuring Gore-Tex:
Haydon 3L Gore-tex JKT & COVETED 3L GORETEX BIB

COVETED 3L CORE-TEX BIB 68,200 yen/S~XL/2 colors in total
HAYDON 3L GORE-TEX JACKET 74,800 yen/S~XL/2 colors in total

This loose-fitting, three-layer Gore-Tex garment is made with four-way stretch material, allowing for effortless movement in parks and freeriding. While it may not look like ARMADA at first glance, it's packed with functionality

Anorak with large pockets:
FURTHERANCE 3L GTX ANORAK & ATLANTIS 2L GORE-TEX PANT

FURTHERANCE 3L GTX ANORAK 44,000 yen/S~XL/all 3 colors
ATLANTIS 2L GORETEX PANT 99,000 yen/S~XL/all 2 colors

This anorak-style jacket is made with durable fabric, ensuring durability even during active use in parks and freerides. The jacket has a large zipper on the side, making it easy to put on and take off. The loose fit creates a stylish look. The pants are made with a two-layer construction using recycled Gore-Tex. They are light and flexible, so you won't feel any stress when wearing them

GRANDS 3L JACKET & EMMONS 3L BIB featuring proprietary waterproof and breathable material.

GRANDS 3L JACKET ¥55,000 / S-XL / 3 colors available
EMMONS 3L BIB ¥44,000 / S-XL / 3 colors available

The bib pants and jacket are made with Armada's proprietary three-layer material. Ergonomically designed, the three-dimensional cut allows for a perfect fit for any movement. In addition to being extremely durable, they also have excellent water repellency and waterproofing. The pockets on the jacket and bib pants have gussets, so they offer more storage capacity than they appear and a casual look. The jacket is made slightly longer

◆by STEEP   ARMADA Latest Models & Catalog | Brand Introduction


BLACK DIAMOND   

■ From the USA Brand founded: 1989

A manufacturer of reliable mountaineering equipment, from climbing and backcountry gear to trekking gear. Its roots lie in the brand established by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia. Since then, it has developed into a major brand in the mountain industry, focusing on climbing and trekking equipment. Since 2013, it has been offering apparel, including clothing. Its production focuses on consistency of sizing across the entire product line, particularly fitting. It utilizes data from Albanon, the world's largest body scanning database, to achieve an ergonomic fit

The most popular flagship model:
RECON STRETCH SKI SHELL & RECON STRETCH BIB

RECON STRETCH SKI SHELL ¥49,170 / S-XL / 4 colors available
RECON STRETCH BIB ¥49,170 / S-XL / 3 colors available  

This three-layer jacket features a unique waterproof and breathable material. Its four-way stretch construction allows for flexible support for the various movements required for climbing and skiing on snowy mountains, allowing for freedom of movement. It also features highly durable fabric for durability. It offers a sense of security and reliability no matter how you're active in harsh environments. This flagship model is a staple of the brand

The DAWN PATROL HYBRID SHELL & DAWN PATROL HYBRID PANTS, a masterpiece that won an award of excellence at the World Sports Equipment Trade Fair in 2020.

DAWN PATROL HYBRID SHELL: ¥43,010 / Sizes S-XL / 4 colors available
DAWN PATROL HYBRID PANTS: ¥36,850 / Sizes S-XL / 2 colors available

It's lightweight yet made with durable fabric that protects against blizzards. Its unique waterproof and breathable material makes it an ideal outer shell for backcountry use. The underarms are made of a separate, stretchy and breathable material, enhancing stretch and allowing for greater freedom of movement. This exceptional product won an award at the world's largest sporting goods trade fair in 2020, and its simple beauty and design are sure to please connoisseurs


COLUMBIA    

■ From the USA Brand founded in 1938

Columbia began its history in Oregon, USA, and has established itself as a long-established mountain brand with over 80 years of history. This is supported by a track record of introducing innovative and original products with unique features, such as the multi-pocket fishing vest, Interchange, and Omni-Tech. The wide variety of products, with a wide range of designs and colors, is a major feature and the secret to its popularity. The brand's belief that its superior products will help people enjoy the outdoors is conveyed to a wide range of users, from beginners to experts

Columbia's proud Omni-Heat equipped
AERIAL ASCENDER JKT & KICK TURN PNT

AERIAL ASCENDER JKT ¥20,900 / S-XXL / 4 colors
KICK TURN PNT ¥16,500 / S-XL / 5 colors

The lining is equipped with Columbia's unique "Omni-Heat Infinity" system, which traps heat generated by the body and keeps it warm inside. It will keep you warm even in extremely cold environments. This is the brand's flagship model, which maintains warmth even in harsh natural environments, but what's surprising is that its price is not at all proportional to its high performance. The jacket is priced at just 20,000 yen, and the pants are just 10,000 yen, so the cost performance is impressive

The WINTER DISTRICT JKT & BUGABOO IV PNT feature unique designs that make them fun to wear.

WINTER DISTRICT JKT ¥28,600 / S-XL / 3 colors
BUGABOO IV PNT ¥18,700 / S-XL / 2 colors

This model features warm padding and Columbia's unique Omni-Heat insulation system. It repels the heat emitted from the body, keeping it inside the garment. The outer fabric is treated with a durable water-repellent finish to protect against snow and rain. It can be used in a variety of winter sports situations, and yet it's soにリーズナブルなのがコロンビアの真骨頂だ。 


MOUNTAIN HARD WEAR | Mountain Hardwear    

■ From the USA Brand founded: 1993

This outdoor brand originates from Berkeley, California. Founded in 1993 as a spin-off from "SIERRA DESIGNS" by members with extensive outdoor expertise, SIERRA DESIGNS is known for its outstanding functionality, meeting the demands of heavy-duty alpinists, climbers, and freeskiers who operate in harsh natural conditions. It was the first in the world to develop the highly windproof and breathable Windstopper fleece, and continues to release innovative technologies with a fresh sensibility, consistently earning it recognition as a leading brand in the American outdoor industry


High-performance flagship model
EXPORURE/2 GORE-TEX PRO JACKET & PRO BIB

EXPORURE/2 GORE-TEX PRO JACKET: ¥85,800 / Sizes S-L / 2 colors available
EXPORURE/2 GORE-TEX PRO BIB: ¥81,400 / Sizes S-L / 1 color available

This 3-layer Gore-Tex® Pro shell offers excellent durability, waterproof, breathable, and windproof properties. It's a lightweight, high-performance shell that's also stretchy and tear-resistant. This flagship model is perfect for a variety of weather conditions and intense mountain activities. The jacket features underarm ventilation, and the bibs have full-leg side zippers for comfortable ventilation. The jacket also features two large pockets, one on the chest and one on the thighs


PATAGONIA | Patagonia    

■ From the USA Brand founded in 1973

Patagonia is a globally renowned responsible company. The brand, which has long been committed to environmental issues, pursues two approaches with long-term use in mind. First, they create durable, high-performance, long-lasting products using recycled and renewable materials whenever possible. Second, they maintain a stance of repairing or reusing products, and recycling them when their lifespan is over. They have repair service departments in Kamakura and Yokohama, handling repairs brought in by customers to their directly managed stores and other locations.
*Currently, due to COVID-19 prevention measures, they are not accepting items brought in to the repair department.

The STORMSTRIDE JACKET & STORMSTRIDE PANTS have a light and supple texture that's really nice.

STORMSTRIDE JACKET ¥57,000 / XS-XL / 4 colors available
STORMSTRIDE PANTS ¥50,000 / XS-XL / 3 colors available

The outer layer is made of Pertex nylon, a lightweight and flexible material, while the waterproof and breathable material is made of the company's proprietary H2NO. It's stretchy and comfortable to wear. The lining is made of knitted fabric, further enhancing comfort. This versatile item can be worn in the backcountry or around town

High-performance POWSLAYER JACKET & POWSLAYER BIBS featuring GORE-TEX Pro.

POWSLAYER JKT ¥83,000 / XS-XL / 3 colors available
POWSLAYER BIBS ¥74,000 / XS-XL / 3 colors available

This three-layer garment is made with Patagonia's signature 100% recycled, lightweight yet durable ripstop nylon. It's a high-spec model made with Gore-Tex Pro fabrics, ensuring reliable quality even in harsh natural environments. The chest pockets are positioned high to avoid interference with harnesses. The Patagonia-inspired color scheme is also nice

Patagonia's signature recycled material 3-layer construction:
Snowdrifter Jacket & Snowdrifter Bibs 

SNOWDRIFTER JACKET ¥48,000 / XS~XL / 3 colors available
SNOWDRIFTER BIBS ¥45,000 / XS~XL / 2 colors available

This is also a three-layer garment made from recycled materials. It is flexible and stretchy, allowing it to naturally adapt to your body's movements even when hiking or skiing. It uses Patagonia's proprietary membrane (waterproof and breathable material). It also has large ventilation holes under the armpits, and the bib pants have a highly breathable fabric covering the abdomen, allowing moisture to escape

◆ by STEEP PATAGONIA Latest Models & Catalog | Brand Introduction


STRAFE | Strafe

■ From the USA Brand founded in 2009      

Strafe is a new brand born from the twin brothers Gaston, who agreed that "to enjoy skiing all day, you need snowwear that is breathable, insulated, fits your body well, and is easy to move in, no matter the weather." Based in the Highlands ski resort in Colorado, USA, Strafe officially debuted in 2010 as snow apparel that focuses on quality and performance

Fashionable yet highly functional
NOMAD JACKET & NOMAD BIB

NOMAD JACKET ¥81,000 / S-XL / 5 colors available
NOMAD BIB ¥70,000 / S-XL / 6 colors available

This jacket, featuring a distinctive graphic design,eVentand ventilation. Fashionable yet highly functional, it's a versatile piece that can be worn throughout the season, from backcountry skiing to deep powder days and even in the city. The bib pants have a large pocket on the abdomen for excellent storage capacity, a feature that Strafe prioritizes. The joints are 3D cut, ensuring that performance is not hindered.

High durability is the selling point of
the PYRAMID JACKET & CAPITOL PANTS

PYRAMID JACKET 88,000 yen/S-XXL/5 colors in total
CAPITOL PANTS 66,000 yen/S-XXL/5 colors in total

This is a high-end model with a 3-layer structure that alsoeVent. It offers excellent breathability and stretchability, making it less prone to stuffiness and easy to move in, so you won't get tired even if you wear it for long periods in the mountains. The large chest pocket has a cleverly angled zipper for easy access to your belongings. The knee area of ​​the pants uses an ergonomic 3D cut. The hems are fitted with thick edge guards. This garment is designed to withstand heavy use in the mountains and boasts high durability.


686 | Six Eight Six   

■ From the USA Brand founded: 1992

686 is a streetwear apparel brand founded in Los Angeles, California, by owner and designer Mike Akira West .キーではパーカー・ホワイトなど、フリースキーシーンのアイコン的存在も愛用している。's unique and functional designs, born from innovative ideas, are a fusion of artistic sensibilities cultivated in downtown LA and a passion for snow and skateboarding. Their street-inspired, innovative, and high-quality outerwear is now supported by a core group of users, placing them among the top three brands in the United States.

The GORE-TEX HYDRASTASH SYNC JACKET & QUANTUM HYDRASTASH THERMAGRAPH BIB jacket features a unique function that allows you to drink water anytime.

GORE-TEX HYDRASTASH SYNC JACKET 74,800 yen/S~XXL/2 colors
in total QUANTUM HYDRASTASH THERMAGRAPH BIB 52,800 yen/S~XXL/2 colors in total

The Hydrostash system, which has a built-in hydration pack at the waist, has a unique feature that allows you to drink water anytime, anywhere, even while skiing, through a tube that comes out of the collar. The jacket is made of two-layer Gore-Tex fabric that is environmentally friendly. While the design is fashionable, it is also designed with attention to functional details, such as large pockets and a high collar

Asymmetrical design, 2-layer construction with GORE-TEX:
GORE-TEX CORE JACKET & QUANTUM THERMAGRAPH PANT

GORE-TEX CORE JACKET ¥45,100 / S-XXL / 5 colors available
QUANTUM THERMAGRAPH PANT ¥38,500 / S-XXL / 4 colors available

What catches your eye immediately is the unique asymmetrical design. The color balance is exquisite and artistic. The two-layer construction using Gore-Tex provides high waterproof and breathable properties, as well as excellent durability. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of snow scenes. The wide range of colors makes it exciting to choose from. We tried pairing it with insulated pants made from a unique waterproof and breathable material


THE NORTH FACE  

■ From USA Brandt founded in 1966  

The brand began in 1966 when Douglas Topkins, a mountain and ski enthusiast, opened a small shop called "The North Face" in San Francisco, USA. The name "The North Face" means "north face," a difficult mountain to climb, and the logo is based on the north face of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. The brand offers products with a strong message that combine high functionality with fashion. It is popular not only with outdoor enthusiasts, but also with everyday users and artists

The FL A-CAD JACKET & FL A-CAD BIB are highly popular among core users.

FL A-CAD JACKET ¥83,600 / XS~XL / 3 colors available
FL A-CAD BIB ¥71,500 / XS~XL / 2 colors available

This model was developed based on feedback from leading riders. It features a long, relaxed silhouette and is made from durable fabric to support the freedom of movement in freeriding. The jacket has a street-inspired design that gives it a distinctive look, while the pants have a hardcore feel, creating a sophisticated look. The chest zipper on the jacket allows direct access to the bib pants

High-spec models featuring Gore-Tex:
POWDER GUIDE JACKET & POWDER GUIDE PANT

POWDER GUIDE JACKET ¥68,200 / WS/WMS~XL / 5 colors available
POWDER GUIDE PANT ¥49,500 / WS/WMS~XL / 4 colors available

The fact that it uses Gore-Tex makes this a high-end model that clearly shows its position within the brand. Its functionality shines through with excellent waterproof, breathable, weather-resistant, and durable properties. Its stretchy construction allows it to conform to your body even during intense mountain activities. The large chest pocket can also hold goggles and gloves. You can choose from five jacket colors and four pants colors, making it fun to coordinate with your outfits

◆ by STEEP THE NORTH FACE Latest Models & Catalog | Brand Introduction


ROXY   

■ From the USA Brand founded in 1990

ROXY is synonymous with surf girls. In recent years, it has taken the snow scene by storm, evolving into a message-driven brand that goes beyond sports to fully support women with active lifestyles. Its snowwear is carefully crafted to suit the unique characteristics of the female body, with slim silhouettes overall, bulky padding for cold weather, and rechargeable heaters. The brand continues to develop unique products utilizing the latest technology to help women shine

Modern vintage design with guaranteed functionality:
RITUAL JK & OUTSIDER BIB PT

RITUAL JK ¥30,800 / XS~L / 2 colors available
OUTSIDER BIB PT ¥35,200 / XS~L / 2 colors available

This suit has a somewhat retro, nostalgic feel, and is a modern vintage design that combines old-fashioned fashion. Many women enjoy this style. It's also made with an original waterproof and breathable material, and is filled with synthetic fiber padding to ensure warmth and functionality. The soft coloring and soft texture create a feminine look. It keeps you warm while supporting your performance on the snow. It's surprisingly affordable considering its high functionality

Perfect for snowy mountains! Features GORE-TEX and insulation for excellent functionality:
GORE-TEX STRETCH ESENCE JK & RIDEOUT BIB PT

GORE-TEX STRETCH ESENCE JK 55,000 yen/XS~XL/2 colors
RIDEOUT BIB PT 38,500 yen/XS~XL/1 color

This two-layer insulation garment uses Gore-Tex, which is extremely windproof, water-resistant, and breathable. Both the jacket and pants are filled with plenty of warm and lightweight Primaloft (insulation) for women who are sensitive to the cold. The bib pants, which feature edge guards at the hem, come in a single black color and a beautiful slim silhouette. A perfect pairing would be a feminine pale-toned jacket, which would look great on the snowy mountains


INDEX