Best Snowboard Gifts and Accessories 2024-2025
Spy+ Megalith Photochromic Snowboard Goggles 2024-2025
PRICE: €170 / £170 / $1901
Goggle fashion – yes it’s a thing – comes and goes. Who remembers that mad time in the mid-2000s when people dropped the frame down over their nose? Anyway, no matter the era or the style du jour, there’s always a place for a good old cylindrical lens.
In the case of the Spy Megalith Photochromatic goggles, said lens has been souped up to the nines, with auto-adjusting capabilities to bolster Spy’s already-impressive ‘Happy’ lens tech. Whether it’s a murky pea-souper in the Alps or a blazing bluebird day in Scotland (or possibly even the other way round), you get an appropriate level of tint without having to footer with spare lenses.
Aside from the lens, this has all the stuff you’d expect from a leading pair of googs – triple-layer face foam and active ventilation, to name just two – wrapped up in a winningly old-school design. And as usual, there are enough colour schemes to suit just about any outfit.
Our various testers shared the verdict that the lens not only did a brilliant job of adjusting to the conditions, it also did it on the sly. If you’re after tint-changing goggles that just work, then the Spy Megalith Photocromatic goggles are definitely one to consider.
Buy the Spy+ Megalith Photochromic Snowboard Goggles 2024-2025: $59 at backcountry.com
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Spy+ Marauder Elite Snowboard Goggles 2024-2025
PRICE: €280 / £280 / $310
While we doubt anyone would quibble with the performance of the original Spy Marauder goggles, the option to step up the Marauder Elite may be irresistible to some. Most of the extra price has gone into the lens, which is reassuring. It’s subtly toric in shape rather than merely cylindrical, which improves the visuals a bit – but what really jumps up the quality is the ‘Happy Boost’ lens.
Yes, that undermines the tough-guy name of this model somewhat, but even for the most grizzled, Viking-esque riders out there, it’s a compromise well worth making. Spy’s amazing proprietary lens tech has somehow got even better, offering up the highest of high-definition visuals – and there’s even an extra lens to ensure you’re covered for just about every type of light.
If you feel that magnets on a goggle are great for getting the lens in place quickly and easily (not to mention delivering a true ‘frameless’ look), but would prefer a little old-school security to prevent costly yard-sales, then check these out; as well as six magnet points, these boast a glove-friendly slidable lock on the side.
The venting on the Spy Marauder Elite is top-drawer too, with our guinea-pig reporting zero fogging even while being cooked medium-rare during a particularly toasty spring session.
Buy the Spy+ Marauder Elite Snowboard Goggles 2024-2025: $309 at backcountry.com
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Spy+ Stargazer MIPS Snowboard Helmet 2024-2025
PRICE: €180 / £180 / $200New for this year, the Spy Stargazer MIPS is reportedly the brand’s most eco-friendly helmet to date. The ABS shell, the foam and the fleece lining are all made from recycled materials, with no compromise on safety or comfort.
The ‘MIPS’ system is definitely one to consider if you’re looking for a bit of extra peace of mind on the mountain. Thanks to a layer of material that’s designed to move independently, it can direct the rotational forces away from your head during impact, thus reducing the chance of concussions and other brain injuries. The tech has been embraced by just about every walk of life in which head injuries are a risk, from construction sites to horse riding.
Spy says that this is a ‘low profile’ option, but our testers did flag that it’s a little more substantial than that would suggest. They had no qualms with the easy-to-use fit adjusting dial, though, which guarantees perfect placement every time.
The venting system on the Spy Stargazer MIPS is super adjustable, too, so you can strike the right balance between locked-up warmth and airy sweat-extraction. You don’t even have to take your gloves off to do this, which is always a bonus.
Buy the Spy+ Stargazer MIPS Snowboard Helmet 2024-2025: $240 at absolute-snow.com
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Dragon Dragon NFX2 Kimmy Fasani Snowboard Goggles 2024-2025
PRICE: €219 / £184 / $230
Dragon have one of the most stacked rider teams in the game, which they regularly tap up to produce their Signature Series – including the NFX2 Kimmy Fasani model seen here. It’s based on the proven NFX2 platform, which offers a medium fit and ‘frameless’ design for enhanced peripheral vision.
In terms of optics, Dragon’s Lumalens tech does a great job of filtering wavelengths to improve contrast in the mountains. Kimmy’s edition comes fitted with a Purple Ion version as well as a spare Violet tint for greybird conditions – which is exactly what our tester Stella encountered. “Visibility was pretty sh*t when I was riding in these,” she reports. “So I’m glad to say that these definitely did the job of providing visibility on a gloomy day.” Swapping the lens out was a breeze thanks to the Swiftlock system, which uses small locking levers integrated into the frame. The bad weather credentials are backed up further by armoured venting (made from plastic rather than foam) which allows for easy clear-out of snow-packed vents and maintains consistent airflow – crucial for fog-free riding.
With its triple-layer face foam and hypoallergenic microfleece lining, the NFX2 doesn’t disappoint when it comes to comfort either. As Stella noted, “Not only do these goggles look great, but they also feel good wrapped around the face – to the point that I nearly forgot I was wearing them.”
Kimmy Fasani herself is nothing less than a snowboarding icon, and as you’d expect her signature model steps up with a fun graphic that captures her unique personality. But whether you’re a super fan or just in the market for some stylish and high-performance eyewear, this latest offering from Dragon ticks all the boxes.
Buy the Dragon Dragon NFX2 Kimmy Fasani Snowboard Goggles 2024-2025: $229 at evo.com
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Dragon RVX Mag OTG Snowboard Goggles 2024-2025
PRICE: €219 / £184 / $230
Dragon’s RVX Mag OTG goggle is literally a sight for sore eyes. Designed to fit over your glasses if required, it solves snow blindness and plain old blindness in one fell swoop.
The other big selling point is Dragon’s Swiftlock Magnetic system – an evolution of their quick-change tech that now incorporates magnetic contact points. This clever setup allows for lightning-fast lens swaps with the additional security that comes from having a locking lever on one side. You’ll definitely use it too, since the RVX Mag comes with a spare lens as standard, giving you the option to switch tints when the clouds roll in (or vice versa) whatever. Both lenses boast Dragon’s Lumalens technology, which selectively filters light wavelengths to boost contrast in varied mountain conditions. The cylindrical shape – plus the ‘frameless’ design – delivers insane peripheral vision and looks the business. Oleophobic and hydrophobic coatings resist greasy fingerprints and droplets respectively.
On top of all this, the RVX is a comfortable shape to wear, thanks to a triple-layer of face foam that’s topped off with hypoallergenic microfleece lining. Armoured venting up top keeps the air flowing and the fog at bay – perfect for powder days when you’re constantly alternating between cold slopes and steamy gondolas. Dragon’s added some welcome eco-credentials too, using recycled frame materials and responsibly sourced face fleece.
At the end of the day, whether you’re a glasses-wearer or just someone who appreciates top-notch optics and hassle-free lens changes, the RVX Mag OTG lets you focus on what’s in front of you – not your eyewear.
Buy the Dragon RVX Mag OTG Snowboard Goggles 2024-2025: $279 at backcountry.com
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Dakine Heli Pro 24L Snowboard Backpack 2024-2025
PRICE: $140
When it comes to mountain gear, few items have achieved the cult status of Dakine’s Heli Pro backpack. As common a sight in ski towns as the humble trustafarian, it strikes an ideal balance between everyday practicality and alpine functionality.
Born in Hawaii’s surf scene of the late ’70s, Dakine has always infused their products with a blend of performance and laid-back cool, and the current Heli Pro exemplifies this approach, packing a host of rider-refined features into its iconic design.
Storage is the name of the game with this version, starting with its generous 24 litre capacity. A fleece-lined pocket keeps goggles scratch-free, while dedicated compartments house your hydration system and all your avy gear. The external stash pocket is perfect for quick-grab items, and there’s a handy laptop sleeve for post-shred wifi hogging at the coffee shop.
As you’d expect, the Heli Pro is fully set up for sherpa duties, with multiple carry options for skis and snowboards, and even skateboards. Padded, ventilated back panel and ergonomic straps keep you comfy on both the hike and the descent.
For 2024/25, Dakine introduces a couple of eye-catching new colorways with names that Farrow & Ball would be proud of: “Pureed Pumpkin” and “Rubber.” More importantly, the brand is doubling down on sustainability, incorporating recycled materials without compromising the bombproof durability that’s made the Heli Pro a two-decade favourite.
While not the cheapest option, the Heli Pro’s winning mix of functionality, style, and eco-consciousness still justifies its price. And heck, chances are you’ll be using it 10 years down the line. With women’s-specific versions and smaller sizes available (plus the inevitable pro models), there’s a fit for every rider.
Buy the Dakine Heli Pro 24L Snowboard Backpack 2024-2025: $77 at evo.com
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Eivy Lumberjackie Sherpa Vest 2024-2025
PRICE: € 100/ £100 / $120
In cold weather, layering is everything – and when it comes to that all-important mid-layer, the smart move is to pick something that also looks and feels great when unleashed for spring sessions.
The Eivy Lumberjackie Sherpa Vest will especially suit female riders who want to keep their torsos toasty whilst maintaining maximum movement in the arms. The fleece material is mega comfy, and is available in a quite dazzling array of colour options.
Feature-wise it’s deliberately minimalist; there’s an easy access chest pocket on one side, as well as mesh-lined hand pockets and a pouch pocket (perfect for sunnies or a pair of pipe gloves) inside one of the front panels. A bonus for snowboarders is the length, which won’t rise up while you’re riding, and the tall collar for protecting your face when an unexpected blizzard hits.
If you still need convincing, our tester likes the Eivy Lumberjackie Sherpa Vest so much that she’s now got three of them in various colourways.
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Eivy Ice Cold Snowboard Base Layers 2024-2025
PRICE: €80 / £80 / $95
You’d think it would be a no-brainer to put a lot of time and effort into making the gear that literally sits against your skin as good as it can possibly be – yet sub-standard base layers remain rife. Fortunately, Eivy is on the side of the angels, as proven by the Eivy Ice Cold Gaiter base layer.
Every inch of this thing – from the built-in neckwarmer to the extended lower back section, via the essentially-undetectable flat seams that won’t rub or chafe – is designed for comfort and performance, without forgetting the bigger picture. Not only will the Eivy Ice Cold Gaiter’s material stretch with you and wick away sweat fast, it uses recycled materials sourced through a rigorously vetted supply chain. Plus there’s the fact that it’s long-lasting, which remains the most eco-friendly consideration for your snowboard gear.
As you can see, Eivy goes pretty all-in on aesthetics too, so you’d do well to rock the Ice Cold Gaiter as your main layer in warmer conditions – otherwise it’s like having a Ferrari but keeping it in the garage… Should you find yourself penguin-sliding through the slush after a springtime slam, you’re doubly protected by the quick-drying and non-see-through fabric.
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GoPro Hero 13 Black 2024-2025
PRICE: $400
Over a decade on from its launch, the GoPro Hero series needs no introduction. Year after year, this pocket-sized and bombproof camera continues to amaze when placed in the hands (or more likely on the heads) of pros – witness Travis Rice’s mind-bending endless pillow line last winter. And with the launch of the Hero 13 Black, it continues to set the POV bar.
While the core specs remain similar to its predecessor – 5.3K60 video and 27MP stills – the Hero 13 Black introduces game-changing features that cater to both Hollywood pros and weekend warriors. The standout upgrade is the new HB-Series of interchangeable lenses. From macro to ultra-wide and even anamorphic (coming 2025), these auto-detected lenses expand the Hero 13’s versatility exponentially. Imagine capturing crystal-clear close-ups of snowflakes in the palm of your hand, or achieving that cinematic widescreen look for your backcountry lines – all with the same compact camera.
For the spec-sheet nerds, the Hero 13 now boasts a jaw-dropping 400fps at 720p, perfect for dissecting your trick progression (or alternatively, where it all went wrong) in ultra slow-motion. The return of GPS is a welcome addition too, allowing you to overlay speed, altitude and even G-force figures onto your footage. OK, as aphrodisacs go it might not rev up your audience as much as an episode of Jack Reacher and a glass of red, but data can still be sexy, no..? No?
From a filmmaking perspective, the Hero 13 Black edges closer to being a legitimate B-camera on professional sets. With 10-bit colour, HDR video, and the ability to wirelessly sync multiple units, these tiny powerhouses are now popping up in more and more Hollywood productions – as well as pretty much every professional motorsport broadcast.
GoPro hasn’t forgotten its action sports roots, however, and at its core the Hero 13 Black remains the ultimate tool for capturing and sharing your mountain experiences. A new magnetic mounting system makes on-the-fly adjustments a breeze, while the beefier 1900mAh battery keeps you filming longer in cold conditions. Whether you’re working on a serious snowboard edit or just want to document your crew’s antics before wapping it up on the gram, this latest iteration is more than up to the task.
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Crab Grab Champ Mitt Snowboard Mitts 2024-2025
PRICE: $100
From humble beginnings as purveyors of stick-on pads, Crab Grab has evolved into a proper accessories brand. Their latest offering, the Champ Mitt, combines the best features from their existing handwear line into an awesome slip-on mitten that’s guaranteed to keep you warm, dry, and bang on trend.
The toasty factor begins inside, with a waffle fleece liner and Primaloft insulation which keeps the heat in while remaining breathable enough for slushy spring days. A 15K waterproof membrane and PFAS-free DWR coating ensure your digits stay dry, while the animal-free leather outer and heavy-duty woven nylon shell are built to take a beating.
Elsewhere, the Champ Mitt features what they call ‘Crunch Grip’ thumbs and a ‘Grip-Control’ palm to prove they haven’t lost their (ah yes) grip on what matters most, namely – tweaking the crap out of your grabs. Overall, it’s a pretty affordable option considering the amount of tech packed in, but just remember – a mitt this good comes with the responsibility to throw down some proper methods.
Buy the Crab Grab Champ Mitt Snowboard Mitts 2024-2025: $100 at evo.com
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Stance Boyd Snow Snowboard Socks 2024-2025
PRICE: £23
Let’s be real – socks will never have the sex appeal of a new board or jacket, and it kinda stings to fork out proper money on something you rarely notice. But, ladies and gentlemen of the class of ‘97: it’s worth it. Nowhere is that more true than with Stance’s Boyd snow sock, a quality piece of footwear made from a merino wool blend that’ll keep your toes toasty and dry even during the sweatiest bootpacks.
Of course, if you’re pushing the boat out on your socks then you want to be sure they’ll last, and Stance have got your back here. Their Infiknit technology adds bombproof durability (backed by a lifetime guarantee, no less), while strategic cushioning in high-impact zones does a great job of reinforcing the construction as well as fighting fatigue.
When it comes to the stink-factor, we’ve tested a gazillion socks in our time and merino wool just cannot be beaten. Throw in Stance’s FreshTek antimicrobial treatment and the Boyd will stay fresh for days at a time.
Available in men’s (eye-catching orange) and women’s (pretty-in-pink) versions, it’s a wise purchase your future self would approve of. To paraphrase Baz Luhrmann: Maybe you’ll marry; maybe you won’t. Maybe you’ll have children; maybe you won’t… But trust us on the socks.
Buy the Stance Boyd Snow Snowboard Socks 2024-2025: $26 at backcountry.com
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Mons Royale Yotei Snowboard Base Layer 2024-2025
PRICE: £110
The Merino sheep is the kind of thing that probably keeps Richard Dawkins awake at night. Its miraculous wool – warm, quick-drying, comfy as hell and naturally anti-microbial – practically screams “INTELLIGENT DESIGN”. Recognising how well these properties would work in a base layer, the Kiwis behind Mons Royale set about making some of the finest undergarments money can buy – and fifteen years later, they’re still at it.
The Mons Royale Yotei base layer makes light work of keeping you cosy on colder days, but where it really stands out from the crowd is in its versatility. On spring days, you can spend the whole day with just this on your top half. That’s thanks to a loose fit and thoughtful style, neither of which get in the way of its performance as a base layer in high winter.
Subtle thumb loops in each sleeve will keep slush burn at bay during a slam, and its fibres can wick sweat way from your body as quickly as it appears. It’ll stubbornly refuse to stink up, which is a bonus for those sharing your sardine-tin French apartment or such like.
It’s not the cheapest, but when you factor in its additional service as a standard long-sleeve off the hill, the Mons Royale Yotei is an absolute bargain.
Buy the Mons Royale Yotei Snowboard Base Layer 2024-2025: $139 at backcountry.com
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Zeal Lookout RLS Snowboard Goggles 2024-2025
PRICE: From €201 / £ 163/ $199
Zeal is the go-to brand for oversized, frameless spherical-lens goggles – for proof, look no further than the new goldfish-bowl-esque Cloudfall XL – but the Zeal Lookout RLS proves that the classic cylindrical-lens look comes just as naturally.
If convenience is your priority (and money no object) there’s an auto-adjusting lens option, but even if you go for something more standard, swapping lenses is a breeze. Just feed each lens into the grooves on each side of the frame, and let the built0in magnet literally seal the deal. Quick and easy enough to do with gloves on, and reliable too.
The Zeal Lookout RLS goggles sit slightly closer to your face on the bottom compared to the top, which improves your field of vision immediately below you. That’s something you’ll benefit from pretty much everywhere on the mountain, but fans of steep descents will be especially jazzed.
Add Zeal’s impressive commitment to sustainability – 100% recycled materials in the frames, and at least 70% in the straps and goggle bags – and you’ve got the perfect blend of performance, style and eco-chops. Plus there are lens options to suit a relatively wide range of budgets.
Buy the Zeal Lookout RLS Snowboard Goggles 2024-2025: $119 at backcountry.com
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Oakley Mod 1 Pro Snowboard Helmet 2024-2025
PRICE: €150 / £127 / $170
Oakley’s Mod1 Pro helmet takes the classic look of a skate helmet and amps it up with mountain-ready tech. The headline selling feature is its Dura-Matter construction – a ding-resistant injection-moulded shell over lightweight EPS foam that keeps your noggin safe without the bulk. Honestly, you barely notice this helmet once it’s on.
Having got the essentials of protection out of the way, the Mod1 Pro layers in plenty of comfort, starting with Oakley’s Skull Matrix system – a clever fusion of MIPS and BOA technologies that lets you dial in the fit in seconds. Ventilation is on point, too, with fixed vents up front to keep your goggles fog-free and top vents to help you stay cool. The Fidlock magnetic buckle is a game-changer for gloved hands, while the removable, machine-washable liner and ear pads let you fine-tune your setup depending on the weather and snow conditions.
As you’d expect from a piece of Oakley headwear, the low-profile design plays nice with goggles, and you’ve got the option to run your goggle strap under the helmet for a cleaner look. Bottom line, the Mod1 Pro does a great job of mixing safety and style – and with multiple sizes and fits available, it’s a super popular choice with resort riders, park rats and powder hounds alike. Thinking of joining them? Your brain will thank you for it.
Buy the Oakley Mod 1 Pro Snowboard Helmet 2024-2025: $124 at evo.com
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