Buying Guides

Find your perfect ski and snowboard outfit with this style and fit guide.

Rab have been making sleeping bags for over 30 years and are constantly evolving and  re-designing their ideas despite having created some of the best bags in the industry to date. 2014 is no exception and this season has seen  updates to classic models as well as new innovations across the board that promise to offer a greater level of performance than ever before.

With more and more indoor climbing centres and outdoor areas opening up you don’t need to live near cliffs and mountains to get involved. From indoor bouldering to outdoor lead climbing, it’s a fun but challenging way to get fit. 

This guide has everything you need to learn the lingo, gear up, and get started.

Your ski boots are an investment. They'll be your companions on the slopes for many years to come, and choosing the right ones will keep your performance at its peak and comfort to a maximum. We've put together our key things to look out for, but we always recommend visiting us in-store for a fitting with our experts.

When it comes to ski boots, achieving the perfect balance of comfort and performance is a fine art.

Each element from sock to shell works as part of a complex system that optimises comfort, support and performance. By taking the time to customise your footwear, you can eliminate pain and enjoy superior control over your skis.

If you’re new to winter sports you might be wondering why you need special outerwear, not to mention why it varies so much in price and technicality, especially when you’re used to just throwing on your usual waterproof jacket and heading out the door. 

Layering is the best way to stay warm on the slopes - but only if you do it right. Your mid-layer is the one which actually provides the warmth, so the one you choose can make or break your day in the mountains. Remember, each layering system is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another, so we've created this guide to help you choose the right mid-layer for you.

Thermoball, The North Face’s revolutionary insulation alternative, started with a problem. Goose down is widely recognised as the warmest and lightest insulation available, yet once wet its insulation properties are less than efficient. Whilst synthetic insulations, performs better in wet condition, is heavier and less compactable. 

Height and weight are both important in choosing the correct size skis for kids, but as a general rule, kid’s skis should hit somewhere between their chin and forehead, but like adult skis, the most suitable length depends on a few other factors.  

Our stores have a wide range of kid’s ski equipment so if in doubt, visit us in store and get expert advice from our knowledgeable staff. 

Also known as randonnée, alpine touring is increasing in popularity. If you’re a skier making the jump to backcountry or alpine touring your boots are as important as ever.  

There’s more to buying goggles than meets the eye (pun totally intended). When you’re looking to upgrade your eyewear, you should consider lenses, tilt, fit and lens tech too. Here’s our guide to getting it right. 

MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System; a technology created in 2001 that is now a world leader in head and neck protection through years of medical technology and research.

In order to make your life as easy as possible when preparing for your latest (or even first) family ski holiday, we have asked our buyers to assemble a handy checklist to ensure your kids get the most out of their time on the snow. Nothing spoils everyone’s fun quicker than becoming wet and cold, so have a look through this list to ensure that you get everything you’ll need to keep your kids warm and happy.