A snug, attached hood and sleek, flat stitching make SUGOI's MIDZERO SPEED SKIN ($80; 800-432-1335, www.sugoi.ca) feel painted onto your body, and that's the point.
To prevent overheating, IBEX's BREAKAWAY JACKET ($178; 800-773-9647, www.ibexwear.com) marries a Schoeller-and-wool blend over the chest (to keep wind and snow at bay) to a velvety-soft Merino wool back panel to prevent overheating.
Be seen, not hurt: PEARL IZUMI's FLASH TIGHTS ($80; 800-328-8488, www.pearlizumi.com) insulate you from 20 to 50 degrees, while reflective patches provide 360 degrees of please-don't-hit-me visibility.
Add some motivational minutiae to the training log with SUUNTO's new X6HR WRIST-TOP COMPUTER ($429; 800-543-9124, www.suunto.com). Features include rate of ascent/descent, altitude, compass bearings, barometric pressure, and heart-rate monitor.
Essentially a soft shell for your head, CLOUDVEIL's FOUR SHADOW BEANIE ($35; 888-763-5969, www.cloudveil.com) maintains your noggin's temperature level.
Much of your body heat escapes through your hands, so cover 'em up with MANZELLA's WINDSTOPPER 3-SEASON GLOVE ($30; 800-645-6837, www.manzella.com).
Designed for downhill sports, SMARTWOOL's mid-calf-length SNOW RIDER SOCKS ($17; 800-550-9665, www.smartwool.com) also work as excellent lightweight winter-running or snowshoeing socks.
We found MONTRAIL's EXCELERACE XCR SPEED HIKERS ($120; 800-647-0224, www.montrail.com) ideal for aggressive hoofing through winter crud. They keep slush from seeping inside, yet still let out the sweat.
With ULTIMATE DIRECTION's PROFILE I.C.E. HYDRATION PACK ($50; 800-426-7229, www.ultimatedirection.com), there's no excuse for yellow snow. The pack's fully insulated 64-ounce bladder, hose, and bite valve keep fluids flowing to 20 degrees.