My kids—who are eight and 10—are the best product testers I know. They rip through ski gear like it’s wrapping paper at a birthday party. This means by the end of the winter, there’s always a pile of gear they’ve completely destroyed—pants that ski edges have shredded, goggle lenses scratched in transit, a helmet dented from being tossed like a frisbee, and a couple of soaked-all-the-way through gloves and mittens.
I learned when they were snow-fort-building toddlers that kids need waterproof, breathable outerwear and mittens even more than we do. And also because they grow so much every damn year, there’s no sense paying full-retail prices for equipment that won’t fit them by closing day. My kids have used and abused every item on this list—and it’s all stood up to the test. (And the best news: It’s all currently on sale!)