6th October 2025
PlanetSKI has been out in the powder of Japan testing jackets, gloves, trousers, underlayers, ski poles & even headphones. We’re looking for warmth, waterproofing, durability and comfort. NEW
We couldn’t think of a better place to test the quality and efficiency of this collection of carefully selected ski wear.
The general consensus was ‘delight’ to be skiing in Japan, but the big question is, how would the gear perform in the extreme weather and conditions found in Japan?
Deep powder snow, cold temperatures, high winds, rain, sun and everything else in between.
Our five testers put numerous products through their paces in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Jack was testing the Peak Performance Shell Jacket bib and pants representing high end technical ski wear.Tashie went for the Women’s Verglas Backcountry Ski Bib Pants from Helly Hansen.Sally selected Tog24 more affordable ski wear along with a set of SkullCandy headphones.Max focused on a H&M StormMove™ ski jacket & Tog24 Fleece and Thermals.James reports on the Komperdell Vario All-Season Poles and a flagship jacket in the Helly Hansen range, Helly Hansen Elevation 3.0 Infinity Shell Jacket.
The PlanetSKI Test Team in Hakuba 47, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI
Read on for the full round up.
Jack: Peak Performance Vertical GORE-TEX Pro 3L Shell Jacket & Bib Pants
Peak Perfomance has long been known for producing some of the best technical ski wear on the market, blending Swedish design with uncompromising functionality.
Its Vertical GORE-TEX Pro 3L Shell Jacket and Bib Pants was no exception, this kit is made for the most challenging conditions; whether it’s backcountry, big mountain skiing or the famous Japanese powder.
I had the chance to put the Vertical Jacket and Bib Pants (London Edition) through their paces in some extraordinary snowy conditions, and let’s just say, they didn’t disappoint.
This setup kept me protected, comfortable, and dry … somehow.
Peak Performance Vertical GORE-TEX Pro 3L Shell Jacket & Bib Pants. Image © PlanetSKI.
Vertical GORE-TEX Pro 3L Shell Jacket – rrp £720
Straight away, I could tell this was a serious piece of kit.
It’s made with GORE-TEX Pro and Gore-tex stretch offering the best waterproofing, breathability and manoeuvrability.
It means that no matter how hard the wind blows or how deep the powder gets, you stay dry, both from the outside elements and from your own sweat when working hard.
As with all skiing gear, it’s always worth heading to the store to try on as the sizing often differs from your ‘typical’ clothing.
Fortunately, Peak Performance’s newly opened store in Covent Garden, London, contained all the kit to try on before purchasing in store or online.
The medium (I’m usually a large) was spot on and allowed ample room for all my extra under layers I require when skiing in Japan.
I supplemented the jacket with my Peak Performance radiance insulated hood jacket and their Helium Utility down hood jacket which was perfect for the low minus celsius.
The jacket’s Gore Tex Stretch technology allowed for a snug yet flexible fit.
Peak Performance clearly thought about functionality when designing this jacket.
The helmet-compatible hood was spacious yet adjustable, providing snug protection when the weather turned nasty.
The large chest pockets were easy to access even with a backpack on, and the ventilation zips were perfectly placed for dumping heat on long climbs.
The waist pockets were massive, and perfect for storing my gloves when not needed.
The jacket included a Recco Rescue System reflector for added security and peace of mind for any off-piste or steep terrain.
Jack comments on his Peak Performance kit below:
Vertical GORE-TEX Pro 3L Shell Bib Pants – rrp £630
Just like the jacket, these bib pants were equally impressive.
They feature GORE-TEX Pro meaning you get the same rock-solid protection against wind, snow, and moisture.
They have Gore Tex Stretch in the knees allowing more flexibility.
This was my first time wearing bib pants and they took some getting used to so I’d definitely recommend going into the store to try on a pair.
I found the stomach area could be slightly restricting; I guess the professional skiers who help tailor the outfit don’t have the average skiing-Joe’s physique.
The pants have an almost full outer leg vent to allow the legs to cool off quickly and it was very effective.
The thigh pockets were sufficiently large to store daily essentials, and were completely waterproof (externally and internally) as tested by my leaking hip flask of Baileys that I discovered to be empty.
I can’t say the pockets were sticky-proof but my thermals remained completely dry.
Another big plus is the RECCO reflector in the pants, a small but essential feature.
It’s these thoughtful details that make the Vertical Bib Pants stand out as a well-rounded piece of technical gear.
Jack’s Final Thoughts: I can confidently say this combo is one of the best high-performance ski outfits available.
Waterproof, breathable, durable, and packed with useful features, this outfit is built to handle the toughest conditions the mountains can throw at you.
If you’re a backcountry skier, freerider, or simply someone who demands top-tier protection and mobility, this jacket and bib should be high on your list.
Yes, they come at a premium price, but there aren’t many head turning outfits that battle the elements so well – I loved mine.
Jack (R) in Peak Performance Vertical GORE-TEX Pro 3L Shell Jacket & Vertical GORE-TEX Pro 3L Shell Bib Pants – Tashie (L) in Helly Hansen Women’s Verglas Backcountry Ski Shell Jacket & Ski Bib Pants – Image © PlanetSKI
Tashie: Women’s Verglas Backcountry Ski Shell Jacket & Ski Bib Pants from Helly HansenSki Bib Pants from Helly Hansen – rrp £350
These bib pants are built for backcountry skiing, combining Helly Hansen’s 3-layer HELLY TECH® Professional fabric with a smart design that keeps you dry, warm, and comfortable.
They’re fully waterproof, windproof, and breathable, so I didn’t have to worry about getting soaked or overheating.
The 2-way stretch fabric, articulated cut, and crotch gusset meant I could move freely, while skinning uphill or sending it on the descent.
Thigh vents helped to lose heat when things got sweaty, and the adjustable, removable suspenders let me tweak the fit to my liking.
A handy gear pocket rounds things off, providing me easy access to small essentials when on the go.
Women’s Verglas Backcountry Ski Shell Jacket & Ski Bib Pants both from Helly Hansen – Image © PlanetSKI
Women’s Verglas Backcountry Ski Shell Jacket – rrp £280
Designed for big days in the mountains, this shell jacket is lightweight, protective, and made to move with you.
Like the matching bib pants, it uses Helly Hansen’s HELLY TECH® professional fabric to keep wind and moisture out while staying breathable.
The 2-way stretch provides full mobility, and thoughtful details like the high collar, chin guard, and extended back hem give me extra protection when the weather turned.
Pit zips helped to regulate temperature, while a RECCO® transponder, helmet-compatible hood, and plenty of pockets make it a practical choice for backcountry skiers who need functionality without the bulk.
Tashie comments on her Helly Hansen ski wear below:
Tashie’s Final Thoughts: The Verglas Backcountry Ski Bib Pants and Shell Jacket are a solid choice for skiers who love exploring beyond the resort.
They’re tough, comfortable, and designed with the kind of details that actually make a difference on long days in the mountains.
Whether skinning up, skiing down, or braving stormy conditions, I felt this combo had me covered.
Sally: Tog24 Vermont Ski Jacket, Tog24 Ski Gloves, Tog24 Star Jumper & Skull Candy HeadphonesTog24 Vermont Ski Jacket – rrp £170
I was testing the Vermont Women’s Ski Jacket by TOG24 during my trip to Hakuba, and I was absolutely thrilled with it.
TOG24 Vermont Women’s Ski Jacket – Image © PlanetSKI
Material & Performance: From the moment I put on the jacket, I could feel the quality of the materials.
The outer shell, made from durable polyester, had a waterproof finish that was a game-changer with the immense snowfall we had in Hakuba.
I was relieved to find that no matter how heavy the snow fell, I stayed completely dry.
The insulated filling is made from recycled plastic bottles and provided a perfect warmth without being too bulky.
Comfort & Fit: The feminine cut and design of the jacket was a big win for me.
It had a sleek and flattering fit that didn’t feel restrictive, even when layering over my thermal base layers.
I’m someone who values both style and comfort, and the jacket nailed both with its stand-out star pattern.
The hood was great when the weather was extra cold and windy, and the snow cuffs secured the gap to my gloves.
These small details made a big difference in preventing snow from sneaking in during a few tumbles.
Design & Features: Let’s talk about the Black/Optic White Outline Star design.
It’s super chic and stylish and definitely turned some heads on the slopes.
The bold contrast of the black and white, with the star outline detail, gave the jacket a modern, sporty vibe, which I loved.
As for practicality, the multiple pockets were a lifesaver.
I was able to keep my phone and sunglasses safely stored, and the ski pass pocket made accessing my lift pass easy, so no need to fumble around when I was in a hurry to hop on the lift.
Plus, the snow skirt was crucial on those deeper snow days when I accidentally took a tumble.
I didn’t have to worry about snow getting up my jacket.
Sally comments on the Vermont Women’s Ski Jacket below:
Sally’s Final Thoughts: Overall, the Vermont Women’s Ski Jacket exceeded my expectations. It kept me warm, dry, and looking stylish in all kinds of conditions.
The jacket’s combination of high-quality materials, thoughtful design, and performance features made it a reliable choice.
If you’re looking for a jacket that combines practicality with style, this one’s definitely worth considering.
Tog24 Faded Pink Adventure Ski Gloves – rrp £36 (sale price)
I wore the Adventure Ski Gloves in Faded Pink by TOG24 on my Hakuba trip, and they were absolutely perfect.
The Japanese powder snow was incredible, and these gloves handled it with ease.
The waterproof material, combined with the durable outer shell, kept my hands completely dry even when I was skiing through deep snow.
I didn’t have to worry about moisture seeping in.
The gloves are made from a mix of high-quality, breathable fabrics that ensured warmth without making your hands overheat, keeping my hands cozy even in the coldest temperatures.
The insulation was just the right thickness, not bulky but enough to keep the chill at bay, moeover, I could still move my fingers easily to adjust my ski poles or gear.
The soft, yet sturdy inner lining added to the comfort, making them feel like a second skin.
The Faded Pink colour was a fun, vibrant touch, and I loved how stylish they looked while blending perfectly with the winter scenery.
Sally’s Final Thoughts: Overall, these gloves offered the perfect balance of waterproofing, warmth, and flexibility.
Sally with Tog24 Faded Pink Adventure Ski Glove, also wearing Tog24 Vermont Ski Jacket – Image © PlanetSKI
Tog24 Theresa Star Jumper – rrp £70
Another item I took to Japan from the Tog24 range was the Theresa Women’s Knitted Jumper in black that quickly became a favourite.
The jumper is made from a soft blend of wool and synthetic fibers, offering warmth without feeling too bulky.
The breathable material kept me comfortable in both the cold mountain air and when transitioning indoors, making it perfect for all-day wear.
During the day, it kept me cozy underneath my jacket while skiing, and being slightly oversized allowed layers underneath.
In the evenings, I easily dressed it up with a pair of jeans, and it gave off a stylish, relaxed vibe that was ideal for après-ski activities.
The jumper’s ribbed texture, high-neck design, and relaxed fit made it versatile for both outdoor adventures and casual evenings.
It was lightweight yet warm, making it a great layering piece for colder temperatures.
Sally’s Final Thoughts: Overall, the TOG24 Theresa jumper is a stylish, comfortable, and functional choice for winter trips, and it performed beautifully in Hakuba’s chilly weather. Highly recommended.
Sally in Tog24 Theresa Star Jumper – Image © PlanetSKI
Skullcandy ICON ANC Headphones – rrp £ 89.98
As an NHS doctor, I’m always on the go, and the Skullcandy ICON ANC headphones have been a game-changer for both work and travel.
I took them with me to Japan and while they’re a bit too bulky for skiing (definitely not ideal under a helmet), they excelled in every other situation.
The sound quality is fantastic, with deep bass and crisp highs, and the ANC feature really helped block out noise at the airport and on the flight over to Tokyo.
They’re super comfortable for long wear, and with up to 60 hours of battery life, they lasted through my whole trip without needing a charge.
I also wear them on my daily commute to work, whether I’m catching up on music, podcasts, or just zoning out on the train, they make the journey a lot more peaceful.
Sally’s Final Thoughts: Durable, easy to pair via Bluetooth, and stylish, these headphones are perfect for travel, commuting, and much-needed downtime after a day on the ski slopes of Japan.
Skullcandy ICON ANC Headphones – Image © PlanetSKI
Max: H&M Regular Fit Padded ski jacket in StormMove™, Tog24 Zip Neck Fleece & Tog24 ThermalsH&M Regular Fit Padded ski jacket in StormMove™ rrp £179.99
I wore my dark blue StormMove padded ski jacket during the trip to Japan, and it exceeded my expectations.
In the famous ‘Ja-POW’ powder snow, the jacket kept me incredibly warm and dry, allowing me to fully enjoy the slopes without any discomfort.
Max sporting the H&M Regular Fit Padded ski jacket in StormMove™ – Image © PlanetSKI
The simple, sleek design also made it perfect for wearing off the slopes, blending seamlessly into casual settings.
It featured a lot of zips – zipped ventilation panels under the arms, a zipped chest panel, zipped sleeve pocket and zipped side pockets.
And when it snowed, which was a lot of the time, the jacket hood fitted comfortably over my helmet while elasticated drawstrings held it in place.
The jacket also had ample inner pockets large enough for goggles, spare goggle lenses and sunglasses storage plus a very useful goggle cloth.
I also liked that the jacket included RECCO® technology, that would make me visible to rescue professionals in case of an emergency rescue.
Max comments on the H&M Regular Fit Padded ski jacket in StormMove™ in the video below:
Max’s Final Thoughts: This jacket not only provided excellent performance in harsh conditions but also offered versatility and style, making it a fantastic addition to my winter wardrobe.
Max sporting the H&M Regular Fit Padded ski jacket in StormMove™ – Image © PlanetSKI
Tog24 Brandon Black Mens Fleece Zip Neck rrp £45
I also tested the Brandon Men’s Fleece Zip Neck jumper during my skiing trip to Japan, and it was fantastic.
The zip neck fleece kept me warm and comfortable in the cold conditions, allowing me to enjoy my time on the slopes.
The jumper’s lightweight and soft microfleece material made it perfect for layering under my ski jacket.
The addition of pockets is a great feature, providing a convenient place to store small items and to keep my hands warm.
Max’s Final Thoughts: Overall, it’s a versatile and cozy piece that I highly recommend it for anyone looking to stay warm while skiing.
Tog24 Snowdon Mens Thermal Base Layer – Khaki Camo Print Thermal Top rrp £40; Thermal Leggings rrp £40
I tested the matching Snowdon Men’s Thermal Base Layer top and leggings on the same trip, and they were excellent.
The thermals kept me warm and comfortable while skiing in the cold snowy conditions.
I also loved that they aren’t just the normal boring plain colours; the khaki camo print added a stylish touch to my baselayers.
Max’s Final Thoughts: Highly recommended for winter sports.
Max in Tog24 Snowdon Mens Thermal Base Layer & Thermal Top, both in Khaki Camo Print – Image © PlanetSKI
James: Komperdell Carbon FXP4 Expeditions Vario All-Season Poles + Helly Hansen Elevation 3.0 Infinity Shell Jacket Komperdell Poles – rrp £179.95
The poles are on the expensive side but unlike regular ski poles they can be used for hiking and trail running as long well as skiing and ski touring.
They are super light, a third lighter than previous versions, weighing in at just 248g.
They were great in the Japanese back country.
James with Komperdell Carbon FXP4 Expeditions Vario All-Season Poles. Image © PlanetSKI.
They pack down to 43cm whilst extending to 120 – 140cm.
Off the slopes they come in rather handy on icy Japanese pavements in the evening and can fit in a small ruck sack for carrying.
There’s also a version weighing 237g with a pack size of just 38cm and extension of 105cm – 125cm.
They’re made from a combination of high-strength aluminium on the lower section and a carbon composite on the upper section ensuring they’re plenty tough – so much so that Komperdell offer a three-year no quibbles guarantee.
There’s an extra, wider basket that I used for ski touring in Japan and on the powder days + a cover for the tips for when you have them attached to a pack on hiking trips.
The poles have comfortable hand grips and padded wrist straps to ensure a secure hold, and the folding mechanism is fast, efficient and smooth as you can see in this video.
James’s final thoughts: Lightweight, packable and versatile ski/trekking poles which are a pleasure to use.
Helly Hansen Elevation 3.0 Infinity Shell Jacket – rrp £680
Helly’s Infinity shell jacket comes at a price, but it does have all the essential features needed in my opinion.
Helly Hansen says it was ‘built with input from professional ski patrollers’ many of its features were welcome in the deep Japanese powder and highly visible in white-out conditions.
Helly Hansen Elevation 3.0 Infinity Shell Jacket. Hakuba Valley, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI
It features the extremely waterproof/breathable and eco-friendly LIFA INFINITY PRO membrane to provide long-lasting water-repellent performance without the use of chemicals.
The loose cut means it is extremely comfortable and easy to layer up beneath – essential in the ever-changing weather in Japan.
The adjustable, helmet-compatible hood gives great protection in foul weather, further assisted by the jacket’s high collar with snug brushed tricot chin guard.
It comes with just the right number and variety of pockets.
Two zippered chest pockets (the left of which features PrimaLoft Aerogel insulation to help preserve battery life on your beacon or phone),Two zippered hand pockets,A zippered lift pass pocket on the left sleeveA small zippered internal security pocket which sits above a generously-sized mesh stash pocket.
Additional features include wrist gaiters, Velcro adjustable cuffs and an adjustable hem, but there is no powder skirt.
James’s final thoughts: A good-looking, rugged shell jacket with well-designed features throughout – but at a price.
James was supplied with some of the technical specifications for the Komperdell poles and Helly Hansen jacket from the PlanetSKI gear editor, Alf Alderson.
Here are Alf’s in-depth PlanetSKI reviews from last season as we feature dozens and dozens of reviews on ski gear and kit:
Alf will be proving more reviews this coming winter, starting in November so do look out for them.
PlanetSKI in Hakuba Valley, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI.
Editors Note: PlanetSKI was visiting Hakuba Valley in Japan. The team skied in Happo One, Hakuba 47, Cortina & Kashimayari.
The snow conditions were generally fabulous.
All prices indicated are correct at time of posting.
More stories on PlanetSKI’s trip to Japan:
The PlanetSKI test team in Japan. Left to Right – Sally, Max, James, Tashie and Jack. Image © PlanetSKI.
Downtime at Mt Fuji:
The PlanetSKI test team in Japan. Image © PlanetSKI
Gear discussions over food ‘n’ drinks:
The PlanetSKI test team in Japan. Image © PlanetSKI
The full team in Hakuba 47, Japan. Image © PlanetSKI
Next winter the PlanetSKI gear test will come from Canada.
We’re off to Banff in Alberta and will be putting a few items through their paces.
Not least the Savior Heat heated gloves, which should come in handy for the very cold January and February conditions often experienced in Canada.
Savior Heat, heated gloves (SKGP03FW). Image © PlanetSKI.
Key Features:
Triple Heat Zones: Heating for all five fingers, fingertips, and back of handSmart Bluetooth Control: Adjust temperature via app or LED button3000mAh Battery, 3 Heat Settings: Up to 10 hours of warmth, fast 2h
chargeGoatskin & Multi-Layer Waterproof Shell: For snow, ice, and windFleece + Velvet Lining with 3M™ Thinsulate™: Soft, insulated comfortOutdoor-Proven Details: Touchscreen compatible, snow scraper, nose wipe,
anti-wear patches, reflective tape, glove connector, and waterproof zipper
Model: SKGP03FW | Price: $189.99. (£141.23).
Do check back…
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