Winter 24/25 Staff Gear Picks: This Season's Hottest Sellers
When you think about the most stylish member in your family, why do you immediately think of your grandparents?
Because they’ve got a lifetime of experience! And while we don’t quite have any senior citizens (or oji-san and oba-chan, as they are referred to in Japan) manning our shop-floors, we like to think that the same mentality applies to all our retail crew.
Day-after-day, they’re there, styling you, fitting you out, and showing you all the steezy, in-season drips. So naturally, if we wanted to find out what this season’s hottest sellers have been, there’s no better time to ask them than right now, at the end of the winter when they’ve got months-and-months of experience.
But we didn’t want to just offer up any old staff member’s take; we wanted the most stylish of them all. So we got Charlie Cooke, Niseko’s most well-read man, who spends his home life working as a fashion designer (Medley Clothing) and runway model in Queensland before taking the Aus summer off to come shred Japow. Talk about a winning combo, right?
Here’s Charlie’s picks for this season’s biggest sellers:
Charlie’s Picks:
Pit Viper: the Slammer
Charlie’s Take: “These super sick shades are perfect for cruising around town in the springtime sun or riding some mountain slush.”
| SPECS | PERKS |
UV Rating: 100% UV Protection (UVA + UVB) Durability: 99.69% Indestructible Frame Lens: Shatterproof lens | + They look cool as heck + They look cool as heck, what else do you need in a set of sunnies? |
Burton: Park Mitt
Charlie’s Take: “If you run a little warm and wanna hit the jumps all day with your mates, the park mitts are key for keeping your hands dry without the heavy weight insulation of your mid-winter gloves.”
| SPECS | PERKS |
Material: DRYRIDE 2-Layer Shell Fabric Lining: Brushed Microfiber Fixed Lining Fit: Under-Cuff Fit | + Water Resistant + Phone Friendly + Extra Grip |
Dakine: Heli Pro 20L
Charlie’s Take: “For any late season, off-piste adventuring, this backpack’s got you covered. With 20 litres of volume and heaps of versatile straps/pockets to store your gear, you’ve got just enough room to bring what you need, whilst still keeping things lightweight on your back.”
| SPECS | PERKS |
Material: 420D Semi-Dull Nylon Ripstop with Water Repellent Finish Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 5.5″ (51 x 30 x 14 cm) Volume: 18L | + Fleece Lined Goggle Pocket + Snow Tool/Shovel Pocket + Insulated Hydro Sleeve to keep beers cold |
Smith: Method Pro
Charlie’s Take: “This helmet has all top-tier safety features packed into in a seriously lightweight design. With a clean and simple look, I like the addition of a dial adjuster and Fidlock chin strap buckle in this years pro model.”
| SPECS | PERKS |
Construction: Lightweight In-Mold Construction Ventilation: 99.69% Indestructible Frame Fit: Micro-Adjustable Dial Fit System | + Travel insurance is expensive + No one looks good with a bump on their head – protect your noggin’ |
Stance: Mid Poly Snow Sock – Feeling Pickled
Charlie’s Take: “Stance are always making sick socks to wear while riding, they have a real performance feel to them on the mountain and they throw some cool designs on them too for extra style points.
| SPECS | PERKS |
Material: 100% Acrylic Fit: One Size Fits Most Warranty: 1 Year | + Dual Style Options + Suede Logo Patch + Looks cool – what more do you need? |
Patagonia: Winter Duckbill Cap
Charlie’s Take: “The ultimate winter hat, this thing will keep your ears toasty on the coldest days of the season and in the spring time keep the sun out of your eyes. An everyday essential around the mountains.
| SPECS | PERKS |
Breathability: 10,000g/m2/24h Wear Performance: 3LAYER / FULLSEAM SEALING / DUPONT / TEFLON COATING | + Baggy Fit + Adjustable elastic suspenders with ventilation for long hikes and backcountry. |