Winter 25/26 Staff Gear Picks: Essential Stocking Fillers For Your Xmas Wishlist

Has it been a fortnight already? It seems like yesterday we were all heading in-store to try on Themis’ steezy staff picks, now we’re already at the next edition!

Tapping in this time is Rhythm Summit’s Chelsea. Originally from Brisbane, Australia, but now on her fourth season in Niseko, Chelsea is a local legend you’ve probably spotted around town at a local onsen, or caught on a chairlift in Hirafu by now….



Actually, you probably haven’t. As one of Niseko’s touring queens, if Chelsea’s not earning her turns out in the Rusutsu or Moiwa backcountry, she doesn’t want any part of it. So if you’ve ever been out deep in the backcountry and heard two seconds of ‘Calypso’ by Spiderbait at rapid speeds while someone zipped by, that was probably Chelsea.

And as we all know, if you’re going into the backcountry, you need the fit, the kit and all the extra bits – so with Christmas fast approaching, we thought who better to hit up to get some extra Xmas stocking-filler wishlist items than Chelsea herself! 

Here’s what she thinks you should be putting on your gift list this year:

Rhythm/evo - Tension Strap

Chelsea's Take:

"Can come in so handy when touring, or if anything breaks on the mountain. An essential – I would have 10 if I could!"

Available at Rhythm Summit:  ¥1,200

Le Bent - Cody Townsend Pro Series Snow Sock

Chelsea's Take:

"Le bent socks - the best fitting socks I've tried to date. They feel great, they have awesome grip so you're not moving around in your boot, and they are the perfect compression for ski boots."

Available at Rhythm Summit: ¥4,840

Smith - Throwback Cap

Chelsea's Take:

"It looks super cool (as all hats should), perfect for touring, and it keeps the ears warm."

Available at Rhythm Summit: ¥8,250

Hestra - 3-Finger GTX 

Chelsea's Take:

"Hestra do great gloves. The fit and feel of the 3-finger is especially cosy and the warmth the leather provides as well as waterproofing and longevity is well worth the investment."

Available at Rhythm Summit: ¥24,200

P.S. 'Impregnated Cowhide' is NOT what you think. It is leather that has substances like waxes, oils, resins or polymers added to its fibers.

Osprey - UL Dry Sack 3L

Chelsea's Take:

"Another essential for touring and other adventures. Guaranteed to save the day and keep all your gear dry. Osprey do the best bags and packs!"

Available at Rhythm Summit: ¥2,640

Patagonia - Nano Puff Jacket

Chelsea's Take:

"The nano puff is the perfect versatile mid layer. It can be worn on or off the mountain, it’s super light weight, packs down into nothing saving you a heap of space, it provides incredible warmth with primaloft insulation, and it's made of sustainable materials. The perfect stocking stuffer." 

Available at Rhythm Summit: ¥33,000

Burton - Web Belt

Chelsea's Take:

"A versatile belt for everyday wear and for riding. Essential for keeping all the pow out of your pants!"

Available at Rhythm Summit: ¥4,950

Le Bent - Lightweight Balaclava 

Chelsea's Take:

"As someone who runs really hot, the Le Bent balaclava is a super light weight merino wool blend that keeps you just warm enough without trapping the heat in. The merino bamboo blend also means for a nice soft feel on the skin without compromising breathability."

Available at Rhythm Summit: ¥5,500

Gear Aid - Gore Tex Repair Patches

Chelsea's Take:

"As a skier who wears snowboard pants, the cuff of my pants tends to wear down fairly quickly so I'm in desperate need of these. The gore tex patches are the perfect solution to mending holes, rips, tears on any and all of your gear."

Available at Rhythm Summit: ¥1,430

Oh, and did we mention if you pre-book your gear you'll save big with our exclusive pre-book prices....