{"id":165424,"date":"2022-02-04T12:51:49","date_gmt":"2022-02-04T20:51:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=165424"},"modified":"2022-12-13T11:12:35","modified_gmt":"2022-12-13T19:12:35","slug":"perfect-kit-cross-country-skiing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/snowsports\/perfect-kit-cross-country-skiing","title":{"rendered":"Everything You Need for Cross-Country Skiing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Take everything you love about snowshoeing but make it a little quicker and a little less awkward and, boom, cross-country skiing. Another checkmark in the Pro column of your T-chart? Cross-country skiing (or Nordic skiing or XC skiing) tends to be much more accessible and affordable than downhill skiing at a resort. (To get started, check out our Beginner\u2019s Guide to Cross-Country Skiing<\/a> article.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Convinced yet? Then it\u2019s time to gear up and take the skinny skis for a spin. Whether you\u2019re building out your cross-country ski kit or looking to upgrade an element here or there, reference our roundup below. Inside, we\u2019ve included our editors\u2019 and staffers\u2019 favorite hard- and softgoods for the activity, including tights, a breathable jacket, layers and accessories, as well as skis, boots, poles and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s time to make miles beyond the corduroy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Salomon<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Salomon Snowscape 7 Posigrip Cross-Country Skis with Prolink Bindings<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Built with a waxless base and a unique profile, these Salomon<\/a> skis perform superbly on groomed trails, and can be used for an occasional off-track outing. The Snowscape 7s are a bit shorter than usual and feature a clever S-shape for more maneuverability and edge contact when turning. Still, the Posigrip bases provide enough friction for flats, and camber (meaning the skis are down-turned like a frowny face) underfoot allows for more contact when kicking. Even with the included bindings, these versatile skinny skis are relatively light in weight and cost. $220<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Swix Focus Nordic Cross-Country Ski Poles<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Three things worth considering when shopping for cross-country skiing poles: shaft material, basket design and strap adjustability. For these reasons, the do-everything Swix<\/a> Focus Nordic poles prove to be a worthy companion for skiers interested in tackling both groomed tracks and ungroomed terrain. They\u2019re made of aluminum shafts and fixed length\u2014the strongest design available. The straps cinch down to fit bare hands in warmer weather and expand to accommodate bulkier gloves when the mercury drops. $30<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Rossignol<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Rossignol X-5 OT Cross-Country Ski Boots (Women\u2019s<\/a> and Men\u2019s<\/a>)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Each product in this list channels Goldilocks, and these Rossis<\/a> are no different. The X-5 OTs are stiff enough to control skinny skis on ungroomed terrain, but not so much that you\u2019ll be dreaming of apr\u00e8s before you even start. The Thinsulate liners are warm and heat-moldable, and adjustable gaiters seal snow and precip out. These boots are compatible with most cross-country ski bindings\u2014including the Prolink on the Salomons above. $189.95<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Darn Tough Oslo Nordic Socks (Women’s<\/a> and Men’s<\/a>)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In general, any socks will do, as long as they\u2019re not cotton. We like this blend of nylon and wool (certified to the Responsible Wool Standard) from Darn Tough<\/a>. The extra cushion around the toes and underfoot means you can glide in comfort wherever the trails take you. The cuff sits above a boot, too. $<\/em>27<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Swix<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Swix Lillehammer Tights (Women\u2019s<\/a> and Men\u2019s<\/a>)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For an aerobic activity like cross-country skiing, you want a breathable softshell that will block wind as easily as it dumps heat. Enter: the Lillehammer tights from Swix<\/a>. Wind-resistant polyester paneling on the front protects from weather, while more breathable polyester behind the knees lets sweat vapor escape. An elastic waistband with a traditional fly is comfortable over or beneath layers, and zippers at the cuffs let you snug the trousers over ski boots. $120<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"REI<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

REI Co-op Lightweight Base Layer Long-Sleeve Crew Top (Women\u2019s<\/a>, Women\u2019s 1X-3X<\/a> and Men\u2019s<\/a>)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When choosing a base layer for cross-country skiing, reach for a wool or synthetic top that\u2019s classified as \u201clight-\u201d or \u201cmidweight.\u201d These sorts of shirts will wick sweat best while adding a touch of warmth before you get moving. We like the Lightweight Base Layer Long-Sleeve crew top from REI Co-op<\/a>, a no-frills polyester shirt with a touch of elastic for mobility. Flat seams are comfy under bulkier layers, and a lower back hem stays tucked when you reach for a pole plant. Nice touch: Maximum 50+ UPF sun protection<\/a> means you can skate in only this shirt on bright, mild days without fear of burning. $39.95<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Dynafit<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Dynafit TLT Dynastretch Jacket (Women\u2019s<\/a> and Men\u2019s<\/a>)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t want bulky clothing weighing you down or restricting your movement when cross-country skiing. That\u2019s where a softshell like the TLT Dynastretch from Dynafit<\/a> comes into play. This stretchy softie has a slim, streamlined cut that preserves mobility. More robust material on the front of the arms and torso blocks wind and light precip, while microperforations let sweat vapor sneak out. It\u2019s also lightweight and packable, so you can stuff it away when Mother Nature allows for it. $199.95<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Arc\u2019teryx<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Arc\u2019teryx Venta Gloves<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to gloves, warmth tends to come at the expense of dexterity, which is why we love the Ventas from Arc\u2019teryx<\/a>. They\u2019re sleek without gauntlet-style cuffs\u2014more like liner gloves with articulated fingers for hanging onto poles. But lofty fleece on the inside traps heat, while treated material on the outside and a waterproof membrane repel wind and seal moisture out. They\u2019re also touchscreen compatible. $69<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Smartwood<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Smartwool Mer<\/a>ino 250 Balaclava<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gone are the days of earmuffs. This balaclava from Smartwool<\/a> covers your noggin, ears and exposed bits of your face and neck to keep you toasty when you\u2019re traversing frosty landscapes. The merino wool makes it more breathable than a stocking hat, and a clever design preserves peripheral vision. $40<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"REI<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

REI Co-op Trail 5 Waistpack<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some (cough *points down* cough<\/em>) would argue fanny packs never really went out of style. But for all the haters, consider that their utility on the trail is virtually unmatched. This 5-liter model from REI Co-op<\/a> is big enough for snacks, sunblock, a first-aid kit, a tool and an unused layer, and stretchy side pockets fit a couple of 1-liter bottles. It keeps your back unencumbered and free to the cool air without getting in the way of swinging arms. An assemblage of pockets is useful for Type-A packers. $49.95<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Interested in more staff picks and kits? Find more Trail Mix collections <\/em>here<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Take everything you love about snowshoeing but make it a little quicker and a little less awkward and, boom, cross-country skiing. Another checkmark in the Pro column of your T-chart? Cross-country skiing (or Nordic skiing or XC skiing) tends to be much more accessible and affordable than downhill skiing at a resort. (To get started, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12183,"featured_media":175236,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[1759,724,364,1951],"internal-tag":[],"class_list":["post-165424","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-snowsports","tag-cross-country-skiing","tag-gear","tag-snowsports","tag-the-perfect-kit"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/rei.com\/blog\/snowsports\/perfect-kit-cross-country-skiing","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"Everything You Need for Cross-Country Skiing","url":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/snowsports\/perfect-kit-cross-country-skiing","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/snowsports\/perfect-kit-cross-country-skiing"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/02\/00-UP-xc-skiing-hero.jpg?resize=150%2C150","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/02\/00-UP-xc-skiing-hero.jpg?fit=2000%2C1000"},"articleSection":"Snowsports","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Maren Horjus"}],"creator":["Maren Horjus"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Uncommon Path \u2013 An REI Co-op Publication","logo":""},"keywords":["cross-country skiing","gear","snowsports","the perfect kit"],"dateCreated":"2022-02-04T20:51:49Z","datePublished":"2022-02-04T20:51:49Z","dateModified":"2022-12-13T19:12:35Z"},"rendered":"