Ghost Trail by Brooks — I love this shoe. The Brooks Ghost and Ghost Trail have been my go-to marathon training shoes because they strike the perfect balance of cushion and support. They fit my feet exceptionally well, and I’ve had none of the usual issues with abrasion or blisters that I’ve experienced in other running shoes.
For long training miles, that combination of comfort, protection, and consistent fit is hard to beat. The ride feels soft enough to keep my legs fresh, but still supportive enough that I feel stable and confident on the run.
My only complaint is that the padding on the upper back heel area tends to wear out sooner than I’d like. That said, I like this shoe so much that I still buy multiple pairs every year. For me, that says it all.
Interval Short | 7-inch by Ten Thousand — I love the Ten Thousand Interval Short for ski training because it gives me the perfect mix of mobility, comfort, and durability. The four-way stretch shell moves easily through lunges, squats, box step-ups, sled work, and all the lateral training that matters for skiing, while the waistband stays secure and never feels restrictive. It also dries fast, breathes well, and has smart pockets that actually hold essentials without bouncing around, which makes it practical for both gym sessions and conditioning work. Ten Thousand designed the Interval Short as a versatile training short with four-way stretch, quick-drying fabric, a no-pinch waistband, ventilation, and a secure pocket system, which is exactly why it works so well for ski prep.
Waterproof Shell Jacket by Ten Thousand — This is my favorite day-to-day shell for urban and mountain town living. It is not the jacket I reach for when I am heading into the mountains for serious technical use, but for just about everything else, it is excellent. It keeps me dry in bad weather, looks clean enough to wear around town, and has a versatile, understated design that works just as well running errands, traveling, walking the dog, or heading to dinner in a mountain town.
What I really like is that it gives you real weather protection without looking or feeling overly technical. A lot of shells are either too alpine-looking for everyday wear or not functional enough when the weather turns. This one hits the sweet spot. It is lightweight, comfortable, easy to layer, and dependable when you need to stay dry, making it an ideal jacket for everyday life in places where weather changes fast.
Stormrider 102 by Evo
S/LAB ULTRA 12 by Salomon — Best running vest I’ve owned. The S/LAB Ultra 12 carries hydration, fuel, keys, and a phone better than anything else I’ve used. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and remarkably stable, with a fit that stays close to the body and never feels bulky or distracting. The storage is smart and easy to access on the move, and the included two 500ml soft flasks make it ready to go right away. At 12 liters and about 205 g before accessories, it has impressive capacity without giving up that barely-there feel.
Distance Short | 3-inch by Ten Thousand — These are the best training shorts I’ve found for running. They’re lightweight, breathable, and incredibly comfortable, with a fit that feels dialed without ever getting in the way. What I appreciate most is that they don’t bunch up, they don’t chafe, and they stay comfortable no matter the distance or intensity. They move well, dry fast, and feel just as good on easy runs as they do during harder training sessions. Simple, high-performing, and exactly what I want in a running short.
Rush Jacket by Arc'teryx — The Arc’teryx Rush is the best ski shell I’ve ever owned. Having worked for some of the best outdoor brands, I’ve developed a real appreciation for what separates an average shell from a truly exceptional one, and it starts with understanding the athlete, the movement, and the pattern making. In my experience, no one does that better than Arc’teryx.
What makes the Rush stand out is not just the protection, but how thoughtfully it is built for real skiing. The fit is exceptional, the mobility is natural, and every detail feels purpose-driven. It gives you full weather protection without bulk, moves with you in all the right ways, and performs equally well whether you are skiing hard in bounds or spending a full day in the mountains. Arc’teryx describes the Rush as its lightest GORE-TEX PRO ePE touring shell, built for breathable protection, mobility, and all-day efficiency, and that balance of performance and design is exactly what makes it so good. 
The patterning, hood design, pocket placement, and overall versatility are where the brand really separates itself. The Rush uses GORE-TEX PRO ePE, a helmet-compatible StormHood, and an updated fit intended to improve mobility and access to pockets, and those choices show up immediately when you wear it. It is one of those rare products that feels like it was designed by people who truly understand how athletes move and what they need from a shell in real conditions.
Rush Bib Pant by Arc'teryx — The Arc’teryx Rush Bib is the best performance ski shell pant I’ve owned for in-bounds days in regular winter conditions. What makes it so good is the balance: it gives you premium weather protection and real freedom of movement without feeling bulky, heavy, or overbuilt for the kind of days most of us actually ski. The fit is dialed, the articulation through the legs is excellent, and the bib design adds protection and coverage without getting in the way. Arc’teryx says the current Rush Bib uses lighter, more durable GORE-TEX PRO ePE, has a roomier fit for better mobility, and includes touring-focused storage plus an embedded RECCO® reflector, and that combination shows up immediately on snow.
