Steve Gruber is a snowboard legend from austrian Zillertal valley, who is spending most of his days riding powder in the backcountry, that we don't even dream about. You'll usually find him sending it down the cliffs and kickers totally in style and with a big smile on his face! Last year he took a part on a HF trip to Penken, Austria, where this video spot in his favorite backcountry combo was made. Let's find out why he likes it!
Hello Steve, what’s your Horsefeathers jacket and pants choice for the winter season 22/23?
My favorite jacket is Halen II jacket, and Melder pants.
Why did you choose this particular combo?
That combo is just perfect for me, it has quite simple efficient design and high functionality with a great fit.
Which technical features can't be missing on your winter jacket?
For me a high waterproofness and breathability are key for bad weather conditions or when you hike a lot, the snowskirt and elastic inner sleeve cuffs are really important to me nowadays and I don’t wanna miss them at all, I love the ventilation system and the great fit of the jacket.
And what's the most important thing for you, when it comes to snowboard pants?
The most important for me is the waterproofness, snow gaiters for the boots for hiking powder without snow in you shoes, good vents and a good fit.
Steve's combo: Halen II jacket & Medler pants
Zillertal backcountry legend Steve Gruber is loyal to our recycled Halen II jacket, which backs him even in the toughest conditions. This year he chose the new shell version, made of 20,000 mm recycled Ultratech and Medler bib pants in digital with 15.000 mm waterproofness.
The Halen II jacket is one of our hi-end models and you can find it in the offer both in the insulated and in the shell version. If piles of powder are your daily bread and you move high in the mountains, where you often encounter even the worst snow conditions, then we got you covered. BC legend Steve Gruber also appreciates the maximum comfort and great features, whose choice this year is the Halen II model.
Medler bib pants belong to the choice of a rider who has a clear idea of what his pants should meet. High resistance parameters, high-quality ventilation, voluminous cargo pockets, comfortable straps and also a fit that will work both when riding and when walking, for example on splitboard or skialps. Your search for the best pants has just ended, it's our Medler pants.
From the scale 1-10 (10 is the most) how important is design/style for you, regarding winter outerwear?
I would say a 7, I think style is always important ;)
And from the scale 1-10 (10 is the most) how important are technical parametres like water resistance, breathability etc. for you regarding winter outerwear?
In this case I would say a 9, because style is important, but function and technical parameters keeps you longer and more comfortable on the mountain, which is for me more important than only looking stylish at the aprés ski. The great thing is, that my combo provides both :)
Do you have any big plans for this season?
Well, I have some projects in mind. I will try to make them happen, but they are dependent on the snow situation, so let's just say the big plans are there, but we'll see if they work out.
