ABBOTSFORD, British Columbia (Dec. 14, 2022) – VSSL – creator of premium gear that enables self-reliance in the outdoors – is excited to announce its partnership with Smith – global market leader in snow goggles and helmets – with the launch of a capsule collection of backcountry gear for Winter 22/23. The co-branded Smith x VSSL Backcountry Supplies Kit is a compact aluminum canister loaded with readiness and repair tools for all winter adventures, and supports Smith’s launch of the new Summit MIPS backcountry snow helmet, offered in a co-branded VSSL colorway.

“Staying prepared in the backcountry is critical,” said Todd Weimer, founder of VSSL. “You need to not only protect against the elements but also prepare for the unknown. With Smith’s expertise in helmet design and our knack for curating survival essentials, the Smith x VSSL Collab is a really unique way to stay safe in your off-piste winter explorations while keeping the adventure going.”

The Smith x VSSL Backcountry Supplies gear kit, developed in conjunction with Smith’s product and athlete teams, is a water resistant, ultra-durable capsule of readiness tools inspired by the needs of pinnacle athletes, designed to keep even the most novice enthusiasts safe and prepared. The weatherproof, indestructible military grade aluminum cylinder includes:

  • Smith Snow Repair Tin with Tenacious Tape, gear ties, zip ties, bailing wire, a sewing kit and a whistle
  • Fire Striker Tin with a tethered Ferrocerium rod, ceramic striker and five waterproof fire-starting tabs
  • First Aid Mini Tin with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and safety pins.
  • Repair Tape
  • Ski Strap
  • Wire Saw
  • 4-Mode LED Light endcap with SOS mode

The Smith Summit MIPS snow helmet is the brand’s first ever backcountry-specific helmet, designed to go light and far across a variety of mountaineering endeavors – perfect for enthusiasts seeking a combination of both on- and off-piste adventures. Informed and inspired by Smith athletes Cody Townsend and Hadley Hammer, the hybrid shell construction blends a durable exterior with a lightweight in-molded shell in a minimalist approach that is triple-certified to meet global alpine ski certifications, international mountaineering standards, and backcountry touring expectations. It is offered in five colorways, including a co-branded Matte Algae/Olive accented by VSSL’s signature Searcher Orange aesthetic, providing high visibility for added backcountry benefits.

The Smith x VSSL collab is now available at select retailers and online at www.smithoptics.com and www.vsslgear.com.