Gear Review: Sherpa Adventure Gear Khushi Top

[head and neck protection]

Problem: Neck gaiters, bandannas, and hats often go missing just when you need them most. Solution: the Khushi, which has a built-in hood (for men, pictured) or an integrated neck gaiter (for women). On the latter, a six-inch cowl rolls up to prevent cold drafts and sunburned necks. “A brilliant idea for skiing and snowshoeing in bitter cold and intense sun,” raves our New England tester. The stretchy, snug-fitting cowl reaches high enough to tuck under goggles and protect your chin and mouth, but it’s thin enough to breathe through (there’s no mouth cut-out).

The men’s version relies on a head-hugging hood for its instant warmth boost, plus it also has a chest zipper for better ventilation in mild temps, which makes it one of the most versatile layers here. Both versions are made with thin, 17.5-micron merino, which proved soft on the skin and excellent at wicking moisture. Downside: the price. $90; 6.2 oz.; m’s S-XXL, w’s XS-XL; sherpaadventuregear.com