There is a specific kind of magic that only happens when the temperature drops below zero. It’s the hush of a pine forest under a fresh layer of powder, the crunch of boots on a frozen trail, and that first, deep breath of crisp air that feels like a reset button for wandering souls.
At Passenger, our mission has always been simple: to inspire meaningful connection with the outdoors – we call it Escapism. But as we move into the 2026 snow season, we know that getting out there is only half the story. The other half is making sure we leave those wild places better than we found them, in gear built to last.
We’ve been buddied up with Nikwax for a good while now, and for good reason. We share the same ethos around responsible adventure, whether we’re hitting the road on our Made To Roam Tour armed with Nikwax samples to keep our community’s gear in peak condition, or designing our latest waterproof jackets with years, not seasons, in mind.
Gear Built To Last
There’s nothing quite like getting out there in winter. One minute you’re working up a sweat on a ridgeline ascent, and the next, you’re caught in a sideways sleet storm. To stay out there longer, you need gear that breathes when you’re moving and protects when the weather turns.
Passenger’s waterproof and insulated jackets are built to last, designed with an outdoor lifestyle in mind. Made from responsibly sourced materials like recycled polyester and with zero PFAS or forever chemicals, they’re a more responsible choice when it comes to your outdoor gear collection.
© Kat Craats, Passenger
From lightweight water-resistant shells for trail running, to industry-leading Downlite and Thermore insulated waterproof jackets built for the coldest snaps, these jackets will see you through year after year.
But many people forget that gear care can be just as important as choosing what to get in the first place. Over time, dirt, oils, and campfire smoke are the enemies of performance; they mask the durable water-repellent coating (DWR) and cause the fabric to ‘wet out’, leaving you cold and clammy. You’ll notice this happening when rain or snow stops ‘beading’ off the fabric and starts to soak in quicker.
The Pro-Care Ritual: Stain Scrub, Tech Wash® and TX.Direct®
If you want to extend the life of your snow gear by years (not just seasons), you need a care ritual. Here’s a quick guide to handling winter gear maintenance:
1. The Pre-Game: Nikwax Stain Scrub
Before you toss your waterproof jacket in the machine, look at the high-wear areas. The chin guard (where sunscreen and skin oils build up), the cuffs, and the pockets usually take a beating. Use Nikwax Stain Scrub to target these grubby areas, as it’s specifically designed to break down those stubborn oils without damaging the delicate fabric membranes underneath.
© Darius Haberstock, Passenger
2. The Deep Clean: Tech Wash
When it comes to your waterproof and snow gear, ditch the regular household detergents. They contain ‘wetting agents’ (hydrophilic residues) that stay in the fabric and actually attract water. Nikwax Tech Wash is an extremely effective water-based cleaner that lifts dirt while revitalising the existing DWR. It’s the essential first step before reproofing.
3. The Shield: TX.Direct
Once your gear is clean, it’s time to restore that ‘beading’ action. TX.Direct is the gold standard, it adds high-performance waterproofing while maintaining breathability. And because it’s water-based and PFAS-free, you aren’t spraying harmful chemicals into your home or the environment.
© Sarah Fayolle, Passenger
Gear Spotlight: Snowscape Collection
Trip to the slopes coming up? Check out Passenger’s Snowscape Collection to get fully kitted out for some deep winter escapism. Snowscape jackets, trousers, and bib pants are all made with recycled polyester and have a 10k waterproof rating, with thoughtful details a seasoned skier or snowboarder would expect, such as fully seam-sealed, snow skirts, lift pass pockets, internal zip and stash pockets, and ventilation.
And by using the Nikwax cleaning and reproofing ritual above, your Snowscape’s recycled fibres keep performing and stay out of landfills for the long haul.
More Than Just Gear: Passenger’s Tree Planting Promise
We believe that every purchase should have a positive footprint. For every order placed at Passenger, we plant a tree through Trees for the Future, supporting their pioneering Forest Garden Approach, which gives farmers and their families a chance to reclaim their land for good. Over the years, we’ve planted trees with One Tree Planted in the US and Europe, and we also support mangrove conservation via Earthly, and rainforest conservation through Rainforest Trust. It’s our way of giving back to the landscapes that give us so much, and we’re proud to say we’ve committed to planting over 3 million trees so far.
Nikwax shares this planet-first approach. Their long-standing partnership with the World Land Trust and active membership of the European Outdoor Conservation Association mirror our commitment to protecting the wild. When you choose brands that prioritise the planet, you’re voting for a future where we can still enjoy snowy winters fifty years from now.
The Call to Roam
What is winter escapism to you? Long, frosty walks, easy-going snow days, piste action with friends, or hunkering down in a cabin.
Whatever it might be, we say embrace it. Get out there in the cold, grab your skis or board, strap up your boots, and ensure your kit is prepped and protected. The mountains are calling, and with the right care, your gear is ready to take you there.
