Born from East-Coast grit and a passion for snow, Nivis Gear was launched by founder Carter Ramos, who dreamt up the brand in high school and started selling gear out of the back of his truck.
Today, Nivis Gear delivers boutique-level technical outerwear: jackets and shells designed in the USA, tested across slopes coast-to-coast, and crafted for riders who demand performance, durability and authenticity.
Nivis Protego Pro Shell – Your new body guard
Nivis is quietly (okay, loudly) making waves in the technical outerwear world. The Protego Pro Shell is built from a beefier, more abrasion-resistant fabric than most brands are brave enough to use. “Protego” literally means “I protect” in Latin—so yes, your high-school Latin teacher finally came through for something. They even call it “a suit of armour for the elements,” which sounds dramatic until you realize… they’re not wrong.
On paper it’s a powerhouse—25K waterproofing, 30K breathability, and 4-way stretch so you can still pretend you’re as flexible as you were in your early 20s. The features list reads like a skier’s wish list: Roomie helmet-friendly, syncing hood, pass pocket, two cavernous interior drop pockets, RECCO, a removable powder skirt, and an aerogel-lined chest pocket that keeps your phone warm and your battery from giving up the ghost before last chair. The velcro patch on the shoulder allows you to add whatever velcro patch you want. A great, subtle way to make the jacket truly yours.
The fit is also unapologetically skier-specific. Articulated sleeves built for athletic stance, slightly longer arms, and a waist cinch cord to keep drafts and snow from sneaking in. They even offer a size between medium and large—ingeniously named “medium large”—for those of us who live in permanent sizing purgatory. Overall, expect a slim, athletic fit.
Check out the Protege Pro shell jacket HERE.
Nivis Tendo – A Soft Shell That’s Hard as Nails
The Nivis Tendo is one of those jackets that makes you wonder why all jackets can’t just… do everything. It’s thin but still insulated, waterproof to 20K, breathable to 20K, and built so well you notice the quality the second you grab it. Kind of like a “oh wow, this means business” moment. No need to baby it either; the exterior fabric is tough, slightly stretchy, and clearly designed for people who don’t tiptoe around their gear.
The articulation in the shoulders and sleeves is excellent, so whether you’re reaching for poles, a coffee, or your mediocre attempt at a backcountry kickturn, you’re covered. The interior sleeves are lined with soft fleece, which is basically a warm hug every time you put it on. Storage? Five pockets total: two exterior hand pockets, two interior drop pockets, and an interior chest pocket—enough spots to lose things and then triumphantly “find” them later.
Fit-wise, it’s trim and stylish without trying too hard. The Tendo is as comfortable running errands in town as it is skiing, hiking, or camping. Honestly, it even works as a work jacket. If your job takes you outdoors and you need something waterproof, durable, comfortable, and not shaped like a burlap sack, the Tendo is a very solid choice.
Check out the Tendo softshell jacket HERE.
