The Patagonia Untracked Bib Review

The “little brother” to the legendary PowSlayer, the Patagonia Untracked Bibs might actually be the more talented sibling. Built with quieter materials and offering near-equal waterproofing, these bibs feature a high-cut design specifically engineered to keep out the deepest powder. Over the course of a heavy season, they’ve taken a fair amount of abuse from me and still look nearly as good as they did … Continue reading The Patagonia Untracked Bib Review

The Patagonia Nano-Air Ultralight Review

An ultralight softshell with just a smidge of insulation, the Patagonia Nano-Air line provides a fantastic midlayer that moonlights as a shell in fair but cool weather. I’ve been wearing the Nano-Air Pullover for a year now and found its versatility makes it a very capable year round piece.  The Patagonia Nano-Air Ultralight Pullover Review Shell & lining: 100% recycled polyester air-permeable ripstop with a … Continue reading The Patagonia Nano-Air Ultralight Review

The Smith Guide’s Choice XL Review

These are the quintessential Smith glasses. Smith advertises them heavily as fishing glasses though they have certainly found their way to places much further afield. I’ve taken them trekking and splitboarding in the Coast Mountains and Japan. Their fantastic optics mixed with a heavy base curve make them perfect for protecting your vision in high glare situations.  The Guide’s Choice XL is the quintessential Smith … Continue reading The Smith Guide’s Choice XL Review

Rab Cirrus Alpine Jacket Review

The Rab Cirrus Alpine Insulated Jacket is a versatile, eco-friendly synthetic puffy tailor-made for damp, cold-weather grit. It is a budget-friendly, durable, and warm alternative to traditional down, designed to handle moisture just as well as it handles the cold. The Rab Cirrus Alpine Insulated Jacket: Down Power without the Down Shell: Pertex Quantum Ripstop Nylon 30D Insulation: 100% Recycled PrimaLoft Silver Rise Liner:  20D … Continue reading Rab Cirrus Alpine Jacket Review

Ibex Merino 2025

Ibex Merino for 2025 Our favorite winter merino layers for the past few years have been from Ibex. This year, Ibex has doubled down on their summer offerings with the Springbok Hoodie and the Paradox short sleeve. Blends of Australian merino wool and synthetics that increase durability and provide UPF protection. I’ll be rocking these shirts all summer long, testing their durability and ability to … Continue reading Ibex Merino 2025

Ortovox Fleece Rib Hoody

The Ortovox Fleece Rib Hoody  The Fleece Rib Hoody continues Ortovox’s innovative use of Merino blends in its tried and true outdoor gear. The Fleece Rib Hoody combines Merino-based fleece and softshell materials to create a jacket that stands up to abuse in high-wear areas while keeping the wearer warm in almost all conditions. I carried this jacket with me for more than 75% of … Continue reading Ortovox Fleece Rib Hoody

Ortovox Ladiz Hybrid Jacket

The Ortovox Ladiz Hybrid Jacket  The Ortovox Ladiz Hybrid jacket marries Merino infused fleece with zoned windproof layers making for a fantastic shoulder season hybrid windbreaker and insulation jacket. Does it insulate? yes! Does it block the wind? A little bit. Is it a great jacket? You bet.  The Ortovox Ladiz Hybrid Jacket at a glance: Material : Tec-Stretch and Merino Fleece Light Grid Weight: … Continue reading Ortovox Ladiz Hybrid Jacket

The Arcade Belt Review

Stretch Armstrong for your Waist: An Arcade Belts review   If you are going skiing and not wearing bibs you are tempting the fate of a snowy butt. It’s inevitable that you’re going to fill your pants with powder at some point. Enter Arcade Belts. Stretchy, stylish and totally functional when wet, they are the best way to keep from filling your britches with the white … Continue reading The Arcade Belt Review

The Patagonia R1 TechFace Hoodie Review. 2023 Update

The Patagonia R1 TechFace Hoody Review (2023 edition)   Patagonia is known for making some legendary gear. Perhaps, the most well known is the R1 Techface Hoody. Our own Monte Johnston reviewed The Patagonia R1 TechFace Hoody in 2018. He found it to be a fantastic summer alpine layer as it cuts the wind, moves well and isn’t overly warm. Has much, if anything changed? Did … Continue reading The Patagonia R1 TechFace Hoodie Review. 2023 Update