Mountains are a place we go to get away from it all. No cell service, less people, just you and maybe a few close friends to get up to some adventure. Over the past few years, social media has had a large influence on what happens in the mountains. Not to get into that too much, but what we wear is something most people take … Continue reading Review: Mountain Hardware Exposure/2™ Jacket and Pants
A head-to-head comparison review of synthetic Arc’teryx Puffy Jackets. Specifically the Quantum Series which includes the Proton, Atom & Nuclei. Walking around an outdoor gear store, or perusing one online for that matter, can be both fun and intimidating. There’s an absolute mountain of choice (yes, the pun was intended) when it comes to good quality kit! Now, a wide selection can be a great … Continue reading Picking the Perfect Arc’teryx Puffy:
I can be picky when it comes to ski touring pants. I’ll spend countless hours trying on different pairs in different stores before ever getting close to that one pair with that seemingly elusive mixture of features I want: a good fit, a few functional pockets, vents and a fabric that breaths. I know, I’m asking for a lot! But it’s not always easy to … Continue reading Long-Term Review: Patagonia Descensionist Pants
Is this the start of a new era? A question worth asking for a product that’s as innovative as Mountain Hardware’s new Super/DS StretchDown. Combining a softshell type stretchy fabric with down insulation is innovative and truly a game changer. With this jacket you get the warmth you need from the 800 loft down in the performance fit package you’d expect from a soft shell. Needless … Continue reading Review: Mountain Hardwear Super/DS StretchDown
When I put on the ridiculously warm Fire Tower jacket from Big Agnes it feels like I’m wearing my sleeping bag! Soft and cozy it makes frigid belay stances or mornings on a mid-winter camping trip not only bearable but almost comfortable. A surprising feat given the exceptionally reasonable cost. So if you’re willing to trade a little room in the backpack for the warmest … Continue reading Review: Big Agnes Fire Tower Jacket
The new Patagonia R1 Techface Hoody is basically a marriage of the R1 Regulator® fleece insulation with a thin external facing fabric for wind resistance and durability. The hoody is lightweight in terms of insulating value, breaths very well and is quite stretchy. A fantastic summer alpine layer as it cuts the wind, moves well and isn’t overly warm. Specs: R1 Regulator fleece with DWR … Continue reading Review: Patagonia R1 Techface Hoody
Move over Uberlayer, there’s a new put-on, leave-on layer in town called the Ascendant. This new active insulation layer from Outdoor Research takes advantage of some newer tech to make a more breathable and lighter hoody without changing the overall warmth offered by its predecessor. Features: Facing fabric: 20D Pertex® Quantum Insulation: Polartec® Alpha™ Direct (95g/m2) Pockets: 3 Fit: Trim Weight (L): 370g Water & … Continue reading Review: Outdoor Research Ascendant Hoody
The Patagonia Micro Puff is a super lightweight zip up hoody that should be highly considered by anyone who is going into the outdoors! The warmth to weight ratio is outstanding for a synthetic jacket. Specs: Insulator: PlumaFill 65g 100% polyester Shell and lining: 0.7-oz 10-denier 100% nylon ripstop Pertex Quantum with a DWR Pockets: Two welted zippered pockets Stuff sack: Yes, Pocket stuff sack … Continue reading Review: Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody
By utilizing innovative new fabric technologies and manufacturing processes companies like Patagonia, RAB, Mountain Equipment, Outdoor Research, Adidas and Mammut had some really cool new pieces to show off at the OR Show this year. Now this is just a short list of the highlights. If you have a question about a piece not included shoot me a message. Patagonia Capilene Air Baselayers: By taking … Continue reading Winter OR 2018: Apparel
The Icefall Down Jacket from Helly Hansen has been around for quite a while. And while it’s undergone some small changes and improvements over this time the core jacket remains the same. Quite a testament to it’s versatility and popularity. But what’s contributed to this ongoing success? Only one way to find out: take it into mountains for some use and abuse. So that’s what … Continue reading Review: Helly Hansen Icefall Down Jacket
