Patagonia may be the most famous outdoor fleece provider, so when they say they have a new model you know the team at BlackSheep is interested. The R1 Ultralight is part of Patagonia’s Free Wall kit, a collection of gear meant to meet the demands of changing weather on the mountain. The Patagonia R1 Ultralight was my go to Fleece for summer 2026 and I … Continue reading The Patagonia R1 Ultralight Review
The original Arcteryx Cormac Hoody was a hard-wearing, UPF-rated sun hoody with the understated design Arcteryx is known for. It’s been a while since the brand released a sun hoody with a rated UPF, and we’re still going to have to wait, as the Cormac no longer comes with a UPF rating. Never one to shy from a challenge, I tested it as exactly that: … Continue reading The Arcteryx Cormac Hoody Review
With the Capilene Cool Sun Hoody, Patagonia makes its long-awaited return to the sun hoody game. Made from 100% recycled polyester jersey and featuring a 40+ UPF rating, it easily handled intense sun exposure, back-to-back trail days, and hot European heatwaves all while keeping me cool and comfortable. Capilene Cool Sun Hoody Specs Material: 3.5-oz 100% recycled polyester jersey Sun Protection: 40+ UPF Country of … Continue reading The Patagonia Capilene Cool Sun Hoody Review
opefullyThe Durston Kakwa 40, unassuming at first glance, is a premium pack made with ultralight materials that offers surprising comfort and the functionality of packs that are much more expensive. I’ve taken mine from Canada, to the Alps and then to Hokkaido and cannot imagine there is a better pack at this weight and price point. The Durston Kakwa 40 Review Sizes Available: 40 and … Continue reading The Durston Kakwa 40 review
I put a pair of Ortovox 150 Cool Merino shirts through their paces, from international travel, long days on the trail and in the gym. Aside from a little sunfade, they prove that the combo of merino and tencel is a hard wearing odor defying winner. Ortovox 150 Cool Merino Shirt Material: 44% Merino, 43% Tencel, 13% Polyamide Weight: 160 grams for XL Origin: Vietnam … Continue reading The Ortovox 150 Cool Merino Review
The Patagonia Slope Runner Exploration Pack 18L The Patagonia Slope Runner Exploration pack takes the vest chassis of the Slope Runner Vest and marries it with a much roomier 18L carrying capacity. The added volume, comfortable shoulder straps and included dual flasks make this a great option for long days in the mountains where keeping weight to a minimum is key but you still need … Continue reading Patagonia Slope Runner Exploration Pack
The Durstone Iceline Trekking Poles Review Having logged over 1000 kilometers with the Durston Iceline Trekking Poles, I can confidently say that their stiffness and lightweight design combination has completely spoiled me for other options. These poles have become an indispensable part of my trekking gear. Their 135-gram base weight means they are the lightest 3-piece trekking pole being made to date, so whether … Continue reading Durston Iceline Trekking Poles
From Mountain to Table, the Fjallraven Abisko Hike Trousers It’s no secret, I love Fjallraven pants. Their utilitarian yet casual look is awesome. Sometimes Fjallraven pants can can be overbuilt for what I need especially warmer weather hiking. Enter the Abisko Hike Trouser. A casual clean cut with tapered legs, just enough pockets and lightweight G-1000 air meant they were my go to trouser for … Continue reading The Fjallraven Abisko Hike Trouser Review
A Guide’s Review of the OR Aspire Super Stretch Jacket Gore-Tex is not known for its flexibility. On the contrary, it’s known to be stiff and crinkly. Enter the Outdoor Research Aspire Super Stretch jacket. Lightweight and waterproof, its four way stretch panel and Torso Flow make this simple looking jacket into a surprise performer. Overview Material: Gore-Tex Paclite. Weight: 411 grams Size Tested: XL … Continue reading OR Aspire Super Stretch Jacket
A Guide’s Review of the Fjällräven Barents Pro Shorts Built to take abuse on the trail, pockets to carry everything you could ever want and still look good at the bar, these are Fjällräven Barents Pro Shorts. Long lasting G-1000 material combined with a traditional cargo pocket style means these shorts will be in your gear collection for a long time. Overview Material: G-1000 Weight: … Continue reading Fjällräven Barents Pro Shorts Review
