A New Baseline for Base Layers

Super.natural’s merino wool blends come to North America this fall 

When a box of super.natural clothing arrived at my doorstep, I knew at first touch that these cozy merino blends were going to become staples in my winter wardrobe. Now, … Continue reading

Gear Review: Lululemon Men’s Apparel

I’ll admit it, when I first heard that Lululemon had produced a line of men’s active apparel I was skeptical. As a gear enthusiast with my mind constantly on the mountains I hold brands in distinct categories in my head. … Continue reading

Gear Review: Helly Hansen – Dry Charger Windblock 1/2 Zip Shirt, Charger Windblock Tights and a Challenger Jacket

You know you’re on to a good product line when you go and purchase more after testing some free stuff.

That was the case when I had the chance to try out some Helly Hansen items over the last six … Continue reading

Gear Review: Watson’s Double Layer Mid-weight Base Layers

I tried a set of Watson’s mid-weight long sleeve top and long john bottoms from their “Double Layer” collection during a day of skiing at Jackson Hole.  The weather conditions were cloudy and windy with temperatures in the low 30s. … Continue reading

Gear Review: Watson’s “Performance” Mid-weight Base Layers

I tried a pair of Watson’s mid-weight performance base layers on a recent snowshoeing trek in Grand Teton National Park in Jackson, Wyo. The day started out cool and wet, with temps in the low 40s and a heavy drizzle … Continue reading

Gear Review: Watson’s Micro-fleece Zip Mock Neck Top

I tried Watson’s micro-fleece zip mock neck top on a recent trip to Jackson Hole during both a day of skiing and a day of snowshoeing in low to mid 30-degree temperatures. At first it seemed to be similar to … Continue reading

Handful Bras or Bust: Freedom From Flat Boobs

Feeling harnessed by lackluster sports bras and unflattering undergarment designs, Portland, Oregon-resident Jennifer Ferguson reimagined a perkier option for active females. The company’s line of Made-in-the-USA sports bras may be limited in variety, but the versatile, two-piece collection (a bra … Continue reading

Columbia Omni-Heats Up… The Battle of the Base Layer

With so much competition among base layer brands, the battle of the base layer is on! Not only does it take time to properly review a critical piece of gear, the verification of claims by high-tech gear manufacturers like Columbia’s … Continue reading

Brrrr to Barrier: R-Tec’s Ingenious Insulated Underwear Pants

It is clear: for big ideas one needs a “Eureka!” moment. One method to get them is reside close to Eureka itself, as in the Eureka Maple Woods Natural Area in Southwest Wisconsin. That’s near where one will find Sterling … Continue reading

Running in Style – Pearl Izumi Women’s Apparel Review

You can sum up all my running clothes with one word – black. It’s not that I’ve actively tried to coordinate all my running clothes on the dark side; it’s just that I didn’t want to deal with matching all … Continue reading

Icebreaker Quest Long-Sleeve Neck-Zip Shirt: Merino Wool at its Best

The Icebreaker Quest Long-sleeve Neck-zip shirt has pulled the wool over my eyes and I like it.

Icebreaker, of course, is renowned for its innovative work with Merino wool apparel. I was a little apprehensive about trying its line-up of … Continue reading

Icebreaker Quantum Hood: Fittingly Fashionable and Functional

Upon receiving the Icebreaker Quantum Hood, I immediately put it on and gasped because it actually fit – perfectly. As a slightly taller-than-average and fairly slender woman, I’ve noticed that jackets, especially of the hoodie style, seem to never fit … Continue reading