Review of Columbia’s TurboDown and Crosslight II

The Crosslight II fleece paired with the hooded TurboDown jacket is an ideal layering system for winter adventures, and a perfect marriage of natural fibers and synthetics that lead to high performance in inclement weather.

To test them I headed … Continue reading

Women’s Gear Roundup: Nobis, KAVU and High Sierra

It’s eight degrees in the Colorado Rockies backcountry. The sun is nowhere to be found, nor is there an indication whether it’s noon or midnight. A sky full of haunting gray clouds stare down as the wind bellows through the … Continue reading

The Intend Jacket by Dare2b Is Perfect for Snowshoeing

I should open with a confession.  I grabbed up the Intend Club jacket by Dare2b for only one reason: I thought it looked really cool.

And my fashion sense was quickly confirmed.  First, there were all the compliments.  Then there … Continue reading

Exerting in Cold Temps, the Argus Jacket by Arc’teryx Stands Out

What are we looking for in a lightweight jacket for snowshoeing?  Probably three things:  Little bulk, for maximum body motion.  Insulation, for weather protection.  And breathability, for moisture management.

Arc’teryx’s Argus jacket meets all these criteria.  It is a good … Continue reading

Gear Review: Active Accessories For Four-Legged Trekkers

Loft Jacket by Kurgo

The first time I put the Kurgo Loft Jacket on our dog, Jack, the air was pushing its way into the negative digits outside our home in Minturn, Colorado. It was early November, but after a temperate and sunny Indian … Continue reading

Gear Review: Sherpa Nangpala Hooded Down Jacket (Women’s)

Nangpala on Jay Mtn., NY

When I received my new Nangpala Hooded Down Jacket, I was surprised by how small it was. I brought the jacket on a nine-day backpacking trip during cold, rainy Adirondack fall weather and was greatly impressed by the jacket’s warmth … Continue reading

Now this is epic…

Mia Melon, inventors of functional and fashion forward waterproof outerwear for the ladies is a hip and local company born and raised in BC. Their patented #weatherproofme outerwear fabric is impermeable to wet weather and beyond street cool. It is … Continue reading

Ladies, Meet Your New BFF: The Columbia Sportswear Arcadia II Rain Jacket

No matter what season it is, having a breathable go-to rain shell on hand for light showers and coastal soakers is a no-brainer. You need to have one on hand at all times. The question is which one to buy … Continue reading

Gear (P)review: Patagonia Nano-Air Jacket and Hoody

Patagonia FullRange
The stretchy, breathable Nano-Air pieces are purpose-built for stop-and-go winter activities like climbing and breaking trail.

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: Nobis The Justice Jacket

For anyone who had Nobis pinned as an outdoor sporting apparel company, you’re in for a treat. Turns out Nobis’ talents extend beyond technical gear and seamlessly transition into the fashion world.

From a wide variety of accessories, headwear and … Continue reading

Gear Review: Nobis Ella Jacket

The new Nobis Spring/Summer 2014 collection is another homerun. Despite having only a few styles, they’re the right ones to get you through the warmer seasons in style.

I tried the Nobis Ella and absolutely loved it. It’s the perfect … Continue reading