Continuing our look at the top outdoor gear of 2011, we’re taking a gander at the best picks from our Contributing Editors, Callista Pearson and Ryan Malavolta. Often times, women’s gear gets overlooked, so we’ll start with Callista’s favorite gear that she tested, reviewed, and loved the most in 2011.
Merrell Jolene Tri-Therm Jacket
The Merrell Jolene Tri-Therm Jacket is a three-in-one system. There’s the waterproof outer shell to keep out rain and snow, and an insulated liner for warmth. Each can be worn alone, or combined for ultimate warmth and protection. Plus, the liner jacket snaps into the “Opti-Shell” really easily and keeps everything in place for a sleek look.
This jacket has all the tech needed for a cold day on the slopes inside her feminine exterior. The outer shell is made from a 2-layer waterproof/breathable fabric that kept me warm and dry, even during heavy activity. I also appreciate small details like fully taped seams, large storm flaps to cover the zippers, pit zips, powder skirt, removable helmet compatible hood, and velcro arm cuffs to keep out the cold. In short, Merrell has packed everything a serious outdoors-woman could want or need in this super warm and cozy coat. Purchase the Merrell Jolene here.
You no longer have to wear socks with your sandals – you can buy enclosed Chaco shoes for all-year-long comfort. This seems like an obvious transition for Chaco to make considering the fanfare it has received for its sandals. If you love Chaco, you’ll love these shoes.
The Chaco Belyn Baa boots have the same foot bed Chaco is revered for by its adoring fans. I had my doubts at first because I’ve never liked the strappy Chaco sandals everyone else in the universe loves. So I tentatively put on the boot and was utterly surprised by how cushy yet solid it felt. Now Every season can be Chaco season for your tootsies. Purchace the Chaco Belyn Baa Boots here.
Osprey Verve 10 Hydration Pack
The most comfortable hydration backpack to date? Osprey Verve 10 Hydration Pack. It’s made specifically for women and benefits the Breast Cancer Fund so what’s not to love? I wore this pack primarily mountain biking and what I noticed first was the HydraForm Reservoir. This anatomically shaped plastic conforms to the back. Instead of the water sloshing around in the 3 liter reservoir, it sat snug and stable on my back. Thanks to the breathable nylon mesh fabric along the back, my other pet peeve, the damp shirt back was obsolete.
As for the other hydration packs sitting in my gear closet, I don’t know if I can ever go back to them again. The Osprey Verve 10 has spoiled me and my back. Purchase the Osprey Verve 10 here.
GoLite Spring Lite Running Shoes
GoLite Footwear is reaching out to runners with minimalist shoes that still offer enough support and protection to ward off those unwanted foot injuries. They are equipped with the “Precise Fit” system that allows you to customize the shoe to your foot. The insole is removable and can be modified to narrow, medium or wide feet.
They also have “Soft Against the Ground Technology,” which put the soft part of the shoe closer to the ground. Overall, these trail runners are light, roomy, and have a high traction rubber out-sole that kept me from slipping on loose gravel and sand on the side of the road. Find them online.
Supercollar Retractable Leash Collar
Ready. Set. Grab the Supercollar! This revolutionary dog collar and retractable leash is a great addition to the dog accessory market. Supercollar was designed for medium to large dogs, up to 90 pounds, with a retractable leash made of steel coated cables that have a combined break strength of 200 pounds. The lead is 3 feet long and a stainless steel toggle locks it in place when the leash is not in use. When you want to use the collar, you twist the toggle, and pull out the handle.
Overall I think Supercollar is perfect for dogs and their humans. It’s convenient, you spend less time looking for the leash, and it’s safer for both you and your dog because you have better control over your pets safety. Purchase online.
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Next up is favorite gear from our hiking/backpacking guru, Ryan Malavolta. He’s been traveling on foot through Utah’s mountains and deserts all year long in 2011, and brought along plenty of test products from various outdoor companies. After putting them all through their paces (read: beat the crap out of them) his top picks rose to the top. So what made the cut as Malavolta’s favorites? Read on:
Sierra Designs Gnar Down Jacket
The Sierra Designs Gnar Down Jacket proved to be a top performer. Whether on the streets, in the woods, or flying down the slopes the Gnar proved that it deserves a coveted spot in your closet, though you probably won’t take it off long enough to hang it up.
The Gnar Jacket stood up to everything I threw at it. From first chair to last call this micro does it all. It’s light and compressible enough to come along on every backpacking adventure, warm enough for the coldest days on the slopes, and stylish enough to sport it as your daily winter jacket.
The Salida 2 employs many of Kelty’s trusted design innovations. The ArcEdge floor and tapered floor seams combine to keep moisture from seeping in from below. Polyester side walls and mesh windows complete the freestanding tent’s body. The Salida 2 also comes with a polyester rain fly that makes it ready for 3 season use and abuse. The real secret to making this tent lightweight is the poles: two DAC pressfit poles form the structure of the tent and weigh next to nothing (as far as tent poles go.)
If you are looking to cut pounds out of your overnight load but can’t afford to break the bank, the Salida 2 is the tent for you.
The Osprey Hornet 32 weighs in at 1.25 pounds- superlight indeed. This top loading pack features one large main compartment, two mesh side pockets with compression straps and a front stretch mesh pocket. The floating lid has a zippered storage area and a zippered mesh pocket on the underside. The pack also features gel pockets on the shoulder straps and two hip belt pockets that will fit anything from energy bars to point and shoot cameras. Osprey used 70D Triple Ripstop Nylon material to construct the bag, and while it is lightweight, it is also burly enough to stand up to a normal backcountry beating.
If it’s a superlight day hiking bag you want, then the Hornet 32 is a good bet. Big enough to fit serious loads and comfortable no matter what you carry in it, this sack is what you would expect from a company that is fast becoming the rage in the outdoors. Purchase the Osprey Hornet 32 Pack here.
From high alpine areas to the canyon bottoms, this little stove never stopped cooking.
If you’re looking for one of the most lightweight, user friendly backpacking stoves on the market, the Primus Express Ti is it. The price tag may induce a double take, but in life (and camping) you pay for what you get. Add the Express Ti to your backpacking arsenal and you’ll have a minuscule stove that packs one heck of a punch. Purchase the Primus Express Ti here.
Keen McKenzie Lightweight Water Shoes
Part shoe, part sandal and all awesome is a good way to sum up the McKenzies. The non-marking rubber soles are equipped with multi directional lug patterns that make for great grip. I wore the McKenzies during a canyoneering trip to Escalante and was impressed with the traction. Whether I was sloshing through the river or climbing boulders in Ringtail Canyon I never had to worry about slipping.
If you need a water shoe/sandal that can do it all, picking up a pair of McKenzies is a no-brainer. Whether you’re canyoneering, day hiking or just lounging around during summer, these shoes have you covered in style. Purchase the Keen MacKenzie here.