A good, waterproof shell is essential when exploring the alpine. You can set your watch to afternoon summer thunderstorms in the mountains, and hikers need to be prepared. But the key is finding a waterproof layer that also breathes, or else you’ll get wet from sweat instead of rain. The answer to this conundrum may…
Tag: Jacket
Mountain Hardwear Minalist Jacket review
Repels water and breathes – that’s all I want in a ski shell. Whether backcountry skiing in the Wasatch, or going bell-to-bell at Alta, a shell’s technical performance can make or break your day. So when I got the opportunity to test the Mountain Hardwear Minalist Jacket, I was totally game. Why? Because the shell…
Mountain Hardwear Women’s Thermostatic Jacket review
If you live in the mountains, you need a jacket for all 4 seasons. Fall, winter and spring are obvious, but summer? Don’t forget how cold it can get when the sun goes down, or you’re up walking the dog before dawn. So I make the case that you need a versatile jacket that isn’t…
Sierra Designs 60/40 Mountain Parka review
Vintage clothing never goes out of style, as evidenced by the hordes of hipsters rocking your grandpa’s favorite gear from the ‘50s. However, “vintage” is not usually a consideration when searching for a multi-functional piece of outerwear. If it’s classic style and modern performance you seek in a jacket, then Sierra Designs may have the…
Atomic Cliffline Stormfold Jacket and 3L Pants review
Atomic, a company that has made skis for time immemorial, is about to enter into the highly crowded ski apparel world. We can look forward to wearing three levels: the top-of-the-line Cliffline series, the mid-level Ridgeline series and the lower (and more affordable) Treeline series. We won’t get to see Atomic-branded labels until the 2014/15…
Mountain Hardwear Sitzmark Jacket review
It’s tough to find a shell that works for every occasion. With a limited budget, how can anyone afford a soft shell for aerobic activities, plus a hard shell for wet weather or resort skiing, etc. Well, many companies have answered this by creating hybrid shells – jackets with the breathability of a soft and…
Sherpa Adventure Gear goes for merino and gold at Outdoor Retailer 2014 Winter Market
Sherpa Adventure Gear is going high tech this year, with new outdoor jackets and baselayers featuring Primaloft Gold Insulation Down Blend and a Primaloft/Merino blend fabric. Will the combo of Primaloft with natural fibers and down be a winner? Check out the tech gear below to find out. Vayu PriMerino Base Layer The Vayu PriMerino…
Mountain Khakis Quilted Reversible Jacket review
The Mountain Khakis Quilted Reversible Jacket is exactly what it says it is. It’s a jacket, it’s quilted, and it’s reversible; one side is a solid color and the other is plaid. Gotta love outdoor gear with a name that makes sense. I’ve been wearing this coat nearly every day this fall, and seriously put…
Helly Hansen Odin Guiding Light Jacket review
Shoulder season in the Intermountain West is a wet and unpredictable time of year. You can chant “Rain rain, go away!” all you want, but it’s probably better to come prepared for what mother nature is slinging at you. A good weatherproof shell is a key ingredient for staying dry and happy during the transition…
Bergans of Norway Microlight Jacket review
If you haven’t heard of Bergans of Norway, that’s not surprising. This company that makes high-end outdoor gear is, yes, from Norway, but their offerings have been somewhat difficult to find in outdoor stores in the United States. That’s changing. Just last year, Bergans has opened their own wholly-owned subsidiary in Longmont, CO, and has…