Patagonia Mixed Guide Hoody and Patagonia Merino Wool

All Fall 2012 including reviewed pieces on sale now (up to 60% off) at Patagonia.com

Blaze orange and loving it. While this jacket is specifically made for ice climbers, I have found it to be a fantastic jacket to layer underneath as needed for dropping temperatures and at the same time a great shell in virtually every season.

What I love about this piece:

The hybrid soft shell material and Patagonia H2No® Performance 3-layer nylon ripstop fabric with a waterproof, breathable barrier, bright color, lightweight, and range of use and range of temperatures. The soft-shell areas are made of highly breathable, wind resistant Polartec® Power Shield® keeping you cool at all times.

The hood itself is large enough to slide over a ski helmet as needed and the draw cords are well done.  the best thing about the hood is your vision is not impacted in the slightest. It moves with your moves…a rare but stellar attribute in a hood. A great pick up for year round utility.

What to wear under this shell? Fear not Patagonia has an impressive lineup of Merino Wool to keep you regulated no matter your activity.

Here is my go to baselayer on a cold day: Patagonia Merino 3 Midweight Zip-Neck Shirt – Wool…great for any multi sport activity of just under a sweater at the office.

Patagonia Merino 2 Lightweight Crew Shirt – Wool…another excellent base layer that is great to wear alone next to your skin. Patagonia Merino 1 SW Crew – Long-Sleeve – a wonderful lightweight merino shirt that welcomes any training session.

While Patagonia has become a leading outdoor brand they have also become a leader in world wide conservation efforts. The companies commitment to sustainability is not only window dressing but common practice for employees and devout followers of the brand. This is demonstrated by the Uncommon Threads Initiative  partnership with eBay to make buying their brand more sustainable. Have you taken the pledge yet? 

Merrell’s Avalon jacket for women…warm, waterproof, and pretty

Guest editor, Leigh Curtis, providing her insight of the Merrell Avalon jacket:

This is an impressive jacket.  I would qualify it as a cold weather winter coat vs. a piece one might choose for a somewhat crisp fall day.  I tested this out during a recent autumn Nor’ Easter that brought driving rain, wind and very chilly temperatures.  It performed extremely well during this 2 day weather event, and kept me cozy when I braved the outside nastiness while walking the dog.  While my legs were wet and cold, my upper body was undeterred by the storm raging around me.
What I especially like is the detachable hood- so easy to zip on or off, depending on the day.  Today, for example, is sunny and cold, so I removed it and wore it as a parka.  However, in rain or snow or very cold temps, the hood is much appreciated to keep your head (and neck!) warm and dry.

Other features include zip up pockets – nice for people like me who tend to ‘drop’ (i.e. lose) keys, etc., as well as pit zips, for when you feel the need to cool down/air out a little.  The arm cuffs also cinch down with adjustable velcro, and there is a snowskirt giving this coat a ski jacket feel.
Finally, for it’s outward appearance.  I am a huge fan of the 4 feminine snap closures over the zipper, as this feature makes this piece really stand out among other standard cold weather parkas.  That, combined with the very subtle herringbone pattern, elevate this jacket to pretty.  And that’s not an easy feat because – make no mistake – this is a performer.  It’s warm and waterproof meant for serious weather, almost ‘burly’.  But those feminine features soften it and make me feel as though I can wear it on an icky winter day with jeans and boots or to a dressy holiday party with heels.
Well done, Merrell.

Smith Helmets save lives!

“We Make The Great Days Better” ….Great motto but it should be more like,  ”We make everyday better,  even the bad days”. If you’re not wearing a ski helmet, no matter your level of ability, you shouldn’t be skiing. A helmet will save your life if given the opportunity. I had an accident heading off an unmarked 30 foot cliff (knowing they were in the area) and then pinballed my way through trees on my chest, finally becoming concealed in a chute with my elbow sticking out of the snow (bonus bright yellow jacket).  My Smith helmet is one of the major contributing factors to me being alive today. I was also blessed enough that one woman (an angel) who happened to be a former EMT saw my fall and came to my aid as I was unconscious, upside down and buried in a snowy grave. I have worn a helmet for the last ten or so seasons and want to emphasize the importance of protecting your head first and foremost. While I survived, I did incur a mild traumatic brain injury that took quite a bit of time to recover from, on top of many other broken bones. If not for the helmet I would have been dead or – at a minimum – learning how to walk and talk again. I hope my personal story will encourage others no matter the terrain you ski or board to protect your most important asset…your brain. Many skiers and boarders who sustain a serious head injury consider themselves to be advanced skiers, if not expert. These injuries are usually inflicted at high speeds on intermediate trails, not on the steep stuff. Wearing a ski helmet is a recognized and proven way to reduce the risk of a head injury, or to reduce the severity of an injury in the event of an impact – and I am a perfect example of the latter. Below is picture of my Smith Variant (Broken) Brim helmet post accident, with just the brim broken off on the side of my face that was injured. The newer models of Smith helmets including the Smith Variant Brim that I was wearing are much lower profile now eliminating the bowling ball look of the early days of ski helmet adoption. Keep in mind that helmets do need replacing after taking any hits or years of use.  Check out Smith’s hot new lineup here. If my Smith Vantage wasn’t nearly brand new, I would grab the new lime green colored Vantage. Bright colors should be utilized more often, in both soft and hardgoods alike, for overall safety on hill. If you ever question whether you should wear a helmet, please use my incident as reminder for the need to wear one regardless of skill level. The new line up of Smith helmets have the BOA adjustment system that cinch the helmet down on head with ease and comfort. I really like the improved snap for your goggles as the actual snap has been replaced with a mini bungee cord that keeps the goggles integrated perfectly. The dual regulator might be my favorite feature especially on the warmer days or other days when having to earn the turns…not a gimmick but an amazingly useful air flow that keeps you cool and fog free. The ear pieces allow for easy zip in and out audio with Skullcandy drop in audio kit or a bluetooth setup. The Smith Vantage is easily the most lightweight, low bulk, and breathable helmet I have worn. I would be hard pressed to find anything better- nor do I want to as I will never wear anything except Smith.

Chaco multi-sport Balmer shoe

As a longtime Chaco fan, I was happy to receive one of their new multi-sport shoes without exactly knowing their range of use. I easily found that range and it withstood like a hiking shoe, with the comfort of a sandal. The Balmer is very lightweight and flexible while offering a super stable foot bed.  I don’t recommend using this shoe for a long hike while carrying a pack, but it’s great for a relaxed hike of a 2-3 miles. Think of it as a regular Chaco sandal with better foot protection and more cushioning. Normally I am one to switch out insoles immediately- but these insoles are fantastic and also help absorb the additional weight of a daypack, child on your back or rock hopping a dried up stream bed.

My Achilles tendon sat comfortable in the rear of the shoe with an almost wrap-around feel from the upper. The lightweight quality comes from the mesh that is reinforced by leather just above the sole of the shoe.  Speaking of the sole, Chaco uses it’s ever popular EcoTread outsole featuring 25% recycled rubber. I’m a fan of the use of orange for the sole and laces. This shoe doesn’t scream “Take me for a hike” but more like “Go ahead and wear me on casual Friday.”

The breathability of the mesh lining is wonderful and a relief from some of the low cut hikers with Gore-Tex that tend to clam up. I have never been keen on low cut with Gore-Tex, because if you encounter any water over the ankle you’re soaked anyway. The breathability gives this shoe a true three-season use for going to a friend’s BBQ, short hikes, cruising around the urban landscape and wherever you may venture.

Thumbs up to the ever expanding line of Chaco shoes.

The innovative GeigerRig hydration packs

I was provided this innovative hydration pack, Rig 500 Ballastic, from the folks at GeigerRig. I was excited to review as I had traditionally used CamelBack hydration bladders for everything from hiking, skiing, biking, golf (bladder stashed in bag) and hitting the beach with the family.

This is a feature rich pack that changes my thoughts on hydration bladders I had used prior to GeigerRig. This pack is loaded with cool features including a dry stash pocket for your iPod and other pockets with just enough room for an extra set of keys, wallet, snacks for the kids and parent(s).  One tip that I recommend is filling just past a 1/4 full with water and put in the freezer the night before your activity to have cold water on the go for many hours. I have filled half way to provide even longer duration on the hottest of days. It’s become the go to for any family activity in which we need water. 

Here is what seperates these guys from the crowd (please see videos highlighted below for full feature explanations):

1) Pressurized  bladder- no more sucking, after a few pumps it can be sprayed into your mouth, your dogs mouth or even to clean the grime off your legs after a muddy hike or bike.

2) Filtration System- you can easily remove the regular tube and use the filtration tube for times you know you will need more water and have the luxury to dip into any water source without the hassle of using tablets, boiling, etc to purify the water. I do think that the pressured spray isn’t as strong but who cares when you are filtering primarily to drink.

3) Cleaning- if you have used bladders in the past you know that taste you can get after a few uses and it’s frustrating to not be able to clean the bladder better after every use. These bladders come with a plastic slider on one end allowing you to reach and a revers bladder for a quick cleaning or for a better clean the bladder is durable enough for the dishwasher.

While I have highlighted benefits in the warmer weather the GeigerRig’s also have insulated tubes which allow you to retrofit for Winter activities.

Never suck again and get yourself set up for the ultimate in hydration technology.

Wolverine Fulcrum Hiking Boots

While this boot has been out a while now it’s not losing it’s luster. Many folks including myself may have only known Wolverine (they also own and have been expanding Chaco’s line) as work boot but they have made a splash in the hiking department. I first used these right out of the box for an easy hike up Mt Monadnock with one of my daughters on my back to get a feel for stability and support with a load closer to 40 pounds. I went up the most direct route and was impressed with how the Vibram soles stuck to the steeper granite slabs along the way up and more importantly on the way down. To be fair, like most soles they didn’t inspire confidence when the surface was wet.

The ICS (Individual Comfort System) feature in which I thought was kind of gimmicky proved worthy. While cumbersome to have to take off the boot and take out the insole it to adjust there is a clear benefit on a longer hike. I thought I would have to change it out along the way more often but only did once…on the way up stiff and way down softer. The ICS feature is also a solution for those that overpronate or have high arch issues.

The Gore-Tex membrane doesn’t disappoint and I wear these other times when banging around in wetter conditions when needing to stay dry. I have tempted fate by standing in a few inches of water for a longer duration expecting to get soggy but they stood strong. I believe the lack of seams on this boot are the main reason other then the Gore-Tex lining that they with stood the water.

I find myself wearing these off the trail as well and like the throwback look. At the $200 price point they have a lot of competition but can be found for less and I can recommend picking a pair up if you are putting in some hours on the trail this Fall. Many thanks to Wolverine for providing these fine boots for review.

                                                                                                                                                                                

Pros

• Retro look
• Adjustability of support
• Gore-Tex membrane
• Vibram sole
• no stink organic lining

Cons

• could be lighter
• breath ability

Merino wool is nature’s gift for warm weather

I have spent the last few months wearing some remarkable merino wool items by Icebreaker. I have been hooked the last few summers on wearing merino wool throughout the dog days of summer and Icebreaker has impressed. I was provided a Tech T Lite, Tech Polo, and Distance Short.

The Tech T Lite feels super lightweight and super soft. The merino wool pulls any sign of moisture right off the skin and transfers away. The breath ability and quick dry natural fiber is amazing in this tee as well as all the Icebreaker items. After many washes the shirt remains form fitting. Range of use is ridiculous from any highly active workout to lounging in a soft, comfortable t-shirt.

As far as versatility the shirt has been an ace in the hole all summer. The feel of the Tech Polo is that of a lightweight tee shirt with a collar which makes for the best golf shirt I have probably ever worn. This is a casual shirt that can be worn at the golf course, BBQ, the office and on the trail.

The only thing about this Ultralite 150 and it’s SuperFine weight is it’s durability. I have found this not only with Icebreaker but with other wool clothing companies that make a more lightweight blend of merino. Little holes began to appear near the bottom of the shirt about after three-four months of (a lot of) wear and wash (all items laid flat to dry).  Any issues are quick to be resolved at any company providing top quality merino products which provides confidence in the product and future purchases. This is a great shirt for weekend travel in the summer as it can be worn multiple times without the stink and wear of cotton.

Of all the merino wool product I have worn or reviewed I have never tried out shorts. The Distant Short is made for primarily for running, but I found them great for a routine at the gym or time on the mat at the yoga studio. They came with a liner but I still felt the need to where a my underwear. Anyway, they performed just as any merino tops and exceeded expectation as who would think wool shorts become the go to for an any highly active pursuit.

With all the synthetic alternatives out there they still can’t beat nature’s gift of merino wool.

Commit to making a difference: Vapur | The Anti-Bottle

Do you buy cases of water bottles at the grocery store? Where does each one of those end up? I would like to share a brief story, I was walking the dog as usual this week and during the walk came across four empty water bottles. I then came across six more walking my daughter to school that morning. By 8:30am I had already encountered 10 empty water bottles that I picked up along the way. While I live in the city this is not isolated to any particular area but rather is a problem for the world and it’s oceans. Most storm drains in the neighborhood have stamps stating they drain into Boston Harbor.  These drains are where the bottles are usually found just before they make there way into the ocean. This may seem to be an extreme example but it honestly is the reality.

Very frustrating that the State House here in Massachusetts can’t get the proposed Bottle Bill passed and enact a 5cent deposit on beverage containers including water bottles. This will only be part of the solution and humans the other. I do know that with a 5cent deposit these would not litter city streets on a daily basis. I don’t know enough on why this isn’t going to pass this summer. I do know that I can make my own changes and ask you do the same.

Made in the USA, Vapur, recently sent me a couple of their  foldable, reusable, freezable, washable, and attachable alternative to disposable water bottles. Their tag line of “The Anti-Bottle” is the ultimate 3 word marketing message for  Vapur.

These go everywhere with me as when they are empty the breakdown super compact and and hook to anything. I have an Element .7L and Fun Size two pack to always have to hook one to the Ergo carrier or stroller. My 3.5 year old loves having it on the ready whether we are at the Aquarium or in the woods. I like being able to fill them half way and leaving in the freezer. When frozen they stay cold for hours…especially nice on the golf course or beach.

Below is a custom one I found at the New England Aquarium…selling in support of World Oceans Day.

Interested in making a difference? Pick out your own “Anti-Bottle” here.

Outdoor Research Helium II Jacket

This ultralight, waterproof jacket is just another reason Outdoor Research has become a favorite of mine. Weighing just over 6 ounces, it packs away into a pouch to go anywhere. OR ultilizes a lightweight Pertex weatherproof shield to keep your torso dry at all times.

The Helium II trims the fat of a full featured rain shell- offering one chest pocket and no pit zips. The jacket breathes notably better than the first version of the jacket… but will get clammy when doing higher endurance activities. I originally thought of it as an ‘in case of emergency’ jacket but it quickly has become my go-to heading into the Summer months. It’s more of a windbreaker that happens to be a fully taped seam waterproof shell to boot! The hood has a great cinch cord on the back although a little hard to manage with one hand on the fly.

I can’t get over how lightweight it feels when wearing and it’s never is left out of the bike pannier, backpack, golf bag or any other weekend bag.

This jacket is the perfect solution to prepare for the unexpected weather in your travels around town or into the hills.

Key feature overview:          

• Ultralight waterproof/breathable
• Fully seam taped
• Adjustable hood
• Water resistant zippers
• 7.5″/19cm internal storm flap
• Zippered chest pocket
• Stuff pocket with carabiner loop
• Elastic cuffs
• Drawcord hem

Give life to your legs with Spenco insoles

Spenco sent me a few pairs of insoles to try out as a way to reduce knee pain. Specifically I was sent the Polysorb Total Support, FLOW Warm, and FLOW Cool, which I have tried with several pairs of footwear and in a multitude of environments.

I have used the Polysorb Total Support in my ski boots to provide further stability of my feet. Honestly, I found it easier to drive ski tip pressure with my big toe on the outside ski- allowing deeper early turn initiation. I swap these right into any of my hiking boots. These insoles have bestowed an extended life with some of my older boots, while providing a lively bounce in all footwear. I also used the Polysorb Total Support in my Sorel’s which didn’t get enough time on my feet during our lackluster Winter. They really have become an everyday insole in my Blundstones- they were tested over a few weeks in different conditions, and I’m happy to report they have greatly reduced my chronic knee pain (which is a story for another day!)

I was a little skeptical of the FLOW Warm and FLOW Cool insoles… but have become a believer after using them in my winter boot Chaco Credence Wool Nurl boot (which, btw, you can almost steal from Zappos right now.) The FLOW Cool have been coming into play lately with the spring weather, and are better suited for running or cycling shoes. While I flip-flopped this winter between the FLOW Warm and Polysorb Total Support, the FLOWs are thinner and meant more for running shoes in cooler temps. I currently use and won’t go without the Polysorb Total Support in my everyday Blundstone boots.

Takeaway: using insoles other then the stock insoles provided with your footwear will provide longer life of your boot or shoe, while alleviating pains that you have just lived with.  A simple switch of insoles can help!