Shannon, our fabulous female tester, takes gear testing to a new level for women. When not at work or school, she is most likely training for a marathon, climbing one of Colorado’s tallest peaks, riding her road bike, or skiing down a mountain slope. Like many women, Shannon gets cold easily, therefore, we try to test the best all weather gear to help her stay warm and dry during all day outdoor pursuits. In the warmer months, Shannon enjoys exploring the Colorado backcountry with her friends and dogs and attempts to escape for as many trail runs as her schedule allows. Shannon is a great women’s tester because she gives readers true insight into how a product may perform for an active woman.
Hydration systems take on many different shapes and sizes. There are waist belts, vests, standard backpacks, handhelds, and packs that straddle across more than one category. There are also various sizes available to allow you to select a pack for each and every distance or duration you may want to go. Typically, packs are not [...]
Moving Comfort is known for their stellar sports bras (reviews to come on a few of their newer models). However, they also make some pretty great products to go over or with their sports bras, such as the Momentum Short. The Momentum Short is composed of DriLayer® Eco Stretch 86% recycled polyester and 14% spandex. [...]
Last summer, I received a pair of Women’s Distance FL trekking poles from Black Diamond. Needless to say, I have put these trekking poles through the paces with day hikes of varying distances and demands, backpacking trips, and a few long runs for steep ascents-descents. The Distance FL’s have been nothing but versatile and seem [...]
Sherpani makes more than commuter bags and purses. The Solstice FL Wheeled Carry on Luggage is one example from Sherpani’s expanding travel and luggage line. The Solstice measures 20 inches x 13.5 inches x 8.5 inches (length x width x height) and features a capacity of 2600 cubic inches. The Solstice can easily accommodate a weekends [...]
Type: Trail Running Heel-Toe Differential (Drop): 12 mm Weight: 10.2 oz. women’s / 12.2 oz. men’s Gender Availability: both Men’s and Women’s models The Brooks Cascadia 7′s have had me “Running Happy” this Spring on the trails. Colorado has had an incredibly dry Spring, which has allowed me to get out on the [...]
If you are in the market for a pair of versatile ski or ride pants, look no further than the Outdoor Research Aspect Pants. These pants are available for men and women – equal-opportunity awesomeness. The Aspect Pants are composed of a highly-breathable, waterproof, soft shell fabric (Ventia Dry). I found these pants to be [...]
A few years ago, we headed down to Great National Sand Dunes National Park in early May. We figured we could get out early in the morning with the dogs and hike around, before the dunes got too hot. Boy, were we wrong! By about 9:30 in the morning, the dunes were so hot that [...]
Mammut’s Arctic Mitten features a combo of 600-fill goose down and synthetic fill. Together, the insulation is designed to keep your hands toasty regardless of the temperature or type of adventure. I am a good mitten/glove tester because my hands are typically colder than most, even when sitting around the evening fire. Therefore, I have [...]
Aspen and Suki were thrilled to have new Zuke’s products to test out. What dog doesn’t love a reward for a good day that not only tastes great, but also cleans their teeth and freshens their breath? Zuke’s Z-Bones are natural dental chews that are packed with ingredients that are grain free, to help with [...]
Looking for a stocking stuffer for someone that seems to have everything? Look no further than the SmartCycle Recycled PET* Produce Bags. These bags are a win-win because, as the gift giver, you can feel good about your purchase, and the recipient will feel ‘smart’ using them. Each bag is constructed from 100% recycled plastic, [...]
The Bleecker Stretch Pants by The North Face are women-specific, ski/ride pants, new for this winter. The Bleecker Pants feature more than simply feminine colors and slightly smaller sizes; TNF has tailored these pants to the female body in order to optimize shape and comfort. The Bleecker cut is a low rise, straight fit through the [...]
Looking for a seamless base-layer for your winter pursuits? Look no further than the Isis Lotus Foldover Turtle. The Lotus Foldover features a seamless construction, which is perfect for layering and next to skin comfort, no matter how demanding the endeavor. I have been wearing the Lotus Foldover while running, skiing, and snowshoeing. I have [...]
When it comes to cold weather, Isis has you covered with their Whisper down products. Isis offers a solution for all of your active and casual needs with the Whisper Jacket, Whisper Hoodie, Whisper Hoodie Vest, and Whisper Coat. A few years back, I reviewed the shorter-length Whisper Hoodie, and this year I had the [...]
If you are planning an upcoming trip, you should check out some of the latest products from Lole, including the Passage Pants and Theory Top. The Passage Pants have quickly become a key player in my wardrobe due to their versatility and comfort. The Passage Pants can be worn for many days in a row [...]
Here at Active Gear Review we have two fabulous dog testers that pretty much go on every adventure their humans will take them on. As a result, they need cool new gear too! Aspen, the spunky male Airedale, has been putting Ruff Wear’s latest, the Quinzee Jacket, through the paces here in Colorado. For starters, [...]
Sorel, once again, mixes fashion-forward and function with the Tofino Canvas Boot. Last year, I tested out Sorel’s Cate the Great and fell in love instantly. Since the Tofinos arrived, I sadly have not stepped foot in my Cates. The Tofinos are not only attractive, they pack features that make them worthy of calling themselves [...]
The North Face makes yoga clothes! Yippee! In this review, I will take a look at the Tadasana VPR Sport Tank and the Tadasana Wrap. For starters, I was really impressed with the Tadasana VPR Sport Tank. The tank is yoga-specific, meaning that it really stays put and keeps you covered when you find yourself [...]
Winter is right around the corner. What shoes are you going to turn to when the snow and slop invades the sidewalks? Boots are great, don’t get me wrong, but sometimes you don’t need all of the extra protection that a boot offers. Slip-on clogs often fit the bill; as they are easy as pie [...]
prAna is known for making great travel and hiking friendly pants. That is why I had such high expectations for the Cadence Cargo Pant. Unfortunately, these pants did not live up to their predecessors in my book. It wasn’t the fabric or construction that bothered me, rather the fit. Before getting to the fit, let’s [...]
As technology becomes more and more a part of our everyday life, some of us find our outdoor instincts blending with our everyday lives. OtterBox is one of the companies that has done an excellent job at blending our outdoor lifestyles and with today’s technology. I recently purchased an iPad2 and with the cost of [...]
The Penumbra Dress by Horny Toad is another top performer in the casual and travel category for fall and winter. The Penumbra is available in ginger, shark, and walnut. I’ve been testing out the dress in shark and for starters, I am not totally convinced that the dress is gray. It almost looks blue when [...]
Traveling this fall has been made easier thanks to the Nadia dress by prAna. The Nadia dress is ready for just about any occasion within a few minutes of pulling it from your pack-carry-on or suitcase. The Nadia achieves this simplistic style thanks to a perfect balance of rayon made from bamboo, organic cotton, and [...]
Horny Toad’s Chekov Pant offer a versatile cotton twill pant that one can get by with wearing at the office or easily pair with a t-shirt for more casual affairs. These cotton twill pants feature a 50/50 mix of your run of the mill cotton and organic cotton. The combo allows you to feel a tad better [...]
