Mammut clearly listened to feedback from skiers and riders when they made the Bristol Jacket, and it is an excellent choice for resort-goers.  With high-end fabrics, strong attention to detail, and well-thought-out features, the Bristol jacket is a premium option in the lightly-insulated, free skiing/snowboarding jacket category.  DRYtech fabric keeps the wetness out and underarm ventilation provides versatility when it heats up.

Like most Mammut products, the Bristol jacket has a really nice fit and cut; I felt great in my usual size Large (I am 6′, 185).  I am definitely a fan of Mammut’s resistance to the current trend of ultra-long and baggy jackets, and the Bristol falls right where I feel it should (about 7 inches below my waist).  The fit allows plenty of mobility for skiing, and enough length in the back to keep from riding up when you sit on the chairlift.  The sleeve length was just about perfect for me, but has velcro hem closures to adjust the fit where necessary.  The helmet-compatible hood is not removable, but does offer 3 adjustment points for cinching down.  I found the hood to be just a little tight for my size large helmet, and I felt a little restricted with the hood up and the zipper fully zipped.  A nice feature of the hood is that it includes some of the same microfiber insulation fill that the core of the jacket has for added warmth.

The Mammut Bristol Jacket is made of the company’s DRYtech Premium 2-Layer fabric, and has a water resistance rating of 10,000 mm.  The fabric is textured and looks amazing (see the below close-up photo of the forearm pocket).  The jacket I tested was in the liane color and it is one of the best looking jackets I have ever seen.  I wore the Bristol in a rather wet snow storm, and the weatherproofing held up well.  I even poured water on it, and it still proved to be very hydro-phobic (for a jacket in this price category, I expected nothing less).  To compliment the weatherproofing of the fabric, the Bristol has all waterproof zippers to keep your belongings in the pockets dry.  A light filling of microfibre insulation keeps you warm when the temperature drops into the low teens, but it is lightweight enough for days reaching into the 30s.  There is plenty of room for layering, and I found myself quite comfortable in a variety of conditions with a thin baselayer and a lightweight mid-layer.  If you do get too hot, the underarm vents open nice and wide to cool you down.  They have a mesh lining to keep big snow chunks out while letting the air flow.

Smart features throughout the Bristol Jacket cover the needs of the typical resort skier/rider.  I am a big fan of the pockets on this jacket, and their placement is ideal.  Two nice-sized hand warmer pockets are on the waist, and one of them has a useful little piece of webbing that you can attach your keys to and clip in and out.  The two chest pockets are also well designed, and I love that the openings face the center zipper so you can easily reach in and out.  I like to keep my iPhone in the chest pocket for easy access, and there is a music chord pass-through for your headphones (SAFETY NOTE: please keep your music low enough to hear everything around you on the mountain).  There is also a loop for threading the chord up towards your head.  On the inside of the jacket, there is a zippered mesh pocket that is perfect for keeping your goggles scratch-free in transit.  A forearm pocket offers a good place for small items like lip balm and sunscreen. Rounding out the features is a removable snow skirt that is stretchy, and has two different waist size adjustments.

Overall, the Mammut Bristol Jacket is one of my favorite ski jackets, and earned itself a spot in my closet amongst my daily drivers.  Because of the great looks, I wear it around town quite a bit, and get a lot of compliments.  Skiers/riders looking for a quality jacket will find it in the Bristol.

Mammut offers the Bristol Jacket in three colors: Hydro (blue), Liane (yellow), and Black.

MSRP $429

Mammut is a Swiss brand that falls into the category of high-end performance wear, and caters to the needs of the extreme-use customers, such as mountain guides and other outdoor professionals.  The Mammut Nordwand Jacket is exemplary of Mammut’s commitment to performance.  The Nordwand is a hard shell featuring GORE-TEX’s top-of-the-line Pro Shell 3-Layer fabric.  Clearly designed for the demanding user, the Nordwand is very durable, functional, and offers year-round use as a rain/snow/wind outer layer.

At 550 grams, the Mammut Nordwand Jacket is, in relative terms, medium-weight for a hard shell;  even as a fan of lightweight gear, I find it perfectly acceptable given this level of durability and features.  When you’re on top of a mountain in an extreme environment, a few extra grams is not as big a deal as a ripped shell.

The fit of the jacket is excellent and well thought-out for actual use.  I ordered in my usual size, and there was enough space for layering, while still offering a nice, athletic cut.  A key aspect of the fit is the fully-mobile arms that allow you to reach overhead (in ice climbing, for instance) without any pulling or lifting of the hem.  The length was also perfect for my six-foot frame, and the Nordwand Jacket did not ride up on me at all.  The hood is fully helmet-compatible, and offers a three-point adjustment system with horizontal and vertical drawstrings.  Mammut went one step further and included an innovative velcro system in the hood, that essentially makes the hood smaller for when you aren’t wearing a helmet.  Touches like this show that the company listened to feedback from their product testers.  Another “duh” feature is the front zipper which zips up to the side, instead of centered on your chin.  This, combined with a generous zipper garage, prevents any chaffing on the face.  While the hood is not removable, it does roll up and secure itself out of the way around your neck in a clever way that adds a little bit of neck protection.

Mammut chose GORE-TEX Pro Shell 3-Layer fabric for the Nordwand Jacket and I am very impressed with the performance of this fabric.  One of the things I normally dislike about hard shells is the crinkly fabric that doesn’t drape the body well, and is loud when you move around.  The fabric in the Nordwand Jacket has more of a soft shell feel, and offers full stretchability while still being totally waterproof and durable.  I felt a lot more comfortable sitting on the chairlift than I normally do in a hard shell, and didn’t experience as much bunching.  I didn’t have rain to test the waterproof promise of the Nordwand Jacket, so I ran the sleeve under the faucet for 10 minutes to see how it would hold up in a deluge.  To my delight, the water completely beaded off of the fabric, and showed no signs of soaking in.  Despite some hard skiing, I never overheated, so the breathability of the Nordwand Jacket seems to be just as good as the waterproofing.

The Nordwand Jacket has quite a few smart, purposeful features, and one of my favorites is the removable powder skirt.  I am a firm believer that every shell should have a removable powder skirt to provide multi-season versatility.  Mammut designed a very nice powder skirt in the Nordwand Jacket;  it has sticky material on it to keep it in place, as well as two waist-size buttoning options.  The skirt zips out easily for non-snow adventures.  The pockets on the jacket are also well thought-out, and stay with the smart trend of moving the front pockets up the jacket so as not to interfere with a climbing harness.  The shoulder pocket is good for small items that you want quicker access to.  On the inside is 1 zippable pocket and two additional mid size pockets.  Rounding out the feature set is another thing that I would like to see as standard on jackets:  the sleeve hem adjustment is a switchback system that allows a very tight seal when needed, and a wide range of adjustability for use over or under gloves.

It’s hard to find any faults with the Mammut Nordwand Jacket and if I had to nitpick, I’d say I would have liked a touch more fabric around the neck to minimize pulling when fully zipped up.  That said, the jacket gets a full two-thumbs-up, 5-star review from me, and I recommend it as an excellent investment for anyone who demands the most from his gear.

The Nordwand Jacket is available in Black, Orange, and Cyan.

MSRP $675

Sierra Designs has a fashion-forward hoody for female outdoor adventurists;   the Instigator Hoody is a stylish-yet-technical piece that any woman would be happy to add to her wardrobe.

With the weather this winter fluctuating from 60 degrees to 0 degrees (and back again), I have been able to test the Instigator Hoody in a variety of temperatures.   Whether I was taking a hike, hanging around the house, or running errands around town, I was always reaching for my Instigator Hoody as a cozy layer of warmth.

The Instigator Hoody has a unique on-mountain design.  Sierra Designs created the hoody to look like a ribbed wool sweater, a textured appearance you don’t see very often in the universe of fleece.   The outside of the hoody is made of 7% Wool and 93% Polyester.  Wool, of course, is a superb temperature regulator.   The wool/poly combination makes the Instigator Hoody perfect for layering.  The hoody is not bulky, and the cut is very slimming and flattering.  The inside of the Instigator hoody is made out of 100% Polyester Fleece.  The fleece lines the entirety of the inside:  the sleeves, body, and hood.  The only fleece-free areas are in the front where the pockets are. The fleece is very light, soft, and welcoming.     The Instigator Hoody kept me warm without a shell over it in 30-60 degree weather.

The Instigator Hoody has 3 pockets total:  2 zippered hand pockets and 1 zippered sleeve pocket. The 2 zippered hand pockets are actually quite large. On the inside of the hoody, the pockets extend to the arms, so you could tuck away something fairly sizeable.  The zippered sleeve pocket is conveniently located on the left sleeve, and is easy to access.  It is big enough to fit a cell phone, credit card, chapstick or sunscreen. The hood on the Instigator is large enough to comfortably fit over your head, even if you have a stocking hat underneath.

As mentioned, the Instigator Hoody has a slim cut ; I ordered according to the size chart and can wear a shirt or light base-layer under it.  If you like your hoody to fit a bit looser (or wear more layers underneath), I recommend sizing up.

The Instigator Hoody has an Anti-Pilling Treatment, which likely helps longevity in the wash.  I did, however, experience some balling only after a few wears, most prominent on the sleeves and places that get worn or rubbed on frequently.

The Sierra Designs Instigator Hoody comes in 3 colors: Black, Eggplant, and Silver.

MSRP $139.

I have been practicing yoga for ten years and I’ve tried a lot of brands and styles, typically taking my queues from others in class. I know, I know.  My attention should be inwardly-focused.  Most of the time it is.  But I have to admit that, sometimes in downward dog, I think, “I wonder where she bought those pants?” Sun salutation: “Wow. That racerback makes her look so strong”.   I hadn’t yet seen Omala apparel in class, so I was looking forward to, at long last, being the object of other people’s distraction.

Omala is a thoughtfully-inspired lifestyle brand (the word means Source of Life), and the active wear they make moves easily from the yoga studio to the street.  It lends its Brooklyn vibe to the design of pieces that are hip, eco-friendly, and functional. They use sustainable materials like bamboo to not only create a high-quality fabric, but also to reduce our carbon footprint.

I was a bamboo virgin.  Omala was my first bamboo clothing experience, and I am hooked.  When I took the capri pants and halter top out of the bag I couldn’t wait to try them on.  They draped so nicely in my hands, I knew they were going to feel wonderful on my body.

Bamboo Ipod Capri

The super-soft Bamboo Ipod Capri is a comfortable and a flattering workout option.  This capri is classified as ‘low to mid rise’, which is a popular choice for most.  For me, however, they sit a bit too low, because (thanks to three kids) I will always have little extra around the middle.  No matter how fit I am.  Even when others can’t see it, I feel the dreaded ‘muffin top’.   And if I pull them up higher, well…never mind.   So while the rise is perfectly comfortable for yoga, I have chosen to pair the Ipod Capri with tops that are slightly looser (like the below Gaia), so I can focus on my poses and not my midriff neurosis.   Around town, they look great as leggings under a long sweater or tunic.   Omala thoughtfully placed a pocket on the side of the capri that is perfect for carrying your gym card, your music, or your latte money.

The Bamboo Ipod Capri is a combined Bamboo /Cotton /Spandex fabrication, which delivers amazing breathability, softness, and fit.

It runs true to size based on the Omala sizing chart, in XS-L.

The Omala Bamboo Ipod Capri is available in two colors: Navy and Black.  MSRP $65.00.

Gaia Halter Top

I had always coveted yoga tops with open backs (they look so great on the cover models of Yoga Journal), but when I think ‘halter’, I think ‘no bra’, and the myriad of things that could potentially go wrong there.   So the Gaia Halter Top was my long-awaited experiment.

The Gaia Halter Top is form-meets-function, with beautiful styling that works as hard as you do.  The draped material in the front flatters the torso, and also serves as vents when you start to sweat.  The Gaia Halter Top contains 95% bamboo and 5% spandex, allowing it to breathe wonderfully, and dry quickly. The bust is fitted enough to prevent sagging and slipping, but remains shapely (i.e. no jogbra-esque flattening).   The bra underlayer is dense enough to keep things modest, though the dark colors or patterns help here.  Note that the support is perfectly appropriate for gym, pilates, or yoga, but it is not intended to be a running top.   Pose after pose, class after class, this top moved right with me.  Zero embarrassing halter moments.

True to the Omala mission, I probably had just as many fun outings as I had deep stretches in this cute top.  I often just threw a cardigan over it and wore it around town.

The Omala Gaia Halter Top is available in Black, Meteorite, and Purple Paisley.

MSRP $65.00.

Both pieces are part of the Omala Spring 2012 Collection, available online starting March 1, 2012.

I should confess, I have a thing with bags. I love them.  This means I am fairly discerning, and the Haiku To-Go Bag did not disappoint.

First, the color and design are beautifully unique. They are subtle, but just significant enough to attract the eye. With dimensions of 10”h x 11”w x 4”d, the size is perfect for my daily use;  I have three kids and an on-the-go lifestyle, and I always carry a book or my Kindle with me.  The To-Go Bag is roomy enough for the Haiku wallet, my Kindle, and phone, with room to spare.  Though I didn’t use it for this purpose, the To-Go Bag can accommodate an iPad (sans Haiku iPad Sleeve).  The strap is slim in width, making it easy on the shoulder, and highly adjustable in length.  It could be worn like a purse, but it feels like this bag is intended to be worn messenger-style (cross-body).

There are seven pockets total.  The two water bottle pockets on the outer sides of the bag are big enough to carry a small water bottle each.  There are two phone/iPod pockets, and two zippered pockets; one on the inside and one on the outside. I like zippers because I travel quite a bit; zippers make it harder for thieves to grab my passport and cash. There is also a pocket on the inside that secures with Velcro, where I stashed my keys, lip balm, and pen.

I love the material. It’s very lightweight yet it feels durable enough to stand up to my life with the kids or for a road-trip, mountain biking with friends. Overall, I really like the bag’s aesthetic and versatility. People complemented me on it;  I appreciate products that deliver both function and form.

Haiku To-Go Bag comes in two colors:  cocoa brown (with two different appleque designs to choose from), and ink black.   MSRP $74.   This product is made from 100% post consumer recycled beverage bottles, and saves 21.4 PET bottles from landfill.

If you love a bag, then you especially love it when there is a wallet available to match it.    Enter Haiku Zip Wallet (above).  The zipper wallet has a small, detachable wrist strap so that you can either carry it solo, or inside your main bag.  I appreciate the full zipper feature – as in, all three sides are zipped up – that keeps my precious credit cards safe and sound.  It has slots for 12+ credit cards – thankfully I don’t have that many! – I put my credit cards on one side and my discount cards for my favorite stores on the other.   The only thing that was a bit awkward for me were the very bottom card holders, as they were a bit more difficult to access.  Certainly not a deal breaker because I just left those empty.  The Haiku Zip Wallet has a great look with a Rumi quote on the outside; I felt well-coordinated carrying it in my To-Go Bag as well as on its own.

Haiku Zip Wallet comes in three colors:  cocoa brown, ocean blue, and ink black.   MSRP $48.   This product is made from 100% post consumer recycled beverage bottles, and saves 7.3 PET bottles from landfill.

The Pouch (above) came in handy when I went out for cocktails with friends. All I needed was the basics with me, and when I debated whether or not to take a purse, this became the perfect solution.   The diminutive Pouch boasts six card slots (one with window for your driver’s license), two bill/receipt pockets, a zippered coin pocket (you can also put your lipstick in there), and a phone compartment.  It comes with a wrist strap, as well as an adjustable strap, so you have wrist, purse, or messenger-style carrying options.  The Pouch is a cute, convenient, hands-free option that you can keep on your body all evening, without the weight or hassle of a larger bag.

Haiku Pouch comes in 7 styles/colors.  MSRP $43.   This product is made from 100% post consumer recycled beverage bottles, and saves 4.3 PET bottles from landfill.

These products are a demonstration of how Haiku as a company strives to live up to its namesake:  Thoughtful, Simple, and Meaningful.  I found the design to be Thoughtful in anticipating my needs, the look to be beautifully Simple, and the manufacture/materials to be Meaningful.   Haiku is a win-win for anyone on the go, and a wonderful gift idea.

Buff is the purveyor of versatile headwear that is a multi-functional,  stylish, unisex alternative to traditional hats for sun protection and warmth. Now Buff is venturing outside their headwear box, and has developed an infinity scarf (Infinity Lyocell Buff) for 2012, that functions much in the same way traditional Buff headwear has been used. Full disclosure – I’m and fan, and I own a couple original Buff pieces, so I was excited to receive the scarf to test.

Buff products are so versatile, that there is a User Guide demonstrating the multiple ways the headwear can be worn.  This holds true for the Infinity Buff too, as versatility and multi-use appear to be in the Buff-brand DNA.  Because the Infinity Buff has more length to it than a traditional Buff, one has even more options for product styling.  Just a few options provided by the company include: single turn, double turn, triple turn, headband, hood, and hood mask.  I am a double-turn or triple-turn girl – these are my favorite ways to wear the Infinity Buff when I am going to the office, outside at the kids’ sports games, or hiking on the trails.

Double turn

The Infinity Lyocell Buff is made of Tencel, which is a poly-blend of 63% lyocell and 33% cotton, and more specifically, eucalyptus fibers, as part of a sustainable strategy. The claim is that Tencel is suitable for sensitive skin, while also allowing for moisture transport. The fabric definitely lends itself to softness against the skin, and it washes up beautifully in a machine (though one could hand wash the Buff quickly with mild soap as an alternative).  No shrinking or stretching, and no special care needed. Even better, the Infinity Buff dries quickly, part of the moisture transport concept, which is a valuable attribute if using the Buff for either travel or physically active pursuits.  A nice bonus is that there are no seams on the Buff, it’s just a single piece of fabric, which limits any fraying or threads pulling apart. As you can see, I tested a solid turquoise color, but there are other colors and fun prints available as well.

The Infinity Buff is a must-have piece for daily urban life, active outdoor pursuits, or as a travel staple.

Triple turn

An added incentive:  one percent of proceeds from Infinity Buff sales will be donated to a non-profit organization that works to better the environment.  MSRP is $35.

Isis Lotus Foldover Turtle in Glamour

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 yet to be disappointed by the top’s incredible moisture-wicking capabilities during high intensity activities, while remaining soft against the skin.

The Lotus Foldover Turtle features a turtleneck style. However, the name of this top is misleading because I have yet to “foldover” the neck of this top. In fact, it is more comfortable and provides greater warmth if worn straight up. I felt that, when folded over, it was a bit too tight and constricting around my throat. (My neck size is normal for my tall, slim proportions.)

As for torso-sizing, I tested a Small, as the size chart suggested for me. The fit was perfect, not to loose and not to constricting either. I was able to wear a quarter-zip mid-layer over it without feeling weighed down. The arms are plenty long and kept my wrists covered, while the extra body length allowed for easy tucking-in with base-layer bottoms.

Isis Lotus Foldover Turtle in Danish Blue (my favorite color)

Like the going trend with many companies, the name of each color can be difficult to decipher. Here is a listing of the color offerings and the description, or my interpretation, of each color in parenthesis: Danish Blue (medium blue), Fig (light brown), Glamour (cranberry), Jet (dark gray) and Tidepool (light gray). The Lotus pattern is in a dark gray/black color and gives the top a bit of style without going over the top.

The Lotus Foldover Turtle is available in sizes Small to Extra Large.

The fabric of the Lotus Foldover Turtle is a combination of nylon and spandex. Despite many wears and washes, the top has remained snag-free and odor-free. Like many who play outdoors, I am constantly looking for a base-layer that can perform, looks great, and doesn’t hold onto smell from the previous session. So far, the Lotus Foldover Turtle by Isis has achieved all three!

MSRP $65

Over the last year, I have been noticing a new apparel personality on the trail scene.  Much like Serena Williams shook up the conservative tennis apparel realm, INKnBURN is showing us that running apparel need not be limited to a logoed solid.  And every time I have seen a hip set of duds in front of me, I speed up to investigate, and realize that, yep, it’s another great INKnBURN design.   The artwork vibe ranges from heavy metal to zen, with a bit of whimsy in between. 

INKnBURN’s mission is to merge form with function – to bring artistic flair and performance fabrics together – in an effort to empower personal strength.  When they say “Distance Yourself”, they mean “set yourself apart from the crowd”.

I’m sure you’ve noticed in your own wardrobe, that apparel (sports or otherwise) with a design on it tends to fade over time (or flake off entirely).  One of the elements I find most interesting about INKnBURN’s process, is that they have a proprietary sublimation technique for printing those designs directly into the fabric.  That means that the designs neither come off, nor affect the performance of the fabric or the feel next to your skin.  It is as if the design isn’t there.  Likewise, the tag is burned into the fabric, so you won’t feel any neckline or waistband friction.

When I received the INKnBURN shipment in the mail, I opened the box to find the contents beautifully, and neatly wrapped in tissue paper, as if someone had sent me a birthday gift.  I don’t know about you, but I am much more accustomed to receiving my orders in a box with the items carelessly tossed inside.   This was my first impression of INKnBURN, and this personal attention to detail carried through my product testing experience.

I tested the Tech Shirt ($49.95), the Running Shorts ($64.95), the Sports Bra ($64.95), and the 4Arms Arm Warmers ($32.95) in the Cherry Blossom design (shown below).

I’m just going to say it.  The shorts are the best-butt shorts I’ve ever had on.  The rear-view design is brilliant – thank you, INKnBURN, for the head-turns.   The other very noteworthy feature is the waistband.   It is a wide elastic that you can wear either up, or folded down for a lower rise (pictured).   I like my shorts as low as possible, and when I folded down the waistband, I was able to achieve my most-comfortable hipster position.   A great design that allows you to put the shorts exactly where you like them best.

Just like the Tech Shirt, the Running Shorts are a whisper of a fabric, and stayed dry throughout the effort.   The interior brief stayed in place (no creeping) and was very breathable.   As a point of practicality, INKnBURN integrated two small pockets in the front waist hem.  I put a gel and my housekey in there.  Because of the thoughtful pocket placement, the contents didn’t move, and my folded-over waistband provided additional (albeit unnecessary) security against loss of items.

And just to make it the perfect short, INKnBURN has sized them like pants.  So instead of ordering S,M,L, or XL, they have sizes from 2 to 12.  I wear a size 4 in pants, and the size 4 I ordered in the short fit perfectly.

While the Sports Bra may look like a simple item, this little piece of fabric is packed with features.  The fabric is different in the front than in the back, but the printed design goes from front to back uninterrupted.   In the front, it is a strong, wicking material with a soft-to-the-touch interior.  In the back, it is a light, stretchy mesh, that breathes wonderfully.  The front interior has a slit on each side of the liner, in case you would like to insert ‘modesty pads’.  The interior center has a secret stash pocket (pictured).  I already had my gel and key on board in my shorts, so I put my iPod in a ziploc, and tucked it, unnoticed, into this clever storage space.

I am small-chested, so I am unable to comment on the amount of support this sports bra would provide to those more amply endowed.  For someone with a small or medium bust, this is a superb bra – comfortable and firm, with feminine-looking spaghetti straps.    Since we have had unseasonably warm weather here in Southern California, I have run several times in this bra sans shirt, and it does a great job standing alone.

I normally wear a size XS in sports bras, and ordered the same in the INKnBURN Sports Bra.  It runs true to size.

I have to give INKnBURN a double-thumbs up.   This is high-quality, domestically-manufactured gear with a whole lot of groove.

To purchase INKnBURN gear, visit their website at www.inknburn.com.

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 and look no worse for the wear. These pants feature Lole’s Nano Carbon Light fabric, which is touted as moisture-wicking, wrinkle free, quick-drying, odor resistant, and stretchy. The fabric content breakdown is as follows: 65% nylon, 25% polyester, and 10% Elastane. The combo makes these pants feel really durable and even a bit water resistant if caught in the rain. If that isn’t enough to keep you pleased, the Passage Pants also feature a UPF rating of 50+. These pants truly move with you, which is nice when you are out on the trail.

Passage Pant in Moonlight

The Passage Pants feature belt loops, but you will never need to wear a belt thanks to an internal waistband adjustment system. Inside there is a yellow stretchy band with various cut-outs and varying lengths and a button on each side. To cinch the pants simply pull the yellow band towards your middle and loop around the button on each side to get your customized fit. I found this system to be super handy because these pants sit low on your waist to start with, and stretch out a bit as the day goes on. Having the ability to adjust on the go is a great feature.

Passage Pant in Branch

These pants feature two large front pockets that you can easily put your hands into. The right pocket features a small clip to perhaps clip keys or any other valuables. There is a small zippered pocket just above the knee that I have yet to use. It is a good idea, but I am not sure I will use the pocket because I don’t typically like things moving around as I walk. There are two large rear pockets as well to give a bit of style to your backside.

Rear view of the Passage Pant in Moonlight

The Passage Pants feature a low rise, as mentioned above, and a straight leg. I ordered a size 6 originally to be a little safe, despite having some measurements better suited for a size 4. The size 6 was perfect through the waist, but that was it. I felt that the pants were painted over my thighs. I am an athletic person and have some quads to sport, yet I was surprised by how tight these pants were. I sized up to an 8 and am super happy with how they fit in the legs. I will, however, be using the cinch system because,  after wearing them for a few hours, the pants have stretched out and the waist is now a little big on me.  The inseam is 32″ and I would like to see an option for longer inseam in the future. A boot cut may also work a tad better when wearing these with hiking shoes as well. Despite my minor beefs with these pants, they are a handy addition to my wardrobe because of their ability to blend with casual and active adventures.

The Passage Pants are available in sizes 2-14, in the following versatile colors: Moonlight (gray), Black, and Branch (brown). MSRP is $ 90.

Now what to wear on your top half while traveling? The Theory Top solves this problem and can be worn in combo with the Passage Pant. The Theory top comes in a variety of colors and has contrast stripes to add a bit of fun: brown with white stripes, black with white stripes, white with red or green stripes, and gray with purple stripes.

The Theory Top is a 3 button Henley, with a feminine v-neck line. The top is versatile because it can be worn as a long sleeve or rolled up to 3/4 length. The sleeves are full-length and feature a button fastener and tab to keep them rolled up if temps start to rise.

A generous length, 26 inches, and a curved shirttail round out the details. I typically don’t tuck shirts in, however, I felt more comfortable with this top tucked in due to its longer length. Pair with some jeans and a fun belt to jazz it up a bit (alternatively, it might look good worn out and paired with leggings).   The Theory top is composed of 95% organic cotton that is super soft, while a touch of elastane helps the top to keep its’ shape and move with you when on the go.

The top is a wonderfully soft, easy to care for Organic Cotton, making it a good piece for travel.   Like the Passage Pants, the Theory Top has a UPF factor of 50+.

Available in size XS to XL with an MSRP of $55.

With the Odin line, Helly Hansen has taken its considerable experience in the technical outerwear industry, and created a collection of products that is perfect for the outdoor  professional and demanding consumer.  Featuring Helly’s highest-end fabric, Helly Tech Professional, the Odin Guiding Light jacket offers extreme weather protection in a very lightweight and breathable package. The Guiding Light jacket is designed as a bare bones, waterproof shell for all-seasons use, and performs this role admirably. You won’t find many bells and whistles, but that also means you won’t find things that get in the way.

The Helly Hansen Odin Guiding Light Jacket is made of a very lightweight fabric that makes the jacket feel almost like it isn’t there.  From the moment I put it on, I knew it would make a great shell for layering under, because of the light weight and lack of bulk.   All the seams are flat, and there are no discernible bumps on the inside that can make layering a pain. I appreciated the athletic cut of the jacket and elongated backside, aiding in active pursuits.  I am a size Large, and found it be true to size for me without any odd fit issues.  Overall, I’d say Helly did a great job with the fit of the jacket and I couldn’t find anything to complain about.

As the Odin Guiding Light is a minimalist performance jacket, there aren’t many features to review.  Having said that, the features Helly Hansen did choose to include, were well-executed.  A nice-fitting touch of the Odin Guiding Light Jacket is the taper in the cuffs that removes some fabric on the inside part of the wrist to allow for a little more range of motion.There are only two pockets on the jacket, and fortunately they are huge. They have long zippers and a big compartment for storing whatever you’d like. Personally, I prefer having a few smaller pockets for organizing things like my phone and keys, but I understand how these add weight and complexity to what is intended to be a simple design. Underarm zippered vents allow for added airflow when the weather warms up or you are working hard. A helmet-compatible hood is permanently attached to the Odin Guiding Light, and features three adjustments points. I wore my Smith helmet with the jacket, and the hood covered it nicely, although I would have liked the bill to come down farther toward the front of the helmet. Another thoughtful feature on the jacket are the reinforced shoulder pads. Helly Hansen put an extra patch of material on the shoulders to help keep shoulder straps and skis in place, and to provide added protection against friction from these items. Definitely a nice touch for the working professional who places heavy value on gear durability.  Finally, I should mention that all of the zippers are water-resistant, which should come as no surprise with a waterproof shell like this.

I tested the Odin Guiding Light Jacket in both active and casual conditions, and found it to be an excellent performer.  It is stylish enough to wear year-round as a rain jacket, and makes a good wind- and snow-protective shell when combined with a mid-layer in the winter. As a ski jacket, you will love it if you seek ultimate simplicity, but may find yourself looking for more features if it is going to be your resort jacket.  The cut and fit allowed the Guiding Light Jacket to move great while making turns on the hill, and the light weight and breathability were as good as I’ve experienced. I definitely missed having a powder skirt for those deep snow days, but then again, the jacket wouldn’t be as versatile if it had one. Because of the design and materials used, the Odin Guiding Light Jacket is equally at home backcountry ski touring or hiking in the summer.