SmartWool’s NTS Midweight Bottom is made from, yes you guessed it, merino wool! These bottoms are the warmest option from Smartwool’s baselayer collection and have been a great addition come this winter. I have used these bottoms under my ski pants on the slopes in temps raging from 0 to 30 degrees, by themselves while [...]
When you hear the name, Dale of Norway, images of wool ski sweaters probably jump into your mind. For over 125 years, Dale of Norway has been producing woolen goods that take advantage of wools natural insulating and moisture absorbing properties. These days, the trend toward sustainability is of utmost importance and fortunately wool is [...]
Finding a good pair of waterproof-breathable ski pants can be a difficult task for many women, including myself. Thankfully, the gals at Mountain Hardwear gave me a chance to test out their updated Women’s Synchro Pant and made my job a tad easier. In this review, I hope to give you all the information to [...]
If you are looking for a jacket that has all the bells and whistles needed for a full day at the resort, look no further. Obermeyer’s Kennedy jacket is packed full of features, including the RECCO Avalanche Rescue Reflectors to assist on mountain rescuers equipped with the RECCO rescue system track you down if something [...]
Helly Hansen’s Women’s Verglas 3L Jacket features top notch fabric that provides ultimate weather protection. The Verglas 3L feautres HH’s Helly Tech R O2 that comes with the highest waterproof and breathability rankings; with 20,000m waterproofness and 20,000g breathability. You get all of this weather protection in a super light-compact package that can be easily [...]
Last year, I had coat envy of one of our male testers: he got to try out Patagonia’s Nano Puff Pullover and raved about it. This year, I received the Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody jacket to review. I am glad I was patient enough and waited my turn because the full zip design and added [...]
When you hear the name Tilley, you typically don’t think of undergarments. Rather, you think about hats, like the Tec-Wool Cap that my partner in crime reviewed a few weeks back. However, much to our surprise, Tilley offers briefs and tanks made from Coolmax® fabric. The Extreme Tank, featured in the photo above, is quick [...]
The Greenlayer Evolution Half-Zip is a light weight, half zip down from Greenlayer is made from 100% recycled polyester interlock. It’s a comfortable, breathable piece that works well as both a single layer and top layer for running in cooler weather. The silky softness of the material and soft seems help prevent chaffing. Ventilation mesh [...]
The Amaya top by prAna is a multifunctional tank for sure. I have worn this tank to yoga, for a run, or to a quick happy hour in the neighborhood. Each time, I have felt completely covered and a little sassy with the colorful print. The Amaya is made from Chakara performance fabric which made [...]
The temps have finally fallen in Colorado after an unseasonably warm fall. I’m excited for cool mornings and evenings because it is officially vest season! Yes, vest season I say. When the temps are not quite cold enough for a full jacket but not warm enough to go sans outer layer, vests are the perfect [...]
This winter you can stay warm, look stylish and go easy on the environment in the Stone Ranch Fleece, $150, from GoLite, www.golite.com. Its super warm with eye-catching details reminiscent of a shearling coat, but made from 100% recycled materials in colors bright enough to give you a boost on the darkest winter day. Don’t [...]
If you loved your Mountain Hardwear Phantom jacket, you are going to love the Nitrous Jacket. The Nitrous Jacket, available for men and women, packs the same amount of great warmth as my ‘ole favorite, but weighs even less and packs down even smaller. Plus, the Nitrous has some style to it with a subtle [...]
I have been testing out Patagonia’s newly designed R3® Hi-Loft Hoody in the ever fashionable purple hue. The R3 Hi-Loft Hoody has quickly become a personal and family favorite. I say this because we now refer to the purple R3 as “Grimace”. For instance, one might say, “the weather may turn a bit chilly, why [...]
Brands: Mountain Hardwear
Ever wish you could have a dress as breathable and airy as an ultra light tech tee? Fortunately, your wishes have been answered by GoLite. New for this summer, GoLite released the sporty-yet fashionable Cayambe Reversible Travel Dress. The Cayambe weighs a mere 6.3 ounces and is constructed from GoLite’s DryMove Light fabric which is [...]
If you are an old-school, purist runner who thinks minimalist track shorts are the only proper running attire, well…I disagree. I love running skirts. They are comfortable, feminine yet functional and look great on most body types. One of the many reasons I despised gym class was the unisex, elastic-waistband, puffy shorts that managed to [...]
The weather is getting steamy as summer conditions set in, so why am I writing a review about a quarter zip long sleeve top? Good question. Mammut’s Zip Longsleeve All-Year Women’s top, however, is so versatile that I have kept it in my basket of tech tees for the summer. The All-Year top is made [...]
I put the Yunnan Hiking Capri through tough conditions, including scrambling up a mountain through the brush, bouldering in the canyon and even running through the crowds at O’Hare International Airport during its’ busiest time of day. In every situation, the capris held up and performed well. While blazing my own trail, the capris were [...]
When you mention the company SmartWool, most people would say, “Yeah, that sock company!” Fortunately, SmartWool makes more than just socks these days. This spring, Smartwool updated their women’s Cottonwood Jersey, and I got a chance to test it out. The Cottonwood Jersey features Technical Knit Merino fabric in the body and polyester mesh panels [...]
Merrell says, “Why pack more?” After testing out the Lenaia by Merrell, we couldn’t agree more. The Lenaia is an incredibly lightweight wonder that can fit in most gals’ purses but can provide up to 7 different options to keep your lower half covered. The Lenaia starts off as a pair of pants which can [...]
A few years ago, the words waterproof-breathable-and stretchy, were not listed as features in one single jacket. Rather, the jacket was waterproof OR breathable, not both. These days, manufacturers, such as Helly Hansen, have found a way to make a jacket that touts all three qualities. Helly Hansen’s Barrier Stretch 3L XP utilizes Helly Tech®XP [...]
This spring I had the opportunity to test 2 jackets that utilized the latest and greatest fabric technology, GORE-TEX® Paclite®. So what is GORE-TEX® Paclite®? Well, simply put it is a fully waterproof and breathable 3-layer fabric that weighs 15% less than other 3 layer constructions. Products featuring Paclite® are designed to endure extreme wet [...]
If you are an outdoor enthusiast that is looking for an ultra light-do-everything shell, then the Meru Jacket by The North Face might just be the jacket for you. The Meru incorporates GORE-TEX® PACLITE technology and many other note-worthy features to make this jacket one of my favorite pieces this spring. First and foremost, the [...]
