I’m one of those typical Colorado folks who like to turn up our nose at sub-zero temps and howling winds by wearing one jacket for all weather from October to May and just grit my teeth when perhaps its not quite sufficient. The Moab Softshell from Merrell is just that type of piece. The Moab [...]
As someone who is constantly abusing their gear, I am a big advocate of keeping your gear in good condition. After all, you are spending a little extra $ for a good piece of gear, so I feel it is important to make your gear last as long as possible. As Spring and Summer approach, [...]
Ruff Wear continues to prove its leadership in providing quality active gear for our favorite four-legged friends. If your pet’s safety is a top priority, Ruff Wear’s Track Jacket receives a two-paws-up from the dogs here at Active Gear Review. Especially during the winter months, I am always active outside well beyond sunset. Lets face it, if you [...]
If you are a dog lover like me, you know the importance of high quality gear for your favorite four-legged friend. Ruff Wear is known for making amazingly high quality gear for pets, and with the K-9 Overcoat, Ruff Wear spares no expense. With eco-friendly material and your pet’s comfort and protection in mind, Ruff Wear developed a [...]
We tested out the Columbia Sportswear Toddler Powderbug boots on our 20-month old daughter after a recent snow storm dumped about eight inches of snow. We took her to a nearby park to pull her around in her new sled and hop around in the snow. The depth of the snow made it difficult for her [...]
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 [...]
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, [...]
If running is your thing and you don’t want the colder wet weather distracting you from your running workouts, the North Face Better Than Naked Jacket is an excellent option to keep you off the treadmill and outside running. I’ve been testing this jacket in the mountains of Colorado to see how it holds up [...]
The ever popular Zion Stretch pants has an offspring this year and its name is… drum roll… Stretch Zion Convertible Pant. I’ve had a pair of the old Stretch Zion Pants and they have gotten to the point where I have clothes pins holding the pants together because I have worn them so much and [...]
For the traveler that loves adventure, but doesn’t want to mix the dirt, mud, sweat, and water with your clean clothes, the Eagle Creek Hybrid Hauler is a perfect option. With a moderate travel schedule and a knack for getting my clothes, shoes, and gear full of sweat, dirt, and grit, I really like the [...]
With vest season upon us, it’s time to break out last year’s vest or better yet, head over to your local outdoors shop or online and check out the Patagonia Nano Puff Vest. After testing the Nano Puff Vest while hiking, dog walking, skiing, and micro brew testing, I have fallen in love. Now I [...]
As The North Face Zephyrus Pullover has been a go-to piece of gear for me on many occasions, I feel I must share my thoughts on this piece. The Zephyrus pullover is a windproof Primoloft insulated jacket that is perfect for activities such as hiking, climbing, cold weather adventures, skiing, and camping. What makes this [...]
Columbia’s new line of thermodynamic items looked a little, well… spacey. It looked as if it could be turned inside out and used as a halloween costume much more so than as any type of active wear. We are happy to report that we were ENTIRELY wrong. While the interior may just be a little [...]
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 [...]
Orange shoes? Sounds pretty wild, eh? However, I love my new orange Keen Howser slip-ons. First off, Keens calls the color rust, don’t want to confuse you all. If orange is not your color, there are 4 other great colors to check out: mauve wine (purple-ish), English ivy (green), gargoyle (smoke blue), and black. The [...]
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 [...]
Although the Victorinox Swiss Army Summit XLT is not as tech savvy as other gear we have tested in the past, we thought it was a good idea to expose our outdoor audience of a time piece that you can wear to work or special occasions while matching your outdoor and active lifestyle persona. I typically [...]
With the changing of seasons and the temperatures starting to dip, it’s that time of the year when we start adding layers as the temperatures begin to dip. The North Face Krakatoa 1/2 zip Hoodie is a new and perfect solution, whether you are braving the unexpected harsh conditions or trying to keep in a [...]
What weighs 2.4 ounces, packs into a pocket that measures approximately 2”x2”, and has a carrying capacity of 20 L? I should provide you with a little more time to think on it because that combination of features seems very improbable (no cheating with the photo above). However, Sea to Summit has found a way [...]
Marmot’s Trail Wind Hoody is a featherweight jacket that weighs in at a skimpy 4 ounces (or 116 grams) for a women’s medium. If you are familiar with Marmot products, you may note the distinct similarity to the Ion Wind shirt. Both tops are wind resistant, breathable, water repellant, come with an attached hood, and [...]
The Steel Bridge by Keen is a rugged commuter pack that is not only functional for this day and age, but looks like a cool retro knapsack from the days of old. The Steel Bridge has all the modern amenities; a padded laptop sleeve that comfortably holds most 17-inch laptops (it carried our MacBook and [...]
The New Balance Nbx Component Jacket has gotten a lot of attention during product testing. People come up to us and ask if this is a see through jacket; indeed, the Component is a transulescent jacket with white trim at the sealed seams. The jacket is not only getting attention, but also helps us remain [...]
i Are you looking for the perfect all around Spring/Summer Jacket? We may just have a solution for you. The Patagonia Simple Guide Jacket ranked #1 out of all the jackets we have tested out for the Spring. Between performance, fashion, and price, this jacket is superior. Whether you’re out running in town or on the [...]
