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 [...]
As far as wind pants/running pants go, it always seemed that a lot of the wind pants out there are the same thing with a different brand stamped on them. Brooks on the other hand decided to step up your standard wind pant a notch. To start off, Brooks decided to replace the nylon material [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 North Face Prolix Pant is a soft shell pant that not only features ultraviolet protection and wind resistance, but also looks great on and off the trail or rock face. The Prolix has some stretch and truly move with you whether you are tackling a bouldering problem or heading for an uphill hike. We [...]
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 [...]
Columbia’s Helsinki Pant incorporates Omni-Tech technology to provide a waterproof yet breathable ski/boarding pant. We tested the Helsinki Pant on frigid morning downhill laps and were surprised about the warmth they provided despite their relatively lightweight feel. The pants also have some stretch to them, which allows them to move with you as you charge [...]
The Big Sky jacket by Merrell is the perfect blend between performance and style. If you’ve read any of our past reviews, you will know that we are big fans of gear that meets your performance and style needs. The Merrell Big Sky jacket was tested in temperatures between -5 to 50 F. We were [...]
The Hi Tec V Lite Hatha Quick-Zip 2001, what a mouth full, is a waterproof and windproof casual boot with many of the same qualities of an all weather hiking boot. The barrier to the elements is provided by Ion-mask waterproof technology along the nubuck and suede upper. The Hatha’s keep your foot toasty thanks [...]
The Dakine Transit Hoodie is a softshell jacket that looks and feels like your favorite hooded sweatshirt. The Transit, unlike your favorite sweatshirt, can be worn out in the elements and provides wind and water resistance. The outer shell is made from stretchy polyester, while the inside has a soft fleece lining to keep you [...]
The Isis Nanda Devi Pant is softshell winter pant for hardcore athletes and weekend warrior women alike. Like many other products by Isis, the Nanda Devi Pant comes in size 4-14, rather than S, M, or L, which allows for a more personalized fit. In addition, the Nanda Devi Pant has internal velcro adjustments that [...]
The Marmot Tempo Jacket utilizes Marmot’s M3 Softshell technology to produce a highly breathable, stretchy, water-resistant, and a lightweight barrier to the elements. The M3 softshell technology is Marmot’s lightest and most breathable softshell, making the Tempo jacket perfect for high intensity exercises, such as running. The Tempo jacket weighs a mere 15 ounces and [...]
The DriClime® Catalyst Windshirt won its’ third Backpacker’s Editor’s Choice Award in 2008. This time, the DriClime Catalyst Windshirt won the “Green Award” due to its’ incorporation of recycled materials into the jacket; UpCycle fabric is made from recycled plastic and makes up 100% of the Catalyst lining, while recycled polyester makes up the outer [...]
Salomon’s 900 Hoodie Zip is a must have for an enjoyable outdoor winter! This water repellent, wind resistant soft shell jacket is great as a light shell and offers a sleek, clean look. The 900 Hoodie is a full zip jacket with cinchable hood and cinchable waist adjustments for a closer fit. These features are [...]
