Winter sports tend to involve some pretty cold weather. Usually that means bundling up and covering as much skin as possible. However, this means that you’re still breathing in ambient temperature air. This results in chapped lips and dry sinuses. This is where the ColdAvenger comes in. It’s designed to keep your breath higher in…
Tag Archive: Gear Review
Hi-Tec Trinity Peak Parka: Review and Giveaway
Earlier this year, Hi-Tec made the announcement that they would be venturing into the world of outerwear and apparel. After being in the footwear market for over 30 years, it was time to expand their brand. The apparel line debuted this Fall with a line of outerwear for both men and women. Among the lineup previewed at Winter Market was the Trinity Peak Parka for women. As soon as full production began, we were eager to test out the new line. Read more for our full review of the Trinity Peak Parka for women.
Review: Mountain Hardwear Medusa Gloves
I’ve been pretty impressed with Mountain Hardwear’s new line of gloves using OutDry. Last year, I’d tried the Hydra glove and loved it. The only thing it was really missing was a shell glove with a full gauntlet. Thankfully, MHW makes a glove with just such features. The Medusa is designed primarily as a Mountaineering/Alpine…
Review: Sierra Designs Gnar Jacket
Fleeces have been the go to insulation layer for quite some time. While they insulate well, there are some significant drawbacks. Chief among these are that they’re not even remotely windproof, and they’re bulky in a backpack. Recently though, there’s been a trend to replace the fleece with a very light down jacket as down…
Review: Klymit Kinetic Vest
For all it’s flash, there really isn’t that much innovation in the outdoor world. Sure, designs get reworked on a yearly basis. New breathable fabrics come out, but they’re mostly based on the same technology that came out 30 years ago. That is to say, innovation in the outdoor world is evolutionary, rather than revolutionary….
Review: Osprey Talon 22
Looking for an lightweight pack for fast and light day hikes? Osprey introduced the Talon series of packs (sizes ranging from 4 all the way up to 44 liters) this year as part of their Active Light Pursuits series. We’ve been testing the Talon 22 on some of our day hikes around the Cascades this fall. Read more for the full review.
Review: Hi-Tec Rainier eVent WPI
The Rainier boot is a full backpacking boot from Hi-Tec that is loaded with features. Burly enough for a week long backpacking trip, but light enough for day hikes, the Rainier aims to be your all-around boot. The boot itself consists of a high quality water-poof leather upper with some stylistic rubber. The soles are…
Review: Columbia Power Terrain Jacket
With the massive amount of rain the Pacific Northwest has been having lately, I thought it was time to review a hard shell jacket. The Power Terrain Jacket from Columbia is a waterproof hard shell jacket. It is fully seam sealed, with pit zips, and includes Columbia’s Omni-Tech breathable fabric. The fit of the jacket…
Review: Nau Shroud of Purrin Jacket
In the outdoor world, there aren’t many jackets that go from the office to the trail. Those that do make you look like you’re going hiking while you’re at the office. If you’re looking for a bit more stylish option, you might want to take a look at the Shroud of Purrin jacket from Nau….
Review: Primus Eta Solo Stove
If you’ve been looking for a single person canister stove, there hasn’t been a lot of options until recently. JetBoil came out with their PCS stove first. Later on, MSR came out with their Reactor stove. Other than that, there hasn’t been a lot of competition. Enter the Eta Solo. I first saw the Eta…