Here we go again! My fifth annual top ten favourite pieces of women's outdoor gear from 2019 is out! These pieces I have used, abused and tested to be bomber pieces that I can't live without. Here's what made the list this year:
1. Kula Cloth
The Kula Cloth is a piece of gear every outdoor woman should own. It's an intelligently designed anti-microbial pee cloth that is re-usable! It's super easy to clean and dries very quickly especially when hanging from your pack using the different snap features. I find myself packing this highly absorbent 0.5 oz piece of gear all the time. The best part is that less toilet paper gets left in our environment which makes our planet happier!
2. Arc'teryx Oriel Leggings
For years I looked for a pair of leggings that can withstand the abuse that rock climbing demands of them. The number one issue with previous pairs was the fraying of the thread on the seams in the inner knee area. This spring I found what I was looking for: Arc'teryx made climbing specific legging designed without seams on the inner knee. Add to that the abrasion resistant fabric, large phone pocket (it fits my iPhone XR), 3 fab colours, and comfortable waistband makes this product a slam dunk. I used my one pair all climbing season in super hot and super cold conditions and they were perfect through it all. I may need a second pair of the Oriels!
3. Nemo Hornet 1P
After searching far and wide for a lightweight solo tent I ended up selecting the Nemo Hornet 1P. If you're a female counting grams looking for double walled tent (no condensation), that is partially free standing (better for pitching on rock and tent platforms) and is lightweight (2.0 lbs) then this is your tent. Yes there are lighter ones out there (without poles and cost $$$) but this little tent has been fantastic so far and I am looking forward to spending more nights in it.
4. Outdoor Research ActiveIce Sun Sleeves and Gloves
As a hiker, cyclist, and paddler, I often find myself being pounded by UV rays. I also find I need to adjust my layering often to suit wind and temperature swings. My favourite go-to solution this summer was to use the OR ActiveIce Sun sleeves and gloves. They saved my arms not only from getting sunburned, but also from getting bitten by bugs during bug season. They are super quick to take on or off (I can keep hiking as I do this) and stuff easily into a hip pocket or stashed in the back of my bike jersey. The ActiveIce crystals keep the fabric feeling cool next to your skin on hot days, and the gloves gripped my hiking poles and paddle well. Fantastic product!
5. Montbell Wickron Stretch Trail Skirt
A trend in women's hiking (and for men too!) is to hike in a skirt. I was curious about this trend so I tried it out this summer and fell in love with the idea. Much cooler than shorts, skirts allow a freedom of movement I had never experienced before. After trying out a few different brands, my favourite was the Montbell Wickron Stretch Trail skirt. Super fast-drying, stretchy, and weighs only 2.8 oz. An added bonus when wearing skirts occurs when nature calls and you don't have to bare your bum to the world!
6. Garmin Fenix 5S Watch
The Garmin Fenix Multisport watch series is a dream for any multi-sport outdoor gal. Jam-packed with features such as GPS tracking for a number of different sports including everything from pool swimming, to downhill skiing, to triathlon, to hiking, to golfing this watch can do it all. It has regular fitness tracking features like steps, stairs, and heart rate as well as sports watch features alarm clocks and sunset times. It also has a barometric altimeter as well as a barometer and has the ability to receive text messages from cellphones and inReach devices. The best part about it is that the watch face isn't huge like other brands and fits well on my small girly wrist.
7. Outdoor Research Cirque Pants
I own waaaay too many pairs of softshell pants. The OR Cirque pants are among my favourite softshell pants for winter adventuring be it ice climbing or winter hiking/mountaineering. They withstand abuse, are super comfy and stretchy, breathable, and have an awesome waistband that keeps the pants in place. I had to go down one size compared to my normal OR pant size for these ones, but they fit well even allowing me to fit a baselayer underneath. I will be using them on several mountain days again this winter I'm sure.
8. Patagonia Nano Puff Vest
One garment I keep grabbing over and over again is the Patagonia Nano Puff Vest. This thin vest is insulated with Primaloft Gold Eco and made from 55% post-recycled content. The quilting pattern is style-y and super warm which is why I almost can't leave home without it. So far it's been super durable and I've had no issues with and of the manufacturing. As with all Patagonia products you can be sure it's made in the most earth-friendly way possible and your money helps support their environmental initiatives.
9. Arc'teryx Sentinel LT Jacket
Gore-tex shell ski jackets are not something new, but the Arc'teryx Sentinel LT jacket has feminized their design by lengthening the hem to cover the hips. This jacket has now become a favourite of mine on the slopes. With features like a helmet compatible storm hood, powder skirt, pit zips, numerous pockets and 3L Goretex, this jacket has all you need to freeride in deep powder or slide on groomers. I love that on rainy or wet days my butt is covered on the chair ride and the longer design is warmer and slimming. I fit into the small in this jacket but went with the medium so I could fit a down puffy underneath for colder days.
10. Kong Panic Quickdraw
Climbing a route with a hard-to-reach bolt? Enter the Kong Panic Draw. A friend of mine had one on a recent climbing trip and I instantly fell in love with it. Like a mini-stick-clip and quick draw in one, this draw helps manage risk by extending your reach (by 30cm or 45cm lengths) to clip into that hard-to-reach bolts. Recently a rock fall at my local crag made one of my favourite routes super risky with two less hand holds and a bolt that's now 2 feet too far. The Kong Panic Draw lessened my anxiety. I saw 3 women have one at the crag that day and I can see why they are so handy, especially when some routes are set for those 6 feet tall!
Need other ideas? Check out my top ten lists from 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015.
1. Kula Cloth
The Kula Cloth is a piece of gear every outdoor woman should own. It's an intelligently designed anti-microbial pee cloth that is re-usable! It's super easy to clean and dries very quickly especially when hanging from your pack using the different snap features. I find myself packing this highly absorbent 0.5 oz piece of gear all the time. The best part is that less toilet paper gets left in our environment which makes our planet happier!
2. Arc'teryx Oriel Leggings
For years I looked for a pair of leggings that can withstand the abuse that rock climbing demands of them. The number one issue with previous pairs was the fraying of the thread on the seams in the inner knee area. This spring I found what I was looking for: Arc'teryx made climbing specific legging designed without seams on the inner knee. Add to that the abrasion resistant fabric, large phone pocket (it fits my iPhone XR), 3 fab colours, and comfortable waistband makes this product a slam dunk. I used my one pair all climbing season in super hot and super cold conditions and they were perfect through it all. I may need a second pair of the Oriels!
3. Nemo Hornet 1P
After searching far and wide for a lightweight solo tent I ended up selecting the Nemo Hornet 1P. If you're a female counting grams looking for double walled tent (no condensation), that is partially free standing (better for pitching on rock and tent platforms) and is lightweight (2.0 lbs) then this is your tent. Yes there are lighter ones out there (without poles and cost $$$) but this little tent has been fantastic so far and I am looking forward to spending more nights in it.
4. Outdoor Research ActiveIce Sun Sleeves and Gloves
As a hiker, cyclist, and paddler, I often find myself being pounded by UV rays. I also find I need to adjust my layering often to suit wind and temperature swings. My favourite go-to solution this summer was to use the OR ActiveIce Sun sleeves and gloves. They saved my arms not only from getting sunburned, but also from getting bitten by bugs during bug season. They are super quick to take on or off (I can keep hiking as I do this) and stuff easily into a hip pocket or stashed in the back of my bike jersey. The ActiveIce crystals keep the fabric feeling cool next to your skin on hot days, and the gloves gripped my hiking poles and paddle well. Fantastic product!
5. Montbell Wickron Stretch Trail Skirt
A trend in women's hiking (and for men too!) is to hike in a skirt. I was curious about this trend so I tried it out this summer and fell in love with the idea. Much cooler than shorts, skirts allow a freedom of movement I had never experienced before. After trying out a few different brands, my favourite was the Montbell Wickron Stretch Trail skirt. Super fast-drying, stretchy, and weighs only 2.8 oz. An added bonus when wearing skirts occurs when nature calls and you don't have to bare your bum to the world!
6. Garmin Fenix 5S Watch
The Garmin Fenix Multisport watch series is a dream for any multi-sport outdoor gal. Jam-packed with features such as GPS tracking for a number of different sports including everything from pool swimming, to downhill skiing, to triathlon, to hiking, to golfing this watch can do it all. It has regular fitness tracking features like steps, stairs, and heart rate as well as sports watch features alarm clocks and sunset times. It also has a barometric altimeter as well as a barometer and has the ability to receive text messages from cellphones and inReach devices. The best part about it is that the watch face isn't huge like other brands and fits well on my small girly wrist.
7. Outdoor Research Cirque Pants
I own waaaay too many pairs of softshell pants. The OR Cirque pants are among my favourite softshell pants for winter adventuring be it ice climbing or winter hiking/mountaineering. They withstand abuse, are super comfy and stretchy, breathable, and have an awesome waistband that keeps the pants in place. I had to go down one size compared to my normal OR pant size for these ones, but they fit well even allowing me to fit a baselayer underneath. I will be using them on several mountain days again this winter I'm sure.
8. Patagonia Nano Puff Vest
One garment I keep grabbing over and over again is the Patagonia Nano Puff Vest. This thin vest is insulated with Primaloft Gold Eco and made from 55% post-recycled content. The quilting pattern is style-y and super warm which is why I almost can't leave home without it. So far it's been super durable and I've had no issues with and of the manufacturing. As with all Patagonia products you can be sure it's made in the most earth-friendly way possible and your money helps support their environmental initiatives.
9. Arc'teryx Sentinel LT Jacket
Gore-tex shell ski jackets are not something new, but the Arc'teryx Sentinel LT jacket has feminized their design by lengthening the hem to cover the hips. This jacket has now become a favourite of mine on the slopes. With features like a helmet compatible storm hood, powder skirt, pit zips, numerous pockets and 3L Goretex, this jacket has all you need to freeride in deep powder or slide on groomers. I love that on rainy or wet days my butt is covered on the chair ride and the longer design is warmer and slimming. I fit into the small in this jacket but went with the medium so I could fit a down puffy underneath for colder days.
10. Kong Panic Quickdraw
Climbing a route with a hard-to-reach bolt? Enter the Kong Panic Draw. A friend of mine had one on a recent climbing trip and I instantly fell in love with it. Like a mini-stick-clip and quick draw in one, this draw helps manage risk by extending your reach (by 30cm or 45cm lengths) to clip into that hard-to-reach bolts. Recently a rock fall at my local crag made one of my favourite routes super risky with two less hand holds and a bolt that's now 2 feet too far. The Kong Panic Draw lessened my anxiety. I saw 3 women have one at the crag that day and I can see why they are so handy, especially when some routes are set for those 6 feet tall!
Need other ideas? Check out my top ten lists from 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015.
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