Looking for a jacket that's got it all?? I had the pleasure of testing out this amazing fleece lined hooded jacket throughout the fall of 2021. I used it daily when teaching Outdoor Education and on a personal level for general and outdoor use. Here are my thoughts on this very versatile piece:

​Kuhl The One Hoody
​Price: $179 USD
Sizes: XS to XL
Colours: Deep Blush, Raven, Quartz, Inkwell, Sea Pine, Antique Rose, Peony
Weight: 311g or 10.9 oz (size M)

Features: 

This athletic fitted jacket boasts several abilities. It is windproof, water resistant, insulated but highly breathable. It comes in 7 different colours and 5 different sizes!

Cinchable hood with brim
Two hand pockets with zippers
Bottom hem drawcord
Subtle reflective trims
Stretch cuff at wrists
Underarms gusseted for enhanced breathability

Pro's:

Picking up this jacket for the first time it is evident that this jacket is of high quality. You will immediately notice the water resistant outer shell and the soft fleecy interior. You'll also notice how comfortable it is when you wear it. It is the perfect amount of cozy and warm. I find I grab it often because of the comfort. 

I teach in both indoor and outdoor environments and through the fall of 2021, I wore this jacket from outdoors in everything from hot and humid conditions to cold bitter wind. In low and moderate output, the theromoregulating breathability of the insulating Aeroknit material works really well, keeping the user at a comfortable temperature at all times. At high output, my favourites are still the VerticalXAir and Polartec Alpha insulted breathable materials as I found the heat and humidity built too much under The One hoody. That said The One hoody thermoregulates way better than a traditional fleece or synthetic hoody. 

The advantage of The One hoody over the other breathable insulation materials I have tried is it's wind cutting capabilities. Most insulating breathable garments are very porous and dump heat quite well but don't do well in windy environments. The One hoody is excellent at keeping the user protected from the wind and cozy and dry on the inside. I would pick this hoody as a 'go-to' breathable insulated jacket if you are often in windy environments. 

While wearing this hoody at home making a sandwich, I accidently got some butter on the outside of the jacket. When I went to wash it off, I was amazed at the water resistant outer fabric and how well the water beaded off the jacket. The grease stain came out after pouring very hot water on it and using detergent and the jacket again looks like new. 

The features like the hood with the brim came in handy for me on times I was caught in a chilly wind or drizzling downpour. It is easy to cinch down and being fleece lined allow my head to trap heat quite quickly.

The MikroAir stretch nylon ensures that the user doesn't feel restricted in motion which I felt was true in all but one area. The quilted patterning and linear design on the back panel is flattering and not bulky.

I opted for the size medium although I am normally caught between size small and medium in most women's clothing. I am happy I got the medium size as it gives me a little extra room for comfort and layering underneath.

Is it really The One? My verdict is yes. This jacket can do a lot: It cuts wind, keeps the user comfortable by doing the thermoregulating work, is lightweight and can repel water. What more do you need?

Con's

The only con I have for this jacket is that it is a bit tight across the front of the shoulders at the armpit level. It slightly limits some shoulder motion. The emphasis here is on the word slight and is only slightly noticeable. For reference I am not broad shouldered and have a small chest.

Best Uses: Low to moderate output outdoor activities in windy environments. Stand alone piece for spring, summer, fall camping/hiking/instructing/walking and part of a layering system in winter. ​

Looking for a new pair of hiking pants? One with unique features like no other? Then check out the women's Kuhl Trekr pant. After testing these pants out during work and play for the fall of 2021, I have never found a pair of outdoor pants with this many features. I wore the Trekr's to teach Outdoor Education and for personal use hiking. 

Kuhl Trekr Pants
​Price: $89 USD
​Sizes: Size 0 to Size 16
Colours: Stone, Charcoal, Pine, Inkwell, Antique Rose
Weight: 361g or 12.7oz (Size 8)

Features: The Trekr pants are made from a polyester-nylon blend fabric that boasts amazing stretch and rebound. The mid-rise pants are fitted throughout the hip and thigh areas and have a 32" inseam. The Trekr's have an internal waist draw cord and 6 pockets, and come in 5 different colours and 9 different sizes!

Side seam cinching: 

Pro's:

The Trekr's feel lightweight on. If you're looking for a 3 season pant that moves with you, the Trekr offers  brushed fabric that feels comfortable on and moves with you in any direction. 

The accordian style cinching system is fast and easy to use converting the pants to capris in seconds. It is useful for fording river crossings, teaching canoeing in shallow water, and thermoregulating on a hotter day.

The number and versatility of the pockets is something I enjoy. The back two pockets have snap closures which are subtle and not something you feel while wearing them. I like that as a result the don't get caught on anything or get in the way. The two side thigh pockets are also great as they not only house the cinching strap but also serve to secure small items in. The two front hand pockets are also normal size, and give the pants a nice looking style to them. 

The Trekr's would not be my first pick for extreme temperatures in winter or in hot, humid summer conditions. Instead they seem to work well in most temperatures in between quite well and with the ability to switch them into capris quite quickly they are ideal for trekking and hiking. Their UPF 50+ rating means that they offer great protection from the sun's harmful rays. 

If I were to compare them directly to another pair of pants I own, they would be most similar to the Prana Halle pant but with better features. 

Cons:

I am normally between sizes 6 and 8 for women outdoor pants. I am normally a size 6 in Outdoor Research and Arc'teryx, but an 8 in Patagonia. I chose the 8 to be sure it fit but I found the fit a bit large and probably would have preferred the smaller size. If you are between sizes size down.

Best uses: Hiking, Backpacking, Trekking, General Everyday, Outdoor Instruction, etc

The Level Six Storm Leggings are a part of Level Six's neoprene swimwear line . I have tested this product out for the past two years in a variety of settings.

Level Six Storm Leggings
Colours: Black, Purple, Dark Teal/Print
Sizes: XS to XL
Price: $95 CDN

Features: 

• 1.2mm neoprene
• High waisted legging
• Raw edge leg opening
• Gusseted crotch
• Elastic waistband
• Reinforced knee area

Pros:

These leggings keep me so warm! The high waisted fit feels great when on and the neoprene is very flexible and comfortable. The reinforced knees have been very durable and I am so happy with their fit, function, and style.

Open water swimming - I use these leggings to open water long distance swim in starting at the end of August and through September. I don't enjoy having my shoulders being restricted so I just wear them over my speedo.  Sometimes a full wetsuit is just overkill! These leggings are the perfect addition to my swimming wardrobe and feel fantastic when swimming.  Your legs stay warm and your shoulders are free!

Paddling- I have worn these leggings in whitewater paddling (both canoeing and kayaking). They are great for keeping legs warm in cold water condition bridging the gap between drysuit season and board short season or vice versa come fall. 

I tend to pack these Storm leggings all summer just in case there is a cold rain or if the temperature is cool for some reason. I have gotten a lot of wear out of them and would like to try out  the other options in the neoprene swimwear line of Level Six. Great product Level Six!

Cons:

The leggings are showing some minor wear areas where the thigh straps of my whitewater canoe have rubbed on the material. This in no way impairs the garment's ability, but cosmetically is showing some wear areas. 

Best Uses: Open water swimming, whitewater canoeing and kayaking, SUPing, etc

The Level Six Ellesmere jacket is a 3 season waterproof-breathable paddling splash jacket for women.  I had the pleasure of testing this jacket out during the spring, summer and fall paddling seasons in 2020. 

Level Six Ellesmere Jacket
Sizes: XS to XL
Colours: Grotto Blue, Beet Red, Violet Indigo
Price: $190 CAD

Features:

• YKK Aqua guard zippers on the quarter-zip neck and arm pocket
• Adjustable neoprene waist
• Adjustable neoprene double cuff wrist system
• Fleece-lined collar and storm flap with laser-cut ventilation holes
• Removable / stowaway hood 
• Hidden safe key pocket
• Exhaust 2.5 UL ply waterproof breathable nylon

Pros:

The first thing you notice when you pick up this jacket is how lightweight it is. Not designed to be a full-on dry top, this splash jacket was designed with lightweight waterproof breathable nylon. 

When you put it on, you can't help but feel the soft fleece lined collar that when fully zipped offers protection over your chin. I didn't think I'd ever have this jacket fully zipped up but on a rainy and windy day in Georgian bay sea kayaking mid-summer it was full zipped. Using this jacket in spring and fall I also have in zipped up fully. 

Once you have the jacket on you need to adjust the two layers of wrist velcro straps. This is an important step when wanting to keep warm and dry. The cuffs fit well over my watch but then I couldn't see my watch on my wrist so I transferred it to attach around my PFD shoulder strap. The neoprene waist velcro straps also needs to be adjusted. This works well over spray skirts or even rainpants (if wearing the coat around camp).  

I prefer to keep the stowaway hood out as I tend to need it when wearing this jacket in rain and windy conditions. The hood offers good coverage from the rain and can be cinched down to stay on in the wind. 

The Exhaust 2.5UL waterproof-breathable fabric is indeed waterproof and breathable. I routinely get wet arms while sea kayaking and this jacket offers great protection from getting soaked, especially in colder water conditions. I have used the jacket in big swells and it has kept me dry each time. The fabric never had me feeling hot or sweaty, and offers great protection from the wind and rain. 

Cons:

The one and only con I have with product is the snap attachment for the hood. The snaps pull off way too easily, making it difficult to re-attach the hood back on after it has detached. This is especially true in the coldwater season and you are wearing the jacket and have gloves on. I found the snaps flimsy when pulling the hood out from under the PFD and in the wind.  Once when wearing the jacket in a motorboat the hood caught wind and only with cat-like reflexes did I save it from being blown off altogether. My recommendation is that this hood be sewn-in or more securely fastened to the jacket so that it becomes more durable in typical paddling conditions.

Best Uses: Recreational flatwater kayaking, sea kayaking, SUPing.

 The Level Six Emperor Drysuit is Level Six's premium drysuit for weathering the toughest tests on water be it whitewater expedition paddling or late season day tripping. I wanted to test out the Emperor drysuit and took it whitewater canoeing and paddling over the course of 2 seasons.

Level Six Emperor Drysuit
Price: $1125 CAD
Sizes: XS to XXL
Colours: Grotto Blue, Bright Yellow/Charcoal, Blaze Red/Charcoal

Features:

​Level Six uses Exhaust 3.0 Waterproof Breathable Nylon and Cordura for it's suit with re-enforced knees, elbows and seat areas. The neck and wrist gaskets are made from British latex, and it sports a double tunnel waistband that can house kayak skirts. There are 2 waterproof zippers: One at the back along the shoulder blades for entering/exiting and another small one near the groin area in the front. The suit has got articulated spine stitching that allows for greater upper body range of motion. Lastly, it's got a fleece lined hand warmer pocket on the chest and waterproof socks sewn into the pants. 

Pros:

Fit- According to the size chart on the website I should using the size small but when I went to try on the suit, I found the XS size fit me the best even at 5'6" tall. This could be that the suit was designed for males originally, and I found the small size to sloppy and long. I can tell using the extra small size that the hip section is not a women's specific design. The shoulder area gives loads of range of motion and I haven't felt restricted in it at all while paddling.

Durability- Hands down the Level Six Emperor Drysuit is the most burly and tough suit I have ever used. The fabric is bomber and durable and I have had no reason to think that this suit won't last for years to come

Waterproofness- After 2 seasons of use paddling, I haven't seen much signs of wear. I make sure to keep the socks part of the suit protected in shoes while paddling and in general take care of my gear. I have had no issues with gaskets or zippers leaking.

Versatility- I love that I can use this suit for all my cold water activities such as canoeing, kayaking, dock removal, and instructing.

Quality product- When you purchase this suit it is obvious that you are getting a quality product that if you treat well will last for many years. Compared to other suits, the material is more durable and bomber than other companies

Cons:

Zipper- Having an entry/exit zipper across the shoulder blades almost ensures that you cannot zip the suit up by yourself. Normally this isn't a problem for me as I always paddle with others but if you were at a put-in by yourself catching up with some friends to park 'n play then I might be a bit peeved I couldn't do up the zipper myself. This also was an issue with Con #2:

Anatomical issues- As a woman trying to use a men's drysuit, I had some difficulties when nature called. The idea of taking off the top half of the suit to pee is not an endeavour I ever want to pursue. But I had too....it was the only way I could pee. For a woman this is entirely frustrating and in no way user friendly.  I started packing my pee funnel that I originally bought for glacier travel as an option to use the small zipper at the front. It took me a few paddling days to bring up the courage to try it  (consequences could be disastrous) until one day I couldn't hold it and so I tried it.  It worked...but was difficult to coordinate through the front zip. Recommendation: Make an Empress suit designed for women with a butt zip!

Best Uses: Cold water paddling, Swift Water/Ice Rescue, Northern Canoe Tripping, Dock removal, etc

Level six's sun protection collection features a variety of tops and bottoms that combine UPF 50+ sun protection with a functional swim or paddling garment. The Sunseeker leggings are part of the sun protection collection and are found in two forms: reversible and regular. I tested out the  reversible leggings over 2 summers while paddling and swimming.

Level Six Sunseeker Leggings and Level Six Reversible Sunseeker Leggings:
Price: $60 CAD
Sizes: XS to XL
Colour: Regular: Navy, Juneberry, Silver Pine and Reversible: Kaleidoscope and Black Ripples

Features: 

The Sunseeker leggings are made of quick-drying 82% Polyamide/18% Elastane material that feels like regular women's bathing suit material. The 24" inseam means that they end halfway down my shin on my 5'6" frame.  The flatlock seams reduce chafing areas which keep the leggings looking new. The UPF 50+ sun protection means you can skip the sunscreen while wearing them!

The Kayoke is an innovative device created to improve the carrying capabilities of kayaks on portages and other uses. It was created by Scott Gill, a paddler who wanted to pick up and take his kayak down the portage trail and not be limited by kayak's traditionally poor carrying capabilities.

I thought this invention would be an interesting way of expanding one's kayaking range so I offered to test it out on my own fleet of kayaks. I tested the Kayoke out on a variety of watercraft including: whitewater kayaks, recreational kayaks, sea kayaks, solo canoes, and sit-on tops throughout the summer of 2019. As a canoe guide for over 25 years, I was also curious to see how it felt to portage a kayak.

Kayoke
Price: $119 CDN
Weight: 2.4lbs
Size Range: 14-21" cockpits
Load tested: 150lbs

Features:

The Kayoke comes with an adjustable molded plastic yoke along with ratchet strap and 2 hex keys.

​The website has a series of helpful 'how-to' videos to help you put the yoke together and how to attach it to your boat. 

Here is how it works:

​Test #1: Recreational Kayaks
Kayak: Perception Sundance
Cockpit width: 19"
Weight: 40lbs
Length: 9'5"
​
After watching the YouTube videos on how to set up and use the kayoke, my first test was on a typical recreational kayak. The Kayoke was easy to slip on over the bow and tighten around the hull of the boat. Portaging this boat using the recommended method in the videos (see photos below) was easy to do. I felt that the Kayoke made portaging this empty boat fairly easy I felt I could definitely portage this boat for awhile. That said, portaging a kayak is more difficult than a canoe as there is no balance point an you have maintain consistent pressure on the bow to pull it down. After using the Kayoke on this boat I would definitely recommend it for recreational kayaks.

Test #2: Whitewater Kayak
Kayak: Pyranha Ammo 
Cockpit width: 19"
Length: 6'9"
Weight: 35lbs

​One of my favourite whitewater kayak runs begins with a 5km portage on a old railbed in Algonquin Park. In past years I have loathed carrying my loaded boat on my shoulder for that length of time and have even resorted to renting boats just so could drag them along this portage. The Kayoke could be the solution to this problem. I set the Kayoke up on my Pyranha Ammo, the boat I would take on this run. The Kayoke fit the wider cockpit without issue and I could pick up the boat and carry it no problem. The only issue I could foresee is maintaining pressure on the bow for that length of time so my solution was to attach a tie-down strap to the bow handle on the kayak and pull it down using one hand while portaging. Unfortunately I wasn't able to try it out before this review was put up but I will update it as soon I do it. I am excited to use the Kayoke with this kayak. I also works on my husband's Pyranha Burn kayak.

Test #3: Sea Kayak
Kayak Tested: Wilderness Systems Tempest 165
Weight: 55lbs
Length: 16'5"
Cockpit width: 18"

I was eager to try the Kayoke out on my sea kayak to see if it would enable me to carry this boat further afield and possible even help me get this boat on the roof racks of my car by myself (something I can't do alone). After adjusting the jaws, I tried to use the recommended sliding method to get the kayoke on the boat. I had trouble getting the Kayoke on this way when the bow was very long and heavy and I needed a second person to help me out. If this was the case again, I figured out I could simply detach the ratchet strap and feed it around my cockpit so I could complete this process alone. Once on, the kayoke was securely in place. With difficultly, I lifted the kayak up and got it on my shoulders and held it just long enough to take the photo below. The kayak was extremely bow heavy and I struggled to keep it up. There would be no way I could portage this boat in this way even when empty as I could barely take one step. I also can't use the Kayoke to help me get it up on my car roof. There was nothing wrong with how the Kayoke attached to this craft it was just impractical and cumbersome to portage this boat on one's shoulders.

​Other watercraft and suggestions:

Solo Canoes:
I tried to fit the Kayoke on my solo whitewater canoe (an Esquif Zephyr) but it was too wide by 4". Suggestion - if the Kayoke had wider capabilities and the jaws were able to accommodate canoe gunnels I think this idea could work for those who paddle solo flatwater and whitewater canoes where you sit in the middle of the boat and don't have a traditional canoe yoke but still want to portage. There are a few removable canoe yokes on the market but nothing as easy to use like the Kayoke.

Sit-on-top and fishing kayaks:
One idea I had was that sit-on-top kayaks are annoying to carry as the don't have a traditional cockpit or handles of any kind. I was thinking the Kayoke could come in handy especially with anglers looking to portage their fishing kayak to their backcountry trout lakes. The Kayoke would have to be modified to accommodate wider kayaks, the rails of the boats and the jaws would have to be taller to accommodate head room.
​

Pros:

• ​Can carry a kayak
• Easy to use once jaws adjusted to your cockpit
• Online videos are good tutorials for set-up and use
• Compact to stow - jaws fold down
• Comes with hex keys (allen keys)
• Adjustable to for many cockpit sizes
• More practical to use on portages than carts or carrying over your shoulder
• Design could be adapted for other watercraft

Cons:

• Doesn't feel as comfortable as a canoe yoke as it doesn't form around shoulders and it is not padded
• Jaws can slip a bit on cockpit wet plastic - add foam to prevent slippage
• Adjustments normally took two tries when trying to fit boat
• Videos and photos of product show older versions or prototypes

Best Uses: Recreational kayaks

New for Fall 2018, the Outdoor Research Black Powder II Pants have been updated to be more streamlined and slimmed down. 

Outdoor Research Women's Black Powder II Pants
​Size: XS-L
Colour: Black, Saddle
​Price: $249 USD
Weight: 25.6oz/724g (medium)
Fit: Standard

Features:

The Black Powder II Pants feature a waterproof, windproof breathable Pertex Shield 200D 100% Nylon 

​Hand pockets (one with an avy beacon clip), thigh pocket and back pocket. Integrated belt system.

​Pros:
Durability - When the Blackpowder II Pants arrived, you can immediately feel the quality of the material used to make these pants. The 200D Pertex shield fabric instantly boosts your confidence that these pants will be able to withstand attacks from sharp edges and moisture. They feel very durable and no wonder they are popular with lifties and patrollers. 

Snowboard vs Ski - As a skier and a snowboarder, I actually preferred using these pants snowboarding. The durable Pertex Shield 200 D fabric was great when sitting down on the snow strapping into my board. The fabric shed snow and moisture really well and I felt they worked with my snowboard style better.  The internal gaiter fit well over both my snowboard and ski boots in the size medium unlike other reviewers have mentioned.

High Waist - OR has raised the fabric to cover part of the low back. I love this feature on some of their other pants like the Iceline Pant but really liked when snowboarding. Bending over is part of the deal snowboarding and I love how these pants had by back covered! 

Pockets - These pants have 4 usable pockets which come in handy as a ski/snowboard race coach. I could fit tools, extra lift tickets, money, and start lists in these hand pockets. 

​Insulation- I wouldn't call these pants well insulated but the burly outer fabric combined with the inner linings have kept me warm on the coldest of days. The polyester tricot lining feels great in areas where I feel cold the most:  the bum and hips.

Protection from the elements- I wore these pants in rainstorms and snowstorms this winter. Rain beaded off the Pertex fabric and left me feeling pretty confident that these pants can handle anything Mother Nature will throw at it. 

Cons:
Tight around hips - I found the pants a bit tight around the hips and I would consider myself an average built woman. For a women's specific design I would use or add more of a stretch material that contours around a woman's hips and allows for more freedom of movement  flexion and extension of knees and hips.

Heavy for touring - Although the Blackpowder II pants have touring features like a beacon pocket and clip, generous side venting options as well as breathable fabric, I would not use these pants for long uphill tours. Heli-skiing, catskiing and short sidecountry forays would be more appropriate. Not really a con per se, but wanted to clarify where I think they would best be used.

Belt - I love having belt systems on my outdoor pants. The internal belt system works well on these pants I would most definitely prefer velcro adjustments to this hook in style belt. I have used velcro before on OR's Iceline and Cirque pants and really like how quickly you can adjust it (in case you eat a big lunch!) as well as how well it snugs your sides. The webbing belt system is effective but didn't feel great all the time. A small piece of webbing definitely is less comfortable than velcro.

Best Uses: Resort Skiing and Snowboarding, Patrolling, Instructors, Lifties, Racing, Sidecountry

Disclaimer: I was given these ski pants as part of OR's #ORInsightLab. The opinions expressed in my review are completely my own.

The Outdoor Research Women's Transcendent Down Hoody was completely re-designed for Fall 2018 with a number of big changes. 

Outdoor Research Women's Transcendent Down Hoody
Sizes: XS to XL
Colours: Black, Lapis (blue), Slate, Garnet/Zin, Pacific Plum/Amethyst, Seaglass/Washed Peacock
Price: $225 USD
Weight: 12.9oz/ 366g

Features:

The Transcendent features water-resistant, wind-resistant 20D lightweight 100% ripstop polyester. It is filled with 650 responsibly sourced goose down insulation.

Pros:

Women's fit- New for Fall 2018, OR is introducing an all new women's fit. This new design fit is supposed to increase movement, layering, and leave room for expansion due muscle hypertrophy. As I see it, the Transcendent Hoody meets all of the criteria.  The hoody allows for ease of movement. I don't feel restricted at all in any plane of movement. Secondly, I can layer the hoody (size small) over multiple other layers including baselayers, insulating layers and shells. The puffy's thin profile also allows it to layer underneath shells seamlessly allowing it to be used for a variety of activities. Lastly, I can spot subtle details like the ruching around chest and upper back areas allowing for expansion in case you carry more size in those areas.
​
Compressibility- The Transcendent Hoody is 650 fill down jacket. Traditionally this means that the jacket is not as compressible as a 800 fill jacket nor as lightweight. I did a quick test to compare against two other jackets and found a striking outcome. The Transcendent jacket compresses smaller than the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody (800 fill- size small) but larger than the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Jacket (800 fill-size medium). I was surprised that this jacket beat out a market favourite 800 fill jacket for compressibility. Impressive! Check out the photos below a scroll over the for captions.

​Lightweight- According to the OR website, the medium sized Transcendent Hoody rings in at 12.9oz/366g. Comparing it to the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody at 13.1oz/371g for a medium. This again is a surprising outcome - a 650 fill jacket lighter than an 800 fill?  

Style- OR has expanded it's colour selection for women in recent years and so the jacket comes in a variety of colours. They have even created a few two-tone jackets such as mine in the Pacific Plum/Amethyst. I am enjoying these new style options for women - I am not a fan of the old way of taking a men's garment and  'shrink it and pink it' for women's outdoor clothing. I also like the new fit of the women's clothing...not too tight and not too loose. 

Warmth-  I have used the Transcendent Hoody the entire winter which had temperatures from above freezing to -30 below. I generally used the jacket as a mid-layer for resort skiing under a shell which worked fabulously. I also used it to throw on and off before and after cross country skiing and snowshoeing in the car. I can't say that I was ever cold in the jacket - it performs well for warm and is not lacking warmth by any means but I didn't use it as an outer layer when standing around in the winter. I am looking forward to using it this spring as a hiking lunchtime layer and as a stand along when spring camping. It hasn't replaced my belay parka and winter camping expedition down jackets but does the job for an in between layer.

Weather Resistance - The 20D ripstop nylon feels lightweight and slippery. It has been able to handle some light moisture (moist snow and light rain). It protects me from the wind well and the hood is great at bumping up warmth and protection if the weather is not agreeable.

Cons:
Baffle fill-When I saw the Transcendent online, the wide baffles and photo made me think that jacket would be a mid-poof-sized down jacket landing somewhere between my expedition size down jacket and my lightweight thin down jacket. When it  first arrived  I was disappointed to see the baffles weren't completely stuffed resembling more of a lightweight thin down jacket. I'm not sure what the ratio of down to feathers is in the baffles but they seem to be evenly filled and puff out somewhat but not to the degree I was imagining. I would recommend that it be distinguished a bit more from the Outdoor Research Illuminate 800 fill (which is competitive with the top 800 fill lightweight jackets on the market) and an expedition puffy, even if it decreases compressibility and increases weight. I would fill the baffles and fatten the jacket out a bit more. Sure it might mean that it doesn't work as a mid-layer anymore, but that's what the jackets like the Illuminate are for. I would love a puffy that works as an outer layer for non-expedition temperatures.

Durability - The 20D nylon fabric has stood up to all the use and abuse I have put it through this winter. While wearing it I threw my alpine skis over my shoulder, leaned the metal edges of my xc skis against it and even got it caught a couple times in doors and backpacks. So far it has stood up to the test of time unlike my 10D Ghost Whisperer puffy that has multiple holes in it. I do hope it continues to shine but if this is what has given the puffy it's lightweightness, I have to question it's long term durability.

Best Uses: Mid-layer for resort skiing, an overlayer for aerobic winter activities, hut puffy, casual.

Disclaimer: I was given this puffy as part of the #ORInsightLab. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.