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