In need of an all round baselayer with women's specific fit? Look no further. Alpine Fit's Rendezvous Ridgeline longsleeve baselayer top and Backcountry Baselayer bottoms have you covered. I had the opportunity of testing out this combination over the winter and spring of 2023 while backcountry skiing, hiking, resort skiing, under a drysuit whitewater kayaking, and sea kayaking. 

Alpine Fit Rendezvous Ridge Longsleeve Baselayer
Sizes: XS to XXL
Colours: Misty Bering Sea Blue, Winter Moss Green
Price: $129.00 USD
Weight: 5 oz
Fit options: Wild Iris and Azalea 

Alpine Fit Backcounty Baselayer Bottoms
Sizes: XS to XXL
Colours: Misty Bering Sea Blue, Winter Moss Green
Price: $129.00 USD
Weight: 5 oz (size M)

Features:

​The Rendezvous Ridge top and Backcountry Baselayer bottoms are made from the same synthetic fabric blend of polyester, lycocell, spandex and ionic polyester. Alpine Fit call it their 'Sterling' fabric. How does this stand out from other manufacturers? Having silver weaved through this fabric makes it odor-resistant, something that many outdoor adventurers need on multi-day expeditions or multiple uses between washes. The fabric is also lightweight, quickdrying, and is also UPF 50+ rated. The fabric also contains recycled fibers, and are specially spun to be soft and anti-chafing. 

Sizing and Fit: 

One of the more interesting ways that Alpine Fit stands out above the crowd of outdoor clothing retailers are their different size and fit options. Offering two general body shape options for both men and women, all their garments are are offered in XS to XXL size options for women and S to XXL for men. Let's dive into the shape options first.

After looking at the diagram above and comparing myself to the many models on their webpage, I originally thought I was a Wild Iris shape as I have a straight boxy shape  through my torso. To figure out which size within the shape I got out a flexible measuring tape and measuring my hip and waist. I found that I had 9.5" to 10" difference between my waist and hip, which lands me right inbetween the Wild Iris and Azalea fits. For the most part, if you have less that 9.5" difference you land in the Wild Iris camp, and more than 10" you land in the Azalea. I have never considered myself curvy, but after looking at the many photos of the models, comparing myself to the size charts I found that I looked the model photo Althea, and decided that I needed a small Azalea fit. I probably could have gotten away with a Wild Iris top, but decided to go with Azalea so that the bottom of the top would flare out over my wider hips. 

The company has a size and fit section of their website to help users out with lots of photo of different models. If you are still stuck and unsure of which shape and size to get, the uber-friendly staff will gladly be of assistance to figure out what size options work best for you.

When my baselayer set arrived, the bottoms fit perfectly. The top fit well on a snug level but I ended up exchanging it for a medium just so that it had a looser, more flattering fit. 

​Pros:

The first thing you notice right out of the package is that the texture of the fabric is extremely soft. It feels similar to brushed flannel, except that it's not cotton! I found myself reaching for these baselayers more often that my others as they are so much more comfortable than my normal synthetic layers.

I would categorize these base layers into the mid-weight synthetic category. So not as thin as an Outdoor Research Echo layer or thin summer running shirt but similar to a Helly Hanson Lifa Active Crew, Lululemon Swiftly Tech, or Arc'teryx Phase AR. Only weighing 5oz in size medium, they definitely don't feel heavy or thick on and do breathe very well.

I tested these baselayers out in a variety of conditions and sports. In winter sports backcountry nordic and alpine skiing, and downhill skiing, they performed very well. They seemed to balance the warmth needed for these adventures and the breathability. Worn underneath other layers, the wide band around my stomach was comfortable the fabric fit well around my body probably due to different size and fit options. I also found they layered well under a drysuit.

I appreciate the odor control fabric. As a person who does multi-week paddling expeditions, I am happy that this fabric offers what most other synthetic fabrics do not. For those of us who use Lululemon Swiftly Tech shirts (the owner of Alpine Fit Jen used to work for Lululemon), also have silver weaved through but do not have the soft texture or fit options that Alpine Fit does. I loved wearing these base layers under my drysuit this spring.

As someone who conscious of sun exposure and skin damage, I was delighted to hear the Sterling fabric is UPF 50+ rated. When using the baselayers in paddling and hiking outings, I didn't have to worry about slathering sunscreen on my skin where the top covers. 

As an eco-conscious buyer, I was also happy to hear that Alpine Fit has an environmental stewardship plan woven to their business, and use recycled fibers in their fabric. Even their mailing envelopes are a cardboard material and not plastic. 

All in all, I am very impressed with Alpine Fit. This woman led business deserves a chunk of outdoor retail space with their innovative fabrics, custom shapes and fit, and well thought out needs of the outdoor adventurer. You can find them:

Instagram: @alpinefitco 
Facebook: Alpine Fit
​Website: alpinefit.com


Cons:

The heathered fabric colour is beautiful but it does show water splashes or perspiration as the fabric darkens with moisture. I am wondering if there could be a darker colour option created?

I am a big fan of base layers with hoods and am wondering if a hooded option could be in the works? For me that would make the Rendezvous Ridge top perfect! 

Best Uses: Cooler condition active activities like paddling, skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking.

Full Disclosure: Alpine Fit provided me with these base layers for the purpose of this review.

Alpine Fit has created a unique merino wool beanie style hat that can be used for multiple purposes. I tried this hat out during the winter of 2023 while nordic skiing, backcountry skiing, downhill skiing (under a helmet), hiking, snowshoeing and casual use. Here are my thoughts:

Alpine Fit Nordic Anywhere Merino Wool Hat
Size: One Size
Colours: Kelp Green, Charcoal Grey, Outer Coast Blue
Price: $40 USD
Weight: 1.4 Oz

Features:

The Alpine Fit Nordic Anywhere Merino Wool hat is made from 100% ethically sourced merino wool that is both soft and odor-resistant. The hat circumference is 21 inches plus stretch and is made in Anchorage, Alaska. It features two different ingenious ways of wearing it: slouch style or brim style.

Pros:

My first impression of this merino wool hat right out of the package was how soft it is. This fabric feels pleasant to wear and is not itchy whatsoever. The hat has a double layer of the merino wool but feels lightweight and very comfortable. The hat performed well in athletic contexts - it is breathable but warm. 

I am absolutely in love with the slouchy look option of this athletic hat. So many winter athletic hats are carbon copies of the same design and I love how this one is so different. I normally wear it in slouch mode but when wearing it under certain helmets, I fold it into brim style. I love how I can wear it for both athletic wear but also for casual use. It has a great outdoor community vibe to it! 

I tried the beanie/toque under a climbing helmet and downhill ski helmet (and it would also work under a bike helmet). For my climbing helmet I did have to fold it up to brim style to get extra layers over my ears but for downhill skiing I could just pull it right over in slouch style. I liked how this worked as I could transition the hat seamlessly into 'apres-ski' style immediately.

The beanie/toque covers the ears very well in either mode. I have found some winter athletic hats that creep up but this one doesn't. It is also very small and compact, making it an easy choice for bringing along anywhere.

Over this winter this hat has become my 'go-to' hat for winter athletic wear and for casual use. I always find myself grabbing it! I am going to buy this hat in other colours! Check out the link above for more glowingly positive reviews and photos. 

Cons:

In colder wind, I could feel my ears get a bit chilly in slouch mode. The solution is simple: fold over the fabric into brim style. It eliminates the chill immediately! 

Best Uses: Casual use, winter sports, under a bike or climbing helmet.

Full Disclosure: Alpine Fit provided me this hat for the purpose of this review. It has become my absolute favourite hat so I would have bought it anyway!

Alpine Fit has created a stylish slim merino wool lined headband to keep your ears toasty in cooler conditions. It is made with a lightweight, breathable, quick-drying fabric that I tested over the winter of 2023 while nordic skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking, and backcountry alpine skiing. How did it perform? Keep reading!

Alpine Fit Merino Wool Lined Headband
Colours: Sea to Sky, Tree Light, Summit Horizon, Stone Marble, Chugach Dusk, Purple Mountain
Size: One Size
Price: $30 USD
Weight: 1.5oz

Features:

Alpine Fit has combined an inner fabric made of 100% merino wool and a wicking polyester fabric as it's outer. The merino wool is ethically sourced and the wicking polyester printed fabric is made from 86% recycled fabric. The polyester fabric also has 14% stretch to accommodate different head sizes. The headband has a 19 inch circumference and and is made in Alaska.

Pros:

I was super excited to receive this headband and had a difficult time deciding on which print to get. The colour choices are all amazing and so stylish! I finally decided on the Summit Horizon pattern because I wear a lot of blue and did not regret it for one minute. I am thinking the Sea to Sky might be next! 

The headband covers my larger-than-average forehead and fits comfortably around my head circumference. I don't ever feel any tension and I am sensitive to headwear that is 'too tight'. The dual fabric is soft, smooth, and stretchy. The website does not show the width of this headband so I measured it:  3.5 inches wide.

In winter conditions, my ears were never cold. My head was able to vent heat and I felt comfortable and warm around my ears. The headband was able to cut the wind and was able to wick any moisture from my sweat glands.

The headband is indeed lightweight and packs up small. I love how it can be stashed in anywhere: Easily fits in a pocket, hip belt pocket, or pack. 

Although I never tried this, the headband looks like it can be easily reversed and worn with the merino wool side out. I always preferred to have the print side out but it could be done!

Comparing this headband to other brands I have tried like Buff, Icebreaker and Patagonia, I can hands down say that this one is my absolute favourite! It hits the mark when it comes to keeping the ears cozy but being able to regulate heat as well as adding a stylish pattern to it's look. I love it for all my winter aerobic pursuits. I would get one ASAP! 

Cons:

To be honest, I normally can find something I don't like about a product, but in this case I can't identify one! This one is a keeper! I need more!

Best uses: Nordic skiing, winter hiking, running, or under a climbing/biking helmet!

Full disclosure: Alpine Fit sent me this headband for the purpose of this review. I definitely would have bought this headband regardless I love it that much!

Tired of your phone battery losing power when outside in cold temperatures? So was I. Not only does my battery power drop over the course of a day outside but also my phone's battery health after a winter normally drops 5%. I scoured the internet to find a solution. After not finding many options with positive reviews, I tried a couple of options including non-insulated cases combined with handwarmers, and finally the Treqa Artic and Polar insulated phone cases. The non-insulated-handwarmer combo was no comparision to the Treqa options. I tested these two cases out over the course of the winter of 2022 while downhill and cross country skiing, winter camping, and teaching outdoor education.

Never heard of Treqa? They are experts in synthetic insulation and have created these phone cases for the purpose of multi-day winter travel. They recommend wearing the phone case in an inner pocket but I tested the cases out in the inner, outer and also hanging off my pack chest strap.

Treqa Arctic Insulated Phone Case
Size: 3.5" x 7.25" (Fits all iPhones and most Android/Samsung Phones)
Colour: Navy, Indigo, Yellow, Sky Blue, Orange, Slate Blue
Price: $24.99 CAD

Treqa Polar Insulated Phone Case
Size: 4” x 7.25”
Colours: Orange, Red, Yellow, Mint, Sky Blue
Price: $39.00 CAD

Features:

Similarities: Both the Arctic and Polar cases are designed to work best while used in a inside pocket. They they both use synthetic insulation, have durable outer fabrics and zippers that don't snag or slide improperly.

Differences: The Artic has 150gsm of synthetic insulation whereas the Polar bumps it up to 200gsm. The Polar case is slightly larger in size and has a corner zip whereas the smaller Arctic case has a top zip. The Polar case has a more robust outer fabric that is water resistant therefore being at a higher price point.

Both cases are windproof, are filled with hypoallergenic insulation and have a black webbing belt loop that sits vertically on the back of the case.

Pros:

They work! After a winter of testing, my battery health percentage has not dropped from 100%! In addition my battery power level never once dropped rapidly like it does without a case. I didn't always wear the phone case on the inside pocket either. I wore it on the inside pocket, outside chest pocket during cross country skiing and sometimes even hanging off a backpack chest strap on milder days.

After a winter of testing both insulated cases, I found that they are both very durable. The photo above is after a winter of testing and they both still look new!

The Polar case is slightly larger and therefore I reached for it a bit more than the Arctic case. It also has the advantage of a higher amount of insulation and a water repellant fabric which I seem to gravitate to more then using it in the jacket outside chest pockets and hanging off my backpack. For the Arctic case, I tended to use it more when stuffing it inside an inner pocket when downhill skiing. Both cases fit my iPhone 12 Pro and Lifeproof Case inside with ease. Note: I normally only wore the case externally in temperatures above the freezing mark and inside below freezing. If wearing the case externally in below freezing temperatures, I would recommend adding a hand warmer as the phone does get cold to the touch.

Both cases are lightweight and slim. They are not bulky and come in a variety of colours. I think they are both priced at an affordable price point.

I liked both cases and would recommend either. This is the first case I have found that my battery was preserved well and would highly recommend this case for anyone wanting to recreate outdoors in the winter while maintaining battery power and battery health of their phone.

Cons:

When my phone was stuff inside the case inside an inner pocket let's say while downhill skiing it worked perfectly. When cross country skiing I stuff the phone and case into a outer chest pocket as my cross country ski attire is much thinner and pocket options are more limited. When building up heat and sweat aerobically, the moisture travelled from my skin through my baselayer and jacket and then the case to produce some moisture on the outside of my phone. This would be something I might want to address or change in future versions of this case. An outer fabric that is a bit more moisture repellent would be ideal.

The corner zip on the Polar case is a neat feature but I didn't find that it worked well with my iPhone 12 Pro and Lifeproof case. When stuffed in a chest pocket (inner or outer) it was difficult to access the phone as it kept getting caught on the corner. I would need two hands to remove it instead of one. Apparently this design issue will be fixed in the next roll out of cases.

There has been a movement towards winter insulated products that are battery powered. I would love to see a case with heating elements inside with a small battery to power it. This would be great for those extra cold days!

Best Uses: Outdoor cold weather recreation for anyone wanting to maintain cell phone battery power.

Full Disclosure: Treqa provided me with these cases for the purpose of this review.

Looking for a warm synthetic layering jacket? Look no further than the Women's Treqa Sonam and Dablam jackets. Never heard for of Treqa? Neither had I, but I am paying attention to this small Canadian company working it's way into the outdoor market. Interesting fact: They get all their products manufactured in Nepal, a place near and dear to my heart. 

The Sonam and Dablam jackets are meant for warm in cold environments where you are doing more sedentary activity. Both have equal levels of insulation, but the Dablam is meant for layering under a shell whereas the Sonam can be used on it's own and is more windproof. I tested out both these jackets throughout the cold winter of 2022 while downhill skiing, winter camping, ice fishing and teaching outdoor ed.

Treqa Sonam Jacket
Sizes: XS to XXL
Colours: Green, Black, Blue
Price: $182 CAD
Weight: 21.2oz

Treqa Dablam Jacket
Sizes: XS to XXL
Colours: Black, Red, Blue
Price: $184 CAD
​Weight: 16.6oz

Features of the Treqa Sonam Jacket:

Features of the Treqa Dablam Jacket:

Pros:

Both jackets were very warm! Both the Sonam and the Dablam have a whopping 150 grams per square meter of insulation. What does that mean? Both jackets are best for temperature ranges of 0C to +10C. That said, I wore those jackets as midlayer under a shell most of the winter down to -25C. The insulation is woven so that it doesn't shift therefore reducing heat loss which you can feel when you wear it! 

After using them as midlayers for an entire winter, I can say that they performed equally or better than my down midlayers. They performed better for warmth than my existing synthetic fleece jackets and synthetic Arc'teryx Atom LT.  I was pleasantly surprised that both jackets kept me warm and cozy during a colder-than-normal winter. The Sonam is more windproof than the Dablam, and I used it often without a shell overtop on milder days. I am looking forward to wearing them as stand alone pieces in the spring and fall.

Treqa boasts that you get more insulation per square meter compared to mainstream name brand synthetic insulated jackets on their website but you pay more for it. At $182-$184 per jacket they are well underpriced compared to other manufacturers. A Treqa jacket offers you better insulation for less money! Check out their comparison chart versus big name brands on this page. 

As a woman who fluctuates between small and medium sizing (small in OR an Patagonia, medium in Arc'teryx), I found that the small Treqa jackets fit best. I could fit a baselayer or other thin layers underneath and the small jackets fit well under my shells.

I found the features of this jacket to be well thought out. Two hand pockets and one inner pocket big enough to fit a phone in an insulated case and maybe more! The high collared neck and easy to use zipper work well, and I had no issues with the fabric wearing during any of my testing.

Style wise, I preferred the look of the Sonam jacket. I just like the quilted pattern better and all round fit. 

Cons:
The con of the superior insulation quality is weight penalty​. Check out the comparison test below. The small Sonam jacket weighed in at 441g (15.6oz) whereas the small Dablam only weighed 309g (10.9). Compared to my small Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody at 298g (10.5oz), the Treqa Sonam Jacket definitely weighs significantly more, but it was constructed with a second layer of windproof fabric inside making it an insulated jacket and windblocker in one, hence the heavier weight. While downhill skiing, winter car camping, and teaching Outdoor Ed I am more sedentary and value warmth over weight in those situations. Plus if synthetic material gets wet, I don't worry about losing warmth like I do with down.

As a woman who winter recreates, I almost always buy my jackets (even mid layers) with hoods. I would like to see Treqa add hooded versions to their line up in the future, especially the Sonam. The Dablam may be close to the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody in weight, but that includes a hood.
​​
Comparison Test:

​The Sonam and Dablam jackets come with their own stuff sack but I don't have one so I used a generic one. I looked a compressibility compared to down and weight. Predictably the synthetic jackets weighed slightly more and the Sonam jacket was not very compressible. Surprisingly the Dablam compressed to a similar size to the down jacket. 

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