The Outdoor Research Ascendant Hoody is a brand new do-it-all layer that boasts the ability to adapt to both your active insulation and sedentary needs. Can it really replace a breathable fleece layer and lightweight poofy jacket and combine it all into one jacket? To find out, I tested this hoody out over a five month period including a 7 day coastal backpacking trip, a 5 day canoe trip, and several day trips rock climbing and hiking in the summer and fall 2017.

Outdoor Research Ascendant Hoody
Sizes: XS-XL
Colours:Night/Ultraviolet, Black/Flame, Pewter/Typhoon, Pinot/Raspberry, Sea/Atlantis
Weight: 10.9oz (medium) 
Price: $215 USD

Features:
The exterior of this jacket is made from Pertex Microlight 20D ripstop nylon that is both water shedding, windblocking, and stretchy. Although not as waterproof as your shell, rain does bead on its surface quite well. The stretchy material moves with you - not against you.

The interior is a soft fuzzy Polartec Alpha Direct insulating polyester fleece. How does this fabric work? The best analogy I can think of is that the fabric is like a network of thousands of tiny windows that open when you are working hard and close when you are sedentary. The net result is the ability to stay warm (but not sweaty) and cozy all the time. 

Other features include: adjustable helmet compatible hood, internal thumb loops, zippered chest pocket, two handwarmer pockets, and an elastic drawcord hem.

​Pros:
My first impression of this jacket when I picked it up is how light it is. Compared to Outdoor Research's other active insulation jacket the Uberlayer at 16.8 oz, the Ascendant feels significantly lighter at 10.9oz. As someone who counts grams this is a significant difference. The jacket rivals my lightest poofy for weight.

I wore the Ascendant as my only insulation layer on a coastal backpacking trip this summer. The weather was a mix of sun, rain, wind, and damp conditions. At one point it rained hard for 36 hours straight and everything we brought was absolutely soaked. I was grateful to be tent-bound in a synthetic garment at that point - my down poofy would have absorbed the moisture for sure. The jacket felt awesome - water repellent on the outside while keeping you at the perfect cozy temperature inside especially in the damp bone-chilling weather. 

The jacket is packable. No, it doesn't have a special pocket that it crams in to, but it does compress pretty well. I would equate the sizing to a thin fleece. After 5 months of use and abuse, it still looks and wears new. By accident one evening at home I spilt some bacon grease on it and it washed up without leaving a stain. I have washed the jacket a few times since I got it and it still looks brand new!

I find that with all the Polartec Alpha jackets I have owned it's best to wear only one baselayer underneath in order for the fabric to optimally dump or trap heat during aerobic pursuits. What I am finding now is that I can layer the Polartec Alpha jackets (ie. The Outdoor Research Deviator and the Ascendant to create a double layer of efficient thermoregulation in colder conditions. This is revolutionizing how I dress! I can't wait to wear it this winter under a shell and test the entire system. Will update this review thereafter.

Outdoor Research Ascendant Hoody vs. Arc'teryx Atom LT?  I will admit I have been a fan of the popular Atom LT myself for many years and even put it on my 2016 top ten list. After testing the Ascendant, I can confidently say that I like it 10x better. Why? It's lighter (10.9 vs 11.6 oz for women's medium) and the Polartec Alpha Direct fabric allows me to use it over a larger array of temperatures. I find the Atom LT to be too cold at certain temps and too hot in others. The Ascendant is keeps me warmer in colder weather, and cool in hotter weather. Hands down the Ascendant is a more versatile, practical jacket that keeps me feeling cozy all the time.
Another note: I broke my hand and wore a half cast/splint for 6 weeks of my testing. I couldn't even wear my LT hoody as the wrist gaskets were too tight to fit over my splint. The Ascendant's wrist elastics allow for a larger sized wrist or layers (especially if you are a baselayer thumbhole user like me!).

Bottom Line: Does it combine a fleece and light poofy in one? Yes! In above freezing temps it can act as a stand alone piece, and for below freezing it might be part of a layering system, depending on the degree of output. These active insulation garments are really incredible - highly recommended.

Cons:

My only con with this entire jacket are the hand pockets. They are cozy as is, but lack  zippered closures. As a female, I don't always want to stow bigger but important items like my phone and keys in the chest pocket so zippered hand pockets normally do the trick. For me, this would make this jacket 100% perfect and I may never buy another midlayer again.

Best Uses: Hiking, ski touring, camping, backpacking, canoe tripping, rock climbing, general use, etc

Full disclosure: I was given this jacket from Outdoor Research for the purpose of this review as part of the #ORInsightLab. The opinions expressed here are completely my own.

For over 3 years, the Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) Sandbagger pants have been my 'go to' outdoor pants of choice for activities such as alpine climbing, rock climbing, hiking, trekking and canoe tripping. Why? Read on to find out.

MEC Women's Sandbagger Pants
Sizes: 2-16
Colours: Shadow (grey), Carbon Green, Black
Weight: 326 g/ 8.3 oz (Size 6)
Price: $105 CDN

Features:
Made from 90% nylon and 10% spandex with a DWR finish, these pants are stretchy, can block wind and shed light rain. They have been created with a straight leg cut with articulated knees and microfleece lined waistband for comfort. These pants have 3 pockets: 1 right thigh pocket and 2 zippered hand pockets. The pants have an elastic waistband with a drawstring cord. Sound like other softshell pants you've tried? Read on.

​Pros:

The stretchy softshell material makes the Sandbagger pants feel like I can perform any athletic movement and not be hindered. I really enjoy using these pants while alpine or rock climbing, because with any gymnastic type movement they feel amazing on just like a pair of leggings or yoga pants. In comparison to other softshell pants I own, they are far more flexible.

The softshell material holds up well in harsh environments. I've abused these pants while trekking for a month in Nepal, on many canoe trips, countless hiking days and over rough granite rock climbing areas. These softshell pants are legit, and are made for outdoor use and abuse. I now have 2 pairs (one for over 3 years), and can't tell apart the old black pair from the new black pair. 

One of my favourite features of these pants is the straight leg cut. Streamlined around the lower leg, these pants NEVER get in the way when walking, hiking with high steps, or with crampons on alpine climbing. I tend to hate baggy pants that hit together as I walk and have to wear gaiters to keep things 'skinny'.  The pants fit over hiking and mountaineering boots no problem. They rarely if ever get muddy on the inside of the ankle as there is no extra fabric flapping around getting hit by the other boot. Perfect.

These are my skinnier softshell pants and I love the cut. The waist height is perfect for crouching down and still covering up my backside. The drawstring on the waist acts as a lightweight belt and keeps the waistline in place.

Not having a zippered fly and button waist closure is also why I love these pants. Backcountry bathroom breaks are easy as the Sandbagger pants come off as quickly as yoga pants do. I found this is also a fantastic feature when my fingers get fumbly in colder conditions and I don't have to deal with the zippers or button enclosures. When wearing a harness over top of these pants, it fits more comfortably without the zipper and button.

The three zippered pockets come in handy. To be honest I normally just use the right zippered thigh pocket the most for maps, lip balm, or other small items. These softshell pants weigh less than my other softshell pants, another reason I always reach for these ones! In hot conditions, I simply roll up the pants to form capris. The pants don't have any fancy conversion fasteners, but they stay rolled up easily and don't fall down.

After a month of trekking in Nepal, 2 weeks canoeing in the north, countless days climbing, teaching outdoor education, and numerous days hiking in these pants, they are my absolute favourite outdoor pant. I have tried other softshell pants from Arc'teryx, Mountain Hardware, Outdoor Research, Marmot, Salomon and Patagonia, but always reach for the Sandbagger pants when it comes time to do anything outdoors. The comfortable fit, trim style, array of uses and high quality are what keep my buying more and more pairs. Don't just take my word for it either- after 95 reviews on the MEC  website, the pants are rated 4.8 out of 5! My vote would definitely be 5 out of 5!

Cons:

MEC has had some strange colour choices in the past seasons, but in 2017 have brought out more normal colours (dark grey, black, and a grey-green). I have 2 pairs of these pants in black, and will be buying more this summer in the new colours.

My biggest fear is that these pants will be discontinued for some odd reason. MEC, please keep making these pants ....they are the best!

Best Uses:

​Alpine climbing, Rock Climbing, Mountaineering, Hiking, Trekking.

The Outdoor Research Women's Revelation Gore-tex Jacket is a technical alpine jacket designed by women. Having owned similar jackets from Mountain Hardware, Black Diamond, Marmot and Mountain Equipment Co-op, I was eager to see how it would distinguish itself. Read on to find out how it performed.

Outdoor Research Women's Revelation Jacket
Colour: Black/Rio, Desert Sunrise, Typhoon
Size: XS-XL
Price: $425 USD
Weight: 16.3oz/461g (medium)

Features:
The Revelation jacket is made of Goretex 3L which ensures a waterproof, breathable, windproof barrier against the elements. The material has a movement mirroring feature, one that you can tell when wearing it. The jacket includes YKK Aquaguard zippers that are bi-coloured.
​
External features include 3/4 pit zips, zippered chest pocket, zippered hand pockets, helmet compatible hood, velcro cuff closures, elastic drawcord hem, and halo hood elastic cincher.

​Internal features consist of fully-taped seams, halo hood, internal pockets, and an internal zipper stormflap.

​Pros:
Comfort- The Revelation jacket feels good on. It seems to work really well with normal body movements and as far as shell jackets go, fits my body really well. OR labels it a 'standard fit'.

Breathability- I tested the jacket out in a range of winter temperatures. I never felt  overheated as I was able to regulate my temperature through the use of the pit zips and hood. I paired the jacket with the Outdoor Research Deviator hoody, which I felt was a fantastic system for thermoregulation and protection from the elements. 

Abrasion resistance- Part of my testing involved bushwhacking, scrambling, and always wearing a pack with the jacket. The jacket proved able to withstand all abuse I gave it, and it still looks brand new.

Pockets- Hand pockets are placed above the harness/waist strap level so that you can access the zippers while wearing a pack or climbing. There is one chest pocket, just big enough to fit my iPhone 5S. There is also one internal pocket, big enough to fit a phone as well.

Versatility- I tested out this jacket in a variety of winter sports activities: Alpine Touring, Nordic Ski touring, Winter hiking/mountaineering, and Ice Climbing. I like how this one jacket performs well in a variety of winter activities. It's a one piece wonder!

Protection- In windy alpine environments, I found the jacket cinches down well. I really like the halo hood that moves with you as your neck rotates, never losing peripheral vision. In rainy environments, the Gore-tex material performed well and  I was completely dry.

Colour- The pink colour really stands out in snowy windy alpine environments and my companions felt that the colour increased my safety (they could see me!). As far as safety goes, red and orange are the norm, but as a female I like that the pink colour is now in the mix.

Verdict? The Revelation Gore-tex jacket is similar to other jackets I've tried in terms of fabric, but the number of technical features and colour sets it apart. I am in love with the halo hood feature as I have the hood up most of the time I wear it! The movement mirroring fabric also stood out - never restricting. Looking forward to using it in many future outdoor adventures. It is now my 'go-to' hard shell.

Cons:
I found the pit zips difficult to undo. I couldn't unzip or zip with mitts on, and it often took two hands (one to grab the end of the sleeve and the other to manage the zipper) or the help of a friend to manage the zippers. At first I thought it was because the zippers were new, but this trend continued. I would recommend zippers with an easier pull tab and zippers that require less force to open/close.

Best Uses: Alpine Ski Touring, Mountaineering, Ice climbing

Full disclosure: I received this jacket for free as part of the #ORInsightLab. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Have you been searching for the ultimate sleeping mat? Big Agnes has designed it's Q-core series around comfort, warmth, and weight. I tested this mat out for 24 nights so far in spring/summer 2016 and have never had better sleeps.

Big Agnes Q-Core SLX (the 2016 upgraded version of the SL)
Price: $159.95 USD (Regular Length 72")
Weight: 16oz
Thickness: 10cm/3inches
R-Value: 4.5

As a sufferer of chronic back problems, I have had issues sleeping on the ground. Thin mats are uncomfortable and create pressure points on my hips when sleeping on my side. Over the decades I have tried multiple inflatable mats made from Therm-a-rest, Mountain Equipment Co-op, Exped, and Big Agnes.  They offer greater comfort from pressure points and back discomfort and allow me to fall into a deep slumber. The difference that sets the Big Agnes Q-Core SL apart is its I-beam construction.

Pros:
When comparing the thickness of these brands, Big Agnes is at the top of the list. This is what initially what drew me to invest in their array of inflatable mats intitally buying a regular basic Air Core Pad. The Q-core SL caught my eye as it's design is not only thick, but has I-beams that provide multi-directional stability. This added engineering is what I believe has enabled me to have the best sleeps ever. I could never get comfortable on my back, even on other plush mats, but this mat is hands down the best mat I have ever slept on for comfort.

The R-value of a mat is important when 3 season camping or camping in colder regions. I have successfully used this mat to just under the freezing mark and it has kept me warm without question, definitely better then my basic Big Agnes Air Core Pad.

Weight is also a significant factor for me as woman and I participate in many backpacking trips. Coming in a package no bigger than the size of a pack of bagels, the mat weighs a total of 16oz. Sure, there are lighter mats on the market, but I would gladly play a small weight penalty to ensure sound sleep and comfort.

Length: I love how Big Agnes creates different lengths of mats for purchase. This ensures that someone is not carrying unnecessary weight. I am 66" long and bought the 72" mat. 

Cons: Price. These 3 season mats are not cheap. I am hoping my investment will stand the test of time and be worth it in the end. So far, it has been worth every penny and I look forward to sleeping on it again in the near future.

If inflating the mat when you arrive at camp and then not sleeping on it until 5 hours later, you may need to top up the inflation before bed. I find the inflation level decreases especially when temperatures drop throughout the evening. I find if it's not fully inflated, the mat isn't supportive enough.

If I was going to offer one suggestion for re-design, it would be to raise the centre baffles of the mat to match the height of the sidetubes. The extra height would decrease the chance of my hips making contact with the ground below like they do sometimes if the mat isn't 100% inflated.

Best Uses: Backpacking, canoe tripping, general camping.

**Note: The Q-Core SL that I bought in 2015 has been upgraded in 2016 to the Q-Core SLX which boasts to be even lighter and more comfortable! Would love to try it!

The Outdoor Research Women's Helium Jacket is a multiple award-winning ultra-lightweight rain shell that I tested out in in the spring/summer 2016. How did it perform? Read on to find out.

Outdoor Research Women's Helium II Jacket
Sizes: XS-XL
Colours: Apple, Hydro, Night/Ultraviolet, Pewter/Rio Plaid, Scarlet, Ultraviolet
Price: $159 USD
Weight: 5.5oz/156g (medium)

Features: An ultra-lightweight waterproof-breathable shell made from Pertex Shield+ fabric. The laminated layers offer protection from the elements in a small compressable package. The jacket joins with YKK Aquaguard zippers, and includes a zippered chest pocket, and elastic cuffs and hem. The internal pocket doubles as a stuff sack and when inside out there is a carabiner loop for clipping into harness.

​Pros: At first this shell looks like a windshell, but upon closer inspection, the fabric feels different. Not only a wind layer, but one that can also protect you from rain.

The compressability of this jacket is incredible. When packed away inside it's own stowaway pocket, the jacket is reduced to the size of my fist. It ends up being packed away in hiking and climbing packs and takes up no space. I have even tried to put in in my cycling seat pouch for long road rides with success.

The weight of this shell is amazing. Often packed in my pack or attached to my harness, this shell feels like nothing. It almost is at less that 5.5oz for my small size!

The jacket repels water even in hard downpours. The hood fits over my climbing helmet no problem. The elastic cuffs a the wrist are sufficient. 

The style of the jacket is a pretty normal. It comes in 6 different colours which is pretty rare for a rainshell jacket. What sets this 'just-in-case' jacket apart is its functionality and convenience. I don't frown at lugging around the weight of my rain shell any more!

Cons: There are no frills to this jacket. One zippered chest pocket, a hood, and hem cincher is all you get. But if you want lightweight and minimalist, then you can't add too many features. The chest pocket is great if wearing a harness or pack.

I did have a problem with the main zipper on the jacket. I seemed to have somehow managed to remove the slider and pull tab from the zipper teeth with very little effort on only it's second use. I contacted OR about this issue and they sent me a replacement and attributed to a YKK Aquaguard zipper defect. Upon receiving the jacket, I immediately tested the zipper out 20 times without issue. I find zippers are the weakness to most jackets and have replaced many before. I wouldn't say it's a reason not to consider this jacket.

Best Uses: Alpine and rock climbing, lightweight hiking and backpacking, cycling, and trail running.

The 2014 upgraded Mountain Safety Research Hubba Hubba NX tent was my top backpacking tent choice after winning many awards and accolades. The upgrades created a tent that was lighter and had more features than it's predecessor. Did it perform well in the field? After purchasing it in Spring 2015 and using it for 20+ nights of backpacking, read on to find out.

MSR Hubba Hubba NX
Size: 2 person
Colour: Light Grey and Red
Weight: 1.72 kg/3 lbs 13 oz (max packed weight)
Internal Volume: 43 cu ft.
Price: $399.95 USD

Features: Let's start from the beginning. The tent sack is a unique red compression stuff sack that cinches in the tent when packed up. It's easy to stuff and fits everything inside, including the footprint.

Upon set up, there is one pole to put together and it's easy to attach to the main tent body. The cross pole really expands the interior space of the tent and allows for it to feel more roomy and spacious.

There are two doors for entry and ample micromesh screen coverage to allow for proper venting. The zippers open a large D shaped door into the bathtub style floor.

The rainfly creates two good sized vestibules to store gear underneath. It has two kickstand vents at the ends of the tent to allow for more air flow and ventilation. It's material is a polyurethane and silicon coated ripstop nylon that is very thin but bomber.

Pros: We fit! Lying side by side on our backs, my 6'2" husband and myself (5'6") can fit on the rectangular floor space with no problems. We don't have much extra room and only one person can be sitting up getting changed at a time, but we fit. That's more than I can say compared to other 2 person backpacking tents.

The tent is super compact and lightweight packed up. I absolutely love bringing it on any trip where weight is an issue. I have only used it backpacking, but will most definitely be packing it for bike touring and sea kayak trips in the future.

So far so good. The durability of this ultra-lightweight tent seemed questionable but after some heavy-duty use, it's still going strong. The single pole system works well, especially if only one person is setting it up. There have been no issues when rain has settled in as long as the tent is staked out properly to shed water. The zippers on the doors work well but I'm always careful when opening and closing. I seam sealed the rainfly before a major backpacking trip in the summer of 2015.  The tent stakes are lightweight and work well.

This tent is highly recommended. It seems to be the ultimate lightweight backpacking tent for two, that isn't single-walled (lighter models are causing endless condensation issues) and is still bomber like it's burly cousins. 

Cons: Some of the materials and zippers seem so ultralight that I feared they would soon rip or tear. After 16 nights I am happy to say that none have. That said, a pole did crack on us (our fault) while packed away on our last trip. Luckily MSR has a repair sleeve for the pole and we're back in business.

Best Uses:  Backpacking, bike touring, sea kayak touring. 

The Ella Racer Back is Woolx's merino wool tank top for women. I tested this top during the spring and summer 2016 indoor and outdoor rock climbing, hiking, and doing yoga. How did it perform? Read on to find out.

Woolx Ella Racer Back Tank Top
Sizes: XS-XXL
Colours: Black, Black-Pomegranate, Cobalt Blue, Blue Salt, Pomegranate
Price: $39 USD
Weight: 

Features: Designed to keep you dry, cool and comfortable, the Ella combines lightweight 160g/m2 merino wool with viscose and spandex. Woolx's merino wool is very soft and smooth and never itchy. Woolx backs this up with a no-itch guarantee! The slim fitting tank prevents dampness and odor by wicking moisture and being breathable. The tank can be machine washed and dried, and doesn't lose its shape.

Pros: What I enjoy about the Ella is it's superb quality and durability. By far, this is the best merino wool top I own, and it has proven itself to me time and time again. It moves and stretches with my body in a wide variety of activites. I haven't had any issues with durabilty-and I have not been easy on this garment.

I like the racer back slim fitting style of the tank. I have the Cobalt Blue colour, which I find pairs well with any other coloured clothing. There is a line of stitching just below the bust which I find shrinks the look of your waist.  The tank length is long enough to fit underneath your harness and is a flattering length.

Functionally, the Ella tank performs well. When indoor rock climbing, it provides a touch of warmth in colder climbing gyms. Outdoors, the material does breath well even in hot, humid conditions (+30C/86F) temps.  I did have some dampness on the back of the tank while wearing a backpack in hot conditions, but it dried quickly once the backpack was removed.

The Fearless collection by Woolx includes the Ella tank. So far I've completed 2 major climbing goals in this tank. Not sure if it's the 'Fearless' name but it has been my lucky charm so far this season!

Cons: To be honest, I have none! I love it when something is perfect the way it is. The only 'con' I have is that I don't have more in my wardrobe!

Best Uses: Indoor and outdoor rock climbing, yoga, hiking, casual travel wear.

In the spring of 2015, Arc'teryx launched a line of footwear including approach shoes and hiking boots. In need of a new pair of hiking boots, I purchased the Arc'teryx Women's Bora Mid GTX hiking boot to try. I was drawn to this boot for a few reasons described below.

I tested these boots out on a few day hikes in the rugged unmarked trails of the Adirondack High Peaks, as well as a 9 day off trail mountainous backpacking trip in Kluane National Park, Yukon. 

Arcteryx Women's Bora Mid GTX hiking boot
Sizes: 3.5-10.5
Colours: Raku/Lupine, Black/Mid Seaspray
Weight: 2.89lbs (size 8)
Price: $300CDN

PROS:
Weight: The first thing you will notice about these boots is that they feel about half the weight of any other leather backpacking boot.  As a woman, I need to shed grams anyway I can. I can confirm that I had less leg and foot fatigue after a day of hiking shedding over a pound or more than my previous boots. They are less clunky and feel like you have an agile running shoe on rather than a backpacking boot.

Comfort: The stretch Goretex liner enables most foot shapes to be comfortable in the boot right from the first time you put them on. I have a low volume, long, narrow foot and I found them to be perfect for my feet. Even with my orthotics, there was adequate room and space. I found that I needed to buy thinner hiking socks with these boots as the liner created some cushioning on its own. I never once had any blisters or hot spots while wearing these boots. 

Waterproofness: One of the things that attracted me to this boot was the fact that the boot was a seamless single piece construction of synthetic material, preventing any water from entering between the sole and the boot. No more waterproofing boots! The liner is a Goretex fabric that will absorb water (water must be deep enough to go over the tongue). What I felt when dipping my foot in deep water was that the water would get absorbed on the liner exposed on the top of my foot. The water would quickly disperse along the fabric and then would dry through convection. I never ever have had the squishy, water logged boots that I have in the past once water seeped in the seams and then stayed wet for the rest of the day or trip. I just had some sock dampness on the top of my foot. At camp, I would air out the boot and if sunny or windy, the gortex liner would dry out before morning. In rainy conditions, the liner stayed damp, and I'd have to start the next day with some dampness at the top of my foot. My socks would also be damp in these instances, but I never once had a blister.

Breathability: The boot boasts that it is one of the most breathable boots on the market. After testing these boots in hot, humid. east coast weather, I can say that these boots are the most breathable boot I have ever owned. My socks were never sweaty, and I never felt that my feet were super hot, even in the black colour.

CONS:  I have a few beefs with these boots that could be rectified in future versions. Firstly, after bushwhacking for nine days, the space between the liner and the boot got filled up with sand, pine needles, and other small debris. I never felt the debris when wearing the boot, but it's a pain to cleanout and could affect the longevity of the liner. See photo below.

Secondly, the round laces of these boots kept coming undone even when double or triple knotted. This happened less while wearing gaiters, but when bushwhacking without, the laces would get pulled undone. Over a 9 day trip this happened about once a day.

Lastly, a friend who was wearing the same boots on the same trip had an issue with the rather large cleat buckle on the boot. When positioning the toes of the boots at 90 degrees to one another and without wearing gaiters or pants, the ridges of the two inner ankle cleat buckles have locked together, preventing her from being able to step forward, a potential safety issue. I personally have never had this issue (but I am a bit bow legged), but it has happened 3 times for her. See photo below.

In conclusion, for me, the pros far outweight the cons. These boots mean business! They are the best backpacking boots I have ever owned. I would highly recommend them for anyone who likes to day hike or multi-day backpack. All of my test days included bushwhacking, mud, sloppy scree, water obstacles, thick brush, and rock inclines. These boots can handle it all! They are far superior to a regular leather boot, and I look forward to trying out other Arc'teryx footwear like the Acrux FL GTX approach shoe as well as testing the boots out in winter conditions in colder temperatures.

** 2016 UPDATE: The toe cap on one of my boots started tearing and peeling back quickly. After one year of use I found this unacceptable. This also happened to my husband's boot so we sent them back to Arc'teryx who sent us a new pair. Thankfully I got them before a 3 week trekking trip to Nepal!

***2017 UPDATE: After using these boots now for a few years, I have noticed one common theme that I think could be improved. The boots soles that are absolutely terrible in slippery, wet conditions. After just spending a week backpacking on a rocky coastal hike, I found myself falling, slipping, and bracing on every moist slabby rock. My friend Deb below replaced the soles of her boots with another vibram pattern which are performing far better than mine. I may have to do the same. 

I admit it. I am in love with Osprey products. Why? They are lightweight, full of smart features, and downright comfortable. Everytime I need a new pack for a specific purpose, I look to Osprey to fill my needs and they do, every time. I have packs for backpacking, hut-to -hut traverses, day hiking, skit touring, and climbing/mountaineering. My oldest pack is 11 years old and still going strong! Here is why I love Osprey:

Osprey Talon 33- The smallest and lightest pack in my collection is the Talon 33. This pack has been my 'go-to' summer day hiking pack for the past 4 years. Hip pockets, GPS pocket, and hydration pouch are my favourite features. The lightweight fabric is thinner than my other packs but it has shown no wear or letting up so far. Just shy of 2 pounds in the small/medium size, it's a great pack to put inside a larger backpack if hiking in to set up a basecamp for day assaults.  My only complaint about this pack is the mesh netting on the hip pockets has ripped.  The Tempest 30 is actually the women's version but wasn't available when I purchased mine.

Osprey Mutant 38- The Mutant joined my fleet a couple of years ago to be my rock climbing, ice climbing, and mountaineering pack. At just 35 litres for the small/medium, this pack always surprises me at how much space I always have to fill. This pack has seen some hard use in the abrasive granite of the Bugaboos but still shows little signs of wear. My favourite features of the Mutant are the tool carry, rope strap, and removable top lid. The latest versions of the this pack are incredible-my eyes are always envious when my husband is wearing his! Not a women's specific pack but  in the small/medium size, I have no problem with the fit.

Osprey Kode 42- Hands down the most comfortable of all my packs, the Osprey Kode has risen to be one of my favourites. It has become my winter day hiking pack, my ski touring pack, and my yurt trip pack. At 3lbs, 10oz it's not the lightest pack, but for some reason it feels as light as my Talon when fully loaded. My favourite features of this pack is the top lid helmet carry feature, goggle pocket, hip pockets, and outside pocket for avalanche gear. All the buckles can be easy opened with mitts or gloves on. Note: I read a review that said that a G3 340cm probe could fit in this pocket but that's not the case in the small/medium size. The durability and quality of this pack is outstanding. Osprey has also made the Kode now with the ABS avalanche airbag protection system integrated into it. This pack is bomber.

Osprey Kestrel 58- The Kestrel is a unisex multi-use pack that I bought for a week long hut-to-hut ski touring trip but I've also used it as an overnight/weekend backpacking pack. In the small/medium size, I enjoy the front stretch pocket to stow skins, the hip pockets and the Airscape backpanel. If I were to upgrade, I my eyes have been fixated on the lighter Exos 58 pack, but for now the Kestrel is doing a fantastic job.

Osprey Ariel 75- The Ariel is a recent addition into the quiver. The size and weight of camping gear has reduced my volume needs and the Ariel is my new backpacking pack for week-long missions. It's a women's specific pack that has hip pockets, ice-axe loops, and hiking pole loops. The moldable hip belt is super comfortable and the waist belt cinching system works flawlessly. The dual access side pockets fit a Nalgene bottle perfectly. At 4lbs 14oz for the small size, the pack is lightweight and in the Deep Sea Blue colour, won't clash with any outfit!

Osprey Luna 90- The Luna was my first Osprey pack and it sold me on comfort and women's specific features. After 11 years, it's still going strong and shows little signs of wear. Used for backpacking expeditions and international travelling, this pack has been all over the world. The detachable 10L backpack has been VERY useful when travelling abroad, and is a great place to store gear that you want easy access to while backpacking. The Luna has been the workhorse of my collection and even though it doesn't get used as much anymore, I will still keep it for that time you need the extra volume.