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GEAR REVIEW: OUTDOOR RESEARCH WOMEN'S FLOODLIGHT JACKET

25/2/2018

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The 2017-2018 Outdoor Research Floodlight Jacket is marketed as a waterproof and windproof down jacket made for a variety of outdoor uses. I tested this jacket out during the 2017-2018 winter both personally (casual and belay use) as well as professionally as an outdoor education teacher.

Outdoor Research Women's Floodlight Jacket
Price: $395 USD
Size: XS-XL
Colours: Black/Charcoal, Night/Ultraviolet, Pinot/Raspberry
Weight: 20.2oz or 572g for Size Medium

Features:
The Floodlight jacket features Pertex Shield+ 2L 30D ripstop nylon which provides a waterproof, windproof breathable shell protection. The durable water repellant (DWR) finish enables both snow and rain to shed easily from its threads.

The jacket is packed with 650 fill goose down with a wire-brimmed helmet compatible halo hood. It has 3 external pockets and 2 internal pockets, velcro cuff closures, 2 way zipper openings, and stretchy underarm panels.
Pertex Shield+ DWR finish repels rain
Outdoor Research Women's Floodlight Jacket
​Pros:
After wearing the Floodlight jacket over the past few months the number one thing I love about it is that I can wear it in almost all conditions. Our winters in the northeast have become extremely volatile including weekly changes in precipitation: snow, rain, and freezing rain. I love how I can wear this jacket in any weather and not have to worry about the forecast. 

As an outdoor education teacher, I spend a lot of time outdoors facilitating outdoor activity and do more standing than I do moving. This jacket was the perfect solution: warm, waterproof, windproof, and durable. I would totally recommend this jacket to anyone who is an outdoor professional who needs a bombproof warmer layer for sedentary phases of instruction.

The cut and style of the jacket is another reason to love this jacket. I really enjoyed it's longer bum-covering length especially when belaying, teaching, and wearing skinny jeans or leggings! I found myself grabbing this jacket over my shorter length ones in colder weather. It's very flattering and I get many compliments.

When belaying I really liked the two way zipper feature and halo hood. The zipper opens from the bottom of the jacket (while the top is still closed) allowing you to belay using a harness while keeping your bum warm at the same time! I also enjoyed the halo hood feature - it grabs your helmet and allow you to turn your head more naturally with a hood on.

As for sizing, the medium fit me perfectly. I am normally between sizes in OR gear (small and medium) but for this jacket I recommend to select the bigger size if you are in doubt.
Two-way zipper opens so you can belay easily
Bum-covering belay jacket!
​Cons:

My biggest con with this jacket is its weight. At 20.2oz (572g), it is almost double the weight of my other down jackets. I couldn't bear to pack this jacket for my longer distance adventures as it simply weighs too much. 

My second con with this jacket is that I could not wear it in very cold temperatures as it was too thin and not warm enough. The 650-fill goose down kept me warm until about -15C/5F but any colder I would have select a different jacket. I would suggest upping the level of insulation so it could be used in colder environments for sedentary use.

Best Uses: Casual, Guiding, Short-distance adventuring.

Full disclosure: The Floodlight jacket was given to me from OR for the purpose of the review. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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GEAR REVIEW: OUTDOOR RESEARCH WOMEN'S ASCENDANT HOODY

8/10/2017

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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.
Exterior view of Ascendant Hoody
Polartec Alpha Direct
Interior view of the Ascendent Hoody
PictureBroken hand!
​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.

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MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT CO-OP WOMEN'S SANDBAGGER PANTS REVIEW

12/3/2017

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Mountain Equipment Co-op Sandbagger Pants in Nepal
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.
Sandbagger pants in the Bugaboos
On top of Hamlin Peak in Maine
​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.
Flying out after 15 days canoeing the Wind River
Pigeon Spire, Bugaboos
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OUTDOOR RESEARCH WOMEN'S REVELATION JACKET REVIEW

21/1/2017

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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.
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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.
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The Outdoor Reserach Women's Revelation Jacket
​Internal features consist of fully-taped seams, halo hood, internal pockets, and an internal zipper stormflap.
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Internal features of the Revelation Jacket
Internal Storage Pocket
Halo Hood
3/4 Pit Zips
​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.
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OUTDOOR RESEARCH WOMEN'S HELIUM II JACKET REVIEW

8/7/2016

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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.
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The OR Helium II Jacket fits well on my 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.
Full disclosure: I received this jacket for free as part of the #ORInsightLab program. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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OUTDOOR RESEARCH WOMEN'S WHIRLWIND HOODY REVIEW

6/7/2016

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The 2016 Outdoor Reseach Women's Whirlwind Hoody is a re-designed softshell jacket made for fast and light alpine missions. Is it worth the money? Read on to find out.

Outdoor Research Women's Whirlwind Hoody
Sizes: XS to XL
Colours: Apple, Black/Charcoal, Typhoon
Price: $115 USD
Weight: 7.5oz/213g (Size Medium)

Features: Made with highly breathable recycled polyester/spandex, the Whirlwind Hoody provides water and wind resistant protection in a lightweight package. The chest pocket doubles as a stuff sack and has a carabiner loop inside to clip to a harness or pack. Other features include: half-zip front zipper, elastic cuffs, thumb loop and elastic drawcord hem.
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Climbing in the OR Whirlwind Hoody. Photo Credit: Ivan Petrov
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Pros: Upon first glance, you can't help but notice how lightweight this hoody is. Compared to my Outdoor Research Ferrosi softshell jacket, it is 3.5oz or 100g lighter. At first I had concerns about the hoody's durability compared to it's bomber Ferrosi cousin. After months of testing, the Whirlwind still looks new. I am super impressed that this lightweight jacket is tough enough to handle a variety of outdoor activities: rock climbing, hiking, flatwater paddling, teaching phys ed and outdoor ed.

The typhoon colour is gorgeous. I am constantly receiving compliments on it's style, fit and colour. The simplistic design combined with it's functionality makes this hoody stand out.  
The chest pocket fits my iPhone 5S and handy for other small lightweight items. When the jacket is stuffed in the chest pocket, it packs down to the size of my fist. The thumb loops are work well in cold, windy conditions and are not in the way when not in use as they tuck under the elastic cuffs.

I find myself grabbing this jacket a lot in the summer if I need an extra layer in the morning and evening over a t-shirt or tank top. It's a great lightweight layer that isn't skin tight like other baselayers, allowing air to circulate. It has become my 'go-to' summer layer inside my hiking and climbing packs. I pull it out as soon as the temp drops as the wind picks up or I approach exposed summits. I hardly even know I have it on most of the time, and feel like I keep it on longer than other layers I own because it adjusts well to so many conditions.

Cons: One of things I would change about this hoody is the small black plastic clip attached to the carabiner clip rope loop inside the chest pocket. For a garment made from thinner material, this piece of plastic lies prominently and awkwardly right on top of the apex of my chest anatomy. As a female, I found this to look weird (like I am revealing body jewelry I don't have) so my solution was to remove it. I'm not sure I would have used the plastic clip anyway. See photo below.

Other than that, this hoody is perfect. A highly recommended versatile piece.


Best Uses: Summer alpine ascents with cool breezes, rock climbing, flatwater paddling, casual use on cool summer nights, etc.

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The awkwardly placed plastic clip in the chest pocket
Full disclosure: I was given this hoody as part of Outdoor Research's #ORInsightLab team. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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WOOLX ELLA RACER BACK TANK REVIEW

29/6/2016

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Woolx Ella Racer Back Tank Top in the Adirondacks
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.
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OUTDOOR RESEARCH WOMEN'S ICELINE PANT REVIEW

23/2/2016

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The Women's Iceline pant is Outdoor Research's new ice climbing pant for winter 2015-2016. The pant boasts many technical features specifically designed for it's intended use of ice climbing in cold and wet conditions.

Outdoor Research Women's Iceline Pant
Size: XS-XL
Colour: Black
Price: $245 USD
Weight: 18.7oz/530g (Medium)

Features: My initial impressions of the pants were that they were packed full of technical fabrics and features.  I'll highlight a few of these features below:
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One interesting feature was the added fabric to cover the lower back area. This flap can be folded down.
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 Interior grid fleece fused with the outer shell give the pants some insulation value.
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The cordura ankle scuff guards.
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Another interesting feature was the Ventia fabric. The combination nylon-spandex allows for great freedom of movement. 
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Internal belt system:
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The venting zippers are a well thought out feature. 
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Instep lace system that keeps your pants down with a harness on and keeps the snow out on approaches.
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Pros: These pants get me many envious looks at the ice climbing areas. The functional features and quality construction creates conversations with almost everyone I meet. 

The lower back flap is a bonus and is a smart design feature of the pants. I keep mine flipped up at all times and it's nice to know when you bend over to put your harness on no snow will be entering!

The front of the thigh vent zippers are useful on long approaches or hot car rides. They work well with a harness on and are easy to open and close with gloves on.  The vents and breathable Ventia fabric are able to regulate my temperature with ease. This fabric performs well in wet conditions - I have never felt moisture seep through.

The tapered legs are nice for ice climbing. They aren't too tight to constrict movement, but slim enough to not get snagged on crampons. The articulated knees are perfect for moving on ice.

The instep lace is like an internal gaiter strap that is fantastic for keeping the pants from riding up when you put your harness on. This feature is genius and I wish all my climbing/hiking pants had this feature.

The polyester grid fleece does in fact keep my system warmer in the winter. As a female who frequently gets cold thighs and butt, I can honestly say my legs have never been warmer ice climbing. I can layer underneath and don't feel any restriction in movement. I tested these pants down to -16C/3F.

The Ventia fabric has not shown any signs of damage or wear, even with ice screws and other sharps near the pants constantly. I generally wear gaiters when I ice climb to prevent crampon holes, but constantly doubt my need for them with these pants. So far, I haven't risked going without.

Cons:
I have never used the two pockets in the pants and wonder if others ever use them as well. Not sure what I would carry in them that wouldn't restrict my ability to climb.  

The cordura ankle scuff guards are great, but for my perfect climbing pant, they would have to come up mid-shin height. I always use gaiters and if I get a slash (normally from walking not climbing), it always comes just higher than the guard is. 

Best Uses: Ice climbing of all kinds.
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These are the BEST ice climbing pants I have ever owned. I would buy another pair in a heartbeat if these ever wore out, which I'm not expecting they will for a long time! Well thought out pants Outdoor Research! Great design!

Full disclosure: I was given these pants as part of Outdoor Research's #ORInsightLab. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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OUTDOOR RESEARCH WOMEN'S ICELINE JACKET REVIEW

15/2/2016

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The brand new Outdoor Research Iceline jacket is a technical ice climbing jacket new for winter 2015-2016.

Outdoor Research Women's Iceline Jacket 
Size: XS-XL
Colour: Black/Rio, Rio/Apple, Ultraviolet/Night
Price: $285 USD
Weight: 19.6oz/555g (medium)

Features: My initial impression of the Iceline jacket was positive. Right out of the package, this jacket has a number of features I have NEVER seen before on any technical jacket shell. The water-resistant and breathable nylon/spandex Ventia fabric is fused with an inner polyester fleece grid insulation. This allows both heat to be trapped and dumped at the same time! 

The Dynamic Reach Underpanels are created to stretch when reaching overhead. The hood has an interesting halo hood cinching system that tightens around the helmet, locking the hood in place. Another cool feature this jacket has are internal wrist pockets for handwarmers. The velcro around the wrists is also aggressive and the internal and external pockets are large.
Iceline Halo Hood
Polyester grid fleece
Hot packet wrist pocket
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The Iceline jacket's dynamic reach underarm panels
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Pro's:  The colour and stylie-ness of this jacket is awesome. When showing it off to other women, everyone wanted to try it on. It seemed like in every photo I took and everytime I went out someone complimented me on the how the blue (Rio/Apple) colour 'pops'.

The polyester fleece grid lining the inside of the jacket is soft and I can say it does add warmth to your system. I wore the jacket from -16C/+3F  to +2C/34F on my test days.

The underarm panels do stretch when ice climbing and there was no feeling of pulling when reaching overhead.  The aggressive velcro wrist straps work well cinched tightly when wearing my gloves that extend over the wrists of the jacket.

Many of my friends were super keen on the hand warmer pocket on the interior jacket near the wrist. I never tried this feature as I wear battery operated gloves, but an interesting feature nonetheless!

The hood easily fits a helmet underneath and the halo hood cinching strap does fit tightly around the helmet. With the strap snug, the hood seems to work like a cohesive unit with your helmet so moving your head in different directions is not cumbersome.

I like the positioning of the pockets, easy to use with a harness on. 


A few of my test days involved wet, drippy conditions. The Iceline stood up to all the moisture and I never got soaked. The waterproof breathable Ventia fabric shined in all weather conditions and was able to manage my varying levels of heat production with ease.

So far I have had no issues with durability of the jacket. The lighter blue colour is showing some discolouration from dirt, but there has been no signs of wear.

This jacket has become my 'go-to' jacket for ice climbing. It has permanently replaced all previous shells I was wearing and has far exceeded all my expectations.

Cons: I would describe the fit of this jacket as 'regular'. I would have designed this jacket with just a inch or two longer length at the back. I never had any issues with the jacket pulling out of the harness, but I like the longer length at the back at the winter for coverage and for warmth. Other than that, this jacket is perfect for what it's made for!

Best Uses: Ice Climbing

Full Disclosure: I was provided the OR Iceline jacket for this review as part of the #ORInsightLab program. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

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OUTDOOR RESEARCH STORMTRACKER HEATED GLOVES REVIEW

24/1/2016

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After falling in the love with the Outdoor Research Heated Lucent Glove last winter, I eagerly added the Stormtracker Glove to my quiver this year.  The ALTIheat technology with rechargable batteries have revolutionized my winters.

Outdoor Research Stormtracker Heated Gloves 
Size: XS-XL (men's sizing only)
Colour: Black
Price: $250 USD
Weight: 10.4oz/294g (size L)

Never able to wear gloves in the winter, the heated Lucent glove opened a world of opportunity, freeing my fingers from the confines of mittens. I enjoyed wearing these thicker gloves winter camping, downhill skiing, and ice climbing. That said, I found that when manipulating smaller objects like carabiners and clipping rope, I found the Lucents a bit fumbly so the thinner Stormtrackers were bought to remedy that. 

Features:
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OR Stormtracker GORE WINDSTOPPER fabric and battery power button
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OR Stormtracker goat leather palm and zippered battery pouch
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Rechargeable batteries that tuck into inner wrist zippered pocket
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Large pull tabs for pulling on the gloves.
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Pros: Upon first inspection, the gloves look and feel high quality. The easy to use pull tab enables the user to pull the gloves on and off with ease. Full of Primaloft insulation, the gloves can be worn on their own without the battery running. The three battery settings allow the user to customize the heat level (Low-8hours, Medium-5hours, High-2.5hours). The battery is worn on the palm side of the wrist, and never gets in the way or feels uncomfortable.

​The gloves work well ice climbing. The leather palm gives good grip on the ice tool and the thinner construction makes manipulating rope, ice screws, and carabiners easy. The power button is easy to use with the gloves on. I generally wear the gloves on 'low' when I ice climb and belay. The gloves are warm enough to wear on their own without being powered if conditions are mild or if I'm moving enough.

Winter jackets can be bulky so I liked how the zipper wrist expansion works for wearing over jacket sleeves. These Stormtracker gloves are less masculine in design compared to the Lucents, which I appreciate as lady. I love the breathable GORE WINDSTOPPER fabric which works well in windy, open areas. 

For alpine and winter mountaineering, I don't wear the gloves on the ascent if working hard aerobically. I only wear the gloves if my fingers get 'fumbly' cold. This normally happens on the summit and transition to descent. The gloves are heavier other dry mitts or gloves, but I like knowing that if my hands get cold I have a way to warm them up in a matter of minutes. Otherwise it takes me often 15-20mins of movement before I my fingers thaw out.


Cons: Coming in men's sizing only, I had to downsize one size from my regular glove size. This is no big deal, but it could cause some confusion when ordering online.

The zipper pulled off from the fabric. On my second image above you can see by using the pull tabs, the glove fabric is starting to unravel from the zipper. I will repair this but it shouldn't have happened for gloves with this price tag.

The elastic at the wrist could be tighter. I will admit I have small wrists, but I feel like a stronger elastic or velcro strap at the wrist could make the gloves feel snugger on my hand and less likely to slip off, expecially when ice climbing.

All in all, these gloves are becoming mandatory pieces of gear I bring on every winter excursion either to wear all day or as emergency gear. Highly recommended and yet another amazing piece Outdoor Research  technology.


Best uses: Ice climbing, alpine climbing, winter hiking/snowshoeing, etc

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    Canadian gal hooked on pursuing outdoor adventures, testing outdoor gear, and a passion for outdoor education.

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