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. ​

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

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

Features:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Features:

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

Pros:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Level Six Venus Longsleeve Rash Top is a practical paddling sun protection garment. I tested this top out over two summers (2017 & 2018) while sea kayaking, whitewater kayaking and canoeing. 

Level Six Venus Longsleeve Rash Top
Sizes: XS to XL
Colours: Black Ripples, Laguna Ripples, White, Dark Purple (2018 colours)
Price: $54.99 CDN or $41.99 USD

Features:

The combination elastane/polymide fabric provides a snug athletic fit over the user's body. The fabric also provides a UPF50+ sun protection rating. The fabric seams are sewn together by flat stitching to protect the user against chafing.

Pros:

Comfort/fit - The snug but athletic fit of this top is one of it's best features. It fits close to the body which works extremely well under a PFD or other drytop layers. It feels comfortable on and the flat seams prevents any chafing. I love wearing it!

UV Protection - One of the best shirts I have ever owned for sun protection. In 2017 I primarily used this shirt on whitewater rivers but on a 2018 trip I used it on Georgian Bay, a large body of open water. I was on the only one with a longsleeve UPF top and the only one that didn't get sunburned. Even in hot weather the shirt doesn't feel hot and I would highly recommmend it for summer paddling of all kinds.

Style- This Level Six top comes in a variety of colour combinations that are both eye catching and coolio. I have a 2017 top, but I love the 2018 colours as well. I have received many compliments and jealous looks from other paddlers!

Cons:

The darker blue areas of my shirt have faded slightly over the past two summers of use. The difference is noticeable to me but isn't to others.  It's just a sign the top has been used - and used a lot! I may need to get another one!

Best Uses: Watersports of any kind!

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.

​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.

​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.

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.

The Outdoor Research Women's Ferrosi Hooded Jacket is an 2017 upgraded version of the ever-popular Ferrosi softshell. As an Outdoor Research #ORInsightLab member I was given this jacket to test out while hiking, camping, climbing, and paddling in the summer of 2017.

Outdoor Research Women's Ferrosi Hooded Jacket
Sizes: XS-XL
Colours: Black, Elderberry/Wisteria, Pewter/Typhoon, Fig, Oasis/Night, Pinot/Sangria
Weight: 11.5oz/326g Size Medium
Price: $129 USD

Features:
​The Ferrosi Hoody still posseses its stretchy nylon-spandex fabric found on the chest and back areas of the jacket. The thicker Cordura fabric beefs up the wear areas like the shoulders and sleeves, creating a longlasting, durable combination. The materials are breathable, cut wind, and are lightly water resistant.

Outdoor Research has upgraded its best seller with a couple new features:

​Pros:

Why mess with a good thing? After owning 3 of the original Ferrosi jackets, I was a bit skeptical that any changes to this long loved design may change it for the worse. I am happy to report that I am in love with the new and improved version. New added features like the thumb holes and  the hidden chest pocket zipper only make this jacket better.

As a long time fan of the thumb holes in longsleeve tops, I found I was using this feature quite frequently in the new Ferrosi jacket. In one particular buggy camping trip, the thumb holes offered extra added protection from being bitten by mosquitoes! They have also offered me the ability to withdraw my hands into the sleeves during windy belays. My hands are prone to getting cold and the thumb holes give me some added warmth when I need to perform tasks without gloves or mittens on.

I enjoyed the added chest pocket detail styling and assume this feature may improve the longevity of the zipper from abrasion from backpack chest straps and nasty off-widths or bushwhacks. It also gives the jacket a bit more style which I like.

I am a huge fan of these softshell jackets. I wear them professionally as a Phys Ed/Outdoor Ed teacher and when I'm adventuring on the weekends. I ALWAYS pack this jacket in my pack and is almost always my 'go-to' layer. It's stretchy, durable, rugged, and passes the test of time. I love them.

It was hard to think that OR could actually make this jacket better but they have! 

Cons:

One con is that the jacket is now 0.5 oz heavier than the original (according to the OR site comparing women's mediums-11.5 oz verses 11 oz). Laying the older version on top of the newer version, the sleeves have been lengthened slightly to accommodate the thumb holes and combined with the new chest zipper pocket gives us the answers to why the weight has increased slightly.

My second con is the colour choices. Most Ferrosi jackets are two-tone combinations unless you want boring black or grey colours. The new Fig colour has been sold out most of the summer and for good reason: it's not two-tone and is in a different purple tone than previous generations. I would love to see more one-tone colour choices in the future. Eggplant? Teal? 
 
Best Uses: Hiking, Climbing, Skinning, Camping, Paddling, Mountaineering, General Use

The Outdoor Research Gauge Tee is called the 'Ultimate Cooling Shirt' when you are producing heat in hot humid environments. As part of Outdoor Research's #ORInsightLab, I was given this tee to test and review. I took the Gauge Tee trail running and on a 6 day coastal backpacking trip in Pukaskwa National Park in Ontario, Canada.

Outdoor Research Gauge Tee
Size: XS-XL
Colour: Pewter, Desert Sunrise, Oasis
Weight: 2.9oz/ 82g (size M)
Price: $65 USD

Features:
The Gauge Tee is a combination of three technical fabrics. The first is Polartec Delta (51%) - an advanced cooling fabric that creates a system to regulate heat loss next to your skin.  It also uses 45% Tencel - an eco-friendly fabric made from wood that is more absorbent than cotton. The remaining 5% is made from spandex.

Pros:
The first thing you notice when you look at the Gauge Tee is the honeycomb weave fabric . It's light and stretchy and has an airy feel to it. The Desert Sunrise (pink) colour is very eye-catching and I received many compliments while wearing it.

The fabric is softer against the skin than most technical wicking tees and the seams didn't cause me any chaffing or irritation. I sized up to a medium in this tee so that it had a bit looser fit. I found it very comfortable to wear -  no skin cling.

As promised this tee manages heat and perspiration extremely well. In the hot humid summers of the Northeast, I was impressed by how well this tee dumped heat. Will sweat be absorbed into the fabric? Of course it does, but it dries very quickly through convection. After sweaty humid summer trail runs, I never felt heat was being trapped by the shirt against my core. 

I enjoyed wearing it on my backpacking trip - it moved well with my body and kept my body temperature regulated (no overheating!). Overall I was impressed with this tee's technical performance.

Cons:

The major con I have with this tee is its long-term durability. Before going on a week long backpacking trip, I had lightly snagged the tee and caused some pulls with some threads. After using it for backpacking there are now a dozen pulls as well as a quarter size hole near the neck seam. After 9 days of what I would describe as regular use over 6 weeks, I can honestly say I am disappointed with how the fabric holds up. This is definitely unusual for Outdoor Research products, as I have had much success with the durable and breathable Echo Tee.

Best Uses: Trail running

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.