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.

The Outdoor Research Trailbreaker Pant is a ski touring pant full of interesting design features. Having tried other ski touring pants from Patagonia and Arc'teryx, I was eager to see how these pants compared. Here's what I found out:

Outdoor Research Trailbreaker Pant
Colour: Pewter, Black
Size: XS-XL
Price: $250 USD
Weight: 21.4oz/607g (Medium)

Features:
The pants are made with a water-resistant, breathable softshell fabric. OR has reinforced the Trailbreaker Pant from the knees down with a waterproof layer to protect you when you're in deep powder. The pants are packed full of many other technical features, way more than other pants I've tried. Here they are:

External features include zippered thigh vents, ankle level scuff guards, snap zippered fly, ankle zippers, articulated knees, and belt loops.

Internal features include two zippered hand pockets, zippered thigh pockets, a stretch mesh internal gaiter, and adjustable tabs on the waist band. Outdoor Research has also included a IFMGA guide requested mesh avalanche beacon pocket with key clip as seen below.

​​Cons:
The ankle zippers had to be opened on uphill mode as the pant is too tight over the open boot otherwise. The feature is fine, but it adds another step to transitions that I think could be eliminated if the pant just flared more at the bottom. Plus, the zipper may eventually break altogether. Keep the great internal gaiter and flare the softshell fabric out and eliminate the zipper.

The waterproof fabric on the knees held up well but seems thin and less durable than the rest of the pant. I have read some reviews that seem to have noted a problem in this area. I haven't had any issues as of yet and it kept me drier around my knees compared to other pants.

I appreciated leg vents as this is the first touring pant that I've owned that had this feature. One suggestion is that the thigh vents could have a fabric mesh inner lining as snow occasionally gets in from poles.

I have a personally dislike the pewter colour. I didn't find it flattering in many photos and if I had the choice I would definitely choose the Trailbreaker pants in the alternative black colour. 

Best Uses: Ski Touring, Splitboarding, Snowshoeing.

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

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.

On a recent trip to Nepal, I was able to test out Woolx's Women's Midweight Baselayers: The Borealis Top and Leggings. Here's what I found out:

Woolx Midweight Borealis Top
Sizes: XS to XXL
Colours: Emerald, Black, Emerald Stripe, Berry, Orchid Stripe
Price: $105.00 USD
Weight: 8oz/227g (medium)

Woolx Midweight Leggings
Sizes: XS-XXL
Colours: Black, Orchid Stripe
Price: $110 USD
Weight: 8oz/227g (medium)

Features:
Featuring the softest Australian merino wool on the planet, Woolx brand garments get my vote for feeling the best against your skin. A friend of mine with very sensitive skin has had success with Woolx wool clothing but no other wool brands. If you're still not sure, Woolx backs this up with their Woolx Guarantee. With 230g/m2 thickness, this is perfect for a midweight baselayer. 

Woolx states that their material offers superior wicking with feminine features like a 3 inch cuff, drop back hem, female contour shaping, and comfortable neck shape. Woolx offers Women's midweight tops in 3 different styles: Turtleneck, 1/4 zip, and the Borealis regular neck version.

Both midweight baselayers are machine washable and dryable without shrinkage (turn inside out). Woolx has a large range of sizes and a good choice of colours.

Pros:
Warmth- At higher altitudes Nepal is very cold and damp and the midweight baselayers were the perfect thickness for added heat to my layering system. Sometimes I wore them as pyjamas, sometimes as a baselayer during the day hiking. And there were a few days around the freezing mark I used them for both and never took them off! 

Layering- Both the top and bottom layer well underneath other layers. The bottoms work very well under softshell pants and the top works well under vests, fleeces and down jackets. 

Feminine touches- One of the things about Woolx I enjoy the most is the feminine touches that go into their baselayers compared to other companies. The tops have a feminine cut shape and details like longer lengths and longer cuffs. The bottoms have been cut to cover low backs and and long enough to fit over your ankle bones.

Durability- Woolx's material is super soft, but some may think that means it's not durable. After weeks of use in Nepal, material shows no signs of damage or wear. The midweight fabric is in for the long haul! The fabric washes well and there was no shrinkage.

Cons/Suggestions:

Top-Keep the feminine design and colour options. Would love to see a thumb hole in the longer wrist cuffs. 

Bottoms- Are perfect! Don't change a thing. Highly recommended.

Can't wait to wear these quality layers in the Canada this winter. They will be a great addition to my winter wardrobe and I'm sure will be worn on the ski slopes!

Best Uses: Baselayer for activity in colder weather

Disclosure: I was given the Woolx Midweight Baselayers for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed 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.