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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

After searching through multiple brands to find women-specific dry pants, I finally found the pants I had been looking for: Kokatat Hydrus 3L Tempest Women's Dry Pants with Socks. How do these pants perform? I tested them out on a 15 day northern river trip this summer.

Kokatat Hydrus 3L Tempest Women's Dry Pants With Socks
Price: $189 USD
Sizes: S-L
Colour: Gray
Weight: 450g (small)

Features:
Hydrus 3L is Kokatat's waterproof-breathable fabric.  The fabric extends past the legs and adds socks as one factory seam sealed unit . The neoprene waistband is tall and has velcro to adjust fit.
 
Pros: The best part about these pants is that they are women's specific. There aren't too many companies that make a women's specific drypant, but Kokatat does. Smaller sizes and women's specific features are why these pants stand out.

The drypant material allows for freedom of movement. When wearing some other brand's pants, I feel like I'm wearing heavy snowpants. In contrast, the Kokatat pants are unrestricting, lightweight and flexible.

The attached socks are an amazing addition which makes cold water wading a breeze. In and out of a boat multiple times a day, my socks were 90% dry. The fabric dries quite quickly after use. I wouldn't even take an hour before the pants were bone dry.

The durability of these pants is good. They stand up to tough abuse and are worthy of their price tag. I would definitely give them a thumbs up.

Cons: The fabric used in these pants is SLIPPERY. So much so that while kneeling canoeing, I would slide off my seat forward and have to re-position myself multiple times an hour. Thigh straps will also slide down these pants fairly easily which is annoying.

They only come in one colour- a mocha beige. It would be cool to have more colour choices.

Best Uses: Whitewater canoeing, kayaking and rafting. Flyfishing as well.