If I were shopping for pants online and came across the above picture, I’d just scroll on by. I don’t really understand the idea of using unflattering pictures for gear, especially for pants like this pair, which are really nice and look really good. That’s why I chase down these pieces for review; you never really know until you get your hands on them.

When I asked Mountain Hardwear if I could try them out, they almost didn’t want to send them because this pant is evidently a staple of their collection and, as their PR staff put it, the Winter Wander Pants “don’t need any help.” They usually like me to focus on new product. But I begged, because I really want to help you readers find better pants, since you’re always asking me about it. And I’m sure glad I did, because these are indeed a great pair of pants.

A few caveats, though. The Winter Wander pants are a pretty basic softshell. They are designed to “shed water and snow” but I don’t think I’d wear them in precipitation; the finish is just not durable enough. I also don’t use them for very cold weather; brisk fall days (Alaska-style brisk; into the low 30s/upper 20s, maybe, though I wore them last week in low 20s and they did OK for a short time) are the most they can handle unless you are really exerting yourself. That said, I do really like these pants and have been using them this winter, but usually with a long coat or down skirt to add a little extra warmth on my legs since the pants are just a little too thin. I might try wearing them as a midlayer while skiing, because they’re cut slim enough to fit under other pants.

The fit is why I like them so much. They fit like jeans; nice low rise, slim cut around the hips and legs, and a flare at the hem. I wear them with my big winter boots and pull the pants down over the boots, which keeps the snow out. Even my stylist (remember her?) said they looked really cute and she usually clucks at me for wearing outdoorsy stuff. They’re great for wearing around town on stormy days because they barely look like snow pants at all. The softshell fabric is pretty thin which is why they’re not particularly warm, but that’s also why they’re so flattering. I love the design and the fit, though, and I’d like to see this fit tried out with a tougher and warmer softshell material.

They fit pretty true to size in my experience and I believe they come in a short length if you’re not willowy and tall. I am pretty average height and the regular length is perfect for me. They’re not the warmest or the toughest, but they’re pretty good and I hope that MHW saves the design to use with other, warmer materials.

This one has been on the review list for a while but I had a special request today on Twitter to address the issue of down skirts. Here in Alaska, winter skirts have been fairly popular for a while so I’m not surprised they’re making their way to more mainstream manufacturers. I even saw someone skiing in an ankle-length winter skirt the other day; it’s definitely a common sight here when it gets chilly.

It seems that people’s first reaction to insulated skirts is either intrigue or ridicule. I’d heard enough positives about them that I was eager to try one so when Sierra Designs offered to send one of their new Gnar down miniskirts, I just had to agree. One of the reasons I wanted to try one is that I’ve found that that the myth of body fat being an insulator is just that – a myth. My most ample assets are the ones that get cold the fastest. My core is always toasty but my booty and upper arms seem to be where the chill settles. I realize that this probably brings to mind a mental image of me looking like some bastardized female Popeye, but come on. My picture is on this site, you know I look normal. But I can tell where my body fat is because those are the parts that get cold. There’s body fat on my ass, so there you have it.

Gnar skirt to the rescue. You’d think that there would be no way an open-ended garment could keep one warm, but really – your jacket is open at the bottom too and it still keeps you warm. Further, I’ll bet some of you wear long trench-style coats and why? Because they’re warmer. The Gnar skirt is just like adding an extender onto your coat; it’s the same idea.

I like wearing the Gnar when I’m out riding my fat bike in really cold temps. It adds just a little extra insulation and keeps me warm on the bike. Last time I wore it while riding, it was only about zero degrees out and I had to take the skirt off because I was too warm. I wear it over softshell pants for hikes when I need that extra kick of warmth.

There are a few design flaws in this particular iteration. The snap closures in the front are problematic because they come undone really easily. I mostly wear all but two or three open anyway, so it wouldn’t be that big of a deal, but having the waist also close with a snap is annoying. It should be a buckle, for security’s sake. What would really fix this is having some elastic in the skirt. As it is, if you leave the snaps buttoned, it’s too hard to walk at more than a city-girl pace. Having a stretchy down skirt, now that would be awesome.

I would also like to see more realistic sizing. I’m usually a size small but couldn’t get the S size skirt around me! The medium fits OK but I have to cut down on the doughnuts if I want to be sure I can wear it all year. Anyone bigger than a size 6 would have to bump up into the large unless they have particularly slim hips.

The tags said that the skirt has two interior pockets but mine doesn’t – those would be a welcome addition. Could be just a sample goof – that happens sometimes.

And how does it look? I have no idea. I put it on to stay warm and I don’t actually own a full length mirror. I can imagine that a few stylin’ chicas could pull it off as a fashion look; I’m not sure I would try. Well, maybe – I think it’s got potential to be pretty cute. Anyone got insight?

All in all I like the concept and I find this to be a pretty helpful piece. I would like it to be more secure and allow for more freedom of movement. Maybe even a little longer?

For us stunted earthlings, protection from the elements is important. When Bogs asked if I’d try their boots out for review, I was eager to do so in order to get in on this new trend. I naturally asked for the basic colors because that’s just my thing. I tried the Classic Ultra High Handles style and a pair of the Bridgeport slip-on shoes.

The Classic Ultra High are rubber and neoprene and, as you can tell from the name and the picture above, have handles for ease of pull-on (very much appreciated). The thick sole helps insulate feet from the cold ground and naturally the rubber boots are completely waterproof. This is great for what we call “breakup” in Alaska – when the snow and ice melt and “break up” into piles of slush. Some say this season coincides with the end of all those “keep me warm through the long cold winter” relationships-of-convenience, but I don’t know if there is anything to that. It’s not going to be breakup for a good long time though, and I was interested in the Classic Ultra High boot primarily to try for winter biking. We’re having quite a cold winter and as usual I’ve been struggling with cold feet and these are rated to -40. The women riders in the Yukon that I follow in the blogosphere wear Bogs in some of their pics so I wanted to see if they would help keep me warm too.

Unfortunately I did not find that the temperature rating was too accurate. I can’t wear these for biking because I get too cold; the wind chill and proximity to the metal pedals is too much for these boots. Since they are waterproof, they also make my feet bathe in sweat (sexy, no?) which I think that contributes to why my feet get so cold. I don’t think this is a real failing on the part of the boots; it’s hard to keep feet warm when biking in the winter. The boots are still great for doing outdoor winter chores (they were originally developed for dairy farmers), for fishing, and for day hiking if you want to cross marshy areas (which I often do). It’s winter right now, but I’ll likely use them for fishing too. If you’re a horsey person you’ll love these around the barn. They are a nice alternative to Xtra-Tufs and there are many other styles to choose from if you don’t like the Ultra High Handles style.

The fit is kind of hit and miss from what I can figure. They don’t come in half sizes and I thought that my regular size fit OK, but I’ve been researching what others say and evidently the boot is supposed to fit more snugly than it fits me. However, some people say the boot runs small and I didn’t find that to be true. I’d recommend trying on a few pairs to get the fit you want.

I also tried the Bridgeport slip-on shoe style. I fell in love with these immediately. It helped that we’ve had the most bizarre winter – record-breaking snow along with five major thaw events that have turned everything into a sloppy, slippery mess until it freezes again. I’ve been wearing the Bridgeports around town during those events and they’re great. They’re comfortable and supportive and actually look pretty cute with jeans (more important than I expected). I actually like these better than the tall boots; they seem to fit better so maybe there is a sizing issue with the taller pair. The sole isn’t as thick but they’re a reasonable choice for around town, or on a boat deck (you fish, right?) or anywhere you’re likely to encounter puddles (obviously). A great option if you’re not into tucking your pants legs into tall boots.

All in all I think the Bogs have a lot to offer. They come in such a variety of colors and heights that you’re bound to find something that you like. For a rubber boot they’re pretty warm though I think -40 is an exaggeration. I didn’t stay warm yesterday in 32 degree temps while riding my bike, but I do allow that bike riding is a difficult situation for footwear. You can check out more Bogs styles on their web site here, but don’t get confused about the menu showing “Agricultural,” “Outdoor,” and “Casual” styles; they’re all the same thing. Have fun picking out your pattern!

I’ve been wearing the Professional Clogs for years. They are the basic clog of the line, and you see them on nurses and Alaska Airlines flight attendants regularly. Honestly, if you are a flight attendant and you’re not wearing comfortable shoes…I don’t know how you do it. They are my favorites of the line (I like simple and basic, I admit) and the latest iteration hasn’t changed much. The thing I like about the Pro Clog is that the base is nice and wide so you’re not teetering around (not that you’ll ever teeter in clogs, unless you’re doing it wrong). The Pro comes in all kinds of colors, from the basic to the crazy, so you’re sure to find something that strikes your fancy. I’ve always wanted snakeskin, myself, or is that officially “trying too hard?” The Pro can successfully pair with business-y attire if you’ve an eye for that kind of thing; it’s nice in the winter to have reasonably sensible shoes when hiking urban streets to go to work. You do see people wearing these with dresses and skirts, to which I say…eh…to each her own. Think Lisa from Six Feet Under.

Because I’m stuck in my ways, I would have been happy with a pair of Pro Clogs in each the basic colors. Dansko wanted to highlight other styles, though, so I was forced out of my rut with the Stacie. Yes, it looks almost the same, with a little extra stitching and styling. I found that this shoe is a little daintier and narrower than the Pro Clog which really can’t hurt. They have a little less of that obvious clog look which is nice, and I have no trouble pairing these with slacks or dress pants. The foot hole (I don’t know…? the place in which you slip your foot? Someone help me here) is smaller than the pro clog and the shoe stays put a little better; no slippage. I wore these today for one of my very rare dressy office days and I loved them. Super comfortable, nice cushy insole. I think they’re a tad more comfortable than the Pro Clog.

The base of support is a little narrower, conceivably making it easier to slip – my one complaint about clogs is the thick sole; if you slip you can do some serious ankle damage, so I caution against wearing them on ice. The thick sole makes it dangerous to slip but it does make for convenience when walking through a few inches of snow. Your jeans hem might get wet but your socks have a chance of staying dry.

If the snow is any deeper than that, you might want to go with the Stormy. It’s an ankle boot on the same clog platform as the Stacie. The upper is lined with shearling and folds down if you want a different look. I have the black but I think it’s cuter in brown because it has a lighter shearling so there’s some appealing contrast there. I like the nice warm shearling, but the bummer is that it’s not extended to inside the clog part (which makes sense, but would still be super cozy until it wore out). I can’t quite pull these off with a dress but I bet some of you fashionistas can.

So there you have it. How to dress like an Alaskan, and how to dress like a slightly more fashionable Alaskan. Don’t get me wrong. I love the Pro Clogs for ever and ever. They’re just not too original up here where people wear comfortable shoes, though since I’ve seen more stilettos on the streets of Anchorage lately, you never know. Which reminds me; another major benefit of clogs is that they make you look taller without looking like you’re trying to look taller. Tom Cruise, clue in.

Verde PR keeps me pretty well stocked up on the latest and greatest from Julbo so I’ve come to expect really good things from goggles. When Julbo is all you use, you tend to get complacent. Their goggles are all really nice and I’ve yet to feel that anything was lacking. Still, Verde urged me to try the Superstars and I’m really glad I did. They’ve been my favorite for resort skiing – I don’t think I’ve taken them off my helmet since I got them.

Mostly I really like them for the fit. They have extended outriggers to make them more helmet-compatible than most and, although they’re not billed as a women’s specific goggle, they fit my smaller face just fine. The biggest difference I notice is that the Superstars don’t fog up nearly as much as other goggles. I also notice the enhanced view – they seem to give me more peripheral vision than many other goggles.

The Cat 3 lenses are a little overkill at this time of year; we’re just past solstice and I don’t think the sun actually hits the mountain at the local resort, or at least it doesn’t when I’m skiing in the morning and afternoon – another few weeks to go before I need to screen my eyes from the golden orb. Still, I end up wearing the Superstars a lot because they’re so comfortable and they seem to prevent fogging really well.

I’d love to see this goggle with interchangeable lenses to get me through the entire Alaska winter, or with a photochromatic lens so I get the best of both worlds.

Get them at Backcountry.com for just over $100 by clicking here.

This isn't me.

Top – the top is great. It fits perfectly in my regular size and has cool superhero type styling; stars on the shoulders, racing stripes. I don’t know why there needs to be a bustier-style accent panel in the front, but whatever. I like it and it contributes to the Wonder Woman-inspired styling. It’s a wool piece and that means it’s a little itchy, so in the future I’d wear it over another base layer (lots of double base layer days in Alaska so no big deal). One thing I really love about the styling is the crew neck – I wish all base layers had this. I’m usually wearing one or all of the following: avalanche transceiver, backpack, radio harness. With all that stuff on a small torso, straps are bound to get pushed around and rub the side of my neck. Crewneck base layers solve that problem. I wish, as usual, that this piece had a 1/4 zip, but I guess not every single shirt can have one. You tall folks will like the fact that the arms are really long.

Bottoms – good fabric and good construction are foiled by terrible fit. I don’t understand the fit of these at all. They sent a M, which is a size up for me, and it seemed to fit in the legs OK but from crotch up it was a total junk show. The rise came up over my rib cage in the front, and dipped down in the back by at least three inches (which didn’t show crack, because the front rise was SO high). The long rise meant that I was busting a little sag at the crotch and feeling uncomfortable with a seam up so high on my torso. Sadly, I wouldn’t be able to wear these pants for anything really active like skiing or climbing; the fit would annoy me too much. As I point out here, high rise base layers are also really hard to manage when you have to pull them down to pee. You have to grope up under your shirt waaaaaay up there just to find the top of the pants to pull them down and then shift all your upper-body clothes all around to get the pants back up. Mostly, though, they’re just uncomfortable because they’re not shaped like I’m shaped. What a bummer; otherwise I’d really like them. The fabric is good and they are cut well in the legs to allow for knee movement, with cool “body mapping” to help ventilate when needed..

If it weren’t for the weird fit these would be my first choice for walking around in just base layers pre- or post-trip. It would be like wearing a Superfriends costume. I wish I had the bottoms in my regular size to see if that would help with the fit, but I suspect it would only help a little since the style is definitively high rise. Once Baffin irons out that issue, they’d have a winner here.

[Irene tested this jacket on the soggy Kenai Peninsula last fall - that'll put any waterproof-breathable to the test for certain. -HG]

I like this shell made of their 3 layer Hurricane fabric. Our fall weather in Alaska did not disappoint me for what to expect is to be expected, RAIN, RAIN, and tons more RAIN! This shell was a perfect topping over a couple layers early in the fall. I tend to sweat a lot on my outings, probably should go a little slower and smell the um, mud and moisture in the air at this time of year. Which leads me to another favorite part of this shell, it has under arm zips, and I love this feature, really does help to get a little ventilation when you start getting warm but it’s pouring rain. The helmet compatible hood (means it fits nicely over a bike, or ski helmet) is way cool, literally not making me cool from rain going down my neck. When not wearing a helmet, there are little string adjusters to tighten this hood to keep the elements out. The added visor on the hood also helps keep the pounding rain off your face, lots of fun little features that make a tremendous difference when you are in some rad conditions, thus, such an appropriate name for this jacket.

So just what is Hurricane fabric? Beats me, let’s look it up. Oops, big mistake, now it says has an outer Tropozone layer. Oh well, I’ll leave it up to those who are really into their gear. All’s I know is that it is most definitely waterproof, and breathable. And, now I know what hard-shell means. Interesting what lingo I’m learning writing these reviews. Hard shells like this one are made with laminates that are applied to the fabric used to make jackets and pants as opposed to a soft shell that uses sophisticated stretch woven fabrics with tight layered weaves and durable water repellent (DWR) treatments to guard against wind, rain, and snow in all but the most severe weather conditions.

Sierra Designs calls this a winter layer, yes it could be if you buy the next size larger. Pockets are small, but I guess that’s not too much of an issue because when you need a layer like this one you are usually on an outing with a pack in which to store bulkier gloves, hats, and snacks. An adjustable cinch at the waist lets you further snug the shell tighter if needed. I like the fit very well, I am growing so fond of my women specific clothing that I am no longer looking in the men’s department because I can’t stand the thought of going back to baggy clothing, even though the selection for women isn’t nearly what it should be. Manufacturers, get moving if you wanna make the big bucks.

I talked about these base layers in my last trip report, but they do deserve their own review.

At first look, this is a pretty standard design; long sleeve upper, full length lower. Lowers are really nice and long for you tall gals, and the sleeves on the upper are long enough too; no fit problems to speak of for a good range of body types. The “extra” is Columbia’s Omni-Heat fabric which has little metallic dots on the inside to reflect body heat back to you. At first I thought it couldn’t possibly make a difference, but a little voice spoke up reminding me that we use space blankets to reflect body heat back to injured people in the backcountry, so it should work to use the same idea integrated with clothing…?

I admit that I didn’t notice much of a difference when using these in the reasonable temps (above or equal to zero degrees F). They seemed pretty average at first, but since it wasn’t cold enough, my standard layer system was fine and the Omni-Heat wasn’t being put to the test. It had to dive well below zero for me to realize what a difference the Omni-Heat makes. It really, really works.

I have nothing whatsoever to say about these that isn’t an utter rave. They’re comfortable , well made, and they work to keep you warmer. Actually, I want them in more versions – like always, I would love a crewneck 1/3 zip version of the top, and a ski-length option for the bottoms. What say you, Columbia?

Another review from Irene – a super legit Geargal from the Kenai Peninsula. Last time Irene and I got together, we hiked in nuclear winds to a high pass, heralding the end of the snowless season by trekking from bare ground to 6″ of the white stuff. Always the functional fashionista, Irene wore a skirt over her leggings and was only turned back because it was too icy to continue safely. She’s a badass. Trust her to test stuff by dumping chainsaw oil all over it (see below). She’s also absolutely tiny so she gets all the stuff that’s too small for me.

Although this jacket in my regular size fit me okay, it was a tad snug in the arms and I knew it would fit Irene a lot better so I sent it to her for testing. I have noticed that this year’s Columbia line tends to be small in the arms, so if you’re a Georgette-of-the-Jungle muscly type like me, you might need a size up. -Head Geargal

This ever so stylish, light down jacket from Columbia is now my favorite cool weather layer. Its lightweight 700 down filling combined with the Omni-Heat thermal reflective liner is so comfortable and warm when worn over a base layer, or two.

I first wore this jacket when our temperatures dipped to minus 10 degrees in late November. The first morning I stepped outside wearing this layer I noticed my sides and under my arms were cold due to a very clever heat regulating non-insulated panel running from the wrist clear down to the waist. I would soon find out how great this chilly panel is and how wonderfully it works to cool you down when you’re beginning to sweat up a storm.

No frills to this jacket; just two hand pockets, and one main zipper – and yet it’s so cute. Oh, there was a drawstring cord in the hem that I cut out as I had no room to snug this jacket to my hips. I love women specific clothing, especially clothing that adds a bit of chic. Here is what Columbia has to say about this piece:

Exquisite baffling lines elongate your figure, and the pretty, soft tricot and taffeta lining is just as inviting as the jacket’s lightweight warmth.

Aha! “Elongates your figure;” no wonder I look so good in this layer.

Depending on the item, I usually wear a small or a medium size [Trust me, it’s only the Euro brands that necessitate the medium – Irene is super small, smaller than me and I am a size S across the board. Except in Euro stuff, so there you have it. –HG]. This jacket was a small and after two layers under it I was beginning to feel like a stuffed sausage, therefore, I would purchase a medium for a little more wiggle room.

After wearing this layer on my personal outings skiing I decided to take it to work where I do a variety of tasks outdoors. Currently one task I’m not too keen on is heading out on a snowmobile to cut fallen trees from across the trails [I would quite enjoy this task. I have a weakness for power toys tools. -HG]. Though, this one particular day I was quite pleased because my partner and I got to hike instead of ride (the lake we would traverse to get to a portage trail was not frozen enough for snowmobiles), but then I was to soon find out this partner of mine grabbed the biggest chainsaw with the longest bar we have. Argh, sorry what I said about not liking snowmobile travel….

Hiking uphill trudging through snow that was not so deep we needed snowshoes yet deep enough to be a difficult hike was first on the agenda. I kept thinking I probably shouldn’t be wearing this pretty jacket today but I needed to keep warm and not let exertion get me too sweaty on this minus 6 degree day. When it was my turn to carry the ridiculous “Paul Bunyan” chainsaw I was very careful to have the power head resting on the top of my pack and not on my jacket, a strategy that did not pay off, as when I returned from the outing I discovered a large spot of oil on my sleeve. However:

Omni-Shield® advanced repellency fabric on the exterior guards against wet weather, spills, and stains.

When I returned to the office I quickly took the jacket to the sink and washed the oily spot, and thankfully it came out. The shell is a ripstop nylon, the company says, with advanced repellency. I found out when it’s raining, or dumping heavy wet snow, this layer gets soaked rather quickly. I knew it probably would; for Pete’s sake, this is a thin down layer after all – but I just had to put it to the test.

I enjoy this jacket so much for work and play that I have to admit there was one day I had to retrieve it from the dirty laundry bin at 6:45 A.M. as I was frantically searching for it on my way out the door to work, only to remember the rather stinky layer needed to be washed. Didn’t matter as I was heading to work with smelly guys, I’d fit right in. And, one of the other best parts to this layer is indeed you can throw it in the washer and dryer!!! Even the label says so, major bonus for me.

I highly recommend this jacket, it seems that when I’m wearing it I am not having to stop as often to add or remove layers of clothing quite as often as I normally would, or should. Hard to imagine such a thin layer can have such a big impact on my comfort in the out of doors. Good job Columbia, and thank you Head Geargal. [You are most welcome from both of us I'm sure! -HG]

I’m a real sucker for a base layer that works. I know we’re supposed to view sweat as our enemy in rough conditions but I just can’t help myself because I like to work hard. Ergo, I sweat. So I need a base layer that excels at moisture transport away from the skin.

I also am picky about the way base layers feel. I mean, it’s a base layer so it’s right against your skin, yeah? When the base layer is scratchy or doesn’t fit right or rides up or otherwise makes itself obvious, it’s a no-go as far as I’m concerned. The base layer has to be the right length so that you can tuck it in the way you want, and has to fit perfectly or it’s just annoying.

Helly Hansen told me the Dry Revolution Base Layer was their biggest story this year so I was keen to check them out. I was stoked to discover that the base layer is soft, stretchy, and otherwise perfect in every way. Should I just stop there?

When you first pull the top out you’ll think it’s going to be too small, for it does look a little tiny. It’ll be okay though, because it’s made from a super stretchy fabric that fits like a second skin without feeling tight. I usually wear a small and the small fit fine and the medium wasn’t too baggy, so you can probably size up without any issues if you are worried about sizing. Personally I like the base layer to fit nice and snug for optimum wicking and since once I put the Revolution on I can’t even feel it, I usually go with the smaller one. The bottoms are similar, and tall chicas will be stoked to find that the legs are nice and long so even their ankles can be covered with wicking fabric. The fit of the top is nice and long so that it can be tucked in, and it stays put once you do.

The only improvements I would make would be to raise the collar of the shirt to go a little towards crewneck-style so that I can wear my transceiver over it without the strap chafing my neck. On cold days I can avoid this with a mid-layer with a higher neck, but most of the time when I ski I just wear a jacket over my base layer while I skin up. A crewneck/1/4 zip version of the Revolution top would be perfection.

I would also love to see a ski-length version of the bottoms since I don’t like to fold the legs up because they’ll stretch out. I could also do without the racing stripes on the sleeves and lower legs – without them the base layer could be worn under dresses as simple tights, but the racing stripes make them look a little weird because they show even over tall boots. Those are just minor quibbles, though; in general these are my absolute favorite base layer pieces and I think they’re likely the best on the market at this time.

They’re not that easy to find in retail yet, but you can get them at Altrec by clicking here.