Baffin Base Layers
January 4, 2012
Baffin is branching into the apparel category and sent me some women’s base layers to try, tops and bottoms. I wore them today and have a few thoughts.
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.
Sierra Designs Rad Jacket
January 4, 2012
[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.
Columbia Midweight Stripe Omni-Heat Base Layer
January 2, 2012
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?
Columbia Reach the Peak Hybrid Down Jacket
December 28, 2011
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:
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:
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]
Helly Hansen HH Dry Revolution Base Layer
December 11, 2011
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.
Mountain Hardwear Drystein (Dry-Q) Jacket
December 4, 2011
It’s been a long time since I changed up my jacket situation. There are tons of great waterproof-breathable jackets out there so it does take a lot to catch my notice. Dry-Q is MHW’s new fabric that promises to be so breathable that I wouldn’t experience that uncomfortable overheating sensation before the breathability kicked in. Honestly, every time I’ve overheated I’ve just taken my jacket off, so I’ve no idea whether normal waterproof-breathable jackets really do start venting better once you get heated up. The only time I put on a waterproof-breathable is when it’s actively precipitating anyway; for everything else I wear softshells. So it was a bit of a leap of faith to take this jacket straight out backcountry skiing in our sub-zero November to see how it performed. Funny how, although it’s my job to test stuff out, I don’t like doing it when I’m doing sports I really like, because who likes to flail around with new stuff when you could be having fun?
However, I had really loved the fit of this jacket, which was quintessential MHW perfect; slim in the body, just-shy-of-hip length, and roomy sleeves and shoulders. I cringed at the white color, knowing that the very second I touched it it was going to turn dirty brown, but if they send white stuff, that’s just the way it goes. It feels like a sort of modified softshell and I figured I should try it out in real conditions. Sadly (not) the weather did not cooperate and it was clear and sunny when we set out, no precip to be had.
It was super cold, probably a few digits below zero when we started out, but I like to work hard going uphill so I opted to wear just a base layer with this jacket on top. I could not believe how perfect it was even for that cold weather. I never got too hot and never really got cold. Neutral, unchanging core temperature the entire time. That felt pretty awesome! Since then I’ve made the Dry-Q Elite my go-to for backcountry and it’s done well every time. Bear in mind that I’ve only worn it in reasonable conditions, nothing really insane in terms of precip yet. I don’t know that I’d be able to stack a ton of layers underneath it because it is pretty slim in the torso; maybe just a low-pro puffy, but I think that good fit contributes to its performance, breathability-wise. Baggy stuff just doesn’t breathe as well, and it’s a constant problem finding stuff that has the right fit to maximize performance while allowing flexibility in layers. I also don’t like it when jackets are too long in the arms and that’s what happens if I go up a size, especially in MHW. However, fit is individual so use your own judgment there.
I’m pretty impressed at how relatively clean the white stays; probably whatever finish they use on the jacket helps to repel stains somewhat. I don’t see white as an option at any retail outlets so maybe that’s just a special sample color or something. I spent some time the other day thrashing around in a deadfall and I was surprised that the jacket came out of that relatively unscathed; I kind of expected some punctures but it held up really well and didn’t even get that dirty. Other minor features just solidify the jacket as a good solid choice: it’s got inner cuffs that really ratchet up the comfort factor; since the cuffs are built in you don’t have to mess with keeping the snow out and they’re soft and comfortable against your skin. I took the powder skirt out because of the fuss factor, but there is one if you like that sort of thing. There’s a few inner pockets and the handwarmer pockets are nice and roomy. I didn’t think I could be impressed by a jacket this much anymore, but I’m glad that Mountain Hardwear can still prove me wrong.
Best price on this jacket right now is 30% off at $294 on rei.com, pretty damn good.
Mountain Hardwear Butter Zippity
December 1, 2011
I just saw a picture of someone else wearing this shirt and all I can think of to say is really? Really? My arms are that short? I’m that freaky? How does someone else look so great in this and I’m looking like I’m wearing a base layer designed for a chimpanzee! I’m normal looking, I swear. On the small side. Not short, not skinny exactly, just…compact. Efficient. Why waste energy swinging long, willowy limbs around anyway? I can get my arm around in probably half the time it takes Gisele to land a punch.
You’re probably getting my point; that tall folks or people with high ape indexes will fit this shirt fine, and they’re lucky because it’s a great piece. Super warm and toasty, it’s got an unusually soft texture (probably why it’s got “butter” in the name) and is very quick-drying. It’s simple, with a 1/3 zip (mandatory for any base layer if you ask me) and one simple pocket down by the lower rib cage area. Sadly for me, I can’t really wear it very comfortably because the sleeves are way, way, way too long. I usually endorse adding a little extra length to sleeves because clothes aren’t usually small enough in the body and long enough in the arms for me – I have to settle for too-short sleeves or too-baggy torsos – so this is the first time ever that I think an item has sleeves that are too long. Even the hem of this piece is bordering on too long for me. the good news is that it fits nicely in the torso so you long and lean chicas will be happy with this one.
I’m 5’5″ so I’m not super itty bitty, so I’d say that this piece is probably best for women 5’7″ and above, or just very long-limbed. At least make sure to try it on before you buy to make sure you’ll like the fit. Other reviews have stated that the fit is spot-on, so it’s possible that my Butter Zippity is suffering from sample-itis, which is what happens when samples get sent to media and are changed a bit before they’re mass produced. If anyone has their hands on a retail version of this shirt, please weigh in on the fit.
If you just wanna roll the dice, you can order it at Backcountry.com for $69.
Geigerrig Hydration Systems
November 21, 2011
I’ve been working with Bob Geiger to evaluate and test his line of hydration packs, which are different from your regular hydration pack because they put the water under pressure so that it sprays out. The tagline for the product is “Never Suck Again” and who wouldn’t want to be free from the burden of suckage? So Bob sent a selection from the product line and we went from there. I’m going to break this review down to cover the separate components of the line, because the hydration part and the backpack part are unrelated. With me? OK, here we go.
The hydration part is the part that’s been getting huge accolades in the industry. Basically it’s a regular Hydrapak-style hydration bladder with an air bladder heat welded on. An air hose runs from the air bladder to a bulb that the user squeezes when she wants the water to come out of the hydration hose in a pressurized fashion. I thought this was fairly straightforward but when I gave one of the bladders to another tester, he couldn’t figure it out at all. If you don’t use the bulb to pressurize the bladder, it works just like a regular hydration bladder. If you don’t need pressure, you just don’t attach the bulb. Personally I don’t use the pressurized system much for drinking, but it has proved useful particularly on one notable occasion upon which a clot of mud came off my bike tire and hit me full in the eye without even getting so much of a speck of dirt on my sunglasses. My riding partner had to hose my eye out with our hydration hoses, but have you ever tried to get one of those things to work if you’re holding the hose above your neck? It doesn’t. But luckily we had the option of pressurizing the hose and that solved the problem.
That’s a pretty cool idea, but the very coolest idea from Geiggerrig, in my opinion, is the in-line filter hose (pictured above) that one can purchase separately from the hydration packs. It filters water coming from the bladder, so you can fill up directly from the beaver dam overflow and still drink straight out of your hydration bladder. Super cool for those long mountain-pass rides, and for those water sources that people have let their horses take a dump in. There is also an insulated sleeve for winter (which in the temps I ride in all winter, never works but is good for temps in the 20s and 30s).
The backpacks themselves are really nice as well. I was really excited for the Rig 500, which comes in acid greenish yellow, which I really like for some reason. Unfortunately, the packs didn’t fit me well as they are clearly designed for big people (men). The pack itself was of good size for a small torso, but the standard sternum strap issue reared its head and the strap wouldn’t adjust high enough to allow for my female anatomy. Bob was really bummed about the fact that the pack didn’t fit and sent me a Rig BANDO which is a one-shoulder pack coming out next year. This did work better than the Rig 500 because there was no sternum strap, but Bob was amenable to making some changes to the Rig 500 so that it could accommodate smaller torsos and it’s an easy enough fix that I’d expect to see better-fitting packs next year. I hope so, because they are really cool packs.
Castelli CW 3.0 Gloves
November 18, 2011
I got these gloves as part of the swag bag I received at SIDI Press Camp. I didn’t need them on that trip but I took them home to Alaska and have been trying them out. I didn’t really have high expectations because it’s really cold here and even the most insulated gloves don’t tend to keep me warm, but the Castelli gloves have been a huge surprise. I’ve used them in temps from the low 20s to single digits, and I have completed all those rides without cold hands which has to be a first when it comes to winter biking.
I wore them without overgloves or heaters in the low 20s and stayed perfectly comfortable. I usually get cold when riding bikes so this was pretty amazing. On my single-digit ride I put air-activated heaters at my wrists by tucking them inside the cuff of the gloves, and topped off that arrangement with a big pair of overmittens. I took a chance with this one as I doubted I’d stay warm but although my feet froze (again), my hands were perfectly fine the entire three hour ride. Pretty amazing.
The women’s small size was way too tiny for me and I was barely able to even get them on, so SIDI gave me a pair of men’s small gloves which are too big. I think that’s okay though because a little extra air space can be beneficial in the winter (but only a little; slightly big is okay but baggy doesn’t work). My only beef is the Velcro closure. I don’t know why Velcro is so prevalent in outdoors accessories because it’s just deadly on jerseys and base layers. Elastic would be better.
If you can find these and you’ve got the cold hands issue, give them a try; I think they’re pretty good.
Talus Cold Avenger Face Mask
November 17, 2011
Once the temperatures hit the mid teens I turn to balaclavas; if they keep heading south I switch to a face mask. This is the best one I’ve tried so far, since it lets the moisture-laden exhalations out instead of funneling them up to fog up my goggles and build up inside in the form of sweaty slime. It took a full hour to get a fog started on my goggles today in single digit temps which was a nice change from the mere ten minutes of open vision I usually get with my regular balaclava. It was great to have airflow going without getting my face immediately soaked by the blowback from my own breath (don’t worry, I chew gum so at least it’s nice and minty).
I have been taking the ColdAvenger out on my cold weather bike rides, and it has indeed been cold, with temps just now getting back into double digits for the first time in a week or so. I don’t have any asthma conditions or breathing problems, but I really liked this face mask for just plain comfort. It was a little tight over my nose but one can adjust the nose piece if you so choose. I, personally, am too lazy and would rather just suffer. I rode with the valve fully open because all the panting was creating so much condensation but you can adjust the airflow by turning the valve. I never felt as if my breathing was constricted and it really felt quite normal for the most part.
The Cold Avenger fits around your head like a big blood pressure cuff, with a wide swath of Velcro as a closure. This isn’t my favorite part because if you have long hair, as do I, you run the risk of serious tangle-age as well as the standard cautions against bringing such a device anywhere near your base layer. I also found it hard to disengage the Velcro and take the mask off while wearing the requisite giant mittens that such temperatures require, so maybe the addition of a loop or something would be helpful. I took to just pulling the mask down to perform tasks like eating and drinking and the all-important farmer blow. It wasn’t as easy as it is with a regular balaclava, and it messed up the goggle/Avenger configuration a little, and I noticed that I was drinking less due to the hassle factor and that’s probably something to be aware of. Hair management was a problem and I couldn’t do much else other than fasten the Avenger over my hair which was kind of a sweaty mess at the end of the whole thing. This might suck in the backcountry where there’s no easy way to dry one’s hair. Frankly, though, if it’s cold enough that you have to cover up your face you’re better off with this than anything else or at least as far as I can tell.
