New Feature in the Works
December 31, 2009
Since the Geargals are globe-trotting international product testers these days, we’ve decided to add a new feature. We’re going to be reviewing destinations and resorts – if we ever go to them, that is – to give our readers some ideas for outdoor-oriented vacations.
So, you guessed it – we’re on the hunt for destinations! If you’ve got any to suggest or if you just want to plug your own resort, destination, or vacation idea, drop the Head Geargal a line at jill@geargals.net.
Mountain Khakis Cottonwood Cords
December 31, 2009
There is this thing that happens to me every time I write a new review of something I really like. No matter how much abuse I put an item through, it lasts and lasts – until I write up a review, at which time the product without fail encounters some freak accident and gets torn or destroyed. So I’ve taken to delaying posts of stuff I really like. Sadly, though, a job is a job and eventually I have to just get on with it. So I had most of this post written when I took a break to go outside and help the Gearguy bring in some of his stuff, and – it happened. The button on one of the back pockets of these cords got caught on the sliding door and pop – no more button. Argh!
So this is the last time I am going to write a review of anything from Mountain Khakis. Really! Why? Because I like their stuff and I’m tired of losing my MK pants to the Great Post Curse! Sorry, Mountain Khakis, you’re just going to have to send me something I don’t like, or no more posts! I mean it. Send a bad pair of pants, something I don’t care about, please!
So yeah, I like these cords – a lot. When it comes to casual dress, I’ve strictly been a denim person until now. The world of khakis and cords has been a daunting and confusing one – so many options, so few with that elusive combination of looks and comfort. I would hardly have considered myself ripe for conversion, but the Mountain Khakis Cottonwood Cords have done it. I’ve been traveling for the last month and have pretty much been living in these pants – they are so comfortable and cozy, and look good after five straight days of car travel. What more could you want?
Our last trip took us through the Yukon, in sub zero temperatures for five days. I wore the Cottonwood Cords every single day, and my travel companion couldn’t even complain because he wore the same pants every day too. HIS cords gave him a rash, though, so score one more for MK. I loved the comfort of the Cottonwood Cords, which is primarily why I first reached for them, but I was also pleasantly surprised by their warmth. Having Geardog along meant frequent stops for walkies, regardless of the temperature, but I was never cold even after venturing out at 15 below. They are now officially my trusty road trip pants and I’d probably bring them along for any trip in cooler temperatures.
The style is relaxed fit, straight leg with a reasonably low rise. Sizing can be a little large, so order a size down from your regular and expect a relaxed, comfy fit. They don’t wrinkle, they look great, and they can be worn for casual kicking around town and be dressed up to go out to dinner as well. Comfy, stretchy, and cute – isn’t that everything we look for in a pair of pants?
Columbia G41 Parka
December 25, 2009
Take a gander at that jacket shown above. It’s awesome looking isn’t it? I guarantee you that when you pull out this jacket, it will be greeted by “oooooooooohhhhhh that is COOL!” This is one of the sharpest looking jackets to pass the Geargals’ door. The unique and striking color scheme is sure to garner attention wherever you wear. From what I can tell, there are two options available, the brown/white and a pink/purple/white. For whatever reason (which could probably say a lot about me if one were interested enough to psychoanalyze this little fact) I really prefer earthy colors like grey and brown, so I am really in love with the brown and white version. I think my G41 parka and brown ski pants are my second coolest ski outfit. In the interest of full disclosure, my very coolest ski outfit is my blue pants and red jacket, so you may want to take my color preferences with a grain of salt.
Performance-wise, this jacket seems pretty clearly designed for warm-ish winter conditions and mostly for lift-served skiing. I wore it in single digits (without the liner, see below) and was a tad chilly, but when skiing in wet conditions, the Omni-Tech fabric will keep you warm and dry (and very stylish, natch). The copious pockets are meant for your snacks and gadgets (there is the required iPod pocket, after all) and the styling walks the line between baggy and body-conscious. That’s right – you can rock the slouch vibe while not looking like Charlie Brown in a jacket 5 times too large.
My sample jacket also came with a removable inner liner which I admit to taking out to wear on its own and never putting back in the jacket. It’s a cute little well-cut hooded, thumbholed fleece that provides a little extra insulation while wearing the waterproof outer layer and translates well to apres ski or even a chilly morning run. The fleece even has the iPod pocket so you never have to go without your tunes.
Usually we traditionally hand off tested gear to other wearers, or donate it to a good cause, but all of us are having a hard time letting go of the G41 simply for the fashion factor. There is something for everyone whether you like the flashy pink and purple option or the more stately brown. You even get the bonus fleece liner which in itself is a nice addition to the gear closet, so if you want to stand out in the lift line or in while shredding that always-showoffy run right under the lift, the G41 is a good bet.
