Patagonia Nano Puff Pullover
November 10, 2009
Oh, Patagonia. You do this every time. I think I’ve got your stuff all figured out – and then you send me something else surprising. I didn’t expect much from the Nano Puff other than, well, a puffy insulated layer, but it’s so much more. If it doesn’t fool you, too, I’ll be impressed with your ninja gear skills, because the Nano Puff feels so inconsequential at first blush. How could this mini layer provide more than just a token bit of warmth? I have so many ultra lightweight puffy coats, what’s so great about this one?
Well first off, it’s not a coat. It’s more of a sweater. It’s unburdened by frills like side pockets, and features only a 1/4 zip and a small chest pocket. Some might not like the absence of pockets, but hey, use one of your other 300 ultra lightweight puffy jackets if you need pockets. If you need a barely-there, compressible, versatile and unobtrusive piece, reach for the Nano Puff. It’s perfect as an outer layer even in snowfall and light precip, holding in the warmth in a way full-length zippers just can’t emulate. It’s the thinnest insulating layer I’ve tried, and I’m a big fan of the whole puffy synthetic jacket thing – I wear one while skinning up and then throw on a shell for the trip down. The Nano Puff’s thin profile allows even more comfort and range of motion when added to this tried-and-true ensemble. Under a shell, it’s warm and toasty but not suffocatingly so. It’s exactly what I want for active endeavors for which I want to do a minimum of thermoregulating via layer removal. It’s an excellent moderately warm layer, and provides such great insulating properties that I wouldn’t hesitate to wear it in very cold weather as long as I had some additional warm layers. It’s a great substitute for a soft shell layer if you ever go that route. My poorly-articulated point is that the Nano Puff is extremely versatile and applicable to a wide range of conditions.
The pullover style takes some getting used to. I like my clothes form-fitting and the Nano Puff fit great in my regular size, but its lack of stretchiness made getting it on and off a little tricky. I wouldn’t want to wrestle with it while wearing a helmet. Still, I’ll likely be using it for trips on which it goes on and stays on (in part because it’s hard to get on and off without going up a size) so I don’t expect that to be an issue. For climbing and other helmet-equipped sports, I’d probably pick a full-zip jacket anyway. Today’s 22 degree day was the perfect temp for the Nano Puff – on its own while moving, with a shell over while standing still. I didn’t get chilled or even slightly overheated a single time. The Nano Puff is going in my winter adventure kit for good.
Mountain Hardwear Hooded Nitrous Jacket
October 26, 2009
Our newest reviewer wants to be known as the “GrayingGeargal.” She wrote the following review for us to demonstrate to our readers that outdoor gear is not just for epic adventures; even urban adventurers need gear as well. It’s unlikely that GGG is going to climb any 8000 meter peaks (or, honestly, any 1000 meter peaks) but she does get outside when it’s fiercely cold, and, since she’s been wearing the same 25 year old jackets for a loooong time now, can really give some insight into the industry’s dramatic leaps in technology. Oh, she’s also obsessed with the word “ort. She’d be heartbroken if I edited it out, so for those of you who didn’t own the Word of the Day calendar in 1982, here’s the definition: “bit of food leftover on a plate.” -Head Geargal
First, a few confessions. I was raised to clean my plate. I was raised to work hard and to fulfill obligations. Over the numerous years of being a working mother, I developed some time saving habits: wear minimal make-up, wear the same two necklaces to work, and do not spend time shopping for clothes. I usually buy the exact same clothes as the old, worn out ones and definitely buy the same brands year after year. The resulting wardrobe is loose and comfortable; it is definitely not stylish or trendy. Frumpy also comes to mind.
When the teenagers went to college, I learned that I had osteoarthritis and devoted any free time to exercise. (Loosing weight was part of the treatment; however, the clean-your-plate syndrome was impossible to break when there are orts to devour!) Fortunately, frumpy clothing covers everything! Shopping for new clothing was still not part of my plan. Exploring new technology in outdoor wear was not even considered – too time consuming! I added weekly hiking, 6 to 10 miles on bike trails and park trails in addition to daily treadmill exercise. In our unpredictable ever changing climate, I layered clothes in order to survive my lengthy treks away from the car: shirt, sweatshirt, down coat, rain coat with lots of pockets, hat, gloves, ear muffs, fanny pack, umbrella. These items were toted, worn, and carried throughout the day; I actually resorted to a net bag to help carry items not in use at any given moment. The large items of apparel were tied around my waist. I was prepared for everything, but I was packing quite a load of clothing.
When I first tried on the Mountain Hard Ware Nitrous Hooded Jacket, I timidly zipped it to the neck; I expected to immediately feel confined and hot in some snug fitting fabric. First, I was stunned by the lightness. Second, I was amazed that I have full range of motion in my arms and back. I had never before experienced a fitted jacket that did not pull across the back when I reached forward with both arms. Even my dressy blouses feel snug when I reach forward with both arms. Third, I immediately noticed that that the sleeves were amply long. Since I utilize trekking poles when hiking, I swung my arms and discovered that the sleeves moved lightly and easily; my arm movement did not pull the sleeves away from my wrists. I also did not develop a backache from shoulder muscles tired of carrying heavy garments. This jacket is so light that it is an invisible weight.
I have hiked with the Nitrous jacket each week for a month in temperatures ranging from low fifties to 36 degrees. I must admit that I was hesitant to leave everything in the car on the first hike, but I made myself trust in the new technology. I bravely walked with only my trekking poles and fanny pack for gloves, sunglasses, and earmuffs for the entire month. It is amazingly lightweight and comfortable. Using trekking poles is SO much easier than when I wear loose a rain parka with baggy arms. When my ears, cheeks, and hands are cold, my torso and arms are perfectly comfortable: neither too hot nor too cold. I have been wearing a cotton turtleneck under the jacket; I neither overheat nor get chilled as the clouds obscure the sun or as winds modulate throughout the day. Wind does not penetrate this jacket! Having been raised during the period in which warm down coats were three inches thick, I am stunned at how the combination of goose down fill, quilted construction, and EcoSensor Ripstop fabric combine to keep the hiker at a perfect temperature throughout a day of changing weather conditions. I do not have to take off one layer at a time as the hiking day warms up; I do not have to lug a load of clothes around my waist or in my tote bag. In rainy weather, I stayed warm and dry. Rather than a flannel hat, I used the fitted hood to keep dry.
I accidentally tested the EcoSensor Ripstop fabric when I inserted a fistful of keys into a sleeve while rushing out the door. Everyone has heard that sound of fabric catching on solid objects. I searched the inside of the sleeve diligently. There were no snags, runs or pulled threads!
The Nitrous Hooded Jacket is highly recommended by this “GrayingGeargal!”
Rab Microlight Jacket
September 27, 2009
Rab gets it right with this piece – which is absolutely zero surprise to me since I’ve been lucky enough to be able to check out a few offerings from Rab. As I mentioned in my review of the Rab Latok Alpine Jacket, Rab is an established company in the UK and is making its way across the pond to the US. It’s still a bit of a rare sight in the US to see someone in Rab gear, and I get a lot of quizzical looks and questions when I wear the Microlight out, especially in Alaska where being ahead of anything involving clothing or fashion is pretty much a lifetime achievement. So yeah, I’ve finally done it – been ahead of the fashion curve. Whatever will I do with my life now…
No matter what I decide to do with all this new-found free time, I will definitely be warm and cozy with the Microlight jacket in my clothing arsenal. Like everything Rab, the Microlight is cut trim and slender with a flattering silhouette, yet still maintains good range of motion for climbing. The many baffles keep the down equally distributed and there’s no reason to fear cold spots just because of the baffles. I have tried a lot of insulated jackets with all different types of baffles, and have never experienced the “cold spot” phenomenon, so just relax about that. This jacket is warm, and the baffles provide uniform warmth AND a snazzy, eye-catching look.
The Microlight, like so many other super lightweight insulated jackets these days, stuffs into a pocket for compression. What makes this jacket stand out in the crowd, though, is that the jacket stuffs into an interior pocket, leaving the outside pockets unfettered by zippers. This might make gadget-carriers cringe in fear, but there’s no need to worry – the pockets are also designed differently than the standard, with a more, er, bucket-like (?) shape (why yes, I AM a professional writer) that keeps items secure and hands toasty warm. The pockets aren’t just diagonal slashes, they are curved at the top so that the opening is 100% above the actual body of the pocket. Got that image? No? Well, you’ll just have to write in with a better way to describe it then.
Okay, so if you’re big on the monkey bars, like to ride the Zipper at the county fair, or commonly engage in the kind of ice climbing that requires one to become inverted (like this guy) you might lose some stuff out of the pockets. Otherwise, you’re golden. And you always have the zippered interior pocket if you really really need to be sure something won’t fall out.
I’ve been consistently impressed with Rab – the fit and quality is top-notch. Sizing is also consistent, and is true to real sizing, and I do mean real – not inflated or deflated; so you better order your ACTUAL size, don’t fight it. Most Rab items are cut trim, so take that into account when choosing your size. Me, I like the body conscious fit, so I stay with my regular size and have had good luck with Rab sizing.
I like being the only one wearing Rab locally, but I’m a fan of the company so I look forward to seeing the logo out and about. Rab keeps setting a high bar with each new item, and I think it’s only going to keep getting better.
Patagonia Ice Field Jacket
December 12, 2008
My new favorite jacket. Boy, am I fickle. But the Ice Field won me over immediately with its cozy-warm insulation and waterproof-breathable outer shell. I’m almost not really sure what to write, here, because I think it would be hard to go wrong with this piece. It has tons and tons of high-capacity pockets, which is a major bonus for me because I like to keep all my stuff separate in the pockets, you know, like when you keep all your food separate on your plate so that it doesn’t touch? Oh, it’s only me that does that? Well, someone else must do that too; who else would think of all these pockets?
So, it’s got pockets. It also has purposefully long sleeves, which some reviewers complain about but are admittedly nice to have when you’re climbing (fine, or driving) and you have to raise your arms up a lot. Normal length sleeves will pull up above your wrists when you do this, but the Ice Field, like most things Patagonia, is designed for motion. It’s also designed for cold weather, and it’s just perfect for exertion in temperatures from single digits to low twenties, and for standing around in weather warmer than that. The outer shell is H2NO (again: hee!) waterproof fabric, which is great because being wet sucks, at least when it’s 15 degrees out.
Fit is going to be kind of up to you on this one. The size small (my usual) fits me fine, but I heard some grumblings from my medium-size testers that they didn’t like the fit because it just seemed as if the jacket were a proportionally larger version of a small, which doesn’t work because a 5′8″ woman is not just a proportionally larger version of a 5′2″ woman. It’s called the Law of Similitude, or something. Anyway, so this jacket violates that law, allegedly. I can see how that could happen, because there is not a lot of extra room in the “upper torso” of the Ice Field. It works fine for me, but more, er, “blessed” women might find the chest too binding and the waist too large. So, just give it a shot and hope it works for you, because if it doesn’t, you’re missing out. The other thing I wasn’t crazy about is the SUPER high collar. It seriously comes up to my nose and took some getting used to. I know it’s supposed to help keep out the elements, but if I really need the elements to stay THAT far out, I probably will not be outside. Call me a sissy, whatever. It’s recreation, not suffering. But now I can not-suffer in even more types of weather, because the Ice Field Jacket is so awesome.
Mountain Hardwear Freeride Pant
December 4, 2008
Look, I get cold when I’m out in the big bad winter. I need warm pants. A pair of base layer tights and shell pants over just don’t cut it, so I like puffy, insulated pants – but I don’t like the marshmallow look. I like to look like a cute little shred Betty. So what’s a girl to do? Freeze, of course! But wait! You don’t have to give anything up – you can be warm AND hot (looking) in the MHW Freeride Pants. I just can’t get over these pants. Insulated pants that aren’t bulky? Outdoor pants that have a nice, flattering comfortable low rise? No way!
Yes way, and they are warm and cozy to boot. They fit juuuuust right, with a rise that hits below the belly button, and waist that is loose enough to be comfortable, with belt loops if it’s too loose. The Primaloft synthetic insulation keeps your pins toasty without the bulk. The legs are really, honest-to-pete long enough for those of us whose legs go all the way to the ground, and the strangely placed cuff pocket adds just that right touch of whimsy (otherwise known as WTF?). OK, so I may not have a use for that pocket, but it is kind of cute. And the pants are just awesome. I think it’s going to be one of those bitterly cold winters (are there any other kind in Alaska?) but I’m not afraid – I can now sit on the freezing exposed chairlift for fifteen minutes with the best of them. No more “hiking” to the “top” of some mountain to keep warm between turns – now I can just sit on my can, waiting to be hoisted to altitude. Just kidding. I still earn my turns. But I’ll be earning them in colder weather now that I can bank on the Freeride pants to keep me warm, and looking good too.
I wanted to post a picture of these in white in honor of my friend who sniffed disdainfully at my brown pair, saying I should have opted for white because it’s “sexier”. Yeah, sexy until you lean up against your car while getting your skis out, and having a big grey smear of dirt all over your nice sexy white pants. If you’re capable of keeping white pants clean, I bet these really would look pretty hot in white. I, however, am not capable of staying unbesmirched, so brown it is. But hey – I’ve already received a number of nice compliments on the brown pants (OK, so they were from students buttering up the teacher for grades, but whatever) and I think the cut of the pants is more important than the color. And the performance is even slightly more important than the cut. Any which way you slice it, these pants are a winner. If I gave Gear of the Year awards, I’d give one to these pants. And maybe I will give awards, once I can think of an award that sounds less cheesy than “Gear of the Year.” I will definitely reserve a place on that list for the Freeride Pants.
$240 (and in WHITE!) at Moosejaw.com. Click here!
Mountain Hardwear Hooded Compressor Jacket
November 18, 2008
I already told you how much I liked the Compressor, so I felt a little guilty asking for a Hooded Compressor to test. I thought it would be pretty much the same only with a hood. Once I tried it, though, I no longer felt guilty because I was too busy giddily gloating over how awesome the jacket is and how totally cute I look in it. Hmm, perhaps I don’t need to pour out my entire personality into these reviews….I’m very nice, sweet, and humble, honest! I just have to tell you the jacket is cute because I pledge to post honest reviews. See, I wouldn’t gloat if I didn’t have to in order to maintain my integrity as a reviewer.
I like it EVEN BETTER than the regular Compressor (even though I still love the regular Compressor, I really do!) and wear it more. Which is almost kind of strange because I’m not a big hood user. This jacket just works. It’s warm, not bulky, perfectly sized for me, and comes in colors that are different from the norm but still attractive. It’s just long enough to hit slightly below my hipbones, which is just perfect as far as I’m concerned.
The Hooded Compressor, like most other things Mountain Hardwear, works really well with, well, other things Mountain Hardwear. They really have their system down. This jacket with a MHW hard shell over it is pretty darn warm, and without the hard shell it’s nice for moderately cold days or really cold days combined with exertion. The minimalist styling wins points from the Geargals, and the one added bit of flair is a bicep pocket which I find very convenient for storing my cell phone – I mean, my GPS and packet of Gu, brah. Well, there is one more wee bit of flair in the form of an embroidered flower on the inside, which is unobtrusive but still kind of funny. I’m glad it’s not visible on the outside of the jacket, but it’s kind of whimsical to have it on the inside. I’d have loved to have been a fly on the wall for that board meeting – the battle for whether the flower stays or goes, culminating in the groundbreaking compromise “it’s a go on the flower, but we’ll put it on the inside.” Now THAT is the way to keep peace in the workplace, and, it turns out, in the marketplace too.
$170.96 at Backcountry.com. Click here!
Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero Hooded Jacket
November 11, 2008
I really do have the greatest job in the world. I get boxes of new outdoor stuff and I get to go outside and play with it all day. It’s pretty sweet. Except when it’s so cold outside that even new gear is not enough to tempt me out to play – then it kind of sucks, because it seems more like, well, a job. But, as one of the Geargals always says, “there is no bad weather, just bad clothes.” And with the Sub Zero jacket, there are no more “bad clothes” excuses. This jacket will keep you warm in all but the most inconceivably cold weather (and I don’t want to get a bunch of comments with Princess Bride quotes, now, people). It really fits well, too, which can’t have been easy to design when dealing with the big puffy insulation. I am telling you, whoever is doing the Mountain Hardwear jacket designing lately is really hitting the mark. The length is perfect and the proportions exact. Well, they are exactly like my own proportions, at least. Three cheers for “true to size” designs!
The two front pockets are cavernous and lined with soft fuzzy hand-soothing microfleece. The Sub Zero has a hood for those who like hoods, but the hood zips off for those who don’t. Yay! Something for everyone. The jacket also packs into one of its own pockets. It’s got one inside pouch-type pocket and one interior zip pocket as well. A chest pocket would be a good addition, and I think some of the other jackets from the Sub Zero line do have the chest pocket, but this particular jacket doesn’t have one. It’s fairly light for such a warm piece, but it seems reasonably tough as well. I wouldn’t want to poke it with sharp objects, but it’s not so delicate that I constantly worry that it will implode if touched. The elbows are lined with an extra abrasion guard fabric, just in case.
Now, it’s important to note the specifics of this particular jacket. This is the Sub Zero Hooded Jacket, as opposed to the Sub Zero Parka or the Sub Zero SL Hooded Jacket. The features of each are slightly different, but the warmth factor is the same, and the technique of non-sewed-through baffles eliminates cold spots and insulation compression. This is the version without the extra waterproofing of the fabric (SL), and WITH the zip-off hood, as opposed to the other Sub Zero Hooded Jacket which has a hood that doesn’t zip off. Confused yet? Me too. I’m not even sure if the picture above is exactly the jacket I’m testing, but it looks mostly like it and you can’t tell in the picture if the hood zips off. So, pretend that the hood in the picture zips off, and there you have this jacket.
So I’m back to happily playing outside with my gear all day, because I know that my good clothes are no match for the bad weather. If you think the mercury is too low to go outside, get yourself a MHW Sub Zero Jacket (or MHW Sub Zero SL Hooded Jacket, or a MHW Sub Zero Parka, take your pick) and go laugh at the cold.
$224.96 at backcountry.com! Click here!
Mountain Hardwear Compressor Jacket
July 31, 2008
I wish I had a cute story or funny post to write about this jacket, but the magic just isn’t there today. Where’s the magic? Well, it’s been sucked up by the Compressor jacket! There is absolutely nothing for it but to rave about how great the Compressor is. It’s a super lightweight, non-bulky, ultra-warm synthetic-fill, perfectly cut little piece of heaven. It’s very simple – just a normal jacket with two pockets and no special frills or oddly placed logos or extra pockets – but there’s nothing wanting. It’s perfect. It’s light and compact – not bulky or puffy. A gal can still look slim and trim while staying warm at the same time! No marshmallow look here. The Compressor is my go-to for staying warm on chilly evenings, and since it stuffs into its own pocket for storage, I always have room to bring it along. Besides, I get lots of compliments on it, so naturally I bring it everywhere in case I feel the need for attention. And let’s face it, I’m a blogger – I like attention.
Like other super lightweight items, the Compressor is not made for abuse, so keeping it puncture-free is practically a full time job if you care as much about your gear as I do. I learned the hard way with other superlight gear, so I’m just a bit more careful than normal when wearing the Compressor. I’d love to wear it ice climbing, but I’m a klutz with the tools so I know my darling Compressor would get shredded. I don’t go bushwhacking or tree climbing or sliding down rock faces on my stomach (like ya do). I’m extra careful when zipping the pocket when the Compressor is stuffed inside; catching the fabric on the zipper would be tragic. But babying my stuff is worth it when it’s as good as this jacket. It’s not winter yet (though you wouldn’t guess from the weather), but I’m estimating that the Compressor will be warm enough in temperatures down to the low twenties. For below-freezing fall (and Alaskan summer) days, the Compressor is all you need. And don’t be a total fool like I was, and try to stuff the Compressor into the wrong pocket while complaining that there’s no way to close the zipper. If you can’t close the zipper, use the other pocket. You know, the one with the double-pull zipper. Fool.
Update: The double-pull zipper on my beautiful Compressor failed after 8 months of use. And as one of our ever-supportive Gearguys said, “wow, and you really take care of your stuff.” I took care of the Compressor and it caved under the pressure. Still, MHW has a warranty and will fix the zipper, but that means I’m without my favorite lightweight jacket for 4-6 weeks. Anyone else had this issue? Let me (and MHW) know by posting a comment.
