Tag Archive for 'product review'

Dynafit Movement Pant Review

Published on December 4, 2012 by a ok.

Dynafit’s Movement ski touring pants cut away all the inessentials, leaving the things that backcountry skiers and ski mountaineers require. I’ve worn these pants every day this ski season, so I’ve got a pretty good feel for their ins and outs by now. In short, they rock. However, there are a few things Dynafit could do to make them even better. But before we get there, a thought or two on going skinn(ier)..

It took me some time to come around to ski legwear this skinny. The good news about the Movement pants is that they’re not skintight like spandex ski suits. They’re a bit looser fitting than all that. With skinny pants in general being back in mainstream style, maybe it’s time folks dropped the super baggy ski sack pants look?

Going narrow in the Movement pants. But not skintight.

It’s sorta funny envisioning hipsters slipping out of their skinny jeans to don super phat coats and pants, and vice versa. Maybe that’s the heart of style. For myself though, I decided to reduce the variance in styles. You? Travel Continue reading ‘Dynafit Movement Pant Review’

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Outdoor Research StormTracker Glove Review

Published on November 26, 2012 by a ok.

In my capacity as a product tester, I get exposed to all sorts of gear. Some of it seems wildly inventive but somehow the inventiveness translates to overkill. Surplus features, bells, whistles, kit and caboodle all translate to more weight and are most often unnecessary additions.

Some products incorporate the simplest upgrade from the prior year’s model. Skis in particular, sometimes merely get an updated topsheet with new graphics for the new year. If the ski is a solid model, great, but this approach isn’t pushing forth serious progress. Progress occurs when a piece of gear allows a ski mountaineer to do more with a single product.

Skinning up in a pair of very ideal, lightweight approach gloves. Photo by Jason Borro.

Standing Out:

In all of this, it’s great to find a piece of gear that really stands out. The Continue reading ‘Outdoor Research StormTracker Glove Review’

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Camp ED Microjacket Evo Review

Published on October 30, 2012 by a ok.

Like most mountain gear items that CAMP offers, the Camp ED Microjacket Evo is a stripped down, no-frills, functionally minimalist piece of outdoor gear. The puffy does away with extras and simply provides the necessities:

  • A single, oversized (about 7×10 inches) inner zip pocket, comprised of tightly woven mesh doubles as the stow away pocket. Stuff the jacket into the built-in pocket, line up the zipper, zip, and you’ve got the coat in a small package, ready for anything.
  • Solitary drawcord waist adjuster, smartly affixed via a fabric tab to remain tucked up inside the coat rather than dangle and catch on every passing branch.

    The pull cord waist adjustment tucks up inside the coat rather than dangle. Small design touches like these are well done.

  • Pull cord adjusters on the hood to keep the wind out.
  • Elastic bands cinch each sleeve without need for adjustment.
  • Zippered outer pockets, one per side. Big enough for your hand plus a few small items.
  • Araneum fabric which provides Continue reading ‘Camp ED Microjacket Evo Review’
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La Sportiva RSR Ski Review

Published on October 13, 2012 by a ok.

With La Sportiva’s relatively recent entry into the complete world of bc ski gear – boots, bindings, skis, skins, and even a clothing line are available under their umbrella – they’ve positioned themselves as another viable ski affiliated brand. The RT bindings stood up well for me last season. They’re still going strong; no issues. If you’re curious how the RSR skis held up, read on…

The RSR’s, frosted after a night out.

To be clear, La Sportiva offers a full range of skis for different users. For this year, they’ve introduced the Hang5, a 117mm waisted ski, which adds 12mm to the waist of last year’s big stick, the Hi5. The RSR ski lies completely at the other end of the spectrum.

Manufactured in Tunisia – who knew Continue reading ‘La Sportiva RSR Ski Review’

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Salewa Firetail GTX Review

Published on July 19, 2012 by a ok.

What a difference a shoe makes. That’s how I would sum up my review of the Salewa Firetail GTX. This is a shoe born and bread for mountain use. If you like to play on and amongst rocks, this is a shoe to consider. With climbing rubber inserts strategically placed along the sole edges, their grip on mountain rock is uncanny. Basically, they’re like climbing shoes that are comfortable. Comfortable enough to run in.

Out of the box, the Firetail offers a tab to pull out the footbeds to begin the customization process. The thin yellow foam liner can stay or go. 

In fact, the first question I usually hear from folks about the shoes is, ‘Are you running in an approach shoe?’ Their design makes them look like a solid approach shoe, but Salewa designed them to run with ease. I’ve found the stiff soles really cut down on the ‘small pebble jabbing into the sole of your foot while running’ effect that mountain trail runners are all too familiar with.

At this point, I’ve got 300+ miles Continue reading ‘Salewa Firetail GTX Review’

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Outdoor Research Centrifuge Jacket Review

Published on May 25, 2012 by a ok.

Admittedly, my approach to gear is simple: when I find an item that functions exactly as I need, I strive to use it for a looong time. Looking for substitutions isn’t high on my priority list. Often I won’t search for a replacement until I realize that the piece has been, or could be, improved upon. That in mind, I own a couple of non-insulated softshells, one of which I bought almost 10 years ago. It still sees regular winter use. The only reason to replace it, in my mind, is that something better becomes available.

The O.R. Centrifuge jacket in Glacier/True Blue.

Enter the Outdoor Research Centrifuge Jacket. It improves upon the aforementioned softshell in about a half-dozen ways. Check out the improvements, because I’d bet that you’ll be as impressed with them as I’ve been. Here’s how Continue reading ‘Outdoor Research Centrifuge Jacket Review’

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