: On the Trail
Suggested Retail:2008 version $199.00Year Released: 2007
Size: small
Color or Scent: Light Blue
trail runner, traveler, never has the perfect “ONE” jacket to take on an active vacation…until now.
I was unsure of the underarm zips of this non-traditional biking jacket. The weight is heavier than my other gore jackets and the slim fit and slightly lower back (bike back) covers more than traditional hiking jackets
Biking, Trail Running, Travel. Great for spring/fall temps of 20-50 degrees.
Update 12/7/08:used it in 4 degree (Fahrenheit) weather in Vermont (10 miles from the Canadian border) with a Patagonia wool underlayer and my core stayed warm though my toes froze!
I’ve used this product for 3 years and LOVE it. the newer model looks like it has some good improvements (zip-off sleeves don’t have the arm extensions on this model).This technical waterproof cycling jacket is loaded with features yet it is lightweight and packable to go with you anywhere. The two-layer GORE Windstopper® fabric makes for a breathable, waterproof, and quiet jacket
perfect weight, back pocket holds leash, gloves, phone anything you need.
the zip off part I really don’t use as it was/is not easy to zip on and off. The neoprene extensions off the vest portion get caught when putting on and off. Would love if the sleeves were a bit longer and the neck zipped up higher.
Trail running, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, hiking
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Suggested Retail:Marmot Jacket: $99, Contourwear Pants part of Adventure Travel Pack 35/7: $680 for 7 piecesYear Released: 2005
Size: 4 Zipoff Pants (Contourwear), Sm. Precip Jacket (Marmot)
Color or Scent: Pants: olive, Jacket: Salmon/Peach
Zip off pants are historically ugly and nothing you would want to wear off the trail. When traveling on a long hiking trip they are also necessary as weather can change dramatically in an hour and having the flexibility of shorts/pants in one is ideal.
Rain Jacket: I’ve gone through over 30 jackets trying to find the right one that will remain in my pack no matter what the weather (very light) as well as keep me dry in a torrential rain storm.
Three weeks in Peru. 12 days hiking/trekking Cusco/Sacred Valley/Inca Trail/Machu Picchu followed by 7 day remote trek to the Ausangate region of Peru.
The Contourwear Adventure Pack Is further reviewed in gear trends. 7 pieces that make 35 outfits and fit into a wonderful little carry-on pack. They are available at selected ORVIS stores as well as additional boutique locations or contact them directly
Marmot PreCip details can be found on the Marmot website.
We had the following weather on our tour: Intense sun, warm days, rain, wind, snow (5 inches one night!).
I wore both these pieces almost daily.
The zip-offs are made of Schoeller fabric which means rain (or red wine) bead off the pants. They don’t pill or pick.
The PreCip by Marmot has one awards for years as one of the most economical storm jackets around. Lightweight and breathable weighing in at 11 oz it works as a great layer for most conditions.
Pants: seamless (almost) zipper so unless you look closely you can’t tell they are zip offs. I loved the ankle long side zips (almost to the knee) for hot weather. The model I tried zips off to rather short shorts. If prefer fitted this length shorts and without the “leg” you can actually wear them as normal shorts. They are ideal for women who have either a shorter knee to hip length, shorter legs, or feel comfortable showing off their legs. Contourwear does make a lmodel with a longer zip off short which I term “sweat classy” vs their traditional branding of “sweat sexy”.
I like the side pockets, loved the fitted waist and side zip rather than front zip. When wearing a pack belt there was no button or zipper to interfere with the belt. I RAVE about these pants to everyone I travel with. The women who have tried them on LOVE them and can’t wait to order.
PreCip Jacket: It WORKS!! I’ve used other jackets in Patagonia and the Dolomites recently that are supposed to really be waterproof. I have found myself too many times wearing a trash bag. Beyond that, I love the color!! love the pit/side zips, the way the hood fits and the fact that when zipped and wearing the hood the jacket is still comfortable. Like the velcro over the jacket zips as well.
Generally when I return home from a trip I want to throw away my cloths. Instead I wash them and put them somewhere so I can’t see them till my next trip. NOT THESE TWO ITEMS!! I found myself wearing both of them within the week. Honest!
Pants: need a zip pocket like some of their other models as well as hidden zipper passport in leg (like other model).
PreCip: like some of the other Marmot products I have and love, the sleeves are still short on my. I don’t have extremely long arms but smalls seems to be for petite women rather than just small.
long haul travel, around town, on the trail. These are two perfect pieces for your carry-on. If your luggage is lost, you can get buy for weeks with these two items on most conditions.
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Suggested Retail:$30Year Released: 2005
Size: they come in three categories: Lite Weight w/Micro Fleece,Techno-Lite Weight, Mid Weight with Fleece
Color or Scent: I tried one of the custom hats
I have a love/hate relationship with hats and hat hair.
I saw these terrific hats at the Outdoor Retailer last year and new I needed to try one.
I brought the hats on my recent Peru Women’s Trip. Yes, I needed them on the Inca Trail but really, REALLY needed it in Ausangate when we had a white-out and 5” of snow.
Doesn’t scratch, not TOO tight, comfy and WARM.
the fleece band on the inside, cool designs and great colors. I like the techno-light weight for traveling
Any outdoor activity
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Suggested Retail:$69.95Color or Scent: Black and Orange
I have a shorter torso and tend to like a bit more frame support. I also generally don’t prefer top loading packs as you have to dig for the stuff at the bottom and as a guide, you are invaribly carring a lot of everything.
Love how light the pack is as well as all the features that I look for (bladder pocket for a one liter hydration system, side mesh pockets for waterbottles with security strapp, mesh back pocket and bundgie,zippered waist belt pockets,two zippered pockets on the top hood) and lots of room inside if you need it. You can fit a ton of stuff inside and outside the pack and there are just enough pockets and excessories to keep it interesting without loosing your stuff in TOO many pocket.
Jazz Pack
Series: Specialty Travel Description: Jazz Pack
Style: K08-35 Fabric: 200 d rip
Color: Size(LxHxW): 13 ” x 20 ” x 5 ” (33cm x 51cm x 13cm)
Weight: 1.75 lbs (.8 kg) Capacity: 1300 cu inches (21 litres)
I used this pack for 5 weeks leading hiking tours in the Dolomites, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and St. Petersburg.
Light, place for everything, easy to figure out, good waist belt. Well thought out design.
Too long for me (need a women’s model!). I would prefer more of a frame as my shoulders started hurting when I had too much weight in it. The chest strap kept slipping down as it doesn’t have a secure fastener.
Adventure Racing
Day Hiking
Travel Hiking as you can put it in your suitcase
General all around great pack
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Suggested Retail:$70Size: sm
Color or Scent: Chocolate
I wasn’t sure about the GymGirl as the challenge of these skirts with shorts under is always if the shorts will ride up, and stay up. I had spoke with Nicole about my concern. When they deveolped it they realized that their is some “rising” but the shorts tend to stay put once you begin to sweat a bit.
As much as I love the color, chocolate with pink piping, finding a matching tank is a bit of a challenge and, when you have something that makes this much of a statement, you want to complete the outfit.
I’ve seen these great skirts around town as they are made by local professional triathlete Nicole DeBoom. They jump off the rack and you can spot them on the trails…I couldn’t wait to try one. I met up with Nicole for a few minutes at Outdoor Divas and introduced her to ActiveWomen.com and she was excited to have us review her skirts. So far there are five styles:
The TransitionGirl, a mesh skirt for competition.
The MarathonGirl, a running skirt with “spankies” sewn inside.
The GymGirl, with mesh “shorties” sewn inside.
The SchoolGirl, a plaid pleated skirt for fashionistas.
The PartyGirl, a skirt that can go from beach to nightclub.
Today I took the chocolate GymGirl on one of my favorite trail runs in South Boulder…the Doudy Draw loop. It was prefect late summer a sunny Saturday (pretty typical), 82 degrees and a light wind.
The skirt is short!, about the length of some of my shorter running shorts. I had tested out the PartyGirl skirt which is significantly longer (but not too long!) and perfect for the evening. I adjusted the pink shorts underneath, clipped on my Ipod, and Mila (see photo) and I were off.
I must say that I was suprised at how well the undershorts stayed put. They were comfortable if you are used to wearing thongs (like the wonderful Patagonia thongs) but take some getting used to if you haven’t worn something similar. The skirt length, which I had been concerned about, was pefect. The short slits on the side actually allowed some extra wind under but not too much to feel like the skirt was moving about.
While I was running I felt great. It was like I had on a cute dress and everyone else was wearing jeans. Running in a skirt is kind of like having a bike jersey vs wearing a t-shirt biking. People look at you and you feel like you are making a statement!
I made a couple of adjustments just to see if the shorts were pulling up. They definitely came up about 1 inch but then stayed put. All and all a very positive experience!
The newness of running with a skirt. The fabric and colors, the little inside pocket.
This is a perfect gym short, you’ll be the envy of everyone.
I’d like to try the MarathonGirl for running…I don’t feel like I needed the shorts but rather a traditional running “spanky”.
The colors are great but would like to see a black, more all around but still fun, model.
gym, cruiser biking about town
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Reviewed by Kathy Dragon Read all articles by Kathy Dragon |
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