Suggested Retail:2008 version $199.00

Year 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

	Reviewed by Kathy Dragon Read all articles by Kathy Dragon
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Year Released: 2005


Size: 4


Color or Scent: tan

This is not just another convertible skirt…it looks great zipped off and functions for walking tours or warm summer evenings in Tuscany. Zipped into its longer version the details of the offset slit, good length, hidden zipper pocket etc. it works in a restaurant in Florence without looking like I was just in from the trail.

Barely needs an iron (I, personally, don’t iron) and doesn’t pill, which I hate. I bring one on every trip

lower waistband, seemless zippers, good length both zipped off and in the longer version

I"d like to see a skort or a bit more flared hiking skirt

Active Travel when you need to go out to dinner but only want to bring one suitcase.

	Reviewed by Kathy Dragon Read all articles by Kathy Dragon
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Suggested Retail:Marmot Jacket: $99, Contourwear Pants part of Adventure Travel Pack 35/7: $680 for 7 pieces

Year 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.

	Reviewed by Kathy Dragon Read all articles by Kathy Dragon
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Year Released: 2005


Size: 4

I travel about 4 months a year on active cultural trips around the world.  Traditional travel clothing (zip-off pants and skirts, shirt/jackets etc) generally are fine on the trail but you look like a tourist! I’m tired of looking frumpy in Florence, wearing Khaki, and having pants that sag in the butt. I have long legs so almost every pant is short unless they have a Long or Tall option.

I was introduced to Countourwear at the Outdoor Retailer Show Feb. of 2005 and received a packet of products in time to take on my 5 week/1 suitcase active travel trip in June of 2005.  When I travel I only take my favorite things and those I can wear over and over (and over) again. They have to be versatile enough to hike in all day, go out to nice restaurants at night, and even stand up to occasional night club dancing extension.  It is a tough job, especially in Europe when you want/need to look great (keeping up with the Italians!).  My Contourwear Ensemble had a real test on its hands.

I LOVE this stuff. I’ll review the items separately later but they are basically functional and fashionable travelwear with great features, design, cut, fabric that a hasn’t been available for the discriminating women traveler before.

Some of the pieces didn’t fit or had some features that weren’t practicle or could be adjusted.
The pants sizes see accurate but the tops run a bit small for all the women that tried them so, choose a larger size for the top and smaller for the bottom.

Active Travel
Looking great around town, in the city, on the trail when you only can bring one medium size suitcase or carry on.
Around town! these are pieces I don’t put in the “travel pile” of things I don’t want to see again until I hit the road!

	Reviewed by Kathy Dragon Read all articles by Kathy Dragon
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Suggested Retail:$29.98 /case of 12

Size: Serving Size: 1 bar (42g)


Color or Scent: Favorite: Fair Trade Espresso Chocolate

  I’m a bit “barred” out and approach the new energy bars out there at an arms reach.  They have to be really good, healthy and interesting to take on an international hiking trip… but now the only challenge is which to choose from!

These bars come in a variety of unusual flavors…packaging is great and flavor is incredible.
Plums and Currents : The combination of plump currants and plums with roasted almonds and hemp nuts gives the perfect amount of sweetness to this incredibly satisfying snack.
Apricots and Cranberries:  The sweet tartness of cranberries and sun-ripened apricots combine for the ideal tangy taste experience.
Coconut, Mango & Pineapple:  The subtle flavor of the dried unsweetened coconut complements the mango and pineapple for a deliciously tropical treat. 
Fair Trade Dark Chocolate:  Rich dark chocolate, aside from making these bars absolutely incredible, is a high source of anti-oxidants,so you can have your cake and eat it, too! 
Fair Trade Espresso Chocolate: Nothing like a little espresso chocolate to give you that morning or afternoon buzz. Perfect at any time of the day

The packaging is different than most…not glossy or flashy but typical of Dr. Bronner’s products.  Nice muted colors consistent with associated product inners.

ALPSNACK energy bars contain hemp nut, an ancient food source that supplies high amounts of the two essential fatty acids (EFAs) omega-3 (over 500 mg) and omega-6 in perfect balance, as well as all essential amino acids with a high protein efficiency ratio.Organic, Gluten-Free, Vegan.

Ingredients: Organic Almonds, Organic Fair Trade Espresso Dark Chocolate (Organic Sugar, Organic Chocolate Liquor, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Coffee, Soy Lecithin, Organic Vanilla)*, Organic Hemp Nuts, Organic Plums, Organic Currants, Organic Apples, Organic Rice Crisps (Organic Rice Crisps, Organic Cane Sugar, Sea Salt), Organic Rice Syrup, Organic Lemon Juice, Natural Vitamin E *May contain traces of milk.

Nutrition
Facts
Serving Size: 1 bar (42g)
Servings: 1
Calories: 190
Fat Cal : 80  
Total Fat 9g 14% Total Carb. 25g 8%
Sat Fat 2.5g 13% Fiber 3g 12%
Cholesterol 0mg 0% Sugars 16g  
Sodium 125mg 5% Protein 5g  
   
*Percent Daily Values(DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Vitamin A 0%  Vitamin C 0%  Calcium 4%  Iron 6% 

If you really need to squeeze it in a pack, think soft cookie. They don’t break up but sort of crumble due to the fact that they are moist rather than cardboard like.

The Espresso Chocolate is amazing! substantial little chunks fill the bar.

A bit pricey.

trail, work, travel snack that you feel really good about!

	Reviewed by Kathy Dragon Read all articles by Kathy Dragon
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