Category Archives: Gear Reviews

Review: Flylow Chemical Pant

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chemical pant flylow

This is a well thought out ski pant from Flylow that can be used for both touring in the backcountry and inbounds. Its one of the most durable pants on the market with some of the better reinforcements out there. At the end of the day – its not a bad idea to have at least 1 item from Flylow in your ski apparel wardrobe, whatever that piece may be. This is a quality, long lasting product.

Function : Can be used both in and out of bounds. Very durable with reinforced knees and cuffs. There are vents on both the inside and outside that travel from your knees to your waist to keep you breathing on the uphill. The adjustable elastic waist is another great feature that avoids the need for a belt or suspenders. The old model wasn’t famous for its waterproofing – it could repel enough to keeep you dry in periods of mild precipitation – but too much and you could get soaked. It seems like they have improved that functionality of the pant in the latest models – hence the prince increase. Continue reading…

Review: Patagonia Guide Softshell Jacket

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Like other reviews, this softshell doesn’t have very many bells and whistles. Just a light softshell with a nice, soft lining. Very versatile, can be used in spring or summer, not quite warm enough alone in winter, but athletic fitting enough to use a layer (better off using synthetic or down sweater). Great for skinning in the backcountry or hiking peaks on a colder day in the summer. So breathable and yet slightly waterproof, seems to keep you at just the right body temp throughout the day.

Fit : advertised as “slim”. I’m 5’11 185, 36″ waist and the Large fit me perfectly. Not a ton of room to layer underneath, but I couldn’t ask for a better fit, perfect mix between slim and regular.

Color : I was forced to get an obnoxiously orange color, since thats all REI had in my size at the time (used my REI dividend). I really liked the neutrality of the Alpha Green, just didn’t work out with my budget at the time. I’ve grown to get used to the Orange (clementine) and at the very least, you don’t have to worry about getting shot in hunting season. Truly, a multi-functional piece of gear.

Review: MontBell Alpine Light Down Parka

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Great, versatile down jacket. Great use for Colorado, being a relatively dry state and all. I’ve used it for summit lounging, for days you don’t plan on skiing thick trees (at it will probably rip) and for the morning walk to work whens its below freezing. If you want something even warmer, look at the Frost Smoke parka from Montbell, not gonna get much better for the price (neither will this one).

Fit : I’m 5’11 185 with a 36″ waist and somewhat broad shoulders and the Large fit me perfect. Enough room for a light fleece and shirt underneath and maybe compressible enough for a roomy shell over it.

Color : I went with the “Terra Cotta” which is a true orange, almost rust orange, darker than the pic on bc.com, but fairly similar to the pic from Montbell’s website.

Material : Its advertised as a 30-denier nylon shell, which seems accurate, specially when compared to other 15-20 denier down sweaters across the board. It could probably survive a branch or two in the woods, but nothing more. Just seems like a well thought out, well constructed apparel.