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Poncho + Insulating Liner System

June 12, 2023April 30, 2025 Mark VerberLeave a comment

I have had a love hate relationship with ponchos. Theoretically they make great sense, but I have tried rain ponchos five times for six month or longer. After each poncho experiment I switched back to a rain jacket and a dedicated shelter. This post is … “Poncho + Insulating Liner System”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: clothing, gear

ArcTeryx Norvan SL Rain Jacket Review

December 23, 2017April 05, 2024 Mark VerberLeave a comment

ArcTeryx Norvan SL Rain Jacket is one of the lightest, most breathable rain jacket currently available. I originally purchased the jacket in 2016. I have made some updates my original post based on longer term use. The Norvan SL works brilliantly when biking or hiking when … “ArcTeryx Norvan SL Rain Jacket Review”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: clothing, gear

Hats

September 26, 2017May 15, 2024 Mark VerberLeave a comment

Hats seem to be one of the more personal pieces of gear. People seem to care about the style of their hat than many other clothing items. There are a huge number of options with a wide variety of styles, colors, materials, etc. Hats are … “Hats”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: clothing, gear

Handwear

September 26, 2017December 03, 2024 Mark VerberLeave a comment

Like hats, hardware seem to be one of the more “personal” pieces of gear. Unlike “hats”, fit and function rather than style seems to drive most people’s decision making.  The fit of handwear is much more important  than say, a jacket.  Less than 1 cm … “Handwear”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: clothing, gear

Rain Gear

September 25, 2017January 04, 2025 Mark Verber1 Comment

TL;DR As of April 2024 the best rain gear in terms of performance have their membranes on the outside. They don’t wet out, and dry amazingly quickly, and have ok to superior breathability. Other reasonable options Don’t try to use a wind jacket like the … “Rain Gear”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: clothing, gear

Pants

September 24, 2017May 13, 2025 Mark VerberLeave a comment

Often people will have a single layer of clothing for their legs. Generally legs need less protection from weather than the torso for several reasons. Moisture management is typically less challenging and in most activities, your legs  generate more heat than your arms because you … “Pants”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: clothing, gear

Insulation Layer

September 13, 2017March 05, 2025 Mark VerberLeave a comment

The purpose of the insulation layer is to keep you warm. (I have brief notes about layering clothing). There are a number of factors which affect how much insulation a person will need to be comfortable for a given set of conditions.  The most significant … “Insulation Layer”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: clothing, gear

Softshells

September 13, 2017December 13, 2024 Mark VerberLeave a comment

Everyone has their own definition of “softshell” which makes the marketplace quite confusing. My definition of soft shell is any single layer garment which is designed be worn in a wide range of conditions putting an emphasis on breathability over absolute protection from external conditions.  … “Softshells”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: clothing, gear

Windshirts

September 13, 2017January 09, 2025 Mark VerberLeave a comment

Windshirts, sometimes called windbreakers or wind-shells are one of the most versatile pieces of clothing you can use. A simple, unlined windshirt can ounce per ounce provide more warmth than many other clothing items because it helps prevent convection cooling which increases significantly as the … “Windshirts”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: clothing, gear

Base Layers

September 10, 2017May 25, 2025 Mark VerberLeave a comment

I used to believe a good base layers will move moisture away from your body.  In warm weather a wicking base will help keep you cool by provide more surface area than your skin to promote evaporation of your sweat. In cold weather convection cooling … “Base Layers”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: clothing, gear

Vapor Barriers

September 10, 2017April 05, 2024 Mark VerberLeave a comment

In extremely cold vapor barriers can be part of an effective clothing or sleep system. According to the book Secrets of Warmth by Hal Wiess, the human body gives off moisture for three reasons: (1) as a fear response, (2) as sweat to cool us down when … “Vapor Barriers”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, clothing, gear

Recommended Clothing

September 09, 2017May 28, 2025 Mark VerberLeave a comment

I recommend clothing that can be comfortably worn day after day for a wide variety of activities while still looking good. When in the outdoors no one cares how you look, but in urban environments it can make a difference in how people treat you. … “Recommended Clothing”

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Posted Under: outdoors, travelTags: backpacking, clothing, gear

Footwear

September 08, 2017May 24, 2025 Mark VerberLeave a comment

Make sure that you use footwear which is comfortable and appropriate for your chosen activities. Nothing has the ability to spoil your entire activity like wearing uncomfortable footwear!  Shoes are extremely personal.  Just because a shoe is well regard doesn’t mean that it will be good for you.  There … “Footwear”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: clothing, footwear, gear

Barefoot & Minimalist Shoes

September 07, 2017May 15, 2025 Mark VerberLeave a comment

Our feet are well engineered and actually do a better job at removing stress from knees and hips than cushioned shoes. Traditional shoes with heels forces you into an unnatural position which is more likely to result in injury. There are a number of experienced … “Barefoot & Minimalist Shoes”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: clothing, footwear, gear

Boots or Trail Runners

September 13, 2013April 05, 2024 Mark Verber1 Comment

When I started hiking as a child everyone knew you should wear hiking boots, ideally made in Italy with Vibram soles and leather.uppers. Only stupid people wore tennis shoes while hiking, though often they were brought for river crossings and for relaxing around camp. This … “Boots or Trail Runners”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, clothing, footwear, gear

Hiking Boots (and Shoes)

September 13, 2013April 05, 2024 Mark VerberLeave a comment

Historically people wore heavy weight boots for backpacking, trekking, etc.  Your feet need to be protected, and what could do a better job that a  heavy boot which will help prevent sprained ankles and give excellent support?  Actually, most boots don’t give good “ankle support”.  … “Hiking Boots (and Shoes)”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: clothing, footwear, gear

Socks

September 13, 2013September 12, 2024 Mark VerberLeave a comment

Appropriate socks help keep your feet at a comfortable temperature and play a large part in preventing blisters.  Blisters come from the combination of friction and moisture. You want socks which wick moisture away from you feet and minimize the amount of friction between the … “Socks”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: clothing, footwear, gear

Trail Runners

September 13, 2013May 24, 2025 Mark VerberLeave a comment

For most conditions provided you are carrying less than approximately 40 lb, I would strongly recommend trying trail running shoes because they can be quite comfortable and will be lighter than the more traditional hiking shoes or boots. I have heard people express concerns about … “Trail Runners”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: clothing, footwear, gear

Sandals

September 13, 2013April 05, 2024 Mark VerberLeave a comment

There are a number of people who have found using sandals or water shoes to be highly effective.  They provide excellent ventilation for your feet, and are ideal when you are in wet conditions because they don’t hold water against your feet.  The downsides of … “Sandals”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: clothing, footwear, gear

Feet in Snow and Cold

September 13, 2013April 05, 2024 Mark VerberLeave a comment

In colder weather, people often struggle with their feet getting cold.  There are a number of reasons for this Feet are the furthest point from your core which is generating heat. Feet are subjected to conductive cooling through the soles of your shoes/boots. Feet sweat … “Feet in Snow and Cold”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: backpacking, clothing, footwear, gear

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