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ArcTeryx Norvan SL Rain Jacket Review

December 23, 2017July 05, 2021 MarkLeave 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, 2017August 14, 2022 MarkLeave 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, 2017October 24, 2021 MarkLeave 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 22, 2023 MarkLeave a comment

The purpose of the shell is to protect you from environmental conditions.  Finding the right shell is quite challenging because staying dry and comfortable requires managing external moisture from rain, sleet, and snow as well as managing internally generated moisture from perspiration and sweat. There is … “Rain Gear”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: clothing, gear

Pants

September 24, 2017October 05, 2022 MarkLeave 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 (other than climbing) your legs  generate more heat than your … “Pants”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: clothing, gear

Insulation Layer

September 13, 2017September 13, 2022 MarkLeave a comment

The purpose of the insulation layer is to keep you warm. (I have some 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, 2017October 21, 2022 MarkLeave 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, 2017December 27, 2022 MarkLeave 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, 2017October 25, 2022 MarkLeave a comment

Good base layers will wick 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. This only works if if the base layer retains it’s … “Base Layers”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: clothing, gear

Vapor Barriers

September 10, 2017December 29, 2020 MarkLeave 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, 2017November 13, 2022 MarkLeave a comment

I recommend clothing that can be comfortably worn day after day for a wide variety of activities. My clothing is typically made from technical fibers or merino wool which provides good mobility, decent durability, is light weight, fast drying, and odor/stain resistant. I use mostly … “Recommended Clothing”

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

Footwear

September 08, 2017December 23, 2022 MarkLeave 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, 2017December 20, 2022 MarkLeave a comment

There have been numerous articles  such as You Walk Wrong, (slightly questioned in Your shoes are killing you), Going Barefoot is Good for the Sole, Why You Should Spend Time Walking Barefoot Everyday, A Moderate Approach to Minimalist Shoes, and an excellent podcast by Peter Attia with … “Barefoot & Minimalist Shoes”

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Posted Under: outdoorsTags: clothing, footwear, gear

Boots or Trail Runners

September 13, 2013September 12, 2022 Mark1 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, 2013July 30, 2022 MarkLeave 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, 2013February 03, 2023 MarkLeave 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, 2013August 31, 2022 MarkLeave 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, 2013November 09, 2022 MarkLeave 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, 2013December 29, 2020 MarkLeave 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

Feet in Wet Conditions

September 13, 2013October 24, 2022 MarkLeave a comment

One of my footwear posts. In general you want to keep your feet dry.  There are a variety of ways you feet can get wet. The most dramatic are river crossings, followed by rain, snow, and slush. The final issue is sweat from your own … “Feet in Wet Conditions”

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

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