Extreme testing to come...

To those who love all things gear and extreme conditions...

 I have been relatively quiet lately building myself a new kit of serious cold weather gear. The reason I have not yet posted reviews of my new toys is because of the event I have coming up on January 17th. Extremus, an event put on by the Endurance Society (http://endurancesociety.org/) will be a 60 mile non stop trek through some of the highest and coldest peaks in VT. 50 brave / slightly crazy individuals will be setting out on this adventure with the drop out rate being... less than favorable. One key component to finishing, along with a strong body and mind, will be gear. I intend to put some very high quality gear to the test in these conditions. Here are some of the pieces that I will be testing, my concerns with them, and why I am bringing them along:

1 - Outdoor Research Incandescent Hoody - At a steep cost of $350 the jacket is impressive in its fill (800+ Power Down), weight (17.9oz), and ability to repel water (Pertex® Quantum). I am bringing it along because it is very light weight and very compressible. The jacket fits into its own pocket and when compressed is 6X10.5 inches. My concern is simple, due to the fact that it is made to be so light weight the fabric seems to be very frail. Also, the jacket is down and not synthetic, if there is any amount of considerable rain or snow it will become useless. Durability, warmth, and practicality in the field remain to be seen. For more on the OR Incandescent Hoody...

2 - Ribz Wear Front Pack - A great piece of gear for everything from running to trekking. This piece will hopefully be my "ace in the hole". This trek will be non stop, only short breaks for going to the bathroom, regrouping, and changing out layers. Having a front pack or chest pack is ideal for keeping the things i need (food, extra gloves, headlamp, batteries) at the ready and easily accessible at all times. For only $64.95 this was a no-brainer purchase for what I will be attempting. My only concern is that it is just another piece of gear I need to take off before changing out layers. Check out the chest pack here...

3 - Salomon Toundra Boots - My reasoning behind getting these boots was simple, they are the warmest boots Salomon makes. They claim to keep feet warm at -40 Degrees while active. They are also waterproof and extremely comfortable. My concern with these boots is overheating as opposed to not being warm enough. I will be bringing plenty of extra socks and foot care products just in case. Want to keep your feet warm? Check them out.


Finish or not this will be a great event for gear testing. I am looking forward to the challenge and being able to provide you guys with everything you need to know about the best products out there.

Black Diamond - Storm Headlamp

Black Diamond - Storm Headlamp

Price: $49
Pros: Great buy for the price, waterproof, versatile.
Cons: Time consuming switching out batteries.
Worth the buy?: Yup!

I love gear that is versatile and has many uses. Considering the price and the fact that this headlamp is waterproof, its a no brainer, I have dropped it more than enough puddles and it always comes out working just the way it should. I have used this headlamp for about a year, for everything from multi-day trips to going running at night, and cleaning out gunk from my dog's ears. Having a piece of gear that is waterproof is a huge relief and one less thing thing to worry about if a quick storm comes in. It has two length adjustments on either size of the lamp itself and brightness can be adjusted as needed. Lastly, is the size, it is a very small for the lumens it puts out (up to 160). I can leave it hanging around my neck or throw it in a small chest pocket, it does not take up much room and is not excessively heavy. For the price and features, it is more than worth the buy whether for an overnight adventure or a late night stroll with the dog.


Thinking about picking one up? Check it out here!

Voormi - Drift Jacket

Voormi - Drift Jacket

Price: $249

Pros: Breathable, warm, style, durability.
Cons: Not waterproof, heavy.
Worth the buy?: Yes

The Voormi Drift Jacket is another piece that I have been looking forward to for a while. The first thing you notice about the jacket is the weight, it is heavier than I expected. It is a solid mid-layer that can absolutely be worn as a jacket on its own. I recently took it on a short backpacking trip where the temperature dropped to around freezing. Wearing just a simple cotton t-shirt and the jacket I was fairly comfortable as long as I was moving around. I can imagine throwing on a simple tec-shirt, base layer, and shell on top it would be a combo to wear out in the depth of winter. The next big aspect of the jacket that I love is that it is very breathable. So while making the trip up the mountain to the campsite it keeps you warm and even when preparing the fire you are good to go. Lastly, is the durability, the jacket can take a beating. Running around to gather up firewood or brushing by dead tree limbs, I came back from my night in the woods with the jacket in the same condition as when I revived it in the mail. Do not underestimate the value of a jacket that is both breathable and warm, while this jacket carries a higher price tag than competitors it is well worth the buy. 

Check out the jacket here!

Rocky - CT4 Boots

Rocky - CT4 Boots

Price: $79.00
Pros: Light weight, durable, quick drying.
Cons: NOT a winter / wet weather boot, traction not great.
Worth the buy?: Absolutely.

I have used these boots for a variety of activities over the year and a half that I have had them. I've used them for weekend backpacking trips in the mountains, relaxing around a fire on a cool spring night, endurance events, and even a handful of crossfit workouts. My main reason for getting them was because of how light they are, each boot weighs less than a pound, and when trekking out in the mountains every ounce counts. They also come with convenient drainage/air vent holes on the side so when you are really putting out on a big hike your feet can breathe. If you do happen to get the boots wet then you are still good to go, they drain well and thankfully do not smell as long as you maintain them after getting wet. Another nice feature is the laces they are ACTUAL para cord and you can tell the second you go to tie them, para cord can take a good beating, unlike some very high end expensive boots that can still come with cheaper cotton laces. As long as you are not planning on going out in the rain or snow these boots are fantastic. They are durable, light weight, and for the price of $79 you can not go wrong.

Want to know more? Check out the boots here!

JetBoil - Flash Cooking System

JetBoil - Flash Cooking System

Cost: $99.95
Pros: Light weight, simple to use, convenient for advanced or beginner backpackers, reasonable price.
Cons: Smaller amount of water able to boil at once.
Worth the buy?:  Yes.

I love getting outdoors, be it a day hike up a local mountain or a weekend trip with good friends. Some people enjoy protein bars, power bars, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich when they are hungry. However if you want to save space, travel light, and have quick warm meal then you want to carry a JetBoil Flash. What sets a JetBoil Flash apart from most backpacking stoves?
1) Its compact and light weight - It takes up very little space in a day pack or large backpacking ruck.
2) It is simple to use - all you need is water and your fuel source. Unlike some other stoves this one comes with a built in ignition, which gives you one less thing to worry about.
3) Price - Considering the importance of having a good warm meal, the price point of $99.95 is a great deal.

Coming in at only 14 ounces, it only takes about 2.5 minutes to boil two cups of water. Those two cups of water are perfect for almost any freeze dried meal you can buy for about $4. This is what makes the JetBoil great, the ability to feed 4 people in around 10 minutes with only one unit if your in the mountains and on the move. On the other hand you can bring along a JetBoil to your next kids soccer game and make some hot cocoa on a cool fall afternoon. The JetBoil is a great piece of gear for a wide range of activities and well worth the price for such a convenience.

Get the JetBoil here!

Red Line Gear - WOD Shorts

Red Line Gear - WOD Shorts

Cost: $59
Pros: No Velcro fly, durable, multifunctional.
Cons: Slightly bulky around waist.
Worth the buy?: Yes.

I am a Crossfit Coach who spends the majority of the year in workout shorts. I've worn everything from lightweight running shorts to the traditional mesh shorts for everything from Crossfit workouts, obstacle course races, endurance events, and just a simple day at the beach. Surprisingly, there are very few companies that make a pair of shorts that are great for all of these activities. So what makes these shorts so special and different? Red Line uses a four way stretch material for the fly where most companies make a similar design but use velcro that is too rigid to be comfortable. They use the same four way stretch material in the crotch for ease of mobility. Lastly, the polyester material they use for majority of the short, its durable, does not absorb sweat the way cotton does and can take a serious beating. Red Line is a young (less than a year old) apparel company that makes a great pair of shorts for a reasonable price. If you are in the market for a versatile short, here they are.

Get the awseome shorts here!

Outdoor Research - Men's Foray Jacket

Outdoor Research - Men's Foray Jacket

Cost: $215
Pros: Lightweight, waterproof, packs into own pocket, fully adjustable hood, armpit zippers, four season.
Cons: N/A
Worth the buy?: Absolutely! Everyone should own a waterproof shell. This is one of, if not the best fully waterproof shell (for the money) regardless if you use it in the mountains or on your way to work.

My thoughts...
   I have used this waterproof shell for over a year, it comes in handy all the time my only regret is that I didn't get one sooner. I have used it on multi day trips in the mountains as well as during cold, slushy, New England winters while shoveling snow for hours. It has always done the one thing I bought it for, keeping me dry. One of my favorite features is the fully adjustable hood. All I need to do is tighten up the three pull strings and I'm good to go, without having to worry about my vision being restricted. The other great features include the ability to fold the whole jacket up into one of the hand pockets as well as the two way zippers that run from the torso to arm pits for ventilation.

*Side note regarding Outdoor Research: They want you to use their products, don't be afraid to get them dirty and take them out into the elements. If something happens to your OR gear when you are using it they have a lifetime (what they call "infinite") warranty and amazing customer service.

Grab the OR Foray Jacket here!

Voormi - Men's Thermal II Baselayer Review

Voormi - Men's Thermal II Baselayer

Cost: $129
Pros: Comfortable, stretch, warm, looks great by itself.
Cons: One color option, price.
Worth the buy?: If you are in the market for a great baselayer (one you will actually use as a baselayer) that is made in America by people who love the mountains, this is a great buy.

My thoughts...
  I've been very excited to try out the merino wool baselayer from Voormi and put it to the test. It's soft, stretches well and has an "athletic" fit. The athletic fit is snug enough where it stays close to your body but not so extreme you feel like your wearing a wetsuit. Warm enough to wear by itself on a cool spring morning and a great start to a complex layering system in the middle of winter. That being said, because its made of merino wool, you will not "overheat" as if you were wearing fleece or heavy cotton. When I am not outdoors I wear it mostly when I coach Crossfit because it looks good (always a plus) and doesn't restrict movement. If you have the money and are going to use it for it's intended purpose, a baselayer, then I certainly recommend the Voormi - Men's Thermal II Baselayer.

Grab the baselayer and more here at voormi.com