- Joined
- Apr 6, 2002
- Messages
- 1,356
From early spring through early winter, I walk or ride my bike every day for exercise, and on weekends, I go hiking or do other outdoor activities. A lot of my gear is oriented toward these things. I've been pretty lucky and stumbled across some good stuff in the last 12 months or so. Just wanted to mention some of it.
Marmot Precip anorak - We had a cool, very rainy spring and summer, so I've used this a lot in the mornings. I was very impressed with it when I got it. Hard to describe, but it just has a quality feel to it. The stitching is perfect, and all of the features are compact and tidy. For example, it has very small drawcords that don't dangle and snag, and the zipper pull tucks under a Velcro flap. Just small things like that. The material is water-resistant enough that I have worn it in a steady rain for about 75 minutes with no soak-through. It does get a bit clammy in the warmest weather though. And this would not be a good choice for folks who hike off-trail or hunt in heavy brush, since I suspect it would tear easily. I am wearing an insulating layer underneath in the mornings now and will see how long into the fall it remains comfortable.
Marmot Precip pants - I've worn these pants quite a bit outdoors when it's raining. I've also worn them some around town, because I don't like umbrellas and long raincoats. They've kept me dry and mobile. I do have a couple of nits though. The pants have a full-length leg zipper, but unfortunately it doesn't open all the way up. Seems like an odd design, which makes it necessary to stuff your shoes or boots through the legs despite the zipper. Also, the waist fastens with Velcro, so we'll see how that holds up. For now, I'm well-pleased.
Lowa Chilko - These are low-cut walking shoes with Goretex XCR lining. I had wanted a pair for quite a while, but wasn't willing to pay $120 for them. I got them on sale last year for $70, which I feel is a good value. The lining is too warm for very hot, humid summer weather, but great for everything else.
Vasque Catalyst - I was looking for light-weight, water-resistant hiking shoes and settled on these. They also have the Goretex XCR lining. I always buy mid-height hikers, since it helps keep twigs, pebbles, water, snow, and slush out of the shoes. These have the stickiest, tackiest sole I can remember having on a hiker. Good for slippery docks and rainy wooden footbridges. Also useful if you are like me and feel compelled to climb up on every big *** boulder that you see...
I've worn them on weekends for light hiking, and they feel great. Unfortunately, they are no longer made in Canada, and I bet that they will not last as long as the old style leather hikers.
Okay, that's enough from me. What gear has worked out well for you lately? Outdoors, indoors, or whatever...
Marmot Precip anorak - We had a cool, very rainy spring and summer, so I've used this a lot in the mornings. I was very impressed with it when I got it. Hard to describe, but it just has a quality feel to it. The stitching is perfect, and all of the features are compact and tidy. For example, it has very small drawcords that don't dangle and snag, and the zipper pull tucks under a Velcro flap. Just small things like that. The material is water-resistant enough that I have worn it in a steady rain for about 75 minutes with no soak-through. It does get a bit clammy in the warmest weather though. And this would not be a good choice for folks who hike off-trail or hunt in heavy brush, since I suspect it would tear easily. I am wearing an insulating layer underneath in the mornings now and will see how long into the fall it remains comfortable.
Marmot Precip pants - I've worn these pants quite a bit outdoors when it's raining. I've also worn them some around town, because I don't like umbrellas and long raincoats. They've kept me dry and mobile. I do have a couple of nits though. The pants have a full-length leg zipper, but unfortunately it doesn't open all the way up. Seems like an odd design, which makes it necessary to stuff your shoes or boots through the legs despite the zipper. Also, the waist fastens with Velcro, so we'll see how that holds up. For now, I'm well-pleased.
Lowa Chilko - These are low-cut walking shoes with Goretex XCR lining. I had wanted a pair for quite a while, but wasn't willing to pay $120 for them. I got them on sale last year for $70, which I feel is a good value. The lining is too warm for very hot, humid summer weather, but great for everything else.
Vasque Catalyst - I was looking for light-weight, water-resistant hiking shoes and settled on these. They also have the Goretex XCR lining. I always buy mid-height hikers, since it helps keep twigs, pebbles, water, snow, and slush out of the shoes. These have the stickiest, tackiest sole I can remember having on a hiker. Good for slippery docks and rainy wooden footbridges. Also useful if you are like me and feel compelled to climb up on every big *** boulder that you see...
I've worn them on weekends for light hiking, and they feel great. Unfortunately, they are no longer made in Canada, and I bet that they will not last as long as the old style leather hikers.Okay, that's enough from me. What gear has worked out well for you lately? Outdoors, indoors, or whatever...
