Gear Review

The REI Shuksan Jacket is backcountry shell that has it all. The jacket was designed with the backcountry traveler in mind. It features the super breathable eVent fabric along with a RECCO Avalanche Rescue System reflector permanently sealed to the inside right sleeve. The jacket has a three-ply stretch for mobility and has an oversized hood to fit over a helmet.

Mountain Khakis started with the Original Mountain Pant and they continue to add new styles to line without compromising the original design. The Cottonwood Cords have all the great features you'd expect from Mountain Khakis: the hidden pocket under the right front pocket, the triple stitched seams, the reinforced back pockets and cuffs, and the gusseted "ballroom" action crotch. The new Cottonwood Cords introduce a cozy corduroy stretch fabric.

I have to admit, I was drawn to the look of Plie. They are sooo cute. Now that I've put some miles on them, I can say the Plie fits even better than it looks. Merrell loaded the shoe with performance enhancing materials like an air cushioned midsole, a pigskin heel counter lining, a breathable mesh lining and the Merrell Q-Form alignment system. What does all this mean? CUTE and COMFORTABLE.

Merrell Plie at Play

If your looking for a burly winter boot without the bulk, check out the Merrell Snowmotion 8 Zip. The boot has the same profile as a regular hiking boot, but it's much warmer and has much better traction in the snow. The zipper allows you to slip the boot on and off easily which is great when changing into ski boots in the parking lot.

Merrell Snowmotion 8 Zip Waterproof Boot

I've been traveling between the Tetons and Wasatch Mountains for the last few months testing the some new clothing from ExOfficio. The Exo Dri 1/4 Zip Tee and the Boracade Pants were released this fall. I also tested the popular Buzz Off Hat with Cape and the Give-N-Go boxers. This was a great outfit to travel in.

ExOfficio Buzz Off Insect Shield Hat with Cape

In October 2009, Merrell launched a new line of socks based on their EWE (Enhanced Wool Endurance) technology. The EWE marries each strand of wool fiber with a strand of Duraline Synthetic fiber. This technology combines the natural warmth of wool, with the durability and wicking properties of a synthetic fiber. I've been testing the sock for the last two months, and I've been please with the results.

Merrell Classic Hiking Sock Top

This fall Mountain Khakis added a Flannel Lined version of the Original Mountain Pant. You still get the durability of the 10.4 ounce 100% cotton Duck Canvas, with the added warmth (and comfort) of a fleece lining. From a distance you can't tell the different between the Original Mountain Pant without the lining and the one with the lining. You do notice a big difference when you're wearing them. Usually on cold mornings I can feel the cold air on my legs. I didn't feel that with the Flannel Lined Original Mountain Pant.

Flannel Lined Pants on the Trail

I've been wearing the Merrell Big Sky Jacket for two months on a daily basis. The Big Sky combines Merrell's AeroBlock wind resistant fleece, with a stylish blended wool exterior. I get the look and warmth of wool, with the softness and wind protection of performance fleece. The Big Sky has held up well after a number of washes, (I let it air dry) and outdoor excursions. It's a great coat for cool autumn mornings followed by warm sunny afternoons. It breaths better than a down jacket and has a lot less bulk.

We've only had a few dustings of snow here in the Wasatch Foothills. Trails that are in the shade now have a layer of packed snow and ice on them. There's not enough snow to snowshoe, yet the trails are too slick for just a boot. That's were the Ice Trekkers come into play. The Ice Trekkers quickly attach to the boot and provide traction control needed for snow and ice. Ice Trekkers have been used by Postal Carriers for over 25 years, so I decided to try them out on the trail.

Ultralight is an understatement of the Marmot Nano Jacket. It's slightly thicker than a newspaper page, yet delivers the performance of a much heavier and bulky jacket. The Nano is waterproof, windproof and breathable, and packs up to half the size of a 32 ounce water bottle. It's a four season shell that can be used as a rain coat on summer backpacking trips and as a shell during winter ski tours. The only problem is it packs up so small, you'll forget where you put it.

Marmot Nano on the Slopes