Gearzilla » Base Layers

Winter OR Round-Up: The North Face

nborchelt — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 13:00:48 +0000

www.thenorthface.com
Of the three big pushes coming from The North Face in the fall of 2013, we’re perhaps most excited about the brand’s new insulation innovations. ThermoBall ain’t the sequel to Skyfall; It’s a synthetic insulation made in concert with Primaloft, providing spherical patches of insulation designed to mimic the structure of down, trapping heat within small air pockets. This also makes it highly packable, and will insulate even when wet. The insulation on the ThermoBall Full-Zip Jacket ($199, pictured) is equivalent to that of a 600-fill down jacket of similar weight. ProDown—TNF’s proprietary water-resistant down—will also be introduced this fall, boasting products that will stay dry and full of loft for up to 100 minutes, and will be found in such products as the 950-fill Supernatural Jacket ($449). They’ll also introduce the new ZLoft tech, which uses Primaloft One synthetic insulation with a Z-baffle shape that maximizes warmth without adding much weight or bulk in hybrid, high-performance pieces like the Zephyrus Pro Hoodie ($299).

Another big initiative in 2013? Apparel and footwear for cold-weather running, including products that’ll make use of Gore Windstopper and proprietary tech like FlashDry and Thermo3D designs to create high-performance, gender-specific temp regulation for long-distance cold-weather runners. Products like the Feather Lite Storm Blocker Jacket ($200)—the lightest fully-waterproof, seam-sealed jacket they’ve made at just 10.5 ounces—were tested by TNF athletes on the trails of Mont Blanc, so they’ll work for you just fine.

They’ll also fill out a new line for the niche outdoor scene that prides themselves on braving the harshest cold-weather environments. The new Steep Series was tested by TNF athletes in the harsh world of Antarctica, and the 19 pieces in this new line will bring forth hardcore products with tech like the new Gore-Tex Pro waterproof/breathable fabric, water-resistant down, and other features that’ll keep you sheltered from the extremes.

Winter OR Round-Up: Gore Running Wear

nborchelt — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 13:00:30 +0000

www.goreapparel.com
We’ve been testing Gore Running apparel for the past six months. While the brand is a top-seller in the category in Europe, it has only recently been distributed in the United States. For Fall ’13, we are excited about their new Magnitude Outfit Systems for men (the Comp Shirt and Tights are pictured above). The performance line is designed for the long-distance runner. The tights have enough compression to shape and support the quads and calves, without restricting movement. We like the new vest and jacket with Windstopper laminate for cold-weather training, as well as the reflective and neon detailing for heightened visibility after dark, great ventilation, and smartly-positioned pockets.

Winter OR Round-Up: Icebreaker

nborchelt — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 13:00:34 +0000

us.icebreaker.com
As we mentioned after the Summer Outdoor Retailer, New Zealand’s Icebreaker continues to expand their line of high-quality merino wool into designs that marry their magical wool with soft shell exteriors to provide weather-proof pieces with all the all-natural qualities already associated with the brand. The Viento Jacket (hooded: $325; non: $300) and the Stealth Jacket ($300; pictured left) and Hood ($325) will boast a water-repellent, breathable, wind-proof exterior, with a comforting merino wool lining. We particularly like the fashion- and fit-forward silhouette of the women’s Viento Hood ($325; pictured center), with its slim hourglass cut.

Their GT line—technical apparel dialed for high-aerobic activity like winter running, Nordic skiing, and skiing and riding—will expand with new garments like the Drive Long-Sleeve Half-Zip top ($140; pictured right), with wool has been treated with nanotechnology to add water and stain resistance. This bluesign-accredited technology integrates tiny nano particles on a rigid surface to reduce the contact area to let mud, water, and oil simply run off the fabric.

Perhaps most compelling, however, is the slight revamp to their travel-inspired line, which expands its formerly slim/athletic fit to become a wee bit roomier. This should make products like the woman’s Vista Skirt ($100) and windproof soft shell three-quarter-length Highline Jacket ($380), the men’s Escape Hood Stripe ($140), and the Seeker Pants ($180) appeal to a broader swath of smart travelers.

Ibex Kid’s Hooded Indie and Indie Long Johns

nborchelt — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 18:00:32 +0000

shop.ibex.com
You won’t find better fitting, more stylish base layers for kids than the Indie hoodie and long johns from Ibex. Both pieces are made out of superfine, 18.5 New Zealand merino wool. This is the outfit you’ll dress your kids in for cold days at school (the pants come in bright colors as well as black, and look rad with boots). They are light enough to be worn under jeans, but really show their backcountry creds under snow pants, with a soft next-to-skin feel, just the right amount of warmth, and an unbelievably feather-like weight. Plus, in contrast to other wool base layers we’ve tested for kids, these don’t snag, run, or pill. Our test samples have 40-plus days in action. They’ve been washed a dozen times and still look new. Colors are vibrant—we like the Cherry Bomb orange for girls, and a mellower “turf” for boys. The hoodie has flatlock seams and ragland sleeves, so there are no hot spots when worn under a jacket or with a pack. Plus there are thumb holes—the sleeves are a bit long, and can be pulled down over hands to thwart cold and keep out snow. A seven-inch front zipper lets kids vent off excess heat, and makes the top easier to pull on and take off. You might think a hood is superfluous on a base layer, but it adds extra warmth under a ski or bike helmet in the winter and provides sun protection in the summer.
The Hoodie and Long Johns comes in sizes small to large (5/6 to 12) and the Indie Long Johns; we recommend going up a size—that way the child should be able to squeeze in at least two to three years of wear.

Tested In:

Good For: skiing, snowboarding, everyday, for when pajamas are too much trouble

Winter OR Round-Up: Black Diamond Introduces New Apparel Line

nborchelt — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 13:00:02 +0000

www.blackdiamondequipment.com

SLC-based Black Diamond has been on the outdoor scene since 1957, and their products have won the loyalty of thousands of outdoor enthusiasts and a long slew of awards for gear innovation and design. From hard goods like magnetic carabiners and backcountry skis to soft goods like cold-weather gloves and the Avalung backpack, which has saved countless lives during avalanches, BD has stepped up its game each season. And this continues as we look into fall 2013 with an all-new line of apparel.

The first in a three-year plan of…let’s call it “focused domination,” Black Diamond will deliver a line of men’s soft shells, base layers, and insulated fleece next fall, working with a variety of textiles including Schoeller, Primaloft, and Polartech. We got a sneak peak…

The Dawn Patrol Hybrid Jacket ($349, pictured left) employs a Schoeller stretch-woven nylon shell with body-mapped, three-layer waterproof laminate and NanoSphere Technology, which encourages dirt and water to run off the fabric much like the self-cleaning effect of certain plants. The jacket boasts backcountry- and climbing-friendly features like two massive chest pockets, zippered hand pockets, and an adjustable, helmet-compatible hood. The Access Hybrid Hoody ($249, pictured center), meanwhile, melds a nylon shell with Primaloft insulation and Schoeller stretch nylon side panels to insulate on ice and rock, and will be built for movement and warmth. It’s got a chest pocket, stretch-gusset cuffs, a drawcord hem, and internal drop pockets, and is part of their Primaloft-centric Stance and Access line. Pieces like the Coefficient Hoody ($159, pictured right) fill the need for base- and mid-layers, described as the Crag, Solution, and Coefficient line. This zip-up layer uses Polartec Power Dry fleece (80% poly, 12% elastine) to provide athletic stretch, fast drying, warmth, and breathability. It has a single chest pocket, stretch cuffs, a smooth-to-the-touch feel, and an under-the-helmet, clean-fitting hood.

At first blush the color patterns and overall designs are impressive—it’s clear that Black Diamond spent a lot of time considering every detail, rather than rushing these 24 style to the market. (Creds for this go to former Patagonia clotheshorse, Tim Bantle and an A-list design team culled from other apparel powerhouses). Some decisions, like the tight elastic cuffs on the fleece, may relegate the product to solely to the field, as the feature doesn’t lend itself wearing it around around town as much as it does to hanging at the crag. This single focus may make the also A-list price points somewhat dear. But the designers’ inventive use of multiple fabrics could be a smart collaboration in creating truly high-performance pieces that could easily find a place in an already-crowded market.

In spring 2014, Black Diamond will introduce men’s alpine and climbing products, with the first women’s outwear coming in fall 2014. Ski wear will follow in fall 2015.

We have a few prototypes in our testers’ hands right now, and will report back as we approach the official release of the new product to the masses.

Craft Active Thermal Wind Tights

nborchelt — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 13:00:31 +0000

www.craft-usa.com
If you’re like us, your bike cost more than your first car, so it’s a bit unsettling to watch it gather dust during winter months. But the right apparel can keep you riding year-round—even during the horrors of ice, sleet, and snow. The trick is to invest in pieces that block the wind, and provide sufficient insulation while wicking and dispersing sweat. Craft, the Swedish company known for its innovative base layers, has also developed a stellar reputation for functional outwear for high aerobic activities like biking, running and, cross-country skiing. The Active Thermal Wind Tights have a comfy chamois that involves a seamless, laser-cut pad and four-way stretch fabric. The new-for-2012 chamois is laser-cut to remove unnecessary bulk, and has a foam core that our testers deemed nearly as soft as a down pillow. The chamois also boasts antimicrobial and hydrophilic properties, which help downplay the inevitable moisture build-up and odor. The body of the pants is a symphony of proprietary weather-fighting fabrics that unite to block wind while keeping you toasty warm and sweat free. How? The multi-panel is designed to map with specific fabrics to accentuate stretch, wicking properties, and warmth exactly where you need them. The inside is a square-channel microfleece that’s coupled with a softly brushed poly/nylon blend (Craft’s C392 proprietary fabric). Not only is it soft against the skin, it sucks up moisture like a paper towel. Outside is a trio of wafer-thin laminated polyester, polyamide, and elastic yarns that blocks wind and allows for excellent freedom of movement. An elastic panel in the front eliminates the bulk of a zipper or button closure, and expands sufficiently to helps keep you comfortable, even on long rides after a a big lunch. For early morning and evening riding, reflective printing provides 360 degrees of reflective visibility.

Outdoor Retailer: Ibex Introduces 100 Percent U.S.-Sourced and Stitched Merino Wool

nborchelt — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 17:00:18 +0000

We’re unabashedly big fans of merino wool. And while we love Australia for its great wine, beautiful beaches, and glorious red center, we always wondered why the country has the monopoly on the wool-for-clothing market. And New Zealand, its antipodal neighbor, is also big player in the game thanks to Icebreaker. Part of the reason comes down to population—New Zealand has a lot of sheep (enough to inspire a sheep zombie move), while Australia has enough real estate to take on 80 percent of merino wool used in apparel.* But the clever folks at Ibex realized that, with all the transportation costs of sourcing wool half way across the world, it might make sense to talk to some U.S. sheep ranchers about state-side production.

The result? The White River, VT-based company has started working with Montana sheep ranches to source wool entirely form the United States in an effort to both reduce the company’s carbon footprint and to help create and retain jobs in the country. The sheep are raised in the tiny town of Lavina on a ranch run by the Lehfeldt family. For more than a century, the family has raised Rambouillet sheep (think big, fluffy, and curved horns). The breed, known for super-soft, ultra-fine wool, originated from Spain’s famed merino flock. After shearing, the wool travels to South Carolina, where it is combed and scoured, then it heads North Carolina where it’s spun into yarn and knitted into fabric. Finally, the fabric is sent to Ibex’s factories near San Francisco, where it is cut and sewn into finished garments.

This Fall, Ibex’s best-selling Shak Lite line of upper layers are made from the 100 percent U.S.-raised wool. The tops are so versatile that you’ll wear them as a skiing mid-layer, a top layer for hiking, and pretty much every day you want to look good and feel comfortable—and they’re so well built that you’ll probably pass them down to your kids. We hope other products, like the Gearzilla All-Star Long Trail Sweater, will follow suit.

*Updated from previous post. Thanks to Eric H

Isis Dash Dress

nborchelt — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 12:00:10 +0000

www.isisforwomen.com, fiveounces
On hot summer days at the pool or beach, it’s hard to look beyond your bikini. But then kids need popsicles, a towel was left in the car, or you spy your potential new boss strolling past the lifeguard stand. Scrunched into your beach bag, taking up less room than a can of Red Bull is your Dash Dress. The whisper-soft fabric glides on over a wet bathing suit to add modesty and sophistication to any waterside scenario. But this dress is ideally suited to handle any warm-weather outing. From shoulder to hem, the dress measures 36 inches—short enough for a hot summer day, but long enough that you could wear it to church. The V-neck front is secured with three snaps for extra venting, and we love the minimal pocket design, with one small chest pocket perfect to secure an iPod shuffle, and a flat, hand-sized hip pocket that shields a small zippered security pocket just big enough for I.D., credit card, key, or cash. The fabric is a light, frothy polyester and spandex blend that resists stains and snags while providing UPF 30+ sun protection. The tight weave naturally repels water (if you get splashed, water beads off)—but if you sweat or your suit soaks through, testers report that the dry time is less than five minutes in the sun.

Columbia and Mountain Hardwear Introduce Clothing Designed to Keep You Cooler

nborchelt — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 11:30:01 +0000

The Omni-Freeze ZERO sweat-absorbing rings (left) and the Freeze Degree Short-Sleeved Crew

Last month, Columbia Sportswear and its subsidiary brand Mountain Hardwear unveiled a new technology that will serve as the cornerstone of both company’s spring 2013 apparel lines. Designed to be the ultimate solution to living the active life in hot climates, the advancement involves laminating small blue polymer “sweat-activated” rings on the inside of polyester apparel. As you exert yourself, these donut-shaped rings absorb your sweat and then the shirt drops in temperature, cooling off the wearer before the moisture evaporates. Columbia calls it Omni-Freeze Zero, and Mountain Hardwear dubs it Cool.Q ZERO, but the innovation is the same—and it marks the first time a tech feature will be highlighted by both brands.

The specific science behind the cooling sensation remains a tightly-guarded secret, but we’re happy to report that it works. We tested out several pieces of Omni-Freeze ZERO apparel while mountain biking in Sedona and on a multi-day backpacking foray into Havasu Falls, Arizona. In those arid climes, our sweat typically evaporated before the rings could fully absorb it; but we did notice cooling in less-vented areas like the small of the back, and when we soaked a neck gaiter made out of the material, it kept our neck and head refreshed and cool in the punishing mid-day Arizona sun.

But back in the over-humid heat wave that plagued the Mid-Atlantic in late June, the shirts really performed. We were noticeably cooler anywhere the Omni-Freeze ZERO fabric touched our sweat-drenched skin, including running, hiking, and biking in 100+-degree temps with record-break humidity. Treadmill runs echoed our in-the-field testing, though the shirts become a bit too stretchy when they were fully saturated.

This innovation may be a seismic shift for the outdoor industry. In addition to uses in the active wear, Omni-Freeze ZERO and Cool.Q ZERO could have far-reaching applications, including in travel apparel, EMT and rescue worker uniforms, and pretty much any situation where hot temperatures are a reality.

We’ll continue to test out these products throughout the summer and report back. Right now, the Freeze Degree Short-Sleeved Crew (which combines the Omni-Freeze Zero tech with panels of Columbia’s Omin-Wick tech) and the Freeze Zero Neck Gaiter (pictured above) are tracking as must-haves.

Patagonia Sells Used Clothes and Gear—Thanks to eBay

nborchelt — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 12:00:57 +0000

Introducing Gearzilla’s The Future of Gear, a new column that will highlight some of the coolest trends in the outdoor and travel gear industry, profile industry leaders and their ground-breaking ideas, and preview some of the best new product slated to hit the market in the coming months.

Apparel and gear manufacturer Patagonia recently introduced the sale of used product on their web store. Part of the company’s Community Threads Initiative—which encourages consumers to buy only what they need, repair what breaks, share what they no longer need, and recycle everything else—this move continues to promote the company’s robust pro-environment identity.

The new feature displays product that’s on sale on eBay within patagonia.com’s Used Clothing and Gear section, filtered by gender and product type, as well as kid’s gear. Interacting with the specific products takes you to eBay itself, which handles product fulfillment in its typical fashion (Patagonia also includes instructions on how to sell your used product, aping the step-by-steps that lets you sell stuff on eBay.)

From a business perspective, they could potentially erode the sale of some of their latest and greatest (regularly priced) product by promoting the same stuff at half the cost. But there’s no real overhead for Patagonia, either; eBay’s auctioneers handle all the specifics of each sale while Patagonia product stays in the hands (and on the backs) of happy travelers and lovers of the outdoors, boosting brand loyalty. The play also reinforces the durability story of the brand and serves as a solid platform to promote their pledge to reduce the environmental footprint implicit in gear and apparel manufacturing—a pledge we encourage you all to take.

Got something you want us to cover in The Future of Gear? Let us know by adding a comment!