Gearzilla » Women

Obermeyer Iconic Jacket

nborchelt — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 13:00:31 +0000

www.obermeyer.com
Learning to help your kids love winter is a snap when they’re wearing the right apparel. We love this jacket as it allows you to outfit your teen with a highly functional piece that survives the fashion crucible without costing a fortune. The Iconic Jacket is sized to fit girls up to the age of 18, with a slight shape (no slacker look here) and flattering, longer waist. The waterproof/breathable jacket held up to storm days on Oregon’s Mt. Bachelor, when winds reached 40 and temps plummeted to single digits. Our tester, a respected junior alpine racer, raved about the warmth, suppleness, and fit of the Iconic—the coat moved with her, whether she was running gates or hiking the Cone. Obermeyer, one of the most respected brands in ski apparel, was founded in 1947 in Aspen, Colorado, by Klaus Obermeyer, who at 93 is still leading the company. The brand specializes in high-end but fairly-priced mountain apparel—and is one of the few brands that serve youth and teens with equal seriousness as men and women. The Iconic really mimics its name with a classic, feminine shape that never goes out of style. Inside the jacket’s clean lines and longer silhouette you’ll find 140 grams of warm Permaloft insulation in the body and 100 grams in the sleeves to provide warmth without bulk. The exterior is a striped jacquard made of a polyester/CD polyester print with HydroBlock V (Obermeyer’s proprietary microporous waterproofing). Obermeyer’s CZV, a control zone ventilation system, maintains warmth, but breathes and wicks moisture, so there’s no wetness, even on crazy pow days. As with all youth and teen Obermeyer products, the Iconic jacket uses the company’s innovative EWS (extended wear system) to maximize wear time—meaning the jacket will last several seasons, not just several runs.

Salomon Instinct Ski Boots

nborchelt — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 13:00:32 +0000

www.salomon.com/us/
If you invest in one piece of alpine ski gear this season, consider new boots. We’ve tested literally dozens of women-specific alpine ski boots, and Salomon’s Instinct became our favorite due to its excellent power transfer and pain-free ride. The boot helped us float through heavy Oregon powder, and then transition to hard-pack groomers. It is designed for front-side carving, with an extraordinary nimbleness and control. You quickly notice that turning is easier as the boot has amazing sensitivity—almost as if it were reacting to your thoughts; it’s easy to see why they named these boots “Instinct.” It combines the performance of a World Cup racing boot with all-day comfort, which is saying a lot if you’ve ever skied in WC boots before. Credit the heat-customizable PU shell (with the same World Cup technology used in race boots, designed to expand precisely to the width of your foot for optimal fit and performance), and a heat-customizable liner that conforms to your foot. The liner is warm and cradles your foot with no sloppy dead space. This four-buckle boot comes in three flex patterns, 70, 90, and 100. We like the 100 flex for aggressive “expert” skiers, but if you’re under 120 pounds and a beginning or intermediate skier, definitely go with the softer 70 or 90 which will allow you to get more out of the boot, so that you’re flexing your ankles to initiate turns. The cuffs are designed for a woman’s calves, with padding that is soft and comfortable without being squishy. Extra control is via a Velcro power strap that cranks in the fit and locks your foot into a forward, aggressive position to help keep you out of the back seat, with your weight on the balls of your feet where it belongs.

First Ascent Mount Rainier Storm Shell Pants

nborchelt — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 12:00:29 +0000

www.eddiebauer.com/EB/First-Ascent, 15 ounces
For many apparel manufacturers, “women-specific” often means that they shrink the length, narrow the shoulders, widen the hips, and add a lot of color—which is why brands like First Ascent rise to the fore in the outdoor industry. Their Rainier Storm Shell Pants benefit from all the same high-tech elements found in the men’s version, including three-layer waterproof/breathable material with reinforcement patches in the seat and knees, a feel and sound that’s far softer and quieter than any hard shell should be, and three-quarter length waterproof side zips that make on-and-off a breeze, even over bulky hiking boots. The combo of belt loops and an integrated belt system also let you dial in the perfect fit. The cut is tailored to a woman’s slimmer frame—but the real touch of genius can be found with the U-shaped rear zipper, which allows femme testers to easily commune with nature without having to shed the pants (or a climbing harness) in the process. (a detail that’s not part of the men’s Mount Rainier) These pants are ideal as an extra layer to toss on when conditions become nasty while hiking, backpacking, or climbing. But they do double duty as your backup ski or snowboarding pants for all but the gnarliest of conditions. As they’re designed to go over a pair of hiking pants, expect them to be roomy; go smaller if you want a truly trim fit or are planning to wear them over a next-to-skin baselayer.

Cape Clogs Dala Clog

nborchelt — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 08:00:06 +0000

www.capeclogs.com
Very few of us can—or even want to—wear athletic shoes all the time. But towering platforms, pencil heels, and skyscraper wedges don’t always fit the bill. Our active-minded female set instead turn to Cape Clogs, a designer and distributor of Swedish orthopedic clogs. The sixth-generation clog manufacturer in Smaland, Sweden, produces clogs in assorted colors, upper materials, and heel heights; our testers love the new Dala line with their 2.5 inch heels. The suede leather uppers soften quickly to conform to the particular shape of your foot. A braided leather band limits the stretch of the upper and offers the forefoot and instep extra support. The sole is a molded alder wood that doesn’t absorb your sweat or odor, plus the heel is open, so the back of your feet breathe. And we like the closed-toe design as it affords some modesty for feet that have suffered years of abuse in too-tight climbing shoes and ski boots. While the wood under your foot isn’t initially as comfortable as, say, a pair of faux fur boots, the shape of the footbed is designed to provide both scaphoid and metatarsal support, as well as to encourage posture with a slightly dropped toe bed.

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.

Icebreaker SS Tech V Toi Toi

nborchelt — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 08:00:03 +0000

us.icebreaker.com
We love the outdoors—but we don’t always want to look like we’re in a constant state of camping, hiking, biking, or climbing. Sometimes it’s nice to be an incognito outdoor ninja. Femme testers in particular appreciate high-tech products that may nod to their active obsessions, but adapt to more casual environments. The form-fitting V-neck Toi Toi hits that sweet spot. The shirt is constructed of Icebreaker’s thinnest, soft-to-the-touch merino wool, which affords the expected benefits (wicking, minimal odor retention, warm-when-wet) of the all-natural fabric, but the organic graphic growing out of the lower left hem, the bright colors, and the double seam at the neck aspire to a world beyond the trail. Forward-side seams prevent chaffing, and machine-washing keeps it in near-constant rotation.

Patagonia Girls’ Two-Piece Swim Suit Set

nborchelt — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 08:00:02 +0000

patagonia.com, 2.9 ounces
Every parent’s nightmare—their adolescent daughter insists on trading her serviceable one-piece for a daring bikini. The trouble is, most bikinis are built more for St. Tropez beauty queens than growing girls. Thankfully, Patagonia’s got you (and your loved ones) covered. Everything they make has a purpose. While the Patagonia Girls’ Two-Piece counts as a bikini, it’s designed for sports. Whether your daughter is playing beach volleyball, surfing, or snorkeling, the suit is built to stay in place without awkward slipping, hiking, or sagging. Made of durable nylon and spandex, the suit is stretchy without being overly clingy. The fixed shoulder straps are wide, keeping the top in place during active movement. The front overlaps for modesty, and the shorts offer excellent coverage on the sides and lower bottom. While we can’t help with drama, mood swings, or power struggles, when they wear this suit, chances are your daughter will applaud your cool taste. At least until they leave the blanket behind to play soccer in the sand, paddle a kayak or stand-up board, or get closer to hanging ten off the next break. .

Nau Women’s Confidant Short

nborchelt — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 08:00:09 +0000

nau.com, 7.2 ounces
Ever want to wear shorts but feel they are too casual or sloppy looking? Look no further. Like a bespoke suit, these shorts fit as if they were tailored especially for you. Nau’s president, Mark Galbraith, was arguably the leading sports-fashion designer of the past 20 years, as these shorts can attest. You might think that wool shorts are over-the-top, too Tyrolean Alps for every day wear. But these shorts are imminently capable—and have proven to be as comfortable on a summer business trip to Manhattan as hiking in the Canadian Rockies. The fabric is a 98 percent heathered wool/spandex blend—the drape is perfect and there’s slight stretch to enhance mobility. Whether you dress them up with heels, or wear them with hiking boots, the shorts deliver performance, comfort, and style. Wool’s natural temperature-regulating ability keeps you cool in warm weather and comfortable when the temps drop. How? By wicking moisture away from your skin while at the same time ensuring breathability so there’s no sweat. The shorts have a modest 11-inch inseam (they fall to just above the knee) and a flattering zip fly and snap closure. The two front pockets sit low on the pelvis, so they don’t add bulk around the hips; in the rear are two welted pockets. The shorts can be washed, and then line dried.
Available in Women’s size 2-14, and in a Men’s version, size 28-38

Wiley X XCESS and Chelsea Sunglasses

nborchelt — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 08:00:06 +0000

www.wileyx.com
We’re serious about eye protection. The essentials are lenses that block harmful rays and won’t shatter upon impact, frames that can take a beating, a fit that’s comfortable and secure, and fashion that means the glasses will spend more time on our face than in their case. We love Wiley X because of the high-quality lenses and frames; these are glasses you’ll be wearing for the next decade, rather than the next season. The ANSI HVP lenses have one of the highest velocity impact ratings in the world, while the proprietary lenses offer 100 percent UV protection for unequaled clarity and contrast. Frames can be fitted with a variety of lenses, from pale yellow that block out blue light waves and let in 86 percent of light to rose, silver, blue, and everything in between. To add to the equation, Wiley X makes high performance eyewear for tactical, motorcycle, auto racing, and fishing, as well as first-rate eyewear for hiking, biking, climbing, and travel. The trick is determining which frame fits your face, and what lens will provide the right protection for your specific needs. The Outdoor line has both men- and women-specific frames, most prescription ready; all have secure non-slip rubberized fit and ANSI Z87 High Velocity Protection. Our current favorite is the new Chelsea for women and the XCESS with super cool Polarized Emerald Mirror lenses and a thick, glossy black frame for men. Our testers recommend both models for everything from running, skate skiing, and hiking to international travel and al fresco lunches.

OverLand Equipment Bidwell Bag

nprichard — Thu, 10 May 2012 08:00:14 +0000

www.overlandequipment.com
Can you say “organized”? Whether you’re a busy mom or an Olympic athlete (or both), the Bidwell Bag is made for an active lifestyle. Inspired by Annie Bidwell, a general’s wife who donated thousands of acres of wild land for a namesake park in Chico, California (the home of OverLand Equipment), this bag does it all. Inside the zippered main compartment are two mesh bottle pouches, and enough room for an iPad and paperback, or, as in the case of one tester, climbing shoes, chalk bag, and harness. The outside pocket, with its secure magnetic closure, encloses a leather key fob, microfleece glasses sleeve, mesh zip security pouch, and an array of compartments for pens, cards, and notebooks. A hidden sleeve on the back is ideal for maps, plane tickets, or easily access your cell phone. The sleek yet roomy satchel has wide, soft, leather strap with bronze hardware that shrieks class.