GEAR WE
LOVE PRESENTED BY
OWA'S GRASSROOTS TEAMS
BLACKSTRAP TRIBED DANNA
The Danna is fantastic at keeping me warm & it actually stays in place where you put it! I love being able to have it up high or down low around my neck in the changing environments from ski lifts to powder runs. I really like the ability to adjust the size as well with the velcro in the back and its designed in the right place it doesn't catch my hair like others usually do. The material is very breathable and dries out very quickly. This is a must have item for lady shredders.
REVIEW BY: ELENA PRESSPRICH BEND, OREGON TEAM
FREE RANGE EQUIPMENT THE STUD
The Stud is a staple in my backpack quiver! Measuring in at approximately
20
liters it is an ideal size and design for climbing, especially when I need to carry things like snacks so no bonking occurs on epic multi-pitches. It is simple, light, functional, durable and as the Free Range website states, "sexy". There are no
1
outside pockets (
small zipper pocket on the inside) or extra bells and whistles,
but that is the beauty of the Stud. It was created with adventure in mind, but that doesn't stop me from sporting it while kicking around town on my cruiser. AND they're designed and manufactured in Bend, Oregon!
REVIEW BY: ZOE ROY BEND, OREGON TEAM
MARMOT WOMEN'S ISOTHERM
This jacket is perfect for traveling in the back country because of its light weight and breathability. I usually wear this layer on the hike up because it keeps me insulated and blocked from the wind during those exposed parts of the climb. It keeps me at the perfect temperature with only a t-shirt underneath! I usually keep this layer on and throw the W's Speed Light Shell over the top for the ride down. Marmot for life!
REVIEW BY: LIV GROUT
SURFACE SKIS ANALOG
'Analog' by Surface Skis are too much fun and pretty much the perfect all around ski for intermediate to advanced level skiers. I have used them in all types of conditions and they can handle it all! I have used them primarily in the backcountry with a touring setup on them and they are fantastic because they are incredibly lightweight. The tip and tail engage easily and because of the gradual rocker, you can rip through crud and pow like you're floating on clouds.
REVIEW BY: ELENA PRESSPRICH
Patagonia MERINO
3
MIDWEIGHT BOTTOMS
I got these thermals last spring & they are my go-to baselayer for all seasons. I use them backpacking, under my waders, snowboarding & I've been sleeping in them every night this winter. The wool is very breathable & stays warm even when damp from high intensity activity. I have the violet stripe color & they are fun to wear under dresses for warmth & a pop of color!
REVIEW BY: MEAGHAN BULL
MONTBELL FROST SMOKE PARKA
I absolutely love my Montbell Frost Smoke Parka. On any given outdoor adventure I am sharing with my friends what a great down jacket the Frost Smoke Parka is. It's super lightweight, which is a huge plus when I am planning a peak bagging adventure in the Sierra Nevada or my local San Gabriel Mountains and not entirely sure I will need a down jacket. If I have to pack a piece of gear I may not need, I definitely want something lightweight and easy to compress down. Beyond size and weight, I love the Frost Smoke Parka for its warmth -
800
fill baby! I've stood on the summit of Mt. Baldy with temps in the low
20
's and
felt completely comfortable. Also, cost: When I was shopping for a down jacket I was fresh out of grad school, still looking for work, and had a limited budget & this fit the bill. Last, I love this jacket because of the fit. I am
58 '
with a fairly athletic body-type. I tried on other
very well known brands but found that the medium sized downs were too short in the torso (I have a long torso) and too boxy in shape and the large sized downs were too large everywhere. If you have a long torso and arms I think this jacket should be a great fit for you.
REVIEW BY: SIERRA LAWE LOS ANGELES, CA TEAM
JAYBIRD JAYBIRD BLUEBUDS X
The Jaybird Bluebuds X are perfect for any activity where good music is a must. Over and over I would struggle with a cord running down my shirt, the cord getting yanked out of the music device when I'm on an intensive up-hill climb, or spending what seems like forever to untangle them before I head out the door. These wireless headphone are a perfect fit in the ear, meaning they won't slip out when running and getting tossed around on the trail. There is no tangling mess and they come in an awesome protective case, where they can be kept when not in use. These are the perfect wireless headphone for all adventures!
REVIEW BY: JESSICA CLIFFORD
PATAGONIA ULTRALIGHT DOWN HOODY
I bought this coat about a year ago and I love it because it is a slim, sleek looking coat that I can wear in
20 30 -
degree weather (with a sweater
underneath - it is winter) and still be warm. It is a very close fitting jacket, though, so I had to order up in size. It is water and wind proof and very stylish; I really like it.
REVIEW BY: LIZ AMPARO
LINE SKIS PANDORA
Amazing women's powder ski! Big enough to float on top of powder on the big days but not too wide that they become difficult to maneuver on choppy days or while navigating glades. These are my go to for all mountain, all condition shredding. Incredibly durable and relatively light, not to mention the top sheet designs LINE skis produce are beautiful.
REVIEW BY: KIRA BYERS VANCOUVER, BC TEAM
ORAGE DEAL JACKET
I first saw the Orage Deal jacket in green on Tatum Monod and fell in love with it and had to have it myself. I have spent every day on the mountain with it in every weather condition. I am so pleased to see it handle so well in everything from sun to rain to snow. It's
10
K waterproofing (and sealed seams) keeps
moisture out and its slight puffiness layering keeps me warm. The long boyfriend style is a fit that I have always been looking for - long enough to keep snow from getting down your pants in deep pow and stays at the right spot when bending over to adjust your boots! I can't imaging skiing in anything else. This jacket (and really the entire Orage line) is perfection.
REVIEW BY: ELENA PRESSPRICH
I/O MERINO CHASER MIDWEIGHT MERINO LONG SLEEVE
I've tried many different brands of merino performance wear but I/O Merino is the softest merino I've owned. Their base and mid-layers resist odor, keep me warm when wet, and are even cute as casual wear. Year round this shirt is used over and over for running, skiing, backpacking, and climbing.
REVIEW BY: ALYSSA ERICKSON SLC/OGDEN , UTAH TEAM
PETZEL SELENA HARNESS
Most comfortable harness I've ever worn. Great leg strap surface area that doesn't dig in when you're belaying or taking a mid climb break. The waist belt sits nicely on hips and does not dig in either. Extremely user friendly (no leg loop buckles to deal with) with enough gear attachment points around the waist. That being said, if you are looking to do ice climbing you would want adjustable leg straps to fit over snow pants and more gear attachment points so for ice climbing I would recommend a different harness. For gym climbing or summer single pitch routes this harness is the BOMB! Not to mention it's purple, too!
REVIEW BY: KIRA BYERS
SKIDA NORDIC HAT
The Skida Nordic Hat is the ultimate winter adventure companion--it comes in dozens of bright, fun patterns and is the ideal material to keep your ears warm and your head cool while working up a sweat on the trails or in the backcountry. Its stretchy, breathable fabric makes it the most versatile hat in your arsenal, an essential for running, nordic skiing, skinning, snowshoeing, hiking, and winter camping. It even fits perfectly underneath a helmet for extra insulation on the slopes, mountain biking trails and icefalls. The Nordic Hat is super lightweight, perfect to tuck into your pack or your pocket. Even better, Skida products are a feel-good purchase--all produced in Vermont, supporting local industry and forging a connection with the community. Every outdoor woman should have one--or several!
REVIEW BY: CAROLYN HIGHLAND
MARMOT KOMPRESSOR
Great day pack - my go to for all hiking trips! Sturdy, light and durable. It's small but roomy, and always gives me room for the essentials. Even when stuffed full of water bottle, snacks and layers it remains bulk-free thanks to it's compressible quality. The hood is also super roomy for extra storage when needed. Love this bag!
REVIEW BY: MARISSA KLEES
ARC'TERYX ATOM LT HOODY
I am in LOVE with this jacket. I've worn it in all conditions – touring in the cold and rain up Tumalo State Park (OR), as an insulating layer on a windy Bachelor day, and as an outer layer for early morning runs. It's even flattering enough to wear out on the town! It excels in cold, sweaty endeavors, keeping me warm and dry, but the side panels are breathable so it doesn't keep in too much heat. Wearing it feels somewhat like being enveloped in a sleeping bag, but without the weight. When fully zipped, the jacket comes up to my nose, keeping my entire face warm and cozy. Basically, I believe that every woman everywhere should own one (and maybe even two).
REVIEW BY: LAURA GRIESER BEND, OREGON TEAM
TUBBS SNOWSHOES FLEX VRT
While I've always loved exploring the backcountry of the Wasatch on my skis, my pregnancy (and now taking my newborn on adventures) gave me the perfect opportunity to begin a new sport--- snowshoeing! The last time I snowshoed, I had rented some bulky, awkward snowshoes from REI. The whole experience felt cumbersome. Last winter I denied the Flex VRTs and fell in love! The svelte, low profile of the shoe makes navigating technical terrain a breeze!.The crampons on the bottom of the shoe effectively grip icy patches, and the Boa closure makes the fit easy, guaranteeing that the snowshoe will stay securely in place in deep snow. All my previous gripes with snowshoes have been eliminated with the Flex VRT. My favorite aspect of the shoe? Getting out on the trail with my week-old son! I've loved seeing him experience snow and winter for the first time!
REVIEW BY: BROOKE GAYNES SLC/OGDEN, UT TEAM
OBOZ BRIDGER MID BDRY HIKING BOOT
They are lightweight, waterproof, pliable, and comfy! The ankle height gives good protection without feeling restrictive, and they took less than a full hike for me to break them in. I can hike in these all day and feel comfortable - that's a lot coming from a girl with terrible arches and chronic foot pain!
REVIEW BY: MARISSA KLEES
PATAGONIA TORRENTSHELL STRETCH JACKET
This is the nicest shell I have ever owned! It really is waterproof even after being beaten down by rain for hours, and does surprisingly well staying dry on areas like the shoulders where a pack rubs (where I always notice water soaking through on my previous shells). It is really lightweight and has large pockets for stashing gloves and toques etc. The hood has two ways to adjust it so its super compatible with helmets and layering and it doesn't slide around after you've adjusted it, obscuring your vision. With the stretch panels on the jacket I wasn't sure if they would do much or would just be a gimmick but you really do notice it when you're climbing or bending, etc., and it gives more leeway in the coat so it doesn't slide around on you or make you feel like you cant bend a certain way. Overall, I love this jacket and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a new rain shell!
REVIEW BY: JENNIFER JONES VANCOUVER, BC TEAM
LOWE ALPINE TFX WILDERNESS
65 15 +
Multiday adventures with the TFX Wilderness
65 15 +
pack by Lowe Alpine is awesome. The
best part of this pack is that it has an amazing adjustable and super comfortable back. I've struggled with packs being uncomfortable on my hips and back but this is the best fitting pack I've ever owned. The setup of the pack is great: a big main compartment that you can section off into a top and bottom if desired. Access into the main body by the top or the front sides makes for easy entry. It comes with its own rain cover stashed in a little pocket that fits easily over the pack when filled to its max. It has great compression straps to hold the pack in and feel really stable. Its super compatible with ice axes and poles to stash on the outside. Has great deep side pockets and it pretty darn waterproof and durable. It even has a hydration sleeve if you wanted to use a camel back and the lid of the pack has good pockets and zippered areas for stashing stuff. I definitely recommend this for anyone looking for a pack that they can multiday in comfort with!
REVIEW BY: JENNIFER JONES
THE NORTH FACE TONNERRO DOWN JACKET
This
700
-fill jacket is simply the best all around layer. I know everyone is going with
synthetic insulation recently with Patagonia's new synthetic jacket, but I stand by down as the warmest and lightest. This jacket layers perfectly under anything and weighs very little so it is great for backpacking/climbing. It packs down into its own pocket, which is super convenient. Double points for looking sick, too. My jacket is a couple years old so they don't make the exact color/model anymore but this one seems to be a pretty close copy to mine, which is the Summit Seres, which has synthetic material at the pits that allow for ventilation which I love. I don't know if this current version has that but if it does, buy it and you will wear it every day. It is the most versatile layer there is and TNF did a solid job with this one.
REVIEW BY: ANNIE LAWSON DENVER, COLORADO TEAM
OSPREY REV
24
I love this bag and use it often. Mostly for mountain biking and training runs. Its got awesome pockets, it fits small frames like me and can last all
24
hours of
my races! Its comfortable on the shoulders and back – no frames to poke - and its ability to sit right on your hips and against your back is so comfy for running!
REVIEW BY: ASHLEY PERRY
PATAGONIA CAPILENE
4
BASE
I have had this base layer for just under a year and I knew that the first time that I wore it hiking it would become my go-to. It's light, breathable, fits perfect and keeps me warm. The versatility of this piece is also awesome. You can wear it on its own on a cold, dry day and stay totally toasty, then you can go ski in it under your jacket and a fleece and you are totally fine. It has minor thumb elastics so it doesn't bunch up underneath when worn as a layer and when your heart rate is up you have a
14 /
zip to help cool off while still keeping your core
warm. Everyone should have one! Also, they wash easy and are very durable. I'm not nice to my stuff and this thing still looks new!
REVIEW BY: TAIRAH BOWKER
HYDROFLASK HYDROFLASK WIDE MOUTH
32
OZ
My hydroflask is one of the best investments I have ever made. A warm swig of tea when you are
3
pitches up the wall and can barely feel your fingers - it's
those little things in life that make you smile. The Hydroflask has completely turned around my winter camping game: I can make a hot drink when I make my dinner and wake up in the morning to hot tea or coffee. It's so magical. It has significantly reduced the amount of time I have spent cocooning for warmth in the mornings.
REVIEW BY: SKYE BACUS
PATAGONIA NANO PUFF
The Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody has been one of my favorite pieces of gear for the last
5
years. It is so light and comfortable that I can bring it anywhere and don't feel constricted when I wear it. The fact that it is synthetic and has good water resistance lets me rest easy if I find myself in a cool drizzle. My Nano Puff has seen MANY adventures: backpacking, multipitch climbing, snowshoeing, and rolling on the ground in the middle of the Utah desert for a week or so at a time. I love that it stuffs compactly into a pocket and has a built in belay loop so that you can stash it on a carabiner. It's also wonderful knowing that Patagonia makes an effort to source sustainable materials and minimize the environmental impact of manufacturing these garments, because that stuff matters.
REVIEW BY: SKYE BACUS