Just thought I would let you know I have found a new glove by Outdoor Research that will blow your mind. It is the OR Highcamp, it is made in both a mitten and a glove. However, the style I find most versatile and worth your while to purchase is the 3-finger style. The dexterity of a glove with the warmth of a mitten all in one package. It is on sale right now at campsaver.com for $47. That is a little high for most people I realize, but I promise you will not be buying gloves for a very long time if you get them and your hands will never be warmer. So, check them out, here are the links to all three styles in both men and women sizes. (The 3-finger is only made in a men's, so ladies buy a small and you will not go wrong promise.)
3-finger-
http://www.campsaver.com/highcamp-3-finger-gloves-men-s
Mens-
Mitton: http://www.campsaver.com/highcamp-mitts-men-s
Glove: http://www.campsaver.com/highcamp-gloves-men-s
Womens-
Mitton: http://www.campsaver.com/highcamp-mitts-women-s
Glove: http://www.campsaver.com/highcamp-gloves-women-s
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Softshell Jackets
Ok, if you know me you know I have a thing for jackets. Most girls have a thing for shoes, I have a thing for Jackets. That being said I wanted to let you in on some of my jacket purchasing tips. I will stick with just softshells for this post. If I went in to all jacket types we could be here forever.
1- Protection- softshells are not meant to be weatherproof, just weather resistant. So, if you are looking for a decent priced softshell look resistance not "proofness". If you want weatherproof you are going to need to go with a hardshell that is laminated.
2- Use- Determine what you want to use it for cold weather running, around town, hiking, climbing, spring skiing, or anything like that. This allows you know the weight or thickness you want. Softshells were made to be used for aerobic activities at first, so increased breathability is their main selling point. However, increased breathability tends to lead to less body heat retention, so that is why deciding how much added insulation you will need should be a main factor in finding the perfect jacket. Also, you don't always need insulation to be warmer with a softshell. If you want to keep bulk down but increase warmth having a wind resistant jacket will do that. By limiting the effect of cold air being able to get in the jacket you also increase its ability to retain body heat.
3- Fit- I like a nice articulated shoulder gusset. This allows me to still look slim in the body, but also allows me to have the range of motion to climb in it as well. Also, for girls that are more gifted then others in the chest region I have found it gives a little more in that area while not sacrificing fit in the arms and the rest of the body, if you know what I mean. You men out there with broad shoulders and well defined chest muscles with a similar problem benefit as well.
4- Brands- Most companies have a softshell line of jackets. Some you can pay an arm and a leg for others you don't. I think that most Brands hit and miss on soft shells so don't be afraid to save some money on a soft-shell. Here are some brands that are cheaper but still make an awesome soft-shell: FreeCountry-I love this brand it a newer brand and can be found at places like Kohls, FredMayer/Smith's Market place, and JC Penny. My first softshell was a Free Country when they very first started making them. I have had it for about 6 years still and it is awesome. I still where it regularly in all types of situations.
Outdoor Research- OR makes a great low to mid cost softshell. I recently helped both my sister and mom purchase OR softshells and I am really jealous of them, I might be making another purchase soon :).
Both of these brands make great softshells at affordable prices that I think are just as good or better others that cost more. So, shop around and get one in your budget that is awesome.
5- Care- One last tip for you on softshells don't wash them with regular detergent, and try to wash them as little as possible. This helps them retain the weather resistance materials that are in them, also it increases the life of the jacket. I recommend Nikwax products, they seem expensive but a little goes along way and it really helps improve the function and life of your jacket.
I hope these tips help you find the perfect softshell for all your outdoor needs.
1- Protection- softshells are not meant to be weatherproof, just weather resistant. So, if you are looking for a decent priced softshell look resistance not "proofness". If you want weatherproof you are going to need to go with a hardshell that is laminated.
2- Use- Determine what you want to use it for cold weather running, around town, hiking, climbing, spring skiing, or anything like that. This allows you know the weight or thickness you want. Softshells were made to be used for aerobic activities at first, so increased breathability is their main selling point. However, increased breathability tends to lead to less body heat retention, so that is why deciding how much added insulation you will need should be a main factor in finding the perfect jacket. Also, you don't always need insulation to be warmer with a softshell. If you want to keep bulk down but increase warmth having a wind resistant jacket will do that. By limiting the effect of cold air being able to get in the jacket you also increase its ability to retain body heat.
3- Fit- I like a nice articulated shoulder gusset. This allows me to still look slim in the body, but also allows me to have the range of motion to climb in it as well. Also, for girls that are more gifted then others in the chest region I have found it gives a little more in that area while not sacrificing fit in the arms and the rest of the body, if you know what I mean. You men out there with broad shoulders and well defined chest muscles with a similar problem benefit as well.
4- Brands- Most companies have a softshell line of jackets. Some you can pay an arm and a leg for others you don't. I think that most Brands hit and miss on soft shells so don't be afraid to save some money on a soft-shell. Here are some brands that are cheaper but still make an awesome soft-shell: FreeCountry-I love this brand it a newer brand and can be found at places like Kohls, FredMayer/Smith's Market place, and JC Penny. My first softshell was a Free Country when they very first started making them. I have had it for about 6 years still and it is awesome. I still where it regularly in all types of situations.
Outdoor Research- OR makes a great low to mid cost softshell. I recently helped both my sister and mom purchase OR softshells and I am really jealous of them, I might be making another purchase soon :).
Both of these brands make great softshells at affordable prices that I think are just as good or better others that cost more. So, shop around and get one in your budget that is awesome.
5- Care- One last tip for you on softshells don't wash them with regular detergent, and try to wash them as little as possible. This helps them retain the weather resistance materials that are in them, also it increases the life of the jacket. I recommend Nikwax products, they seem expensive but a little goes along way and it really helps improve the function and life of your jacket.
I hope these tips help you find the perfect softshell for all your outdoor needs.
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