Arcteryx Gamma MX Hoody

My Take:  

This is the best softshell jacket on the market.  I've owned many in my search for the perfect piece, and I have found it.  The wind and snow protection is bombproof, and the stretch fabric allows for true, unobstructed movement.  For me, a shoftshell is a more breathable alternative to a hardshell, when I have no concern of steady rain.  Perfect for ice climbing and windy alpine trips, it layers well and the fit and performance of the MX Hoody is second to none.  

Rating:  5 peaks bagged

Story of Survival:  

I finally picked up this gem on a trip to Colorado for some winter climbing and training with a partner prior to our trip to the Peruvian Andes.  Well I'm notorious for giving gear an extreme test from the moment I leave the store, and this piece was no exception.

Starting the day I purchased this sexy jacket, I spent the next week climbing 13ers and 14ers during the windy, winter of the Colorado Rockies, including the summit of Mt. Elbert hosting wind up to 60 mph.  No matter how hard the wind blew, I felt blocked and warm and never second guessed my choice of softshell over hardshell.  Even when a gust blew me over on the summit pic!  Arcteryx has provided another perfect piece!

Prana Stretch Zion Pants

My take:
These here are the ultimate travel pants!  I've always wanted a pant that can hold up comfortably to extreme hiking or climbing but look like a trouser for a night at the pubs.  Now I've found them.  The fit is great, with multiple lengths and sizes.  I love that they're made of stretch fabric so they never bind when rock climbing or hiking, and I can't appreciate enough that they look stylish enough that you don't feel the need to tote a pair of jeans for urban exploration.  One pair of these comes with me on every trip!

Rating:  5 peaks bagged

Longevity reports:
I've had one pair for 6 years now and they are still performing just like new.  I've done almost everything in these pants from rock climbing to hiking to snow training.  I now have 3 pair just for variety of color!

A little tale of survival:
In 2011, I spent a month in Peru climbing in the Cordilla Blanca and exploring the northern part of the country.  Doing small, non-guided expeditions on big peaks requires you to bring a lot of gear with little room for personal wardrobe.  I decided that I would only take these pants and a pair of hiking shorts.  I was not disappointed!  I wore them everywhere around that country from hiking to urban exploration to music festivals: everywhere just shy of on the mountains, themselves.  They took a serious beating and are still asking for more!

Arcteryx Alpha SL Pullover

My take:
This is the ultimate piece for the adventure seeker.  It's strong enough to take a bit of a beating, and it'll keep you bone dry!  Plus, it weighs nothing for Gore-Tex piece of mind when you're a ways from home.  I can pack it down into its little kangaroo pocket and drop it in the top of my pack for easy access.  It takes a little time to get used to the pullover style, but I appreciate it now.  This is my take anywhere jacket, just shy of winter expeditions.

Rating:  5 peaks bagged

A little tale of survival:
I had had my eye on this piece for quite a while.  I finally pulled the cash and ordered it just before my trip to Iceland.  I could pick it up in Colorado along the way and give it a true test during my trip.

Well, a true test it got!  People in Iceland always say, "If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes."  There is a lot of truth to this statement.  Spending a week in the grasp of Skaftafell National Park, I endured such an assortment of weather from windy glaciers to torrential downpours that this little gem of protection got the opportunity to slip the muscle shirt on and flex for the ladies.  Needless to say, I was happy with my purchase!