Versatile, Multipurpose Use

The Chrome Cobra 3.0 Hoodie arrived in late January. In Minnesota, January means snowshoeing, fatbiking, bike commuting, Nordic skiing, travel and staying warm when binging on Netflix.

Its construction and style make it stand out as both a mid-layer and an outer-layer, but doesn’t look like it fits specifically in any real sport or activity category. This is a good thing because its non-binary style and purpose increases its versatility—a must, in my opinion, if one is going to spend $180 on a garment.

Bulk-free Warmth & Performance

As I said above, the Chrome Cobra 3.0 Hoodie works equally well as a mid-layer and an outer-layer. With light-weight merino wool baselayer, I wore it as a midlayer with a Northface Apex softshell jacket or down vest while snowshoeing. The temperatures on these tests runs ranged from 10 to 20 degrees and I was plenty comfortable. Mostly, though, I wore it as an outer layer fatbiking, commuter biking and Nordic skiing with only a Kora Shola yak wool baselayer Merino wool baselayer.

As with anything, you have to temper your baselayers to the temperatures. For example, I was sweating like cold beer glass on a hot day the day I Nordic skied in 20 degrees with a heavyweight baselayer. When fatbiking on a -5-degree day with just a heavyweight baselayer, I was freezing (and with freezing comes whining, moaning, cryonics, etc). You get the picture. Use your best judgement.

Features

The Chrome Cobra 3.0 is a blend of Merino wool and recycled polyester to combine breathability, warmth and durability. While 100% Merino wool is my fave, I honestly didn’t feel any difference with the polyester blended in. A couple other interesting features that the Cobra 3.0 offers are:

Two-way Zipper

For fatbiking and commuter cycling, this is a must for me because I’m generally wearing bulkier bottoms. Opening the zipper four or five inches below makes for a more comfortable ride when in the aggressive cycling position in the saddle. The zipper pull here is nicely glove-friendly, too.

Thumbholes

Of all the garments I own that have thumb loops, the Chrome Cobra 3.0 is the only one in which I don’t feel any biting at the base of my thumb. This is because the arms are delightfully long. Noice.

Rear Pocket with a Full Pass-through

Great for carrying tools, ID, money, and what have you but they need to be re-thought. The zipper pulls are microscopic and most definitely NOT glove-friendly. The Cobra 3.0 is an evergreen staple in the Chrome line, going back a decade with incremental updates made each year. So I’m kind of scratching head wondering why nobody thought to add glove-friendly zipper pulls to the pockets on a Merino wool hoodie intended to be worn in cold weather. (Note: the front zipper pull is glove-friendly, just not the pocket zipper pulls.)

Style

Beautifully longer in the back as a cycling jacket should be, I love how it has an element of being form-fitting but still has just enough room to accommodate any size baselayer. I also love how high the front zipper comes up, how it doesn’t sit at my throat and the delightful snuggle-effect it gives when fully zipped. My only criticism on the style is the color. It’s only available in black. This is not to say I want an option that includes pink (hell no!) but maybe a nice dark red.

Final Thoughts

If I was anal enough to do a rating scale on a scale of 10, I would give the Chrome Merino Cobra 3.0 Hoodie a solid 9 (I had to subtract a point for the microscopic zipper pulls). It is a highly-functional, highly-versatile, warm, breathable, well-designed and durable cold-weather Merino-blend hoodie for absolutely every type of cold-weather activity on your agenda. It’s even a fantastic piece for the shoulder seasons and for Spring and Fall hiking and camping. Even you yoga-goers will love it.

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Unfortunately, having had surgery this past winter, I wasn’t doing many endurance rides. Now that summer has kicked in, and I’m back to cycling longer distances, I experimented with Tailwind during training rides, and I used it during my recent 650-B endurance race. 

In terms of sports/endurance drinks this past year, I’ve been using the Skratch Labs brand. It’s not too intense of a flavor and doesn’t feel overly sugary (Gatorade or Powerade is a bit too much, and it’s kind of yuck with all that coloring). I had a big Skratch Labs bag, so I was stuck with the orange flavor for a long time. It was nice to have the Tailwind packets and finally get to do a flavor mix up!

Tailwind Nutrition provided me with two starter kits both of which includes the Endurance and the Recovery fuel in all of the flavors.

Endurance Fuels

The Kit

The starter kit contain eight endurance fuels; Lemon, Naked Unflavored, Mandarin Orange, Berry, Colorado Cola, Tropical Buzz, Green Tea Buzz, and Raspberry Buzz. The kit also includes three recovery fuels; Chocolate, Coffee, and Vanilla. For those that like to get a caffeine boost during their endurance events, as you might have guessed, the cola, coffee, and anything with the word “buzz” includes caffeine.

Flavors

When I received the starter pack, I was most excited about the Colorado Cola flavor. I haven’t seen another Cola flavored endurance drink before, but I do love Stinger’s cola chews, so I was highly anticipating that flavor. It didn’t let me down. If you are near my age or older, and remember the cola-flavored Bottlecaps candy, this is precisely how the cola flavor tastes! I quite liked it, and when kept nice and cold, that flavor, as I suspected, was my top favorite.

I was most skeptical of the Green Tea Buzz and the Naked flavors. They didn’t sound like they would be that good. After giving them a try, I was surprised that the Green Tea ended up being another favorite of mine, and the Naked is merely sweet and salty – and that’s it! My other preference was the Lemon flavor. It was pleasant, unlike other lemon drinks I’ve had.

Tailwind Claims

There are a few things to note about Tailwind Nutrition that are important to some of us consumers.

Vegan and Natural

All the fuels are all clear when mixed. Thus, you know you aren’t getting artificial ingredients. Tailwind Nutrition claims to be “clean and light with a mouth feel as close to water as you can get while still meeting your nutrition needs.” As Tailwind indicates, the flavors are mild and not overly sweet. I did find them to be light, and I like that they don’t have coloring.

They didn’t leave a heavy, lingering taste in my mouth. Like most endurance fuels, they have that sweet and salty taste – the perfect combination, I think. During my endurance race, I got lazy for a minute and didn’t want to dig more packs of Tailwind out of my rear pack to refuel, so I bought a Powerade instead. I regretted it shortly after and ended up dumping it out and stopping to find my Tailwind packet after all.

No “Gut Bombs”

Given Tailwind’s natural ingredients, they state that one will not experience “gut bombs.” In essence, no yucky tummy problems from artificial ingredients. I did not find myself with any “gut bombs” while using Tailwind. However, I don’t think I’ve personally experienced that with other endurance fuels (other than something like Powerade or junk like that). My tummy felt great the entire time, and I didn’t notice any GI upset.

Your Only Fuel?

Tailwind Nutrition states that you could easily use their fuel the entire time of a race. In a long endurance or multi-day race, I don’t find that this is enough for me. I need substance and real food. Usually, I have regular meals, and I drink a certain amount of endurance fuel/solid fuel per hour. I like to have something to munch on, so I don’t think that I could only do the endurance fuel for an entire race.

Recovery Fuels

Tailwind notes that they don’t add protein to their endurance drink because it’s proven not to improve performance. That aspect does not bother me, as protein was never a feature I sought in my endurance fuels. However, they do make some recovery fuels that one can use after their rides.

I want to preface this section by noting a few things about myself. I don’t regularly enjoy protein-type beverages. I find them a little too chalky, and I mainly eat healthily and don’t focus too much on “recovery” beverages. I do use protein powder at home, and I have only enjoyed a protein powder that I buy at my local coop, which has no artificial ingredients, and I blend it into smoothies. I’ve never liked any protein powder that is mixed only with water or milk. The texture gets me every time. That said, I was still willing to give Tailwind’s recovery drinks a try.

Flavors

The Recovery Fuels have three flavors: chocolate, vanilla, and coffee. I was most excited about the coffee because, if you didn’t notice from my favorite endurance drink above, I’m a coffee/caffeine junky. After a cold training ride where I got stuck in a downpour, I decided to mix the chocolate and coffee, heat almond milk on the stove, and make a recovery mocha to warm myself up.

Taste and Texture

Unfortunately, the taste and texture of the recovery drink was a miss for me. I found it to be a little chalky, but I also was a little surprised that the recovery drinks are also “sweet and salty.” I’m used to protein powders, only being “sweet.” That threw me off a bit. The way I enjoyed the beverage the most was in the mocha I made. I also made smoothies, but I think the salty taste in the recovery fuel got to me. However, as that is a unique trait (as far as I know), some people may find they enjoy that, which would be their reason for using Tailwind. Different strokes!

Unique features

On the Recovery Fuel packets, they have a dividing line where you can place your finger and shake the package to divide it into two different servings. Though it’s not rocket science, and we could do the same with any other type of packet, I hadn’t even thought of it before I saw it on their pack! Credit where credit is due – Tailwind Nutrition taught me something new!

Environmentally Friendliness

I’m always trying to be as environmentally friendly as possible. It can be challenging during bikepacking and endurance racing. I love that Tailwind Nutrition sells assorted eight packs so you can rotate flavors. Frequently I find myself becoming tired of the same taste over and over. On the other hand, they do sell bigger packets of 50 serving-size for those that don’t have that issue. The only downside about the assorted flavor packets is that I feel I’m more wasteful. This isn’t limited to Tailwind Nutrition, and I’m sure it has a lot to do with health codes, etc. However, as part of the endurance athlete community, I hope companies can eventually come up with more environmentally-friendly packaging. I would most certainly invest in those products.

Measuring Up: Tailwind Nutrition vs Skratch Labs

To provide a comparison of Tailwind nutrition versus another brand, I will compare the caloric values to my Skratch Labs fuel I have at home with the Mandarin Orange Tailwind packet with a serving (for a 12-16oz bottle) of Skratch Labs.

Tailwind’s Endurance Fuel

• 1 Serving (27g – a half packet) provides 100 calories, 25g carbohydrate, 25g sugar, 303mg sodium, 26mg calcium, 88mg potassium, and 14mg magnesium.
• Ingredients: Non-GMO Dextrose (Glucose), Non-GMO Sucrose, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sea Salt, Organic Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Citrate, Calcium Carbonate, Organic Caffeine (Caffeinated flavors only) – Gluten-free/vegan/no soy/no dairy/non-GMO

Skratch Labs

• 1 Scoop – (22g) provides 80 calories, 20g carbohydrate, 19g sugar, 380mg sodium, 46.3mg calcium, 38.5mg potassium, 40.1mg magnesium.
• Ingredients: Can Sugar, Dextrose, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Oranges, Magnesium Lactate, Calcium Citrate, Potassium Citrate, Ascorbic Acid. – Gluten/dairy-free/vegan, kosher, non-GMO certified.

Analysis

The ingredients are very similar, with different amounts to each. You get a bit more sodium in Skratch Labs and calcium and magnesium, but less potassium. All of these are good for intracellular function, but I’ve read some, and it appears you don’t lose as much magnesium, calcium, or potassium as you do sodium. So I’m not sure the difference matters. Magnesium lactate and citrate are absorbed quickly by the body, but I did note that lactate (in Skratch Labs) can have some warnings for people with heart or kidney disease.

With regards to calcium carbonate and calcium citrate, it also seems that carbonate (used in Tailwind) is a smaller structure that packs in more calcium than calcium carbonate. It yields about twice the amount of elemental calcium as equal amounts of calcium citrate. As such, perhaps this is why Skratch Labs has a more significant amount. It appears for calcium supplements; carbonate is the way to go.

Interestingly, when I went to look for more about potassium supplements, I found this article stating potassium citrate is a better choice for sports drinks that chloride due to stomach upset. I’m stumped. I am not a scientist, so I cannot speak to this, but I can say I didn’t have stomach upset with either of these drinks. 

How It Started

Tailwind Nutrition’s business had an interesting start. Though not 100% women-owned, it started when Jeff Vierling found himself sick after the Leadville 100 and indicated continually having issues with fuel during rides. It prompted him to research extensively and come up with his own line of endurance beverages. His partner, Jenny, is also part-owner, and I’m guessing she took a significant role in early product testing.

Will I use it again?

I quite enjoyed Tailwind’s Endurance Fuel. It did as it claimed, and I enjoyed the flavors. I think I will be adding them to my repertoire of endurance fuels, if not switching to them completely. I will stick to assorted flavors, and I wonder if Tailwind will add new flavors to their lineup eventually? I hope so. It will keep us all interested and coming back for more.

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When one arm holds a water bottle, it will have less motion than the other and cause one stride to be shorter than the other. This asymmetry in your running stride can cause one side of your body to fatigue sooner than the other. Fatigue and muscle imbalance could lead to injury in the long term. The CamelBak Zephyr Vest keeps your hands free and body hydrated while running.

Here’s what I’ve concluded, and what you can expect, from the CamelBak Zephyr Vest during your long runs.

What I Liked

Ample Storage without Bulk or Weight

The back pouch holds an optional 1.5-liter Antidote reservoir and is plenty of water for my 15-mile runs. If I’m going on shorter runs, I can easily get by with one liter of water from the two soft flasks and keep the back pouch vacant for lighter weight.

On the outside of the reservoir pocket is what CamelBak calls a stretch overflow pocket. So far the only item I have stashed in here are my arm warmers and hat after I’m sufficiently warmed up. Two stretch pockets below the soft flask pockets are deep enough to hold my phone and iPod. A bungee cord on each pocket ensures contents don’t pop out while running.

A small “envelope” pocket below the right stretch pocket is perfect for an energy packet if you use them—I don’t. Finally, below the left stretch pocket is a secured zippered pocket for my car keys and ID. If it seems like a lot of storage, it is—for the urban long distance runner. But if you’re running in the backcountry where you need just a bit more gear, there is much to be appreciated.

Easy to Adjust on the Fly

Just like any backpack, adjustments need to made along the way. The CamelBak Zephyr Vest does too, although I found the adjustments to be minor. Mostly it was due to my depleting the water in the bladder or if I built up enough sweat during my long run that I wanted to loosen it for a bit to get some air flowing. Once I felt I had had adequate air flow I cinched down the straps to a comfortable hug. This was all easily done without having to stop. 

Comfortable in Flight

A full bladder adds weight but I found the CamelBak Zephyr to be so well-distributed that I didn’t feel like I was weighted down unevenly. I attributed this to its adjustability. The CamelBak Zephyr has two side adjustment straps and two sternum straps that accommodate chest sizes from narrow and petite to ample and beefy by virtue of a series of little daisy chains that run the length of the vest on both sides. I’m on the small size and had no issues finding the right fit.

Breathability

I began running with my CamelBak Zephyr in early March, so I experienced full spectrum of spring temperatures: Chilly 30-degree days at the coolest and one scorching 63-degree day. Regardless of the temperature, I still worked up enough of a sweat while wearing the Zephyr. However, the Zephyr is basically made entirely of body-mapped mesh and breathability is outstanding—especially when wearing a merino wool baselayer underneath.

Safety Whistle

Why isn’t this safety feature included on more gear, like backpacks?!

What could be Better

Safety Whistle

I give CamelBak props for including this safety feature but the sound it produces wouldn’t even alert a meadowlark to fly away. The effect is more a polite murmur for assistance if you happen to be standing right next to me, if you’re not too terribly busy and if there is no wind or chirping birds than an actual alert for help or danger. In future iterations I would like to see an actual safety whistle, and with a longer leash. The current length of the whistle leash is too short and I have to really crane my neck to get it to my mouth.

Bladder not Included

People buy running vests because they want the extra hydration capacity of a bladder. And at $150, the Zephyr isn’t exactly cheap. After investing $150, some runners may balk at spending another $30 for a bladder. However, this isn’t always going to be a deal-breaker. Pretty much everyone has at least one hydration pack bladder laying around that will work. I literally have a plastic tub full of bladders, bite valves and tubes of all shapes, sizes and ages. Deep within that jambalaya I found a CamelBak, 3-liter, Deuter 2-liter and a Hydrapak 2-liter—and all of them worked with the Zephyr.

Soft Flasks are too Soft

I get the idea, and it’s a good one, but the execution is a bit…soft. The pockets in which the flasks are intended are snugly fitted to keep the flasks from popping out in flight. However, trying to re-insert the flask in its pocket after a drink was like handling a writhing fish. It required two hands – one to prop open the pocket and another to insert the writhing soft flask.

In future iterations I think CamelBak could switch to flasks made from a stiffer lightweight plastic that provides more structure.

Final Thoughts

I kicked the Camelbak Zephyr into high gear for longer runs around mid-March. This was about the time that COVID-19 sent us shrieking for the wide-open expanse of the running paths and trails where it was easier to social distance.

Despite the soft flasks softness and near-silent safety whistle, the CamelBak Zephyr is a running vest that is fast, light and comfortable. It’s just as useful for the 5-mile runs as it is for the 50-milers.

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Escape, by Carolyn Jessop

I added this book to the COVID-19 reading list not because it’s empowering and uplifting (it’s not) but because it’s so gripping and engaging you will finish it in a day. That’s a full day of not thinking about COVID-19. Escape is Carolyn Jessop’s memoir of growing up in the Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) freak show and the pivotal turning point that made her say, “What the fu–???” and escape. Except that she couldn’t exactly hire a good divorce lawyer and get in her car and abscond with her kids and dignity. It required a great deal of planning and finagling…

Gear Pairing for Escaping a Religious Cult

A pair of Brooks Ghost 12’s. You’ll appreciate their responsiveness and performance and fluffy cloud-like feeling of their 12mm drop.

Deep Water Passage, by Ann Linnea

The pace of Deep Water Passage is as relaxing and unhurried as a sea kayak on Lake Superior. Which is exactly what it’s about, making it a good choice for the COVID-19 reading list. Ann Linnea—nature writer, lecturer and avid sea kayaker—realized one morning that she wasn’t getting any younger and it was time to do some serious thinking about her life and her future. Significant topics, indeed. Is there any better place to contemplate them than in a sea kayak on Lake Superior? It also happens to be one of the few places you can escape COVID-19. If she succeeds, she’ll be the first woman to do so…

Gear Pairing for a Sea Kayaking Lake Superior

An Icemule Classic Cooler. I’ve used this on Lake Superior paddling the Apostle Islands. The size medium drybag design fits into my sea kayak’s large dry hatch behind the seat and it holds ice cubes for about 24 hours.

Into the Forest, by Jean Heglund

The term “social distancing” was still at least a decade away when Jean Heglund wrote this page-turning novel about a dystopian future in which a strange and unnamed highly contagious disease cripples the country. The main characters of this book are two sisters who are socially distancing themselves from the unnamed viral plague in their rural home in a northern California forest, trying to survive. While it’s ending is somewhat predictable, I did find within in its rapidly turning pages essential COVID-19 survival tips and new ways to cook vegetables!  

Gear Pairing for Food Preparation when the Electricity goes out

The GSI Pinnacle Backpacker stove. I fell in love with this stove sea kayaking the Apostle Islands for six days because its set-up (two-liter pot and strainer lid, skillet, two 14-ounce insulated mugs and two 14-ounce bowls) allowed a wide variety of meals beyond ramen noodles and instant oatmeal. The carry bag also doubles as a wash basin.

Where the Crawdads Sing, Delia Owens

The main character of Where the Crawdads Sing is a young girl who grows into adulthood while living completely on her own without no parental supervision in a North Carolina marsh. What could possibly go wrong! There was so much I loved about this book—the will of the main character to survive, her resourcefulness to make money to buy food, to learn to read, keep herself safe. All the things children don’t normally have to worry about when they have parents or responsible adults in the home. This is on the COVID-19 reading list because you’ll also find plenty of survival tips and recipes in this book as well. What I loved most though was the ending…

Gear Pairing for Living Alone in the North Carolina Marsh

An SOG Terminus XR knife. A good knife is an indispensable piece of kit for nearly any situation. It’s in a class that some refer to as an “Everyday Carry” or EDC, making it eligible to perform a variety of everyday-type tasks from gutting a trout to carving a spear for hunting and self-defense. 

A Lady Cyclist’s Guide to Kashgar, by Suzanne Joinson

If you like cycling, and plots that run parallel between past and present, A Lady Cyclist’s Guide to Kashgar will take you for a pleasant ride – pun intended. In the 1920s, Evangeline English follows her missionary sister to the ancient city of Kashgar, a stop on the Silk Road. While the missionary sister spews hellfire and damnation 24/7, Evangeline is shredding the gravel trails on her bike and penning a memoir about her cycling adventures. Meanwhile, in modern day London, another character strangely inherits the contents of an apartment that belonged to a dead woman she has never heard of. This is by no means an apocalyptic book. It’s on the COVID-19 reading list because we can still ride our bikes — something we all should be doing while we can. Some cities have mandated shelter in place rules.

Gear Pairing for Gravel Riding in Kashgar

A set of ReTyre Ice Racer tires for that one set of bike tires for year-round use that easily zip on and zip off from summer slicks to winter studs.

Circling the Sun, by Paula McClain

Circling the Sun is both a biographical novel about Beryl Markham, an aviator, horse trainer and overall path-blazer in 1920s Kenya. Freedom is what Beryl is searching for. I’m not giving away any spoilers when I say that it’s obvious from my opening sentence that she achieves plenty of it by pursuing occupations, adventures and hobbies that are not needlepoint, sewing or sketching local flora and fauna. Within McClain’s pages you’ll experience the beauty of Kenya and a woman who spat on traditional roles. But just don’t plan any travel to Africa right now. They have reported their fair share of COVID-19 cases.

Gear Pairings for Racking up Frequent Flier Miles

A Deuter AirContact Lite SL 60+10 multi-day backpack full of ethically-sourced clothing perfect for long hours at 35,000 feet.

Wild, Cheryl Strayed

Wild isn’t exactly a happy book to read. Hiking solo on the Pacific Crest Trail has its moments of metaphorical, emotional, psychological and physical peaks and valleys. But important to remember that hiking is something we can all still do during these times of COVID-19 quarantines and social distancing. What better way to lift your mood and spirits than a long hike outdoors? That’s why it made the COVID-19 reading list.

Gear Pairing for Thru-hiking Solo

A pair of Garmont Tower Trek GTX hiking boots. If they could take our writer Julie to Everest Base Camp, the Pacific Crest Trail will be its bitch. 

The Long Winter, Laura Ingalls Wilder

Of all the books on the COVID-19 reading list, this one is the most relevant. Many of us have read this series as young’uns. Who doesn’t enjoy a story that takes one back to a time before overpopulation and pollution began killing our planet? The Long Winter is Laura’s tale of the brutal winter of 1880-1881 that shut down the railroad, leaving the residents of DeSmet, South Dakota on their own to make it through the long winter without even the barest of necessities that were available at the time. Even salt pork and molasses couldn’t be had! They were starving, cold, scared and hopeless. Given the circumstances, stockpiling toilet paper was the least of their concerns. We would all do well to remember that these days.

Gear Pairing for Sheltering-in-Place

Dreams of warmer places and happier days ahead, like Long Caye, Belize or scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef.

Candy Girl, Diablo Cody

Candy Girl is Diablo Cody’s memoir about her year as a stripper in Minneapolis. To be perfectly transparent, I find the “strippers have the power!” justification to be ludicrous. Power is not about convincing some guy into withdrawing stacks of twenties from the ATM machine to stick in a 95-percent-naked-dancer’s thong while she strokes his ego for two minutes before moving onto the next one. But I add this one to the COVID-19 reading list because Cody knows all of this and isn’t glamorizing it. Its fast-turning pages are packed full of original quips and hilarious revelations like, “Could there be anything more grosser than pleading with undesirable men for three minutes of their company? The whole ritual defied logic, nature and the time-honored tradition of ‘Schlub Chases Babe’”. We could all use a diversion of continuous laughter these days. You may need a pair of Depends should you read this.

Gear Pairing for Recovering Strippers

The MSR DynaLock Explore Backcountry poles—to make the transition from stage and thong to the hiking trails effortless and enticing, like.

The post COVID-19 Reading List (and their gear pairings) by Women Authors appeared first on gritandgearonline.com.

In an industry where many manufacturers still embrace ‘shrink it and pink it’  and call it a day, it denigrates women’s apparel and products as a mere afterthought. Fortunately, these twelve women-founded, women-led companies make products for you, your body shape and all your adventures, be it hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, skiing, climbing, adventure travel, cycling, surfing, running and whatever you feel like doing.

AdventurHER Travel Adventure

Most outdoorswomen today were introduced to the outdoors and mentored by family or friends who were outdoorsy. But what happens when you don’t have that conduit? Founder, owner and guide extraordinaire of AdventurHER Travel Alli Neal set out to be that conduit. That mentor who nudges or (gently) kicks women in the rear to get outdoors “capably, confidently, and comfortably.”

Talk about women-found, women-led companies! To say AdventurHER is woman-led is to be literal about it. Alli leads women outdoors from all skill levels to camp, climb, surf, hike, bike, ski, SUP, you name it, all while ensuring supportive environment to build skills, confidence and, really, just have fun–whether it’s a weekend ice climbing clinic in Winona, MN or climbing and canyoneering in Moab, UT, inn to inn cycling in Ireland or something completely customized for you. | Adventurhertravel.com

Freshly Minted Socks

Suzette Ayotte is a Maine native and transplant to San Francisco. She founded Freshly Minted socks because she happens to be an avid cyclist with a designer’s eye. All Freshly Minted socks, which are made in Italy, have mid-century modern designs and colors for the cycling life. The price point is a very affordable and reasonable $20 and a portion is donated to the National Interscholastic Cycling Association. Jump here to SpinCycle News to read more about NICA to get more kids on bikes. | Thefreshlyminted.com

Title Nine

If you’ve never heard of Title IX, it’s the much-needed legislation that passed in 1972 that opened up (most) sports to women. Missy Parks, the founder, saw that sports apparel manufacturers were in no hurry to accommodate women athletes. In 1989, Missy started Title Nine with the barest of bones office space in her Berkeley, CA garage: A rotary dial phone (with only 1 line) on her living room table.

Her first round of catalog distribution to 13,000 recipients netted a whopping 56 orders—of which only seven came from people she didn’t know. After several years of epic ideas and even more epic fails, Title Nine now has 23 stores in 11 states with a thriving catalog and website platform—and is still being led by Missy Parks. | Titlenine.com

Skirt Sports

Nicole DeBoom launched Skirt Sports the day after she won the 2004 Wisconsin Ironman Triathlon—wearing a prototype skirt she made at home. There are very few women founded, women led companies to begin with. Even fewere reach 15 years in business. Skirt Sports did just that in September 2019.

For active women of literally all shapes and sizes, Skirt Sports offers a vast line of running shorts, skirts, tops, leggings, bras and, for the cyclist, a skirt with a chamois. But the skirt that really hits the sweet spot is the Lotta Breeze Capri skirt with its flattering style and fun prints. | Skirtsports.com

Carve Designs

Carve Designs is an example of how the best ideas spring from lounging in hammocks, swaying in the breeze in San Pancho, Mexico. It was there that surfers Jennifer Hinton and Thayer Sylvester discussed the dismal prevalence of true surfing boardshorts for women—especially those of shapes and sizes that are never featured in catalogs.

Enter women-founded, women-led Carve Designs, which set out to fill the board short gap and then some. Today, Carve Designs, which is still run by Jen and Thayer, keeps true to their mission: Design athletic and casualwear for women of all shapes and sizes who push boundaries. Additionally, Carve Designs remains true to their sustainability initiatives by making a significant portion of their swimwear and activewear in California. | carvedesigns.com

Houdini

Like so many women athletes in modern dark ages, Swedish mountaineer and ski guide Lotta Giornofelice need clothes that didn’t exist: clothes climbing and ski touring that regulated body temperature for for start- and stop activities. So she made them herself, starting with fleece underwear for herself and some friends.

Today, Houdini creates minimalist styles that are functional for both women and men. But sustainability has—and always will be—the cornerstone of their brand: 100 percent of all the fabrics used in this season are recycled, recyclable, renewable, biodegradable Bluesign certified. | Houdinisportswear.com

Lightheart Gear

Not only is Lightheart Gear woman-founded and women-led, it was started as a sewing project by virtue of the Appalachian Trail. Founder and owner (and retired Air Force nurse, marathon runner, master sewer, AT and PCT hiker) Judy Gross was hiking the AT with a 4.5-pound one-person tent that was heavy and took up the bulk of her pack space. She believed that the current offering of lightweight tents on the market could be better so she approached her first tent design, a one-person shelter, with a problem-solving perspective.

She wanted lightweight. Had to be able to sit upright. Didn’t want to trip over guy-lines in the middle of night. And it couldn’t take up the bulk of the space in her pack. She designed and sewed the first prototype in her basement. Today, in addition to lightweight tents like the Lightheart Gear Firefly, the Lightheart Gear product line includes hiking skirts, rain gear all designed and produced in North Carolina. | Lightheartgear.com

Shredly

This woman-founded, woman-led company was started by Colorado mountain biker  (via a Kickstarter campaign) Ashley Rankin when she saw an opportunity to create a specialized niche of mountain bike shorts for women. And create she did! In a kaleidoscope of wild patterns with total trail functionality. There is no mistaking a Shredly short, especially the pro-unicorn Shredly Tina. In mountain biking apparel, Shredly is distinct. Today, she is still the designer and product tester and makes it all in Colorado. | Shredly.com

MuttRuk

Colorado native and outdoor/dog enthusiast Gretchen Dill founded MuttRuk because she wanted to create a backpack solution for hiking with dogs. After 12 years at a desk job as a Graphic Designer, spending lots of free time outdoors, and seeing a slew of local trails shut down to use by dogs, she felt it was about time to take action in both her career and impact on outdoor spaces.

Inspired by innovative gear, and using her background in design, she took the leap into the world of product design. MuttRuk represents an attitude of adventure as well as respect for our outdoor spaces. A brand that advocates for trail clean up by providing helpful solutions, and an advocate for rescue and training to help both owner and dog grow in confidence and bond together. After a successful Kickstarter campaign in June of this year, MuttRuk is now into production and the MuttRuck Hit the Trail Bundle Pack—which includes 14-liter pack and a rollout water dish for your dog! | Muttruck.com

Astrid Wild

Founder and owner of Maria Paulsson Ronnback designs outdoor clothing for women by women. Inspired by her Nordic roots, Astrid Wild Outdoor Fashion is 100 percent focused on design, the woman’s body, and versatile clothing made for wild adventures, recreation and the city outdoor life. Astrid Wild aims to inspire women to live a happier and healthier life, by spending more time in nature and connecting with like-minded women. | Astridwild.com

Blyss Running

Blyss Running hails from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Founder and owner Alyson Neel began running in her early forties by virtue of a Couch to 5k program. Running taught her that the athletic wear industry had no clue about what a woman needs and wants from her running apparel.

In 2015 Alyson used her background in fashion merchandising to design a pair of shorts. Then she made a running skirt. Today she designs and makes running wear for women like the Blyss Distance Short with deep pockets, longer lengths and higher waistbands—all while running marathons and designing and proudly making all her products in the US. | Blyssrunning.com

Krimson Klover

The heart and soul of Krimson Klover is adventure, which is what drove founder and creative director Rhonda Swenson to become a flight attendant. An unlikely beginning, yes, but connections she made while traveling soon morphed into designing sweaters and selling them through a small boutique sweater company—which she eventually purchased and became Krimson Klover.

Today, Krimson Klover remains a woman-founded woman-led company whose lineup includes slow-fashion style, like the Scandinavian-inspired Astrid Full-zip sweater for the adventurous woman. | Krimsonklover.com

Lo & Sons

Don’t let the “sons” trip you up. Helen Lo founded Lo & Sons to design and manufacture premium, thoughtfully-designed bags for travel and work. Helen, who has a PhD in social welfare, wanted a travel carry-on that was functional, not fugly, and environmentally-friendly. The first two points were easy to check off the wish list but the environmentally-friendly point wasn’t because it didn’t exist.

At 60 years of age, when many people are thinking about downshifting careers into the retirement, Helen gunned the accelerator. She believed it wasn’t enough to just“do no harm” when it comes to environmental impact. Lo & Sons is one of the growing number of brands that are leading the way to reversing decades of damage to the environment. | Loandsons.com

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What I Liked 

Weather-resistance

Humans were summiting 8,000-meter peaks and tending goats in January on the Steppes of Mongolia while wearing wool long before any lab-born textiles were even a remote idea in someone’s head. The Maloja OilinM Hoodie is constructed with heavy-weight Merino wool on the outside and was very effective at blocking cold gusty wind and repelling snow. When it did get wet it dried fast and still kept me warm. 

Naturally Odor-resistant and Breathable

During hot conditions and/or strenuous exercise, we regulate our body temperature through perspiration. However, it isn’t the sweat itself that drives body odor (sweat has no odor). Body odor is a result of high levels of perspiration pooling on the skin. Warm, wet skin is an incubus of bacterial growth and it’s the bacteria that causes us to smell like a compost pile.

What does this have to do with wool? Wool readily absorbs moisture and keeps the skin surface drier to deter bacteria. The wool then binds the odors within its fibers where the bacterial can’t thrive. This process is also what allows you to wear the same wool garment for days and weeks before it needs to be washed. When you add all this up, it’s a trifecta of Mother Nature’s most efficient product for outdoor apparel.

Multipurpose Use

The Maloja OilinM Hoodie’s construction and style makes it stand out as both a mid-layer and an outer-layer, which increases its versatility. As a mid-layer, I wore it under a Patagonia Adze jacket while snowshoeing on a -10 degree day. As an outer layer, its long waist and cut made it perfect for fatbiking or commuter cycling on 15-degree days when worn over a heavy-weight Merino wool baselayer.

It’s also ideal for Nordic skiing (see photo below), especially when paired with the Maloja BraidaM Ski Touring Pants. Basically, if you have $229 to spend on an active Merino wool jacket, the Maloja OilinM meets the qualifications for fatbiking, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, travel and the emerging “sport” of athleisure (e.g. binge-watching season 4 of Better Call Saul). Even you yoga junkies will appreciate the BraidaM.

Warmth without Bulk 

The coldest temperature I’ve worn the Maloja OilinM as an outer layer was about 5 degrees and I was cross-country skiing. On this particular day, I paired it with a Kora Shola yak wool baselayer. After I had been skiing for about fifteen minutes, I was comfortable. On days when it was twenty-or-so degrees, I paired it with a Brynje of Norway Lady Wool Thermo Mesh Long Sleeve shirt and the combination was comfortable. On extremely cold days—like below zero—its fitted style works best as a mid-layer. What’s nice about the cut of the Maloja OilinM Hoodie is that it works very well as a mid-layer under a heavier outerlayer when conditions call for it.

What Could be Better

It has two zippered side pockets that don’t hold anything larger than a set of keys. It would be nice to have a rear zippered pocket that is big enough to hold a smartphone or an iPod.

Final Thoughts

The Maloja OilinM Hoodie, with its highly-functional recycled polyester fleece on the inside and the superb moisture-wicking properties of Merino wool on the outside make this a jacket you can use for a variety of activities year-round.

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What I Liked

Standard Bra Sizing

Like all Runderwear bras the Runderwear Original Support Running Bra comes in standard bra sizing not generic S, M, L, XL etc. Up until I was introduced to the Runderwear line, I had no idea so many bra sizes existed beyond the usual cup sizes of A, B, C, D. It seems like Runderwear’s sizing spans the entire alphabet to ensure no girl is left out. In case my peculiar brand of sarcasm has no effect on you—I don’t blame  you, it’s terrible—that was an intended pun (laugh now).

Outstanding Fit

The bra size I normally wear perfectly aligns with the Runderwear Original Support Running Bra size that aligns with my bra size. (Yes, that’s right, not telling the Internet my bra size, creepers)

Amazing Support and Comfort

I’ve worn running bras that had so much support that it felt like I was being squished to death by a boa constrictor. I’ve worn running bras that were so comfortable that they failed to provide support. My intended use for the Runderwear Original Support Running Bra has been running and I can say without a doubt that this is the best running bra I have ever worn because I feel it strikes a great balance between providing the right amount of support for running while not feeling like a straightjacket.

The adjustable straps don’t dig into my skin, the seamless design does not chafe, it’s not too high in the armpits, the bottom band is wide and soft, and it’s made from a fabric that doesn’t feel like sport bra fabric. And that unsightly ‘arm fat’ that oftentimes bulges at the armpits, even when you don’t have excessive body fat, when wearing a bra that is too supportive? That doesn’t happen as bad with Runderwear Original Support Running Bra.

Chafe-free Guarantee

Runderwear is “so confident that your Runderwear will provide the solution to your chafing, that we offer a 28 day, no fuss guarantee. If you wear our products and they cause you to chafe, we will happily refund you, it’s as simple as that.”

What I didn’t Like

Still Hard to Fasten

The Runderwear Original Support Running Bra is not the easiest to put on. Their Easy-On Support Running Bra seems much easier–as the name implies. This is a good thing because it tells me that Runderwear has listened to customer feedback and made just enough design modifications to make it easier to put on—just enough, but not totally enough. The Original Support Running Bra has both a racer back and a hook eye closure, meaning you have to pull it on first and then fasten it from the back. Which, for me, is challenging for two reasons: reduced range of motion in my left shoulder from an injury and subsequent surgery, and because I lack eyes in the back of my head.

It has two hooks and closures and three positions so lining them up is always a series of fumbling and false starts and half-hooks when I can’t see what I’m doing in the first place. This leads me to speculate on the gender of the bra designer. To be perfectly transparent, if I was a sport bra designer, I would have left off the hook and closure system on the back and just gone with the racer back so that I can pull it on over my head. But if you have no issues fastening a bra from the back this won’t be an issue for you.

Final Thoughts

Without a doubt this is the most supportive and most comfortable running bra I have ever met. I predict you will agree once you try it.

Although the price point of $70 is steep, I guarantee its performance and comfort is worth the price of admission.

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Skirt Sports Lotta Breeze Capri Skirt

Nicole DeBoom launched Skirt Sports the day after she won the 2004 Wisconsin Ironman Triathlon—wearing a prototype skirt she made at home. There are very few women founded, women led, women run brands that reach 15 years in business but Skirt Sports did just that in September 2019. For active women of literally all shapes and sizes, Skirt Sports offers a vast line of running shorts, skirts, tops, leggings, bras and, for the cyclist, a skirt with a chamois. But the skirt that really hits the sweet spot is the Lotta Breeze Capri skirt with its flattering style and fun prints. Skirtsports.com

Lightheart Gear Firefly Tent

Not only is Lightheart Gear woman-founded and women-led, but it was started as a sewing project by virtue of the Appalachian Trail. Founder and owner (and retired Air Force nurse, marathon runner, master sewer, AT and PCT hiker) Judy Gross was hiking the AT with a 4.5-pound one-person tent that was heavy and took up the bulk of her pack space. She believed that the current offering of lightweight tents on the market could be better so she approached her first tent design, a one-person shelter, with a problem-solving perspective.

She wanted lightweight. She had to be able to sit upright. She didn’t want to trip over guy-lines in the middle of night. And it couldn’t take up the bulk of the space in her pack. She designed and sewed the first prototype in her basement. Today, in addition to lightweight tents like the Lightheart Gear Firefly, the Lightheart Gear product line includes hiking skirts, rain gear all designed and produced in North Carolina. Lightheartgear.com

AdventurHER Travel Adventure Trip Package

Most outdoorswomen today were introduced to the outdoors and mentored by family or friends who were outdoorsy. But what happens when you don’t have that conduit? Founder, owner and guide extraordinaire of AdventurHER Travel Alli Neal set out to be that conduit. That mentor. The bridge, to nudge or (gently) kick in the rear to get women outdoors “capably, confidently, and comfortably.” To say AdventurHER is woman-led is to be literal about it. Alli leads women outdoors from all skill levels to camp, climb, surf, hike, bike, ski, SUP, you name it, all while ensuring supportive environment to build skills, confidence and, really, just have fun–whether it’s a weekend ice climbing clinic in Winona, MN or climbing and canyoneering in Moab, UT, inn to inn cycling in Ireland or something completely customized for you.  Adventurhertravel.com

Shredly Tina MTB Short

This woman-founded, woman-led company was started by Colorado mountain biker  (via a Kickstarter campaign) Ashley Rankin when she saw an opportunity to create a specialized niche of mountain bike shorts for women. And create she did! In a kaleidoscope of wild patterns with total trail functionality. There is no mistaking a Shredly short, especially the pro-unicorn Shredly Tina. In mountain biking apparel, Shredly is as distinct . Today, she is still the designer and product tester and makes it all in Colorado. Shredly.com

MuttRuk Hit the Trail Bundle Pack

Colorado native and outdoor/dog enthusiast Gretchen Dill founded MuttRuk because she wanted to create a backpack solution for hiking with dogs. After 12 years at a desk job as a Graphic Designer, spending lots of free time outdoors, and seeing a slew of local trails shut down to use by dogs, she felt it was about time to take action in both her career and impact on outdoor spaces.

Inspired by innovative gear, and using her background in design, she took the leap into the world of product design. MuttRuk represents an attitude of adventure as well as respect for our outdoor spaces. A brand that advocates for trail clean up by providing helpful solutions, and an advocate for rescue and training to help both owner and dog grow in confidence and bond together.

After a successful Kickstarter campaign in June of this year, MuttRuk is now into production and the MuttRuck Hit the Trail Bundle Pack—which includes 14-liter pack and a rollout water dish for your dog! Muttruck.com

Astrid Wild Minna Wool Fleece Jacket

Founder and owner of Maria Paulsson Ronnback designs outdoor clothing for women by women. Inspired by her Nordic roots, Astrid Wild Outdoor Fashion is 100 percent focused on design and the woman’s body, and versatile clothing made for wild adventures, recreation and the city outdoor life.

Astrid Wild aims to inspire women to live a happier and healthier life, by spending more time in nature and connecting with like-minded women. The Minna Wool Fleece jacket is just one of their flattering and functional pieces that are sourced and produced in Europe. Astridwild.com

Freshly Minted Socks

Co-founded and owned by Suzette Ayotte, a Maine native and transplanted to San Francisco. But that has nothing to do with socks. Suzette is an avid cyclist with a designer’s eye. Freshly Minted socks have mid-century modern designs and colors and they’re made (in Italy) for the cycling life.

All socks are $20 and a portion is donated to the National Interscholastic Cycling Association, also known as NICA. Jump here to our SpinCycle News to read more about NICA to get more kids on bikes. Thefreshlyminted.com

Blyss Running Distance Shorts

Blyss Running hails from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Founder and owner Alyson Neel began running in her early forties by virtue of a Couch to 5k program. Running taught her that the athletic wear industry had no clue about what a woman needs and wants from her running apparel.

In 2015 Alyson used her background in fashion merchandising to design a pair of shorts. Then she made a running skirt. Today she designs and makes running wear for women like the Blyss Distance Short with deep pockets, longer lengths and higher waistbands—all while running marathons and designing and proudly making all her products in the US. Blyssrunning.com

Krimson Klover Astrid Full-zip Sweater

The heart and soul of Krimson Klover is adventure, which is what drove founder and creative director Rhonda Swenson to become a flight attendant. An unlikely beginning, yes, but connections she made while traveling soon morphed into designing sweaters and selling them through a small boutique sweater company—which she eventually purchased and became Krimson Klover. Today, Krimson Klover remains a woman-founded woman-led company whose lineup includes slow-fashion style, like the Scandinavian-inspired Astrid Full-zip sweater for the adventurous woman.

The post Holiday Gift Guide from 9 Women-founded and Women-led Companies appeared first on gritandgearonline.com.

What I Like

Naturally breathable and odor-resistant

Merino wool is naturally breathable so we’re less likely to overheat and perspire. Since it’s great at not absorbing sweat, there is far less sweat collecting and producing odor. And then there’s Lanolin, the oily, waxy coating on every single Merino fiber that helps the sheep repel water during rain. When you add all this up, it’s a trifecta of Mother Nature’s most excellent product for outdoor apparel.

That being said, it took three weeks of wearing the Pearl Izumi Pro Merino Thermal Jersey every weekday on bike commutes to work, mountain biking on the weekends and as a running top before I smelled like the compost pile in my grandparents’ backyard. Boom.

Multipurpose Use

The Pearl Izumi Pro Merino Thermal Jersey is most definitely a cycling jersey. But because it’s made from 57 percent Merino wool, and it fits like a baselayer, there is absolutely no reason I can’t wear it Nordic skiing, snowshoeing or for running. This is a good thing because if I had to shell out for the painful price of $195*, I would make damn sure I can use it all year around and for every outdoor activity. (*I received this jersey as a sample from PI for this review)

Fit and Size

The Pearl Izumi Pro Merino Thermal Jersey is semi-fitted, meaning I had no problem wearing a short-sleeved or long-sleeved wool baselayer underneath. I wear a size small in tops and my size small sample seemed to be the right fit. I especially liked that it offers enough room in the shoulders so that I don’t feel constricted when I use it for running. For cycling, the sleeves are nice and long and fully cover my wrists when I’m in the aggressive riding position.

Semi-fitted Cut Allows for a Baselayer

The coldest temperature I’ve worn with the Pearl Izumi Pro Merino Thermal Jersey is about 30 degrees and I was plenty comfortable. I experimented with three separate wool baselayers to achieve that optimal balance between comfort and overheating: which is a blend of 57 percent merino wool and 43 percent nylon, a Kora Shola yak wool baselayer and a short-sleeved Pearl Izumi Merino baselayer. My personal preference in temperatures between 30 and 35 degrees was the Pearl Izumi Symphony Thermal jersey. The Kora Shola was way too warm, although when the temps get down to the single digits or below, the combo of the Kora Shola and the Pearl Izumi Pro Merino Thermal jersey will hit the sweet spot. The short-sleeved Pearl Izumi Merino baselayer worked well in keeping my core warm and moisture managed but my arms were cold.  

What I didn’t Like

Nothing. Although for some people the price tag of $195 could feel like a sharp knee in the stomach.

Final Thoughts

Wool is the original tech fabric. Humans were summiting 8,000-meter Himalayan peaks and tending goats in January on the Steppes of Mongolia while wearing wool long before any lab-born textiles were a remote idea in someone’s head.

The Pearl Izumi Pro Merino Thermal Jersey is styled to wear on or off the bike and is fitted enough to not be bulky but also allow for a (another) wool baselayer (or as a baselalyer) when it gets really cold. The Pearl Izumi Pro Merino Thermal Jersey is another win from Pearl Izumi.

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What I Loved

Multipurpose Style and Use

It’s a given that if a piece of apparel has the Pearl Izumi logo on it it’s geared for cycling. The Symphony Thermal Jersey most definitely is but it’s hardly limited to just cycling. And with a price tag of $140, it could be hard to justify the purchase if it’s specific to one activity. In the month that it’s been cold enough for me wear it, I’ve also used it for trail running. Although the snow hasn’t fallen yet, I can’t see any reason why I couldn’t use it for cross-country skiing.

Fit and Size

The Pearl Izumi Symphony Thermal jersey is semi-fitted, meaning I had no problem wearing a short-sleeved or long-sleeved wool baselayer underneath. I wear a size small in tops and my size small sample seemed to be the right fit. I especially liked that it offers enough room in the shoulders so that I don’t feel constricted when I use it for running. For cycling, the sleeves are nice and long and fully cover my wrists when I’m in the aggressive riding position. They’re also ever-so-slightly flared at the wrists to accommodate cycling or running gloves.

Semi-fitted Cut Allows for a Baselayer

So far the coldest temperature I’ve ridden in the Pearl Izumi Symphony Thermal jersey is 31 degrees. I experimented with three separate wool baselayers to achieve that optimal balance between comfort and overheating: which is a blend of 57 percent merino wool and 43 percent nylon, a Kora Shola yak wool baselayer and a short-sleeved Pearl Izumi Merino baselayer. My personal preference in temperatures between 30 and 35 degrees was the Pearl Izumi’s Pro Merino Thermal Jersey. The Kora Shola was way too warm, although its sweet spot is much colder temperatures. The short-sleeved Pearl Izumi Merino baselayer worked well in keeping my core warm and moisture managed but my arms were cold.  

Warm

On its own I found it warm down to the low-forties regardless if I was cycling or running. The higher collar and long sleeves with angled, glove-friendly cuffs certainly contribute to keeping out drafts.

What I didn’t Like

Nothing. There is no reason not to buy this jersey for fall and winter outdoor activities.

Final Thoughts

Soft, breathable, warm, great for layering. Styled to wear on or off the bike. Fitted enough not to prevent bulky but also allow for a wool baselayer when it gets really cold. The Symphony Thermal Jersey is yet another win from Pearl Izumi.

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