— 2014 Holiday Gear Guide — OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
Why This Guide is Different We know how important gear is for our outdoor pursuits. We also know gear is not created equally, and when you find what’s good, you stick with it. That’s why we put together a guide of the gear that impresses us, from trade shows floors and talking oneon-one with brands, to what our community unfailingly puts in their packs during every single field session. It might be a little unconventional to feature gear that’s been around a while. We know. But we don’t care. What we care about is letting women know not only what we’ve got our eye on that’s new, but also what’s tried and true. These pieces of gear are like old friends: they always have our backs. So while this might not be the flashiest guide, we include both. We do it for the experienced woman who is looking to expand her quiver, and for the woman is just getting into the game and needs to build out a solid foundation. Oh, and we also researched reputable outdoor stores to find the least expensive price that still had all the options for each item. Here at OWA, we’ve got your back.
Our 2014 We saw them at tradeshows; we tried ‘em outside.
Outdoor Research Southback Glove - $85
WHY WE CHOSE IT
We love Outdoor Research because they consistently put out products our testers approve of. This glove’s ability to breathe on the skin track and its high-quality durability gave it the shoe-in advantage for our 2014 guide.
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
4 Wishlist The following is the gear that hit our radar this year.
Millet Lite Heather Wool Jacket - $150
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Millet: Once we discovered ‘them, we were already waiting to see what was next. This French brand is up & coming in North America but a trusted staple in European mountaineering. Get introduced via this piece; its design & functionality has high crossover appeal for skiing, hiking, etc.
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
Thule Crossover Rolling Duffel - $289
WHY WE CHOSE IT
As a company, Thule enthusiastically supports our community; a good thing because with all the harsh testing we’ve put their products through, we’ve come to truly love them. This rugged bag caught is perfect for OWA women hitting the airport en route to distant wildland adventures.
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
Five Ten Hi Angle Climbing Shoe - $150
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Nancy Bouchard, who was once Rock & Ice Magazine’s executive editor, is part of Five Ten and a friend of ours. When we told her we were looking for a technical shoe, she handed us these. After testing a number of Five Ten shoes in the field, we treat her recommendations as gold.
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
LOWA Renegade GTX Mid - $225
WHY WE CHOSE IT
LOWA’s Renegade boot is a classic that comes highly rated in the community. The company pays extreme attention to details that make it one of the most comfortable and durable boots we know. When it comes to feet, they know what works.
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
Dahlgren Footwear Socks - $15+
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Gina, our founder, swears by Dahlgren. They feel great, but also keep her feet warmer than any other ski sock she’s tried (a lot). Using a blend of alpaca & merino to absorb moisture, then synthetic fibers to release it, Dahlgren has figured out the formula to keeping active feet happy.
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
Pret LUXE Helmet - $130
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Well, look at it; it’s gorgeous! But ok: Function first, which is exactly the sequence of priority Pret takes. The LUXE is not only top notch for keeping your head safe, it’s also known for its soft warmth (fleece/wool combo). This local-to-OWA made helmet is also music compatible.
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
ZEAL Voyager Goggles - $150+
WHY WE CHOSE IT
These frameless goggles’ lenses are a cinch to switch when outdoor lighting changes, and they stayed fog-free no matter the conditions. A wide periphery keeps full sight of surroundings at hand. Low-light lens and semi-hard case comes included. All around, a favorite goggle of OWA.
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
Garmin Forerunner 10 GPS Fitness Monitor - $100
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Our community manager, Kimberly Dallas, uses this regularly to keep track of her trail runs and was enthusiastic in endorsing this for this year’s gear guide. Has the features you expect from a fitness monitor, plus pinpointed GPS and the ability to upload your stats, all in a smaller size.
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
Deuter Compact EXP Air 8 SL - $125
WHY WE CHOSE IT
A sleek, lightweight design has all the features you love in a daypack, but includes hip belts & shoulder straps that are comprised of open mesh helping to alleviate the problem sweaty backs, shoulders, and hips. We dig the compactness and attention to design in this pack.
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
Hillsound Trail Crampons - $60
WHY WE CHOSE IT
We love that trail runners and hikers can get a solid grip in the extended season (winter) at a price that is affordable in the outdoor world. These received very high marks from our gear testers who rated Hillsound’s crampons high in areas of traction, ease of use, and durability.
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
super.natural Base Layers - $70
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Laurie Tewksbury, our Grassroots Team Director, tested these out in the brutal cold of New Engand winters and is currently loving them all the same in the 14ers of Colorado. Flat stitching and a merino wool/synthetic blend give it comfort while keeping you warm.
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
Goal Zero Switch 10 Multi-Tool Kit - $120
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Goal Zero let us know about their new kit, which comes with a few creature-comfort upgrades from their Guide 10. We already love GZ’s portability with solar power; this kit adds on an adjustable beam flashlight and a personal fan for a lil luxurious cooling at summer’s camp.
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
CamelBak Forge Vacuum Travel Mug - $25
WHY WE CHOSE IT
It’s not easy to keep drinks warm at a cold base camp — or to keep mugs from spilling off their precarious perches. The Forge solves this problem by keeping liquids hot up to 4 hours in a safe, vacuum-sealed, doublewalled container. Consider it fuel insurance for your stove.
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
Good To-Go Camp Meals - $7+
WHY WE CHOSE IT
OWA’s own Laurie Tewksbury couldn’t stop saying “Yummy” when testing these meals. No joke — it was almost all we could get out of her. “They are seriously really delicious compared to competitors,” she finally said. “Tastes homemade, has a legit serving size, only 20 minutes to make.”
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
Bern Berkeley Helmet - $48+
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Our testers said that instead of merely perching on their heads, Bern’s fit has a deep, surrounding feel; a perfect balance between protection, fit, and profile. Made for biking, the secure fit covers the lower part of the skull which testers appreciated.
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
From Our These are the items that have been tested time and time
Osprey Sirrus 24 Backpack - $120
LAURIE owa grassroots team director
WHY I LOVE IT
This pack has pockets in all the right places. Also, the backpanel is wonderful; no one likes back sweat — now you don’t have to live wiith it.
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
Community: again from those in the OWA crew and community.
Petzl Elia Climbing Helmet - $65
ALYSSA ambassador
WHY I LOVE IT
Quite simply, I was sick of my 1. pony tail or 2. backpack bumping my helmet over my eyes while climbing. The Elia is lightweight, highly adjustable, & lets me wear a normal pony tail.
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
Crank Brothers Multi 17 Tool - $27
RAE contributor
WHY I LOVE IT
Its design makes it compact and easy to carry. It has all the pieces I need for any trail side bike maintinence. It’s durable and always ready to work.
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
Line Pandora Skis - $650
GINA owa founder
WHY I LOVE IT
They are super light, have amazing float in the powder and perform well (especially considering their girth) on the groomed and all conditions except crud. It changed powder skiing for me!It changed skiing powder for me!
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
Kammock Roo - $99
TIFFINY owa digital community manager
WHY I LOVE IT
I take it with me everywhere in case I want to camp or sit in it and read on a particularly nice day. This thing is glorious. It’s ultra lightweight, durable, and it’s actually quite comfortable.
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
Wave Sport Mobius 49 - $977
MICHELLE ambassador
WHY I LOVE IT
I have the Zero Gravity 48 model (pictured), which you can buy used or upgrade to the newer Mobius 49 (linked). It was my first kayak & it’s a good one; it’s so comfortable & performs well!
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
Victorinox Climber Swiss Army Knife - $30
LIZ community
WHY I LOVE IT
I’ve used the tweezers to pull a stuck credit card out of a public transit pay station & used it to open cans of food on a trip where no one else had thought to bring a can opener—lucky I had this!
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
Patagonia Byway Pant - $43
JESSIE community
WHY I LOVE IT
They allow for great freedom of movement and have been useful in both chilly, windy environments and hot, sunny environments. Also, the waterresistance of these pants is mind-boggling.
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
Buff Original - $20
GAIL contributor
WHY I LOVE IT
The epitome of multi-tasking.: protect from sun on the face & neck; provide warmth in cold conditions & wind protection; & serve as a bandana, sleeping mask, headband, nose wipe & sweat rag, etc.
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
Outdoor Research Echo Hoody - $59
GINA owa founder
WHY I LOVE IT
A 3-season UV-protection piece that practically breathes for you, keeps your itchy ponytail off the back of your sweaty neck with a ponytail slot in the hood, and is so light you can see through it — which keeps it as a staple in my pack!
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
Lowepro Photo Sport 200 AW Backpack - $150
GEN ambassador
WHY I LOVE IT
The designers understand outdoor photographers: The pack has easy access to DSLR with lens attached, room for additional lenses, and a pouch for a water bladder. Plus, it’s comfy to wear climbing, hiking & skiing.
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
The North Face Freedom LRBC Insulated Pant - $160
KIM owa digital community manager
WHY I LOVE IT
I’ve literally had these since high school and I refuse to get a new pair because they are that great. They’re super lightweight, but keep me warm; I’ve neer had a cold day wearing them.
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
Vasque Breeze 2.0 GTX Hiking Boot - $169
ANGELA contributor
WHY I LOVE IT
My main hiking boot since 2008! They are lightweight and great for any hiker looking for long distances in dry conditions. I have beaten them up over the years and still am not looking to replace them!
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
Lululemon Think Fast Long Sleeve - $88
BROOKE ambassador
WHY I LOVE IT
This winter I have been living in my Base Runner (now “Think Fast”) from Lululemon. The incredibly soft material, thumbholes, and form-flattering shape are just a few reasons that I never take this layer off.
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket - $129
SARA community
WHY I LOVE IT
It meets the perfect mid-line of functionality & affordability. It wicks moisture away like a champ, it’s super breathable for the price, has pit vents and — most importantly — it keeps me & all my clothes dry.
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
Outdoor Research Lodestar Jacket - $450
GINA owa founder
WHY I LOVE IT
For ice climbing, I’ve never had a better partner. Its flexy fit moves with me; the attention to detail makes this a truly breathable, high-functioning jacket. It’s got a light fur lining inside as well as the ability to resist wind and water. Made to wear with harnesses; it’s also spent time with me on the slopes as a worthy contender to my other shells on “bad” days.
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
Feathered Friends Plover Ex -25 Sleeping Bag - $709
GAIL contributor
WHY I LOVE IT
It’s lightweight, sheds frost easily, and keeps me warm and toasty in snowy conditions — including at 17k on Denali (pictured)!
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
Bear Paw Wilderness Designs Tarp - $99
KAT ambassador
WHY I LOVE IT
I was skeptical about switching to a tarp from a tent, but it’s so light, saves space, & has such a low price point that I gave it a shot. There are a million ways to set it up depending on your situation!
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
Outdoor Research Incandescent Hoody - $325
GINA owa founder
WHY I LOVE IT
When I got this jacket, I knew it would keep me warm (and it does—even in windy, blowing snow with double digit negative conditions), but I had no idea that it would get folks talking. People have to touch the fabric & comment on being able to see the feathers inside. Conversation starter that keeps me insulated!
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
Patagonia R2 Fleece - $169
REBECCA community
WHY I LOVE IT
Despite my enormous collection, my go-to jacket is the Patagonia R2. It’s light, packable, washable, comfortable, durable, warm, & makes a nice pillow on backpacking trips. It’s also a perfect layer for summers in the Sierras & winter in the Bay Area.
for summer in the Sierra and winter in the Bay Area.
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
GINA (owa founder) - Swoob Idona Sports Bra $40
Other sports bras don’t even come close. For my high-movement workouts (like running), this has hands-down the most support of any bra I’ve tried (lots of ‘em). It also has pockets so you can fit chapstick, car keys, & your phone or iPod in it. Won’t be searching for another bra.
SARAH (community) - NUU-MUU DRESS - $75+
Unique, flattering, fun, stylish, comfortable and you feel GOOD in your Nuu-Muu. I love that I can use my dress for just about anything. It is the perfect layering piece for all seasons.
GINA (owa founder) - Columbia Gold 650 Turbodown Hooded Jacket - $165
For women who don’t want bulk but need warmth, this is it. The most warmth per ounce I’ve ever experienced. So light you hardly remember it’s on.
KIM (owa manager) - PETZL GRIGRI 2 - $99
Much safer than an ATC; I can catch my fiance (190 lbs) without flying into outer space.
KELSEY (owa intern) - LINE SKIS SOULMATE - $600
I wear Smartwool socks to run in and thicker pairs to ike in. They don’t get gross when my feet sweat and they protect my feet from blisters better than other brands.
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
GINA (owa founder) - Black Diamond Mercury Mitt - $140
This mitt never stops insulating, even after 8 years of ownership. It is hands-down the most reliably warm hand protection I’ve used; even in northern Quebec winters and in the Alaskan Chugach.
KATHERINE (community) - OSPREY ARIEL 65 - $290
My favorite item that I can use year round. I love how it fits a women’s body, and the pockets, zippers, etc. placements are helpful and well thought out.
LAURIE (owa director) - PATAGONIA CAPILENE 3 BOTTOMS - $55
I’m regularly cold so I’ve looked at lots of baselayers. After much searching, I stocked up on these; I haven’t found anything better & I’m not looking anymore!
KIM (owa manager) - SMARTWOOL SOCKS - $10+
I wear Smartwool socks to run in and thicker pairs to ike in. They don’t get gross when my feet sweat and they protect my feet from blisters better than other brands.
TIFFINY (owa manager) - Icebreaker Tech Lite Tee $69
I can go 10 days without washing it, it’s anti-microbial, and it keeps me warm and cold when appropriate. It’s made from Merino wool & is ultralight.
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
TIFFINY (owa manager) - Columbia REDMOND MID WATERPROOF - $71
I’ve been up about 20 mountains in these boots & they show no signs of wear; they are AMAZING! They don’t give me blisters, have great ankle support and are waterproof I’ve been knee-deep in snow w/ them.
KIM (owa manager) - Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed - $290+ Includes an integrated comforter that seals the opening, rather than zipping into a traditional mummy-style bag. Also has hand and arm pockets!
TIFFINY (owa manager) - TETON SPORTS OASIS HYDRATION BACKPACK - $57
It’s my go-to, easy to grab & pack backpack for hiking short morning hikes or longer day-hikes. The mesh-raised back makes it breathable in summer when my back would otherwise sweat with other packs.
KIM (owa manager) - BIG AGNES ANGEL SPRINGS UL3 TENT - $450 Super light, super easy to set up!
LAURIE (owa director) - BLACK DIAMOND VOYAGER LANTERN - $25+
For those who sleep in a tent & want something more than a headlamp, this lightweight option gives off just the right amount of light. Can use the stand or hang; batteries last a long time, too.
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
GINA (founder) - KLYMIT INERTIA XL SLEEPING PAD $85
First time I saw this, I put it on concrete, laid down on it & woulda had no idea I was on concrete had I not just put the pad there. It is SO fast to blow up (less than 20 seconds!) & take down; packs to nothing. Top doubles over for pillow. Weight is neglible for a pad!
LAURIE (owa director) - MARMOT TAMARACK JACKET $225
For those needing one not-too-expensive winter shell, this is a super versatile shell allowing for lots of layering. It’s lightweight and fits well — not boxy.
LAURIE (owa director) - Chaco Z/2 Pro Sandal $110 Excellent support, long-lasting durability, tons of colors and designs, and chaco tans!
TIFFINY (owa manager) - VIVO BAREFOOT TRAIL FREAKS - $30+
These minimalist shoes give you a workout in your calves, so after hiking a 14er, I usually go to these shoes to give my quads a break. Love the low-profile look of these as well!
LAURIE (owa director) - Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sleeping Pad - $35+ Good for occasional backpacker & those with poor lung capacity /general hatred toward blowing up a sleeping pad. Lightweight; no blowing up or squeezing into a stuff sack required. Very comfortable for the little amount of effort it takes to use.
OUTDOOR WOMEN’S ALLIANCE
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