Snowshoe Reviews

See the main "Got Gear" page for general information on hats and clothing.

Hats

Chaos beanie PRODUCT REVIEW:
Chaos – Fits All 4x – Felix Beanie

Chaos has a line of winter beanies and hats that cover all genders and a cornucopia of styles. Their Fits-All 4x line was designed with the idea in mind of always getting the perfect fit. Being one of the hat guru companies out there, I feel secure in telling you that you would be satisfied with almost any hat in their line, although some of their hats are more technical while others are more for show. Flash, fur, tight sport wear, color, flowers, and strictly athletic – Chaos selection runs the gamut. The Felix wears well, has a nice fit, and is very well made. We've been impressed with construction and comfort.
MRSP:$22.95–$28.95
  • Base yarn filaments wrapped around a spandex core = stretch and softness
  • Athletic beanie

Clothing - Base Layer

Ice Breaker Zip Top PRODUCT REVIEW:
IceBreaker GT 200 Base Layer Series

Introduced to the public in Fall/Winter of 2010 the GT base layer is the most technical fabric Icebreaker has ever made—and that's saying something! IceBreaker is top of the market for crafting the finest Merino wool into a natural base layer that moves and breathes with the body. When people think wool, they often think itchy, but the fine, light Merino is breathable, odor resistant and soft. A natural fiber, it moves with the body and keeps your body temp even. The GT base layer comes in 2 weights. The 200 is for running, cycling and other all season sports. The 260 is a midweight for winter sports like skiing. I've been testing the 200 for snowshoeing because of the layering we do in the sport. I've had 2 testers layer up with the GT 200. The first is a mountaineer who used it to climb Mt. Shasta. Here is his review:

"I'm glad you asked for my input on this product because I like it a lot. The thing that stands out the most is its comfort. It is very light weight and fits the body form better than any base layer I have used in the past. I have only used it on Shasta, but it was great for warmth. It just seemed to have a better comfort level and odor control compared to synthetics. Do I need to say more?" —Gene Rawson; The Peak Military Training

My review:
The new GT line has some fun colors—not just basic black. I love the stitching. They are very well made, and these haven't had the same tendency to run or peel as other base layers have. The thumb holes on the sleeves are a must for keeping your sleeves down while you layer and the wear is like butter! The cut and design mold to the body for a comfortable form-fitting layer. They are spendy, but an investment that you'll be happy you made. Every time you put them on you'll feel like you're treating yourself to something fine. And then of course, they actually perform: Warmth, breathing, odor control. I love them.
MRSP: LS Pace or Sprint Crewe:$100, LS Sprint or Pace Leggins: $100
  • PureMade from the world’s best Merino wool
  • 3% Lycra – for shape retention and stretch
  • 8 styles each for men and women including long sleeved crewe tops, leggings, and hipster underpants
  • Flatlock stitching
  • Sleeve gussets
  • Strategically-placed seams to reduce bulk

Mid Layer

TML Light SportKnit PRODUCT REVIEW:
Smartwool TML Light SportKnit

This piece is more like a sweater. Densely woven, it has a feel of quality, and is easy to wear. Merino wool breaths , gives warmth while pulling the moisture away from your body and washes nicely. It's also known for not retaining body odor. With a tight base layer underneath, this mid-layer is protective enough to wear and breath as an outer layer on a hot day, or work nicely to maintain and direct body head as an inner layer under your jacket. There is a little zipper pocket on the sleeve that is handy for a key, or ID. Sleeve thumbholes are always helpful in winter clothing. Do treat with care as the weaving can snag a bit.
MRSP:$130.00
  • 1/4 zip for ease of putting on, taking off, style and ventilation
  • Semi curve fit
  • Sleeve thumb holes
  • Rubber tip zipper pull
  • Colors: Ash, Heather, Turquoise, Claret, Black

Hats

Sierra Designs Flex Hoody Vest PRODUCT REVIEW:
Sierra Designs – Flex Hoody Vest

One of the keys to snowshoe dressing is the layering. Often an insulated vest is ideal for snowshoeing because it keeps the core warm while allowing heat to dissipate off the arms. Sierra Design's new Flex Hoody, available Fall 2011, is stuffed with 650-fill down and designed with Flex baffle construction which allows a comfortable stretch as it hugs you. I've noticed I get warmth, movement and style. Sierra Designs has proven itself again as an innovator of technical mountain wear. This piece is stylish and can easily be worn around town, but has the technical design and performance to be a favorite layer under a shell on a cold day, or as a movable outer layer when you're heating up. A fun, usable and technical piece, the Flex Hoody makes a great addition to a woman's snowshoe wear. They make the vest only for women but there is a Flex Hoody jacket for men.
MRSP:$199.00
  • Shell and liner 100% Elevation Eco – recycled polyester ripstop fabric/li>
  • Down-filled hood with draw cords
  • Zippered hand pockets
  • Single interior zip pocket
  • Elastic cuff for heat retention
  • Center front storm flap
  • 17 ounces