In 2015, Outdoor Research introduced the Uberlayer Hoody to its line up of puffies. To this day, it’s still one of the pieces that I reach for the most. Last spring, the Ascendant Hoody popped onto the line-up, as the Uberlayer’s lightweight little sister.
How does it compare?
I talk a lot about hiking and backpacking gear, but climbing gear has taken a bit of a back seat. I’m excited to start sharing some of my favorite climbing gear, starting with bouldering, because it’s winter and I like napping on crash pads in the sun.
Here’s a look at my bouldering kit essentials.
When I first saw the Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho at Outdoor Retailer a few years ago, I wrote it off as the world’s most gimmicky item. Boy, was I wrong. So very wrong. Is it a blanket? Is it a sleeping bag? Is it a life sized slice of American cheese? Whatever it is, it’s my favorite piece of gear.
With the holidays dead ahead, it’s time to start thinking about gifts for family and friends. I love the process of giving presents, and thinking about things people would really adore. I’m not big on giving stuff if it’s not meaningful. I scoured the internet to find a few items that I would really love. So, I present to you, six gifts for the outdoor advocate in your life.
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Instant coffee gets a bad rap for tasting like dirt. But coffee doesn’t have to be terrible when you’re miles away from civilization. Founder and professional climber Matt Segal dreamed up the idea of good instant coffee while he was out in the Bugaboos. Alpine Start Coffee is here to change your mind.
I personally do not drink coffee—I think it all tastes like dirt, with the exception of affogatos. I enlisted the help of several friends to do some coffee taste testing for me on some recent backpacking trips.