The Outdoor Research Valhalla Jacket is the first softshell I have ever owned. Within one month of testing, it has easily become one of my favorite jackets.
If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve seen my obsessive Instagramming of my Triple Aught Design Artemis Hoodie!
Last night, I had the chance to check out TAD’s renovated Dogpatch location and meet the team, and boy, it was fantastic. Here’s a sneak peek of what it all looks like before their grand re-opening on Saturday!
The new space is spacious! There’s a dedicated corner for all the women’s apparel which is super awesome. It’s small, but it’s there! The full line of accessories and men’s apparel is also carried at the store. And the coolest part, there’s an enormous space for collaborative and community-based activities like movie nights, classes, trip planning, etc.
I got a sneak peek at some goodies for Saturday’s big Warehouse Sale which includes some very old items, and some never-seen-before items.
Their grand re-opening is on Saturday at 9AM in conjunction with Dogpatch Warehouse Sale. 22nd Street between 3rd and Indiana Street. It’s gonna be packed, so come early if you want to snag some discounted or one-of-a-kind TAD goodies! For more information on the Dogpatch Warehouse Sale and the vendors, check out the website here: http://dogpatchwarehousesale.com
And oh! As a super awesome visitor, check out these new fabric swatches for Spring 2014!
Fun fact: the Outdoor Research Valhalla jacket is my first softshell. Well, the first softshell I can remember owning as an adult. Here’s a first look at the jacket by Winnemucca Lake in Mokelumne Wilderness. Full reviews of the hike and the jacket to come shortly.
Some specs from Outdoor Research:
- Critically Taped Seams
- Windproof
- Drawcord Hem
- Hand Pockets Set Above Hip Belt Or Harness
- Two Zippered Hand Pockets
- Dual Zippered Napoleon Pockets
- Internal Front-Zip Stormflap
- Double-Sliding TorsoFlo™ Hem-to-Bicep Zippers
- Water Resistant
- Breathable
- DWR Coated Zippers
- Small Internal Mesh Pocket
- Hook/Loop Cuff Closures
- Internal Media Pocket
- Double-Separating Center-Front Zipper
- Adjustable Wire-Brimmed Hood
- Average weight is 19.3oz
- Roomier fit
The Outdoor Research Valhalla retails at Moosejaw for $280 or through Outdoor Research for $350.
The Outdoor Research Valhalla was provided to me for an honest review.
Yes, I am small enough to shop in the kids section sometimes. Today, I have for you the North Face Resolve Jacket for Big Girls.
This jacket has been my daily driver for almost an entire year now. It’s great for breezy days on the trail, light rain and moisture, protection from prickly trees and bushes, or even splashes from kayaking.
The material is North Face’s Hyvent which is slightly older technology as I think they’re on Hyvent 2L now. The jacket is fully seam taped, waterproof-y and breathable. For a 5′, 100lb~ person, the XL is roomy enough to layer a hoodie underneath for cooler days and commutes. The sleeves do run a little short though. But then again, I prefer my sleeves on the longer side of things.
It’s lightweight-ish at 12.7 oz and can pack down well into small places.
The differences between the kid version and the adult version:
- spot to write your name in case you lose your jacket at school
- non-adjustable hood
- no cinch cord for the hem
The only con is there are no pit zips, but the adult version doesn’t have them either. If you’re not willing to sacrifice pit zips, you may be better off with the North Face Venture jacket, reviewed previously here.
The kids’ XL is fairly comparable to the women’s XS, except the arms and torso are just a bit wider. If you don’t mind the non-cinchable hem and the non-adjustable hood, The North Face Girls’ Resolve Jacket will set you back $65 compared to $90 for the women’s version
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The North Face Venture jacket is a great lightweight shell to protect from the wind and elements. Waterproof, breathable, and fully seam-taped at approximately 12 oz, it’s a good jacket to accompany you for long days on the trail.
The Venture jacket comes complete with pit zips, two hand zip pockets, Velcro wrist tabs, hem cinch cord, adjustable hood, and Velcro front closures, to help keep you safe and snug from the elements.
This runs on the roomier side to allow room for layering. An XS fits a down jacket or a thicker hoodie comfortably underneath without compromising mobility.
All in all, no complaints about this jacket. For $99, you definitely could do a lot worse. Buy through Moosejaw or Altrec
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