Clothing Systems
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By the Numbers: Compression Resistance of PrimaLoft Gold vs. Climashield Apex (Part 4)
PrimaLoft Gold outperforms Climashield Apex as the more resilient (durable) insulation, capable of retaining more of its original warmth and loft in response to repeated compression.
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Base Layers, Wicking, and Backpacking (Member Q&A)
Learn how to choose a base layer for backpacking, base layer material performance differences, and how base layers impact moisture transfer in the broader context of a clothing system.
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Do moisture-wicking fabrics work?
Moisture-wicking fabrics (base layers and underwear) are designed to move sweat away from the skin. In this study, we test if Polartec and other base layer fabrics meet manufacturer claims.
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Brynje Super Thermo Shirt
Gear reviews from our staff and members, buy/sell used, shopping tools, and more about the Brynje Super Thermo Merino Shirt.
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Synthetic Insulation Degradation Part 2: Thermal Performance vs. Compression
How bad does high-loft synthetic insulation (Climashield Apex and Primaloft Gold) degrade when subjected to repeated compression cycles? What’s the impact on backpacking gear and apparel?
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Enlightened Equipment Copperfield Wind Pants
Gear reviews from our staff and members, buy/sell used, shopping tools, and more about the Enlightened Equipment Copperfield Wind Pants.
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Episode 49 | Untraditional Layers
Ryan and Andrew discuss lightweight layering options for backpacking clothing that fall outside the norm of function.
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By the Numbers: the Search for a High-MVTR Waterproof Breathable Shell Jacket
A high MVTR waterproof-breathable shell jacket may be the holy grail that can replace both a wind shirt and a rain jacket. Do they exist, and where do we find them?
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Ultralight Rain Mitts for Backpacking: Reviews & Gear Guide
In this gear guide, we review 16 models of waterproof mitten shells (“rain mitts”) weighing less than 4 ounces (113 g) within the primary context of 3-season backpacking.
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Columbia Fast Trek Fleece Glove
Gear reviews from our staff and members, buy/sell used, shopping tools, and more about the Columbia Fast Trek Glove.
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YAMA Mountain Gear Rain Pogies
Gear reviews from our staff and members, buy/sell used, shopping tools, and more about the YAMA Mountain Gear Rain Pogies.
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Enlightened Equipment Visp Rain Mitts
The Enlightened Equipment Visp Rain Mitt is the lightest rain mitt we’ve used with single-hand adjustable closures at both the wrist and cuff.
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Black Diamond Waterproof Overmitts
The Black Diamond Waterproof Overmitt is a long-gauntlet snow/rain mitt with highly breathable fabric, sealed seams, and superb quality.
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Outdoor Research Revel Shell Mitt
The Outdoor Research Revel Shell Mitt is a durable and full-featured rain mitt – long gauntlet, wrist and cuff adjusters, and grippy palm.
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REI Minimalist GTX Rain Mitts
The REI Minimalist GTX shell mitten is a waterproof-breathable shell mitt intended to be layered over a light insulating glove or mitten for rain and wind protection.
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Lightweight Clothing Layering Systems for Backpacking (Member Q&A)
How to assemble and save weight on a clothing layering system for hiking and backpacking to stay warm, dry, and comfortable.
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By the Numbers: Is Synthetic Insulation Warm When Wet?
We throw some quantitative testing at an oft-repeated synthetic insulation claim to measure the thermal performance of wet insulation.
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Arc’teryx Proton LT Hoody
The original version of the Proton LT Hoody received a Highly Recommended rating from our Alaskan contributor, Max Neale, in 2018. He called it the “highest rated all-purpose active insulation jacket”…
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Patagonia Micro Puff Hoodie
The Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody is one of the best lightweight synthetic insulated jackets on the market today. If you want a full-length zipper, two zippered handwarmer pockets, and interior stash…
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Patagonia Sun Stretch Shirt
We recommend the Patagonia Sun Stretch Shirt primarily as a trekking base layer or insect-protection layer in camp for summer (warm) environments. It has a unique mix of features: reasonably…
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