Green Garden Gear Shed: Beat the Shoulder Season Blues – GWC Mag gwcmagOctober 27, 2023074 views Don’t let shoulder season slow you down. Supercharge your fall with these gear selections from ML staff and partners. CEP Compression Socks Think socks won’t really make a difference in your performance? Think again. CEP’s The Run Mid-Cut Socks (for men or women) stabilize and stimulate your joints with a deep sensory effect to reduce injuries. The proven, wrinkle-free compression works together with a durable blend of materials to help prevent blisters. Plus, breathable padded zones in the foot provide cushioning to protect your joints. And ventilation zones and air channels keep your feet cool and dry throughout the most challenging run sessions. www.cepsports.ca Photo: CEP Collingwood Brewery Bricks & Mortar Oak Aged Porter A robust, rich ale infused with American and French oak, Bricks & Mortar pours dark brown with aromas of vanilla, coffee and chocolate. Available at the brewery and LCBO for a limited time. www.thecollingwoodbrewery.com Carefully Crafted Porter Carefully Crafted Porter 96 100 0 1 The Collingwood Brewery found a way to combine the flavour profiles of vanilla, coffee and chocolate into a rich, satisfying brew. What could be better? The Collingwood Brewery found a way to combine the flavour profiles of vanilla, coffee and chocolate into a rich, satisfying brew. What could be better? 96/100 Total Score iLegend The best Hestra Fall Line Mitt The women’s Fall Line boasts a slimmer cut to fit women’s narrower hands and is sewn in hardwearing treated cowhide with a pre-curved fit for comfort and good pole grip. The interior is soft fleece with synthetic G-Loft insulation, while foam panels provide extra warmth and stability. A removable wrist strap (not pictured below), attached to a small carabiner, cancels the risk of dropping a mitt. The Fall Line is perfect for those who prefer on-piste just as much as off-piste and aren’t afraid of a hike to the goods. Also available in a 5-finger model, and in a men’s version. www.hestragloves.ca The women’s Fall Line Mitt. Photo: Hestra Freeride Mitt Freeride Mitt 96 100 0 1 We especially like the removable five-finger lining with lightweight G-Loft insulation, the comfy neoprene cuff, the grippy pre-curved fit and especially the carabiner and wrist strap, because losing a mitt is no fun. We especially like the removable five-finger lining with lightweight G-Loft insulation, the comfy neoprene cuff, the grippy pre-curved fit and especially the carabiner and wrist strap, because losing a mitt is no fun. 96/100 Total Score iLegend The best Hillsound Trail Crampons The Trail Crampons are designed for stiff-soled boots and feature a carbon-steel plate system, reducing muscular fatigue and giving you confidence for all your winter pursuits—from shoveling an icy driveway to stomping an icy trail. The crampons can be worn with hiking shoes and boots (rigid soles) and winter boots and excel in different types of snowy, icy and muddy settings. www.hillsound.ca Photo: Hillsound Related content from ML: Merrell Siren 4 Thermo Mid Zip Waterproof Boot The women’s-specific fit of the Siren 4 Thermo Mid Zip Waterproof boot is uniquely engineered to cradle the distinct contours of female feet, providing comfort, support and stability even on the longest hikes. Now with Solarcore insulation, a lightweight material initially designed for NASA, you never have to worry about warmth. www.merrell.com Photo: Danner Insulation + Recycled Elements Insulation + Recycled Elements 96 100 0 1 200 grams Primaloft Gold Eco Series synthetic insulation and the Solarcore Aerogel insole provide underfoot superior warmth while staying extremely flexible and ultra-thin. And the recycled content in this boot is impressive: 100% recycled laces and webbing; 100% recycled fleece lining; 100% recycled mesh footbed cover; and 5% recycled PU removable footbed. 200 grams Primaloft Gold Eco Series synthetic insulation and the Solarcore Aerogel insole provide underfoot superior warmth while staying extremely flexible and ultra-thin. And the recycled content in this boot is impressive: 100% recycled laces and webbing; 100% recycled fleece lining; 100% recycled mesh footbed cover; and 5% recycled PU removable footbed. 96/100 Total Score iLegend The best Pearl Izumi Summit Pant Some rides call for the extra protection of pants and that’s where the new Summit Pant (available for men or women) comes in. Designed with mobility and pedaling performance in mind, it’s constructed from the same ultralight and durable woven fabric as Pearl Izumi’s Summit Short, with a DWR coating to shrug off moisture, plus 14% spandex for stretch. Perforated panels on the inside of the legs keep this pant feeling extra airy, while dual Trail Access pockets hold the day’s essentials within reach, but out of the way. Pair with the Transfer Cargo Liner Short (for men or women) and hit the trail. Tip: In cooler weather, try wearing the Summit Pant under a shell pant. www.pearlizumi.ca Photos: Pearl Izumi Sustainable MTB Pant Sustainable MTB Pant 96 100 0 1 We wear the Summit Pant all the time, not just for biking. And we can feel even better about it because the main body fabric is recycled polyester. Pearl Izumi is moving towards manufacturing more of their products using recycled, renewable and/or organic materials. They’re on track for 98% of the items they make to be sourced from sustainable materials by 2024. And they build their gear to last, backed by a Lifetime Guarantee and free in-house repairs. We wear the Summit Pant all the time, not just for biking. And we can feel even better about it because the main body fabric is recycled polyester. Pearl Izumi is moving towards manufacturing more of their products using recycled, renewable and/or organic materials. They’re on track for 98% of the items they make to be sourced from sustainable materials by 2024. And they build their gear to last, backed by a Lifetime Guarantee and free in-house repairs. 96/100 Total Score iLegend The best Sunday Afternoons Outback Storm Hat Lightweight and 100% waterproof, the unisex Outback Storm Hat is breathable with a structured fedora silhouette. Fully seam-taped with a PFAS-free durable water repellent, this classic style has a Reverse Split Brim, so it packs small and flat. And it boasts a UPF 50+ sun rating with reflective piping and an adjustable chin strap. This is a hat made for any and all adventures big and small. www.sundayafternoons.ca Photos: Sunday Afternoons All-Weather Hat All-Weather Hat 96 100 0 1 With a lifetime guarantee on materials and workmanship—plus a 10k waterproof membrane to protect from rain and snow, and a UPF 50+ sun rating—this is a hat to rely on, wherever you may roam. With a lifetime guarantee on materials and workmanship—plus a 10k waterproof membrane to protect from rain and snow, and a UPF 50+ sun rating—this is a hat to rely on, wherever you may roam. 96/100 Total Score iLegend The best Trek Farley With its 4.5-inch tires, carbon fork, dropper post and modern geo, the Trek Farley makes riding a blast. It’s the ultimate go-anywhere fat bike. What sets it apart is its fully equipped, frame-specific package of racks and bags for loading up with everything you need to get way, way beyond the beaten path. Extra-wide 4.5-inch tires give you amazing traction over loose terrain and progressive trail geometry gives you extra stability and efficient pedaling. Test or buy in Ontario at Kamikaze in Collingwood: www.kamikazebikes.com Photo: Trek Xcel Drylock 6/5 mm Hooded Full Wetsuit With its water-tight construction and unparalleled warmth, the Xcel Women’s Drylock 6/5 mm Hooded Full Wetsuit is made for the most extreme of conditions and the coldest surf spots Canada can offer. Celliant Black Smartfiber in the core and Ultra Stretch IR maximize performance. Also available in 4/3 mm and men’s versions. www.xcelwetsuits.com Photo: Xcel You might also like: Check the ML Podcast!