Green Garden Gear Shed: Midwinter Picks – Mountain Life – GWC Mag gwcmagFebruary 12, 2024030 views ML staff and partners add more top-rung goodies to the Gear Shed. Filson Deer Island Ranch Coat The Deer Island Ranch Coat is an ideal layer for shop work, mending fences or most any other task on dry, chilly days. Made with thick fabric that’s brushed for heat-trapping loft and softness, the hand-feel is similar to a cotton blanket. Angled-entry hand and open-stow chest pockets provide quick access to essentials and the front closure and adjustable cuffs secure with highly durable urea buttons. www.Elements2002.ca Photo: Filson Original Pioneer Outfitter Original Pioneer Outfitter 95 100 0 1 “Filson began as an outfitter for the daring pioneers of the Yukon Gold Rush who abandoned the shelter of society seeking fortune in wild and unforgiving territory. Those hardy souls faced unfathomable hardship – clothing and supplies were not merely matters of choice, but of survival. More than a century later, Filson remains committed to equipping those who courageously blaze new trails and challenge the unknown. Based in Seattle since 1897, Filson’s legacy is one of manufacturing best-in-class goods engineered for dependability and maximum utility. Their durable, tightly-woven Mackinaw Wool is the finest example of nature’s oldest and most trusted cold-weather clothing.” www.filson.com “Filson began as an outfitter for the daring pioneers of the Yukon Gold Rush who abandoned the shelter of society seeking fortune in wild and unforgiving territory. Those hardy souls faced unfathomable hardship – clothing and supplies were not merely matters of choice, but of survival. More than a century later, Filson remains committed to equipping those who courageously blaze new trails and challenge the unknown. Based in Seattle since 1897, Filson’s legacy is one of manufacturing best-in-class goods engineered for dependability and maximum utility. Their durable, tightly-woven Mackinaw Wool is the finest example of nature’s oldest and most trusted cold-weather clothing.” www.filson.com 95/100 Total Score iLegend The best Hot Poc+ Hand Warmers Spring melt at a ski hill reveals a smorgasbord of detritus beneath each chairlift—dropped single ski poles and gloves, tossed smoke butts and beer cans—but the most ubiquitous has to be the disposable hand warmer (and its bright-orange packaging). Hot Poc, a little homegrown company in Quebec, has found a solution: Hot Poc+ reusable hand warmers. Sized to fit in a mitt, the little squishy squares spend their non-working hours in your pocket or pack, awaiting a quick click to activate the heat. www.hotpoc.ca Photo: Hot Poc Sustainable Hand Warmers Sustainable Hand Warmers 95 100 0 1 The warmth lasts about 20 minutes, perfect when you need just a bit of oomph to get you to the next hot-cocoa break. But they’re pretty darn light, so cycling through a stash to extend your adventure is an easy option. Back home, a quick boil on the stove restores them to ready position. We keep a set in the truck and another in our packs—because you just never know when you’re going to need a little heat! The warmth lasts about 20 minutes, perfect when you need just a bit of oomph to get you to the next hot-cocoa break. But they’re pretty darn light, so cycling through a stash to extend your adventure is an easy option. Back home, a quick boil on the stove restores them to ready position. We keep a set in the truck and another in our packs—because you just never know when you’re going to need a little heat! 95/100 Total Score iLegend The best Jack Wolfskin Atmosphere Pant A night in a tent or mountain hut in sub-zero temperatures is a warmer experience with the Atmosphere Pants (available for men or women). Filled with lightweight, high-performance RDS-certified duck down for insulation at a minimal weight, the pants’ lower legs, knees and seat utilize recycled Microguard Ecosphere insulation instead of down. This synthetic insulation is less sensitive to moisture than down and better able to withstand compression. Buy Jack Wolfskin in Canada at www.latulippe.com Photo: Jack Wolfskin Compressible Insulated Pant Compressible Insulated Pant 96 100 0 1 In very cold and windy conditions you could wear the Atmosphere Pant under a hardshell pant or bib, but with wind resistant and water repellent ripstop fabric, it performs well on its own, too. We tend to focus on a jacket as a portable backup layer to keep in your pack, but this ultra-compressible pant packs down small enough to throw in the pack as well. In very cold and windy conditions you could wear the Atmosphere Pant under a hardshell pant or bib, but with wind resistant and water repellent ripstop fabric, it performs well on its own, too. We tend to focus on a jacket as a portable backup layer to keep in your pack, but this ultra-compressible pant packs down small enough to throw in the pack as well. 96/100 Total Score iLegend The best Kathmandu HELI R Down Vest The Heli R Down Vest (for women or men) is light and highly compressible—it packs into its own pocket and weighs just 160 g (size medium)—making it the perfect companion to toss in your pack to be prepared for any weather. With traceable 600-fill-power duck down, the Heli R Down Vest aims to lessen its impact on the environment, utilizing recycled materials throughout—i.e., the shell, lining, zip tape, plastic components and labels. Wear under a rain jacket for extra warmth or over a long-sleeved top for chilly in-between days. www.kathmanduoutdoor.ca Photos: Kathmandu Eco-Forward Garment Eco-Forward Garment 97 100 0 1 This highly sustainable RDS-certified down vest delivers all the warm fuzzies, at a fraction of the waste. Every last centimetre of it is recycled material. This highly sustainable RDS-certified down vest delivers all the warm fuzzies, at a fraction of the waste. Every last centimetre of it is recycled material. 97/100 Total Score iLegend The best K2 Recon 120 BOA Ski Boot Introducing the all-new Recon 120 BOA (women’s version: the Anthem)—delivering out-of-the-box performance with the micro-adjustable BOA fit system and a MultiFit last, designed to fit a variety of foot shapes with ultimate precision. Featuring a fully heat-moldable Powerlite Shell, FastFit Instep, Honeycomb boot board and Gripwalk outsoles, the Recon boasts a performance-first approach without sacrificing comfort. Little Ed’s Ski Shop, Collingwood www.littleeds.com The men’s Recon (L) and the women’s Anthem. Photo: K2 ML Skadi Series T-Shirts Skaði—often anglicized as Skadi—shows up in nearly all the surviving Norse mythological texts. And in all of them, she is a force to be reckoned with; a Norse ski goddess associated with bowhunting, skiing, winter and mountains, whose legend should be celebrated as much as we do Ullr‘s. If we’re going to unearth Skadi’s legend and keep her spirit alive, you might as well start by buying a comfy, quick-dry T-shirt and head for the hills. (And on your way, grab some cold cans of Skadi IPA brewed by The Collingwood Brewery.) Custom artwork by Stu Mackay-Smith. Backstory Backstory 95 100 0 1 Here’s some Skadi backstory: “While not a household name today, Skaði shows up in nearly all the surviving Norse mythological texts. These oral stories were passed down for two centuries before being written down in the late Middle Ages. And in all of them, Skaði is a force to be reckoned with. Skaði storms Asgard (home of the gods) and demands revenge after her father is killed in a tit-for-tat with Loki the trickster. The gods offer her compensation, the most enticing part being that she can pick a husband from the gods—but she’s only allowed to choose by the sight of their feet. She picks the best-looking pair, hoping for the handsome Baldr (son of Odin, ruler of the gods), and winds up with Njörd, god of wind and sea. It proves a poor match. Njörd is from the coast, and Skaði the mountains. They attempt to inhabit each other’s domains but Njörd can’t sleep through the howling of the wolves, and the chattering seagulls are enough to make Skaði jump ship on the marriage. She returns home to Thrymheim ‘where the snow never melts’ to ski and hunt as she pleases.” –Nikkey Dawn Here’s some Skadi backstory: “While not a household name today, Skaði shows up in nearly all the surviving Norse mythological texts. These oral stories were passed down for two centuries before being written down in the late Middle Ages. And in all of them, Skaði is a force to be reckoned with. Skaði storms Asgard (home of the gods) and demands revenge after her father is killed in a tit-for-tat with Loki the trickster. The gods offer her compensation, the most enticing part being that she can pick a husband from the gods—but she’s only allowed to choose by the sight of their feet. She picks the best-looking pair, hoping for the handsome Baldr (son of Odin, ruler of the gods), and winds up with Njörd, god of wind and sea. It proves a poor match. Njörd is from the coast, and Skaði the mountains. They attempt to inhabit each other’s domains but Njörd can’t sleep through the howling of the wolves, and the chattering seagulls are enough to make Skaði jump ship on the marriage. She returns home to Thrymheim ‘where the snow never melts’ to ski and hunt as she pleases.” –Nikkey Dawn 95/100 Total Score iLegend The best Muckster Lite Clog The Original Muck Boot Co. recently released the Muckster Lite Clog—their lightest ever, offering SRC-rated slip-resistant traction and for all-day wear indoors or out, rain or shine. Just as importantly, the new clog is built from a high-performance, lightweight foam called Bio Lite which is ultra-durable, easy to clean—and biodegradable under proper conditions in a bioreactor landfill. The upper features side ventilation holes for breathability and drainage for water and debris. Fit feedback: Customers have recommended ordering one size smaller than your regular size. www.muckbootcompany.ca Photo: Muck Slip-on Clog Slip-on Clog 97 100 0 1 The Bio Lite polymer has been granted a Green Leaf certificate by Intertek, an accredited independent third-party testing facility, verifying that it will properly biodegrade in bioreactor landfills. The landfill biodegradation was validated utilizing the ASTM D5511-18 test method, ISO 15985. The Bio Lite polymer has been granted a Green Leaf certificate by Intertek, an accredited independent third-party testing facility, verifying that it will properly biodegrade in bioreactor landfills. The landfill biodegradation was validated utilizing the ASTM D5511-18 test method, ISO 15985. 97/100 Total Score iLegend The best Ortovox 3L Deep Shell Jacket A lightweight hardshell that contains no environmentally harmful polyfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), the Ortovox 3L Deep Shell Jacket (available for women or men) includes Swiss wool merino inserts over key areas (like the chest and neck) that are extra susceptible to cold. (That’s right: a hardshell with merino inserts; very rare, and very welcome.) The outer membrane is long-lasting and carries a waterproof rating greater than 20,000mm and it’s also windproof. The result is a shell with total comfort and freedom, designed for big mountain freeriding. www.escaperoute.ca Photos: Ortovox Sustainable Hardshell Sustainable Hardshell 97 100 0 1 Ortovox’s products contain no environmentally harmful per- or polyfluorinated chemicals (PFCs). They’re also climate neutral, meaning they are produced in the most environmentally friendly way possible and all unavoidable CO2 emissions have been offset. The wool used in this product has been inspected for compliance with the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF). And all Ortovox products are manufactured under fair working conditions in conformity with the FWF. Details at www.fairwear.org Ortovox’s products contain no environmentally harmful per- or polyfluorinated chemicals (PFCs). They’re also climate neutral, meaning they are produced in the most environmentally friendly way possible and all unavoidable CO2 emissions have been offset. The wool used in this product has been inspected for compliance with the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF). And all Ortovox products are manufactured under fair working conditions in conformity with the FWF. Details at www.fairwear.org 97/100 Total Score iLegend The best Related content from ML: Paka Sebastian Ski Socks A lot of socks show up in our Gear Shed but the new Sebastian Ski Socks stand out. The warm, wicking, never-itchy material blend is a winner: 30 per cent baby alpaca, 59 per cent recycled nylon, 7 per cent lyocell and 4 per cent spandex. The calf and arch compression and extended heel cushion mean all-day comfort and performance in your ski boots. Why Alpaca? A lamoid prized by the ancient Inca for its versatile fleece, the alpaca has evolved to thrive in the extreme climate of the Andes mountains, resulting in the most versatile and functional natural fiber on the planet. www.pakaapparel.com Photo: Paka Material Blend Material Blend 97 100 0 1 Alpaca is as soft as cashmere and warmer and stronger than wool. The fiber contains microscopic air pockets that create lightweight garments with high insulation values. The cellular structure of the fiber produces an unmatched soft hand. The alpaca requires far less food and water than goats and sheep. And a single alpaca shearing provides 16x the material a goat shearing does. Alpaca is as soft as cashmere and warmer and stronger than wool. The fiber contains microscopic air pockets that create lightweight garments with high insulation values. The cellular structure of the fiber produces an unmatched soft hand. The alpaca requires far less food and water than goats and sheep. And a single alpaca shearing provides 16x the material a goat shearing does. 97/100 Total Score iLegend The best Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack 1L This tough, lightweight 1-liter hip pack carries the bare essentials and stows into its own pocket when not in use. It’s built from 100 per cent recycled body fabric, lining and webbing, and the easy-adjustable strap extends from 8″ to 36″. The main compartment has a zippered pocket, plus there’s a zippered security pocket for stashing small items. Made in a Fair Trade Certified factory. www.patagonia.ca Photo: Patagonia Minimalist Micropack Minimalist Micropack 97 100 0 1 The soft, herringbone-webbing belt lets you carry comfortably around the waist or bandolier style. The lightweight recycled nylon ripstop is tough, weather-resistant and highly packable. One size fits all. The soft, herringbone-webbing belt lets you carry comfortably around the waist or bandolier style. The lightweight recycled nylon ripstop is tough, weather-resistant and highly packable. One size fits all. 97/100 Total Score iLegend The best Pearl Izumi Summit PRO NeoShell WxB Jacket The men’s Summit PRO NeoShell Jacket changes the game as the first rain jacket to deliver all-day comfort while mountain biking. It’s built using a membrane that can move a basketball-sized volume of air from the jacket every minute; it’s the world’s most breathable waterproof material. This unrivaled level of moisture transfer manages body temps and keeps you dry like never before. But it’s not just about the breathability. Stretch fabric allows for dynamic movement and the woven fabric improves durability. For riding in unpredictable spring weather, we paired the Summit PRO Neoshell with the AmFIB Lite Gloves, which provide wind protection and 60g Primaloft Gold with Crosscore technology insulation (made from 35 per cent post-consumer recycled polyester). The gloves offer excellent dexterity and the synthetic leather palm is both grippy and durable. The AmFIB Lite serves for spring or fall riding but when temps drop below about 5C, we recommend the warmer AmFIB Gel version. www.pearlizumi.ca Photo: Pearl Izumi Cycling Shell Cycling Shell 96 100 0 1 The Polartec NeoShell offers unrivaled waterproof-breathability, while the stretch fabric and articulated sleeves mean a very forgiving fit while riding. The hood is designed to fit over a helmet, and the Aquaguard waterproof zippers (main and pockets) will keep valuables dry. And the jacket compresses down small enough to fit in a hydration pack. The Polartec NeoShell offers unrivaled waterproof-breathability, while the stretch fabric and articulated sleeves mean a very forgiving fit while riding. The hood is designed to fit over a helmet, and the Aquaguard waterproof zippers (main and pockets) will keep valuables dry. And the jacket compresses down small enough to fit in a hydration pack. 96/100 Total Score iLegend The best Rossignol Sender Free 110 From wide-open bowls and backcountry kickers to steep lines and high-speed resort carves, the men’s Sender Free 110 ski lets you send it anywhere the snow takes you, inbounds or out. The confident grip and playful responsive skiing combine for a smooth, powerful feel. This freeride ski has it all: Prepare for full send. And as part of Rossignol’s Respect Program, two trees will be planted for each pair of skis purchased online. www.rossignol.com Photo: Rossignol You might also like: Check the ML Podcast!