Green Garden Gear Shed: Thanksgiving Selects – Mountain Life – GWC Mag gwcmagOctober 3, 2023043 views Move over pumpkin spice, here are some gear selections from ML staff and partners to liven up your Thanksgiving and the rest of October. Backpacker’s Pantry With roots stretching back to 1951, Backpacker’s Pantry meals are used worldwide by trekkers, sailors, extreme athletes, explorers, the military, hunters, campers and the US Ski Team. It may be freeze-dried survival food with a three-year shelf life, but it sure tastes fresh and satisfying. When you’re hovering over a camp stove on a backcountry ski or paddling trip, something this tasty (and easy to prepare) is truly a small miracle. www.backpackerspantry.ca Veggie Options + Corporate Responsibility Veggie Options + Corporate Responsibility 96 100 0 1 The Three-Cheese Mac was a big hit on our last paddling trip, as was the Dark Chocolate Cheesecake and the Thai Curry. Trip-ready sustenance has never come with this many vegan and vegetarian options, including Pad Thai, Cuban Coconut Rice & Black Beans, Peanut Butter & Banana Oatmeal, Chana Masala and many more. Above and beyond the ingredients, Backpacker’s Pantry has donated hundreds of thousands to organizations including: 1% for the Planet, American Hiking Society, Community Food Share, The Conservation Alliance, Continental Divide Trail Coalition and Outdoor Afro. The Three-Cheese Mac was a big hit on our last paddling trip, as was the Dark Chocolate Cheesecake and the Thai Curry. Trip-ready sustenance has never come with this many vegan and vegetarian options, including Pad Thai, Cuban Coconut Rice & Black Beans, Peanut Butter & Banana Oatmeal, Chana Masala and many more. Above and beyond the ingredients, Backpacker’s Pantry has donated hundreds of thousands to organizations including: 1% for the Planet, American Hiking Society, Community Food Share, The Conservation Alliance, Continental Divide Trail Coalition and Outdoor Afro. 96/100 Total Score iLegend The best Beyond Alpha Aura Jacket The Alpha Aura Jacket is made with Polartec Alpha Direct, perfect for high-intensity outdoor activities such as hiking, mountaineering and ski-touring. The highly compressible insulation is up to 50% lighter and more packable than the average fleece. The breathable, lofted-knit fleece fabric allows longer wear through a wider range of activities and environments. www.beyondclothing.com Note: Beyond is planning to ship to Canadian shoppers by December 2023. Photo: Beyond Packable Fleece Packable Fleece 96 100 0 1 The Alpha Aura is sustainably produced in the USA from 54% recycled content, and it’s OEKO-TEX Approved. Can be worn as a stand-alone jacket or used as a multiplier for warmth when combined with a protective outer wind or rain shell. Reduced friction between layers allows for increased range of mobility. The Alpha Aura is sustainably produced in the USA from 54% recycled content, and it’s OEKO-TEX Approved. Can be worn as a stand-alone jacket or used as a multiplier for warmth when combined with a protective outer wind or rain shell. Reduced friction between layers allows for increased range of mobility. 96/100 Total Score iLegend The best Danner Jag Loft Whether you’re chilling after a long day of shredding, or fetching firewood from the backyard, the versatile Jag Loft (available for women and men) offers premium warmth and comfort indoors or out. A suede and textile upper is insulated for a slipper-like feel. The collapsible heel lets you step into them easily when you’re in a rush or your hands are full. A lightweight EVA midsole provides cushioned comfort, and the grippy outsole helps you keep your footing on frozen ground. www.global.danner.com Photo: Danner Wear-Everywhere Slip-On Wear-Everywhere Slip-On 96 100 0 1 The PrimaLoft insulation offers best-in-class insulation for repeated compression and durability, making it the go-to choice for insulated footwear. The removable OrthoLite footbed boasts three layers of varying density for maximum cushioning and support. The footbed is made of open-cell polyurethane for better heat dissipation and air circulation. And this cold-weather version of Danner’s retro waffle outsole is designed to adapt to a variety of terrains, from sidewalks to light trails with a FrostTrekker compound for traction on snow and ice. The PrimaLoft insulation offers best-in-class insulation for repeated compression and durability, making it the go-to choice for insulated footwear. The removable OrthoLite footbed boasts three layers of varying density for maximum cushioning and support. The footbed is made of open-cell polyurethane for better heat dissipation and air circulation. And this cold-weather version of Danner’s retro waffle outsole is designed to adapt to a variety of terrains, from sidewalks to light trails with a FrostTrekker compound for traction on snow and ice. 96/100 Total Score iLegend The best Dometic HUB 2 Redux Featuring innovative design and function, the HUB 2 REDUX ensures fast, personal shelter whenever you need it. An all-new lightweight polyester—woven with recycled plastic bottle yarn—is high-performance and extremely reliable. The HUB 2 utilizes smart weight-saving features and patented AIR Frame technology, forming a compact pack size perfect for carrying on your back or throwing in the trunk of your car, ready for your next adventure. Weighs under 9 KG. Includes removable, toggle-in groundsheet, also made of recycled plastic. Buy Dometic products in Canada at Rack Attack. Photo: Dometic Shelter Set-Up Shelter Set-Up 97 100 0 1 Dometic products are always the result of painstaking expert-tested design, and the HUB 2 Redux is no exception. For example, the QuickPitch guying system, which sets up in seconds: just peg the bottom strap taut, and adjust the buckle to adjust tension. (Forget the straps that always got tangled in your old shelter.) Plus: the awnings inflate from a single inflation point. Dometic products are always the result of painstaking expert-tested design, and the HUB 2 Redux is no exception. For example, the QuickPitch guying system, which sets up in seconds: just peg the bottom strap taut, and adjust the buckle to adjust tension. (Forget the straps that always got tangled in your old shelter.) Plus: the awnings inflate from a single inflation point. 97/100 Total Score iLegend The best LaCrosse Alpha Evolution The Alpha Evolution boasts tactical-level features designed to enhance your performance across the board. Nothing was spared nothing in the making of this ultra-premium boot. With advanced elements like Vibram XS TREK outsole—a non-marking, technical rubber compound that delivers optimal traction on wet surfaces in addition to responsiveness on unpredictable terrain—the Alpha Evolution provides superior capability and comfort for discerning hunters and outdoorists. www.lacrossefootwear.com Photo: Intuition Waterproof Pull-On Boot Waterproof Pull-On Boot 96 100 0 1 Every feature built into the Alpha Evolution will ensure your comfort in the elements. It’s built with hand-laid premium, natural rubber over insulating neoprene for durability, flexibility and waterproof protection. Other key features include a quick drying and moisture wicking jersey-knit liner. And the durable neoprene gusset accommodates different calf sizes and makes it easy to slide the boot on and off. Finally, the rubberized EVA midsole delivers superior cushioning and shock absorption underfoot. Every feature built into the Alpha Evolution will ensure your comfort in the elements. It’s built with hand-laid premium, natural rubber over insulating neoprene for durability, flexibility and waterproof protection. Other key features include a quick drying and moisture wicking jersey-knit liner. And the durable neoprene gusset accommodates different calf sizes and makes it easy to slide the boot on and off. Finally, the rubberized EVA midsole delivers superior cushioning and shock absorption underfoot. 96/100 Total Score iLegend The best Related content: Ortovox Swisswool Piz Badus Jacket Here’s a layer you’ll want to wear every day this fall and winter. The outer layer of the lightweight Swisswool Piz Badus Jacket (available for men and women) is made of quilted, breathable and wind-resistant Tec Stretch material, while a lightweight Swisswool lining keeps you warm and comfy without restricting movement. The performance fit with ergonomic sleeve shape and side inserts made of elastic Merino fleece ensures an ideal fit for every situation, while the pre-adjusted hood offers additional protection. www.ortovox.com THe men’s Swisswool Piz Badus Jacket. Photo: Ortovox Multi-Use Cold Weather Layer Multi-Use Cold Weather Layer 97 100 0 1 This jacket scores high for sustainability: recycled polyester is used in addition to wool. It’s also PFC-free and climate-neutral. And it boasts an excellent weight/insulation ratio that really pays off on both freeriding and touring missions. This jacket scores high for sustainability: recycled polyester is used in addition to wool. It’s also PFC-free and climate-neutral. And it boasts an excellent weight/insulation ratio that really pays off on both freeriding and touring missions. 97/100 Total Score iLegend The best PAKA’s Performance 3/4 Crew Socks highlight their latest innovations with alpaca fiber. This amazing natural material, born in the Andes, is a performance powerhouse: it’s odor-resistant, moisture-wicking and thermoregulating. Alpaca’s low moisture retention rate of 8% (typical wool is 18%) helps to keep feet dry and comfortable for the long haul. The Performance 3/4 Crew Sock incorporates an ultrafine alpaca yarn diameter for a soft, non-itchy and highly durable multisport sock, with a padded heel and ankle. www.pakaapparel.com Photo: Paka Natural Performance Fiber Natural Performance Fiber 97 100 0 1 These socks envelop your feet in pure Andean goodness and utility. The Performance ¾ Crew Sock is built with a snug rib-knit design to avoid shifting and friction, a breathable mesh on the top to promote ventilation, compressive arch support and strategic padding for high-impact zones. Alpaca fibers also contain a keratin protein with natural antibacterial properties. These socks envelop your feet in pure Andean goodness and utility. The Performance ¾ Crew Sock is built with a snug rib-knit design to avoid shifting and friction, a breathable mesh on the top to promote ventilation, compressive arch support and strategic padding for high-impact zones. Alpaca fibers also contain a keratin protein with natural antibacterial properties. 97/100 Total Score iLegend The best Patagonia Kids’ Down Sweater Vest With an updated, versatile fit, the Kids’ Down Sweater Vest is a cold-weather standby that never goes out of style. And if you needed more reasons to buy one, they’re here: the vest boasts a NetPlus 100% postconsumer recycled nylon ripstop shell made from recycled fishing nets to help reduce ocean plastic pollution; it’s insulated with compressible 600-fill-power 100% recycled down; and it boasts a PFC-free DWR finish (durable water repellent coating that does not contain perfluorinated chemicals). www.patagonia.ca Photo: Patagonia Sustainability + Durability Sustainability + Durability 97 100 0 1 In addition to being the most sustainable layer out there, the Kids’ Down Sweater Vest is sewn and quilted to last far beyond the fit cycle of a growing child. That’s why it’s built with Patagonia’s hand-it-along ID label—and a quick and easy-to-use repair patch is included. In addition to being the most sustainable layer out there, the Kids’ Down Sweater Vest is sewn and quilted to last far beyond the fit cycle of a growing child. That’s why it’s built with Patagonia’s hand-it-along ID label—and a quick and easy-to-use repair patch is included. 97/100 Total Score iLegend The best The North Face Circaloft Jacket Circaloft is TNF’s new lightweight, highly packable, synthetic insulation line. The Women’s Circaloft Jacket has an impressive warmth-to-weight ratio, fully recycled body fabrics and the ability to stow in its right-hand pocket (or external stuffsack). As one of TNF’s Circular Design styles, solid color options are made with sustainably conscious materials and recyclable upon return. www.thenorthface.com Photo: TNF Low-Impact Apparel Low-Impact Apparel 97 100 0 1 The Circular Design program sees apparel disassembled and recycled by TNF at the end of its life into raw materials for a second generation of products. The Circular Design program sees apparel disassembled and recycled by TNF at the end of its life into raw materials for a second generation of products. 97/100 Total Score iLegend The best ZEAL Cloudfall Goggles The new Cloudfall is Zeal’s first spherical lens goggle to combine two of the brand’s groundbreaking technologies. Zeal’s Rail Lock System (RLS) boasts a rimless frame design for unsurpassed peripheral vision and a dual sliding rail system that guides, slides and locks your lens easily and securely. And, taking a page from the physics behind structures like air traffic control towers, Observation Deck Technology (ODT) is the first goggle system that replicates the eagle’s view of the mountains, to help you see every inch of the line below you, with 20% more field of vision than a traditional goggle. www.zealoptics.com Photo: Zeal Optics You might also like: Check the ML Podcast!