Gear Patrol | Spirit of Adventure, Passion for Gear

2 Coats, 18 Days

Seasons are something you can take for granted when you live in LA — I do — rarely giving you an opportunity to truly test cold weather gear. Granted our desert climate can create temps in the high 30s on winter nights, but it’s still not the right environment for challenging the winter gear that [...]

Clothes that keep up

Nonetheless Garments is a new Chicago clothing brand dedicated to creating stylish menswear that can also withstand the fluctuating weather conditions of commuting. The magic all starts with using advanced materials like Polartec NeoShell, which has twice the airflow of comparable waterproof materials, without looking like it was shorn from a Paratrooper. Like any good [...]

Be fleet of foot, swift of fleece

If you’re looking for a solid technical mid-layer fleece that stands apart from the rest, take a look at the Helly Hansen Swift Fleece ($130). We tried one on for ourselves this winter and found it easily more than capable for cold-weather activities and casual goings on, as well. The body is slimmer than most [...]

Light Trail

Taking the road less more traveled, Adidas Outdoor (think: an athletic approach to getting outside) has unveiled a lineup of gear for 2012 that has us ready to shed the parkas and hit the trails. Namely, the Terrex Fast R Hiking Boot ($195). Featuring a high-tech Traxion sole developed in conjunction with Continental — yup, [...]

Puff Daddy

Most people who spend time in the high latitudes own some sort of insulated jacket or vest. And most of these ubiquitous puffy garments are filled with goose down, the undisputed king of insulation. But while it’s true that down has the best warmth to weight ratio of any batting, fall through the ice and [...]

It takes two to tango

Speed or power? That’s the decision you’ll need to make before you don a pair of Nike Zoom Kobe VII System Supreme ($140-$180, Dec. 22). Two interchangeable inserts provide either full-length Cushlon midsole and ankle cuff for a power bias, or a Phylon midsole with Nike Zoom units and a low-cut power-stretch cuff for aiding [...]

The fabric of active lives

Outdoor activity is unpleasant when: A). you are wet; B). your pack is too heavy; or C) when you are not wearing and Outdoor Research Axiom Jacket with Gore-Tex Active Shell (which, conveniently, solves all of these problems). Gore-Tex –- a name that needs no introduction — recently unveiled the latest advancement in its long [...]

Glove Affair

Leather usually doesn’t hold up well when Ol’ Man Winter puts on the hurtin’. Our recent tests with Helly Hansen’s Leather Gloves ($100) proved they are an exception, even in wet weather. Armed with Primaloft insulation, Helly Tech Protection fabric and rich goatskin leather, these durable mitts warm up quickly and keep moisture out. Don’t [...]

Hat evolved

We’re long overdue for a breakdown so what better candidate for a part-by-part analysis than the GR TAC ($35) — the new tactical hat from the deft hands of GORUCK. It’s quite possibly the last hat you’ll ever need or want. Hit the jump for our breakdown.

Shagtastic

Looking like the long haired hippy twin of the Ranger Hoodie LT the Shag Master adds Polartec Thermal Pro High Loft fleece to the already excellent Ranger. As such, it has ergonomically placed chest and arm pockets, integrated thumbholes, aero hood, as well as a cut that provides superior mobility. The high loft Polartec fleece [...]

Mafioso look no more

Working in the city and working in an office doesn’t give a man myriad outerwear options that look just as good on casual Friday as they do during the rest of the week, especially when the thermometer starts to drop well below seersucker weather. And wearing your double-breasted black wool overcoat doesn’t work everywhere, pal. [...]

Sta-Puft

Light is good. Light, warm and water-repellent are just that much better, especially when it comes to outerwear. No doubt this fall will bring the kind of weather where you want to be prepared yet mobile and versatile. The new Patagonia Ultralight Down Jacket ($279) will allow you to do just that with its lightweight [...]

System of a Down

Totally waterproof and completely tailored, the Nau Down Load ($440) packs a one-two style/utlity punch. Just in time for your dashing fall wardrobe. The weather-resistant shell features premium touches including taped seams, mini-storm skirt, removable hood, ribbed wool cuffs, breathable laminate exterior, and a warm yet breathable interior comprised of bulk-free 650-fill down. A bounty [...]

Kicking & Thinking

Judging by how quickly terms like “smartphone” and “smartTV” steamrolled into our vernacular, we may soon be uttering “smartcleats” (or smartboots for readers across the pond) if Adidas has their way. The first generation Adidas Adizero f50s made a splash earlier in 2011 by weighing a mere 5.1 ounces and claiming the title as the [...]

Chart a New Start

The Fitbit Ultra ($100) sits in an interesting spot on the competitive spectrum of workout computers. The original was essentially a pedometer for the 21st century, and recorded users steps to calculate distance traveled and calories burned over a day. This new incarnation provides the same features and adds the ability to distinguish other calorie [...]