Like many women I love shoes but most of all I love slip-ons. So, when Patagonia deemed the  Advocate as the ultimate travel shoe I knew they were a must have. Once they arrived, I eagerly opened the box cut off the tags and slipped them on.

The first time I tried on the Advocate I struggled a bit, but once they were on they felt nice and snug around my feet. They’re extremely lightweight at only 4 oz and feel as though you’re not wearing shoes.  The one thing that didn’t feel right was the extra room in the toe box. Although, I wasn’t stoked on the extra room I figured it was something I could live with as it wasn’t too bad. A few months later it seemed as though the toe box became even roomier. One could contribute the roomy toe box to the fact the shoe isn’t available in half sizes. So unless you’re a true 7, 8, 9 etc you’ll most likely experience some extra toe space.

Patagonia’s ultra lightweight Advocate could have been this girl’s favorite travel, camping or just around town slip-on shoe but today the shoes live in my gym bag and only see the light of day after yoga.

Patagonia Women’s  Advocate Shoe  Details

• Durable, super soft synthetic leather upper
• 20% EVA anatomical footbed provides cushioning, comfort and support; 2 mm 15% recycled EVA insole provides extra cushioning
• Lateral and medial elastic stretch bands provide comfort and easy on-off
• Rear pull loop provides easy on and off
• Armadillo sole provides traction and durability
• Available in six colors
• MSRP – $55

The Good

• Lightweight
• Packable
• Not smelly after an 8 hour day
• Partnered with 1% For The Planet®

The Bad

• The Fit
• Not available in half sizes ( I’m either 6 ½ or 7, depending on the brand,  and opted for the 7)

Bottom Line: Although Patagonia’s Advocate nailed it as the ultimate lightweight packable shoe, the funky fit is enough to say I wouldn’t purchase the lightweight shoe again given the chance.  Sorry Patagonia I love your gear, but this one was a swing and a miss for me.

Buy Now

Patagonia Women’s Advocate Lightweight Shoe

April showers bring May flowers and it’s raining jackets here at Gear.com.  Like a good pair of snow boots a good rain jacket is another staple every woman should have. Rain jackets have come a long way and there are various styles and colors to pick from. First things first, figure out what you’ll be doing the majority of the time wearing the jacket (i.e. shopping, traveling, trekking, etc). Once you have it narrowed down you’ll be able to find a style which works best for you.  If you’re an around town type of gal then I recommend the trench style. However, if you’re planning on trekking through the rain forest then maybe a classic style is up your alley. I’m practical and go for the classic style. Just because classic is very functional doesn’t mean you can’t be fashionable by playing up the color. Check out my Top 3 picks and stay dry this Spring.

3. Women’s Precip Jacket by Marmot

The Precip Jacket is affordable,  stylish, and packs down into the pocket. Who doesn’t want a jacket that packs down to nothing?! Take this classic jacket from everyday life to the backcountry. Pit zips are a must if you plan on trekking or hiking and the Precip wont disappoint. Since it’s available in sixteen colors no need to worry about your BFF sporting the same color! Sport either a two tone or solid color this season, I’m diggin  the ultra violet/light violet and everglade.

MSRP: $99

Jacket Features

• PreCip® Dry Touch Technology, Waterproof/Breathable – Waterproof / Breathable
• 100% Seam Taped – For Full Waterproofness
• Full Visibility Roll-Up Hood with Integral Collar
• PitZips™ – Underarm Zip That Extends Into the Body for Aggressive Venting
• Pack Pockets™ – Slanted Chests Pockets That Can Be Accessed While Wearing a Pack
• Double Storm Flap Over Zipper with Snap/Velcro® Closure
• Elastic Draw Cord Hem – For Adjustability in Serious Weather
• DriClime® Lined Chin Guard – Moisture Wicking Fabric Protects Your Face From the Zipper
• Angel-Wing Movement™ – Allows Full Range of Motion in Arms so Jacket Doesn’t Ride Up

2. Women’s K Jacket by The North Face

The K Jacket isn’t your typical rain jacket. It’s the perfect combo of parka trench meets rain jacket making it functional and fashionable.  Complete with a belt and a detachable hood. Two details which make it easy to switch up the look from day to night. The K is very breathable but doesn’t come with pit zips so I wouldn’t hike Mt Whitney with it.  Like the multi tasking lady you are the K will not only fit your personality but, your easy going lifestyle. Although available in 14 colors I wouldn’t steer too far from black, brown, or taupe.

MSRP: $179

Jacket Features

• Waterproof, breathable, seam sealed
• Adjustable, removable hood
• Center front two-way zip
• Two flap-closure chest pockets
• Two hand pockets
• Removable waist belt
• Internal media pocket
• Zip sleeve gussets

1.  Women’s Torrentshell Jacket by Patagonia

The list wouldn’t be complete without a rain jacket from Patagonia. Despite the fact, the Patagonia Rain Shadow Jacket was included in the Top 3  here,  the Torrentshell couldn’t be over looked. The Torrentshell is the most affordable and durable rain jacket for any outdoor enthusiast. With pit zips for added ventilation no need to worry about overheating when you’re hard at play. The best part about the Torrentshell is it stuffs into one of two zippered handwarmer pockets.  Not into sporting the hood today don’t fret the hood rolls down and stows away!  While the Torrentshell is available in nine funtastic colors this season I’m eyeing either rhubarb or ultramarine. Cool features, fun colors, at an affordable price – What’s not to love about the Torrentshell jacket?  Now go out and buy two!

MSRP: $119

Jacket Features

• 2.5-layer nylon ripstop shell with a waterproof/breathable H2No® barrier and Deluge® DWR (durable water repellent) finish
• 2-way-adjustable hood with laminated visor rolls down and stows
• Microfleece-lined neck for comfort and enhanced protection of waterproof/breathable barrier
• Center-front zipper has exterior and interior storm flaps to keep water out; pit zips with storm flaps and Deluge DWR-treated zippers
• Self-fabric hook-and-loop cuff closures
• Pockets: two handwarmers, one internal mesh drop-in
• Drawcord hem; packs into zippered self-storage pocket
• 2.5-layer, 2.6-oz 50-denier 100% nylon ripstop, with a waterproof/breathable H2No® barrier and a Deluge® DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program

I have a new “Date night in cold weather” jacket! The Penfield Millis Women’s Down Jacket. I’ll be the first to admit, I normally traipse around downtown SLC in my bright orange SubZero down jacket, certainly not the pillar of fashion. However, since acquiring my Millis jacket, I can now walk around in style, and still be incredibly warm.

Penfield, a company based out of Massachusetts, has been around since 1975, and this year released a women’s line, which will be expanding further next season. They do a great job of blending trendy with functional.

Penfield Millis Women’s Down Jacket

• Water resistant and windproof outer material does a great job blocking out gusts in the city.
• Removable hood snaps on and off easily
• Drawstring hem keeps cold air from sneaking in from the bottom.
• Coolest feature on the jacket- Pockets! The front pockets look like snap-top closure pockets, which I was originally really disappointed with. Where do I put my cold hands?! However, if you look a bit harder, you discover Penfield has created the Millis jacket with a second hidden, fleece lined pocket directly behind the stylish snap-top one. Just what my cold mitts were looking for!
• A great around the town jacket in colder temps. Definitely not for expeditions, ice climbing, ect, but perfect for warming up on those frozen days in January. Has the warmth of a technical down jacket without making you look like you’re headed to Everest.

Bottom Line- Penfield has done a great job with their first line of Women’s gear. Warm, super stylish and true to size, I’d recommend this jacket for anyone looking for something to keep them warm but still look trendy and hip.

Check it out- Penfield Millis Women’s Down Jacket

So, we’re going to try something new here. I’m going to mass review The North Face’s Casual Wear Tops, since I have far too many of them to actually review each piece. Overall, TNF does a great job with their designs and their sizing seems to be right on for me.

One of my favorite North Face tops is The North Face Ex-Beau Shirt, a 3/4 length sleeve button up that I can wear to class and on dates, but then also roll the sleeves up and bust out a few routes at the climbing gym as well. Best Feature- sleeves can roll up, and then stay up with the button loop closure TNF has added to each sleeve. I happen to own this shirt in 4 different colors… I think that qualifies as an obsession.

Another great North Face top is The North Face Falls Creek Woven Long Sleeve Shirt. Similar to the Ex-Beau, it also has those cool little sleeve button-up loops. Nicer for cooler weather, the Falls Creek Woven Shirt is just as versatile as the Ex-Beau as well.

For short sleeves, my favorite is The North Face Sabrina Shirt. Wicking, UPF 30 fabric and a stretchy material make for a great all around T.

Overall, The North Face seems to size true, and the tops are all cute enough to wear out but burly enough to spend a day at the crag in. My favorite combo!

So, I have never really been a fan of wool. The idea of the itchy, scratchy material up against my skin all day doesn’t really sound appealing. However, I decided to branch out and give it one last try with an Icebreaker Merino Wool Nature Ultra Lite Top. I am now what you would call a wool addict. I can admit it, I have a problem.

After purchasing my first Icebreaker piece, I proceeded to wear it for a week straight, testing out the “Stink Free” claim Icebreaker makes so confidently. Though it was nowhere near the current record of 200+ days of continuous wear, within my week trial, I still smelled great! I’m sure my classmates and co workers were a little concerned about my lack of changing however…

The Good

• Itch-free! Merino wool feels great against the skin
• “Nature” line consists of stylish pieces that still do a great job insulating- I can go from the slopes to class and not change my shirt!
• Merino wool is an environmentally friendly renewable resource. Icebreaker has also gone the extra step with accountability in production- each garment comes with a “Baaa Code,” which you can type on the Icebreaker website, and track exactly which production center your garment was made at and view the conditions in that production center. Pretty cool!
• 160 weight wool is a great first layer- keeps you warm enough but isn’t insulation overkill.

The Bad

• We all know everything of quality comes at a price… And my Icebreaker garments are some of the most expensive layering pieces I own. Definitely pricey for a baselayer, but it will last.

Buy Now! Icebreaker Nature Ultralite Top

It DUMPED here in the Wasatch yesterday! So, between my 8am mid term and 12:20pm class today, I headed up to Alta to get some pre-season touring in. I cruised up in a pair of shell pants and my Patagonia Capilene 3 Bottoms.

Patagonia Capilene 3 Bottoms are great for those of us who get cold legs when kickin’ it in the outdoors. Even while touring, my lower body is always cold. Top half, I’ll be in a short sleeve shirt, but my bottom half seems to always require a bit more insulation. Patagonia Capilene 3 Bottoms appear to be just the right weight for me, from touring to keeping warm on the downhill as well.

Patagonia Capilene 3 Bottoms

• Mid rise waist fits nicely compared to other bottoms. You’re not dealing with fabric all the way up your rib cage, but there’s enough there to get the job done.
• Gusseted crotch allows for a great range of motion, ideal for that back and fourth touring motion.
• Sizing runs on the larger size. At 5 foot 3 inches and 110 lbs, I needed an extra small to get the waist to fit just right. I’m usually a small in bottoms, not an extra small.
• Great wicking! Moisture is drawn away from your body very efficiently.

BUY NOW! Patagonia Capilene 3 Bottoms