January+February 2011 » Washington Trails 31 Backcountry Snowshoers at Pan Point, Mount Rainier. Photo by John D’Onofrio. The Gear Closet » Turn Up the Heat Combat the cold this winter with insulating layers As the mercury plunges and we march head- including fleece, wool, down, synthetic, hard first into another Washington winter, it’s time and soft-shells—where does one start? Choosing to bundle up. As Northwesterners are taught quality gear that will perform through a variety from a young age and transplants soon learn, of conditions and that will keep you comfort- the key to staying warm and dry while enjoying able enough to enjoy your time outside can be the outdoors is layering. the real challenge. For winter day hikes, a light- or medium- For this feature, the Washington Trails Gear weight midlayer and insulated soft-shell might Team went straight to the source with several provide just the right combination of warmth of today’s top outdoor apparel companies to and element repellency you need. For snowshoe sample some of their best pieces of insulation trips, winter backpacks, or anything exposing gear—fleece, insulated soft-shells, and down and Eli you to more of the elements, you have to con- synthetic outerwear. Then it was into the field! sider heavier insulation, breathability, packabil- With winter weather in full swing, the team hit Boschetto ity and heavier weather-resistance. the trails, slogged through the rain, the cold— and even some early-season snow—to put them with Gear Team The ideal combination is one that allows you all to the test. members Cherie to vent or add or remove layers as you warm Bevers, Cheri up and cool down through exertion and rest. Here are the team’s top picks, and what they Higman, Patrick Of course, with an endless selection of base, had to say: Leahy and Matt mid-, and outer layers in a variety of materials, Thyer 32 » Backcountry January+February 2011 » Washington Trails “For layering up on chilly days, I turn to my » Gear Tip Mountain Hardwear Monkey Woman jacket. OR Virtuoso Jacket Winterize Your This stretchy fleece has a wonderful soft knap, Camping Gear and proves itself as a warm and toasty mid- layer beneath a soft-shell jacket. The high knap Maybe you camp out is the key to the lightweight yet substantial each weekend, year insulation, trapping more warm air next to me round. If so, good for than in similar, thinner models. Its ability to you! If not, be sure to form-fit doesn’t restrict movement—something give your gear a little that typically happens when layering insulation. TLC now to make sure It has a nice, sturdy construction and well- it lasts through the placed pockets to keep the hands warm; and I winter and beyond. also found it’s comfortable enough to sleep in, a big plus on overnight trips. The Monkey fleece is great by itself on the cool days, or worn Tents under a shell on the really frosty ones. I would Make sure it's dry! Be- definitely recommend this jacket to anyone fore packing it away, for cold-weather hiking and backpacking, as set it up and let it dry well as snowshoeing, skiing or snowboarding.” out completely, then www.mountainhardwear.com, $150 either pack it loosely —Cherie Bevers in a large bag or hang it up. Clean the dirt off Mountain all poles and stakes Hardwear and store them with Monkey the tent to avoid a Woman Jacket frantic search come “If you’re looking for a down vest that can spring. actually hold up to some abuse while continu- ing to perform like new, then the Mountain Backpacks Hardwear Sub Zero Vest is a solid choice. I’ve found that many down vests are made to If it fits, wash your be worn strictly as midlayers, under an outer backpack in front- shell. Not so with the Sub Zero, which can be loading washing ma- worn as a midlayer or an outer layer, giving me chines with cold water the increased flexibility and resilience I prefer. and gentle cleaners The reinforced shoulders and chest can handle like Woolite or NixWax the incidental brushes with rock and ice or the Tech Wash. If it's too constant chafing from pack straps without any large for a machine, durability worries. The cinching bottom hem hand-wash it with and snug fit of the armholes help keep the wind the same detergents. at bay and add to exceptional heat retention. Hang upside down to And since I like to keep the hand-warmer pock- dry (never machine ets free of clutter, I dry) then store hang- find the third chest ing up or lying flat. “Outdoor Research has truly outdone them- pocket and fourth in- selves with their newest in down outerwear, ner pocket to be very Boots the OR Virtuoso Jacket. Its ample room in the convenient for small arms and torso allow for a lot of layering with- Clean your boots items. out restricting your movement. The Virtuoso and treat them with For high-activity is simply a versatile jacket: small enough to fit leather or fabric colder days on the under your shell as you roll down the winter treatment. Be sure to trail or the rock, mountains on skis; ideal for the climber, as the dry them completely extra core warmth hood allows for a helmet and the abrasion-re- before storing (you for unexpected sistant fabric is ideally placed on the shoulders may need to take temperature drops, and arms; and perfect for sitting around camp out the footbeds). If or even thrown over on a cold night. What I like most about this your boots are older, a sweater for a chilly jacket is that although it is a light and can com- consider going to the walk downtown, press to a small size, it still provides warmth in cobbler to get them this vest provides alpine settings. re-soled. the versatility I I especially like the pillow-pocket bonus look for.” www. feature that lets you turn this coat into a pillow mountainhardwear. using a handy internal pocket.” www.outdoor- com, $130 esearch.com, $220 —Patrick Leahy —Cheri Higman January+February 2011 » Washington Trails Backcountry « 33 “I had just about stopped wearing synthetic- midlayer on those chillier days, plus when the filled gear years ago, primarily because the fill temps really plummet, I can still get my parka Sleeping Bags always wore down so fast and just collected at on over it and be comfortable without over- To wash your bag be- the bottom of the insulation channels. bulking. Swiss-based Schoeller also practices fore storing it, use a But, since I have been wearing the highest degree of environmental standards Patagonia’s technical cleaner like pretty much non-stop for in the production of their apparel, and that’s a Nano Puff Jacket NixWax Tech Wash in months now, it might be time to give synthetic big plus for me. As such, the One jacket is now a large, front-loading another chance. I wear it skiing, climbing, hik- a standard on both my cold-weather hiking and washing machine. ing, and just around the house or working out- around town days.” www.rei.com, $199 Never dry clean your side. It weighs in at only slightly more than my —Eli Boschetto bag or use a top- favorite down jacket at 11.8 ounces and looks loading machine awesome. The best part is that the PrimaLoft with a center spindle. One polyester insulation, combined with the Once it's clean, dry brick pattern quilting, helps it maintain loft and your bag on low heat. stand up to hard wear, while the durable water If you have a down repellent finish withstands Northwest weather, bag, toss a couple as well as being coated in mud and road grime. tennis balls in with it I’ve even worn it through rainy conditions to avoid clumping. without a shell, and while not completely wa- Then pack it loosely terproof, it kept me warm even when saturated. in a large cotton or More than one friend has offered to wear this mesh bag, or hang it jacket for me!” www.patagonia.com, $179 up for the winter. —Matt Thyer Sleeping Pads Check for and repair and leaks you might have in your inflat- able sleeping pads. Once they're in work- ing condition, store your inflatable pads fully inflated with the valve open. Though REI One Jacket bulky, they can be stored upright in a closet or under a bed A trip to your local outdoors supplier can of- to save space. fer a bounty of combinations of winter layering and insulating apparel. Your best bet is to con- sult with one of the professionals there to see Hydration Gear what will work best for you and your preferred Make sure to com- winter activity. Whether you’re a close-in hiker, pletely dry both avid snowshoer or alpine mountaineer, there purifiers and the Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket are plenty of options to help keep you warm hydration systems and comfy on the trails this winter. (including the tub- ing). Remove and dry “The first time I put on the REI One Jacket, The WTA Gear Team tested additional prod- the purifier's filter, I knew I had found my new favorite jacket. The ucts from Arc’Teryx, Arborwear, Eddie Bauer, as well. Wash water brushed fleece interior is nice and soft, and Golite, Mountain Hardwear, Outdoor Research bottles with warm, keeps me warm and cozy, while the breathable and Patagonia.