![]() While we didn’t love their heavy haulers, their daypacks quickly became our go-to for functionality, durability and style. Thule is continuing their foray into the world of backpacks and 2016 saw new, fresh designs coming from the company. Patagonia revised their already-stellar Nano Puff lineup with what they call “change for good.” Using new PrimaLoft Gold Eco for a lighter environmental impact, the Nano Puff Pullover now delivers more performance in a friendlier package. I didn’t have big expectations for the AscentShell fabric but it proved its worth on multiple outings in the Cascades. It’ll set you back a pretty penny, but it’s also made in Canada. We get an ultralight, minimalist shell that’s as strong and as light as possible. The Alpha is widely regarded as the best alpine shell available. These were used to tackle the Castle Peak 100 Ultra and deliver excellent grip on all manner of dirt. Sticking with what works, the Altra Superior 2.0’s don’t stray that far from the original, but still manage to deliver improvements on all levels. So the Supercharger’s coupling of hydrophobic down and strategic synthetic insulation in an ultralight package is a winner for shoulder-season ascents where big warmth is needed. The Inca 26L is a great pack that has proven itself with tons of storage and excellent versatility. Cotopaxi does a ton of philanthropy in addition to making some great gear. This highly-functional daypack has a ton going on to make it so awesome. It’s a midweight that can replace a puffy but breathes better than a puffy every could. ![]() What more could you want? Read the review…Ģ016 saw many good active insulators hit the market, but for my money the Uberlayer is the best of the lot at this point. The NeoAir Trekker with SpeedValve gets bonus points for innovation *and* durability *and* comfort *and* American manufacturing. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Trekker with SpeedValve Polartec’s PowerWool, coupled with premium Canadian design and craftsmanship, make the Stratum one of the best midweight layers available. Crush it on your local road climb, then head out on the trails or gravel for all-day adventures. The hood: OR killed it with this hood It has a wire brim which keeps the hood out of your eyes (love) and a cord in the back to keep it out of your eyes (love) and to make it adjustable with or without the helmet. I mean, it’s a straight-up road bike, but can be configured to accept 2.1 mountain bike tires. The Uberlayer passed this test with flying colors. The whole deal fits well on long rides and offers excellent visibility to stay safe on the roads. Hincapie really delivered with the Rosdel kit. Couple that with a stiff racing sole and every pedal stroke will propel you forward. Read the review…ĭual BOA laces and comfortable uppers make these excellent companions for long days in the saddle. This wireless groupset shifts so well and feels so good, I’ve been soured on every other groupset on the market - really. Read the review…Īfter many years of development, SRAM’s Red eTap is currently the “most wanted” piece of kit on the planet. Look for this one under the BMC Pro Team this season. It’s a straight-up Swiss rocket that delivers a smooth, yet responsive ride and happens to have disc brakes. The beauty of the Roadmachine is how well it does everything without needing any gimmicks. The new Roadmachine is an unbelievable bike that lives up to the hype. With a 19.5mm internal width and tubeless-ready out of the gate, these roll like champs and slice through the wind while reducing road chatter. Tons of wheelsets come in for testing throughout any given year, but none have performed quite as well as the Bontrager Aeolus 3’s. That’s the standard and these are the winners of the 2016 Gear of the Year. They were the bikes that stuck around longer than the allotted test period or jackets that made it into the back of the Subaru as a permanent fixture of every day adventures. None of them are really ideal for belaying, they are more geared towards active use as the wind will cut through all of them without a shell on top.With plenty of gear at our disposal this year, there are a handful of pieces that stand out as winners. So the Uberlayer is probably about 1/3 warmer and about 1/3 heavier than the Nano-Air, and probably doesn't breath quite as well - but would be more appropriate in colder weather. The Uberlayer seems to be OR's answer to the Nano-Air, although it has 98g/m2 polartec Alpha while the Nano Air has 60 g/m2 fullrange. Not all that warm though - for New England Winters I imagine you would want something warmer. Stuffs into a pocket with a clip loop as well, and has drop in pockets inside which is a nice touch. It is a really well done light synthetic jacket. The stretch panels give it great mobility, but the wind can cut through them when it is blowing. Same light insulation where it is insulated. The Cathode is basically a Nano-Puff with light softshell panels under the sleeves and on the sides. (The Superlayer seems similar but not the same as the Uberlayer). I have the Cathode but not the Uberlayer.
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