The Yeti Boomer Dog Bowl is an outstanding product that I highly recommend to any pet owner.
The bowl is made of high-quality, dent-resistant material, ensuring that it will last a long time, even with the most active and enthusiastic dogs. The bowl can hold up to eight cups of kibble or water, making it perfect for even the biggest and thirstiest dogs.
My dog Parker loves to drink from the Yeti Boomer Dog Bowl. He never spills water or slobbers all over the floor, thanks to the large size of the bowl. This has been a game changer for me, as I used to have to clean up water from the floor multiple times a day. The bowl is also dishwasher safe, which makes cleaning up after Parker a breeze.
Another great feature of the Yeti Boomer Dog Bowl is its non-slip bottom. No matter how enthusiastic Parker gets while drinking or eating, the bowl stays put, preventing spills and reducing the risk of accidents. The non-slip bottom also ensures that the bowl won’t move around while Parker is eating, allowing him to eat in peace without being disturbed.
Finally, the design of the Yeti Boomer Dog Bowl is simply stunning. The bowl has a sleek, modern look that will complement any home decor, making it a great choice for pet owners who value style as well as functionality.
In conclusion, I am extremely satisfied with the Yeti Boomer Dog Bowl and would recommend it to any pet owner looking for a high-quality, durable, and functional dog bowl. Parker loves it, and I’m sure your furry best friend will too!
A couple months ago, I went in for my annual physical and had a “I weigh how much?” moment.
Since then, I’ve been focusing even more on my health.
One of the practices I introduced was daily ice baths. I know you’re reading this to learn if this robe is dope, but indulge me for just a little bit.
Ice baths have a lot health benefits, including:
1) Increase my parasympathetic activity. When you first get in, your fight or flight instinct kicks in. Your breathing is almost hyperventilating. You have to gain control. The longer you do it, the easier and faster you can relax and gain control of your nervous system. By subjecting your body to this high stress situation, you are retraining how your body reacts to stress.
2) Weight Loss. Cold temps activate your brown fat tissues and can aid in weight loss. Over the last 3 months, combined with daily exercise and 15-18 hour fasts, I’ve lost close to 25 pounds.
3) Physical Recovery. My recovery time has shortened. I can push myself hard at the home gym or on the trail, and I don’t feel as broken for as long as I used to.
Living in Colorado, my ice baths are cold. Every morning, I spend 5-15 minutes breaking up 2-6 inches of ice before settling in for 3-5 minutes of cold exposure.
When I get out, I towel off and warm up. But I’ve got stuff to do: coffee needs to be made, kids need to get prepped for school.
The El Garibaldi Robe has a terry cloth lining that is super absorbent. Since starting to use the robe after my ice bath, I’ve been using it to towel off and I’ve noticed that the little puddles I’d leave in my wake have diminished.
It also has a lined “dry pocket” that’s large enough I can stash my iPhone 12 Pro. This is great, because I’ll take the robe outside with me and on snowy days, my phone stays dry.
Another feature that is signature to California Cowboy’s products is a pocket that is the perfect size for a bottle of beer. The robe came with a coozie and a bottle opener stashed in the pocket and I found that to be an amazing addition. I haven’t had the perfect scenario to test this pocket, but I look forward to taking this robe down to Costa Rica this summer.
The El Garibaldi Robe ties closed well. Usually after my ice bath, I’ll be busy helping my kids get ready for school or making myself a cup of coffee, and even with movement the robe stays closed.
As winter turns to summer, I’m looking forward to taking this robe poolside or down to Costa Rica. For the time being, it’s the perfect companion for after an ice bath.
I am 5’11” and 185 pounds. I tested their El Garibaldi Robe L/XL size and I found it to be the perfect length. The arms come down around three-quarters length, but that’s what I was hoping for with the winter activities in it. If you’re looking for something for the summer, I’d suggest looking at their sizing chart to see what would work best for you.
One of the challenges with backpacking in cooler / cold weather is the back sweat.
I’ve rarely had a hike where I’ve been in at a comfortable temperature for the duration of the hike.
And it’s always on my back. I’m either feeling too hot in that spot where my back connects to my pack or I’m cooling down and you get a nice chill in that same spot.
Or I’m shedding layers. Stopping on the trail, taking my pack off, taking my jacket off, stuffing it in my pack, putting my pack on, and then feeling freezing a few minutes later and reversing that process.
It’s a horrible cycle to be stuck in, which is why I have avoided winter backpacking.
Until now.
Pak-Jak took on this exact case study to create the best backpacking jacket.
The Swappable Back Jacket
Their jacket is designed for ultimate flexibility on the trail with an interchangeable and flexible back.
Puffy jacket back
Mesh jacket back
Or no jacket back with connectable straps to secure your pack.
With this flexibility, it is entirely possible to start your hike with the puffy jacket back and swap out the back when you feel too warm. And I think that’s a great option for long, all-day or multi-day hikes.
When I tested this feature, it took around 90 seconds to swap out the back for the mesh back and just over three minutes to fully remove the back and connect the straps to the jacket and the pack.
Which isn’t bad. When I swapped backs, I didn’t go back to the full jacket. Because I swapped before my base layers were sweaty, I was able to manage my temperature. Plus, my backpack provided enough coverage from the cold on my back.
Options, Options, Options
I don’t call the Pak-Jak the best backpacking jacket easily.
But this jacket earns that title because of it’s flexibility.
I can’t tell you how often I am planning a day trip and I am standing there, staring at my gear closet, trying to decide what to take with me.
Part of that is because I am trying to account for all scenarios.
When you’re above tree level, weather can change very quickly, and I want to be as safe as possible.
But I also want to be comfortable.
On top of the ability to change out jacket backs, the Pak-Jak also had a detachable hood.
The hood itself adds 2.1 oz. to the total weight of the jacket.
With the full back, the jacket weighs in at 15.7 oz; the mesh back is 16.4 oz; and without any back is 11.8 oz.
Now, while there are three options, I do suggest trying out the mesh back versus the no back prior. That way for your hike, you’re only carrying one option to swap out to instead of two.
Features
The Pak-Jak features Primaloft Gold Insulation; one of the best highest performing synthetic insulations.
It has a great warmth-to-weight ratio, which is why the Pak-Jak is so light.
During one of my test hikes, it was snowing. And even with a heavy, wet snow, I found that the jacket had great water-repellency and wet protection.
The jacket also has a no-chafe guard at the top of the zipper near the neck. During my cold weather hikes I really appreciated this feature because I could keep the jacket zipped tight and not feel like my chin was going raw.
For the puffy back and the mesh back, they are connected with zippers. There are guards on the bottom that fold over the zipper so that your backpack doesn’t accidentally loosen the connection.
If you swap to the no back option, the straps that are included synch the back of the jacket so that it isn’t blowing free. But the jacket also comes with universal shoulder straps to help keep your backpack connected to the jacket and minimize bounce.
Conclusion
I think the Pak-Jak is the best backpacking jacket on the market.
It’s a new company and I think this product is going to shake up this category.
The product designers were very intentional with everything they put into this jacket.
I should note that this jacket does come in Men and Women sizes. I test a Large and I’m 5’11” and 185 pounds.
Idstein, Germany (January 17, 2022) — The leading outdoor company Jack Wolfskin based in Idstein near Frankfurt, Germany, presents its new strategic brand direction under CEO Richard Collier with the fall / winter 2022 collection. At the heart of this direction is the new claim “We Live to Discover,“ as well as a subtle revision of the corporate identity and the renowned logo with the wolf paw. Jack Wolfskin is guided by an understanding that all people have an inherent urge to discover. Therefore, the company encourages people to follow it, connect with nature, and experience transformative outdoor moments with others. To this end, the company develops German-engineered performance apparel, footwear, and equipment with the highest standards of technology, design, and sustainability.
“Jack Wolfskin was forged around a campfire over 40 years ago. We are now taking the brand back to its roots,” says Collier. “With our products and expertise, we enable transformative moments of discovery for all. We encourage people to go out and discover their surroundings – near and far. The joy of discovery and shared moments are more important than achieving specific destinations. Jack Wolfskin is a brand for everyone following their curiosity.”
As part of the new strategic brand direction, Jack Wolfskin has also modernized its product and technology architecture. A clear focus on selected activities and catchy technology names provide customers with the best possible orientation. “This way, we intend to be a central component of selected outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, trekking, and ski touring,” Collier said.
In its product development, Jack Wolfskin is driven by its German design ethos, which is characterized by durability, reliability, and performance. The company‘s mission is to provide the best and most sustainable solutions that minimize its impact on our planet. With this in mind, the Fall/Winter 2022 collection presents unique technology innovations as well as approaches to circular products.
Sustainability is prioritized from all business operations from product development to supply chain. With the new direction, the company commits even more to action than in the past. In collaboration with researchers and opinion leaders, it champions the ecological restoration of ecosystems and builds opportunities for all to take action.
Along with the brand repositioning, Richard Collier has also introduced a clear roadmap for the global expansion of the brand: In addition to the major growth markets China, the USA, and Russia, Jack Wolfskin aims to continue to grow in Europe. The focus here is on the Netherlands, Belgium, Great Britain, Poland, and Italy. The DACH region remains an important core market. Increased importance is also being attached to digital business. By expanding its existing omnichannel model, customers are to receive the best service at all touchpoints worldwide. Jack Wolfskin will also launch a digital offensive in marketing and have a much stronger presence in digital channels, in particular social media. Targeted marketing campaigns support the repositioning of the brand.
About Jack Wolfskin Jack Wolfskin is a globally leading provider of premium German-engineered outdoor apparel, footwear, and equipment. The company was founded beside a campfire among friends deep in the Canadian wilderness in 1981 with a mission to inspire all discoverers by creating transformative outdoor experiences wherever they are. Headquartered in Idstein, Germany, Jack Wolfskin operates a North American office in Park City, Utah, and an Asian office in Shanghai, China. The company has grown to become a leading outdoor brand across Europe and Asia with more than 490 JACK WOLFSKIN stores and over 4,000 points of sale worldwide. Jack Wolfskin is rooted in sustainability and focused on designing ethical and eco-conscious products, as well as promoting fair and humane working conditions. The company has been a member of the Fair Wear Foundation since 2010, as well as a bluesign® system partner that holds the entire supply chain accountable on a sustainability basis since 2011. Jack Wolfskin also offers products with the Green Button label. The company currently employs over 1,400 people worldwide. In January 2019, Jack Wolfskin was acquired by Callaway Golf Company.
K2 has been one of the most innovative brands in snowboarding. In 2021 they released a new boot with a dial system that gives you more control over your boots, letting you customize how tight or loose they suit your needs. The BOA H4 is great for anyone who wants to keep their heel back and feel secure on the mountain.
The new K2 Orton Boot is a freeride and freestyle boot design. It has a BOA H4 system that lets you make the most of the mountain regardless of what type of riding you’re doing.
“The K2 ORTON is the boot for you if you’re looking for a solid all-mountain, downhill boot without breaking the bank.“
K2, the ORTON 2021-2022
This season we tested out the most affordable boot with the H4 Dial and M3v2 Dial in the new K2 Orton boot released in October 2021 for an MSRP of $399. K2 Orton was surprisingly comfortable for an all-mountain boot for $200 less than Burton Iron Boot. After three solid days of riding, the BOA H4 felt like a more reliable connection keeping my heel back in the boot and making me think solid when riding.
The K2 Orton boot is the next evolution in snowboard boots. Combining a new dial platform and BOA’s first textile lace allows for a variety of fit configurations, ensuring you have the perfect setup every time. If you’re looking for a stiff boot that transmits movement quickly, then this is your best bet.
For many snowboarders, a good pair of boots can be a deciding factor in whether or not they can enjoy their favorite sport. K2 has been a leading company in snowboarding equipment since 1972, and now they’re introducing their newest product: the K2 Orton Snowboard Boots. These boots are designed with a medium flex shell that provides support and natural flex with its articulated upper cuff. The shell has been reinforced with rubber to increase durability and lifespan.
The H4 dial adjusts the upper boot while the M3 dial adjusts the lower boot. BOA laces are strong, usually made with steel; however, K2 has used a softer rope lace which is just as strong but provides a better fit over the shell. The best thing about BOA is that you can use them with your glove or mittens on.
“The Orton snowboard boot has everything you need for a perfect day on the slopes. With cushioned comfort and responsive support, it’s easy to carve down the pack or plow through powder in these boots.”
The H4 Dial was designed with durability in mind and underwent over 9,000 hours of testing before being released on the market.
Performance Fit
The dual dial allows for the perfect fit in any condition, locking in your heel for top performance while snowboarding. The comfort dial allows for a snug fit around your foot without compromising performance.
Fast Installation
The Breakaway design is engineered to defy force and can take a beating. The dial cartridge ejects on severe impact without damage and is easily reinserted back into the boot. With a custom fit and easy adjustability, these boots are designed to meet your needs on any type of terrain.
The H4 Dial Platform has been a must for top performance, fit, and durability since its first introduction in 2017. Snowboarding boots are my top choice because they can handle any conditions on the mountain. To learn more about BOA’s H4 Dial Platform, visit BOA or K2.
When it comes to winter outdoor activities, bundling and layering is key. And choosing the right base layer is an important first step.
One of the best fabrics to use for base layers is Merino Wool. Merino is a natural, high-performance fabric, in part because of the conditions these sheep live in. Winters can be as cold as -4ºF and summers as warm as 95ºF. Their coats have evolved so that the fibers react to the changes in body temperature. And this natural technology is passed along to its human wearers.
Ibex’s Merino Wool comes from Australia and New Zealand. They implement the high standards in farming, making sure their sheep are treated with respect and best practices are in place to protect the land the sheep live on.
Ibex is also part of the Climate Neutral community of businesses. The apparel industry as a whole accounts for 10% of global carbon emmisions and remains the second largest industrial polluter. Ibex measures their carbon footprint and partners with their supply chain to reduce where they can and offset the rest.
Why Ibex Merino?
Merino Wool keeps the body cool during even the most strenuous activities by trapping moisture and releasing it as vapor before it turns to sweat.
During testing, I wore the Woolies Tech Crew on a chilly morning run. Normally, with other moisture wicking fabrics, I would end a run like this sweaty and, in those spots in the fabric with sweat, cold. With Ibex’s Merino Wool crew, I found myself relatively dry and comfortably warm by the end of the run.
Because Merino Wool is able to regulate your temperature, it also stops odor-causing bacteria to form, so you also don’t have to worry about smelling funky after exercise.
If I wasn’t working from home these days, these base layers would be great for commuting to the office on my bike. I could easily go from my bike to my desk and still look and smell good.
Merino Wool also offers natural sun protection. The Woolies Tech Crew and Woolies Tech Bottoms offer UPF 50, while some of their lighter products offer UPF 25.
Finally, as sustainable a fabric as Merino is, as the end user, we are also encouraged to be sustainable in our care of the fabric. Because it’s odor and sweat resistant, it’ll stay cleaner for longer, which means that it doesn’t have to be washed after each activity.
For testing, I put in around 25 hours of activity before I felt that I needed to wash them.
I was really impressed by the performance of both of these products.
When I mentioned to my wife that I was testing out Merino Wool base layers, her first response was, “OMG, wool? It’s so itchy!”
But guess what? It’s not.
Ibex’s Merino Wool is the finest wool you can get. I found Ibex’s clothes to be soft on my skin and never itchy or irritating (even against a relatively fresh tattoo). On their site, Ibex shares that their fabric is ideal for people with Eczema or who have found cotton or other performance fabrics irritating. I have other Merino Wool products and I swear that Ibex outperforms them on comfort.
The Woolie Tech Crew and Bottoms are 81% Merino and made with Ibex’s “Pro-Tech” fabric.
On the Woolie Tech Crew fit comfortably. When I paired it with a running vest, I found that the neck was structured so that I didn’t have any rubbing from my running vest. Additionally, it has optional thumbholes, which is a feature I love. When I was out running, I got to a point where my gloves were too much, but I still needed something to keep my hands moderately warm.
The crew laid close to my skin, but didn’t feel tight. I was able to pull up the sleeve easily to adjust settings on my sports watch.
The Woolie Tech Bottoms were great as well. I took them out on a wintery run as well; pairing them with a pair of running shorts over them. My legs were comfy and cozy throughout.
Now, the most ideal winter activity to test these products in is skiing (or snowboarding).
I paired these up with a mid-layer and a hardshell.
I was slightly concerned I would get overheated, but I was comfortable for the several hours I was out on the slopes. Even after I got back to the ski lodge and shedded layers, I found that the Ibex base layers were still mostly dry.
Summary
I’ve been a big believe in Merino Wool for a while, but it wasn’t until trying Ibex’s products that I was in love with the fabric. I keep finding myself looking for reasons to put them on.
Heading out for a run? Ibex is coming with me.
Going snowshoeing? Ibex is joining me.
Lounging around in the house? Ibex, hands down.
Both products tested were larges. I am 5’11” and 185 pounds. You can find these along with many other options at Ibex’s website.
Outdoor Research sent our team their Skytour AscentShell Bib and Jacket to test. It was perfect timing because ski season had just started.
The Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell Kit uses a proprietary waterproof/breathable membrane to provide top-of-the-line weather resistance. The Bib and Jacket combo is the most breathable water-resistant hardshell we have tested. It is comfortable to wear and stretchy. It has a lot of features, making it a great choice for backcountry skiers.
Breathability
The Skytour AscentShell Bib and Jacket provides little warmth. The shell is thin and allows air to pass through the fabric, so that as you’re moving up through the backcountry and working up a decent sweat, warm air can escape easily. This kit needs to be paired with insulating mid- and base-layers (such as the recently reviewed Ibex Baselayers). The warmth of this bib and jacket is comparable to a pair of hiking pants or a heavy rain jacket. But this lack of warmth is ideal for anyone that is wanting to ski hard and elevate their heart rate.
It also has several vents that were easy to unzip and zip with gloves on. This provided additional breathability and didn’t compromise the waterproofness.
Waterproofing
When we tested how waterproof this product was, it held up over our half-day excursion in the backcountry. Outdoor Research’s proprietary waterproof/breathable membrane is called “AscentShell” and is built in the bib and jacket. Both products are fully seam-sealed and the zippers are waterproof. The hood on the jacket provides good coverage, but it didn’t fully cover my ski helmet. Additionally, the bib’s legs are wide enough to fully cover my ski boots while providing enough coverage so snow didn’t pack inside the leg openings.
The Fit
Many of the hardshell jacket and bibs we tested were stiff and didn’t allow for a lot of movement. During testing, we found that the Skytour AscentShell Kit didn’t have that problem. The material is soft and stretchy and the brushed interior fabric is light on the skin. On the jacket, there is a fleece-lined chin guard, which provided an extra layer of comfort.
The fit is straight-cut which was perfect for my body-size and accommodated my mid- and base-layers.
I also found that the jacket and bib weren’t noisy. When I’m out in the backcountry, I enjoy the stillness the snow brings, and crinkly and noising hardshells can easily ruin that serenity.
Skytour AscentShell Kit comes with a lot of pickets that were easy to access and use. On the jacket, the two hand pockets and two external chest pockets provided tons of storage. The jacket’s left sleeve pass pocket was useful for accessing RFID turnstiles without stalling. On the inside, it has a mesh stash pocket and another zippered chest pocket. I was able to easily store and access snacks and my iPhone.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for hardshell jacket or bib or both, the Skytour AscentShell Kit is a great value. It provides terrific weather and water resistance at a much lower price. Plus, it has some amazing features and storage. If you’re heading into the backcountry, this jacket and bib will be the perfect companion for you.
The Skytour AscentShell Kit is available in Men’s and Women’s sizes. I am 5’11” and 185 pounds and I wore a large in both the bib and jacket comfortably.
This is a repost from one of our first product reviews.
I still stand by how awesome these socks are. They have been my go-to for many snowy and wet runs.
They were also my go-to during the Silverton 55K Ultra and I was so thankful I had them. Halfway through the run, after climbing to 12,000 feet, and running above the tree line for a couple hours, we had descended and hit a water crossing.
After this water crossing, runners had the option to change socks and shoes and continue on to finish the final 10 miles of the race. But, right after changing shoes and socks, there were two more immediate water crossings. My feet were still dry, so I opted to continue on without changing.
I went through the first water crossing: still dry.
I went through the second water crossing: still dry!
Part of the dryness was because the water hadn’t gone over the tops of the socks. They were still high up on my calves.
It wasn’t until I hit the final water crossing (a fast moving river I had to cross while holding a rope) near the end of the run that my feet finally got wet. The river was up to my waist and the water got in between my skin and the lining.
Since the launch of the Crosspoint Socks, Showers Pass has continued to innovate their socks. They recently sent me a new pair to test, and they performed even better than before.
These are my go-to for winter running, snowshoeing, and skiing.
Original Post
I had just begun a trail run on a wet, snowy night when my foot broke through a layer of snow into an ankle-deep puddle of cold water.
Normally there’d be swearing and I’ve have to cut my run short. Running with wet, cold feet for any length of time is plain miserable.
But my feet weren’t wet. They weren’t cold.
My feet were dry and happy because I was wearing Showers Pass Lightweight Waterproof Crosspoint Classic Socks. Showers Pass had sent me a pair to test out, and they have become my go-to socks for snow, slush, mud, or rain-filled runs. They are the perfect partner to my minimalist shoes that don’t offer any type of water resistance.
While my fellow night runners complained of wet and cold feet—trading stories of shoes and socks lost in sticky mud and snow—I couldn’t help but be thankful for my choice of socks. Even as we rounded the final corner and I landed on what I thought was asphalt, but what was really a deep puddle of slush.
Technology and Features
The Waterproof Crosspoint Socks are constructed with three elements: a knit exterior sock, a waterproof membrane, and a knit interior sock. They feel thicker than your average pair of socks, but still fit comfortably. The first time I slipped them on, I commented how it felt like I was pulling on a wetsuit.
Their waterproof ability starts at the toe and goes all the way to just below the cuff. Even with the waterproof technology, I still found that my foot was able to breathe. That’s because they use an ultra-thin PTFE Waterproof Breathable Membrane that stretches to let your feet breathe without letting the pores open, keeping your feet dry.
Cleaning
Showers Pass suggests machine washing in cold water (avoid fabric softeners and bleach). You can tumble dry on low heat, however, the dryer can cause shrinkage. To prevent this, I highly suggest letting them hang dry.
Conclusion
Needless to say, I’m a big fan of the Waterproof Crosspoint Socks. They are the perfect companion in Boulder for wetter runs and bike rides. I even took them snowshoeing with great success.
It’s worth noting that Showers Pass sells a variety of the sock with a merino wool interior for colder outings, but for my snowshoeing adventure I doubled-up with a pair of merino wool socks underneath and was pretty comfortable.
These socks are only the first step in having a full waterproof experience. Because Showers Pass is based in the Pacific Northwest, they know how to make a lot of great waterproof materials, including pants, jackets, and gloves.
The Crosspoint Waterproof Knit Wool Gloves are fully waterproof. It is constructed with three bonded layers, including a wear resistant exterior, a waterproof / breathable Artex membrane, and a lovely merino wool lining. This merino wool lining is something special. It is soft and cozy, but even with the heart rate pumping, offers great temperature regulation while providing anti-microbial properties to keep it smelling fresh.
So far this winter, I’ve taken these gloves running and snowshoeing.
While running, I found that the merino wool lining performed as expected. Even on longer runs, as I warmed up, I found myself keeping the gloves on longer. Typically, I would oscillate between having gloves on our off, regardless of the temperature outside. But with my body temperature better regulated, I didn’t have those issues.
The gloves also became my go-to this winter for walking the dog. With the fit and dexterity, I was able to pull out the poo bags, open them, and pick up the little doggie droplets with easy. That might seem like a small thing, but with my other gloves, I’d always have to pull them off in order to perform this activity.
This winter, I also picked up a new daily routine: outdoor ice baths. Every morning, I’ll sit in a horse trough full of icy water in my backyard for 3-4 minutes. I’ll wear the Crosspoint Waterproof Knit Wool Gloves during this time, resting my hands on the outside of the bath.
And I can attest to how waterproof these gloves are. My dog loves to chew on ice. Throughout this morning ritual, I’ll dip my fingers into the bath and pull out chunks of ice and throw it to him to play with.
These gloves are terrific and my go-to this winter.
I consider my fingers normal sized and wear a large comfortably.