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DKOTA Grizzly’s New Boone Shirt Review

During Outdoor Retailer, I had the chance to visit with the St. Louis based clothing manufacturer, DKOTA Grizzly.

Over the past several years, I’ve been visiting their booths and seeing their products at our local Scheel’s and have always been impressed with their attention to detail when it came to creating functional and stylish clothing.

DKOTA Grizzly specializes in men’s rugged-casual clothing.

Their team walked me through their Spring ’22 line and I could immediately see how their product design had evolved from heavier fabrics to performance fabrics, making DKOTA Grizzly a “crossover brand” that can allow wearers to transition from the gym to work.

A majority of their new products, including the Boone shirt, that we’ll dive into more detail on, were created with active stretch a movement fabrics; making it the perfect spring or summer companion.

DKOTA Grizzly Boone Long-Sleeve Shirt
DKOTA Grizzly Boone Long-Sleeve Shirt

DKOTA Grizzly sent us their new Boone shirt to test out.

This shirt is made from a Nylon / Spandex blend. It is light and breathable. During testing, I wore it on a hike during a fairly warm spring day and found it to be very comfortable. The fabric itself was very cool, which I think would be a great pairing in summer when it is a bit warmer. Or, at the least, pairing it with a jacket on cooler days.

The Boone also has two hidden zippered chest pockets. Now, when it comes to button-up shirts, I don’t really ever use my chest pockets. But I liked the style of the zippers. Typically when buttons or snaps, it was always a pain to undo the button. The zippers made it a heckuvalot easier to access.

DKOTA Grizzly also designed this shirt so that there’s a sunglass wipe on the lower hem and a loop inside to hang your sunglasses from.

It’s little things like this that made their product design standout and I found myself constantly surprised.

I’m a big fan of this shirt.

It’s still warming up in Colorado, but as Spring starts to settle in, this shirt will join me on many adventures. Whether I am fishing, paddle boarding, or boating.

The Boone can be found at many of DKOTA Grizzly’s retail partners. If you visit their Find Retailer page, you can locate a retailer near you.

DKOTA Grizzly New Boone Shirt

They also created another shirt called the Barkley, which is a short-sleeved variation for what we tested.

To learn more about their manufacturing practices, you can visit their website: dakotagrizzly.com.

Ibex Woolies Tech Boxer Brief Review

Having a solid pair of undies is important for any outdoor activity. Because when you’re out and about, there’s nothing like a bad chafe that can cause you discomfort for days.

Ibex’s Woolies Tech Boxer Briefs have become a new go-to favorite in my underwear drawer.

Men's Woolies Tech Boxer Brief
Woolies Tech Boxer Briefs

These boxer briefs are a Merino Wool blend (81% Wool, 12% Nylon, 7% Elastane). It makes for an extremely light (only 0.25 lb) and flexible fit.

As we’ve shared before, Merino Wool is great for odor resistant, making this a perfect pair for a weekend of backpacking and camping without the need to bring an extra pair.

For testing, I took this on several multi-hour hikes and snowshoeing and it’s moisture-wicking properties allowed for everything to remain comfy and cool.

With it’s elastic band, I also found that these didn’t ride up or down in my activities.

The bottom line: these boxer briefs are great. Really happy that Ibex sent me a pair to test. Excited for more adventures in them.

Swiftwick FLITE XT® TRAIL Sock Review

Swiftwick recently launched their new FLITE XT® TRAIL line of socks and sent our team of product testers a couple pairs to test.

Swiftwick® FLITE XT® TRAIL
Swiftwick® FLITE XT® TRAIL

Previously we had highlighted the Swiftwick VIBE™ and Swiftwick PURSUIT™, but this new sock line was built for the trail and built for speed.

The FLITE XT® TRAIL combines Merino wool and Swiftwick’s proprietary GripDry™ Fiber that is incorporated into the heel and forefoot of the sock to provide traction and grip inside the shoe. When tearing down the steep terrain of Mount Sanitas, the sock stayed in place, not sliding or bunching as my foot shifted in my shoe.

Around the ankle, Swiftwick uses their AnkleLock™ Technology with strong elastic to make sure that the sock stays in place, but also provides a sense of stability on rocky terrain.

Over the course of our testing, we wore them in a variety of conditions, including trail-running and snowshoeing. During these colder activities, we found that the Merino wool performed as expected. During these activities, we never felt like our foot was overheated or too cold.

“After the release of our original FLITE XT® socks, designed with advanced stability technology, we heard growing feedback from our hike and trail running customers on their love for the line’s performance features,” said Joanna Mariani, Chief Marketing Officer of Swiftwick. 

“Using that feedback, we set out to combine the FLITE XT’s signature stability features with the natural wonders of Merino wool to provide the best-performing outdoor sock on the market. FLITE XT TRAIL was inspired by our customers and ardently crafted by our team– we’re excited to see what adventures our customers take these socks on.” 

Swiftwick® FLITE XT® TRAIL
Swiftwick® FLITE XT® TRAIL

These socks are a welcome addition to our gear closets. We’re looking forward to ultra season and being able to put more miles on these.

The FLITE XT TRAIL sock line launches in a Two and Five cuff height. Learn more about the FLITE XT TRAIL line at : https://swiftwick.com/pages/flite-xt-trail

Ibex Woolies 2 Base Layers Review

We recently covered Ibex’s Woolies Tech Crew and Bottoms.

Since that review, Ibex launched their new Woolies 2 Base Layers and sent us a pair to test in the snow.

Ibex Woolies 2 Crew
Ibex Woolies 2 Crew

Ibex’s Woolies 2 Base Layers differ from the Woolies Tech in that they are 100% merino. They are a bit heavier, and more insulating as well at 240gsm. If you’re heading out for long hours in colder weather, the Woolies 2 is going to be your best option.

Ibex Woolies 2 Bottoms
Ibex Woolies 2 Bottoms

For testing, I took them out in a variety of conditions: trail-running, snowshoeing, and back country skiing. I found that during low-impact activities (showshoeing or skiing downhill) that these were the perfect match. I wasn’t too hot or too cold. But during heavier activities (trail-running and the ski ascent) they were too much.

For skiing, I had paired up the base layers with a mid-layer, shedding the mid-layer about halfway up to regulate my body temperature. When I had taken the Woolies Tech out into the backcountry, they were light enough so that when paired with a mid-layer, I felt perfectly comfortable.

Ibex Woolies 2 Bottoms
Ibex Woolies 2 Bottoms

One thing I’ll note with the Woolies 2 Bottoms was that no matter how heavy or light the activity was, I didn’t experience any chafing in the nether region.

There’s a lot to be said about why the Woolies 2 perform so well and it’s in part due to the magic of Merino wool. As mentioned in the previous review, Merino is a natural, high-performance fabric, in part because of the conditions these sheep live in. Winters can be below zero and summers as warm as 95ºF. The sheep’ 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.

During a cold spell in Colorado, with temperatures dipping to -12ºF, I started to wear these base layers everyday. Even when I wasn’t playing outside, I wore them throughout the day for work, typically paired with a pair of jeans and flannel.

Ibex Woolies 2 Crew
Ibex Woolies 2 Crew

And they were extremely comfortable. If you’re in the camp of “Oh no, wool is so itchy!” you have to try Merino. It doesn’t itch and is so comfy and cozy.

Given that they regulate my body temperature so well, I also found these to perfect base layers to transition from the slopes to the ski lodge in. They weren’t wet from sweat and the natural odor control Merino has kept them from being stinky.

For the test, I wore a size large in Men’s. I am 5’11” and 180 pounds and it fit really well.

For information, you can head over to ibex.com. The Woolies 2 come in Men’s and Women’s sizes.

Atlas Helium-MTN Snowshoes Review

One of my resolutions this winter was to get out and explore more. I’ve been making good on that resolution; hiking, running and cycling as weather permits. But I was missing out on one of my favorite winter activities, snowshoeing, until recently.

Atlas was kind enough to sponsor that activity by providing us a pair of their 2021 Helium-MTN Showshoes to test out and review.

Atlas Helium-MTN Snowshoes
Atlas Helium-MTN Snowshoes

Over the last month, I have gotten out a handful of times, logging in around 20 hours and 25 miles in them.

One of my favorite places to take them locally was the Switzerland Trail that’s west of Boulder near the Sugarloaf Mountain peak. There’s a handful of trails in that area. Everything from hard-packed snow to fluffy hip-deep drifts.

What makes the Helium-MTN Snowshoes great is their construction.

“Helium” is named after the snowshoe deck, which Atlas claims to be the  lightest composite snowshoes available. The deck is designed to shed snow, which during our tests I found to be accurate. Even when my snowshoes kicked up a lot of snow, as I lifted my foot up, it was able to shed the loose snow piled onto the deck. This allowed me to move very quickly across the terrain, not having the weight of snow slow me down.

Binding

Atlas Helium-MTN Snowshoes
Atlas Helium-MTN Snowshoes

The first time I had gone snowshoeing, I had borrowed a friend’s pair. They were around 15 years old and not that great. But the thing I remember most from that experience was the bindings. So many times, in -5ºF weather, my boot would come loose and I’d shed gloves to try and tighten it back up. I didn’t have any of those issues with the binding on the Helium-MTN Snowshoes.

The binding at the back of my boot, once in place, stayed in place. In the front, to help secure the toe-box, Atlas introduced the BOA Fit System. This addition of the BOA Fit System helped secure my foot for several hours of comfortable snowshoeing.

Atlas Helium-MTN Snowshoes
Atlas Helium-MTN Snowshoes

Additionally, these bindings on my first use were very easy to figure out.

But speaking of the secure fitting, I should mention that the boots I wore weren’t mountaineering or stiff hiking boots, but minimalist zero-drop boots. Even with a lighter construction, I didn’t feel that the snowshoe was putting too much pressure with it’s binding of Boa system.

Traction

The traction rails worked really well on both snow and ice, even on steep terrain. The serrated teeth of the aluminum rails were able to provide enough grip that I didn’t experience any slippage. Additionally, my foot was able to move freely enough so that I could lean into or back depending on the terrain to have the best balance.

Flotation

One of the key features I wanted to test in these snowshoes was flotation. I went off-trail a few times to find the deepest, most fluffiest snow possible to see if I would sink in to my hip. I would try certain spots, first without snowshoes, to test how deep I would sink. Then with snowshoes. In the spots I tested, I found that the Helium-MTN Snowshoes had adequate flotation. I would sink 25-50% of the total depth. And granted this was off-trail, so I was really pushing what this snowshoe was capable of.

Conclusion

Overall, these snowshoes were great. I really enjoyed my time on the trails with them and look forward for more adventures with them during the winter months.

These shoes are available at REI, but could also be purchased off Atlas’s website for $220.

COROS VERTIX 2 Unboxing, Setup, and Interface/Menu Walk-Through Video

Today we are doing an unboxing and initial setup and thoughts on the COROS VERTIX 2

I am a big fan of COROS. When I was looking for an outdoor adventure watch three years ago, I did a ton of research; looking at the top brands, trying to decide which would be the perfect watch for me.

COROS was new to this category in 2018, but was already shaking things up in an industry that was dominated by Garmin and Suunto. In 2019, I purchased their Apex 46mm watch. What won me over was their unmatched battery life and their developers. They were churning out multiple firmware updates a year—building on an already impressive design—and really engaged with their community; listening constantly to feedback from users.

And three years into it, the Apex is still a solid watch. I can still go between 10-14 days between charges and the firmware has only gotten better with their major releases.

COROS sent me their latest watch, the VERTIX 2, to put through our testing protocols. Their goal with this watch was to make the ultimate adventure watch. Check out our video and let us know your thoughts.

Did they succeed?

We’ll dive in further in a later video.

California Cowboy’s Western High Sierra Shirt Review

A couple weeks ago at Outdoor Retailer, I had the opportunity to chat with California Cowboy’s product designer, which cemented them (in my mind, at least) as one of the coolest new brands in the outdoor space.

Why?

Because they have infused a sense of fun into their product design. California Cowboy is all about products that help their customers embrace their inner cowboy. I grew up in rural Missouri, and a big part of my childhood experience was spent on my grandparent’s farm playing in the fields amongst their herd of cows.

This inner cowboy style was evident in our recently reviewed El Garibaldi Robe and all the more present in another product they sent us: their Western High Sierra Shirt.

Western High Sierra Shirt
Western High Sierra Shirt

It’s winter, so whether I am outdoors hiking or taking client calls in my chilly office, I do a lot of layering. And the Western High Sierra Shirt provides a comfortable and functional outer layer to any outfit.

This shirt was designed for Après Ski or “After Ski.” That time after you hit the slopes where you’re socializing in the lodge; sharing stories and beers as you warm up.

Western High Sierra Shirt
Western High Sierra Shirt

The Western High Sierra Shirt comes with California Cowboy’s signature beverage pocket. It’s perfect to stash your beer or a spare sandwich. It’s going to be my go-to for Super Bowl weekend, allowing me to stash an extra beer or free up my hands so I can fit as many wings as possible in my food hole.

Western High Sierra Shirt
Western High Sierra Shirt

But that is only one pocket of many. There’s a smaller side pocket that is perfect to stash a wallet or business cards in; a zippered dry pocket to keep your iPhone away from the snow or sloshing beers; and an inside pocket for a pen and notebook. Not to mention the two breast pockets to stash anything else.

Western High Sierra Shirt
Western High Sierra Shirt

The shirt also comes with a handy sunglass loop, so you don’t have to worry about losing your precious pair as you’re chilling or partying. I can’t tell you how many times I have lost my sunglasses that were perched on my head, so this is a lifesaver.

So, yes, I am a big fan of this shirt. Thanks to California Cowboy for sending me one to try out. From their booth at Outdoor Retailer, they are continue to innovate their product line and I am excited for what’s to come in 2022.

The shirt I tested was a Large. It fit great, even with layers. For reference, I am 5’11” and 185 lbs.

Showers Pass Men’s Basecamp Merino Hoodie Review

Showers Pass sent us their Men’s Basecamp Merino Hoodie to test and it couldn’t have hit at a better time.

Showers Pass Basecamp Merino Hoodie
Showers Pass Basecamp Merino Hoodie

In between days of snowfall, we had 30ºF+ days that were perfect for taking this out on the trail for some runs and bike rides.

The Showers Pass Basecamp Merino Hoodie has been a great addition to my collection of baselayers. While it was nice to wear on a cool run and bike ride, it also paired really well under a fleece on colder days on the slopes, making this one of the most versatile pieces I have in my gear closet.

This hoodie is made with all-season 230 gsm fabric that is 95% merino wool and has UPF 40 sun protection.

Sliding it on, it is light and cozy, but highly functional.

Merino Wool, by its nature, is perfect for the outdoors. It keeps you warm, but when things start to heat up, keeps your core temperature regulated so you aren’t constantly shedding layers with its moisture wicking capability.

What makes the Basecamp Merino Hoodie stand out from it’s competition is the thoughtfulness and intentionality of its product design.

Showers Pass Basecamp Merino Hoodie
Showers Pass Basecamp Merino Hoodie

It has zippered kangaroo pockets that are easily accessible in the front, but, did I mention: they are zippered. I have hoodies that don’t have zippered pockets and they aren’t good at holding much; they are just a convenient place to put my hands. But with Showers Pass’s design, I can stash anything into these pockets, zip them shut, and not have to worry about bouncing my keys, wallet or phone out of them.

Basecamp Merino Hoodie
Basecamp Merino Hoodie

I love the hood, as well. There’s a few hoodies in my closet with hoods that just don’t fit right. They are too small or sit to far back on my head. I love how spacious the hood is on the Basecamp Merino Hoodie. It provides adequate coverage, but because of how light the fabric is, it doesn’t weigh me down.

Basecamp Merino Hoodie
Basecamp Merino Hoodie

The final feature I’ll highlight is the fit in the back. Showers Pass designs their shirts and jackets so that there’s a little swoop going past your waist. This is a great feature for cycling so that your shirt doesn’t ride up.

Overall, I love the Basecamp Merino Hoodie. It’s another great product from Showers Pass. The overall fit is great. It’s one of the most comfortable hoodies and baselayers in my gear closet. I am looking forward to taking this piece out on more advetures.

The Basecamp Merino Hoodie is available online. I am 5’11” and 185 lbs and I wear a large.

The Perfect Jacket for Backpacking

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: The Best Backpacking Jacket

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.

Pak-Jak Back Strap

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.

“We Live to Discover” – Jack Wolfskin Presents Strategic Brand Repositioning

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.

For Jack Wolfskin media inquiries, please reach out to Sarah Dziadzio, sarah.dziadzio@purpleorangepr.com.

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.