Two Cents; Issue 5; Outdoor Research Transfer Hoody

-This standard winter soft-shell that is anything but average, providing versatility that view soft-shells can match.



Its Role

When I started looking for a soft-shell I didn't really understand what I was getting into. So, I took a shot in the dark, and got lucky. This was my first experience with Outdoor Research, and that is when I fell in love with them. The Transfer Hoody has become my favorite winter jacket, just one stop short of a hard-shell.


Pro's

• Durable
• In excellent condition after two seasons of climbing, and one ski season and has survived many falls.
• Well Balanced 
• The fleece lining and soft-shell fabric that OR used has enough insulation to be warm, but not so much that it is unwearable
• It's a Hoody
• While some soft-shells do not have a hood, it provides the extra little warmth reducing the number of layers you need

Con's

• The garment is two inches short
• It covers the waistline, but just barely
• Requires the correct layers beneath to operate effectively 
• Just something to take into consideration

In Conclusion

The Transfer Hoody is a fantastic winter soft-shell that is versatile just about anywhere. With a durable outer fabric, and fleece lining it works as both the outer layer or a mid-layer depending on the weather. A couple of things to keep in mind is that the sleeves would be uncomfortable to wear with an other the cuff glove. The Velcro tabs are easy to use with gloves on but that fact makes them bulky. You might be able to get them under a full gauntlet glove but it would be a stretch. Something else I noticed is that you have to have your base layers figured out if you want to add anything benieth this layer. A fleece, 1/4 zip, effectively doubles the warmth of the system. Not a bad thing to be sure, but something that should be taken into account. My 'biggest' complaint about the Hoody is that the garment length is cut too short for my tastes. It covers the waistline when standing but offers no protection when you bend down to get something or adjust a pack. What made me fall in love with OR, is when they cut the fabric of their garments they don't make them athletic fit. I'm in decent shape but am no where near what some companies think is the ideal body for the mountains. I'm not the ideal body build, but the gear I use should fit my build. My shoulders fit comfortably and I have a full range of motion. Their apparel just fits on me. 

Go, No Go

This product receives a 9 out of 10. It is my go to jacket for mild days. I would recommend this jacket to anyone that needs a winter soft-shell that is good buy itself but also slim enough to fit under a hard-shell. The Transfer Hoody receives a go.

K

A Perfect Review, Huh.

A Note of Clarification

I recently reviewed BD's Dirt Bag Glove and gave it a 10 out of 10, and the thought crossed my mind, can something truly be perfect? The answer, something can be perfect for one person or scenario and not for another, so the answer is both yes and no. For what I use them for, the system of equipment that I have, and the weather that I am out in, they are perfect. I have a heavier winter pair for when conditions are nasty but I don't use them very often. All of my coats do well with an under the cuff glove, in fact that is what they are designed to do. Had I, for example, bought BD's Guide Glove, my review would not have been as good. Not because the quality of the glove, but because it would not have worked well with my system. I try and take that into consideration when I write my reviews, did the product fail me, or was it buyer error? BD's Speed 30 was buyer error, the pack didn't fail. TNF Hedgehog the product did not hold up and I gave my thoughts on both as honestly and respectfully as possible. The goal is not to go after a company because I don't like "x" about them, the goal is to relate my experience of their product to the reader. If you have had a different experience with a product that I have reviewed, please post a comment and I will address the comment accordingly.



I look forward to hearing from you.


K

Two Cents; Issue 4; Black Diamond Dirt Bag Glove

-A light-weight, durable all leather glove that sheds abuse with ease, and comfortable enough to wear all day.



The Accessory I Thought I Could Live Without

Having a pair of durable winter gloves that keeps you warm is essential, but they tend be unusable in warmer conditions because of their insulation. I picked up these gloves for the warmer days and have not been disappointed. This is my second Black Diamond review and I hope to acquire more of there products, and when I do I shall write more reviews.


The Pro's 

• Durable
• 100% goat skin leather 
• Light but warm for their size
• Leather pull tab to help get them on

The Con

• They aren't water proof 

In Conclusion 

This glove is a great all around glove when comfort and durability are musts. I have already decided to have another pair ordered when my first pair are on their way out. They are great in the cold of the morning before the heater kicks in, and they excel on the fair weather ski days. While retaining their warmth they are very dexterous allowing the wearer control over the small things, like operate a belay device without taking them off. With their under the cuff design they slide under any sleeve, they are the glove that I wear the most often in the winter. The only draw back is that they aren't water proof. I was digging out a snow cave and wasn't paying a attention, when I realized my hands were cold, the gloves were soaked. They took 3 days to dry, and the leather was hard and I feared that they might crack. I applied some leather food and they came out alright. Knowing that they wont do well with prolonged exposure to water, I just keep them dry and all's well. I Love These Gloves!!!!

Go, No Go

Go, go, go go go. If you are looking for a light weight winter glove that is durable and will last for seasons to come, this is that glove. This get a 10 out of 10, they aren't water proof but they never claimed to be. My first review with a 100%.

Well done Black Diamond. 

K

Two Cents; Issue 3; North Face Hedgehog Hiking Shoe

-Designed to be a light and rugged hiking shoe for quick movement.





Dependability

Buying dependable gear is the best way to enjoy your time in the mountains. Nothing gets more abuse than your foot wear. Depending on the make and model they will be used all year around. When I buy my shoes I walk them into the ground, literally. The North Face Hedgehog was mediocre at best.


The Pro's

• It's light and rugged
• The rugged tread grips dirt and rock well

The Con's

• The fabric on the heel disentegrated, leaving the foam exposed
• The loops that keep the laces in place was showing signs of wear

In Defense...

It is my personal belief that gear companies make the best quality gear to do what the costumer says they need. A light weight hiking shoe was exactly what the market demanded. People wanted the protection of a boot without the boot side of that equation. Many shoes have come onto the market that have similar functions. Most companies make a shoe like this, you simply choose the name you want and off you go. I understood that the shoes would not last for ever, but they died way before I thought they would.

In Conclusion

On the trail this shoe preformed wonderfully, my feet were protected from the elements without wearing boots. After using them almost every day for a year they began to fall apart. The heel was down to the foam, the eyelets too looked well used, however, the tread on the bottom did survive. I would caution you when you are looking at any style of footwear where inside of the heel is fabric, I would run away, that will not last. I'm a personal believer that leather is still the best way to go where friction is present and durability is required. But it is up to you. Leather tends to be 'heavier' and certainly doesn't breath as well, but it will last twice as long as there fabric counterparts. Just like anything else having the right tool for the job is what makes or breaks the day. Be careful what you buy, and consider how you plan to use the product. This shoe would be fantastic if I only used it twice a month, I didn't think it would deteriorate within a year.

Go, No Go

The North Face Hedgehog receives a 4 out of 10 form me. The shoe did exactly what it said it would, which was preform well on the trail, but it was not as versatility as advertised. I will not buy any style of shoe that is similar to this, regardless of the maker. It fell apart from the inside out. This product receives a no go. 

K