Rambling Review – Maroon Bell Buffalo Leather Ranching Gloves

Why:

I’ve burned through several pairs of cheap leather gloves while hunting and working in the harsh elements of the Southwest. Between hunting, camp chores, and yard work, most of my gloves don’t have a long life expectancy. The Maroon Bell Buffalo Leather Ranching Gloves are the answer.

First impressions:

Full Grain Buffalo Leather – The Maroon Bell gloves are made of full grain buffalo leather. This leather feels durable, soft, and of the highest quality. There are no words to describe the beautiful leather smell from these gloves.

Fit – The Maroon Bell website has a pretty detailed fitting guide for these gloves. Out of the box, the gloves were very tight, but was advised that they would stretch a fair bit. I kept the gloves in my truck and every morning on the way to work, I’d put them on and form a fist and flex the leather. By week two, these gloves fit perfectly like a second layer of skin.

Field Use:

The number one reason I wanted these gloves was for Arizona quail season. Our quail season runs from early October through early February. The first part of the season is a bit too hot to run the dog, and I’m usually chasing deer in November. By the time we hit the ground looking for birds in December, having a quality pair of leather gloves is so important to keep your hands warm on a cold morning or for general protection from everything sharp in the desert. The Maroon Bell gloves have a “gunfighter” fit with a short cuff and the tight fit through the fingers is ideal for handling a shotgun without sacrificing grip or feel.

While hunting, I am constantly interacting with my phone and GPS to look at maps and mark where I find coveys. With my old pair of leather gloves, I was constantly removing them so that I could manipulate the screen. The Maroon Bell Buffalo Leather Ranching Gloves have an integrated finger pad that is touchscreen compatible, so I never have to remove them while accessing my electronics.

While I used them extensively during this quail hunting season, I found myself still reaching for them when I spent time in the field over some of my other hunting gloves. I also beat them up in the backyard and while working around the house. The Maroon Bell Buffalo Leather Ranching Gloves are extremely durable and tough, but also become softer and more comfortable the longer I own them.

Pros:

• High quality buffalo leather
• Touchscreen compatible
• Extremely durable and protective
• Gunfighter fit
• Get better with age

Cons:

• Cost – these are going to cost a bit more than your local hardware store leather gloves, but worth every penny.

Prognosis:  I am a huge fan of the Maroon Bell Buffalo Leather Ranching Gloves. If you are in search of a high quality pair of gloves, check them out.

* Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

The post Rambling Review – Maroon Bell Buffalo Leather Ranching Gloves appeared first on Arizona Wanderings.

Rambling Review 

Why:

Hiking miles in uneven terrain with a heavy pack and a weapon requires a high quality, sturdy, and yet comfortable pair of boots. I’ve had quite a few pairs of Lowas over the years, but the new Lowa Camino GTX boots check all the boxes.

First impressions:

The weight – At 1550 grams (52 ounces) for the pair, this heavy duty boot is lighter than my other favorite pair of Lowas. The Lowa Tibets come in at 1900 grams

GORE-TEX – The Camino GTX boots have a waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX membrane which was originally “created to help thru-hikers, alpinists, mountaineers, ice climbers, and hunters keep their feet dry and warm in high elevations and coldest conditions.”

Vibram – The Camino GTX boots come standard with the Vibram AppTrail sole. Lowa states that the AppTrail sole provides increased contact area with a self-cleaning tread for excellent grip on all surfaces as well as a pronounced front heel edge for good traction downhill.

LOWA Flex Lacing – The Flex lacing system allows the laces to easily pull through the ball bearing lace loops that are set on free moving tabs which reduces overall pressure against the foot. This turned out to be one of the absolute game changers for me.

Manufactured – Lowa Boots have been handcrafted in Europe since 1923 under the world’s most stringent manufacturing, environmental and labor regulations.

Field Use:

The first chance I had to wear the Lowa Camino GTX boots in the field was during Mearns quail season. I spent many days in Southern Arizona following Sunshine dog up every draw and canyon looking for birds. Even through the long days in the field carrying a shotgun and a heavy vest over uneven ground, the Camino boots were extremely comfortable, even right out of the box.

I wore them again during turkey season and on multiple hikes through spring and summer. Even as the temperatures climbed, the GORE-TEX lining were quite breathable and comfortable.

The real test for the Lowa Camino GTX boots came this fall. I spent a week in Idaho hunting mule deer and a couple days in Arizona after coues deer. Between the two hunts, I logged over 80 hard miles with lots of vertical hiking under heavy load as well as wet weather. I packed two deer out of the backcountry. Through it all, the Camino boots were supportive, dry, breathable, and most of all comfortable.

Pros:

Little to no break-in time

Vibram AppTrail soles

Heinen Terracare Nubuck Leather Uppers

GORE-TEX Lining

LOWA Flex Lacing

Cons:

Cost – good boots are not cheap

PROGNOSIS: I love the Lowa Camino GTX boots. Extremely comfortable and absolute workhorse boots.

* Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

The post Rambling Review – Lowa Camino GTX appeared first on Arizona Wanderings.

Rambling Review: Lowa Tibet LL

Why:

Lowa boots are some of the finest made boots on the market today. I’ve had the great opportunity to put a couple of different pairs of their boots through the ringer while hiking, hunting, and fishing around Arizona. The Lowa Renegade LL and the Lowa Uplander GTX were both solid boots that are still in my rotation of hunting boots, but I recently put a pair of Lowa Tibets LL boots on my feet this past year and was really impressed by this heavy duty hunting boot.

First impressions:

The weight – At 1900 grams (67 ounces), this heavy duty boot comes in much heavier than a lightweight hiking boot.

Leather lined – The “LL” in the title stands for leather-lined. The Lowa Tibet LL boots are lined with glove quality leather that greatly aids in moisture wicking and ultimately, comfort. For Arizona hunting and hiking, this was a no-brainer for me. The Tibets also come in a several other variations: Goretex and Superwarm Goretex

Vibram – The Tibet LL boots come standard with the Vibram Masai sole. Lowa states that the Masai sole provides excellent grip on all surfaces, thanks to self-cleaning mountaineering tread. The large lugs and the undercut heel provide uphill and downhill traction.

Manufactured – Lowa Boots have been handcrafted in Europe since 1923 under the world’s most stringent manufacturing, environmental and labor regulations.

Field Use:

My first experience with the Lowa Tibet LL boots was right out of the box with no break in time. Not ideal when side-hilling after Gambel’s quail, but I couldn’t have been more pleased with the fit and feel of the glove quality leather. No hotspots or blisters. The Nubuk leather upper, combined with the leather interior, allows for some real breathability that other boots with Goretex lining lack.  

The other feature of the Lowa Tibet LL boots that blew me away was the support. The Tibets are a heavy duty mountain boot and the 5mm full length nylon stabilizer in the boot provides serious support while hiking the loose rock hills in Arizona. The boots also feature a tongue stud and x-lacing with locking eyelets. This allows for perfect tension throughout the boot.

One thing to note about the Tibets is the weight. These are not a lightweight hiking boot and are instead built with a heavy sole that can take any abuse you throw at them. Although the boots are a bit heavier, I found that the comfort and support they offered far outweighed the additional weight.

Pros:

Little to no break-in time

Vibram Masai soles

Waxed nubuk leather uppers

Glove grade leather lining

5mm full length nylon stabilizer

Cons:

Cost 

Weight 

Prognosis:  If you are in the market for a quality set of mountain boots, the Lowa Tibets LL boots are an excellent choice.

* Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. The Lowa Tibet LL boots were provided by Lowa for the purpose of this review. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

The post Rambling Review: Lowa Tibet LL Boots appeared first on Arizona Wanderings.

Rambling Review – Lowa Uplander GTX

Why:

I have a pair of Lowa Renegade LL boots that I absolutely love. I figured that the leather-lined Renegades would be the only boot I need in Arizona since they handle the dry climate with flying colors. Then I woke up one morning on my spring turkey hunt last season to see 6 inches of snow on the ground. It was then I realized, I probably needed a good pair of Gore-Tex boots that would be comfortable enough to hike in all day as well as keep my feet dry and warm. Having such good luck with my Lowa Renegade LL, I took another look at the Lowa lineup and found the Lowa Uplander GTX boots. They are spectacular.

First impressions:

The sole – Vibram Vialta soles are a  Polyurethane mid-sole for shock absorption, pronation/supination zones for stability, self-cleaning profile with excellent grip.

Materials – The Uplander GTXs are a 10 inch tall shafted boot. They are constructed with a split leather/Codura upper and the full-length plastic stabilizers between the midsole and outsole provide superior ankle stability and torsional control.

Price – The German made Lowa Uplander GTX are priced at $295.

Field Use:

I spent the last half of quail season with the Lowa Uplander GTX on my feet. I hiked about 6 miles the first day in them, and aside from one hotspot on the side of my pinky toe, I was very impressed with how comfortable these boots were right out of the box. After wearing them to work a couple days each week and continuing to hunt in them for the remainder of the season, the boots and my feet became well acquainted.  Even though the temperature and weather of the last half of the Arizona quail season is extremely moderate, I was a bit worried that my feet would burn up and be uncomfortably swampy with the Gore-Tex lining. Although not nearly as breathable as the Renegade LL boots, the Lowa Uplander GTX boots were still comfortable for the cool winter mornings even with the Gore-Tex lining.

As slight as it may seem, one of the things that I appreciated about the Uplander GTx boots was the extra few inches of support and protection of the upper boot. Between thick, sticky underbrush and steep hills to traverse, support and protection are welcome advantages when choosing a boot.

The Lowa Uplander GTX boots were on my feet for many days through the cold mornings of javelina season, as well as my opening weekend of turkey. We experienced some snow and rain during turkey season and it provided me with the opportunity to get the boots into a wet environment and see how they performed. After days of running and gunning on the ridges of northern Arizona and hiking many miles, my feet were warm and dry despite the cold, wet weather. The gusseted tongue and Gore-Tex lining create the perfect barrier for superior waterproof protection.

Pros:

Waterproof Gore-Tex lining

Lightweight

Vibram soles

Ankle support

Cons:

Cost

Prognosis:  With almost a full season of hunting put on the Lowa Uplander GTX Boots, I couldn’t be happier with the performance of the boot. Overall, it is a very comfortable boot right out of the box and in my experience, it took minimal effort to get my feet and the boots on the same page. The Vibram soles provide stable footing on wet and slippery mud and rock and the tall shafted boot with 4 level lace hooks provides a high level of ankle support. Time will tell how these boots hold up over time, but I’m excited to see where these high quality boots will take me. 

* Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  The Lowa Uplander GTX boots were provided by Lowa for the purpose of this review. My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

The post Rambling Review – Lowa Uplander GTX appeared first on Arizona Wanderings.

Rambling Review – Woolx Lightweight Merino Wool

Why:

I really like Merino wool. To be completely honest, I have a bunch of different garments from a variety of different manufacturers and I can definitely see the differences in workmanship and quality of merino in these products. I recently had the opportunity to check out a few pieces of clothing from the WoolX lightweight merino line, and have been thoroughly  impressed with their products.

First impressions:

The wool – All Woolx garments are made with superfine wool which contains 19.5 microns. With such a fine wool, the shirt and boxers were extremely comfortable with literally no itch.

The Fit – The Woolx lightweight merino wool runs true to size. I picked up the Woolx lightweight short-sleeve shirt and a pair of their lightweight boxers too. Both garments are sewn with freedom of movement with underarm sleeve gussets in the shirt and a gusseted crotch in the boxers. Merino wool has the tendency to shrink a bit if you toss it in the dryer after a wash, but the Woolx held it’s form with very minimal shrinking after making a run through  the dryer.

The guarantee – WoolX has a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not satisfied then send it back for a full refund or replacement. Pretty hard to argue with that.

Field Use:

I wore the Woolx shirt as a base layer and in the Arizona heat it excelled as a breathable layer. Merino is one of those wonderful natural materials that manages body temperature extraordinarily well. When the heat is on and you’re working up a sweat, it breathes well, wicking moisture away from the body and cooling you down. When the temperature drops, the wool works as an insulation layer. Most of merino that I own is long-sleeve and works well in hunting situations and cold temps. I really liked the Woolx short sleeve for fishing here in the Arizona summer. Truly a great layer to have to keep you cool in the hot sun.

Without getting into all of the nitty gritty on the boxers, let’s just say they performed better than I could have imagined. Long hot hikes into some backcountry creeks as well as a cold snap on my turkey hunt really showed the versatility of the garment.  Merino wool is so amazing in the fact that it is anti-microbial, and the natural wax found in wool actually fights bacteria and odor. As a hunter (and sensible human being) clothing that fights odor is a big plus.

One thing I wish Woolx would do is to offer their garments in a few more colors. I’d love to add a few of their heavier weight merino wool shirts and hoodies to my hunting gear, and would like to see some greens, tans, and browns.

Pros:

Extremely comfortable

No itch

Moisture wicking

Merino wool regulates body temperature

Minimal shrink

Cons:

Color selection

Prognosis:  Woolx lightweight merino wool is a great option if you are looking to add a merino baselayer to your wardrobe.

* Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

The post Rambling Review – Woolx Lightweight Merino Wool appeared first on Arizona Wanderings.

Rambling Review – REI Revelcloud Jacket

Why:

Pretty much every outdoor clothing company these days is making an insulation layer out of Primaloft.  My wife and I each bought ourselves one of the REI Revelcloud Jackets as Christmas presents in 2012 and have put them through the ringer. Ultimately, a lightweight insulation layer can be the difference between staying warm in the field, and being miserably cold and heading home.

*REI has since redesigned their Revelcloud line so it looks a bit different, but appears to have roughly the same specs and features.

First impressions:

Material – The REI Revelcloud Jacket is manufactured from Pertex Quantum which is a recycled ripstop polyester. This material is fairly water- and wind-resistant.

Insulation – The insulation for this jacket incorporates a synthetic material called Primaloft. Primaloft is a synthetic that is similar to down. The positive side about Primaloft is that it still provides some warmth when wet, unlike down which loses all warmth when wet. The downside is that it does not pack down as tightly, nor as lightweight as down. 

Packability – Although not as tight-packing as down, the Revelcloud does pack pretty small. It comes with a small stuff sack that is roughly 9 inches long with a 3.5 inch diameter. Pretty nice when you think about it.

Field Use:

I have literally beat the crap out of this jacket this past year and a half. I have hunted, fished, and backpacked with it all over the southwest and it still looks pretty good. Here is what I really like about the jacket:

Number one is that I can wear it as an insulation piece under a shell or as a stand alone jacket. The Revelcloud is form fitting and lays very flat under an outer jacket. I would often use this jacket as a layer underneath a heavier coat while glassing hillsides during hunting season or underneath my waders and softshell while fishing. I provides a great amount of warmth without a ton of bulk. There were also times though where I’d arrive early to fish a canyon and it was still pretty cold (30s or 40s), but I knew that it would warm up considerably once the sun was high in the sky. The REI Revelcloud is sturdy enough to be worn with care as an external jacket in the morning and then stowed in the stuff sack once the day warms.

The second thing that I really like about the REI Revelcloud jacket is that the Primaloft still provides warmth even when damp or wet. I have a very distinct memory of stumbling hard on the stream and dipping the entire right arm of my jacket in the cold creek water. Once I rung out the water and gave it a couple of shakes, I didn’t have any other choice than to put the jacket back on. Although it wasn’t perfect, the jacket did continue to hold some warmth even though it was soaking wet. My limited experience with down has shown me that it does not react in the same way as Primaloft.

Finally, the REI Revelclouds ability to pack down into a very small stuff sack makes it ideal for an outdoorsman who is trying to save on space and ounces. At roughly 12.5 ounces, it is a really nice insurance policy to have just in case the weather turns cold and windy. From October til April, this jacket stays in my fishing and hunting pack for those moments when I need the extra warmth.

One thing does stand out as problematic when talking about all lightweight Primaloft or down jackets, and the Revelcloud is no exception – Durability. Although I do often wear it as an outer layer, I wear it carefully. This is not the jacket to bushwack through raspberry bushes or thick pokey tree limbs. I do try to be gentle with it, as the material can be torn rather easily. I have two small holes in the jacket that I keep an eye on, although they do not compromise its performance.

Pros:

Lightweight

Extremely packable

Water- and wind-resistant

Bunches down into its own stuff sack

Extremely warm

Great non-bulky insulation layer

Made from recycled material

Easily machine washed

True to size

Cons:

Made in China

Not ideal as an outer layer as the material can be easily torn

Prognosis:  The REI Revelcloud Jackets quickly became and remains one of my favorite pieces of gear during the cold months of the year. It is worth its weight in gold as an insulation layer when it comes to staying warm in the elements. 

* Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review. My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

The post Rambling Review – REI Revelcloud Jacket appeared first on Arizona Wanderings.

Why:

I’m a big fan of hiking. Whether hunting, fishing, or putting on a backpack, I like to leave the sounds of civilization, quads, and dirtbikes behind to find country that others don’t typically get to see. My feet end up taking the bulk of the abuse and therefore it becomes imperative that they get the support from a good pair of boots. I have been a hard core Merrell fan for the past couple of years, but when they did a redesign of their one boot, something changed. I had the opportunity to try out a pair of Lowa Renegade LL Mid boots, and I don’t think I need to look for new boots anymore.

First impressions:

The Fit – The Lowa Renegade LL Boots feature an over the ankle fit. With three boot lace hooks, the boots are able to be cinched to the proper tension and comfort.

Leather-lined – I don’t have a whole lot of need for Gore-tex while hiking and hunting here in Arizona, so having a pair of glove leather-lined boots that are comfortable and breathe well is critical.

Vibram® Evo rubber – I’m a big fan of Vibram soles and the Vibram Evo rubber boast superior traction and durability.

Field Use:

There is no better test for a pair of boots than a season of Arizona quail hunting. I started wearing these boots prior to the season in order to break them in and was pleasantly surprised to find that they needed little to no time to break in. I went on several short hikes as well as a couple longer scouting trips.

Since quail season arrived, I’ve spent just about every weekend chasing Gambel’s through the desert in my Lowa Renegades. Even in Temperatures as high as 95º, I have found these boots to be extremely comfortable. I typically do most of my hiking/hunting in a pair of merino socks, and when paired with the glove leather that lines the inside of the Lowa Renegade boots, my feet were comfortable and breathed exceptionally well.

One thing that I really like about the Lowa Renegade LL Mid boots is the extra support that they offer in their “over the ankle fit.” Although they are labeled as a “mid” type boot, they offer substantial more support than other mid-type hiking boots that I’ve owned. With three lace hooks, I can get the perfect tension, fit, and support that I need for the steep desert hills that I need.

The Lowa Renegade LL are soled with Vibram  which provide serious traction on the ever unstable desert floor. The boot uppers are constructed of a water-repellant waxed nubuk leather is not only flexible but strong, and offers a layer of protection while hiking.

Pros:

Little to no break-in time

Vibram Evo soles

Waxed nubuk leather uppers

Glove grade leather lining

Cons:

Price tag (but well worth it for the quality)

Prognosis:  I love these boots. Need I say more? Check out the Lowa Renegade LL Mid boots and the rest of Lowa’s boot lineup.

* Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  The Lowa Renegade LL Mid Boots were provided by Lowa for the purpose of this review. My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

The post Rambling Review – Lowa Renegade LL Mid Boots appeared first on Arizona Wanderings.

Why:

It’s wicked hot here in Arizona. From late spring to early fall, Phoenix temps skyrocket into the triple digets, and 110° and higher is not uncommon. During this time, I am pointing the truck northward to try and find some willing trout to take a fly. Even in the mountains, mid-day temperaturs reach the mid 90s and staying cool and hydrated is extremely important. I have had the opportunity to check out a new line of Armachillo clothing from Duluth Trading Company and was able to put their Armachillo cargo pants and Armachillo long-sleeve patterned shirt through the paces.

First impressions:

Made-in-the-Jade Technology – The Armachillo line is made with their “made-in-the-jade” technology which refers to the microscopic jade embedded into the fabric, creating a cooling effect on the skin.

Lightweight –  I was very excited about the how lightweight the Armachillo fabric was. I’m always looking for gear that cuts down on weight when hiking and camping, and the Armachillo line is the ticket for a lightweight option.

Fit – Sizing was a bit different. Typically, I wear a large in shirts and 34 waist. I ended up needing a medium in the Armachillo patterned shirt, and even then, I still had a quite a bit of room. The 34 waist pants fit, but I’m not a huge fan of the elastic band on the waist. The pants are extremely comfortable, but I would like to see a version without the elastic waist.

Field Use:

After a couple months of hard hiking and fishing, I can safely say that the Duluth Trading Company Armachillo line stands up to the abuse of a small stream fly fisherman. I crawled and bushwhacked my way through some new country and found this clothing line is the real deal.

• Pants – The Armachillo Cargo Pants are made from quick-drying, rip-stop nylon. Add in a gusseted crotch and the fact that they are antimicrobial and have UPF 40 sun protection and you can crawl, crouch, and sneak your way along the creek in search of small wild trout. The cargo pockets are a bit unique as well with several different pockets instead of just one, and the cargo flap has the option of tucking inside as well for easier access.
• Shirt – The Armachillo Long-sleeve Pattern Shirt was very nice too. The long-sleeve shirt adds more protection by fighting off the morning chill and keeping you cool in the heat of the day. I really felt the cooling effects of the made-in-the-jade technology as well as the vented back as the sun rose throughout the day.

Pros:

Breathable clothing

Made-in-the-Jade Technology

Durable

Functional 

Cons:

Elastic waistband on pants

Prognosis:  If you find yourself in the sweltering heat of the Southwest, the Duluth Trading Company Armachillo clothing line is definitely worth a look.

* Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  The Armachillo Cargo Pants and Long-sleeve Patterned Shirt were provided for the purpose of this review. My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

The post Rambling Review: Duluth Trading Company Armachillo Gear appeared first on Arizona Wanderings.

Rambling Review – Atlas 12 Series Snowshoes

Why:

I live in Arizona. It’s hot. Believe it or not though, we get some serious snow in the high country that shuts down some of my favorite streams. For the past several years, I have resigned myself to fishing some of the local carp ponds and scooting up to fish the mountains when the snow melts. This year, all that changed with a pair of Atlas 12 Series Snowshoes. Arizona had a couple of pretty decent snowstorms, and I took the opportunity to test out the Atlas 12 Series Snowshoes and take advantage of the solitude.

First impressions:

The weight – At 4.08 lbs, the Atlas 12 Series Snowshoes are some of the lightest snowshoes on the market.

The bindings – Like any new piece of gear, I instantly want to try it on and see how it works. Some of the “high-tech” gear on the market can take an advanced degree to figure out. I plopped the Atlas 12s on the snow stepped into them and cinched the bindings tight. It was game on from there.

Field Use:

My primary use for these snowshoes was accessing hard to reach water in the mountains. This means rocks, downed trees, and steep canyons. The Atlas 12 Series snowshoes have an extremely aggressive crampon setup on the bottom. Any icy/slick conditions get eaten up by the ice-tips on the heel and the Holey-1 toe crampon. Growing up, I had an old pair of wooden snowshoes that had been handed down to me. I remember having such a problem going uphill. That was not the case with the Atlas 12s. There is a heel lift bar that flips up to relieve the increased stress put on calf muscles, and when combined with the crampons underneath, getting out of the canyon is significantly easier

The Atlas 12 Series really shined in the heavy snow in the bottom of the canyon. At their widest point, the 12 Series measure almost 9 inches. This extra width helps to keep you up on top of the deep powder. The Atlas spring-loaded suspension provides the perfect amount of flex in uneven conditions and allows the foot to gain the right amount of traction.

It is obvious that a ton of technology is wrapped up in the 12 series, but that technology translates into ease of use. The WRAPP Pro bindings can be manipulated with gloves on and make the on/off task very simple.

The end result of all of the great features is an excellent set of snowshoes. Gearing up for the creek, I have multiple layers on, waders, wading boots, and a lumbar pack. Even with all the bulkiness, the Atlas 12 Series Snowshoes took me in and out of a couple of steep canyons and put me on beautiful water in winter solitude.

Pros:

Lightweight

Rocksolid Aluminum Frame

Easy on/off bindings

Abrasion Resistant Nylon Decking

Agressive Crampon Setup

Spring-Loaded Suspension

Cons:

At the higher price point, the 12 series are a worthwhile investment.

Prognosis:  Hands down, the Atlas 12 Series Snowshoes are a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to get into the solitude of the backcountry.

* Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  The Atlas 12 Series Snowshoes were provided by Atlas for the purpose of this review. My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

The post Rambling Review – Atlas 12 Series Snowshoes appeared first on Arizona Wanderings.

Rambling Review – Cabela’s GORE-TEX Trailhead Jacket

Why:

Every outdoorsman has found themselves in the elements when the wind picks up and the rain/snow starts to fall. Having a quality shell to stay dry and keep the wind at bay is absolutely essential.  Most outdoor companies have some sort of product that they claim is windproof and waterproof, and sorting through the myriad of options can be quite a chore. I purchased the Cabela’s GORE-TEX Trailhead Jacket and believe that it is a great choice for the outdoorsman who is looking to stay warm and dry.

First impressions:

Waterproof/Waterproof/Breathable – Need I say more?

The Pocket Layout –  Cabela’s did a really nice job in their choice of pockets on the Trailhead Jacket.

• Two functional chest pockets that I can fit tippet, fly dressing, leaders, license, and a camera in; or a fully fly box if needed.
• Two deep zippered hand pockets that are plenty big enough for large fly boxes, gloves, beanie and anything else you can think of.
• There is two meshy pockets on the inside of the Trailhead jacket that are perfect for a water bottle or stowing other gear

The Fit –  The Cabela’s GORE-TEX Trailhead Jacket fits just right. I opted for the jacket in a size Large in order to layer while on the creek or in the woods when it turns cold. At the same time, the jacket is not too bulky which allows you to wear it in case of rain during the warmer months.

Armpit zippers –  I believe every outdoor jacket should have armpit zippers for ventilation. It never fails to be hiking, hunting, or fishing and get overheated. With a quick zip, the armpit vents allow for a quick cool off without having to strip out of the jacket.

Field Use:

The main reason I purchased The Cabela’s GORE-TEX Trailhead Jacket was for days spent fly fishing in foul weather. I have been toting the Trailhead jacket around for almost a year now, and I have worn it on many different fishing trips and in many different conditions. The Cabela’s Trailhead Jacket has been used heavily on many trips, but just to name a few:

• a 4 day float on the Deschutes in Oregon
• a day chasing grayling on a small stream in Denali
• 3 days on Lees Ferry heading upriver
• a spring trip to Colorado to fish the Arkansas River

Pros:

– Waterproof, windproof, breathable

– Thoughtful pocket layout that is user-friendly

– Armpit vents

– Multi-functional and versatile

– Price

– Washable

– Cabela’s name and warranty

Cons:

– No lining for warmth

– A bit bulky when loading a pack

Prognosis:  I purchased the Cabela’s GORE-TEX Trailhead Jacket on sale and could not be happier with my purchase. If you are looking for a great all-around jacket to keep away wind, water, and snow, the Trailhead Jacket is definitely worth trying on.

* Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

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