Posts Tagged travel clothing
Women’s Outdoor and Travel Sock Round-Up
A few weeks back, Tim posted a hiking sock round-up for men, and now it’s our turn! If you’ve been shopping for all-weather socks for outdoor activity, you know just how many brands and styles are out there. Early this year, I asked performance sock brands to send me the best they offer for skiing, hiking, and running/biking. After incasing my tootsies in Merino wool (non-itchy and a renewable resource!) and wool blends just about every day for the past two months, I bring you my top style picks from each brand.
Dahlgren:
What they do best: design (both aesthetic and functional). Dahlgren’s Sno sock uses their patented Dri-Stride technology in conjunction with soft alpaca and merino wool to absorb moisture in the toe, heel, and mid-foot section using what they call ‘wicking rings’ and ‘wicking channels’. What’s really cool is the way the sock pattern designs (cherry blossoms in the women’s, neon stripes in the men’s) are actually cleverly disguised ‘super highways’ of moisture removal, helping to keep your feet dry and warm.
This puts a whole new spin on ‘form meets function’! The sock is lighter weight than other wool ski socks I’ve tried, yet just as warm. Plus, the shallow part of me really appreciates the unique designs…you won’t find the same-old, same-old ski sock patterns here! The only downside: the Sno Sock has a habit of sliding down my calf during the course of a ski. I’ll admit: this irks.
Also of note: Dahlgren’s hiking sock line includes five designs from backpacking to ultra light trail running, all made with similar Dri-Stride technology. I tried their Hiking Mid-Weight sock, featuring a fully cushioned leg and foot with the aforementioned ‘wicking rings’ and ‘wicking channels’ around the foot (even more useful in the hiking sock than in the ski and snow-sports sock, in my opinion). I wore these on a winter hike in Southern Oregon, where they performed well, keeping my feet dry (even more important to me than warm) as I exercised.
Bottom line: go with Dahlgren’s for serious warmth in a hiking sock or three-season wear in a sno sock. At $22 for the sno sock and even less for the mid-weight hiking sock, Dahlgren’s is a great value. But you might have trouble picking just one color! See all the colors and styles at Zappos.
Fox River:
What they do best: construction. I’m going to go ahead and play favorites: Fox River’s Outdoor Adventure Strive Ankle women’s sock in their Cross Terrain family is my top pick for an all-activity outdoor sock. It’s padded and substantial without suffocating my feet, and to date, has survived a dog attack (ours loves wool). No, it won’t work for skiing, but name just about any other outdoor activity, and this sock can perform. I’ve worn the Strive running, hiking, and around town all winter and spring. It’s made of nylon, wool, and recycled polyester, features memory-knit construction that helps it keep form (no worries about stretching in the wash), and has spandex compression zones that ensure it won’t slide down and give you a blister on your heel. If ankle-length isn’t for you, never fear: multiple lengths are available. They make a kids’ version as well.
Also of note: Also in the Fox River line is the Outdoor Hiking sock. Thicker than the cross-terrain (and no wonder, at 75% Merino wool), the hiking sock comes to mid-calf, and is incredibly warm, making it a winner for mid-winter, but not so hot (no pun intended) for multi-season wear.
Bottom line: Go with Fox River for a multi-season, multi-purpose sock. The Strive is my go-to sock I snag out of the drawer first, and that says more to me than a bunch of stats or facts. It’s survived many washings, and is only a few months old. You can find all Fox River styles, including the Strive, on at Zappos and the Strive in particular in several colors on Amazon for under $12.
Search Fox River socks at Campmor
Darn Tough Vermont:
What they do best: Well, I can’t decide. Construction? Check: Darn Tough uses the industry’s densest knitting. Design? Check: their colors and patterns are appealing and fun. The minute I saw their run/bike sock, it was love at first sight, with its thin mesh and ultra light construction (while still remaining tough as nails…they’re not kidding about that company name). I took the Mesh No-Show Run/Bike along for a 10 mile run, and when I returned, my feet (and the socks) were bone dry. I made my husband feel the socks for himself so he’d believe me! Darn Tough’s Hike/Trek sock performs just as well (despite the way my hiking boots normally overheat my feet), and it’s the only sock of its category I’ve found in to come in ankle-length instead of mid-calf without sacrificing any insulating bulk.
Also of note: It is darn tough to make my picky 10-year-old happy, but darn it, Darn Tough did it. He hates wearing socks because his feet get very sweaty (gross, I know!) but reported the same dryness I experienced while wearing the Kids Hike. Plus, they’re ‘cushion-y’ and cozy (no itches!). The designs are colorful, too.
Bottom line: Without doubt, I’d opt for Darn Tough for a running or biking sock, or any time a major workout is on the books. As a bonus, Darn Tough socks are unconditionally guaranteed, and though you probably won’t need to test them on this policy, it’s nice to know it’s there. Pick up many of their styles, including the run/bike at Amazon for around $14, or at many outdoor specialty sites. For example there’s a wide selection if you get Darn Tough Vermont at Campmor.
Posted by Amy in Adventure Gear, Kids and Family on March 20th, 2012
Icebreaker Challenge: Five Merino Wool Pieces for 10 Days
One of the most important requirements for travel clothing is the ability to mix and match a limited wardrobe. But when you’re traveling for more than a few days, you have to start thinking about washing your clothes. Or not. Would you believe it’s possible to wear five pieces of clothing for 10 days without washing them?
Let me be clear—I’m not talking about wearing only those five items. Mix in the all-important underwear, socks, one or two more pairs of pants and a couple of shirts, and that should help make you look like you’re not so limited in your wardrobe choices. But for those five main pieces, if they’re from Icebreaker, you can slide on the laundry.
With the Icebreaker Journeys line, a comfortable, superfine merino wool layering system, you can wear them for 10 days and still look (and feel) fresh. Unlike some synthetics that are coated with chemicals to prevent odor, Icebreaker merino has natural anti-bacterial properties. That means you can go for longer without washing.
Merino also has a longer, more flexible fiber staple than traditional wool, so there’s no itch. It stays cool in the heat and warm in cool weather, and the clothing is static-resistant and wrinkle-resistant, looking good for longer than cottons or some synthetics.
Here’s a list of the five items I wore over the past 10 days:
Bliss Wrap
The Bliss Wrap makes everything seems way more elegant, including a T-shirt. Even better, with its front button and sash, it can be worn three different ways: open, tied, or buttoned. It’s made from the lightest-weight merino offered by Icebreaker, and the deep-set pockets can carry more than you think. It’s available for $140 on the Icebreaker site, or $139.95 on Amazon.
Villa Pant
Comfortable enough to lounge around in, but dressy enough to wear out at night, the Villa Pant should be a travel clothing list staple. The mid-weight merino terry fabric has a little bit of stretch in it, thanks to the 2-4 percent Lycra. The wide waistband doesn’t dig and the handy pockets fit just what you need. It’s available for $125 on the Icebreaker site, or for $124.95 on Amazon.
Short-Sleeved Tech Scoop Scatter
T-shirts never seem to be dressy enough, but the Short-Sleeved Tech Scoop Scatter can be work alone with jeans or dressed up easily with the Villa Pant and Bliss Wrap for a great evening outfit. It fits just like your favorite T-shirt, but it’s made of Icebreaker’s lightest-weight merino. It’s available for $75 on the Icebreaker site, or for $60-$74.95 on Amazon.
Roma Dress
An ideal little black dress, the Roma Dress is perfect for both casual sightseeing and elegant dinners. The superfine merino in this knee-length wrap dress breathes easily, allowing you to wear it in warm and cool conditions. In-seam pockets are an added bonus for the traveler who isn’t carrying a bag. It’s available for $120 on the Icebreaker site, or $119.95 on Amazon.
Long-Sleeved Athena V
Made of 100 percent pure merino, the Long-Sleeved Athena V is for when you want to feel a little bit luxurious. It’s so soft, you won’t want to take it off, and there are thumbholes for those chilly nights on the road. It’s so sleek-looking that you can even wear the most casual skirt or pants with it, and nobody will notice. It’s available for $180.00 on the Icebreaker site, or for $179.95 on Amazon.
Follow the links above to learn more, or search Icebreaker where there’s a good selection online: at Altrec.com and Backcountry.
Posted by Jill in General Gear, Travel Light on March 16th, 2012
L.L. Bean Insulated Fleece Jacket
Sometimes fleece seems to be the right choice for cold weather, but the wind still seems to blow right through it. If you’re looking for more warmth with your fleece, try L.L. Bean’s Insulated Fleece Jacket, which combines wind- and weather-resistent fleece with a layer of insulation.
Stretch Thinsulate Flex insulation is sandwiched between two layers of Polartec Wind Pro Fleece, adding more warmth without the jacket becoming too bulky. On top of that, Polartec Power Shield fabric is pieced at wear areas for added weather protection, to resist wind and repel water. Toss the jacket in the washer and dryer, and you’re set to wear it over and over.
The Insulated Fleece Jacket is great for cooler-weather activities, like hiking and bicycling—but that doesn’t mean you can’t just wear it on your travels or at home to run errands. Two deep zippered pockets are useful for your hands, or items you want to carry with you. A smaller, zippered chest pocket is perfect for an MP3 player, because there’s a small hole through which you can string your earbuds.
Pull cords are at the bottom of the jacket, so you can tighten them as you wish, to avoid a draft. The collar can fit up around your neck for additional warmth, and the zipper doesn’t jab you in the chin.
The drawback for me was the extremely limited color choices: raspberry and teal. I get that it’s a jacket for women, but we all don’t love the girly colors. The men’s jacket, on the other hand, is available in a darker blue and deep red. Add a black or gray to each offering (like the image), and I’m sold. No, my clothing colors may not stand out in a crowd, but I like it that way.
The L.L. Bean Insulated Fleece Jacket lists for $149 from the L.L. Bean website. There’s also a men’s version for the same price.
Posted by Jill in Adventure Gear, General Gear on March 9th, 2012
Snow Angel Veluxe Graphic Zip T-Neck
Women’s thermal clothing often has a hard time striking the balance between pretty and performance. But the Snow Angel Veluxe Graphic Zip T-Neck is both powerful enough to wear as an insulating layer for long outdoor adventures and pretty enough to wear out to coffee.
Made of 88 percent antimicrobial polyester and 12 percent spandex, the shirt is breathable and wicks moisture—so it can easily handle that long hike or ski session without making you want to quit. The fabric is also lightly “peached” on both sides for a soft, cozy feel. Once you put it on, it’s difficult to want to take it off. But because the shirt has an antimicrobial finish to keep the athletic aroma away, you can keep it on for hours.
The long, raglan sleeves have thumbholes, so you can keep them in place under other long-sleeved garments, or just pull them down to keep your hands warm. In some clothing, the thumbholes aren’t optimally placed, and they end up making you feel as if your sleeves are about an inch too short. Not so with this shirt. Use the thumbholes or don’t use them, but you’re perfectly comfortable either way.
The graphic print and hourglass fit may make you want to wear this shirt on the outside, too. Nothing’s wrong with looking good while you’re on an adventure.
The Snow Angel Veluxe Graphic Zip T-Neck lists for $70 from www.snow-angel.com. You may be able to get it for less at Amazon.
See more reviews of travel clothing for women.
Posted by Jill in Adventure Gear, General Gear on March 2nd, 2012
Ibex OD Heather Merino Wool Button Shirt
For a wonder shirt that looks as good as it works, this Ibex OD Heather long-sleeve top is great for multiple seasons.
There are several eternal challenges when packing light for your travels, one being balancing the need for multiple uses with the desire to look good in multiple situations. You probably want to pack clothing that can be used for days without washing, but you don’t want to look like a bum just because you’re away from your home closet.
There are a few companies out there making wrinkle-resistant, multi-functional clothing that is odor resistant and fits well—perfect stuff for travelers. Ibex is one of the best, a company that has built up a devoted following of real fans, people who will gladly pay double the price of cheaper imitations to get the real thing. I’ve always admired their branding and their following, but I’m happy to say this Ibex top I’ve been wearing regularly for the past month is the real deal. It’s one of those clothing pieces that, before you know it, you find yourself reaching for automatically when you start packing a suitcase—and when you’re going out for the night as well.
Merino wool from New Zealand is the foundation of the Ibex line, so let’s start there. Unlike that wool in that bulky sweater some well-meaning friend brought you from Bolivia, this finely spun fabric is almost thin enough to see through if you hold it up close and is not itchy on your body. It’s a great insulator that will keep you cozy, plus it has the great travel benefit of being odor-resistant. It’s also naturally good at moisture management, meaning it will wick away sweat without the use of some lab-made membrane. In other words, it’ll keep your body at a steady temperature, whether you’re walking in the snow or sitting by the fire.
And here’s the key thing: it looks great. It’s one thing to put on an Ibex base layer to keep warm on the slopes, but this OD Heather long-sleeve button-up is something that looks as good as it feels. It comes in three colors and has enough natural stretch that it gives where it needs to.
The only fault I’ve found with this item so far is that one button is coming off already, but that can happen with any shirt that doesn’t have the kind of heavy-duty stitching you’d get from adventure travel wear. Otherwise, this is a gorgeous piece of clothing that I’ll be packing for practically any journey that doesn’t involve 100-degree days and tropical humidity.
The Ibex OD Heather comes in three colors and multiple sizes. It lists for $120, which I’ll be the first to admit is a serious chunk of change for us normal wage-earning mortals. But if you follow the What Not to Wear credo of buying some quality items you can match with different pieces instead of cheap clothes that don’t make you look great, this is a prime example of a worthy purchase. Especially true if you’re traveling for business and can’t switch into slob mode when the suit comes for cocktails after.
Get it direct from Ibex or follow this link to order through Altrec.com.
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Posted by Tim L. in Business Gear, General Gear, Travel Light on February 15th, 2012
