https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-gear-review-to-go-with-the-basics-review Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 17:27:57 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-gear-review-to-go-with-the-basics-review#post-1995186 Tue, 22 Jan 2019 22:34:54 +0000 Anonymous 1995186@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Nemosmom </b>-- I have a Uniqlo puffer. &nbsp;I LOVE it so much I am buying the vest as soon as it goes on promotion. &nbsp; </p> <p>Thanks for the explanation, <b>LaP</b>. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-gear-review-to-go-with-the-basics-review#post-1995129 Tue, 22 Jan 2019 19:39:14 +0000 nemosmom 1995129@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I love seeing how well thought-out and organized your collection is! I struggle with finding the balance between having JUST enough and being overly prepared <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>How do you like your Uniqlo puffer?? I have one sitting here I am on the fence about....<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-gear-review-to-go-with-the-basics-review#post-1995064 Tue, 22 Jan 2019 15:50:45 +0000 Carla 1995064@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>La Pedestrienne - I'm very happy that you mentioned the value of activity specific clothing items vs crossover gear. It makes me sad when I see folks at the gym in baggy sweats and demoted t-shirts or faded and baggy swim suits. Too often I hear the women say they will get 'real' workout kit when they reach some future goal. This makes me want to tear my hair! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-gear-review-to-go-with-the-basics-review#post-1995029 Tue, 22 Jan 2019 12:59:46 +0000 LaPed 1995029@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sterling, my yoga tights are from Athleta; they are lightweight, stretchy, and very soft and body-con. No pockets, high rise, ankle length. My running tights are heavier weight and slightly looser. They have a zippered pocket and woven nylon overlays on the legs that keep the fabric from snagging or picking up seeds and prickers (when I run, it's often on hiking trails or woods roads). They're from North Face. Perfect outdoor running/hiking bottom when it's too chilly for shorts.&nbsp;</p> <p>Jessikams -- I never say no to gear gifts, regardless of colour! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-gear-review-to-go-with-the-basics-review#post-1995020 Tue, 22 Jan 2019 12:23:04 +0000 Anonymous 1995020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>NOW this is fascinating!&nbsp; Could you please explain the difference in running versus yoga tights?&nbsp; What brand do you favor?&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-gear-review-to-go-with-the-basics-review#post-1995017 Tue, 22 Jan 2019 12:07:26 +0000 Jessikams 1995017@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is tough to get a coherent palette going with the gear! I’m working on it- but then my dad gave me a thermal underlayer top for Xmas- and it’s bright pink! Not in my palette at all- but it was such a sweet gift I will keep it anyway. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-gear-review-to-go-with-the-basics-review#post-1994658 Mon, 21 Jan 2019 19:05:01 +0000 LaPed 1994658@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Angie!! :)</p> <p>Suz, the big thing for me was sitting down and outlining what gear I use in different seasons/temperature ranges. In spring/summer/fall, I prioritize lightweight and super breathable for backpacking. In winter, since I really don't like winter camping very much, weight is not an issue and I prioritize durability and warmth. The trickiest to figure out is transitional weather, as it usually requires a lot of layering. I've also had many years to try out and reject lots of styles and brands that don't work for me and am finally honing in on what is comfortable and reliable.&nbsp;</p> <p>The other big factor was that I stopped trying to buy "crossover" gear that would double as casual wear. This way, I'm never tempted to prioritize form over function. The bottom line with gear is whether it performs, not whether it's cute. I still sometimes luck out and find things that do double-duty (Uniqlo puffies are a good example), but it's just a fluke.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-gear-review-to-go-with-the-basics-review#post-1994627 Mon, 21 Jan 2019 17:38:57 +0000 Suz 1994627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You've got an amazing gear capsule! Thank you for this list. One of my goals was to update my gear and I have just ordered some stuff. Your numbers are instructive. I want to keep things tight but coordinating in my own. Right now I have a complete mish-mash as you described of just what I found on discount -- but I want to fix that so that I can feel better when wearing gear.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-gear-review-to-go-with-the-basics-review#post-1994615 Mon, 21 Jan 2019 17:12:40 +0000 Angie 1994615@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*APPLAUSE*</p> <p>I'd expected nothing less organized from Queen Gear.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-gear-review-to-go-with-the-basics-review#post-1994601 Mon, 21 Jan 2019 16:26:13 +0000 LaPed 1994601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Karen, I'm slowly color-coordinating my gear. It's better than it used to be, anyway (a weird mish-mash of pinks, purples, greys and browns)!</p> <p>When I add stuff, I try to prioritize navy, slate, eggplant, and burgundy as those are shades I like to wear anyway and they're pretty widely available for gear. And then I end up with quite a bit of turquoise and berry because they seem to be the colours that always go on sale and they look okay with everything else as long as I don't go overboard. I'm trying to avoid anything too pale that will show dirt easily and try not to add black except for things that only come in black, because too much black is boring! I'd love to add in some earth tones (olive and mustard and rust) but those don't show up often in women's technical pieces.&nbsp;</p> <p>I could actually use a pair of really warm gloves, but my fingers get cold so easily I pretty much always opt for a liner glove plus a mitt... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-gear-review-to-go-with-the-basics-review#post-1994599 Mon, 21 Jan 2019 16:18:59 +0000 LaPed 1994599@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet -- no real difference, but my "indoor" suit is just a cheapie lap suit from Tyr. It's boring, basic, but stays put, and I won't feel bad when the chlorine destroys it. My "outdoor" suits are two-pieces, and much more comfortable and nicer looking for full days at the beach, paddling, scenarios where you're in and out of the water. And then I have this Brazilian bikini, a gift from long-ago (a friend of mine ran a small start-up importing swimsuits from Brazil and she gave me a sample). It's cute, nostalgic, I love the print, but it's lower-coverage than my other swimsuits so I'm more selective about when/where I wear it. Also, I feel like low-coverage is a little bit "out" right now and I'm sort of wishing for a high-waisted bikini? Can I justify a fifth swimsuit? I live walking distance from a lake and am in the water everyday in the summer... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-gear-review-to-go-with-the-basics-review#post-1994598 Mon, 21 Jan 2019 16:17:07 +0000 karen13 1994598@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are so good! I badly need to do this as I never eliminate gear. This Is where i channel my dad who was a teen in the Great Depression. “I might need that!l” or “someone visiting might be able to wear that,” my gear is ridiculous. Like you, I wear it everyday and do diverse activities, but I’m afraid even to count. I think I have 6 pairs of xc gloves alone.</p> <p>Is your gear color coordinated? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-gear-review-to-go-with-the-basics-review#post-1994587 Mon, 21 Jan 2019 15:45:13 +0000 Janet 1994587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like a solid streamlined collection for such a variety of activities. </p> <p>Ok, I have to ask, what is the difference between indoor and outdoor swimsuits?? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-gear-review-to-go-with-the-basics-review#post-1994581 Mon, 21 Jan 2019 15:30:55 +0000 SarahD8 1994581@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have such a diverse need for gear (lots of activities across weather conditions) but you do a great job of keeping this capsule tight. Well done! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-gear-review-to-go-with-the-basics-review#post-1994579 Mon, 21 Jan 2019 15:22:19 +0000 LaPed 1994579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suntiger, I wear my two pairs of Patagonia Baggies shorts so often in the summer they probably have hundreds of wears each. They make good swim cover-ups and are great for canoe/kayak/etc. I also use them for hiking because they're the perfect combo or sturdy and quick-dry. North Face makes a very similar style, the "Class IV" short, but they don't fit me quite as well as the Baggies, which have the perfect high waist and loose leg. DS wears the kids version as well and loves them. Bonus: they come in lots of fun prints. </p> <p>Runcarla, exactly! I'm going to poke around the gear shop later this week to see if I can find the perfect pair of snow pants (hoping for secondhand).</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-gear-review-to-go-with-the-basics-review#post-1994578 Mon, 21 Jan 2019 15:21:34 +0000 Carla 1994578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There is nothing like a pair of padded gortex pants lined in fleece to keep the lower half warm on a frigid day! I'm a fan of 'Powder Room' from my snowboarding days. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-gear-review-to-go-with-the-basics-review#post-1994573 Mon, 21 Jan 2019 15:14:49 +0000 Anonymous 1994573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>River shorts? Sounds like a solution for SUP! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-gear-review-to-go-with-the-basics-review#post-1994569 Mon, 21 Jan 2019 15:09:26 +0000 LaPed 1994569@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>TG, I wish I was walking distance to school or work! I don't downhill ski, so if I'm actually outside being active, I usually prefer long johns plus softshell pants (less bulky, more breathable), but for standing around on a playground, puffy pants are really the best option! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-gear-review-to-go-with-the-basics-review#post-1994544 Mon, 21 Jan 2019 14:23:56 +0000 Helena 1994544@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very organized La Ped ... I couldn't have survived the school run (we're walking distance to the school so I never drove) without my snow pants!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-gear-review-to-go-with-the-basics-review#post-1994541 Mon, 21 Jan 2019 14:17:32 +0000 LaPed 1994541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My gear collection is pretty large as it spans outdoor activities across four seasons, plus the occasional indoor yoga class or swim session. My numbers have changed very little since the last time I reviewed, probably about a year ago. I eliminated three items: a tank top and running shorts that are too large and can be consigned in the spring, and a really old fleece top that will go to textile recycling. Otherwise, I am in pretty good shape in this department, though I am hoping to make a couple of additions this year. (Note: thermal baselayers, socks, etc. were included my Basics edit since they are also worn casually). <ul> <li>Running/hiking tights — 2 pairs</li> <li>Yoga tights — 1 pair</li> <li>Running shorts — 2 pair (eliminated one that is too large)</li> <li>River shorts — 2 pair</li> <li>Hiking pants — 2 pair (1 winter, 1 summer)</li> <li>Short sleeve tops — 3</li> <li>Long-sleeve tops — 3 (eliminated one that is smelly and full of holes!)</li> <li>Sleeveless tops — 1</li> <li>Boots — 2 pair (insulated hiking boots, Bogs)</li> <li>Running shoes — 2 (1 road, 1 trail)</li> <li>Sandals — 1 (lost my pool flip-flops and need to replace)</li> <li>Shell jackets — 4 (1 wind, 2 rain, 1 soft-shell)</li> <li>Insulating jackets — 4 (1 lightweight synthetic, 1 lightweight down, 1 thick down, 1 vest)</li> <li>Swimsuits — 4 (1 indoor, 2 outdoor, 1 just for fun)</li> <li>Accessories: liner gloves (2 pair), wool mitts (2 pair), insulated mitts, wool neck gaiter, wool toques and beanies (maybe 6?)</li> <li>Other: Chore coat and chore bibs (Carhartt), one old pair of running shoes for chores</li> </ul> <p>Shopping list: </p> </p> <ul> <li>flip-flops for the pool </li> <li>insulated ski pants (mostly for recess duty, tbh) </li> <li>maybe another sleeveless top or tank top for summer </li> <li>maybe a pair of loose-fitting yoga pants (either straight-leg or harem-style)</li> </ul>