https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/results-of-2018-gear-review Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 10:21:58 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/results-of-2018-gear-review#post-1881256 Sun, 21 Jan 2018 16:05:48 +0000 LaPed 1881256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sarah -- I absolutely wear mine with a short puffer. The colours are tonal (skirt is blue-green, jacket is 3 shades of blue). Maybe it looks weird? I dunno. I also wear it with my black down vest, my black wool hoodie when it's warmer, and with a thick off-white wool cardi (too warm for indoor wear, so I use it as a fall/spring jacket). Oh, and a black softshell jacket with a moto zip -- which I guess technically is a gear piece? I only ever wear it casually, so I don't count it as such. (Unfortunately I don't have Finds for any of these -- I have to take some photos I guess.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/results-of-2018-gear-review#post-1880686 Fri, 19 Jan 2018 21:31:17 +0000 SarahD8 1880686@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am old school about bum-coverage too, that’s why I’m so reliant on skirt leggings.</p> <p>Can I ask what outerwear topper you wear with your puffy skirt around town? I have a short puffer jacket (north face thermoball) but puffer skirt and puffer jacket would look weird right? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/results-of-2018-gear-review#post-1880571 Fri, 19 Jan 2018 16:07:31 +0000 LaPed 1880571@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aww, thanks Angie. :)</p> <p>Sarah -- I totally wear my puffy skirt casually for errands. I don't like to wear leggings out-and-about without bum-coverage (so old-school I know), and the puffy skirt is perfect for that.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/results-of-2018-gear-review#post-1880544 Fri, 19 Jan 2018 15:11:12 +0000 Angie 1880544@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hereby crown you Queen Gear.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/results-of-2018-gear-review#post-1880507 Fri, 19 Jan 2018 13:07:03 +0000 Anonymous 1880507@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WELL DONE. &nbsp;I want a puffy skirt now. &nbsp;Congratulations on your healthy and active life style. &nbsp;The capsule meets your needs. &nbsp;Your assessment of that capsule shows what you need to replace. &nbsp;Happy shopping. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/results-of-2018-gear-review#post-1880482 Fri, 19 Jan 2018 11:22:35 +0000 kkards 1880482@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>&nbsp;i am in awe of how active and involved in nature you are, esp with a little one! i'd say given all you do, your gear levels seem maybe a smudge light... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/results-of-2018-gear-review#post-1880471 Fri, 19 Jan 2018 10:49:09 +0000 Bijou 1880471@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>La Ped, it is really fun to read your post. You are so inspiring, all the activities that you do, it makes me feel like going on a hike too but in my current weather, I'd get burnt to a crisp! I love the outdoors and good gear is well worth it, especially when it gets used, which obviously yours does.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/results-of-2018-gear-review#post-1880465 Fri, 19 Jan 2018 10:32:47 +0000 Style Fan 1880465@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for your review.&nbsp; Given your activities, it does not seem excessive at all.&nbsp; I am considering adding a puffy skirt next winter.&nbsp; I thought about a long one but a shorter one is easier to walk in. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/results-of-2018-gear-review#post-1880455 Fri, 19 Jan 2018 09:43:42 +0000 Mainelady 1880455@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am impressed with your gear review. It is very thorough and includes assessments of pieces you need/ want to replace. Gear is expensive, even when we can find it on sale, but often the quality and durability are disappointing in less expensive brands. CPW is good to keep in mind. For gear, of course I would love a bargain, but I am prepared for it to be expensive. The cliche of “you get what you pay for” seems to hold especially true for gear.<br /> Someday I should do a gear review. I think my list might be quite long, because I have gear at home and gear at our cabin, but I use all of it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/results-of-2018-gear-review#post-1880447 Fri, 19 Jan 2018 08:41:00 +0000 Aurore 1880447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for this review and your experience! As an avid hiker as well (but now unfortunately exiled in an urban area far from any mountain), this is very inspiring. Especially your attention to replacing a piece of gear by a lighter one! So true!</p> <p>Re- the colors : I have to admit I never had color issues for hiking gear, since I love khaki, olive and grey - all very common colors. I recently added a bit of sky blue for fun because I fell in love with blue camouflage boots (my pragmatic husband noted that blue camo is not camouflaged anymore, but whatever).</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/results-of-2018-gear-review#post-1880405 Fri, 19 Jan 2018 03:27:47 +0000 Sal 1880405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great list and you are right not to worry about cost per wear for gear.&nbsp; Good stuff lasts 5-15 years in my experience.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I also choose different colours for gear than I might for regular clothing - nothing too pale that might mark too easily, and bright has it's purpose in dusk runs or in the woods (or bush as we would say) or in a boat.&nbsp; I am pleased that it is not JUST pink and black now which it seemed to be for a couple of years. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/results-of-2018-gear-review#post-1880403 Fri, 19 Jan 2018 03:18:32 +0000 SarahD8 1880403@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well done! I need to do something similar and you are giving me a good blueprint for how to go about it.</p> <p>That does not seem like a lot of gear especially for someone as active as you are.</p> <p>I really want a puffer skirt. But I would just wear it around town for errands. *ducks* </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/results-of-2018-gear-review#post-1880401 Fri, 19 Jan 2018 03:09:53 +0000 karen13 1880401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That doesn’t seem like a big capsule considering all the activities and 4 seasons. I’m afraid to count mine. I never toss it because even when it is too big, I might use it when I haven’t done laundry. My gym wear is ridiculous- compression shorts from 20lbs ago and DHs old concert tees that are too big for him. But I do have a lot of Merino wool tops, love the icebreaker, smartwool and ibex. Cost per wear is key for gear.</p> <p>A new pair of Patagonia 3 layer gortex full side zip shells just arrived today. - my late Xmas present. I need to try them on with downhill boots and see if they are too long. I got the Patagucci Triolet jacket last year and these are the matching pants. And we finally have a winter storm warning. Still raining at 6500 feet though, but supposed to pick up nearly a foot. I hope it doesn’t fizzle. And that tomorrow is a snow day! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/results-of-2018-gear-review#post-1880385 Fri, 19 Jan 2018 01:55:26 +0000 Toban 1880385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's a versatile gear wardrobe that's ready for action. I'm a huge fan of merino wool. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/results-of-2018-gear-review#post-1880383 Fri, 19 Jan 2018 01:53:04 +0000 Suz 1880383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Alaskagirl </b>swears by the puffy skirts, by the way.&nbsp;</p> <p>I don't have one but would like one -- might be my next winter purchase for gear.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/results-of-2018-gear-review#post-1880307 Thu, 18 Jan 2018 22:41:35 +0000 LaPed 1880307@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am tempted to add a second puffy skirt someday -- mine is short, and I'd love a long one...</p> <p>I'm actually in New England (but my computer is Canadian and its spellcheck has trained me how to spell things like colour and theatre!), and I get the T9 catalogue -- I am always tempted, but wish they offered free returns; there are lots of things I would try but I hate having to eat return shipping costs.&nbsp;</p> <p>Once I discovered the concept of cost-per-wear, I stopped feeling bad about what I spend on gear. After my loungewear and everyday winter clothes, gear gets the highest number of wears of anything I own. On a 10-day backpacking trip, everything gets 10 wears. Adds up fast. And if I like something, I wear it to shreds. Stuff I don't like, I usually consign while it's still new-ish. I have access to a couple of really good local gear shops with consignment programs, and having a bunch of store credit available when I want to upgrade/replace something is really nice.&nbsp; </p> <p>ETA -- and the dress? It's mostly a nostalgia piece. Bought it in 2008 and wore it to walk the Camino de Santiago summer 2009. Still use it for hot weather hikes, but it's on its last legs (pilling pretty badly, built-in bra getting a little threadbare). Hard to get rid of though -- it holds good memories. :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/results-of-2018-gear-review#post-1880298 Thu, 18 Jan 2018 22:03:41 +0000 Rambling Ann 1880298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Whoa, just did a search on puffy skirt, and my mind is officially blown. that would be awesome in camp! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/results-of-2018-gear-review#post-1880297 Thu, 18 Jan 2018 22:01:13 +0000 Rambling Ann 1880297@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Start them out young! You are brave to go canoeing with a little one. We haven't really busted out the winter gear this year--no snow --so I am dragging out the life of my waterproof jacket one more winter.&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>I find I want different tops when I go to spin class vs hiking. Now that I am looking at a large amount of stuff that needs replacing, I'm going to try to stick to more of a color scheme. I hate the color of my waterproof jacket, but it was such a good deal at the time.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>You are in Canada, right? Can you get TitleNine.com there? I ogle but almost never am willing to pull the trigger on the price. It's silly when I think how long I keep the stuff and wear some piece every day, why not get nicer?&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/results-of-2018-gear-review#post-1880286 Thu, 18 Jan 2018 21:45:01 +0000 LaPed 1880286@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The skirt I use mostly for transitional weather, late fall and early spring, when I want extra warmth over a pair of tights. Those days when long johns feel like overkill, but you still need a little extra. It's also nice for sitting on damp logs at campsites! ;)&nbsp;</p> <p>I could do a whole separate post on packs. Because I have a 3 year old, I haven't carried a full pack in several years, since I've had him on my back for most trips. So my big long-distance pack is old -- I think 2009? -- from Mountain Laurel Designs. Once DS can hike a full day I'll get to replace it. With him on my back, I have two big fanny-pack type things that I put on underneath the baby carrier (it's a soft one, not a big framed one). Then I have a daypack -- it's light and unstructured enough that I can wear it on my front if I have to, and put DS on my back at the same time -- it's from a company called Gossamer Gear. The pack situation has been evolving every year since he was born, since our needs keep changing. DH carries the bulk of the gear, since carrying the baby takes a lot more practice, and I was the one who got all the practice early on! We're doing a lot more trips in the canoe now that we're at this in-between stage where he's too little to hike a full day, but too big to be carried for very long. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/results-of-2018-gear-review#post-1880282 Thu, 18 Jan 2018 21:38:21 +0000 Suz 1880282@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your gear capsule sounds excellent and you've done a thorough and careful review. Brava! I know for some it would sound like a lot. but I think it all makes sense given your activities. If I count my own, I will get something similar and it sounds as if you have even more need for this stuff than I do, practically speaking.&nbsp;</p> <p><b></b>I like the idea of burgundy and navy additions.&nbsp;<b></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/results-of-2018-gear-review#post-1880281 Thu, 18 Jan 2018 21:37:15 +0000 Anonymous 1880281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have a puffy skirt! &nbsp;When I spent my days in gear (sigh, recent post ) I always wanted one of those ! &nbsp;I love your gear list and I'm happy to see someone with as much stuff as me &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/results-of-2018-gear-review#post-1880277 Thu, 18 Jan 2018 21:31:02 +0000 Rambling Ann 1880277@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How do you use the skirt and dress? I have tons of mismatched gear which doubles as workwear on the ranch, but I have never considered a skirt.&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>What do you have in the way of packs and bags? I'm waiting for Camelbak to release their newest packs. I saw a video of the 2018 designs just before I pulled the trigger on the 2017 model and decided to wait. I check every day, LOL, stalking it like a NAS return. I've never used a hydration system before, so I'm more than a little excited to try it.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/results-of-2018-gear-review#post-1880268 Thu, 18 Jan 2018 21:20:45 +0000 LaPed 1880268@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've never written about my gear on a personal style forum before. But there's been a lot of gear talk lately, so I figured I'd post my notes here, as some might find them interesting.&nbsp;</p> <p>I always feel like I have *way* too much gear, but when I go and actually do a review, it turns out I have just enough, and am usually missing a couple of key pieces. My gear gets used for backpacking, canoe camping, day hikes and paddles, and some running (road and trail) in the spring/summer/fall. In the winter, I snowshoe, xc-ski, and hike (depending on trail conditions). I do a little bit of at-home yoga, but am not taking classes right now. I do work on and off with a contact improv and a playback theatre group, and use yoga/dance type apparel for those. I teach at an outdoor school once a week, and occasionally lead group day hikes for families with young children.&nbsp;</p> <p>This week, I went through my gear drawer and did a count, removing things that either don't fit or are so worn they're no longer functional.&nbsp;My "cull" consisted of:</p> </p> <ul> <li>1 pair lightweight hiking pants (too big)</li> <li>2 pairs yoga tights (too big, and too low rise -- I will replace with one pair of high-rise tights in a smaller size)</li> <li>1 short sleeve merino tee and one long sleeve merino tee (full of holes)</li> <li>Chacos sandals (have had these pretty much literally for ever, have already replaced the straps and soles once, now the mid-soles are starting to give out, so it's time for a truly new pair)</li> </ul> I also noted several items which are due for replacement, but which I can't get rid of yet, because I'm actively using them: </p> </p> <ul> <li>ski mitts (ten years old, no longer waterproof, insulation is very compressed)</li> <li>waterproof breathable shell jacket (five years old and starting to delaminate right on schedule)</li> <li>fleece quarter-zip (Sad story: I wore this while cutting DS's hair earlier in the fall, and it now has tiny little hairs woven into it. It's become a hair shirt! Insanely itchy.)</li> <li>merino tank top (full of holes)</li> <li>winter softshell pants (too big, attract lint like crazy)</li> </ul> Here is the remainder of my gear kit: </p> </p> <ul> <li>2 pairs running shorts</li> <li>2 pairs river shorts</li> <li>2 swim suits</li> <li>2 tank tops (one merino, one synthetic — merino needs to be replaced this year)</li> <li>2 short sleeve tees (one merino, one synthetic)</li> <li>2 lightweight long sleeve tees (one merino, one synthetic)</li> <li>1 pair lightweight tights (yoga/dance/theatre)</li> <li>2 pair midweight tights (hiking/trail running)</li> <li>3 winter baselayer tops (light merino, midweight merino, grid fleece)</li> <li>3 winter baselayer bottoms (capilene, merino, fleece)</li> <li>1 winter midlayer top (merino with hood)</li> <li>1 puffy skirt</li> <li>1 hiking/sport dress</li> <li>1 wind shell</li> <li>1 wind pants</li> <li>1 waterproof/breathable pants</li> <li>1 down vest</li> <li>1 lightweight down jacket</li> <li>1 super-warm down jacket</li> <li>1 pair trail running shoes</li> <li>1 pair road running shoes</li> <li>1 pair waterproof/insulated hiking boots</li> <li>miscellaneous accessories: liner gloves, wool mitts, waterproof shell mitts, running gaiters, waterproof gaiters, wool hats/toques in several weights, big sun hat, lightweight running cap, merino Buff (multi-use neck gaiter).&nbsp;</li> </ul> </p> <p>It looks like a lot when you write it all out! I'm really looking forward to shopping for replacement gear. I like reading about new technologies and deciding which ones are worth exploring. And I *love* being able to replace one piece of gear with something a little bit lighter weight (makes a big difference for backpacking).&nbsp; </p> <p>I know a lot of folks complain about gear colours, especially for women's fitness wear, but I'm actually really pleased with the colours I see in my gear drawer, despite never having planned out a deliberate colour scheme (I mostly buy clearance items or secondhand). There's a solid base of black and dark grey as neutrals, with lots of fuschia, aqua, and purple mixed in. I don't wear bright jewel tones much outside of gear, but I like them in this context. Going forward, I might like to add in some navy and some red/burgundy. :)&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>