2014: Gear of the Year

Gear is awesome. Whether you nab mountain summits, run dirt trails, slash powder or sleep under the stars, you likely use an inordinate amount of expensive outdoor equipment.

Expensive is the key word there, isn’t it?

I go through my fair share of gear but I find myself coming back to my favorites pieces for every trip. Some of them are new releases for 2014 while others are simply tried-and-true items that will never leave my gear closet. And trust me: there is a whole lotta goodness in that closet, so if an item makes this list, you know it’s the creme de la creme!

With that, I give you the best gear of 2014!

Columbia Sportswear’s TurboDown

“Like a down jacket on steroids. But it’s legal.” With a catchphrase like that, you know it must be good and Columbia delivers in spades!

I received my TurboDown jacket at last year’s OmniGames so I’ve had plenty of time to put it to good use: Iceland, Paris, Colorado 14ers and numerous camping trips have all been worthy testing grounds. In the end, I’ve yet to find an insulated jacket that keeps you warmer during activity. To be fair, this piece won’t be your go-to item if you’re just standing around during a chilly night; other jackets are better suited for sedentary warmth. But, if you’re looking for something that will keep you insanely warm while hiking, running or snowshoeing, look no further than TurboDown and it’s toasty OmniHeat. It’s worth every penny!

REI Kingdom 6 Tent

I never thought the day would come where I would rave about a massive family-sized tent, but that day has arrived. I seriously love REI’s Kingdom 6 tent!

Colorado has a fair bit of dispersed camping and it was a hard sell for me to convince Will that it wouldn’t be all campgrounds and motor homes. However, after he experienced the absurd beauty of Kebler Pass in the fall, he quickly realized that car camping doesn’t have to be a noisy, raucous event. In fact, we can find car camping spots that are just as deserted as backpacking locations.

Once he agreed upon those terms, we set about assembling a dispersed camping cache of goods. First up? A new tent! After all, why sleep in a tiny backpacking shelter if you don’t need to?! Fortunately, the folks at REI were happy to send us the Kingdom 6 tent and it has–literally–blown our minds. This shelter is such a gem!

Not only is it spacious, but it is tall. With a peak height of over six feet, it’s easy to stand inside which makes changing a breeze. It also has one massive vestibule which has plenty of space for backpacks, shoes and food. We haven’t taken the plunge yet, but word on the street is that there is an additional “garage” for purchase that can provide even more storage when attached to the doors. Will really wants some friends to buy this tent also so we can connect the two Kingdom 6’s via the garage and make a mini-commune!

Stonewear Design’s Alpha Hoody

Not only is Stonewear a company geared toward women, but it’s also based in Colorado. How perfect is that?!

They sent me the Alpha Hoody a few months back and truthfully, I didn’t expect to love it as much as I do. I first wore the top while running my four mile stretch with Heidi during her 100-mile race. I had planned on running with a jacket over top since it was so cold outside, but I quickly shed the coat in favor of a base top and the Alpha– this sucker is warm!

Since then, it’s come along on dozens of trips and I continue to choose it over other items. Not only does it flaunt a flattering fit, but it’s super comfy with thumb holes, a hood, a half zip and soft brushed insides. The other thing I love about this piece is that it’s versatile. I wear it to CrossFit, while running, while camping and to the grocery store; it fits in anywhere!

Ultimate Direction’s Jenny Vest

Uh.my.gawd. Seriously y’all, this vest!

When I started training for my upcoming 50k, I knew I would need to dial in a hydration pack that worked perfectly for me. I previously owned one that I loved, but once I started running longer distances, I began finding tiny flaws that irritated me during those long hours on the trails. {Pack roundup coming soon!}

Because of that, I decided I couldn’t wait til my roundup to mention the Jenny vest; I can’t believe how comfortable this thing is!

Ultimate Direction is another Colorado-based company and reps athletes such as Anton Krupicka. {If you check out his IG feed, you’ll see plenty of UD photos!} They feature a women’s specific-hydration line called the Jenny Collection since it was designed by Jenny Jurek. The Ultra Vest, also known as the Jenny Vest, has become my new favorite for all of my runs. Why? The fit is unbeatable!

The vest has two adjustable chest straps that make the pack comfortable for women of all boob sizes. Additionally, the larger pockets and two 10-oz bottles sit higher on the straps so that my arms don’t rub against them while running. This has been my major problem with every other vest and to date, the Jenny Vest is the only hydration vest that doesn’t cause me irritation.

The main compartment holds a 70-oz bladder so I have that water in addition to the previously mentioned bottles. It also fits a surprising amount of gear, and I’ve been able to cram my TurboDown, some YakTrak, liner gloves, and plenty of snacks inside while on long runs. In short, if you’re a female and looking for a hydration pack, definitely take a look.

Native Eyewear Roan Sunglasses

In Colorado, it’s key to wear sunglasses year round since we have so many sunny days. I learned long ago that cheap lenses won’t cut it, especially when trekking at high altitudes.

Last summer, Native Eyewear offered to send me some shades and I chose the Roan lenses. I chose the Stout Fade color and truly, these have become a staple in my daily cache of items. I wear them running, hiking, to the store and when driving my car. They’re cute enough that they don’t look like hardcore running glasses while I’m wearing jeans and a sweater, but they don’t bounce so they’re comfy when I’m running around in the woods. And while not inexpensive, $110 is a fair price for decent sunglasses!

Hoka Mafate Speed Trail Shoes

Ok, I’ll own it: I’ve totally bought into the extreme cushioning of Hoka shoes. I officially love them!

I tested the Stinson Trails last year and thus began my gradual descent into the world of maximalist trail shoes. The folks at Hoka then sent me the Mafate Speeds immediately after the Moab Half Marathon, and those have quickly become my trail shoe of choice.

Why do I love them? In a nutshell, they are so much easier on my joints! I realize that the extreme cushioning of Hokas may not be for everyone, but personally, I am experiencing less joint pain, discomfort and zero injuries and aches related to running. I’m not someone whose body easily tackles miles, but since I’ve switched to Hokas, I haven’t had any problems with my uptick in mileage.

I also dig the intense traction on the Mafate Speeds. We’ve experienced a fair bit of snow thus far, and I’ve only had to break out my spikes a few times. The Mafates have some serious grip and I have full confidence while running on dirt and snow. That says a lot since my upcoming 50k will be on sandy surfaces!

If you haven’t tried Hokas yet, just do it.

Mountain Hardwear ChillWave Jacket

I’m gonna have to burst your bubble here, but sadly, it appears as if the ChillWave has been discontinued! There are still a few women’s versions floating around the web, and it looks like the men’s version is available at Sierra Trading Post. Take my word of advice: hop on those sales before this jacket is gone!

You may remember this jacket from last winter when I did a video review of the coat for STP. One full year later, this jacket is still the warmest coat I’ve ever experienced! Yes, it’s very puffy and you slightly feel like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, but I don’t care. It is beyond warm. I’ve taken this coat on winter backpacking trips and–dare I say it– I’ve become hot as a result! The hood traps an insane amount of heat inside and the pockets are toasty as well. Typically, pockets aren’t as warm as the rest of the coat, but I can go without gloves as long as I leave my hands in the ChillWave’s pockets.

It comes with a stuff sack but be warned: it doesn’t pack down anywhere near as small as a jacket like Columbia’s TurboDown. But, minimalism isn’t what this coat is after, and if you just need pure, unadulterated warmth, then the ChillWave is a great bet.

Gore Running Wear’s Essential 2.0 Running Tights

These tights are the bomb, period. While the Essential 2.0 Tights are not heavily lined, I’ve managed to wear them as my winter tights this season and have only needed to double up with base pants once. Since that particular day was only 5 degrees outside, I feel comfortable in saying that these tights are legit!

The Essential’s are also great for shoulder season when ventilation is key. Mesh pockets line sweaty areas like behind the knees, providing extra breathability. There is a large pocket that sits against your back and surprisingly, it’s large enough to fit my iPhone. Extra bonus? The heat from my body keeps my phone battery warm on chilly runs so I don’t lose battery power!

Icebreaker’s MerinoLOFT Helix Jacket

If you’re into Merino wool, you’re going to love the MerinoLOFT collection! In short, Icebreaker has taken wool and stuffed it with more wool and made a jacket. Sounds cozy, yes?! It’s like a Merino sandwich of sorts.

Truthfully, the Helix zip is lined with 100% Merino for next-to-skin comfort. The insulation is comprised of 88% wool, including recycled material, and the outside is a recycled polyester layer that is also water resistant. Ta da! Merino sandwich.

There is also a vest that fits just like the jacket, and I love that equally. These pieces don’t look bulky or huge, but trust me: they mean business in the warmth department. Additionally, they are both flattering and have a slim fit that tucks in at the waist so you don’t feel like you’re wearing a trash bag. Extra bonus? If you’re playing in super cold weather, the Helix fits so close that you can easily stick it underneath a burlier jacket for double warmth. Yay for chilly playtime!

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Do you have a favorite piece of gear this year?