Blister’s 2013 Holiday Gift Guide

UNDER THE TREE

Jonathan Ellsworth’s Pick: Flylow Lab Coat, $500

This is an excellent coat for resort skiing and riding, and it may be the best coat on the market for resort riding that also involves high-intensity boot packing. The Lab Coat has great style, great pockets, a nice relaxed fit, and I’ve become a very big fan of Polartech Neoshell fabric. (See my full review of the Flylow Lab Coat.)

 

Lexi Dowdall’s Pick: Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody, $219

I use the Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody more often than any other jacket I own. It’s packable, lightweight, warm, and the cut is flattering. It’s appropriate for both exercise in chilly weather, backcountry travel, and it also makes an excellent mid-layer.

 

Noah Bodman’s Pick: Zoic Antidote Shorts, $109

The Antidote shorts have a comfortable chamois, they’re pretty breathable, and the pockets are well thought out and functional. A full review will be coming this spring, but they’re my go to short for 90% of the riding I do.

 

Jonathan Ellsworth’s Pick: Arc’teryx Sabre Pants, $450

The Arc’teryx Sabre pants are waterproof, breathable pants with great venting, good pockets, good cuffguards, and a relaxed fit. The men’s version is called the Sabre (review to come), the women’s version is called the Sentinel, and reviewer Morgan Sweeney was equally impressed with those.

 

Dana Allen’s Pick: Dakine Men’s Clutch Jacket, $430

Looking for a stylish, functional resort jacket that will still work well in the backcountry? Dakine’s new entry into the world of ski outerwear is made from heavy duty three-layer Toray Micro Oxford fabric that won’t let wind or water in. The jacket is packed with nice touches like super-long sleeves, a smartphone tether, a well-designed frostbite-blocking collar, and it’s super stylish.

Matt Zia’s Pick: Melanzana Microgrid Hoodie, $68

My favorite fleece ever. Handmade in Leadville, Colo., it packs down small, it’s buttery soft, and is a great mid-layer for everything from skiing to climbing. Plus it has a sweet, unique hood design.

 

Dana Allen’s Pick: Mavic Alpine XL Clipless Trail Shoe, $130

December may not be biking season for everyone, but spring isn’t too far away. The Mavic Alpine XL is a stiff, lightweight, cleanly-designed, and highly functional shoe that works well for pedaling and has a hiking-shoe inspired outer sole that won’t leave you feeling like Bambi on ice during those inevitable hike-a-bikes.

Thomas Neilson’s Pick: Watershed Futa Stowfloat Dry Bag, $105

The Futa Stowfloat is designed specifically to fit in the stern of creek boats and river runners, and it’s an excellent piece of equipment for any overnight whitewater expedition. Plus, it comes with Watershed’s impressively dry ZipDry closure so you can trust it to keep your gear bone-dry even if you’re separated from your craft mid-rapid.

 

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