Backpacker Magazine – November 2008

Women's Fall Gear 2008

Our female testers pick their favorite gear for fall hikes.

by: Kelly Bastone

Tags:
• Gear
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• Apparel
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• Base layers
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• Soft shells
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• Backpacks
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• Sleeping bags
|

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Pack | Bra | Rain Shell | Sleeping Bag | Pants | Vest | Midlayer

Rain Shell
Mountain Hardwear Pegasus Jacket
The Pegasus is a shell for all seasons: Light enough for summer backpacking, yet plenty burly for winter hiking and skiing. The waterproof/breathable fabric kept testers dry and comfortable during spring sleet and sustained rain. "Even long, hard climbs didn't steam up the interior," said a tester, who credited the proprietary fabric's better-than-average breathability and generous pit zips. The slightly stretchy material also let testers reach and twist freely while scrambling. The cut is long for full coverage down to the upper thighs, and the two hand pockets sit above a pack's hipbelt for easy access. We also liked the versatile hood–it fit over a helmet or cinched down over our heads with fast, fumble-free adjustments. Bonus: The understated flower designs drew a bevy of compliments. $350, 14 oz. (M) XS-XL; mountainhardwear.com. Reader service #119

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