March 2008 Perfect System: Rocky Mountains
Rocky Mountains, Photo by Julia Vandenoever
Black Diamond Powerstretch Glove
Mountain Hardwear Phantom 15
Patagonia Down Sweater
REI Summit Lake
GoLite Xanadu 2+
The North Face Paramount Convertible Pant
Icebreaker Flight T Lite
MSR Stove, Photo by Kent Pell
Smith Factor
REI Peak UL Carbon Trekking Poles, Julia Vandenoever
Osprey Atmos 50
Bargain!
Gloves
Black Diamond Powerstretch Glove
These snug-fitting gloves, made from fuzzy Powerstretch (think of your warmest long johns) are plenty cozy for chilly alpine mornings, and the slick design prevents dexterity problems. $20; 1.6 oz. (unisex M); bdel.com
Sleeping bag
Mountain Hardwear Phantom 15-
In the high-and-dry Rockies, down bags are the way to go, and this 800-fill toaster is one of our favorites for its efficient cut, high warmth-to-weight ratio, and compressibility. The 15°F rating is perfect for mountains where nights approach freezing even in August. Available in men’s and women’s models. $355; 1 lb. 15 oz. (men’s M); mountainhardwear.com
Insulation
Patagonia Down Sweater
This close-fitting down sweater is a year-round layering essential for trips above treeline. Thanks to 800-fill feathers, it packs down to coconut-size. Bonus: The polyester shell and lining are made with 50-percent recycled content. $199; 12 oz. (men’s M); men’s and women’s sizes; patagonia.com
Shell
REI Summit Lake
Thunderstorms tend to be fleeting in the Rockies, so no need to carry more–or spend more–than necessary. For its weight, this shell boasts impressive features: pit zips and vented pockets; four-way stretch fabric; and an adjustable hood. Check fit: Its loose cut can flap a bit in wind. $169; 10.5 oz. (M); men’s sizes; rei.com
Tent
GoLite Xanadu 2+
Don’t worry about pitching this single-wall shelter on high, exposed ridgelines where the views are great and the wind strong. The freestanding Xanadu is both light and stable, and two huge mesh doors (plus vents at both ends) eliminate condensation. Setup requires a little futzing: Insert two crossing poles into interior corner grommets, then crawl in and secure the poles in place. The floor plan is best for hikers shorter than 6 feet. $450; 4 lbs. 2 oz.; golite.com
Bargain!
Boots
La Sportiva Onix GTX-XCR
This waterproof shoe achieves above its weight class, making it a favorite of fast-and-lighters who need support and durability in a shoe that won’t slow them down. The Onix provides ankle stability on talus, yet its sensitive fit still feels nimble. Super-grippy soles cling tight to steep, slick slopes. $130; 2 lbs. 5 oz. (men’s 42); sportiva.com
Base layer
Icebreaker Flight T Lite
This lightweight shirt feels cool
on scorching days, and its body-hugging cut helps wick perspiration. Yet the merino wool also traps body heat, which is great on gusty summits and cool mornings. $55; men’s and women’s sizes; icebreaker.com
Pack
Osprey Atmos 50
This ultralight pack defines year-round versatility. In summer, stash river-crossing shoes in the pack’s stretchy exterior panel; in winter, the pocket secures an avalanche shovel. The air-flow suspension circulates a breeze between your back and the pack–a blessing during long, hot summit bids. The women’s version is called the Aura 50. $199; 3 lbs. 1 oz. (M); ospreypacks.com
Pants
The North Face Paramount Convertible Pant
These nylon pants deliver utmost versatility with three modes (full-length, capris, and shorts). After a whole summer of hard use, the Paramounts showed no sign of wear. $65; men’s and women’s sizes; thenorthface.com
Stove
MSR Reactor
An Editors’ Choice Award winner last year, the Reactor features a protected burner that proved impervious to 30-mph gusts on Colorado’s Vasquez Peak–and in many other tough test conditions. Its flame is enclosed by a heat exchanger integrated with the 1.7-liter cookpot, creating a supremely efficient system that boils a liter in three minutes flat. $140; 1 lb. 5 oz.; msrgear.com
Trekking poles
REI Peak UL Carbon Trekking Poles
Steep alpine terrain is great for scenery, bad for knees. These carbon-fiber poles are light yet durable, perfect for 3,000-foot descents through joint-and-stick tweaking talus. $139; 12.5 oz. (pair); rei.com
Shades
Smith Factor
At high elevations, UV rays will roast unprotected eyes. The near-weightless Factor protects with photochromatic lenses that automatically adjust to light levels, so they’re equally effective at reducing cloudy-day glare and warding off ferocious rays on bluebird days. $149; 0.6 oz.; smithoptics.com