Buying stuff for an active lifestyle or things you can trust and things you cant…

As a movement and exercise educator I have always had an active life style to say the least. A few of my EM Technique students and I  just completed a trip to the Adirondacks over the weekend and climbed to the summit of Rocky Peak Ridge via the Ridge trail in the Adirondack Mountains, (phew).  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky_Peak_Ridge

Gear and clothing have always been very important to me. Living an active life require gear and clothing that can stand the rigors and tests that we WILL put them through.  I tend to buy products that are designed for longevity and performance though more often than not I find myself returning them or regretting the purchase. I do find a few gems amongst the rocks… Sadly I have gotten to the point where I almost dread buying something new because it is truly hit or miss.

Durability is a huge issue with me, as I don’t like having to buy things over and over again. Also nothing quite spoils the party than having your pants crotch rip and having to excuse yourself or pretend that the breeze between your legs is normal.

I have decided to include reviews of the products I use good and bad to possibly spare you my frustration and increase the likelihood of you getting something good.

Please comment and share your experiences if something resonates with you or you have a good or bad find.

Guarantees

• Are mixed blessings. I rarely buy items that do not have a lifetime guarantee.

• Good gear is expensive. I want to make sure that I am not being taken advantage of by marketing and faulty workmanship

• Truthfully, I would love a product that was so good it did not need to convince me that I can bring it back, but it was so good I knew I wouldn’t have to.

• I have said to so many shop owners “your guarantee is guaranteeing, I will probably have to return and I really don’t want to”.

Pants

Pants are a BIG deal for me. There are 3 major criteria that they must meet.

Comfort:

They have to feel good. The best ones feel as if they are part of me.

Durability:

They have to be tough. I don’t like having to be too careful it diminishes the amount of fun I can have.

Utility:

I like pockets and versatility. I need to be able to wear them to a variety of places both town and country that is a plus. I like to always be ready for an adventure and the clothing you wear can inhibit or enhance what you inherently can do. I need full range of motion for the human body and a little more in case I transform.

Appearance and fit.

I list it last because, if the other criteria are not fulfilled than this  is irrelevant to me. I like to look good and I like the clothes to fit. I like them to flow, but not wear a tent.  As stated previously, I like to be able to wear them to work, teach class, climb a mountain, ride a bike, meet with clients and teach. I do have clothing that is more specialized, but in general all around is more practical and economical.

A few pants I recommend and one I don’t...

Thumbs down.

Abercrombie and Fitch. I still have a few adventure pants, cargos zip offs, insulated cargos that I love from them. Cotton and nylon fabrics mostly purchased ten years ago and still going strong!

Abercrombie used to be good. Some of these have made it through ten years of adventure,teaching, training, climbing, skiing, biking,etc.

HOWEVER! I recently purchased cargo pants from them and had to return them because they are no longer fit to move in. Forget about wearing them for hikes or outdoors. Apparently they have embraced the” skinny” fashion. I barely got them on in a large size and was afraid to move unable to put a hand in the so-called cargo pockets.

Thumbs UP!

Mountain Hardware Matterhorn convertible pants

They are not inexpensive, but if you join REI (REI pays dividends at years end on purchases that are not on sale) or look for sales you can find them at a reasonable price.

• Very comfortable pockets with zippers that are not intrusive.

• They turn into shorts and back.

• Durable

• Reinforced crotch

Kuhl

I have a pair of kuhl crags…first jeans I have worn in 20 years. They are really adventure pants masquerading as jeans so I can be sociable and ready to get my spidey on when needed.

• Material is TUFFFF, comfortable and I can move.
• They look good too.
• They have a large line of possibilities depending on your style taste.

I hope this was helpful I will continue to add a revue in each blog your comments and insight are always welcome.

Em