Breathe Easy With Layer Of Fleece

Q. What’s the best product for layering under a waterproof-breathable shell?

MBrooks@MHVNET

Gear Guy: Depends what you’re doing. For very aerobic activities, a technical fleece jacket like The North Face’s Denali (Yeow! $160!!) or the Marmot Alpinist Tech Sweater (ditto) is superior because of the better ventilation you get from the full front zipper. Patagonia’s Puffball Pullover ($125), which is like a thin down sweater - albeit with synthetic fill - lacks that full front zip. Because of that, and the fact it is extremely warm for its weight, I prefer it as a piece to use around camp, in very cold weather, or for activities like downhill skiing. Keep in mind that the Puffball is not very durable - it just can’t take the sort of abuse and abrasion a fleece piece can.

Speaking of fleece, take a look as well at REI’s BiPolar Tech Jacket ($95). This is a very warm fleece jacket, with pit-zips, reinforced shoulders and other useful features at a fraction of the cost of the Marmot or North Face pieces.

Q. Dear Gear Guy, Why do you not recommend Sherpa snowshoes? What’s wrong with them?

I ask because I have a pair of Sherpas and need another pair for other members of the family. I am strongly looking at Sherpas again.

Scott Larimore

Balistik@netrix.net

Gear Guy: Nothing wrong with them at all, Scott. It’s just that there are so many snowshoes on the market now that Sherpas get lost in the crowd sometimes. Sherpa has stayed with traditional styling, using woven lacing instead of grommets and Hypalon decking as many other models now employ. They’re regarded as easy to use, light and durable. One model you might consider is the Sherpa Featherweight ($315).

Other good snowshoes are the Redfeather models (the Blackhawk, a good mid-sized model, goes for $240) and the Atlas 1033 ($250). Both are sturdy, light, float well, and have easy-to-use bindings.

MEMO: Send your questions directly to Interactive Gear Guy Douglas Gantenbein by e-mail at gearguy@starwave.com or check out his twice-weekly column on Outside Online at http://outside.starwave.com

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