2021 Apparel Gift Guide – Mountain Hardwear, Pearl iZUMi, Showers Pass, GORE Wear, Mons Royale, and TASCO

by Brian Mullin on December 16, 2021

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Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Light Pullover

The standard construction for Stretchdown™, this baffle width balances warmth and mobility for the full range of outdoor winter pursuits. The original baffle size and most versatile member of the Stretchdown™ Collection. From the beginning, we engineered a baffle size and fill schedule that would provide the perfect amount of warmth for a broad range of activities.

  • The exclusive stretch-woven fabric delivers incredible durable stretch with a unique hand feel
  • 700-fill RDS-certified down insulation
  • Adjustable hood with front cinch (Hooded Jacket Only)
  • One secure-zip chest pocket
  • Two secure-zip hand pockets
  • Full zipper at center front
  • One internal dump pocket and adjustable cinch at hem
  • Insulation is bluesign® approved
  • PFC-Free DWR
  • Materials: Durable Stretch Woven (87% Nylon, 13% Elastane)
  • MSRP $250

The Stretchdown Light Pullover is warm and comfortable and is perfect for cooler temperatures. I wore it around town, the campfire, at the campsite, shoveling snow, and on chilly hikes. The hoody provided some extra protection and functionality, and the Stretchdown baffle system made for a puffy jacket that was slim and not bulky, with just a tad of stretch. 

Click here to purchase the Stretchdown Light Pullover

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Pearl iZUMi Expedition Bib Short

When your next ride is a big one, the Expedition Bib Short is the right choice. They integrated low-profile cargo pockets on the thighs and lower back for easy access to smartphones and snacks and the flexibility to wear any top you prefer without worrying about carrying capacity. This bib short was created to go the distance with a plush and breathable Elite Escape 1:1 Chamois, the perfect companion for long days in the saddle.

  • Compressive ELITE Transfer fabric made with recycled content
  • Thigh cargo pockets provide additional storage options
  • Centered rear pocket at the base of the straps fits a shell jacket or nutrition
  • ELITE Escape 1:1® Chamois with floating top sheet design reduces friction for all-day comfort
  • Laser-cut bib straps provide superior next to skin comfort
  • Silicone print holds cuffs in place and provides a smooth transition from the short to skin
  • MSRP $125

I have pretty much lived in these bibs and found them highly comfortable, with just enough snugness to keep them from drooping. The ELITE Chamois is nicely padded and provides plenty of cushioning, even on long multi-hour rides. The ELITE Transfer fabric was compressive and had plenty of stretches where needed, and it transpired moisture, so they never got overly damp. It became my go-to chamois for almost every ride, and I’d use it with and without baggy shorts, depending on temperature and riding conditions. Love them!

Click here to purchase Expedition Bib Short

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Showers Pass Apex DWR Shorts

Whatever Moves You, The Apex Shorts Have Got You Covered. Movement is the motivation behind the Apex shorts, and because when movement is unrestricted, it means more time on the trail, in the saddle, or adventuring with friends.

Constructed from a durable nylon-spandex blend, the Apex shorts provide a 4-way stretch fabric that moves with you for maximum freedom of movement. For peace of mind protection from the elements, we added a Durable Water Repellent finish that maintains a robust level of water resistancy that quickly sheds rain and spills. To ensure the perfect fit, the Apex shorts feature an adjustable, velcro waist cinch system and stretch articulation that easily accommodates a bib or cycling chamois worn underneath. At the same time, quick-drying fabric decreases chafing for maximum comfort on and off the trail.

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The versatile Apex shorts are ready to get moving with you when fixing to adventure outdoors, whatever the weather. They have a 12-inch inseam, Black and Fatigue Green colors, and retail for $105.

  • Constructed with 4-way stretch Nylon-Spandex fabrics with heavier weighted fabric on the back panel for excellent durability
  • Durable water repellent (DWR) finish sheds rain and spills
  • Adjustable waist cinch for the perfect custom fit, on or off the trail
  • Silicone grip on elastic waistband
  • Two thigh vents offer enhanced cooling when temperatures rise and double as extra storage space.
  • Two hand pockets and one zippered back pocket
  • Reflective accents on the sides provide low-light visibility
  • Two snap closure with hook and bar for durability
  • Gunmetal hardware
  • Men’s 12” inseam

The Apex DWR Shorts are uber comfy, with an excellent fit, stretchy fabric, and a proper inseam length. The DWR is functional in everything outside a big rainstorm, and it sheds light rain, snow, and dirt. It keeps you warm and dry, plus it breathes, so it feels fine on the hottest of days. 

Click here to purchase the Apex DWR Shorts

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GORE Wear R5 GORE-TEX INFINIUM Insulated Jacket

The GORE Wear R5 GORE-TEX INFINIUM Insulated Jacket offers super lightweight protection from wind and cold with breathable, quick-drying POLARTEC® ALPHA® insulation. Transparent fabric on the outside with a WINDSTOPPER® liner gives an eye-catching look, fluid feel and negates the need for a mid-layer. For athletes wanting a superlight jacket for cold days.
  • GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ fabrics with GORE® WINDSTOPPER® product technology totally windproof, extremely breathable and durably water-resistant, lightweight protection.
  • POLARTEC® ALPHA® Insulation.
  • Stretch inserts at hem and cuffs.
  • Close-fitting hood.
  • Bottom hem adjustable with drawcord.
  • Zip with zip port.
  • Two side zip pockets.
  • Side zip pocket with small inner pocket.
  • Semi-transparent nylon as an outer layer.
  • Highly reflective, color-tone tape and logo.
  • Reflective tapes and logos are strongly visible through face fabric only when hit by light.
  • Reflective details.
  • Slim fit.
  • Weight: 8.8 oz.
  • Fabric: GORE TEX® INFINIUM™
  • $270.00

The R5 GORE-TEX INFINIUM Insulated Jacket is soft and comfortable, and you’ll stand out in the bright white color scheme that I tested. The jacket has just enough insulation for those crisp days, and the Windstopper lining makes it perfect when flying downhill on a ride or when the wind gets up a notch. It’s slim enough that it packs down decently, making it easy to bring on those questionable cooler rides. The jacket keeps you warm and dry during the cusp season, and the hood added more functionality when it got nasty out.

Click here to purchase R5 INFINIUM Jacket

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Redwood Enduro VLS Jersey and Virage Shorts

Mons Royale Redwood Enduro VLS Jersey

The Mons Royale Redwood is designed to be used in all conditions from the valley to the peak, because it’s not always sunny when you want to get on the bike. Redwood is made using our ultra-lite Merino Air-Con fabric, temperature regulating and warm, even when wet, which means no need to change even on the longest of rides.

  • Mons standard fit
  • High v-neck, perfect for riding
  • Breathable merino mesh panels
  • Drop tail for extra coverage
  • Zipped back pocket for valuables
  • Hidden sunglasses wipe
  • 140 Merino Air-Con is ultra-lite and ultra-breathable for year-round use.
  • $110

Mons Royale Virage Shorts

Super light and durable, the paired back design of the Virage Short makes them ideal for high output rides.

  • Stretch Wool Cordura is super light, strong, and flexible
  • Mons standard fit
  • Strategically placed inseams for comfort
  • Integrated stretch belt comes with short
  • Zipped side pocket for valuables
  • Back pocket.
  • $140

Mons Royale uses Merino Wool in its products, which offers excellent durability, along with the ability to thermoregulate in both cool and warm conditions. The Redwood  Enduro VLS Jersey is amazingly comfortable, and even after long-term and heavy use, it seems brand new. The long-sleeved jersey offers sun, wind, and brush encounters, and it hasn’t pilled as yet. The Virage shorts come with a functional and easy-to-use belt, which helps with waist fitting and adds some flair. The shorts have a nice long inseam to provide perfect knee and armor coverage.

tasco_pathfinder_gloves

TASCO Pathfinder MTB Gloves

The Pathfinder Gloves are all new for 2021.  This cleverly designed glove gives you the protection for those backcountry adventures without any sacrifice in comfort; you need not even remember you are wearing a glove.

Pathfinder MTB Gloves – the perfect balance of fit, breath-ability, and protection with no compromise on comfort or durability:

  • Vented Fourchettes (sides of the fingers) to allow for maximum venting
  • TPR Knuckle Protection is just where it matters when whacking through the overgrowth
  • Molded Neoprene Knuckle panel to give that extra bit of protection in high impact areas without adding a bulky feel
  • Molded articulated cuff design – no binding or feeling it restricting your movement
  • TPR Cuff enclosure – not just your standard wimpy velcro closure
  • MicroFiber Sweat wipe on thumb panel – wiping your nose never felt better!
  • Durable Silicone grip design – to make sure you don’t slip if you need to grab the brake levers
  • Medical grade velcro hook and loop enclosure – built to last and give you that ultra snug fit
  • perforations on the palm and fingers – to allow for extra ventilation
  • Anatomically engineered Clarino synthetic leather overlay – to provide additional protection & durability
  • AX Suede Palm material – do you even know it’s there comfortable??
  • Conductive threads on the index finger and thumb to ensure you don’t miss that trail-side photo
  • Men’s Sizing (XS-2XL)
  • $38

One of my fave go-to gloves. The Pathfinder is durable, comfortable, and has the right amount of padding on the palm and back of the hand. I like the versatility and ease of the Velcro closure on the wrist. It has been very durable and has dealt with my extensive trail work, dealing with rocks, tree cutting, etc. The additional protection has been functional had several occasions that I have crashed or fallen over.

Click here to purchase the Pathfinder MTB Gloves.

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