2020 Holiday Gift Guide – Apparel

by Brian Mullin on December 17, 2020

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GORE Wear C5 GORE-TEX Trail Hooded Jacket

Highly packable and lightweight weather defense

Combining two GORE-TEX tried and true technologies and years of experience, this is the only jacket you’ll need in foul weather while being small enough that you can carry it with you, so you’re always prepared. Rugged, weatherproof, and lightweight, the GORE-TEX PACLITE Plus fabric allows this jacket to pack down very small while strategically placed GORE-TEX Active panels increase breathability in key areas. Fitting it in your trail pack on a big day out will never be a problem. The MTB cut will easily fit over your regular riding clothes but is close enough to the body to prevent flapping when you truly get up to speed. This relaxed styling also means it won’t look out of place if you wear it off the bike. Hidden front pockets add to the jacket’s versatility, ensuring it will be used for a lot more than just trail time. Refer to GORE Wear.

Thoughts => I used this jacket throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall, which provided excellent wind, rain, and snow protection. One of the nicest characteristics was its breathability, and even when I was slogging uphill on a tough climb, I didn’t feel like I was in a sauna. The jacket is so packable that I could bring it along on any ride since it fit into hip packs, normal packs, frame packs, etc. The hood fits nicely under my helmet, and the jacket saved me more than once when I encountered heavy rain and hail storms. It was nice to be warm and dry!

  • GORE-TEX PACLITE Plus: Durably Waterproof, Windproof, and Robust
  • GORE-TEX Active material on torso, hood, and arms for max breathability
  • Lightweight (8.5 oz.) and packable
  • Adjustable hood with built-in visor and cord stopper adjustment
  • Chest pocket
  • Full-length zip with under flap and zipper garage
  • Fully taped seams for added rain protection
  • Waist hem adjustment with drawcord
  • Dropped tail for splash protection
  • Napoleon pocket with zip
  • MSRP $279.99

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GORE Wear C7 Pro 2in1 Bib Shorts+

This 2in1 short gives you the look of a baggy short with the function, fit, support, and comfort of high-quality bib shorts. Made for long days exploring new routes, the short features our highest quality seat insert and splash protection.

These innovative shorts take a high performance baggy outer and permanently integrate them with a high-performance bib short for amazing on the bike comfort, and a sleek XC focused fit. The bibs are fully constructed from mesh, while the lower shorts feature mesh inserts to the front and rear to allow for maximum ventilation and breathability. Abrasion-resistant zones on the inner leg and saddle area maintain excellent durability, vital to keep the shorts performing season after season.

GORE uses their Expert MTB insert, designed with the more upright riding position of mountain biking in mind; more padding is focused to the rear of the pad where it’s needed most. Meanwhile, the multi-layer foam and highly flexible wings create the perfect balance of cushioning and freedom of movement. The GORE WINDSTOPPER Cup Technology adds an extra element of protection to the insert’s front, perfect for keeping a chill off on fast descents.

Thoughts => I have been living in these bib shorts ever since the summer, and I rarely choose something else to wear. They are extremely comfortable, with stretchiness, a plush chamois insert, breathable mesh panels, and great durability. The best part of the system is the combination of a baggy short and a supportive bib. Uber comfort! 

  • MSRP $209.99 (on sale everywhere)
  • Bib/baggy hybrid follows form and function.
  • Perfect for trail rides when you don’t need double shorts.
  • Relaxed fit on the bottom with supportive bib uppers.
  • Splash protection keeps your backside dry.
  • Mest upper and lower inserts add breathability and ventilation.
  • Reflective logo adds visibility in low light.

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Pearl iZUMi Elevate Insulated AmFIB Jacket

We boosted the traditional softshell jacket’s capabilities with a super-breathable membrane and additional insulation for an ideal cold-weather riding jacket. Our Barrier fabric (100% recycled polyester with a DWR finish) blocks wind and moisture. We used 100g Primaloft Gold insulation with Crosscore technology for insulation, which provides a surprising level of warmth without excess weight or bulk. Insulation is concentrated on the front of the chest and upper arms for warmth in core areas while still allowing for breathability while riding.

Thoughts => The jacket is comfortable and warm and is perfect for those chilly and windy rides. The insulation isn’t too bulky, and the lining feels nice against the skin. The full zipper was highly functional, so you good regulate the temperature and zip it all the way up to snuggly seal your neck or open it up to not overheat on a climb. The side pockets were roomy and securely held small gear. 

  • MSRP $200
  • Lightweight AmFIB softshell main body fabric provides wind and water protection
  • 100g Primaloft Gold insulation with Crosscore technology, made with 35% post-consumer recycled polyester, and incorporating Aerogel particles for incredible warmth with minimal weight
  • Lightweight 100% recycled polyester Barrier fabric on the front of chest and arms blocks wind and has DWR finish to fend off moisture
  • Two hidden zipped hand pockets
  • Sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL

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Pearl iZUMi Launch Trail Pant

Whether you’re defending against cool temps or itchy bushes, this full-length pant is ready for the trail. We use 4-way stretch Cordura to make the pants tough enough for serious trail riding without restricting pedaling. A tapered leg keeps you out of the chain but still has room for knee pads. Finished with PI Dry® permanent water-shedding technology, these pants are up for splashy conditions or light rain. While perfect for cooler conditions, this pant can be comfortable into the 70s.

Thoughts => I just started to use these pants this fall and winter, and they’re comfortable, stretchy, and warm. The pants offer enough water-resistance in light snow and rain, so you don’t get damp. They pedal extremely well, and the tapered leg with the ankle cuff, the stretchy material, and the roomy knee area provided plenty of free movement. It was easy to toss them into my pack until I needed them when the temp dropped. I’ve worn them out shopping and around the house, and they aren’t overly geeky.

  • MSRP $150
  • Lightweight 4-way stretch Cordura® nylon fabric with PI DRY® water-shedding technology
  • PI Dry® technology for permanent water-shedding performance
  • Two zippered Trail Access side pockets shift contents to the back of the leg for pedaling comfort.
  • External hook-and-loop waist adjustments provide a secure, sag-free fit with less bulk.
  • Add a chamois liner of your choice to complete the package.
  • Sizes 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38

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LIVSN Flex Canvas Pants

The point is to have one pair of pants that do more without looking tactical. We thoughtfully integrated features like a gusseted crotch, articulated knees, zippered security pockets, discrete EDC pockets, roll-up leg system, ventilation, and reinforcements at all stress points.

Our custom EcoFlex Canvas is a 7.3oz duck canvas made with 58% GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, 40% Recycled Polyester, and 2% spandex. It has a distinctive cotton hand-feel with polyester content that strengthens the fabric and helps it dry faster. The spandex allows for a full range of motion.

We believe that what we own should be purposeful and in service of what we love to do – not just stuff. We combine technical features and durable construction with modern styling to create lasting clothing that facilitates a life of adventure. Refer to LIVSN.

Thoughts => Wow, these pants are so comfy that I wear them all the time. They’re durable, tough, dry fast, and offer just the right amount of stretch without feeling baggy. The cut, fit, and design feel extremely proper, like I had a custom pair of pants made just for me. Love them!

  • MSRP $99
  • Durable and highly-mobile outdoor pants with a tailored fit
  • Built to be versatile, comfortable, and tough
  • Made with sustainable 7.3oz EcoFlex Canvas
  • Useful features subtly integrated
  • Reinforced and refined construction

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Showers Pass Apex Merino Tech T-Shirt LS

Warmth, breathability, comfort both on and off the trail

Redesigned for greater comfort and durability, the new Showers Pass Apex Merino Tech-T now comes in long sleeves! Take it on the trail for all-day protection, and wear it to the pub post-ride without worrying about smelling like a locker room. With the natural benefits of merino wool, sweat will be wicked away while odor will be kept at bay. Constructed with 18.5-micron Merino-Wool, the Apex Merino Tech Tee is ring spun around a nylon core; the result, washable durability with all the moisture-wicking, anti-stink benefits of Merino Wool.

Thoughts => The Apex long-sleeved jersey is comfortable, and it provides excellent Merino Wool thermo-regulation, no stink, and moisture-management properties. The material is the perfect thickness, so you can wear it throughout the year, from cooler to warmer days, without feeling any overt discomfort. The fabric feels nice against the skin, and it has a perfect fit, without any binding or tightness. It’s been one of my go-to jerseys this year, and it provides sun protection, durability, comfort, and Merino attributes.

  • MSRP $89
  • Merino Wool blend fabric provides antimicrobial protection from odors, natural breathability, and stretch for comfort during high-intensity activities
  • Raglan sleeves are flatlock stitched for durability and comfort
  • Flatlock stitching on side panels with no traditional side seams reduce chafe points
  • Fabric offers natural antimicrobial protection from odors with core-spun 87% Merino Wool 13% Nylon blend
  • Relaxed fit with the longer back length for on the bike coverage
  • Reflective label on the back
  • Quick-drying
  • UPF 40 protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays
  • 150 gsm summer weight fabric

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