FALL WINTER GEAR GUIDE 23

SMITH BOBCAT PHOTOCHROMIC

I’m new to Smith glasses. Previously I tried Oakley and POC glasses and liked both for different reasons. I got stuck on the Oakley Jawbreakers, which were great with photochromic lenses. I loved the fit and interchangeable lenses. Right now we’re having an Oakley eyeshades renaissance. We all want to look like Lemond circa ‘84 apparently. But let’s move past the obvious styling. Oversized glasses protect better and I’d argue are more versatile. One big advancement over early 80s design is photochromic lenses that automatically adjust to the current light conditions. For riders that want to wear one pair of glasses on a multiday trip, for example. Photochromic has you covered as the light conditions change. I’ve had certain times of day where I’ve gotten weird reflections, and some times when I questioned the angle of the lenses, but 95 percent of the time these glasses are brilliant. They’re light, they fit my face well, and they work great for almost every winter day in Portland. I love that they have interchangeable lenses - the bright light lenses work great for sunny road days and bright snow. Lenses are fairly easy to swap out. Bonus is the sturdy hardshell case that accomodates glasses and spare lenses. These are winners. I’m stoked to see Smith doing simple and functional glasses that look great.

VELOCIO ULTRALIGHT RAIN JACKET

Portland cyclists are rain jacket experts. Like most folks that ride through the winter, I’ve experimented with just about everything including shakedry. The problem with shakedry is that it’s a bit stiff, a bit delicate and it’s black. Velocio’s Ultralight Rain Jacket is my first piece of Velocio outerwear and I’m a fan. They use eVent fabric, which is known to be a champ for both breathability and waterproofing. Like most Velocio pieces it’s handsome in design - great pop color that will be noticed from far away, without being completely fluo. Second thing I love about this jacket is that it’s not skin tight. I have room to layer underneath it, which instantly makes it more versatile and more usable than most road jackets. Next, it’s light and feels great to wear. They gave us soft fleecy material on the inner collar and eliminated all unnecessary velcro fasteners. The arm cuffs are strictly stretch panels that allow your hands entry and stay snug once you’re in. I love the large vents in back that help prevent overheating and allow me to access my jersey pockets without removing my jacket. Finally, Velocio was kind enough to give us a two-way zipper which provides yet another way to vent or increase comfort in the drops. Because this jacket is so packable and so light, there’s no good reason to leave it at home. It’s a great insurance policy that just may save your day when unexpected weather hits. Recommended.

VELOCIO SIGNATURE LONG SLEEVE JERSEY

Velocio has chosen the perfect jersey to mark as their “signature”. If this jersey defines them as an apparel company, they clearly provide elegance, comfort and exquisite functionality in their products. Depending on where you live, this is a perfect shoulder season jersey in colder climates or here in the Pacific Northwest works as an all-winter piece, and can easily be combined with a long-sleeved base layer for added warmth on colder days. Velocio bills it as “down to 40 degrees fahrenheit” but with it’s added UPF 50+ protection and light weight it’s versitile enough to work well on cooler sunny days when you don’t feel like reaching for your arm warmers.I love how extremely soft and wicking the mid-weight Denier Gradient material is. It provides a bit of warmth and protection while somehow so soft and smooth against your skin it seems to disappear (one of the best compliments I can offer when it comes to snug-fitting bike clothes). I simply love the deep emerald color. This jersey has been (and will be!) on regular rotation in my riding kit for months to come and I don’t mind one bit.

Dan’s take

I had been on the lookout for a perfect jersey that I could wear on shoulder season rides without overheating. So many jerseys are winter thick, which works great for cold environments like Colorado or Vermont. Most of the Pacific Northwest fall and early winter is quite mild, so heavier jerseys leave me sweating. The Velocio Signature Jersey is extremely practical and extremely comfortable. It has just the right amount of stretch and looks fantastic on the bike. Depending on what base layer I choose, I can be comfortable in a wide range of conditions. For me, this is one of those reference pieces that just works as it should and looks great doing it. Great minimal styling, no unnecessary graphics or arm bands. Do yourself a favor and pick up a Velocio Signature Long Sleeve jersey. It’s so good you may need a couple different colors to rotate. It’s that good.

VELOCIO MERINO MESH SS BASE LAYER

This base layer is lovely with a comfortable fit. I really appreciate the slightly longer sleeves (not capped as if I’m trying to keep cool in the winter!), the crew collar and smooth stitching that lay comfortably and the poly-marino mix that stays soft and wicks well. While they call it “ultra light” in weight, I prefer to wear this as a slightly heavier base layer on colder days as it provides the perfect foundation to get out and face the elements when the weather isn’t so inviting.

VELOCIO ZERO+ GLOVE

It’s easy to overlook gloves in your winter riding kit, but that would be a mistake. Personally, I get cold hands and feet, so good gloves are make or break for me. First I tried their Signature Softshell glove and I love them for their low profile fit and their dexterity, but as soon as the weather got below 45 degrees, I got cold hands. So I stepped up to their Zero Plus glove and those are the ones for PNW winter. They keep my hands warm enough without being bulky. That’s the sweet spot for me. I’ve worn so many gloves that are bulky like ski gloves but don’t do anything special in terms of warmth or comfort. Velocio says they use “Italian-made soft-shell fabric, its magic lies in the "spacer" within the fabric, which creates an air cavity that traps warm air. The DWR treated face combined with a waterproof/breathable membrane provide wind and water protection. This unique "four-layer" fabric is a light weight, low-profile solution to bulky winter gloves.” I couldn’t have said it better myself. These have quickly become my go-to gloves for chilly errands and even running. You need these in your winter kit.

PEARL IZUMI PRO ALPHA LAYER

This is the best, long-sleeved, cold-weather jersey of the last few seasons. The PRO Alpha Layer is fantastic due to Pearl Izumi’s Polartec® Alpha Direct® material which is soft and fuzzy, a bit stretchy and might be the most comfy material ever. Though it somehow looks frighteningly thin (you can almost see through it in spots) Pearl Izumi has actually developed a material that provides significant warmth and perfect temperature control while still wicking better than any I’ve worn– a bit of magic as far as I’m concerned. I’ve even worn this piece cross country skiing and had it covered in snow (a potential recipe for a wet disaster as my body heat turns it into water) but it somehow wicks even that moisture away and stays dry. It’s easy to layer over or under depending on contiditons, not to mention the fit is fashionable (and made from recycled materials). I can wear it as an apres ride or commuting around town and still look great. Pearl Izumi has hit the mark on this piece and I highly recommend adding it to your collection.

7MESH CHILCO NECK WARMER

If you have read our guides in the past you’ll know we’re 7mesh fans. They make great gear that works for the pacific northwest weather and they continually innovate. This season they’ve introduced their WTV concept. WTV stands for Wind Thermal Ventilation. If you’ve struggled to layer properly for high output activity in the winter you know that as soon as you put on a layer that keeps the wind out, you run the risk of overheating. As 7mesh says “A stretch-woven exterior provides a breathable wind layer, while the brushed loft interior captures the warmth you need and lets out the excess. The result? A single layer to keep you going through shoulder season, winter and beyond.” All I know is this has quickly become an essential piece for me that helps me find that sweet spot of insulation without trapping too much sweat or moisture. The bottom line is that it’s comfortable, versatile, and light weight. I’ve used it cross country skiing as well as cycling and I love it. This pairs well with the Seton Jersey and adds that extra layer of comfort on colder days.

7MESH SETON JERSEY

This season 7mesh introduced their innovative WTV concept. WTV stands for Wind Thermal Ventilation. If you’ve struggled to layer properly for high output activity in the winter you know that as soon as you put on a layer that keeps the wind out, you run the risk of overheating. As 7mesh says “A stretch-woven exterior provides a breathable wind layer, while the brushed loft interior captures the warmth you need and lets out the excess. The result? A single layer to keep you going through shoulder season, winter and beyond.” All I know is this has quickly become an essential piece for me that helps me find that sweet spot of insulation without trapping too much sweat or moisture. The bottom line is that it’s comfortable, versatile, and light weight. It uses 7mesh’s floating pockets as well, so your cargo moves independently without sagging or deforming your jersey. It’s really quite amazing how many innovations they’ve packed into a single jersey. It’s been rad to see them pushing what outerwear can be. These are the glory days for outdoor apparel, folks. It simply hasn’t ever been better than this. Bonus points for a good looking high vis piece. We need all the help we can get on these dark days. Highly recommended.

7MESH WOMENS CHILCO VEST

This vest is one of my favorite pieces of the season! I’ve always been a fan of wearing vests to keep my core warm (and by extension, the blood flowing to my hands and feet) without overheating during efforts, but there’s a fine line between core warmth and a soaked vest not able to get rid of the heat coming off my back. This vest is a miracle! Completely breathable and wicking, but a warm and cozy piece I want to wrap myself up in on chilly days. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we tend to have more damp, cold days around freezing than cold days below, but the Chilco vest works beautifully for both. A great outer piece on 40 degree days and when the temps or windchill gets low, it’s perfect as a layered insulator beneath a shell. The stretchy fit means I can layer it over bulkier jersies (and even a jacket!) without compromising on freedom of movement and the cut of the material looks great while staying in place and not riding up or constricting. I also really appreciate the high collar that keeps the wind from breezing down my chest, but the soft, WTV insulation is soft and supple against my chin and neck. So much to love in this one, small piece that I’d say go get one yourself– it will change your winter game.

IBEX JOURNEY SHIRT

We’ve been thrilled that Ibex is reborn and still making great merino tops. I’ve tried the Tencel and the Journey top and both are nicely cut and perform well. The Journey shirt is 89 percent merino and 11 percent nylon for durability. So far, the Journey is my favorite daily top, especially in the winter. I started wearing it in the summer and found it slightly too heavy on hot days, but for spring, fall and winter it’s the perfect weight. I layer a sweater over it and it’s pefect. For comfort, warmth, and breathability it’s hard to beat the Ibex Journey shirt. The wool is sourced in Australia and made in Vietnam. Fit and colors are great as well. Great staples that will last for years if you take care of them. Recommended.

HOUDINI MONO AIR CREW

I’ve tried a couple pairs of Houdini pants and they quickly became favorites for their good looks and their performance. It’s a bit like replacing your cotton tees with high quality merino. As time has gone on and I’ve learned more about the company and their dedication to circular manufacturing I appreciate the clothing that much more. It occurred to me that Houdini is a bit like the promise of Nau clothing when it started - sophisticated, mimimalist apparel with muted colors and environmentally conscious production. If you look at Houdini offerings you’ll see high end ski gear as well as versatile pieces for city wear. It would be easy to dismiss the Mono Air Crew as a high end sweatshirt, which it is, but its much more. Houdini says it sheds up to 80 percent less microfiber compared to conventional fleece. “The fabric is “Power Air Light” and made here in the USA by Polartec®. It’s light, stretchy and has a great warmth-to-weight ratio. The fit is a bit roomier than I’m used to for most sports clothing, but it has a classic streetwear vibe, and all the 4-way stretch and air incapsulating technology is there, but it’s not your first read. The overall impression is just a simple sweatshirt - and that’s what’s great about Houdini. They put tons of thought into each piece, but the technology and sustainability aren’t necessarily the headline. It’s subtle. I wonder if the American market can appreciate that. I love what Houdini is doing and I can tell it’s one of those pieces that I won’t want to take off. I’m so excited to see where this brand goes. I love what they’re doing both aesthetically and in terms of sustainability. Track some of their clothing down if you can. It’s wonderful stuff. Note on sizing: I’m medium in most other brands and I size up to Large with Houdini

HOUDINI OUTRIGHT PANTS

I know many of you are working from home and living in sweats, so heads up! Next level comfort right here. Not only that, but you can use them as technical thermal layers under shell pants just as easily. As Houdini says, “The secret is called Power Stretch Pro™ Light, a stretchy fleece fabric that will keep you warm and pull moisture away from the skin.” For me Smartwool track pants were my fist upgrade sweats and those were lovely, but they just started splitting at the seams, so the Outright pants will be their replacement and so far I can tell I’m going to live in them. The look is fairly streamlined - loose fitting without being baggy. Fit can make or break a piece and these fit really well. They’re trim enough that they’ll layer well under shell pants. The soft and supple microfiber stretch fleece insulation with an instant dry feeling and a jersey face with superior durability. Hydrophilic interior to pull moisture away from the skin. I can tell right now that I should just buy a couple colors, since they’ll be in heavy rotation both as work at home loungewear and as midlayer warmth when skiing. Highly recommended. Note on sizing: I’m medium in most other brands and I size up to Large with Houdini

7MESH TRAILSIDE HAT

There’s a chance that you’re reading this and wondering - really? a ballcap review? Well, being the 7mesh superfan that I am I knew the crew up in Squamish wouldn’t just give us any old ballcap. Let me break it down like this: first, flat brim…check. Second, low crown. Is this a hipster look? I can’t be sure. Maybe. I’m definitely not a hipster, but I do feel a bit stylish when I sport this hat, so a definite maybe. Third…material. Nice lightweight material that’s actually SPF 50, so you can take this bikepacking and it will pack down without crumpling. It’s nice and light, and the band and fit are nice too. I’d acutally call this a nice upgrade cap. Recommended.