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Staff Gear Picks – Fall/ Winter (2009/10)

So you’ve read the about the Gear Guides, Gear of the Year, and Editor’s Choice Awards. Now, here’s what the staff at Casual Adventure has to say about the gear we have used and love.

Name: Dan Favorite Piece of Gear: Arc'teryx Gamma AR Why: Looks, fit, performance; this jacket has it all Story: The longer I've owned it, the more impressed I've been. The Gamma has handled the snow, wind, cold and rain without any sort of difficulty at all. However, its most heroic moment came during a bike ride on a particularly cold night. Through no fault of my own (it was the bike, i swear), I wrecked at a good clip on a downhill stretch. I got up and off the road to inspect the damage, and soon found that despite everything else (i.e. me) being road-rashed up, the jacket had survived the ordeal without so much as a stray thread.

Name: Eric Favorite Gear: Mountain Hardwear Enterprise Daypack Why: Two words – durable and versatile! It’s a go anywhere, do anything pack, with organizational pockets galore. The ballistic nylon construction is just the start. Stuff this bag with any varity of gear (or clothing) you can think of for a day trip, weekend flight, or commute to work. Want features? You got ‘em: two water bottle holders, three padded electronic pockets, a laptop/bladder sleeve, side compression straps, YKK zippers, key ring clip, EVA padding, airflow style back panel, fleece lined sunglass/goggle pocket, and reflective piping. Can you think of anything else you’d want in pack? Story: Aruba – From Baby Beach to Natural Bridge, this was my pack for everything and everywhere. Whether four-wheel driving across the rugged terrain, laying on the beach catching rays, or hanging out in the airport, this bag held everything I needed – clothes, water, sunscreen, maps, books, keys, sunglasses, and snacks. When just my stuff was in the bag, I synched it up tight. When my wife didn’t want to carry a bag, we just packed for two.

Name: Karin Favorite Piece of Gear: Mountain Hardwear Monkey Woman Jacket Why: Soft and cozy inside... and out! You’ll be sure to get lots of hugs in this plush Monkey Phur jacket. Monkey Phur fleece has a high warmth to weight ratio, making this jacket perfect for a cool fall day. The cuffs and waist feature a stretchy material that gives the jacket a great fit as well.

Name: Mike Favorite Piece of Gear: Hennessy Hammock Why: The Hennessy Hammock is by far my favorite piece of gear because it is lightweight, comfortable, easy to use, and works great in almost every situation. It is extremely easy to set up and take down and eliminates the need to sleep on the ground and/or carry a sleeping pad. It’s also bug free, storm-proof, and very breathable. Story: On a particular trip where my friend and I were biking to our campsite, we ran into some very inclement weather. When we got to the site (which was a meadow) it was completely flooded and my friend was unable to set up his tent in the soggy conditions. I however had no problem easily setting up my hammock between the only two trees I could find in the middle of the field. I stayed cool and dry the whole night. Afterwards, my friend swore he would buy and only camp in a Hennessy Hammock.

Name: Paul Favorite Piece of Gear: Leatherman Wave Why: How else can you carry an entire tool kit in your pocket? The Leatherman Wave features one-handed opening straight and serrated blades plus all the functionality of a multi-tool. Story: Living in rural Ethiopia, the Wave was my lifeline. Everything from wiring a generator to maintaining a 5-ton rock crusher, the Wave never left my side.

Name: William Favorite piece of Gear: Arc'Teryx Atom Lt Why: The Atom is the most versatile jacket I've ever owned. What can't it do?! Mid-weight synthetic insulation layer? Check. Standalone wind and water resistant jacket? Check. The featherweight face fabric and lightweight insulation is packable yet durable, water repellent yet breathable. The power stretch underarm side panels and cuffs make for a flexible, snug feel that allows unrestricted movement and great climate control. Available with an insulated hood! Plus it just looks good. Story: I had this jacket on the first snow of the year. With just a mild base layer I was able to go out walking the dog, take multiple snowball attacks, a bout of sleet, and comfortably transition back indoors. The Atom Lt is my solution to climate change! (not to make light of a very serious issue).

Name: Paul Favorite Piece of Gear: Steri-pen Why: The Steripen is a great gift for any international traveler. Super fast, tiny and tasteless, the Steripen is by far the best water purifier for traveling abroad. It's also great for the environment as it eliminates the need to buy bottled water in countries with little to no recycling infrastructure.

Name: Steve Favorite Piece of Gear: Mountain Hard Wear Woolly Full-zip Why: Its a piece that could be worn to the office or out with your friends you can dress it up or down. its a piece for all occasions.

Name: Steve Favorite Piece of Gear: Wigwam Expedition Sock Why: An all around sock that can be worn with your boot when your out for a hike or just lounging around the house watching football on a Sunday.

Name: Karin Favorite Piece of Gear: Smartwool Lifestyle Socks Why: Socks are the perfect gift for friends and family. It is easy to find the right size for someone and everyone can always use an extra pair in the winter. Smartwool Lifestyle Socks are a great choice because they are made of a soft merino wool which gives you the warmth and breathability benefits of wool without the itchy feel. Smartwool also offers a wide variety of styles and colors, sure to please anyone on your gift list. Best of all, Casual Adventure is having a buy 3 get 1 free sale on all socks! Story: I wear Smartwool Lifestyle socks all winter long. They keep my feet warm but not sweaty. They also look great when I’m lounging around in them.

Name: William Favorite Piece of Gear: Ugg Men’s Byron Slipper Why: Suede upper, fully-lined with plush, wool sheepskin, durable rubber sole, impeccable styling... what’s not to like about the cozy yet sophisticated Byron? Whether on an urban excursion, Sunday drive, or relaxing by a winter lodge fireplace; the Ugg Byron is perfect for all your Casual Adventures! Available for women also.

Name: Eric Favorite Holiday Gear: Carhartt Acrylic Knit Hat Why: A traditional beanie made of 100% acrylic rib knit fabric. It’s a classic style that has stood the test of time. One size fits all, and I mean all—from tiny toddler heads to humongous human heads…and it’s less than $10.00!!! Story: I’ve had many Carhartt Acrylic Knit Hats over the years—black, navy, and my favorite blaze orange. I keep a spare in the glove compartment just in case. One chilly Halloween, I needed a last minute costume, so I threw on my blaze orange Carhartt hat and went as Dick Cheney’s hunting partner. You can’t beat being warm AND getting candy.