Initial Impressions: Kast Steelhead Gloves

These past few years I've been finding that keeping warm hands has become a challenge. Cold hands while skiing are no issue other than discomfort. Cold hands while Winter steelhead fishing are a problem. Can't tie knots properly. You drop stuff. And God forbid you actually hook something...

As a result, I've been paying more attention to gloves. In the past year or so, I've heard a lot of buzz about Kast's Steelhead Gloves. Most give them very high marks. I'd been looking at them, but they were pretty spendy for an experiment. Plus, I've been pretty happy with my Simms Windstoppers (I have both the fingerless and full-finger models). But when I stumbled upon a good deal on a pair of Kasts, I picked them up.

One quick caution - many reviewers I read made comments that they ran large and to size down. I have to vehemently disagree. I wear an XL in nearly every glove I've ever bought (except, curiously the aforementioned Simms Windstoppers...). And the Kast Steelhead was a perfect fit in size XL. So, try 'em before you buy 'em.

Last weekend I spent both days floating the Pere Marquette river chasing chrome. Not very successful, but saw some new water, and got to try out my new gloves.

My conclusions were a bit surprising to me. Almost immediately, I noticed that my Simms gloves felt warmer. Maybe it's just the fleecy interior, or some other factor, but they feel a good bit warmer. I've got three days in NY on the Cattaraugus Creek swinging flies so I'll have some more solid experiences coming. But my first impression is that they're not as warm.

But...

They're waterproof. Like as in submersible. That's really never been an issue for me previously as I've not found much need for this quality. Until the drift boat. So - where does the anchor go? That's right - in the water. And what attaches the anchor to the boat? Correct again - the anchor rope. So the anchor rope gets - anyone? Anyone? Bueller? That's right - soaking friggin' wet. When you're hauling the anchor up after every stop, your hands end up soaked. This is where the Kast's shine. Of course, it took me until the second day to figure that out (after I soaked my Simms on the first).

First impression? Great glove -- extremely well made. Excellent fit. Roomy but not bulky. Surprisingly good tactile qualities. But not quite as warm.

More to come as I get in some additional time on the water with these. But for now, I think these will be my rowing gloves and my fingerless Simms Windstoppers will be my fishing glove. Perfect combo!

-Sean-

Product Review: Simms ExStream Jacket

I bought the Simms ExStream jacket the first day I saw it. I needed something warmer than a fleece for Winter steelheading. I had a Patagonia Down Hoody that just never fit right - to get the right fit across the shoulders mean a XXL with was tent-like on the body. I've finally decided that perhaps I need to give up on Patagonia's "skinny climber" fit. At least for my body type, Simms is where it's at.

But in the past, Simms tended to fall down on cold weather gear. If you wanted to be dry, you wore Simms. And if you wanted to be warm, you wore Patagonia. I think the folks at Simms got the message loud and clear. Life isn't all trout on a sunny day in Montana. Great Lakes steelheaders face some pretty brutal conditions, and being warm really extends our season (more on that later).

The ExStream jacket fit perfectly as soon as I tried it on. Roomy across the shoulders for swinging a spey rod, yet compact in the body for extra warmth. And, like all the Simms products I've owned - the hood is awesome. It's amazing the difference a well-fitting hood makes. Provides coverage, without hampering peripheral vision or just generally getting in the way.

The exterior material of this jacket is a huge step up in durability from the Patagonia NanoPuff and Down Sweater. Far more rugged and clearly likely to handle more abuse. While I'll definitely keep the NanoPuff as my "extra layer" because it packs down so small, the ExStream is a huge step forward in durability.

A few of the key features I love in this jacket:

• Giant interior net cargo pockets: I first saw this trend in ski jackets a couple of seasons back and am happy to see it in a fishing jacket. Throw a hat, gloves, a flask, a fly box - or whatever - in here leaving the side hand pockets free. Nice.
• Sleeves that are less bulky: Makes layering ever so much simpler. It's tough to find a warmer layer that slides under others well.
• Uber-slick ripstop interior: Glides over base layer, fleece or whatever. Layers that don't play well with others are a huge pain in the ass.

In fact, I liked the jacket so much that I also picked up the ExStream pant for a warmer layering option. I purchased these for a December steelhead trip. Little did I know that highs in the 40's would make them unnecessary. Ah, well. I'm sure I'll need them.

But now for the confession - I haven't actually fished in this jacket. This year's BRUTAL cold weather has kept me off the water since the NY trip. Rivers that never freeze fully have been locked up for weeks on end. And getting motivated to spend the day on the water when they high is 3 degrees and you have a 10mph wind is pretty rough. However, the ExStream has become my go-to jacket for so many things. Warm. Windproof. Convenient. I am sure that once I get it out on the water, it won't disappoint.

-Sean-

Go To Gear - Part Deux

Simms Waderwick Base Layer Bottoms

If I'm wearing waders in anything but the hottest conditions, these are under them. In Winter they're a great first layer that transports perspiration away and provides a nice level of warmth when worn under fleece pants of some sort. In the Summer they keep things from getting clammy (I've always found the concept of a "breathable" wader a bit of an oxymoron). Mine are the older model with the stirrups - which are a nice feature. But I'm sure the new ones without are just fine. They weren't cheap (though cheaper than Patagonia), but they're worth every penny when you want to be comfortable.

FiveTen Impact Low Shoe
Yeah, yeah, I know -- clipless pedals are where it's at. And for road biking I agree 110%. But on the mountain bike there is just no friggin' way. Tree roots. Rocks. Run-off channels. There are literally hundreds of opportunities to cease forward motion and have an intimate encounter with physics. I've fallen clipped in on the road bike. And it SUUUUUCCCCCKKKKKKSSSSS!. No way, Jose on the mountain bike. But an aggressively studded Sun Ringle flat pedal and a pair of these sticks like glue! In fact it's often a bit difficult if I try to adjust my stance. The Impacts also provide a sturdy sole and upper provide tons of protection. Five stars for these bad boys - although they do look a bit like orthopedic shoes...

Old Town Penobscot Canoe
I'm on my third season with this one and I love it more all the time. At 58 pounds, I can easily car-top it solo. And that light weight makes it a true pleasure to paddle. It tracks super straight, even when paddled solo from the stern -- a light J-stroke and it's straight as an arrow. Nimble, comfortable and basically perfect. I picked mine up gently used on craigslist. Always tons of canoes out there -- but hunt for one of these.

A Good Knit Hat
As I've become increasingly follically challenged (that is, balding...) I've found that my head gets cold - FAST! But I've found a broad range in the simple knit hat. A lot of them suck, for one reason or another. Fleece is worthless -- ZERO wind protection and the windproof ones don't breathe and pretty much wipe out your hearing. A simple knit is the best solution. And one you can pull over a ballcap is a WINNER. I have three favorites just now - an older Simms with an awesome fleece band inside, an Oakley (both of these are synthetic material) as well as an Ibex wool one. The Ibex is awesome, but it's only for the very coldest of weather - this thing is like a toaster for your head. The Simms is by far my favorite. Though it's wearing well, it's a few seasons old. When it finally gives up the ghost, I may have to plan a proper ceremony and a respectful burial. Yeah, I like it that much.

Simms Windstopper Fleece Gloves
I've had a lot of people ask how I keep my hands warm when Winter steelheading. The first answer I usually offer is exposure -- when you're out more, your body adjusts. But on those really cold days that just won't fly. In the past I rocked a pair of fingerless generic fleece gloves (way too slippery and not especially warm), then some fine Cabelas neoprene fingerless models - picked up for 7 bucks on clearance. When the neos finally blew up, I tried on the Simms Windstopper fleece in fingerless. Pretty spendy, but warm hands make all the difference - sold! This season I added a pair of the full-fingered variety. These are the ideal glove. Warm, without being bulky. Great feel. Whether running a centerpin, fishing an indicator, or whatever I can do my thing without fumbling. And, most key - they don't seem to absorb water. Awesome. Just buy both the fingerless and full-fingered variety now.

Good stuff -- all of it! More coming soon!

Product Review: Simms Rogue Fleece Hoody

I received a Simms Rogue Fleece Hoody as a Christmas gift and have been amazed by how much I like this simple piece of gear. This garment seemed to be more sportswear than a technical outerwear solution - or so I thought.

The poly-based fleece breathes and readily wicks moisture. What's surprising though is the softshell exterior (especially at this price point). This thing is surprisingly good at blocking both wind AND water (thanks to the DWR exterior). Sure, it's not up to the level of my Windstopper Soft Shell Hoody or my Arc'teryx hardshell fleece - but it 1/3 of these garments! I wore it out yesterday in light winds and a daylong pissing down rain. I stayed very dry and cozy despite some genuinely lousy conditions.

As you'd expect from Simms, the ergonomics are excellent. For my build, a fairly generous cut across the shoulders is key. I've always found Simms gear to excel in that area and this piece is no exception. Similarly, Simms knows hoods. Once you start spending some time outside in challenging weather you really start to appreciate the one-more-layer-damn-I'm-cold value of putting up a hood. And, you see that an awful lot of garments have truly lousy hoods. The handwarmer pockets are right where your hands want them to be. I go back and forth on whether I wish they were zippered or not. Zippers would be nice for transport, but having them open means easy access for frosty digits.

Looking for a great bargain on an outstanding piece of gear? Put the Simms Rogue Fleece Hoody on your list!

-Sean-

Product Review - Arc'teryx Hardfleece

First, a confession. I've become hopelessly addicted to high-end outdoor clothing. Yeah, Columbia gear is pretty good, and The North Face even a bit better. What I'm talking about are brands like Patagonia, Arc'teryx, and Simms. I find that this is a category where you really do get what you pay for - this top-notch gear is usually warmer, drier, and/or better fitting. I think it started with my Simms G4 Pro jacket, a birthday gift a few years back. I've worn this jacket in day long downpours, 40+ mph wind days, and freezing cold and it never fails me. And, it delivers incredible functionality with pockets in the right places and all the adjustability one could ever ask for. This was followed by a Simms Windstopper Hoody - my go-to in a broad range of fairly shitty conditions. Then last year I added a Patagonia Retro X jacket. Warm, perfect fit, and windproof beyond expectations. When you like to play outdoors, a small investment in the best clothing really pays off.

I've always liked the Canadian brand Arc'teryx. Great styling, bulletproof construction, and some really innovative features (the Sidewinder zipper that keeps the nasty frozen zipper off your chin is sweeet!). But, the prices always put me off. This stuff is pricey. As in make-Patagonia-look-cheap expensive. This Summer I found myself in the Arc'teryx store while in Montreal on business. All the cold weather gear was 50% off and they had some cool items. Fueled by a few-too-many tasty Canadian beers (Molson Ex, anyone?) I decided I definitely needed an Arc'teryx hardshell fleece.

In brief, this thing ROCKS! It's hard to truly describe -- it's kind of like a soft shell meets a fleece. But it's not really either. It's a bit more bulky than my Simms Windstopper Hoody, but not much. Yet, it's considerably warmer. When you slip it on it's clear this was designed by Canadians who spend a lot of time outside. Roomy where it needs to be, fitting where it doesn't. One of the best tests of a jacket is the hood. Does it fit close (but not TOO close) to your head so it follows as you look side-to-side? Or is it simply a bulk tent that stay put while your melon swivels inside like a puppet show? The Arc'teryx is clearly the former (as an aside -- so are both of the previously mentioned Simms pieces).

Our last day in Montana the temps dropped 40 degrees overnight, the wind came up, and a little blowing snow was in the forecast. As one of my travel companions had forgotten his jacket, I lent him my Simms hoody. This put me on a trial run with the Arc'teryx. Throughout the day we enjoyed temps in the 30's, with wind over 20mph, and intermittent snow squalls. Me? Nice and toasty, thank you very much! And the softshell fit kept it from interfering with my casting stroke.

Last night, dealing with the distant effects of Frankenstorm Sandy we had chilly temps and high winds (a top gust of 78mph was recorded here). My black lab mix pooch fears no weather, so come 10pm she wants her customary walk. Hello Arc'teryx! Warm and happy we strolled to her content.

I only have two complaints. First, the outer jacket is a sage green. But the inner fleece is a bright kelly green. Strange. But somehow it sorta' works. And second, I don't actually know what model it is (as I mentioned, alcohol consumption may have been a factor in the purchase). As such, I can't tell you what to go buy. But if you're considering such a garment, I'd take a serious look at Arc'teryx.

-Sean-

Mmmmm ... Toasty!

Patagonia is rapidly becoming a new favorite brand for me this year. I've always liked their advertising efforts, and their consisten commitment to sustainability. But I never really "got" their products. My brand association for them would have been, "green" and "expensive". I always felt the pejorative nickname "Patagucci" suited them. But that's all changed now...

This year I've added some cold weather gear from Patagonia. It started with a Nano-Puff Pullover. Then I added a Retro-X windproof fleece. And recently, I scored a deal on a Down Sweater Hoody.

I know a few folks on the Patagonia Pro Staff and all have shared a similar sentiment - "If you want to be warm in miserable conditions, it's Patagonia." And now I get it. despite its whisper thin bulk, the Nano-Puff is a super-warm insulating layer that fits perfectly and easily stows in a pocket. The Nano-Puff caused me to want the Down Sweater Hoody for super-cold situations. I was looking for a mid-layer that would deliver extreme warmth, and still fit under a shell. Found it.

Finally, the Retro-X was a bargain find at the Patagonia outlet in Dillon, Montana. I've written plenty about windproof fleeces, but this is one of the coolest I've found. The "furry" feel looks cool and draws complements, while staying very warm. It's totally windproof.

But you'll notice repetition of one phrase, "scored a deal...". This stuff isn't cheap. But now that I've got some hours in outside in my Patagonia gear, I must say that paying the price will be far less painful in the future. Every piece of Patagonia I currently have significantly exceeds my expectations. Highly recommended!

-Sean-