The first order of business when I received my bottle of Nikwax Tech was to test was to read the back label to see if it was written in English instead of tech speak. I was happy to see that it's written in a very easy to understand and follow manner. If you've visited the Nikwax website you'll know it's filled with lots of great detailed, technical explanations and science, but it isn't always easy to understand. The awesome Nikwax team is currently creating easy to understand content, diagrams, drawings, explanations and videos, so be looking for those coming soon to the website.

Nikwax Tech Wash is gentle on everything, yet gets the job done. It's a non-detergent cleanser. It helps your outerwear last longer because it is so gentle. I invest in my gear; I take care of my gear. And I don't want a harsh wash wearing it down faster. I wash nearly all my clothes on "delicate" in "delicate" laundry wash, even if they are every day items. So I was stoked that Nikwax's wash would be gentle to my beloved outerwear.

The Tech Wash, unlike most soaps and detergents, doesn't gunk up or block the pores in the jacket, thus keeping breathable clothes breathable. It also take off grime, dirt, and any other substance on the clothes that would mask the DWR (if your jacket had DWR). Since the wash is detergent free, it helps keep your clothes water reppellent, if they are a shell or jacket.

I've been very pleased using this product. It lines up with my "be gentle to my gear" policy. It has de-mankified my outwear, leaving it clean, shiny and looking like new. It's easy to use and is water based, making it "environmentally friendly."

My love for the Tech Wash went as far this past weekend as washing my designer jeans in it while traveling for business. That's how gentle it is. Tech Wash again shined.

Nikwax also stands behind their product to the consumers benefit. If it jacket is damaged during a wash, call Nikwax and they'll replace the jacket. They believe in their product and want to give consumers the piece of mind when using it.

So the next time your outwear is getting all manky, check out a bottle of Tech Wash. It works great in tandom with the Tx Direct, the waterproofer for hardshells.

I had high expectations for this hooded base layer, and it happily delivered. The Idex Indie Hoodie is a warm, efficient baselayer. It’s the kind of baselayer you wear out on a cold day in the mountains and then come home and wish you had a second one to curl up in post-climb. It has a looser fit which is perfect for layering over another lighter baselayer. The comfy shirt is lighter and less bulky than fleece but quite warm. It has done a great job as part of my layering system to keep me warm on cold days seracing on Mt. Baker. Love the half zip feature for venting or zipping it all the way up for extra warmth. I'm also a big fan of the thumb holes. Also, it's hood is ACTUALLY functional. Many hoodies that have so much promise fall short on a functional hood. Not the Ibex Indie, it shines here. The hood is constructed so that it fits well fully zipped up around the head. It extends far enough to cover enough of the forehead, zips up to underneath the chip, but is flexible enough for full range of movement when in full hoodie mode. This is a bomber baselayer.

This a great layering piece. I was struck by the great fit and softness of the Merino wool. To this camisole's testament, when I wore it as a baselayer ice climbing, I sweated and it proceed to dry so fast I never needed to change my midweight shirt once we reached the base of our ice climb. I was pleasantly surprised that it kept me dry and noticeably warmer because the wool material added insulation to my core. It's so soft, provides additional warmth to the core and it's a cute top. As a small boned and small chested woman I love the thin straps, v-neck and form fitting cut. It's very flattering. The only difficulty with this piece is which color to chose when purchasing. From turquoise (an extra big yay for turquoise) to green to black, this top is one of those I'm sure I will own more than one of.

It’s cute, functional and tailored for women. Enough said. The Ibex Sprint longsleeve shirt is a great piece for around town, running, traveling, and is even a great lightweight shirt for hiking. It did very nicely on my recent Ozette loop hike; keeping me warm when the breeze picked up but cool when the temps rose. It’s made from soft, lightweight Merino wool. On the right arm there’s a fun series of designs that transform this shirt from a simple standard long sleeve shirt to an outfit with pizazz. The shirt also sports finger holes in the sleeves, which are great for keeping the shirt from bunching when layering or sliding on a pack. The cut is tailored so you won’t feel like it’s sagging off you or it’s too square. The size small arm length and shoulder seam fit nicely my 5’5″ frame. I recommend this shirt whether you want something for around the town, hiking, running, traveling the world or all of the above!

Teko has done a masterful job of weaving comfort and functionality. The Light Low Merino socks are soft as lambs wool, yet highly breathable to keep your feet dry in hot weather or during exercise. Slipping on these socks is like slipping on a second skin, soon you forget you even have them on.

If you have to be on your feet all day or walking for long hours or going on a long run, the denser cushions in the heels and ball of the footbed provides tremendous comfort and keeps your feet feeling great, happy and able to continue working hard. There is lighter cushioning on the arch for breathability and to maintain and nice, comfy shoe fit. The toe is seamless, which makes for greater comfort for your toes. And Teko, as if I couldn’t adore them any more, designed their women’s socks with women in mind. No uni-sex, fit-into-a-dudes-sock bunching or discomfort to deal with. Teko has a great women’s line that is designed to fit us ladies’ more petite feet and ankles. The narrower heel pocket and tampered toe make these socks fit like a charm. Not to mention they know how we love colors and cute designs, creating socks in a wide variety of bright and fun colors – from della to lilac, to berries, to pinks, to teals, to purples, to blues and many shades in between. These are awesome socks, so comfy whether you’re running, hiking or walking around town! You can’t go wrong with Teko!

Who knew you could fall in love with a helmet, well I have. And it isn't hard when Petzl has made a helmet that is actually designed for women with women's unique features in mind. We’re talking – fits our smaller heads; super easy to switch between hat, beanie, ponytail mode; and comes in a variety of cute colors (just the icing on the cake; it was one of those girl moments). And to top it off, it’s super light weight and uber comfy, you may just forget that you’re wearing it at the end of the day. The side adjustment mechanism and headband system makes adjusting it super easy and snag free (my rebellious curls always seem to find some way to get snagged in the rollers on the backs of helmets). It was super easy to adjust from sans hat to wearing my cap to my beanie. Because it has a slot cut out for your ponytail no more fiddling around getting that helmet to fit just right around your ponytail. I recommend this helmet for ice climbing, rock climbing, mountaineering - you name it, the Elia is great helmet for all climbing pursuits.