First Ascent Hangfire Hoodie

First Ascent, if you were unaware, is the upmarket rebranding of Eddie Bauer aimed at more rugged outdoor use. They offer a fine line in rather nicely designed clothing including down jackets and vests, microfleece tops, rain gear, and full-on arctic/mountaineering gear. Quality across the board is fairly high, and prices are competitive. It seems that Eddie Bauer have a sale of some kind every day, and often, if you buy from one of the stores, you end up paying 50% less than the ticket price, which always sends me home with a smile on my face.

I'd been looking for a hooded mid-layer for winter use for a while. By far the most popular item closest to my needs is the Patagonia R1 Hoodie (which RioLeichtsinn reviewed this week). However, I've always balked at premium you have to pay for the  Patagonia brand, and $149 for a microfleece top seems ridiculously expensive to me.

Enter the Hangfire Hoodie - First Ascent's hooded mid/outer layer, priced at $99, and weighing in at 456g. I picked up the Hangfire in one of the aforementioned regular sales for $79 in autumn, and I've worn it almost every day since then. It has become my go-to top for backpacking, hiking, dog-walking, and trips to the Blue Nile.

As you can see, it's a stylishly designed top - clearly aimed at the fashion-conscious urban outdoorsman (or woman). One might say that it's a little over designed. Just look at all those seams!

The seams demark the different materials used: textured fleece (100% brushed polyester), and two-way stretch (with 5% spandex. Ooooh! Spandex!). The torso material of the Hangifire has been treated with DWR. This is because in America, it never rains on your arms. I have no idea why First Ascent made this bizarre decision, however I've found it to be suitably water repellant for light showers, but in anything more than that I'd slip on a rain jacket. The zips are also of the semi water-proofed variety.

I've found the jacket to be reasonably warm, but it only provides moderate windproofing in light winds (to be fair, it is advertised as providing protection from light winds, which is accurate enough). Once temperatures entered that awkward damp-cold region between -3 and +3C, I began to feel a chill. On either side of that, it's a great addition to a layering system.

The Hangfire has been designed as a mid- or outer layer, depending on weather conditions. I've used it as both - it's slim design allows it to easily fit under a light puffy jacket, and it's non-piling, weather resistant material makes it a great jacket for wearing casually around town. This is the main advantage is has over the R1 -   I'd wear the Hangfire far more often as an outer layer. The R1, however, is really intended mainly as a base or mid layer, so direct comparison is unfair.

The inner material is a thin brushed fleece - not the fast-drying cuddly fleece waffle of PowerDry. I've not got it soaked yet, so cannot attest to it's drying speed. I suspect the outer material might take a little longer if it were allowed to wet out.

The material inside the hood is especially lovely. It's soft and feels deliciously warm against your face. On chilly mornings I pull the hood up over my hat for facial protection. It's super-stretchy to accommodate a helmet, but its elasticity pulls it close without the need for additional cinch cords. It isn't a true balaclava hood however, and leaves the face more or less fully open. One improvement I would like to see would be to change the zipper to an off-center design. I don't like a cold metal zip against my chin in frigid temps.

While fleece is quite breathable in itself, all the pockets are mesh lined so you can unzip the chest or side pockets to let out moisture when you're struggling up the hills. The chest pocket also has a hole for headphones (made, for some reason, out of reflective material) should you be in full urban mode.

Sadly, First Ascent made one terrible oversight in the design of the Hangfire. There are no thumb-loops. On the other hand, like most First Ascent clothing, a separate 'tall' model is offered, extending the length of torso. More manufacturers should consider this (my Montbell ExLight down jacket, for example, is almost laughably short on me).

In summary, the Hangfire makes an excellent winter mid layer or shoulder season outer layer. It's not the lightest hoodie around, but it's flexibility and sturdy construction make up for that. I'd like to see First Ascent make a more direct R1 competitor. Their range continues to surprise me, and their quality, while not perhaps the best on the market, is certainly high enough. Fortunately their prices are considerably more appetizing than certain other, more trendy, brands.

If you're looking for something flexible to add to your layering system, I recommend giving the Hangfire Hoodie a closer look.

First Ascent, if you were unaware, is the upmarket rebranding of Eddie Bauer aimed at more rugged outdoor use. They offer a fine line in rather nicely designed clothing including down jackets and vests, microfleece tops, rain gear, and full-on arctic/mountaineering gear. Quality across the board is fairly high, and prices are competitive. It seems that Eddie Bauer have a sale of some kind every day, and often, if you buy from one of the stores, you end up paying 50% less than the ticket price, which always sends me home with a smile on my face.

I'd been looking for a hooded mid-layer for winter use for a while. By far the most popular item closest to my needs is the Patagonia R1 Hoodie (which RioLeichtsinn reviewed this week). However, I've always balked at premium you have to pay for the  Patagonia brand, and $149 for a microfleece top seems ridiculously expensive to me.

Enter the Hangfire Hoodie - First Ascent's hooded mid/outer layer, priced at $99, and weighing in at 456g. I picked up the Hangfire in one of the aforementioned regular sales for $79 in autumn, and I've worn it almost every day since then. It has become my go-to top for backpacking, hiking, dog-walking, and trips to the Blue Nile.

As you can see, it's a stylishly designed top - clearly aimed at the fashion-conscious urban outdoorsman (or woman). One might say that it's a little over designed. Just look at all those seams!

The seams demark the different materials used: textured fleece (100% brushed polyester), and two-way stretch (with 5% spandex. Ooooh! Spandex!). The torso material of the Hangifire has been treated with DWR. This is because in America, it never rains on your arms. I have no idea why First Ascent made this bizarre decision, however I've found it to be suitably water repellant for light showers, but in anything more than that I'd slip on a rain jacket. The zips are also of the semi water-proofed variety.

I've found the jacket to be reasonably warm, but it only provides moderate windproofing in light winds (to be fair, it is advertised as providing protection from light winds, which is accurate enough). Once temperatures entered that awkward damp-cold region between -3 and +3C, I began to feel a chill. On either side of that, it's a great addition to a layering system.

The Hangfire has been designed as a mid- or outer layer, depending on weather conditions. I've used it as both - it's slim design allows it to easily fit under a light puffy jacket, and it's non-piling, weather resistant material makes it a great jacket for wearing casually around town. This is the main advantage is has over the R1 -   I'd wear the Hangfire far more often as an outer layer. The R1, however, is really intended mainly as a base or mid layer, so direct comparison is unfair.

The inner material is a thin brushed fleece - not the fast-drying cuddly fleece waffle of PowerDry. I've not got it soaked yet, so cannot attest to it's drying speed. I suspect the outer material might take a little longer if it were allowed to wet out.

The material inside the hood is especially lovely. It's soft and feels deliciously warm against your face. On chilly mornings I pull the hood up over my hat for facial protection. It's super-stretchy to accommodate a helmet, but its elasticity pulls it close without the need for additional cinch cords. It isn't a true balaclava hood however, and leaves the face more or less fully open. One improvement I would like to see would be to change the zipper to an off-center design. I don't like a cold metal zip against my chin in frigid temps.

While fleece is quite breathable in itself, all the pockets are mesh lined so you can unzip the chest or side pockets to let out moisture when you're struggling up the hills. The chest pocket also has a hole for headphones (made, for some reason, out of reflective material) should you be in full urban mode.

Sadly, First Ascent made one terrible oversight in the design of the Hangfire. There are no thumb-loops. On the other hand, like most First Ascent clothing, a separate 'tall' model is offered, extending the length of torso. More manufacturers should consider this (my Montbell ExLight down jacket, for example, is almost laughably short on me).

In summary, the Hangfire makes an excellent winter mid layer or shoulder season outer layer. It's not the lightest hoodie around, but it's flexibility and sturdy construction make up for that. I'd like to see First Ascent make a more direct R1 competitor. Their range continues to surprise me, and their quality, while not perhaps the best on the market, is certainly high enough. Fortunately their prices are considerably more appetizing than certain other, more trendy, brands.

If you're looking for something flexible to add to your layering system, I recommend giving the Hangfire Hoodie a closer look.

First Ascent Hangfire Hoodie

Merry Christmas!

My bells are a-jingling, my halls are fully decked with boughs of holly, and the whole world it seems has been letting it snow. It must be Christmas, but even Santa can't resist a little backpacking before his work begins in earnest.

Santa's ascent of Mount Seward

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who follows Backpacking North, a wish you all a splendid Christmas and new year!

I've been surprised and overwhelmed at the support and sense of community in the lightweight, ultra-light, and smarter backpacking blogging world since I began writing in May. I've found writing for the blog has given me the motivation to get out more, which has done wonders for my health, both mental and physical.

There has been a lot going on at home in the last few months which has prevented me from going out more and reduced the amount of time I've had for writing. Hopefully this will change in the new year. In the meantime, I've been living vicariously through the words of others, and by way of thanks, I'd like to highlight a few of the great blogs being written by like-minded people 'out there.' All of these fantastic blogs feature great writing and photography, and have led me to discover new interests and obsessions over the last year which my paltry income can't possibly keep up with. So, for starters, check out the following...

Nordic Lightpacking - the gang of Nordic bloggers into whose hallowed halls I was honoured to be invited last month. From this link you will discover the delights of Hiking In Finland, Thunder in the Night, The Bearable Lightness, Fjäderlätt, Nielsen Brown Outdoors, The Armchair Adventurer, and Going Lighter.

My other top blogs of the year are from the UK, notably:
Lightweight Outdoors
Summit and Valley
Steven Horner
Helen's Wondering Wanderings
Minimal Gear

There are of course many others, so don't feel left out if you're not listed here. There are plenty more links to be found in the sidebar on the right. Check them out, and enjoy some winter reading curled up by the fireplace (but not too close, you don't want to melt your new iPad).

As for next year, I have a few things planned... Some winter backpacking on the Superior Hiking Trail; a few days in the northern Badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park; a potential return to the canyonlands of Utah; and maybe some East coast exploration. There are plenty of gear reviews also coming up, including the First Ascent Hangfire Hoodie, some hardcore winter gear, and something for the tech fetishists among you.

Now though, I have a gingerbread house to make, and will therefore disappear for a few days to begin construction.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and leave you with Walking in a Winter Wonderland from the Cocteau Twins, an appropriate song for a hiking blog if ever there was one.

My bells are a-jingling, my halls are fully decked with boughs of holly, and the whole world it seems has been letting it snow. It must be Christmas, but even Santa can't resist a little backpacking before his work begins in earnest.

Santa's ascent of Mount Seward

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who follows Backpacking North, a wish you all a splendid Christmas and new year!

I've been surprised and overwhelmed at the support and sense of community in the lightweight, ultra-light, and smarter backpacking blogging world since I began writing in May. I've found writing for the blog has given me the motivation to get out more, which has done wonders for my health, both mental and physical.

There has been a lot going on at home in the last few months which has prevented me from going out more and reduced the amount of time I've had for writing. Hopefully this will change in the new year. In the meantime, I've been living vicariously through the words of others, and by way of thanks, I'd like to highlight a few of the great blogs being written by like-minded people 'out there.' All of these fantastic blogs feature great writing and photography, and have led me to discover new interests and obsessions over the last year which my paltry income can't possibly keep up with. So, for starters, check out the following...

Nordic Lightpacking - the gang of Nordic bloggers into whose hallowed halls I was honoured to be invited last month. From this link you will discover the delights of Hiking In Finland, Thunder in the Night, The Bearable Lightness, Fjäderlätt, Nielsen Brown Outdoors, The Armchair Adventurer, and Going Lighter.

My other top blogs of the year are from the UK, notably:
Lightweight Outdoors
Summit and Valley
Steven Horner
Helen's Wondering Wanderings
Minimal Gear

There are of course many others, so don't feel left out if you're not listed here. There are plenty more links to be found in the sidebar on the right. Check them out, and enjoy some winter reading curled up by the fireplace (but not too close, you don't want to melt your new iPad).

As for next year, I have a few things planned... Some winter backpacking on the Superior Hiking Trail; a few days in the northern Badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park; a potential return to the canyonlands of Utah; and maybe some East coast exploration. There are plenty of gear reviews also coming up, including the First Ascent Hangfire Hoodie, some hardcore winter gear, and something for the tech fetishists among you.

Now though, I have a gingerbread house to make, and will therefore disappear for a few days to begin construction.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and leave you with Walking in a Winter Wonderland from the Cocteau Twins, an appropriate song for a hiking blog if ever there was one.

Merry Christmas!

Gear Talk: MSR Lightning Ascent Snow Shoes

I've been waiting for some decent snow to arrive in Minneapolis so I can get out and do a spot of winter camping. We had a few inches at the beginning of December, but yesterday my wishes were answered - with snowmageddon.

During 8 years in Lapland, I never experienced the kind snowfall we had yesterday in a single day. Over 17 inches (43 cm) fell - and most impressively it was 17 inches of powder rather than the big fluffy stuff which easily builds up.  The streets were impassable in the kind of way I've never seen.

So with all that snow, today I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to break out the snow shoes!

I wanted snow shoes for many years, but they tend to be very expensive for something which appears to be quite simple. From a purchasing point of view, it's best to wait until spring time for the post-winter sales. Fortunately, when I live, post-winter sales take place while there is still plenty of snow on the ground, so last year I took advantage of an REI sale and picked up a pair of MSR Lightning Ascents (30").

I opted for the MSRs as they received many good reviews, were solidly-constructed, lightweight for their size, and had plenty of floatation. Floatation, for snow shoe newbies, is what keeps you from sinking into deep snow. The bigger and heavier you are, the more floatation you need. Different types of snow also require more floatation than others. As I'm tall, and planned to backpack in them (increasing my weight even more) I went for the long version. You can't have enough floatation in my opinion.

Unlike many cheaper snow shoes, these mean business. The outer rim is solid aluminium, with teeth cut into them for additional grip on icy sections. Sturdy, crampon-like teeth also protrude from under the pivoting footbed, and the heel-raising televator bar can be flipped up to make ascents less strenuous on your legs . I find these make a big difference on hills more than about 40 degrees.

The bindings are a little over-comlicated, but very secure, and once you've adjusted the fitting for your boots, it's fairly fast to slip in and out of them. Some people have complained that they come loose, but I've not experienced that yet.

MSRs new version of the Ascent, the Axis, have simplified bindings, and an 'axis gait' adjustment, which compensates for flat-footedness. As I waddle like a duck myself, I'd like to try them.

The Ministry of Silly Walks approved this review

Even the best floatation can't help with super-soft powder though. Yesterday's snow hasn't had a chance to settle yet, so I was struggling calf-deep through untouched snow until I found a trail which someone else had made. After that, it was much easier going.

There's not a lot more to say about the snow shoes. They are the kind of equipment that either works, or fails. These work well. There are lighter show shoes out there. MSR has a range of light plastic snow shoes which might be more suited to those using them only occasionally. Kahtoola also make an interesting new model with a removable crampon/footbed.

My MSR Lightning Ascent 30s weigh 972g each - slightly less than spec weights. Not exactly lightweight, but certainly worth their weight. If you are in the market for  snow shoes, you could also check out some of MSRs other models, such as the lighter Lightning Flash models, which can be extended using flotation tails. My advice, unless you simply must have them now, is wait until the spring sales.

However, with snow shoes, I tend to think that the less there is to go wrong, the better. The last thing you want miles from anywhere is a broken grommet or other inconvenience. The Lightning Ascents are strong, sturdy, simple, and reliable.

They also make a good footpath for four-legged friends to follow. (Just look at that alliteration!)

I don't always look that angry.

I've been waiting for some decent snow to arrive in Minneapolis so I can get out and do a spot of winter camping. We had a few inches at the beginning of December, but yesterday my wishes were answered - with snowmageddon.

During 8 years in Lapland, I never experienced the kind snowfall we had yesterday in a single day. Over 17 inches (43 cm) fell - and most impressively it was 17 inches of powder rather than the big fluffy stuff which easily builds up.  The streets were impassable in the kind of way I've never seen.

So with all that snow, today I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to break out the snow shoes!

I wanted snow shoes for many years, but they tend to be very expensive for something which appears to be quite simple. From a purchasing point of view, it's best to wait until spring time for the post-winter sales. Fortunately, when I live, post-winter sales take place while there is still plenty of snow on the ground, so last year I took advantage of an REI sale and picked up a pair of MSR Lightning Ascents (30").

I opted for the MSRs as they received many good reviews, were solidly-constructed, lightweight for their size, and had plenty of floatation. Floatation, for snow shoe newbies, is what keeps you from sinking into deep snow. The bigger and heavier you are, the more floatation you need. Different types of snow also require more floatation than others. As I'm tall, and planned to backpack in them (increasing my weight even more) I went for the long version. You can't have enough floatation in my opinion.

Unlike many cheaper snow shoes, these mean business. The outer rim is solid aluminium, with teeth cut into them for additional grip on icy sections. Sturdy, crampon-like teeth also protrude from under the pivoting footbed, and the heel-raising televator bar can be flipped up to make ascents less strenuous on your legs . I find these make a big difference on hills more than about 40 degrees.

The bindings are a little over-comlicated, but very secure, and once you've adjusted the fitting for your boots, it's fairly fast to slip in and out of them. Some people have complained that they come loose, but I've not experienced that yet.

MSRs new version of the Ascent, the Axis, have simplified bindings, and an 'axis gait' adjustment, which compensates for flat-footedness. As I waddle like a duck myself, I'd like to try them.

The Ministry of Silly Walks approved this review

Even the best floatation can't help with super-soft powder though. Yesterday's snow hasn't had a chance to settle yet, so I was struggling calf-deep through untouched snow until I found a trail which someone else had made. After that, it was much easier going.

There's not a lot more to say about the snow shoes. They are the kind of equipment that either works, or fails. These work well. There are lighter show shoes out there. MSR has a range of light plastic snow shoes which might be more suited to those using them only occasionally. Kahtoola also make an interesting new model with a removable crampon/footbed.

My MSR Lightning Ascent 30s weigh 972g each - slightly less than spec weights. Not exactly lightweight, but certainly worth their weight. If you are in the market for  snow shoes, you could also check out some of MSRs other models, such as the lighter Lightning Flash models, which can be extended using flotation tails. My advice, unless you simply must have them now, is wait until the spring sales.

However, with snow shoes, I tend to think that the less there is to go wrong, the better. The last thing you want miles from anywhere is a broken grommet or other inconvenience. The Lightning Ascents are strong, sturdy, simple, and reliable.

They also make a good footpath for four-legged friends to follow. (Just look at that alliteration!)

I don't always look that angry.

Gear Talk: MSR Lightning Ascent Snow Shoes