My girls were asked to review some items from icebreaker (www.icebreaker.com).

Susan (14 yo) received the flexi chute neck warmer in the “twister” color (light gray) and the Cascade half Zip in black (Woman’s Medium). Grace (10 yo) received the Pocket 200 Hat (large) in the “mystic” color and the kids LS Hoody Flutter  in “sari” (size 11/12).

Prior to this review I was only slightly aware of the brand in that I had seen some of their products for sale at a few online retailers. While doing research for this review I discovered they offer an extensive line of garments for men, women, and kids, covering everything from underwear and base layers to active ware and jackets & sweaters.

Image courtesy of IceBreaker

I found their website to be well designed and easy to use. It includes not only information about their products but also information about the company and the Merino wool they use. After reviewing the available information regarding their stance on the environment and how the animals that produce the wool are treated I read what I could find on the wool itself. I found it fascinating and became very interested in examining and trying out their products. In addition, I must admit more than a little jealous of my kids (I now have a few Icebreaker items on my “wish list”).

There was a time when if someone suggested wool boxers, I would probably have suggested I would choose fiberglass attic insulation first. But times sure have changed… As an outdoor person I have used a few wool products (mostly socks) and know they have come a long way from the scratchy winter dress uniform I wore in the Navy, or the believably ULGY but functional and warm surplus wool pants I used to wear for winter activities. Over the years I have tended to use synthetic materials for cold weather activities, but in doing research for this review it is clear I missed out on a revolution in wool garments.

For this review we will be doing 4 separate reports for the 4 items with an initial review of the products followed up by two updates over the course of 3 months. I would invite you to visit the icebreaker.com website to see the product line yourself and the first installment of the individual reports using the links below. Then return in about a month when we will be posting an update to them describing our use and how the products did.

As always, we welcome any comments or questions you may have about the product or 4AllOutdoors.org.

http://4alloutdoors.org/reviews/clothing/icebreaker-girls-merino-wool-long-sleeve-hoody-flutter/

http://4alloutdoors.org/reviews/clothing/icebreaker-flexi-chute/

http://4alloutdoors.org/reviews/clothing/icebreaker-womens-merino-wool-cascade-half-zip-realfleece-mid-layer/

http://4alloutdoors.org/reviews/clothing/icebreaker-pocket-200-hat/

Author: Dave (the turtle) Wilkes

Reviewers: Susan & Grace Drake-Wilkes

Photo taken from Timex Ironman website

The Timex Ironman Global Trainer GPS is working fine now but I have had several issues with it to get to this point.  read more…

Review by Ron J.

Timex Ironman Global Trainer GPS was provided byTimex for the purpose of this review.

http://www.timexironman.com/Products/Global_Trainer_GPS.htm

The Osprey Transporter has been used for the past month to tote around my biking gear and clothing while traveling. I love this bag! It is the perfect size to store my biking gear for a weekend away from home or for my after work or local weekend rides.

Read more here.

By Jenn K.

The Timex Expedition Military Chrono is a great, sophisticated looking watch. Timex is in-valuble with their style and durability in watches. The Military Chrono is complicated looking but once all of the dials and buttons are identified, setup is a breeze. Read More…

How about the Brunton Eterna Compact Binoculars? These are phase coated binoculars that are compact in design.  They provide a 260 foot field of view at 1,000 yards. They also provide sharp images at a range as close as 8 feet.

Read more here.

By Jenn K.