The Flylow Higgins Jacket, one of the companies most consistent products year in, year out – is a skier’s dream. First, I’ll disclose the only con I’ve found with the jacket – the weight. For a tourer who goes deep in to the backcountry often and likes to count ounces, this might not be a good match, as the fabric is thick and the bells and whistles of the interior of the jacket may not be necessary for some. For anyone who wants a durable shell that’ll help you feel perfectly content with whatever crap mother nature throws at you – you will get along very well with this piece of gear. I bring it on all my tours – long and short – and the functionality of the jacket was obviously well thought out.
It’s not really a hardshell, but its also not really a true softshell – its a true hybrid. It’s got a moderate amount of stretch, but it also would take a bowie knife from John J Rambo to penetrate its fabric. There are also pit zips, a characteristic more common with a hardshell, and they are almost snag free and easy to open and close on the go. I’m 5’11 185 with a 36″ waist and the large was taylor made for my frame. It comes with all the standard features as well – water tight zippers, helmet compatible hood, numerous pockets, DWR finish (20k/20k), etc. Keep reading…
With some uncertainty with mother nature, a more conservative option was chosen, both in distance and in slope moderation. A nice group of 6 joined in on this day meeting at the trailhead at the immediate west side of the Eisenhower around 8am. We literally drove through the westbound tunnel, slowed down and took our first right in to a plowed pull off. Keep reading…
Mount Silverheels, elevation 13,822 feet, is the 96th highest peak in the state of Colorado. It sits just east of Mount Bross and Mount Lincoln between Fairplay and Breckenridge. The mountain itself is massive, covering approximately 3 square miles, with its closest 13,000 ft. neighbor being Hoosier Ridge over 3 miles away to the north. With its gradual slopes, the peak is an excellent choice for a winter trek and is most often accessed from the north and west from Hoosier Pass/Route 9 and from the south via Fairplay. Keep reading…
Despite its small stature, Mt. Royal (10,502′) near the town of Frisco is home to several excellent climbing, hiking, and skiing routes. The “Royal Flush”, a local rock favorite overlooking I70, rises in 8 pitches from the floor of Ten Mile Canyon to the peak’s summit, providing an adventuresome sports climb for anyone looking to get some multi-pitch experience. There are also several hiking and snowshoe trails on the peak’s north side that can be accessed straight from town. Keep reading…
