Available now, $28.01
Here's a boonie cover that weighs nothing, crushes to the size of a golf ball and has loads of ventilation. It's billed as one-size-fits-all, but XL domes might be a bit tight. 1.05 ounces and can be easily stowed in a cargo pocket.
- ghillie style boonie hat
- Ragged leaf/mesh crown
- Elasticized soft head band for comfort, no chin strap
- Weighs 1.05oz
Arcteryx Freelance Jacket
Spring 2010, $150
The Freelance jacket looks like a smart around-town jacket that just barely touches on the look of the Army's ACU, the fit of a Marine BDU blouse, the heart of a cotton cardigan and the soul of a cafe race jacket. The Freelance's articulated sleeves offer a technical fit in a non-technical fabric. Specs from Arc'teryx:
- two zippered hand pockets
- long, zippered, internal map pocket
- two chest pockets with flaps
- metal zipper with internal flap and chin guard
- double needle construction
- articulated elbows, gusseted underarms
- 6.5 oz cotton/Nylon canvas
Mountain Hardwear
Geist Vest
Spring 2010, $90
Made for on and off trail runners, the Geist vest is a super light shell that will keep the wind away from your core during cool weather runs. To move with you, the body combines multiple stretch zones and mesh panels for breathability. The sides and back have a new 3M Scotchlite reflective material that provides visibility out to 100 yards. The pockets have ports for earbuds. And, when you warm up, it compresses down to the size of a baby's fist and weighs 3 oz in you pack or pocket. Comes in men's or women's (shown).
Smartwool Mens NTX
Zip-T
Fall 2009, $80
It's hard to deny merino wool's warmth-to-weight-to-stink ratio. Smartwool began the commercial wool revolution back in the 80s and still has something to say about where it's going. They released a simple but functional piece this year in the NXT Zip-T. It's a next-to-skin, jersey knit, lightweight wool shirt that will get worn all year. The gray looks like a close enough match to keep you warm under an ACU top.
