CLOTHES: Stoic Insulated Jacket

I just got this jacket from backcountry.com, wore it for the first time this season and was STOKED. Twenty five degrees and snowing, this jacket kept me super warm and the fit is perfect. I'm tall (5'11") so I was concerned that a medium wouldn't be large enough but it was right on. Everything about this jacket is just right; the weight, the sleeve length, the cut, the hood. I was pleasantly surprised about the hood....the fabric of the jacket is stiff enough that the hood stays 100% out of your field of vision and fits perfectly over a warm hat (I've heard it also fits over a helmet nicely). The thumb holed wrist gaiters are a great feature and add to the warmth and comfort of the jacket. In addition to its functionality, the cut of this jacket sets it apart from all others. Goodbye boxy ski jackets of the past....and hello to a more foxy feminine cut. It's part ski bunny and part bad ass! If you are looking for a good ski jacket for cold and stormy resort days, this is the one to get. Hands down. Check it out! www.backcountry.com/stoic-bombshell-insulated-jacket-womens

ADVENTURE: The Lost Coast

Turns out November can be a very wet time of year to explore the Lost Coast of Northern California. Known for its rugged terrain, steep climbs and solitude the Lost Coast became even more intense with the massive amounts of weather we got. The first choice you have to make when planning for this trip is whether you're going to do the northern section, southern section or both. There are a few key elements to planning: weather, tides, current trail conditions and time restraints.

Since no one in our party had hiked the Lost Coast before, I enlisted my father-in-law to give me all the juicy details and boy did his information help out. He's an old hand at backcountry travel and having done this trip in its entirety multiple times, he was the perfect person to talk to. Let the planning begin! We knew that rain and wind was in the forecast and that the tides were extreme given the nearly full moon. Taking all of these factors into account, we opted to hike the southern half (26 miles) since it offers a more protected route from the elements. The northern half is practically all coastal beach walking whereas the southern half is coastal redwood groves (great for sleeping on stormy nights) and has extreme elevation changes, revealing spectacular and well earned views.

It is hard to describe how special this section of coast really is. It has remained relatively untouched, protecting itself from the concrete and scarring of Highway 1 with its treacherously crinkled and extreme topography. You truly feel as though you are in a land before time. Depending on when you go, you may not see another backpacker the entire time you're out (we got lucky). Families of black-tailed deer, Roosevelt elk, and black bear roam the dense rain forest and beaches. Osprey, eagles, and hawks rule the sky and the ecosystem thrives in this lush environment. The trails are treacherous but in the best way possible, leading you through a world most people will never get the chance to see. It's a good idea to be in the best shape possible because these days are no joke, a lot of elevation loss and gain that makes your heart pump overtime. I can't wait to go back and do it again, possibly in the spring and next time, the Lost Coast in its entirety! I highly recommend doing this trip, it is magical! Lesson learned....bring a dry bag and synthetic gear if wet weather is expected!