Gear Archives

Melanzana Alternatives

Paulina DaoJanuary 5, 2023319.2K views

If you know of Melanzana, you know how difficult it is to get your hands on one of their coveted Micro Grid Hoodies. It’s a versatile piece that’s great for climbing, backpacking, skiing, lounging, and more. Their products are only available at their headquarters in Leadville, by appointment. With resale prices of Melanzana hoodies going for over twice of their retail cost, it’s not economical to buy secondhand. If you’ve always wanted to pick up a Melly (it’s what the cool kids say), here’s a list of Melanzana alternatives to tide you over, because nobody should be without this ultra cozy, technical fleece.

The Ultimate List of La Sportiva Katana Alternatives

Paulina DaoMay 17, 202103.3K views

The La Sportiva Women’s Katanas were my first pair of climbing shoes. They’ve since been discontinued by La Sportiva, which is an absolute shame. The Katanas are the perfect all-around shoe, geared towards newer and experienced climbers alike. Once broken in, they could last on your feet for hours, without extreme pain. I currently have 1.5 pairs (lost a shoe bouldering at the Zephyrs, it’s size 35.5, holler if you find it), and I know that one day, they will no longer be resole-able. In anticipation, I’ve been testing out a bunch of other shoes from La Sportiva. Here’s my list of La Sportiva Katana alternatives.

Ridge Merino Solstice Hoody Review

Paulina DaoMay 12, 202104K views

I love merino wool, so much that I once put it in my Tinder profile. I’m constantly on the hunt for new merino wool that I can put to the test. Mammoth Lakes-based Ridge Merino entered the market a few years ago, and I got my hands on the Ridge Merino Solstice Hoody to test out. Here’s how it fared.

Asian-Founded Outdoor Brands to Support

Paulina DaoMay 1, 202116.4K views

Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander Month! 2021 has been a year (and we aren’t even halfway through!). I wanted to compile a list to support the Asian outdoor community, especially in light of the recent increase of violence against Asians. I’ve put together a list of Asian-founded outdoor brands to throw your dollars behind.

Women’s Splitboards and Gear: The Complete List

Paulina DaoFebruary 1, 202103.6K views

Snowsports are an outdoor activity that’s about as bro-y as it gets. The outdoor market caters to men, and it’s super obvious when you try to shop for splitboard gear. As women, we sometimes need gear that fits our bodies better. Splitboards and all the associated hardware are no different. Because the offering for women is so small, I scoured the internet for as much women’s splitboard gear as I could find. Here’s a complete list of women’s splitboards and other necessary gear to get out in the backcountry.

Please note, this is not a list of recommendations. This is simply everything that exists out there for women. I’ll be uploading my splitboard kit soon!