Marmot Super Mica jacket

Since becoming a Blackburn Ranger and a more serious "adventure rider", I discovered some holes in my gear. Some literal and some metaphorical. In the case of needing a lightweight storm shell it was both. I'd been riding around in a really nice shell jacket from Chrome Industries, I loved the thing. It wasn't super water resistant and certainly not waterproof or breathable but it was a good jacket until I got in a wreck and took it for a slide across the pavement. It never was adequate for really getting out there, more a good looking, cycling specific thing that wold get you the rest of the way to your destination if it started to rain.

I had been trying to lay hands on a bicycle specific jacket when  friend at Marmot offered help with anything I might need. Having seen the Super Mica in a couple stores but not having the budget for it I was stoked. At 9oz the jacket is as lightweight as could be hoped for in a waterproof breathable. It's also single layer so there isn't a lot of garment to fight with and while it's light, it stops wind to the degree that you often don't miss having a lined jacket. Often, being able to manage warmth with base layers instead of having a jacket that is too warm is a serious bonus. It's become my go to jacket for cycling, climbing and travel in general.

I've been wearing it quite a bit for a few months now and it's holding up well. There's a small amount of abrading at the cuff and on the hood but the reinforced areas on the shoulders are good and so far I haven't noticed any thinning or failure of the waterproof fabric itself. Seems to be holding up at least as well as my Air Force issue Gore-tex stuff at a fraction of the weight. Granted it was designed for very different environments and activities but it breathes far better than my Gore gear has. I have been asked by a couple of people who also have the Super Mica if mine was "de-lamming" and while they said they had issues with the lining separating, as noted, I have not. I am admittedly cautious with mine having experienced Gore product self destructing as well as habitually protecting my sailing gear, something equally hard to replace and miserable when it fails underway. It is rumored that Marmot is developing a new version of the Super Mica but I can't personally confirm it.

It's one of those pieces of gear that I'm thankful to have had help affording but recommend to anyone, even at full retail. It's worth the money and I'm not one to say that lightly.

Evolv Royale lace up

I am so not shoe obsessed! ...well maybe a little but in the world of adventure sports, shoes can be a make or break item, certainly essential for some activities, climbing being one of those. So, I'm trying a pair of Evolv Royale lace ups. It's another trad shoe with a suede upper similar to the 5-10 Coyote I've come to know and love. (Still in good shape by the way!)

The Royale is comfortable for wide feet and has a slightly more broad sole that works well for smearing but remains stiff enough for edging. The toe isn't terribly pointy but presents enough to get the job done. Good for both gym climbing and outdoor stuff where you are going to be on route for a while. The laces are nice on leather shoes as the uppers can stretch with heat and moisture and be easily pulled tighter on the go. This wouldn't be an issue with synthetic material shoes but I like my shoes to break in at least a little and I feel like the suede breathes better. Just my opinion but I'm sure I'm not alone in it.

So far it's a nice pair of shoes. Thinking it may be time to dedicate a pair foe gym climbing and other for outdoor. Once I put some more time in with them I'll post again. Either way they are affordable and good looking if you like trad shoes.

Climbing at Ocean Beach

There is a lot of climbing in San Francisco, even in the city proper. Some spots are well known and others you'll almost always have to yourself. A little frequented place for climbing is Ocean beach below the Cliff House. It's best to go at low tide and be discrete but you can get in some great bouldering and free solo routes that probably should be top roped or done with a lead climber placing protection. It's certainly high enough to get hurt and be completely out of safe bouldering range.

You can also find a few small caves at low tide if you look carefully. They are mostly tiny things or simply big piles of breakdown. I've never found any sand caves in this area but I would caution anyone who may to stay out of them, as in completely avoid them, sand caves just aren't safe.

It was definitely a good place to test a Go Pro 3 the other day. I'd say it's probably money well spent to get the remote but most smart phones will do the job as well, if only within wifi range of the phone. For sure a good way to document antics and adventures, especially when  you venture out alone, something I do often. Looking forward to giving it a go sailing and on the long board as well as more climbing and bicycle trips.