Comparing the Stoic microlith with the Patagonia adze and guide softshell

I've been looking for a no hood softshell that I can use under a hooded softshell for insulation/versatility. My plan has been to be able to bring two lightweight jackets when I ski out west and then layer - softshell for warm sunny days, hard shell alone for warm wet days, and both together for cold days.

The stoic microlith seemed to be the right fit between weight and features - and at only $70 on sale the price was right.

From a weight / warmth standpoint the stoic sits between the adze (very light almost wind breaker) and the guide jacket (dense softshell over mid weight fleece liner). The fit of the stoic lines up perfectly with the standard Patagonia medium I'm used to. At 5'10" 155 pounds I seem to be the classic medium. The stoic is trim but can still easily fit a fleece under it.

Comparing it to the Gucci the stoic seams are welded instead of stitched and this contributes to the very nice feel of the jacket. The stoic fit perfectly under my hard shell and felt warm down to about 20F.

The only negative? Stoic colors a bit funky - the purple lining takes some getting used to.

Getting to La Grave

Starting to dream about my trip next year to La Grave...

Getting there is going to be interesting...


First try figuring out how to get from the Lyon airport to the train station... So far it looks like the best bet is to fly from Montreal (YUL) to Lyon France via Paris (CDG). Then take a high speed train to Grenoble (1:15). The train station at Lyon is the "Part Dieu" station and can be gotten to via tram from the Lyon airport.

you: i'm planning on flying into the lyon airport from the states - then i'd likke to take the tgv on to grenoble

you: i would like to know what i'll have to do to get from the lyon airport arrival station to the train station.

Agnes: While I research this and prepare a response, please view some additional tours that may enhance your travel experience.

Agnes: http://www.raileurope.com/activities/

you: thank you.

Agnes: There is a tram operating between the airport and the Part Dieu station. The journey takes 30min, and there are 4 services per hour. This connection can only be purchased locally at the airport.

you: do you know how much the transfer costs?

Agnes: There is a tram operating between the airport and the Part Dieu station. The journey takes 30min, and there are 4 services per hour. This connection can only be purchased locally at the airport.

you: do you know how much the transfer costs?

Agnes: We do not have information as to the cost for this segment; however it should not be more then a few Euros.

you: OK. thank you.

Agnes: It is important to purchase your rail tickets prior to departing for Europe to avoid any language barrier, long lines at the station and sold out trains.

Agnes: First-class seats often recline, there are fewer seats per car, and there is more space for luggage. On some high-speed trains, the price of a first-class ticket includes a meal. Second-class accommodations are less expensive, but not as spacious, as there are more seats per car. Additionally it is quieter in first, since there are more business people and older passengers. For trips over 2 hours we recommend that you book first class.

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Mountain Khakis Peaks Flannel Shirt Review and wear test

The Mountain Khakis Peaks Flannel Shirt is pretty pricey for a shirt - but after finding it online for cheap(er) I thought I'd give it a go and see how it stands up. My quick review and wear test summary: awesome.

Mountain Khakis Peaks Flannel Shirt

The Mountain Khakis Peaks Flannel Shirt is a western styled "flannel" shirt from Mountain Khaki. The unusual thing about this shirt is the blend used in the fabric - a Poly/Wool/Lycra blend. I've worn and washed the shirt a few times now and can only describe the fabric as burly (feels sturdier and warmer than other flannels) but wearable. I'm pretty sure John Wayne's flannel western shirts didn't have any Lycra in them - but it definitely adds a nice wearability to what would otherwise be a heavier feeling shirt. After washing and drying - the shirt didn't shrink at all and there was no color fade.

I have found there to be a slight 'wool' feel to the shirt - I normally don't like the feel of wool directly against my skin - but in this case it isn't itchy - just warmer.

Details:

Fabirc:

Buttons: