Last week I went into the Outdoor Research website to review a selection of my favourite pieces, and I was struck with the realization of just how far women’s outdoor apparel lines have come. When I started ice climbing in the early nineties there was a dearth of women-specific clothing and gear on the market, and now when I show up at ice climbing festivals and climbing clinics it’s a veritable pageant of high-tech fashion.
As one of their sponsored athletes I field test as many products in the run of a year as I possibly can, and then send in my feedback in a variety of different ways. It is nothing short of pure joy for me to watch from the sidelines as the designers tweak the fabric, fit, and colours of each piece in time for the next season’s line-up.
Whether you’re new to outdoor adventure, or a seasoned soul like me, it’s great to pause and reflect on how outrageously far we’ve come!
Margo – ha! if i only knew you from a couple beers at the Buen in your jeans, boots and down-to-earth, i’d say you were being facetious. but you are indeed dressed to the nines on the crags, you represent your sponsors well. AND… knowing the Margo who struts the fashions at the Chicks With Picks fundraiser auctions in Ouray, you give away your fashionista side… your sassy show makes even a backpack look like Givenchy. as everyone says, that fashion show/auction wouldn’t be the same without you out there showing off the stuff! more than once i’ve heard women say, “i’d like to be helping margo show the items… but i couldn’t come close to that runway walk!”
way to represent.