Preliminary Gear Review

A while back I eluded I was going to buy some Sorel Intrepid Explorer boots. Well I did. A while back. I had my first opportunity to try them this past Friday.

With the Weather Channel telling me it was minus one degree Fahrenheit (-1 F), I opted to don the new boots. I layered up including putting my L.L. Bean Mad Bomber for added head area warmth.

Half (1/2) way to work I stopped to remove the Mad Bomber. I was getting plenty toasty. About two-thirds (2/3) the way to work I was thinking, “Man, my feet are getting hot.”

My initial gear review for the Mad Bomber – it keeps you plenty warm but don’t wear it if the temperatures are above zero (0) degrees. It fits really well and it was a good buy. I don’t need it every day, but when I do, I’m set.

As for the Sorel boots – again, it keeps my feet plenty warm but don’t wear them if the temperature is zero (0) degrees or above. As for comfort and fit – perfect. I ordered these two (2) sizes larger than my shoe size. I’ve plenty of toe room and plenty of room to add layers of heavy wool socks. Though, I can’t imagine it getting cold enough to ever need more than one layer. Holy crap these are warm boots!

Oh, one (1) more thing – the ATV / Snowmobile bar end mitts – at minus one degree Fahrenheit (-1 F) and using Pearl Izumi Lobster Claws – my hands were very warm. At only twenty bucks ($20) for the set (including shipping), money very well spent.

I know some of you will curse me for wishing this, but, I do wish for a minus twenty degree Fahrenheit (-20 F) day with a stiff wind. I want to check all these cold weather gear items for something a bit more in their operating range. I have a good feeling I’ll be toasty warm.

Ride On.