Amy Williams, Sales

Associate, at Pink Beds in the Pisgah National Forest.

ARC’TERYX WOMEN’S BETA SL JACKET

$250 |

The Beta SL has a sleek waist length cut and a stowable hood in the high collar, so it looks casual. But by construction this shell is all about adventure, built with a Gore-Tex® body that comes with reinforced shoulders and elbows for extra durability and protection where it’s needed.

Color: Coffee Bean, Morel, Niagara

MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR WOMEN’S POTALA L/S SHIRT

$60 |

The Potala combines sustainabil- ity with performance as it blends organic cotton that is soft against the skin and recycled poly to wick moisture when you’re on the go.

Color: Cara Cara, Winter White

Rainwear Care

By Gary Eblen, Community Outreach Manager

Living and hiking in the Southern Appalachians means dealing with rain on a regular basis. I prefer the waterproof, breathable rainwear that is now available to the coated nylon “sauna suits” of the 60’s and 70’s. But to get my money’s worth I have to occasionally wash and retreat the garment. It’s like waxing a car. A new car comes complete with a great wax job but after time it wears off. You have to retreat your rainwear to restore its durable water repellent (DWR) coating. Restoring the DWR is an easy process. I recommend washing the shell in Revivex Synthetic Fabric Cleaner on a warm setting, then take it outside and hang it on a clothesline, preferably on a warm, dry day. I spray the entire garment with Revivex Spray On waterproofing solution, making sure to douse the shoulders and sleeves liberally. Then after an hour in the dryer on medium heat it’s like new. Heat is a necessary process to restore the DWR, so if you don’t have access to a dryer you’ll need to drag out the iron and make sure you’re paying attention.

Also pay attention to the instructions on your garment. I noted several Gore-Tex® shells called for warm water washing. Mountain Hardwear’s Conduit rainwear on the other hand calls for washing in cold water.

ZAMBERLAN

WOMEN’S CRISTALLO GT

$239 |

The Cristallo GT keeps feet happy over the long haul thanks to tough Gore-Tex® lining for dry comfort and breathability, as well an exclusive Vibram® Evolution sole with compression molded EVA for great cushioning.

Color: Blue

THE NORTH

FACE WOMEN’S HEDGEHOG GTX® XCR

$110 |

This streamlined ultra-lightweight shoe is ready for all-terrain mountain time with waterproof and breathable Gore- Tex® protection and a rough and rugged Vibram® outsole that’s built to kick up dirt.

Color: Blue Grey

BRIDGEDALE

WOMEN’S ENDURANCE TRAIL LIGHT

$14.95 |

The perfect performance sock in warm weather conditions, the Endurance Trail Light is made with a blend of wool and technical fibers to keep feet dry and comfortable.

Color: Natural Lime

ISIS WOMEN’S RIM ROCK SHORT

$59 |

This performance short keeps active women cool with fast-drying stretch-woven nylon that ensures durability and freedom of movement, while spandex guarantees all-day comfort and a smooth fit.

Color: Putty, Willow

DIAMONDBRAND.COM | 9 | SPRING 2010