Westbound Boarder

Hey everyone, you still have two and a half days to enter to win your very own free baselayer from Helly Hansen. All you have to do is click on this link, and leave a comment on the Helly Hansen Baselayer giveaway. It is that easy, now go enter!

Thank you for entering! This contest is now closed.Winners will be notified via email by 12am MST on 12.10.10.

So the snow has been falling all across the West, which to me, means only one thing…winter is unofficially here! What does that mean to all of you? Time to gear up…and what better way to do so than starting with the basics. We are talking baselayers here, Helly Hansen baselayers to be exact. We had the chance to try two of the Helly Hansen baselayers from the HH Warm and the HH One technologies, and now we have the chance to give 4 lucky readers an HH baselayer of their own.

Now for the baselayer details, the Multi Graphic LS, HH One, retail price $45. This baselayer is a longtime favorite for me, simply a classic. For starters it is comfortable, durable, affordable and on top of the functionality, it also looks good. To get technical, the Multi Graphic (meaning TONS of print choices) is based on Lifa®T3TM hollow fiber technology. The combination of the X-Pulsion fiber and the unique Helly Hansen low bulk cuffs offers you real winter comfort.

What does all of that mean? This baselayer is super versatile.  It is fully functional in a wide array of temperatures, from red hot to sub zero conditions.This lightweight baselayer has a softer feel and looser fit and it works to move moisture rapidly away from the skin. According to Helly Hansen, this is an all-in-one baselayer to cover your all-day comfort and full year needs, and I could not agree more.

Words to describe: versatile, comfortable, and fashionable. This is my all around favorite baselayer.

Then there are the HH Warm Tops, retail price $70. The HH Warm Tops are a little more costly, although their functionality is a bit more robust. This closer fit baselayer is a must for the colder days and/or climates. The HH Warm line is perfect in temperatures as low as -22 degrees F and up to 23 degrees F, and I can attest to that. I first wore this baselayer on the mountain in Park City, Utah on Thanksgiving this year when the temp. spread was -12/5 degrees F (flipping cold!!!). Unfortunately my toes were freezing, but my core? Seriously this baselayer works – I was one toasty snowboarder.

To be even more specific, this is the best choice baselayer to stay warm in the subzero environments and here is why… It has a two layer design; first, there is the inner Lifa® fibres to ensure you stay dry in all conditions, while the outer layer, comprised of soft no itch (!!!!) Merino wool, adds warmth and comfort. This means you get extreme insulation and superior evacuation of moisture. How is that possible? Namely, it is due to the benefits of the Merino Wool which regulates your temperature through the natural wicking properties, resists odor, and is anti static (great in drier mountain climates).

Words to describe: Very warm, Merino Wool and comfortable. A cold day run, or shred sesh, this baselayer is perfect.

WIN IT!!! Now that you are a baselayer pro, check them out for yourself. They are available online, in your local retailer and right here, right now on WestboundBoarder.com. You have got it, we are giving 4 lucky readers a baselayer of their own to try on for size. Entering is easy, all you have to do is tell me (by leaving a comment on this article) where you would take your baselayer to stay warm this Winter. To the slopes? On a run? To the arctic? Get creative and leave us a comment.

Contest ends Wednesday December 8th at midnight, MST. One entry per reader, please. Winners will be selected at random using Random.org. Sizes and colors are limited.

Looking for adventure this summer? Well look no further. Helly Hansen has introduced to their summer line, a new and incredible lightweight breathable jacket that is perfect for the summertime adventurer. What could be so incredible about a jacket? Well this is the W Ekolab Recycler (retail price $300) is just that; a jacket made out of 100 percent recycled plastic bottles. How cool is that? On top of it being an entirely ‘green’ jacket it is completely functional too.

The Womens Ekolab Recycler is lightweight and extremely breathable which is perfect for the (all too frequent) warm, albeit rainy summer days in the PacNW. Check out the specific specs for yourself:

• Full 3-layer Helly Tech® XP waterproof breathable construction
• Stretch fabric in shoulders and elbows
• Light nylon ripstop body
• Lightweight construction
• Big pocket with water-resistant zippers holds maps and skins
• Helmet compatible hood
• Single-hand pull cord adjustment
• Super light, weight 508g (size large).

I was lucky enough to try out this jacket for myself and it has served me well. It is my new favorite bike riding jacket and here is why: The helmet compatible hood and the stretch fabric in the shoulders and elbows make this the perfect jacket to be active in. I never feel constricted in the coat and it is super comfortable. The jacket is great for summer morning and evening activities due to it being lightweight and breathable. Any cons? It is a light color so it does get dirty a little bit easy; however this jacket is durable and super easy to clean up with a wet towel.

Win It: One lucky winner can enter to win a Womens Ekolab Recycler Jacket of their own. Entering is easy! Simply leave a comment and tell us what your favorite summer activity is. One winner will be picked at random Wednesday August 11^th at midnight PST. One entry per email address, per day. Good Luck!!!