Contourwear & Marmot in Peru   

Zip off pants are historically ugly and nothing you would want to wear off the trail. When traveling on a long hiking trip they are also necessary as weather can change dramatically in an hour and having the flexibility of shorts/pants in one is ideal.

Rain Jacket: I’ve gone through over 30 jackets trying to find the right one that will remain in my pack no matter what the weather (very light) as well as keep me dry in a torrential rain storm.

Three weeks in Peru.  12 days hiking/trekking Cusco/Sacred Valley/Inca Trail/Machu Picchu followed by 7 day remote trek to the Ausangate region of Peru.

The Contourwear Adventure Pack Is further reviewed in gear trends. 7 pieces that make 35 outfits and fit into a wonderful little carry-on pack.  They are available at selected ORVIS stores as well as additional boutique locations or contact them directly

Marmot PreCip details can be found on the Marmot website.

We had the following weather on our tour:  Intense sun, warm days, rain, wind, snow (5 inches one night!).
I wore both these pieces almost daily.

The zip-offs are made of Schoeller fabric which means rain (or red wine) bead off the pants. They don’t pill or pick. 
The PreCip by Marmot has one awards for years as one of the most economical storm jackets around. Lightweight and breathable weighing in at 11 oz it works as a great layer for most conditions.

Pants: seamless (almost) zipper so unless you look closely you can’t tell they are zip offs. I loved the ankle long side zips (almost to the knee) for hot weather. The model I tried zips off to rather short shorts.  If prefer fitted this length shorts and without the “leg” you can actually wear them as normal shorts.  They are ideal for women who have either a shorter knee to hip length, shorter legs, or feel comfortable showing off their legs. Contourwear does make a lmodel with a longer zip off short which I term “sweat classy” vs their traditional branding of “sweat sexy”. 

I like the side pockets, loved the fitted waist and side zip rather than front zip.  When wearing a pack belt there was no button or zipper to interfere with the belt.  I RAVE about these pants to everyone I travel with. The women who have tried them on LOVE them and can’t wait to order.

PreCip Jacket: It WORKS!! I’ve used other jackets in Patagonia and the Dolomites recently that are supposed to really be waterproof.  I have found myself too many times wearing a trash bag.  Beyond that, I love the color!! love the pit/side zips, the way the hood fits and the fact that when zipped and wearing the hood the jacket is still comfortable.  Like the velcro over the jacket zips as well.

Generally when I return home from a trip I want to throw away my cloths.  Instead I wash them and put them somewhere so I can’t see them till my next trip.  NOT THESE TWO ITEMS!! I found myself wearing both of them within the week. Honest!

Pants: need a zip pocket like some of their other models as well as hidden zipper passport in leg (like other model).
PreCip: like some of the other Marmot products I have and love, the sleeves are still short on my. I don’t have extremely long arms but smalls seems to be for petite women rather than just small.

long haul travel, around town, on the trail. These are two perfect pieces for your carry-on. If your luggage is lost, you can get buy for weeks with these two items on most conditions.

	Reviewed by Kathy Dragon Boulder, Colorado 42 years old Read all articles by Kathy Dragon
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