While we’re still skiing at the highest altitudes in North America, the northern spring is most definitely here — and with it, mud season.
Today, I’ve got three product reviews appropriate for this messy, yet beautiful, time of year.
The first, from Kamik, features rain boots that will take you from late season après through the mud and into summer with style. The second review features a giveaway of one of my favorites for active women and men — ColoRundies. Finally, a quick hit on old school moisturizing from Vermont’s own Bag Balm.
Welcome Spring Showers with Kamik Rain Boots
After a winter of stomping about in insulated boots with heavy lug soles, I was only too happy to slip on these fun polka-dot boots from Kamik after a spring ski day last week.
Crafted from synthetic rubber, with taped and sealed seams, the boots are 100% waterproof. Thick, printed nylon is coated with faux rubber and attached to a sturdy, low-profile sole with plenty of traction. The boot top is fairly narrow (the better to keep moisture out), but wide enough to slip on over skinny jeans or stretchy ski pants. On warmer days, the boots are stylish enough to wear with a skirt or dress, or even shorts.
So far, I’ve worn them in mud, rain and 15 inches of snow. While they wouldn’t be my top choice for stomping around in subfreezing cold, they worked perfectly well cruising through drifts and slush. They clean up quickly and easily, with mud and dirt washing right off.
I have the Pepper boots (navy with white polka dots), a cheerful look which goes especially well with jeans. Kamik has plenty of other options from solids, to florals to funky patterns. Prices range from $44.99 to $64.99 US and sizing runs a bit small. I ordered up one half-size.
Get Your Colorado On with ColoRundies (Giveaway)
I’m biased, of course, but right now it seems I see the Colorado flag everywhere. I’ve recently spotted our distinctive color-blocked flag on socks, on caps, on cups, on chairs, on coats and yep, on underwear.
ColoRundies is a Colorado-inspired, Colorado-born and Colorado-produced line of red, gold, blue and white Colorado flag inspired underwear. Founded by Colorado native Andrew Cryer, ColoRundies are for men and women who aspire to an active, outdoor lifestyle. Or, they are forr anyone who wants some smooth-fitting undies that can add a fun spark to the daily grind.
Why I Love Them
- The Flag. Colorado has a really cool flag. And I think Colorado is a really cool place. Combine the flag design with adventure worthy technical underwear and you’ve got a winner.
- The Fabric. Made of an ultra-smooth, moisture wicking combination of polyester (88%) and spandex (12%), the bra has a breathable, racer-back panel. After many washings the fabric is like new and the colors still shine!
- The Fit. When sized correctly, the top and bottom should (and do!) fit smoothly without binding. The shorts have a wide, comfortable elastic band. I’ve found that they fit well, stay in place (they don’t ride up) and look smooth even under yoga pants. The bra has a similar elastic band for support. But note, there isn’t a ton of support. If you like a lot, this would be a great top to layer over another sports bra.
In addition to designs featuring the Colorado flag, ColoRundies also come in a coordinating plaid for men and women, as well as a Colorado tank for men. You can check out the entire product line here. Please note, shipping is free for orders over $50 (which will pretty much get you a set of ColoRundies!).
Giveaway Details
Big thanks to ColoRundies founder Andrew Cryer for offering up one bra and one pair of women’s rundies for a giveaway. I promise you, if you win, you’ll love these.
To enter, please leave a comment. And then, to thank Andrew for doing this please follow ColoRundies on Facebook or Twitter (and please let me know that you did — you’ll get a bonus entry!).
One winner will be chosen randomly on Monday, May 2 from all eligible entries.
Good luck!
Old-Fashioned Bag Balm Protects Skin
“It’s not just for cows anymore,” so says the Bag Balm website. And thank goodness because if you suffer from split fingers, rough heels, dry lips and chapped skin, what works for cows might work for you.
I’ve used Bag Balm’s tiny “on-the-go” tube to protect my lips from the wind this winter, as well as a small tin of Bag Balm on my split fingers and heels each night before bed.
Made of four ingredients (petrolatum, lanolin, paraffin and a preservative called 8-Hydroxyquinoline Sulfate), Bag Balm is not necessarily organic or “natural,” although the formula has remained virtually unchanged for 115 years.
It will protect your skin from wind and harsh weather. Applied to your dog’s paws, it will also protect your best friend’s pads from ice, snow and cold.
And yes, it still works for cows.
More Gear Notes:
- Gear Notes: Goggles from Native and Smith, Mountain Goat Tote and Split Pea Sound, March 24, 2016.
- Gear Notes: Cubbies Keep Mittens On, “Decadent” Wine in a Pouch and Two from New Zealand, February 3, 2016.
- Gear Notes: Colorado Ski Resorts, Periodic Table, StickerKid and StöSnow Ski Pants, January 27, 2016.
- Gear Notes: S’No Queen, Block Island Organics Sunscreen, Speet Wax, January 11, 2016.
Many thanks to Kamik, ColoRundies and Bag Balm for providing product to facilitate this post. As always, all opinions are my own and are exactly what I would tell my family and friends.
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to everyone who participated and congratulations to Holly S!
© 2016 – 2019, braveskimom. All rights reserved. Any use or publication of content, including photos, requires express permission.
I believe these are the cutest.
I believe you are correct! Thanks!
Cute briefs… but the Bag Balm is fantastic. Used it on my kiddo’s derrière back in the diaper rash days. Cleared it up really quickly. Highly recommend it.
Great to hear a testimonial! Thanks Lili!
Function and fashion paired perfectly in a cute Colorado package! Must have these undies! I also followed them! You rock!
Thanks Gabby! So glad you saw this on Twitter!
Gotta love innovation! Cool style, love the color.
Always good to have something creative and fun to share! Thanks RustHawk!
Following on twitter @rusthawk.
Many thanks, you’re entered twice!
Following Colorundies! I thought it was a swimsuit at first. Cute! I used Bag Balm while pregnant. Worked wonders for stretch marks!
You know, I think they would make a completely serviceable backcountry swim suit. Long day hiking? Nice cool river pool? Oh yeah!
Yes!! Might be perfect for my canoe trip. Great idea!
Canoe trip sounds fun! Good luck!
ColoRundies are adorable! I would love to try them. I can vouch for Kamik boots–I’ve had a pair of their rain boots for five or so years. I admit I wear them a little less often in Colorado than when I lived in Chicago, but they are actually great for snow too when it’s not particularly cold out. I can also vouch for Bag Balm! For as long as I can remember (40+ years) my grandparents always had it in their house for everything under the sun.
I agree…the Kamik boots are great for spring snow! And a nice break after heavier winter boots. Thanks so much for your testimonials on all the products!
I also followed ColoRundies on Twitter!
Thanks Holly! You’re entered twice!
ColoRundies for my wife! Following ColoRundies on Twitter.
Fantastic! You are entered twice!
LOVE Colorado apparel! Our state has the best logo!
Totally agree!
Does the guy in the undies come with the prize?
Sorry! You have to supply your guy!
i follow colorundies on fb
Awesome! You’re entered twice!
This would be so great to win! They are so cute:) Followed on Facebook too!
Thanks Carolyn! You are entered twice!
Love! What a great way to rock my Colorado pride in another state.
Yes they are! Good luck!
Wow! Cute stuff. Love to buy for my sons or win them!!
Thanks Mary!
Love the gear! Stylish and smart!
Good Luck Trish!
How Fun!!!
I agree, they are fun!
Nice spread!!!
Thanks for commenting Shauna!
Awesome underwear!!! But those socks!!! I really really want those socks!
Hi Valerie! I’ve seen the socks at CO Bed Bath and Beyonds, as well as McGuckin’s Hardware in Boulder.
Colorado is my second home so these would be fitting for my ski-bum bum! Liked the page on Twitter and Facebook. Happy trails!
Thanks Sarah! You’re entered twice! We’ll make a full-time Coloradan out of you yet! 🙂
How fun! Had never heard of Colorundies before. Just liked their FB page!
Thanks Julie! You’re entered twice! Appreciate it!
Cute undie-wares! Followed on Twitter!
Thanks Amber! You’re entered twice. Cheers!
I would love to win all of this! The ColoRundies look awesome. I’ve actually seen them before and wanted to get some but as a mom won’t spend $ on myself so thanks Andrew! I’m now following ColorRundies on fb! Thanks for the giveaway The Brave Ski Mom and good luck to all!
I know! It’s so hard to put mom first! Mother’s Day is coming though, so treat yourself!
BTW, you’re entered twice! Thanks!
Followed! Such cute Undies!!
They are cute! Good luck!
I would love to gift this to a special friend — from Colorado with love =)
Sweet!
I liked ColoRundies on Facebook (Aaron Martin) and followed on Twitter (@A__Martin) =)
Thanks Aaron! You’re in twice!
Ah so cute!
Agree!
yay, Colorado!
Thanks!
also- followed ColoRundies on Twitter
Fantastic! Two entries for you!
Following ColoRundies! Fun! Also am a big fan of BagBalm for dry, cracked skin. Lifesaver in the winter for my hands!
Thanks Lori! You’re entered twice!
These colorundies are the best!
Thanks Gerlinde!