Drew Thayer
Articles by Drew Thayer
Drew has contributed 60+ gear reviews to Engearment, with a focus on climbing, alpine, backcountry skiing, trail running, and technical mountain gear. Here are his most recent articles:
Patagonia R1 Air Fleece Crewneck – A Cozy, Breathable Update to a Classic Midlayer
December 10, 2025 — Patagonia’s R1 line has been a staple in Drew’s layering kit for over a decade. The updated crewneck takes the classic waffle fleece and gives it a more relaxed, sweater-like fit — the most versatile and comfortable version yet.
Patagonia Black Hole MLC Convertible Carry-On 45L Review
December 9, 2025 — The reformed dirtbag’s weekender workhorse. A travel bag that handles camp-smoke flannels, climbing shoes, and dress pants for a wedding toast — all in one overhead-bin-friendly package.
Unencumbered Motion: Patagonia 2024-25 Ski Kit
December 30, 2024 — Moving fast to chase ski conditions in the backcountry is easy and comfortable with Patagonia’s clothing layers — Drew’s layering system for a successful tour.
Patagonia Running Kit 2024-2025
November 20, 2024 — Fall arrived in the Rockies with unseasonably warm temperatures keeping high country trails open deep into the season. Drew’s running kit for rare autumn visits to favorite high-elevation trails.
Fischer Transalp 98 CTI — Like Having Two Freakin Leopards Strapped to Your Feet!
September 20, 2024 — Power and precision in a 1500g touring ski. Drew’s enthusiastic take on a fast, capable ski for the Colorado Front Range backcountry.
Patagonia Cragsmith 45 Liter Climbing Pack — Favorite For the Crag
January 17, 2024 — Drew has used a ton of different packs over the years for schlepping climbing gear. The Cragsmith’s large zippered panel is a significant upgrade over top-loader designs for cragging days.
Patagonia Super Free Alpine Jacket — Light and Durable
December 23, 2023 — An alpine climber’s hardshell: light, durable, and purpose-built for swinging tools, made with next-gen PFC-free waterproof/breathable materials Patagonia developed with Gore.
Scarpa Mescalito Planet Approach Shoe — Rigid and Comfortable
August 18, 2023 — The newest in Scarpa’s sturdy, hiking-oriented approach shoe line. Comfortable on long approaches, climbs well on slabs and cracks, and sturdy enough for wall climbing.
Julbo Density Reactiv Sunglasses — 0-3 Photochromic Awesome Shades
June 8, 2023 — Drew’s take on photochromic sunglass tech — how far it’s come since his first pair over a decade ago, and why the Julbo Density Reactiv set a new bar.
Patagonia Alplight Down Pullover — Fantastic Lightweight Insulation
May 12, 2023 — Patagonia’s entry into the ultralight down category. How does their new Alplight pullover stack up in a crowded field?
Patagonia DAS Light Pants — Lightweight, Packable and Practical
February 13, 2023 — The “micro puff” of pants: packable, lightweight, and practical. A middle ground between bulky down pants and regular layers for cold-weather mountain days.
Patagonia Dirt Roamer Storm Jacket — Great Purpose-built Rain Jacket for a Mountain Bike Enthusiast
December 30, 2022 — The answer to wet-weather trail riding: a lightweight, purpose-built rain jacket designed specifically to keep a rider dry while pedaling a bicycle.
Patagonia Slope Runner Exploration Pack 18L — High Capacity Vest for Epic Days
December 16, 2022 — A runner’s high-capacity vest for technical scrambles and long mountain days — Patagonia’s take on the hybrid running/scrambling vest category.
Patagonia Dirt Roamer Waist Pack — 3L and Great Design
November 11, 2022 — A well-designed waist pack that holds what most mountain bikers need on a ride and carries it tight to the waist — a modern solution to the old backpack-on-a-bike problem.
Nathan Crossover 15L Pack — Great, Light Multi Purpose Pack
October 27, 2022 — A light, low-capacity hiking pack great for run/hike/scramble ventures, bikepacking, and other hybrid activities. Nathan’s first serious hiking/running crossover lineup.
Patagonia Houdini Air — Super Versatile Layer for Aerobic Mountain Sports
July 29, 2022 — Finally, a windbreaker that breathes. Drew’s take on solving the annoying sweat-through-then-get-cold problem of traditional windbreakers.
Showers Pass Apex Merino Tech T-Shirt — Great for a Broad Range of Temperatures
July 5, 2022 — Showers Pass redesigned their lightweight merino wool shirt and released a long sleeve version. Breathable, form-fitting, and versatile across temperatures.
Patagonia Disperser Roll Top 40 — Mostly Waterproof Adventure Pack
March 28, 2022 — A burly, mostly-waterproof 40-liter pack originally aimed at fly fishing, which Drew found handy for a variety of activities.
Patagonia Baby — Quilted Puff Jacket and Synchilla Cardigan
November 4, 2021 — Miniature versions of grown-up Patagonia classics — the Quilted Puff Jacket and Synchilla Cardigan. A rare review from Drew on behalf of his son Baxter.
Scarpa Vapor V Climbing Shoes — Easy On/Off
September 3, 2021 — Comfortable medium-stiffness all-arounders: a road trip “quiver of one.” Semi-soft with an easy on/off velcro closure that molds to the shape of the foot.