Paul Gallaher
Paul grew up in Minnesota where he learned to love the outdoors, riding his bike, fishing and canoeing in the summers and skiing in the winters on Minnesota’s 300 foot-tall “mountains”.
After finishing college, he was commissioned as an officer in the USAF eventually becoming a special operations and reconnaissance instructor navigator flying and serving around the world for twenty-two years.
Living and traveling around the world has given Paul opportunities to explore outdoor passions. He is an advanced scuba diver, a pilot, a sailor and has skied in the United States, Canada, France, Italy, Austria and Switzerland.
Articles by Paul Gallaher
Paul has contributed 38+ gear reviews to Engearment, with a focus on ski and snow gear, cycling apparel, and heated outdoor clothing tested in the high country of Summit County, Colorado. Here are his most recent articles:
Fieldsheer Mobile Warming Alta Hybrid Heated Snow Mitten Review
April 8, 2026 — Paul tests these heated mittens through the extreme temperature drops of working two outdoor winter jobs in the Colorado high country.
Fieldsheer Mobile Warming Pro Merino Wool Heated Sock Review
March 26, 2026 — An unseasonably warm Colorado winter still delivered enough icy days for Paul to put Fieldsheer’s heated merino wool socks through their paces.
Smith Optics Embark ChromaPop Glacier Photochromic Sunglasses Review
February 16, 2026 — Paul’s second Embark review, this time with photochromic lenses — building on his experience with the polarized version from a couple of years ago.
Castelli Perfetto RoS 3 Jacket Review
November 4, 2025 — A lightweight “do it all” cycling jacket with an innovative Polartec Aircore membrane that blocks wind while repelling moisture — the versatility tested on Colorado roads.
Outdoor Research Freewheel MTB Leather Palm Glove Review
August 5, 2025 — Goat leather palms, soft thumb fabric, and durable materials make this a solid addition to the mountain biking apparel quiver.
Pearl Izumi Men’s Expedition PRO Alpha Jacket Review
June 11, 2025 — A winter cycling jacket with breathable insulation, water/wind resistance, and Pearl Izumi’s PI Dry treatment — tailored for mobility on cold rides.
Cotopaxi Men’s Bacano Fleece Jacket Review
May 28, 2025 — After enjoying several Cotopaxi pieces over recent years, Paul finally got a chance to test their heavier fleece offering.
Dale of Norway: Fongen Windproof and Vail Men’s Norwegian Wool Sweaters
April 28, 2025 — A look at two Norwegian wool sweaters from the storied brand that has been making sweaters in Dale, Norway since 1879 and rose to international fame during the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics.
Mammut Stoney HS Thermo Pants Review
April 24, 2025 — Mammut’s higher-tier insulated ski pants — Paul compares them to the company’s Fall Line HS Thermo option.
Helly Hansen Men’s Alpha LIFALOFT Insulated Ski Jacket Review
April 20, 2025 — Paul reviews the latest from Helly Hansen’s storied lineage — the brand founded in the 1870s by a Norwegian sea captain making oilskin outerwear for harsh Nordic waters.
Mammut Stoney HS Thermo Hooded Jacket
March 20, 2025 — A long-time Mammut ski wear fan, Paul tests their newer hooded insulated shell after a weight change prompted a gear refresh.
Stellar System 2.0 Shell Jacket and Ultralight Down Hood
February 14, 2025 — Paul has been following Stellar Equipment for years. A test of their System 2.0 shell-plus-insulation layering approach that’s increasingly popular among alpine skiers.
Nank Runner Diver2 Pro Bone Conduction Headphones
February 5, 2025 — Paul evaluates bone conduction headphones for cycling, where keeping your ears open to traffic can matter more than premium audio.
Smartwool Ski Compression Print Over The Calf Socks
February 1, 2025 — Paul was sold on these compression socks after wearing them during a long mountain bike climb in shoulder season. They’ve since earned regular rotation for skiing and work.
Patagonia Nano-Air Light Bottoms Review
January 17, 2025 — Water-repellent, lightly insulated pants tested for Colorado’s wide temperature range — potentially an all-year piece for Paul in the high Rockies.
Smith Optics Embark ChromaPop Glacier Polarized Sunglasses
December 23, 2024 — A departure from Paul’s usual photochromic preference — glacier-style polarized sunglasses tested across variable winter conditions.
Fieldsheer Mobile Warming Backcountry Vest
December 9, 2024 — A heated vest with Primaloft synthetic down insulation and Waterpell water-resistant outer layer — Paul’s fall and early-winter test of the Mobile Warming line.
La Sportiva Prodigio Trail Running Shoe Review
December 3, 2024 — Paul evaluates the newest addition to La Sportiva’s serious mountain trail running lineup and what sets these shoes apart.
Smartwool Nordic Crew Socks
November 21, 2024 — Co-authored with Kate Agathon. A deep look at why nordic-specific socks matter: durability, breathability, and warmth engineered for cross-country skiers.
Outdoor Research Freewheel Half Zip Hoodie
November 5, 2024 — A shoulder-season MTB hoodie tested in Colorado’s short high-elevation riding window, paired with OR’s Freewheel Ride Bottoms.