Gear Review & Photos by: Nick (@outdoorzboy)
Spring is one of my favorite times of year—the perfect blend of seasons. Mornings are still cool with snow lingering in the mountains, while the afternoons bring sunshine, blooming wildflowers, and that unmistakable sense of renewal. It’s a time when the trails start to open up, the rivers start to flow, and the possibilities feel endless.
That mix of winter and summer is what inspired one of my favorite spring traditions: the Ultimate Everything Day. The idea is simple—pack as many different outdoor activities as you can into a single day. Skiing, paddling, trail running, rock climbing, mountain biking, even snowshoeing if the conditions are right. It’s a celebration of versatility, adventure, and the wild variety that spring uniquely offers.
When you're chasing adventure year-round—from paddling sun-drenched rivers to skiing deep winter lines—having the right gear isn't just helpful, it's essential. Over the years, I’ve dialed in on the essential qualities I require from my apparel.
Valhalla Pure Outfitters has shared a lineup of Mountain Hardwear apparel that consistently delivers performance, UV protection, versatility, and comfort no matter the pursuit.
Here's a breakdown of activities I managed to squeeze in and the pieces I trialed on my Ultimate Everything Day and how they held up across paddling, skiing, snowshoeing, trail running, rock climbing and mountain biking.
Snowshoeing: Staying Dry and Mobile
Snowshoeing is all about layering—moving slow enough to not sweat, fast enough to not chill. The AP Active Pants hit a sweet spot with their stretchy, breathable fabric that sheds snow without clinging. Paired with the Crater Lake Short Sleeve as a base layer, the Crater Lake Hoody as a mid layer and Kor AirShell Hybrid as a wind break, I stayed dry even when breaking trail through powder. The hoody’s hood fits snug under a beanie or helmet, keeping neck and ears protected on windy ridgelines. I got lucky with mild spring weather so just rocked the Stryder Cap which kept the sun off my face and balanced breathability and heat retention to keep me comfy for this trail.
Cross-Country Skiing: Breathability Meets Range of Motion
For skate skiing and classic track days, breathability is king. The Crater Lake Hoody layers perfectly under a vest or shell without overheating. I skied in just this shirt with the AP Active Pants, which offer just enough wind resistance without sacrificing freedom of movement. A bonus? They dry quickly if you take a tumble (or several). This was a fun change which only spring provides from my normal heavier snow pants. Speaking of tumbles, with the lateness in spring of my adventure, I did explore off track briefly and quickly experienced my share of unconsolidated snow which resulted in a few of these!
Ski Touring: Ultralight, Packable Protection
I missed the prime snow… the climb was straight forward, albeit a bit slick on the kick turns but the downhill was overly firm and not the best way for me to end the season on my favorite sticks. Luckily the great gear helped. The Kor AirShell Hybrid provided great protection while keeping me cool on the warm up-track and it was light enough to pack down to nothing. It would be great to throw on during windy transitions. The Crater Lake Hoody doubles as a sun-shielding base layer or a quick-drying mid when the effort ramps up.
I recommend this gear for those uphill slogs and fast transitions, where weight and versatility matter.
Trail Running: No-Frills Performance
Mountain Hardwear's Crater Lake Short Sleeve and AP Active Shorts have become my default trail running kit. Lightweight, soft, and designed to wick fast, they handle everything from technical alpine trails to mellow valley loops. The Stryder Cap is the unsung hero here—breathable, quick-drying, and secure even on windy ridgelines.
Rock Climbing: Articulation and Durability
Mobility is non-negotiable on the wall. The AP Active Pants are articulated and tough enough for granite and sharp limestone without the bulk of traditional climbing pants. I loved climbed in them on this cool spring morning layered with lightweight sun protection from the Crater Lake Hoody. After a couple climbs I delayered to the Crater Lake Short Sleeve, which breathed great while tucking in nicely to stay out of the way of my harness.
I’m definitely looking forward to the Crater Lake Hoody for UV protection during late spring multi-pitch events where the sun exposure gets pretty extreme as the day wears on.
Mountain Biking: Flexibility and Recovery-Ready
On the bike, I lean toward minimalism—fewer seams, less fabric, more breathability. The AP Active Shorts stretch easily in the saddle and don’t bind on climbs. Post-ride, the Crater Lake Short Sleeve and Kor AirShell become recovery layers that are breathable, fast-drying, and clean-cut enough to grab a bite in town. And the Stryder Cap keeps sweat and sun off your face while staying low-profile.
I added the Lickety Split 20L Backpack to my ride to carry my water bladder, bike gear, snacks and an extra layer. With three buckles, this pack stayed firm to my body and is a new favorite in my gear closet. The only thing I need now is legs for that darn up-track which is still killing me early season!
Paddleboarding: Sun Protection and Quick-Dry Comfort
Long hours on the water demand sun-smart layers. The Sunshield Hoody is a standout for paddleboarding—lightweight, UPF-rated, and cool even when wet. It dries fast, doesn’t cling, and layers comfortably under a life vest. The AP Active Shorts complete the kit, shedding water quickly and offering plenty of stretch for dynamic paddling. Top it off with the Stryder Bucket Cap for glare-free, 360° shade.
Although we’ve had a few warm days, it’s still early season and the water is still chilli so I appreciated the added protection that these clothes provided.
One System, Seven Sports
What’s most impressive about this Mountain Hardwear kit isn’t just its performance—it’s its adaptability. These pieces don’t belong to one sport. They’re built for movement, weather, and longevity across every mountain pursuit.
I really appreciate the focus on UV protection, these pieces all strive to protect me from the most extreme element, the sun.
From breaking trail in snowshoes to gliding over water on a paddleboard, these layers have proven themselves where it matters most: in motion, in the elements, and in transition.