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Fifty Sense: Common Sense Ideas for Thriving after 50
Fifty Sense: Common Sense Ideas for Thriving after 50

Review:
Ex-Officio Sports Clothing

Fifty Sense Seal of Approval

Men’s Bugsaway Sandfly Jacket

Have you ever had a perfectly wonderful outdoor experience ruined by swarms of mosquitos? No See Ums? Flies around your head? Well here’s one great solution to that problem: ExOfficio’s new Sandfly Jacket. It seems barely there since it’s mostly mesh with actual fabric in all the right places – shoulders, security zip pocket, full-length front zipper, and the bill of the hood. The proprietary Insect Shield coating – Permethrin – is invisible, odorless and last the lifetime of the jacket. Or at least through 70 washings!

The jacket packs into the zippered pocket for easy portability. Even though it’s mostly mesh, it does create added warmth on hot summer days or during periods of activity. This field test was conducted while kayaking a particularly swampy chain of lakes on a hot sunny day and the insect protection more than made up for the slight inconvenience.

Bugsaway Damselfly Pant

We tested these pants in the perfect environment, Lake Tahoe with tons of mosquitos and flies! The mesh panels on the back of the articulated knees are great for insect protection on hot days. They are so lightweight, we wore them for whitewater rafting and they dried so quickly. Plus, it is great when traveling to have super lightweight pants that are multi-use! They feature roll-up snaps and a drawcord waist so you can customize the fit to make them into capris. We tested the Dk Pebble color and love how it goes with just about every top.

Permethrin, the active ingredient in Insect Shield, is invisible, odorless, and so tightly bonded to the fabric fibers that it retains effective repellency through the life of the garment. It repels mosquitoes (including those carrying West Nile virus and malaria), ticks, ants, flies, chiggers and midges (no-see-ums). Insect Shield repellent lasts 70 washings!

BugsAway lumen Crew

Never again will I go camping without this absolutely essential shirt! It saved me from a potentially miserable experience! We were camping in an area that had lots of rain and therefore lots and lots of bugs- mosquitoes, horse flies, and no-see-ums. We had spent the entire day being chased off the beach by the constant swarms of flies, and it was incredibly frustrating and annoying. We got back to camp just in time for the mosquitoes and God knows whatever else to come out! Luckily, I had my Bugs Away Lumen and Hoody and they saved the day. Even though it was still on the warm side, I could get the bugs to stay away from me, without increasing my body temp. The Insect Shield technology repels mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers and midges, is completely odorless, and lasts 70 washings. The mesh ventilated sleeves and shoulders and lightweight fabric make it perfect for any circumstance. Never leave for a trip without it!

Men’s Ruvido Shirt Jacket Sweater

Product testing the Ruvido Sweater has garnered more compliments than any other piece we have ever tried. We know it looks great but it also feels just as good. Fleece lining, thermal wool blend, two jacket pockets and a button up front makes this somewhere in between a jacket and a sweater. It is warm, stylish, and perfect for 3-seasons. For example we wore it shoveling snow in the late winter/early spring, cross country skiing in the winter and sitting around the campfire in the fall. The Ruvido is a piece for good living.

Sol Cool Zippy Long Sleeve

Ex-Officio’s Sol Cool fabric is amazing- it cools the body up to five degrees upon contact from moisture, which is wicked away from the skin. As our age increases, so does our body temperature and it can fluctuate in a hot minute, literally. Even though our body is going through chaos we sill want to maintain our cool.

This line is perfect for this as well as high-octane activity. The Zippy is a great layering piece and the full zip lets you throw it on anytime. The longer length and gathers tie details at the sides give customizable coverage and is incredibly flattering, not to mention incredibly stylish.

Hand pockets and a security zip chest pocket make it even more perfect for travel or throwing on when you head out for dinner!

Dryflylite Long Sleeve Shirt

Un update for their original. The Dryflitelite lives up the high standards I have come to love and trust with Ex-Officio.

This collared long sleeve shirt protects me from the sun’s rays (UPF sunguard 30+) but has Floramesh on the back, which is an awesome venting system that keeps me cool. The button-down is stylish and slightly tailored for a flattering look.

The two chest pockets are strategically placed for the ladies (to hide the headlights!) and also offer easy access to my map and Kleenex.

It is not uncommon when I am heading out for my adventures for it to be cool in the mornings and warm to hot in the afternoon. This is the reason I love wearing convertible pants and also another why I love this shirt- the sleeves roll up and there are tabs to secure them in place.

This shirt is my go-to for backpacking, hiking, canoe trekking and travelling.

Women’s Kukura Trek’r Skort

Great travel skort! Featuring the same performance four-way stretch nylon and hidden contoured stretch waistband in the Kukura pant, it will move with you whether you are on the trail or in the airport. The built-in nylon shorts, hidden elastic waistband, and indestructible button system closure increase the comfort and function.

There are multiple pockets for organization and zip and Velcro pockets for security. It has a UPF sun guard, which is becoming increasingly more important, and a durable water repellent that not only protects it from rain, but also from stains- incredibly important if you are a klutz like me!

Women’s Jandiggity Fleece Pullover

This pullover will instantly become a favorite go-to piece. Made from a polyester fleece it is incredibly soft and soothing against the skin, just like wrapping yourself in your favorite fleece blanket!

But don’t be fooled, this is still a performance piece. It is quick drying, moisture wicking, lightweight, and has great details, right down to the thumb loops and shaped front hand pockets.

Great for travel, it can be worn alone or used as a layering piece. I wore it on the plane because it was so cozy and comfortable and found myself reaching for it day after day!

Men’s Give-n-Go That’s Fly Boxers

One of the promotional phrases used for these boxers is “17 countries, 6 weeks”. My wife was quick to point out that doesn’t mean “don’t wash for 6 weeks”! These boxers are so comfortable, quick-drying and light weight that they can easily be washed out in any sink and they’ll be ready to go the next morning. The elastic waistband and stretchable diamond weave fabric are extremely comfortable as well as odor resistant and highly breathable. Even the tag-less label contributes to the overall comfort. A few of these boxers in your drawer and you’re good to go for any activity.

Galavant Pant

We found this pant quickly became one of our favorites. They are dressy enough to wear on the town, yet the durable stretch fabric and a flattering silhouette are great for the less than perfect body. They move with you without binding or bunching. These functional adventure pants protect from the elements and keep your things secure with a hidden security zip pocket.

These pants are treated with Durable Water Repellant (DWR) for water and stain resistance. They have UPF Sun Guard 50, jean style hand pockets, a security pocket with auto-lock zipper on rear which is great for travel. The high strength fabric and water resistance help in keeping these looking wonderful throughout the day. They wash and dry beautifully, no ironing needed! What more can we ask for?

Women’s Trailing Off Micro Plaid Long Sleeve Shirt

This shirt is definitely made to keep you comfortable and warm during your adventures. The so soft flannel is woven from an innovative hollow yarn designed to retain warmth just like down feather quills. At the same time, we found it not to be hot in those 70 degree days. Paired with a soft feel and a stylish plaid, the Trailing Off is the ideal cool-weather shirt, whether you pair it with jeans or hiking pants.

We are always looking for multi-use items the the hollow yarn fabric retains heat, yet at the same time the princess seam adds shape for feminine fit. The critical seams are moved off the shoulder to prevent rubbing. They have thought of everything! It has two front security zip chest pockets, UPF Sun Guard 30+, roll-up sleeve tabs, high warmth to weight ratio, it’s quick drying and lightweight. It packs beautifully and is machine washable and dryable.

Men's Wind Logic Jacket

The Wind Logic Jacket has a wonderful one-two kick that is always welcome in a fleece. It only weighs about 20 oz, but manages to provide warmth far beyond its' light weight. ExOfficio uses a Polartec Wind Pro material to achieve this. The material is used in a manner that reinforces the pockets to keep the warmth in with the user. The chest pocket has a flap of fleece that covers the zipper. The two front pockets are heat welded around the zipper. A much tougher material is used thus allowing for better durability along the most used part of the jacket.

On the inside of the jacket there are two symbols stitched in to the tricot pocket linings. One thing useful to know about tricot is that it is very soft on the skin. The first symbol we noticed is the headphone symbol on the inside of the chest pocket. It sits right below a small opening to run your headphone cord to a music player in the chest pocket. Just like a letter our eyes focused on the top left and moved down to the lower right. There a symbol for a passport lets the user know that there is an inside pocket for just that. If you have a mail box you walk to, it is a good place to keep letters if it is raining.

The stitching is designed with carrying a pack in mind. The front shoulder seams are stitched with a dropped yolk design. Across the back, everywhere a pack would create a weight transfer there is not a stitch to get in the way. The waist has a cinch cord to keep a tight hold on the body and that Marilyn Monroe upward wind out. It is a great looking fleece jacket that can be worn in three seasons with comfort.

Storm Logic Jacket

This jacket is one of the most versatile on the market today. In fact, it's difficult to put this garment into just one category of outerwear like "jacket" because it's so light and comfortable it could be used as an insulation piece yet it has all the properties that are needed in an outer garment – water-resistant, wind-resistant, insulated with Primaloft One and extremely durable 20 denier ripstop fabric. See what I mean!

In addition to these technical features, it's obviously designed with the traveler/urban explorer in mind. There's a place for everything – Boarding Pass pocket, zippered Cellphone/electronics pocket, zippered Passport pocket, Keychain Lanyard, Plush-lined Eyewear pocket. These pockets even have little embroidered pictures to help you remember where you put that darn Passport! And that's just on the inside. Outside, there's two zippered side pockets and a zippered breast pocket.

For pure comfort, the collar is plush-lined as are the outside hand pockets. And if that's not enough thoughtful features, the entire jacket rolls into it's own pouch to make a pillow for the weary traveler or camper!

Women's Take Over Pant

I went backpacking and rock climbing for ten days and found that I barely took of my Women's Take Over Pant from ExOfficio. The pant rolls up and fastens into Capri length so no matter what the weather or terrain I was prepared.

The comfort waistband folds over for extra support while sitting and standing and adds a stylish twist to the pants that I love.

They are wrinkle, water, and stain resistant making them an excellent travel pant, one that you can just throw in anywhere.

Even back at home I find myself repeatedly reaching for these pants as they are cute, stylish, and comfortable- what more could you want!

Women's Traveler Cap Sleeve Shirt

The women's Traveler Cap Sleeve Shirt by ExOfficio is a great travel piece that compliments every adventure. Whether you are setting off backpacking or travelling in a more urban setting, this is a great shirt t bring along.

This shirt is lightweight and works well as a layered piece or alone on a hot day. The cap sleeve gives you the cooling effect you don't get with a full short sleeve while still giving you more coverage and sophistication that a tank.

Its built-in sun protection guards you from harmful UV rays, and it wrinkle resistant material keeps you looking good whether on the trail or in Venice!

ExOfficio offers a line of sports clothing that is functional and fashionable for any excursion or adventure. All of their clothing is lightweight and designed to wick moisture away from your body to keep you warm in cool weather and cool in hot weather.

They created the concept of the convertible pant, allowing you to unzip the lower part of the pant to initiate multi-tasking.

Ready for any suitcase, the Soytopia tank is lightweight, odor resistant and eco-friendly. Layer it, wear it on earth day or take it around the world.

EXO-Dri Pointelle top is comfortable to wear in-transit, stylish enough for urban travel, and functional enough for backwoods fun. This top is quick drying, moisture wicking, and odor resistant, ensuring that you're always looking and feeling your best.

Their underwear has been quoted as "17 countries, 6 weeks, and 1 pair of underwear: the Give-n-Go Brief" It's odor resistant and moisture wicking. Plus, you can wash and hang it to dry, and you're ready to go for your next adventure.

Women's High Tide Pant

I found a great travel pant in the Women's High Tide Pant from ExOfficio. This pant is stain, water, and wrinkle resistant and prepared to dry quickly and protect from the sun's rays, through a Teflon finish.

The style of the pant is slimming with a contour waist, while still comfortable enough for whatever your adventure throws at you.

While on a backpacking and rock climbing adventure, I wore these pants for the whole week! This pant is stain, water, and wrinkle resistant and prepared to dry quickly and protect from the sun's rays.

Soytopia Underwear

ExOfficio has been renowned for it's underwear and their philosophy of "seven days 1 pair". They have now created the ultimately comfortable Soytopia underwear.

They are naturally odor resistant and moisture wicking, as well as quick drying so you can wash as you go and pack less. They have a stylish, lower rise cut with seamless construction and contrast stitching with trim detail.

A must for your every adventure!

Men's Nio Amphi Skim'r shorts

The men's Nio Amphi Skim'r shorts are made to dry quickly and resist wrinkles, water and stains. These light weight shorts are great for being on in or around the water. I use them when I canoe or am on any extended outdoor adventure. They button, usually the first thing to go on a pair of shorts, is indestructible. They look great and are ready to wear right out of the water.

www.ExOfficio.com

...Fiftysense Product Review Panel

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