OR Ether Jacket : A Jacket for All Seasons
OR's Ether jacket is perfect for iffy spring days when you head off for a hike in the sun and return in a drizzle....more...

OR Element Skort : It's a Girl Thing

I'd never thought of wearing a skirt hiking...until I tried OR's Element Skirt and decided that everyone should wear skirts hiking.

Here's why:

The Element Skort is the most comfortable piece of outdoor apparel I own. I love wearing shorts in hot weather, but shorts can bunch up, chafe my thighs, and even interfere with my movement if they're too baggy or too tight. OR's skort is ideal for me because it has an inner liner (think biking shorts without the padding) that's all about moisture management and body-hugging comfort. The shell is a tough, water-resistant, performance fabric with plenty of stretch. So I have complete freedom of movement whether I'm scrambling over rocks, climbing over a fallen tree, or just blazing along a trail.

I love the fit of the skort, too. OR has thoughtfully designed the skort with a natural waist so all types of women can wear it comfortably. (Too many outdoor clothes for women are still based on high-waisted styles that don't fit all women and aren't as comfortable during activity.) The side zipper is so well hidden it's hard to see just how I got that skort on. My favorite feature is a small, hidden zippered pocket on the inside of the shell. It's perfect for an i.d. and credit card.

Bottom Line: This versatile skort is rugged enough for the outdoors and refined enough for urban wear, too. It's the perfect length, giving you some coverage and showing off just enough leg. It's a must-pack item for traveling. --E.D. (June '05)

Price: $69

Manufacturer's Site: www.orgear.com

Buy Online: 88x31 REI Logo, Altrec.com

Worldwide there are more than 12,000 species of ferns. In New Zealand, the silver fern is the national symbol. According to Maori culture,the unfurling tip of the fern, called a "koru," represents the cycle of life and death. This image is often used in art and jewelry.

Source: 100% New Zealand, The Official Site for New Zealand Travel