First Look: Stance Performance Socks for Hiking, Skiing and More

I’m happy to report that I’ve got some new socks in for review from Stance. There are several models/styles for varying sports.

Performance Socks

For general sports the “Performance” model is the stance offering. I’ve got some tab height nylon blends in black, gray and white. I just tried my first pair on a mountain bike ride this evening. I just happened to bag my biggest ascent ever. Coincidence?

Hiking Socks

I can’t wait to try out the mid cushion Jimmy Chin model hiking socks, and the merino wool blend hiking socks.

Skiing Socks

It’s 105 degrees here, but it’s never too early to get the gear ready for next ski season!  I’ve got a couple of pairs of Stance ski socks to try out when the snow flies.

Arcade Belts Review

I’m keen on what gear ski pros use because I want to use the best gear I can for myself. After all, skiing isn’t exactly a walk in the park. Gear can make the difference between enjoying a great run or suffering badly.

Arcade and Cody Townsend

Over the last year or so I’ve become a big Cody Townsend fan. If you don’t know who he is, I highly recommend checking out his YouTube channel and The Fifty Project, where he is skiing the 50 most iconic lines in North America. Cody started up a belt company for skiers, ski mountaineers, hikers and the like. He saw a need and a niche that wasn’t being filled and Arcade Belts was born.

Getting in Shape

I’ve since acquired a total of SIX arcade belts and love them all. I have numerous reasons why I have these belts in play, one being their flexibility.  You see, since winter of 2018-19 I made a decision to ski a lot more, both downhill and backcountry.  I knew I’d need to be in better physical condition, so in 2019 I made a big effort to “move more and eat less.”  It worked!  I lost nearly 40 pounds and several inches off the waist.  The problem with that is that none of my apparel fit anymore.  Good problem to have I suppose. Belts needed.

In Action

The Arcade Belts flexibility and adjustability has allowed me to milk some more use out of some of my old ski pants.  Plus, the flexibility of the belts has really helped me with my movement and comfort while skiing.  The belts move with me, and stretch when they need to.  If I’m taking a jump, bending down low to absorb bumps, or simply bending over to buckle my boots, my belt doesn’t choke me out.

I’m also using Arcade Belts on my pants and shorts, not just my ski pants.  I’ve got a lot of pants/shorts which would simply fall right off my body without my Arcades. Plus they look great!

Style

Not only are Arcade Belts super functional, they’re very stylish.  There are dozens of different styles, designs and colors to choose from.  With my arsenal of Arcade Belts I’ve got a good match for most outfits I wear, but I’m surely not done.  I need more.

Final Thoughts

Hats off to Arcade Belts.  They’re a great belt for outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, camping, climbing and so on and can go straight from the mountains to a night on the town.

First Look: Arcade Belts

I’m thrilled to have a set of Arcade Belts in for review. I originally found out about Arcade Belts through professional skier Cody Townsend.  Cody founded the company.

What attracted me to the belts originally, is their flexibility and the fabrics they’re made from.  I’m not a big fan of stiff leather belts.  I want a belt that moves and stretches with my waistline.

Stay tuned for a full Hike.Ski review of Arcade Belts coming soon.