Prois Dionla Gloves

 

The Prois Dionla gloves are an insulated winter glove and are touchscreen capable with silicone print grips on the palmar surface and smooth sheepskin on the palm and fingertips.  It has a wide opening to easily go over your jacket sleeve and a pocket on the top for a hot pack...or mouth reed if you like haha!  The gloves are waterproof! They have a waterproof Gore-tex insert that is very breathable and 133g of primaloft insulation. Finally gloves that are truly waterproof. 

I wore these out to do my horse water and I had a bit of ice build up in the hose so the pressure caused the hose to split. I had water shooting out 4 feet in the air so I decided to put my hands over top of the crack and shake the hose trying to get the ice to dislodge. It took a few minutes of working on it but it worked and my Dionla gloves kept my hands completely dry. Very impressed. I'm excited to use them ice fishing. I got to use them cat hunting on Christmas eve and they kept my hands toasty, so warm I was able to take them off to take photos of the cougar in the tree. I got my gloves in a medium just because I have heated glove liners (with having Raynauds my hands do not do well in any type of cool/cold weather) and wanted them to fit over them. If I would have got the smalls they would have fit perfect on my tiny hands. Ill be getting some for on the farm as well as hunting! 

They retail for $79.99 USD on www.proishunting.com. Use my code DALKE for 20% off. 

Greann Heated Vest from Prois

Pronounced Grey-ahnn

MORE TO COME WITH CAT SEASON THIS WINTER.

Got to give my new Greann vest a try! Ladies its awesome. We went out on the side by side last night and this is what i wore. I have it layered over my tintri shirt.
It is super stretchy and is made to fit really snug. I ordered the M/L because I have a wide back and big bust. For size reference. My tintri shirt is a Small and it fits snug. A medium fits loose. So I probably could have gotten the xs/small for that tighter fit, I think for the purpose of the vest the M/L is actually a bit to big for me.
I used the heat function when the sun dropped and it started getting cooler. It didn't take long at all to warm up (I used high heat) and it was very comfortable and warm. I cant wait to use this during cat season!!

Retail for $149.99 USD on www.proishunting.com

Prois Triall Pack

 

The Triall pack from Prois is a lightweight, women's fit pack that is made in conjunction with Badlands. It features the Badlands KXO-32 fabric and their amazing unconditional warranty. This pack goes up to 1500 cubic inches of space, with 2 main compartments, 2 on the hip belt and 2 mesh pockets on the inside- there is lots of space to store your hunting must haves. The fabric is tough, light and waterproof. The frame is made from heat hardened steel with a Hypervent suspension system for constant air flow between your back and the pack. It is compatible for up to a 3L water bladder and has a built in pocket for your rifle stock or bow cam to sit in so you can strap it to your pack. The fit is built specifically for a women's form; it has a shorter torso, the shoulder straps have greater contour, and angled hip belts to fit the curve of a woman's hips. It also has a lower center of gravity, like a woman, for better balance and control. 

The Triall pack is very lightweight and has lots of space for your everyday things for being out hunting or even hiking. The front compartment has 3 smaller mesh pockets inside, 2 with zippers to keep your items organized. The biggest compartment has lots of room for anything you may need and has a pocket for a water bladder. It has a hidden compartment on the bottom of the pack that hides away a stock/cam holder so you can strap your gun or bow to the pack- it carries very comfortably. The pack hugs your back and shoulders really nicely and has lots of straps to compress things down. The frame is comfortable and the fabric on the pack is super light and waterproof. The only thing I would change on it is the hip belt, have it tighten by pulling in instead of pulling out (like the Mystery Ranch buckles). It makes it much easier to get it snug without the struggle. Other than that I absoluty love this pack and recommend it to all the ladies who are looking for that comfortable, lightweight day pack. 

The Triall Pack retails at $239.99 USD on www,proishunting.com

Use my code DALKE for 20% off at checkout. 

Prois Tintri Half Zip Shirt Review

The Prois Tintri Half Zip long sleeve shirt is probably my favourite piece of clothing I have. The fabric is stretchy and soft and is the perfect balance of cool in the heat but warm in the cold. I have worn it in the 27C heat shooting my bow and I have worn it at 4C under my Torai Jacket with no additional layers and have stayed warm. When I first opened the package, I was concerned that it was too heavy to be classified as a lightweight shirt- it has a thick feel to it. But after wearing it during the summer and shooting my bow in the sun in it, I had my eyes opened to the versatility of the fabric. I will be ordering one in the solid for a wear around shirt.


The shirt is an athletic cut, making it a form fitting garment, which is perfect for layering. I would say the fit is more on the snug side. If you don't like snug clothing I would go up a size, if you want a loose fit go up maybe 2 sizes ( but keep in mind these are designed to form fit).

The Tintri half zip is engineered with 94.5% polyester/5.5% Spandex (260gsm) that offers a slightly heavier option. It has top grade moisture wicking properties with anti-microbial finish to aid in scent and odor control. It has an athletic cut with extra length, which makes it perfect for layering and has thumbholes in the cuffs. The Tintri half zip comes in the Cumbre pattern and grey, and is available in sizes XS-2XL. The MSRP is $99.99 and can be purchased at www.proishunting.com or at a Scheels.

Use code: Dalke for 10% off orders of  $150+

Oudoor Adventures with Jayson Podcast Interview

I had the pleasure of chatting with Jayson on his podcast last month. You can hear it here at:

Interview

Girls Guns & Rods

I would like to introduce everyone to the new womens outdoor magazine called Girls Guns & Rods, a magazine made for women by women! In this magazine you will find real outdoors women sharing their stories, tips, product reviews and more. Available in print and digital copies, this is a full color magazine.

Although the magazine is new, the Chief Editor Laurie Hauke is not new to the magazine world. She is co-owner of Airboating Magazine, a nationally distributed full-color publication in print and digital. Airboating Magazine started in 2007, and has been the leading magazine promoting and uniting airboat enthusiasts from all over the world.

We want to bring women from all over the world together and give the outdoors woman something for them! And what better way to do it then a magazine dedicated to them.

If you are interested in carrying GGR in your store or placing an AD in future issues please contact me by email nkdalke@hotmail.com

Loba Outdoors

September 16, 2013

Back in July, I was asked by a new and upcoming womens outdoor site if I would be interested in writing them an article on my mountain goat hunt. I accepted and had to keep it a secret until the site launched...I felt like I was going to explode with excitment lol. The site launched in the beginning of August and since then I have written 2 more articles for them.
The site is called Loba Outdoors and it is a site directed towards women that love the outdoors. They have categories for hunting, fishing and cooking. They also have a spotlight where you can nominate a woman for "Loba of the week", and they have a write up about them and pictures.

• You can check out the Site here: www.lobaoutdoors.com
• The link to my mountain goat article: http://lobaoutdoors.com/how-i-learned-to-hunt-mountain-goats/
• The link to my bowhunting article: http://lobaoutdoors.com/bowhunting-strategy-archery-season-tips-success/
• The link to my article on Fitting the female hunter and gear to take: http://lobaoutdoors.com/outfit-what-to-take-hunting-fitting-the-female-hunter/
• The link to my How to introduce Kids to hunting article: http://lobaoutdoors.com/how-to-introduce-kids-to-hunting/
• The link to my scouting deer in a new area article: http://lobaoutdoors.com/hunting-new-area-find-deer/

Keep an eye on the site for more articles!

You can find them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/LobaOutdoors
and Twitter: @LobaOutdoors

I hope you enjoy the site and write ups as much as I do! And maybe nominate a woman you know for Loba of the week :)

Nikita

MEC Womens Persea -12 Sleeping Bag Review

March 1/13

After searching for a while for a sleeping bag, this was the one I chose. It is built specifically for women, having extra padding around the feet and chest. Is wider around the hips and narrower around the shoulders This bag is very comfortable and very warm. It is made of a quick drying Hyperloft filling that is 50% recycled polyester. The outer shell is DWR treated. It is a relaxed mummy shape. I am terrible for being cold all the time and I use it through the spring-summer-fall. It is rated down to -12C. It only comes in small and regular lengths. I tried both lengths in MEC before I decided which I was going to buy. I am only 5'1''. The small is rated up to 5'4''. I bought the regular. The small did fit perfectly, but I like to burrow down into my sleeping bag so that my head/face isn't sticking out. For me the only downfall to this bag is the compressibility. It does not compress down small. At all. The reason I bought a sleeping bag is for when we go on our backpacks up into the mountains. But I had to make a sacrifice on comfort/warmth and compression...guess comfort won out. But the nice feature of buying from MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op) is their warranty. You can trade it in at any time or return it at any time.

Warmth: *****
Comfort: *****
Packable: ***
Compression: *
Warranty: *****


MEC: http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/SleepingBags/SyntheticMummyBags/PRD~5025-639/mec-persea-sleeping-bag-12c-womens.jsp


Nikita

Scott Archery FOX Release Review

February 14/13

Kyle bought me this release for Mothers Day last year (2012). I instantly fell in love with its looks. I had an old Cobra release in small. I liked the thick strap, it was very cushioned but in velcro. It was noisy. So Kyle got me this.

 

Its lighter then my old one, has a buckle and a leather strap. It took me a bit of time to get used to the leather over the thick cushioned strap but I'm good now. It is smaller and fits my hand better. It has multiple notches to lengthen the end. I find it easier to get on and off then the velcro. The trigger is more sensitive as well. The leather is a good thickness and doesn't feel like its going to fall apart on me. The leather holding the end on to the strap feels sturdy. I had to adjust my draw length because this was shorter then my old one. Luckily it didn't change my anchor points.

 

Scott Archery:

http://www.scottarchery.com/archery-releases/single-caliper-releases-fox.php

 

FOX

For women/youth!

The Fox is designed specifically for a woman's smaller hand and wrist size and for the compact bows women typically shoot. She'll love the Hot Pink anodized finish!

• Designed for women's smaller hands and compact short-draw bows
• Slimline Solid Swivel Connector with patented 5-hole swivel adjustment
• Forward-positioned knurled-trigger maximizes draw length

Available:

• Small buckle - Hot Pink
• Youth buckle - Hot Pink

If you are small or have small hands I do recommend this release. 
If you are switching from an old one to this one (or any other release) and find you're not shooting as good as you were make sure to check your anchoring points and length. Happy Shooting :)

Nikita

Bowtech Heartbreaker (50# limbs) Review

February 13/13

If you are looking at a new bow, look no further! After starting out 6 years ago in archery with The Edge by Diamond I decided to upgrade my bow last year (Jan 2012). Now, I didn't just walk into a shop and buy the first one I tried (was tempting...but I kept myself under control). I tried multiple different bows from Mathews, to APA, to PSE and it took me about a year to actually find the perfect one for me.

I found with my Diamond that my shoulder was constantly sore and that I could not hold it for long. It was also quite slow, Chronographed at 202fps. So while choosing a new bow I was looking for something that was comfortable, smooth, fit me and was FAST. Now I am tiny. 5'1'' 100lbs, pull 50lbs and I have a 24in draw length...not easy to find that draw in bows that are not labelled youth. I didn't want a youth bow, I wanted a women's bow! So finally I heard Bowtech had released the new Heartbreaker. So I decided to give it a try (and the APA that I liked from before) and the Heartbreaker was the one for me. It was smooth to draw and I could hold it. It fit me good, was light and fast. This past summer I sent it through the chronograph. I was getting speeds between 239fps - 242fps. I was doing my happy dance! I noticed my accuracy went way up as well. I competed in 3D with it after I got it, before hunting season and placed in all of the events and even taking first in my first one of the year. Hunting season I was able to take my first archery deer with it, a big mature doe at 40yrds. My arrow passed right through without any issues and she only went 20 yrds.

The arrows I use are the Radial X Weave STL Hunters 100, cut to 24.5" and a 100gr tip.

I will recommend this bow over and over again to any women wanting to shoot. I am in love with my bow!

Bowtech Specs (http://www.bowtecharchery.com/#/productBreakdown?r=products_products&i=15):
*From day one, we engineered the HeartBreaker specifically for the female archer. This bow is sure to catch your eye, but our primary focus was on undeniable performance, with the Binary® Cam System, rotating modules, and Octane Factory Strings. We have armed women with a bow that flat out dominates any other bow in its class. This bow is built to be as strong as the archers who shoot it. The HeartBreaker comes R.A.K.™ equipped*, so it is Ready Aim Kill right out of the box. This bow is out to prove that She’s A HeartBreaker in a class all her own.
*Draw Weight: 40, 50, 60
*Mass Weight: 3.7lbs
*MSRP: $699
*Effective let-off: 65%-80%
*Draw Length: 22.5''-27''
*Kinetic Energy: 61.98 ft-lbs
*Axle to Axle: 30 1/4"
*IBO Speed: 305 fps
*Brace Height: 7"

Comes in Mossy Oak Treestand, Black ops, Razzberry (Pink)

Nikita

Aku Croda Boot Review (womens)

November 21/12

Aku Croda Gore-tex Hiking boot for women (waterproof).

I bought these boots to replace my old High-Tecs and Cabellas insulated boots. I have broken them in and have worn them out on some intense hikes (mountain goat hunting). Here's my review on them...

FIT

When I had tried these on in the store the first time I didn't buy them right away. They were the only pair left and they were a 1/2 size too big and when I tried them on they felt too narrow (I wasn't wearing proper hiking socks). Kyle convinced me to go back and try them out again, this time we also got a different guy that knew what he was talking about and doing. This time I used proper hiking socks and it made a huge difference. They know longer felt so narrow because I had cushion between my foot and the shoe. The guy helped me tighten them and they felt good.
After wearing them for a while now I am happy I got the half size bigger. I can tighten them right up with my light hiking socks and they are great and I can loosen them and have thicker socks or double up my socks without them being too tight.

PERFORMANCE

I have worn these mule deer hunting and mountain goat hunting now, in warm weather and snow. I love these boots. They have a 3/4 shank, great for mountainous terrain and steep climbing. The only down side to such a stiff boot is when your walking on wet sticks and rocks you slide everywhere. These are waterproof. After my goat hunt this past weekend in the snow and rain the only part of me that was dry were my feet. They are NOT insulated, if you plan on wearing them all year round I suggest getting the half size bigger. I wear my light merino wool hiking socks and a heavy wool sock over top and my feet stay nice and warm. Have good ankle support, they have saved me a couple times. When heading up steep terrain I just dig my toes in and its like walking up stairs, I can now make it up a steep mountain before Kyle (his boots are 1/2 shank).

BREAK IN

Breaking these in didn't take long. The sole and foot area are very comfortable right from purchase. The part I had to break in was the collar. The collar around the top of your ankle is very stiff, after the first few days wearing them my legs were bruised. It took about a week to get my legs used to the collar. Now they are fine, but always wear high socks, even if your just wearing them around town.

SPECS

* Gore-tex Waterproof & breathable membrane
* 3/4 Shank
* Vibram Rubber OutSole
* EVA Outsole
* Rubber wrap-around rand
* Abrasion resistant, rugged suede outer
* Gusseted tongue
* Padded footbed
* IMS internal midsole system
* Removable Insole

All in all, I love these boots and highly recommend them.

Nikita

SHE Expedition Tech Camo pants review

October 26, 2012

This summer I purchased a pair of SHE's Expedition pants in XS from Bass Pro.

FIT
I like the way these fit, they are a low rise fit. Their sizing puts an XS in the 0-2 size range. I am a 0 and sometimes (depending on the pants) smaller. These are big enough that I could put a pair of long underwear under them and layer up for winter. I wear a belt with them all the time. If I don't, they stretch out and fall off while hiking. Without a belt they sit on my hips comfortably, they are baggy in the crotch for me though.

MATERIAL
They are very soft, feel like your wearing sweat pants. They are made from form-stretch fleece. They have a 4-way stretch which gives you freedom of movement. They say they are water-repellent, I don't think they are truly water-repellent. I find if they get a little damp they do dry fairly quick, if you get them wet they take a while to dry. One thing I was not happy with was the material pilled after one wash.  They seem to help wick sweat away and drys fast afterwards. They have an anti-microbial in the fabric to help with scent control. Everything sticks to the material, leaves, sticks, twigs, burrs,and pine needles, it all sticks.

PERFORMANCE
After hiking all day in the heat, they never got an odor to them, I have not tested them on multi day hunts over night in the backcountry yet for smell. They allow good movement. They are soft and silent. They are warm, I wouldn't wear them in the middle of summer when its 30-35 degrees Celsius out.Wicks away sweat. After hiking in a light rain they do get damp and then you get cold. Walking through the snow also makes them wet.

Pros: Comfortable, Fit, Quiet, Warm, Movement
Cons: Material pills, Stuff clings to them, Not water repellent

Nikita

"It's not a fashion show" ....

I don't know how many times I have been told, "the deer don't care what you look like/are wearing" or "its not a fashion show".
Or even, "why don't you just buy the juniors if those don't fit" "these other ones are cheaper"

To all those that have ever heard this or other similar statements, you're not alone!

I started my hunting life out in Juniors L and XL or men's M (because for some reason you could never find a S or XS in the men's?) and now that there is women's gear out, I have to say....it's NOT that I am trying to be in a fashion show or look pretty, its about being comfortable in the bush.

Yes, some of the women's gear is more expensive then the junior or men's, but the stuff actually fits! And its not just those women that are petite like me, the women that have curves also deserve the comfort of wearing properly fitted clothing. Its not fun walking around feeling like a marshmallow or having your clothes to tight that its hard to move around. It also hinders our performance in the bush! Range of motion is affected greatly and being able to regulate your body temperature with a decent layering system.

Personally, I still have troubles finding gloves and pants. I'm petite (5'1'', 100lbs), and they don't seem to make them small enough for me still. My SHE Expedition pants fit comfortably, I still need a belt, but they are fitted enough that they don't hang down around my knees and big enough I can fit some long underwear in if need be. I highly recommend them if you are my size or bigger! They are very nice and not expensive. My only complaint is after the first wash the material pilled.

That's my rant for now lol!

Nikita

Nikita's Gear List

Clothes:
* SHE Expedition Pant
* SHE Elite Pant
* Prois Ultra light long sleeve shirt
* Cabelas Outfither Hoodie
* SHE Hunters Vest
* RedHead Jr XL insulated Bib
* Cabelas Outfither insulated jacket
* Gander Mtn Beartooth TecH2O womens rain jacket

Boots:
* AKU Croda Gore-tex Hiking boot for women (waterproof)         

Accesories:
* Toque
* SHE cold weather gloves
* Convertible Mittens
* Prois Ball cap
* Tube Hand warmer

Weapons:
* Bowtech Heartbreaker
* Radial X Weave 100 arrows
* Snuffer broadheads 100gr
* Scotts Archery Fox release
* Apex 5 pin Sight
* Remington .270
*Leupold Rifleman Scope

Pack:
* Eberlestock Xl
* 2L Platypus bladder

Optics:
* Leupold Binoculars
* Bushnell Scope (came on my rifle)
* Leupold 750 rangefinder

Sleep system:
* womens MEC Persea sleeping bag -12
* MEC Kelvin summer pump pad

Extras:
* Knives
* Bear Spray
* Straps
* Browning Headlamp

If anyone is wanting to ask questions or have reviews done on any of these products, please ask!

Nikita