Gadling Gear Review: Bergan’s Osen Down and Wool Jacket

by Pam Mandel on

Sometimes, when I look at the price tag on a piece of gear, I think, “Really? It’s made in some factory in Asia, there’s not that much material to it, and really? REALLY?” Other times, I’m lucky to get to try out something super nice and my reaction is different. It’s more along the lines of, “Yeah, it’s expensive and I totally get why. And I really don’t want to send it back now that I’ve seen it.”

Bergan’s of Norway’s Osen jacket fits that category. The wool and down, water resistant jacket (available in both a men’s and a women’s cut) is one of the nicest things to pass through my hands for some time.

This isn’t your typical “poof” layer – it’s a combination of a wool and polyester blend on the sleeves, shoulders and waist with a down torso and collar. It looks great – the women’s cut makes sense; it’s got a bit of shape to it and the bright, contrasting zipper pulls are in a cool neon green on the jacket’s dark blue. Add a rain shell to this and you are set for just about any weather.
Everything about the way this jacket is made speaks of attention to detail. The collar is lined with microfleece so it’s not itchy or cold on your chin when it’s zipped up all the way. The pockets are big and they zip the right way (you’d be surprised how often this is not the case). The finish work is immaculate; the seams are all folded over and sealed and there are no loose edges or threads. And the sizing is right – something that’s increasingly rare in women’s outdoor gear.

The jacket was missing two things I’ve come to appreciate in this kind of gear – pit zips and a two way front zipper – but it’s still nicer than many a jacket that’s been in my test queue.

The wool/poly mix is a nice alternative to the usual slippery nylon shell you get with your typical down jacket. It gives the jacket some alpine formal style. I wore the Osen jacket out and about a few times and always got compliments on it.

The Osen jacket will set you back $329. The line doesn’t seem to have wide distribution in the U.S. yet, but check with your local mountaineering store or use the Bergan’s “Find a Dealer” link provided on the site.

[Image courtesy of Bergan’s of Norway]

British Cyclists On Round-The-World Ride Killed In Thailand

by Kraig Becker on

British cyclists Peter Root and Mary Thompson were killed in Thailand last week while on a round-the-world ride. The couple, who were both 34 years old, were struck by a pick-up truck while traveling east of Bangkok. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

After meeting in art school, Root and Thompson spent six years planning their trip and saving money to fund an extended stay on the road. They set out on their journey in July of 2011 and blogged about their adventures as they went. Their unique experiences garnered them a loyal following on Facebook and Twitter.

Like all of the best travel experiences, their long distance ride had no timetable or set destinations, although the two were planning on traveling to New Zealand once they had crossed Asia. Their travel had already taken them across Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and China.

Police reports indicate that the accident last week took place because the driver in the pick-up truck dropped the lid from his drink on the floor and reached down to retrieve it. He took his eyes off the road for only a moment and that was enough for his vehicle to hit the two cyclists. The truck then careened off the road and stuck some trees, injuring the 25-year-old driver in the process. He has been released on bail but now faces charges of vehicular manslaughter, which carries a maximum sentence of ten years in Thailand.

This is a sad end to what was a wonderful adventure for these two travelers. Condolences to their families.

[Photo Credit: Peter Root and Mary Thompson]

Bluewaters Island Project Brings World’s Largest Ferris Wheel To Dubai

by Chris Owen on

The last time we talked about the “world’s largest Ferris wheel,” it was in reference to New York’s proposal to build the tallest wheel along the waterfront in Staten Island. At 625 feet tall, the New York Wheel promises to carry 1,400 passengers at a time, be taller than the High Roller wheel planned for the Las Vegas strip and 84 feet taller the Singapore flyer. Now, Dubai has thrown its hat in the ring with a wheel even bigger and taller.

At a planned height of just over 688 feet, the Dubai Eye will be the tallest in the world and part of the $1.5 billion Bluewaters Island entertainment project.

To be built in stages starting this April, the Bluewaters development will include a variety of venues to be built over the next two years. Boasting panoramic views of Dubai’s coastline, the man-made island will also include retail, residential and entertainment zones in a continuing effort by the emirate to promote Dubai tourism.

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”The Dubai Eye will serve as yet another iconic structure and will distinctively dominate the Dubai skyline,” said Abdullah Al Habbai, Chairman of Dubai’s Meraas Holding, a Dubai-based development company in a statement. “We are confident ‘Bluewaters’ will develop into a key attraction for the UAE, further enhancing Dubai’s status as the preferred global entertainment and retail hub.”

Bluewaters will feature an open-air marketplace circled by dining venues, connected to the mainland by a Disney-like monorail system. Where did the name “Blue Waters” come from? Check this quick video to see:


[Photo Credit – Dubai Media Office]

Airports Introduce Teeny Hotel Suites For Delayed Travelers

by Reena Ganga on

Anyone who’s faced a delayed flight knows the agony of being trapped in an airport with thousands of other angry, frustrated passengers. Finding a quiet place to work or a comfortable seat in which to wait is near impossible, and if you’re stuck overnight, good luck getting to sleep on that cold, tiled floor.

One company has swooped in with a solution – mini hotel rooms where travelers waiting out delays can sleep, work or relax. The company behind the concept, Minute Suites, has already built the pod-like rooms at Atlanta and Philadelphia’s airports. Dallas-Fort Worth and Chicago O’Hare are next on the list.

At just 7 by 8 feet, the set up is small to say the least. One traveler told NPR the rooms were so tiny being in them was “like having an MRI done.” Still, the concept appeals to travelers who don’t want to exit the airport and go through the hassle of lining up at security all over again.The mini hotel rooms include a sofa bed with pillows and blankets, a desk where travelers can get work done, a TV and W-Fi. There’s also a sound system to help neutralize the airport noise and an all-important alarm clock to ensure travelers don’t miss their flight. Passengers who are anxious can also request a wake up call.

As the name “Minute Suites” implies, rates at the pod hotel are based on the clock – travelers are billed $32 for their first hour and $8 for every 15 minutes after that with discounts for longer stays.

[Photo credit: Flickr user Feline DaCat]

Photo Of The Day: Alaska

by Elizabeth Seward on

While meandering through Alaska with her family, photographer Alexis Wiener grabbed this shot while on a train. Capturing what so many love about Alaska all in one fell swoop – the snow-capped mountains, the lush and bright greens, the rolling pine and rippling water – Alexis’ trip was documented with more than just this one photo. Her collection of photos from Alaska can be seen on her website. Do you have a photo to submit for Photo Of The Day? If so, just upload it to our Gadling Flickr Pool or get in touch with us via Gadling’s Instagram page.

[Photo Credit: Alexis Wiener]