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Lowa Men’s Khumbu II GTX Review

posted by gumptiongear June 4, 2012 0 comments

With towering snow-capped peaks, jagged, technical terrain and dramatic alpine landscapes, the Alps are one of the world’s most dramatic mountain ranges. It is here, in the shadows of this glorious mountain range that Lowa has spent nearly 90 years crafting authentic footwear that “walks the talk” when it comes to quality, performance and sustainability.

Part of Lowa’s “trekking series,” the Khumbu II GTX offers the body and soul of a backpacking boot in a lighter weight design with softer flex designed as an ideal choice for do-it-in-a-day excursions. In an effort to best test the claimed performance characteristics of the Khumbu II GTX, our review team decided to go medieval on these boots, subjecting it to the ancient system of justice: Trial by Ordeal. Continue Reading

Gear Reviews Go Hike Go Outdoors

KEEN Ambler Mesh

posted by gumptiongear May 29, 2012 0 comments

On December 21, 2012 the 5,125 year old Mayan calendar will suddenly come to an end. While many believe the end of this calendar signifies the end time, scholars have gone out of their way to assure us that the end of the Mayan calendar does not signify the end of the world. Instead, they insist it is merely a misrepresentation of the ancient Mayan civilization.

The possibility that the world will end in December 2012 is indeed remote (we are keeping our fingers crossed just in case). However, should that day come, it will be nice to know that if you’re wearing your Ambler Mesh shoes from KEEN to work, any fallen trees or boulders that come crashing into the office will be no match for these nimble low cut hikers.

Gear Reviews Go Hike Go Outdoors

The Oboz Arete: Urban-Savvy Styling &Trail Smarts

posted by gumptiongear May 22, 2012 0 comments

Don’t let the conservative good looks of the Arete from Oboz Footwear fool you. Built tough enough for the trails, but with a style that transitions seamlessly to the Urban Jungle, the Arete (available for men and women) is ready to navigate just about any terrain, from switchbacks to sidewalks. Continue Reading

Gear Reviews Go Hike Go Outdoors

Vapur® Element: The Anti-Ordinary Water Bottle

posted by gumptiongear May 3, 2012 0 comments

Be daring, be different, be impractical, be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers, the creatures of the commonplace, the slaves of the ordinary. – Cecil Beaton

In 2009, the minds at Vapur® set out to design an innovative and collapsible hydration solution that would prove to be as eco-friendly as it was versatile. With the launch of the new Vapur Element, this California based company may have raised the bar on innovation and flexibility in the hydration space.

Gear Reviews Go Hike Go Outdoors

Columbia Compounder™ Shell

posted by gumptiongear May 2, 2012 0 comments

When pursuing your adventures in the great outdoors, the tunes piping through your earbuds can prove to be as motivating as the iconic vistas you’re tracking down. Whether it’s the melodic anthems of Angels and Airwaves, or the gritty tuneage of Guns N’ Roses Appetite for Destruction, music and gear often work hand in hand to motivate us through, and protect us from the elements.

Durable, strong and able to rock in virtually any climate, the Compounder™ Shell is a prime example of Columbia Sportswear’s appetite for adventure. A go-to shell that offers rockstar performance and surefire protection against the elements.
Continue Reading

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tekoMERINO Midweight Hiking Socks

posted by gumptiongear April 28, 2012 0 comments

Now that hiking season has officially arrived, you might find yourself in the market for a new pair of quality hiking socks. If that’s the case then look no further than the tekoMERINO midweight hiking socks.

These durable and eco-friendly hiking socks use high-quality materials that ensure a great fit and keep your feet dry, blister-free and well-cushioned no matter how hard or long you trod. Continue Reading

Gear Reviews Go Hike Go Outdoors

First Look: Baldas Snowshoes

posted by gumptiongear April 25, 2012 0 comments

Once considered a crucial tool assisting in the mobility of indigenous peoples living in snow-covered areas around the world, the snowshoe has resurfaced as a budget-friendly form of fitness and adventure.

Since the snowshoeing boom in the 1990s, the number of models on the market has mushroomed offering consumers a wide variety of choices. One of the brands now making headway in North America is Baldas Snowshoes.

Gear Reviews Go Hike Go Outdoors

TrekSta Kobra II GTX Trail Shoe w/ Boa Lacing

posted by gumptiongear April 23, 2012 0 comments

“Great things are done when men and mountains meet.” – William Blake

Whether you’re escaping town for a weekend to meet the mountains, or just sneaking out for a few hours on your favorite local trail, the Kobra II GTX with Boa Lacing from TrekSta offers nearly all the performance benefits of a serious hiker with a fit that might just set a new comfort standard for a hiking shoe.

After all, you don’t want to just meet your mountains… you want to conquer them. Continue Reading

Gear Reviews Go Hike Go Outdoors

Cushe® Women’s Wildrun

posted by gumptiongear April 19, 2012 0 comments

“The road of life twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same. Yet our lessons come from the journey, not the destination.” – Don Williams Jr.

There’s no shortage of “gear” you may need when you’re planning your next journey. But when it comes to travel/adventure shoes, it’s not worth the risk. The problem with most travel shoes is they don’t offer the versatility and support needed for your adventure. Let alone the comfort needed to keep you going day in, day out for extended periods of time.

Casual and versatile, the Cushe® Women’s Wildrun shoe mixes a casual nylon and nubuck upper with an adventure ready Vibram outsole offering everyday comfort and performance in a stylish package.

Gear Reviews Go Hike Go Outdoors

First Look: The New Vasque Snow Junkie UltraDry

posted by gumptiongear April 5, 2012 0 comments

Freshly fallen powder can get thick and heavy… but the design team at Vasque figures that’s no reason for you to slow down your winter pursuits.

Built for winter ambles, snowshoe rambles and cold-weather commutes, the Snow Junkie UltraDry from Vasque is set to debut in Fall 2012. But before the Snow Junkie hits the shelves, the good people at Vasque were kind enough to provide the Gumption Gear squad with an advance pair to put through the paces and report back with a comprehensive review this fall.

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