Gear ReviewsGo Outdoors

Survival Straps: Adventure with Confidence

posted by gumptiongear December 6, 2011 0 comments

“Confidence comes from being prepared.” – John Wooden

It seems that with each passing week we are confronted with a news story about hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, or day hikers lost in the backcountry. While there is no way to tell ahead of time when disaster will strike or how bad it will be, we can still be prepared. Of course the difficulty with most “survival equipment” is that outside of the traditional pocket knife, not much comes in a convenient “carry around all day” form. Enter Survival Straps.

Made from bullet proof military spec 550 paracord, Survival Straps are designed to be worn as a casual bracelet and then unraveled and deployed when the moment of necessity strikes.

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Review: Platypus Origin 3.0 Hydration Pack

posted by gumptiongear December 4, 2011 0 comments

Built upon the Platypus heritage of well-designed hydration systems, the Origin series of packs marks Platypus’ foray into the world of hydration backpacks.

The smallest of the Origin line-up, the Origin 3.0 Hydration Pack provides the outdoor enthusiast the ability to carry up to 2 liters of liquid refreshment and still have storage space – 183 cubic inches worth – for keys, nutritional supplies or any other goodies you may want for your trek.

Similar to its larger sized siblings, comfort and durability are at the foundation of the Origin series of packs. The contoured fit of the Origin 3.0 is designed to support aerobic activity. The BioCurve ventilated backpanel conforms to your movements while allowing air to flow freely between you and the pack. The padded ergonomic shoulder straps provide comfort without compromising maneuverability. Both the BioCurve backpanels and the shoulder straps are overlayed with a soft, stretch-woven fabric that provides next to skin comfort and surprising durability.

Constructed from 200D nylon and treated with a urethane laminate for a waterproof finish, the Origin 3.0’s got your back when the sun fades behind those dark clouds and Mother Nature turns on the water works. Add to that welded, water-resistant zippers and heat-taping on all critical seams, and the Origin 3 is ready to handle the toughest of adventures.

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Columbia Baselayers: The Merger of Technology and Performance

posted by gumptiongear November 7, 2011 0 comments

Layering your clothing is a tried-and-true way to ensure comfort (and warmth) during those days where the mercury drops and your breath hangs in the air around you mid-sentence. The beauty of this simple concept is that it allows you to make quick adjustments based on your activity level and changes in the weather.

Thanks to Columbia, it’s time to ditch those cotton undies and the souvenir T-shirt from that U2 concert and upgrade to the Baselayers bolstered with Omni-Heat technology for warm, dry, layer-able comfort during your active cool weather pursuits.

On the Merger of Technology and Performance…
John Wooden once said, “It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.”

By paying detailed attention to the oft-ignored liner of our cold weather garments Columbia is inciting a revolution in outdoor performance apparel through their patented Omni-Heat technology. This thermal reflective technology manages body heat through a system of tiny silver dots. These tiny dots are the little details that work together to make big things happen. Continue Reading

Gear ReviewsGo Outdoors

Columbia’s Peak Ascent™ Beanie: Warmth Redesigned

posted by gumptiongear November 4, 2011 0 comments

Thanks to the crafty crew at Columbia, the traditional beanie just hit the next step of the evolutionary ladder.

Columbia has taken the classic design of your favorite cozy winter lid and lined it with their Omni-Heat® thermal reflective lining.  Similar to an emergency blanket, Omni-Heat’s tiny silver dots bounce body heat back at you while at the same time allowing excess heat to escape through the permeable/breathable regions between the dots thereby keeping your noggin’ from overheating.

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Rider Sandal R1 Series Flips: Taking Your Feet Global

posted by gumptiongear November 3, 2011 0 comments


Celebrating their 15th year in the US market Rider Sandals is extending its brand in 2012, expressing its authentic Brazilian heritage with “Street Summer.” Inspired 100% by the Brazilian lifestyle, “Street Summer” captures the essence of Brazil with vibrant colors and the cultural trends of Brazilian fashion; all while delivering comfort, flexibility and durability.

Rider has given the Gumption Gear Crew a sneak peak at the R1 Urb and R1 Urb Plus flips, part of the new 2012 Street Summer flip collection. As part of the “Street Summer” line-up the the
R1 Urb and R1 Urb Plus flips feature Rider mixes contemporary urban trends and distinct Brazilian beach fun with a dash of attitude and Rider specific technologies.

On Fit and Performance…

Looks can be deceiving, and out of the box the R1 Rider Series may give the appearance of a standard casual flip with swanky 3-D tread. Toss them on however and you’ll be thankful for the technological features packed away into the soul of these sandals.

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Native Eyewear’s Endura: Clarity of Purpose… Clarity of Vision

posted by gumptiongear November 1, 2011 0 comments

Whether mashing the gears on your bike, going the distance on the trail or sneaking away to Maui for a weekend of Mai-Tai’s, the Endura sunglasses from Native Eyewear are ready to fill the role of your lifestyle shades.

New for 2011 these sunglasses are fit for small to medium-sized faces and have a lightweight low profile that keeps the shades close to your eyes for superior coverage. Meanwhile, the venting system incorporated into the frames enhances airflow so you can work up a sweat without fogging your view during more active pursuits.

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Platypus Origin 22.20 – Quenching Your Thirst for Adventure

posted by gumptiongear October 29, 2011 0 comments

If it is variety and function that you crave, the Origin 22.20 from Platypus is a veritable feast. Appetites are satisfied with jaw-dropping waterproof, 10,000mm-coated fabrics, welded, all-weather zippers, heat-taped seams and 1342 cubic inches of gear space.

In redesigning the hydration pack the Cascade Design Team took a streamlined approach providing exactly what you need and nothing you don’t to keep things light and simple. The main compartment is large enough to gobble up all the gear necessary for minimalist overnights at the beach or peak-bragging day trips.

For all the small essentials you want at your fingertips the minimalist approach of the Origin 22.20 hydration pack doesn’t short change you on storage options. Two zippered waist pockets and two stretch sleeve side pockets along with an internal mesh organizer pocket provide a plenty of storage options. Moreover the stretch sleeve side pockets blend in seamlessly with the rest of the pack and remain tight keeping the streamlined profile of the pack intact.

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SeasonFive Apparel… Thrive In All Seasons

posted by gumptiongear October 24, 2011 0 comments

“Once we rid ourselves of traditional thinking we can get on with creating the future” – James Bertrand

As an outdoor enthusiast you already know that proper layering is one of the most fundamental concepts in outdoor recreation. This method of dressing allows you to regulate your temperature by peeling-off or putting-on clothing layers — clothes that together wick moisture, insulate and protect from wind and rain. But what if there was a product that truly protected you from all that Mother Nature throws your way, without compromising your freedom of movement or agility?

Enter SeasonFive, a watersports and outdoors apparel start-up is working to introduce a new way of looking at apparel for the water sports and outdoor enthusiast communities.

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First Look: Columbia’s Spring 2012 Backpack Line-Up

posted by gumptiongear October 20, 2011 0 comments


Edward C. Steadman once said, “One must spend time in gathering knowledge to give it out richly.”

If experience brings wisdom, then Columbia Sportswear’s 70+ years of experience in the outdoor industry means they should know a thing or ten about making great outdoor gear. As such, when Columbia offered the Gumption Gear team an opportunity to review their Spring 2012 line-up of versatile new backpacks the answer was an easy – YES!

Columbia’s new series of backpacks – the Treadlite 22, the Women’s Vixen 22 – designed specifically for women – and the Endura 50 is an ample demonstration of the Company’s new direction: Attitude and Innovation.

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Review: Tommie Copper Compression Shirts & Gloves

posted by gumptiongear October 19, 2011 0 comments

Coaching legend John Wooden once said “It’s not so important who starts the game but who finishes it.”

We all want to finish strong, unfortunately the aches and pains of life and training can serve has hurdles on the way to the finish line. At times we all need a little assistance to help ensure that we not only finish, but finish with gumption. Enter Tommie Copper.

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