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Initial Impressions: The Sole Pack

posted by gumptiongear September 15, 2011 0 comments

Your adventures aren’t of a limited variety… so why are you stuck with a traditional pack that in reality is limited in its functionality? Enter the SolePack™ SP1 Shoe Transport Bag. A patented backpack accessory dedicated to providing a convenient way to transport an extra pair of kicks.

Developed by Doctors of Physical Therapy, shoe storage on the sides of your backpack frees up that precious space inside your backpack and keeps your grimy shoes away from the clean interior compartments of your pack.

The SolePack’s adjustable straps allow it to fit the backpack you already have. The straps also allow for a snug fit while at the same time easy removal from your pack when needed. The breathable vents provide proper ventilation and keep your sneakers fresh! Each shoe compartment accommodates up to a size13 men’s shoe.

SP1’s adjustable strap enables it to be used with a range of packs, from high school backpacks to trail savvy day packs. And, since it is built with a black 800D nylon shell it will have no problem tackling your our personal quests.

Our right-out-of-the-box initial impressions of the SP1 include:

· Solid construction: The black nylon material appears durable, easy to clean and the black color easily hides dirt; The stitching is strong and able to withstand gumption abuse;

· Size Matters: The pack is big enough to fit a range of shoe sizes from toddlers to your size 13 monsters.

· Adjustability: The straps are durable and provide enough adjustability to accommodate a range of packs.

Innovation is driven by need and necessity. There’s little doubt that if you’re an athletic multi-tasker you’ve found yourself wishing there was a more convenient way to stash your dogs after a training session, day on the court, or after you slip into your flips after a long day on the trail. If that’s the case then the SP1 pack might just fit your need.

Our Gumption Gear Crew will spend the next several weeks using the pack out and about in the real world to see how convenient and functional the pack truly is. And, perhaps along the way our field team will find some new and creative ways to take advantage of the extra space the pack affords.

Gear Reviews Go Hike Go Pack

High Sierra Sport’s Curve Pack: Style for School, Durability for the Trail

posted by gumptiongear September 8, 2011 0 comments

As the leaves start to turn and the thermostat begins to descend, Fall is a perfect time to start introducing kids to the thrill of the outdoor world. Yet even the basic outings require a pack that is not only comfortable, but large enough to stash away all the goodies your little Sherpa needs.

For over 30 years, High Sierra Sport Company has been committed to producing thoughtfully innovative bags that appeal to the intelligence and esteem of the active lifestyle and outdoor consumer. So when preparing to introduce your children to the glorious outdoors, there are few better places to turn than High Sierra Sport for the equipment that will make your outdoor adventures memorable.

As we began our search for backs/daypacks for your little tikes as they are introduced to the world of hiking High Sierra Sport was kind enough to send us a few packs to get out on the trail. First up the Curve.

With a capacity of 1710 cubic inches the Curve affords your kid plenty of room for books, binders, and pencils during the week. When Saturday finally comes, dump out the school supplies and load it up for an escape from town. The large main compartment has plenty of room for a poncho and burrito, while the organization front pocket stores that little pack of gummy bears, GU and other goodies.

After a liberating drive into the hills, the S-shaped padded shoulder straps comfortably hug your budding mountain goat as they follow the trail into the sweet stillness of the mountain air. And if the wilderness is a bit too quiet then the Curve has a handy cell phone/media pocket for them to stash their beloved iPhone so they can take snapshots of their journey.

While there’s not an incorporated hydration reservoir, a large gusseted side mesh pocket provides plenty of room for holding a water bottle or stashing that swim suit that took a dip at the base of the falls. The other feature our little gumption field tester appreciated the plastic pull loops making for easy strap adjustment on the go.

Smooth, contemporary styling, and sleek curves not only make the Curve a classy pack for school days, but sweeping lines give the pack a more narrow profile helping your little trail mate avoid the jutting twigs and branches that snag on broader packs. And for those moments when your hiking buddy can’t avoid the reach of mother nature’s long arms, the Curve’s mini-hexagon ripstop duralite materials keep the bag protected durable enough to last for years of hiking to come.

The Bottom Line…
The Curve helps carry everything your little tike needs for a recon mountain mission while providing that “cool factor” they want for school. Although the pack does lack High Sierra’s VAPEL™ mesh AIRFLOW™ padded shoulder straps and back panel, the Curve was comfortable and durable enough to earn high praise from our junior Gumption Crew member and will leave parents comfortable knowing they’ve purchased a multi-functional bag that will last many moons.

Gear Reviews Go Run

Long Term Durability Review: Scott® MK3 Running Shoe

posted by gumptiongear September 6, 2011 0 comments

Just a few years ago, if someone would have said that Scott®, best known for making high performance bikes and appeal, would make an award winning performance running shoe, few if any would have likely believed it. Yet the

Scott® MK3 is just that shoe.While shopping for shoes at the local running store in January 2011, the salesperson – knowing my feet and running preferences – suggested I test the MK3s.

While the trend has been towards minimalist or barefoot running shoes, they may not be right for everybody. Whether because of physical limitations or personal preference, some runners may need more support and cushion than those shoes can provide.A minimalist shoe, the Scott® MK3 is not. The MK3 2011 is a stability performance running shoe made for those who prefer and require more structure and cushion in a running shoe.

Weighing in at 11.0 ounces, the shoe is packed with performance-enhancing goodness. Scott® engineered the MK3 shoe with a low profile, and a carbon midfoot structure providing an optimal arch which helps guide the foot efficiently, transferring energy from front to rear.

Excellent shock absorption is created by the heel gel and forefoot rubberized EVA insert. The stable and flexible midsole is ideal for a broad range of running styles and foot types.

Their Ergologic Fit technology provides support and control where needed and provides flexibility and adjustability in the anatomically correct places. Scott incorporated a full carbon rubber outsole that intended to accelerate the shoe through increased energy return and increased durability.

The MK3s have been exceeding my own personal expectations since I pulled them off the storeroom shelf. Now, having blazed over 400 miles of both on and off-road running in the MK3, these shoes have proven to be as durable as they are comfortable. These shoes have marshaled me through trails, 5ks, 10ks, half marathons and a few triathlons, and truth be told, they show no sign of letting up anytime soon.

Bottom Line:

When you spend big money on a running shoe you expect it to perform, but you also hope that it will last longer than that whole parachute pants fad. The Scott MK3 delivers exceptionally well on both fronts.

Light as a racing shoe, but as stable, cushioned and comfortable as a training shoe. If you’re a runner who, whether through preference or necessity, needs a fast and steady stability shoe, then the Scott® MK3 will provide you with the energy and performance you desire.

Gear Reviews Go Hike Go Outdoors

In Search of the Perfect Sandal: Freewaters™ MAGIC CARPET

posted by gumptiongear August 31, 2011 0 comments

Daniel Burnham once said, “Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood.” Towards those ends, Freewaters™ has combined patent pending technologies and innovative design features to forge the Magic Carpet– a sandal that has plenty of magic to get your blood flowing.

Like the pride of a racing stable, the Magic Carpet leads the pack in performance, comfort, and style. This hi-tec innovative sandal goes places you never thought a sandal could, so get used to the idea of never taking it off.

Patent pending neoprene flex panel straps are so comfortable you’ll forget they’re even there. These innovative straps demonstrate that pressure and pinching derived from the foot flexing forward need not be a part of your flip-flop experience. Moreover, during those rare moments you remove the Magic Carpet sandals, the straps retain form. While this may seem like a tedious detail, few things can prove to be more insufferable than toe wrestling a flattened strap when you just want to get up and get out. Did we mention they are also water and vegan friendly?

Freewaters has raised the stakes in the world of flip-flop design by incorporating running shoe technology into this sandal. The Freewaters team accomplishes this through an Exclusive Response Arch Shank which creates torsional flex resulting in a spring type action reminiscent of your favorite athletic kicks.

Coupled with the midsole’s ‘toe spring’ which helps eliminate toe drag, the response arch shank generates an efficient transfer of energy within every stride resulting in greater ease whether you’re strolling the beach or making that long walk to the BBQ to flip the burgers.

Amidst a forest of innovative design features, there was one part of the Magic Carpet that truly resonated with our crew: A recycled eco-rubber outsole with aggressive tread and siping providing traction that would impress the Michelin Man. This sticky, water-channeling sole moves water away from the bottom of your sandal ensuring secure footing on slick and sketchy surfaces so you don’t have to hold back when your pistons are firing.

When constructing an outsole that excels on the land and longs for the water, the Freewaters design team put equal effort into fashioning a eva foam footbed that serves as the ultimate welcome mat for your feet. A brushed non-slip footbed keeps you locked in and comfy cruising through life’s waterparks. The 3D molded footbed matches your foot’s shape and cushions your steps while keeping your feet cool on even the hottest summer days.

While this sandal seems to lack the impressive arch support of the Freewaters Cruz Control, the Magic Carpet still delivers rock steady support and massive comfort for which your body will be grateful. At a time when more than one company lays claim to an “out-of-the-box-no-break-in” fit, once again, Freewaters is king of the hill in that category. Good news for you, because when the sun is out, you don’t want to waste any time breaking in new sandals.

Bottom Line…
They say that the elegance of art is that it enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time. If that is indeed the case then the Magic Carpet from Freewaters is the essence of art for the feet.

Exit Note…
If there’s one thing we like more than a quality sandal, it’s a quality sandal with a humanitarian heart. The purchase of one pair of Freewaters allows ProjectFreewaters.org to provide clean drinking water for one individual for one entire year. So go purchase your Freewaters sandals, you’ll be doing your feet and the world a lot of good.

Gear Reviews Go Hike Go Outdoors

Vasque Taku GTX: Master Your Mountains

posted by gumptiongear August 28, 2011 0 comments

Light-footed, slender and clever, Hermes is the great messenger of the gods in Greek mythology. An Olympian god, he is the patron of boundaries and of the travelers who cross them – the god of all those who must move quickly or make fast getaways.

While the crew at Vasque has not yet confirmed the rumor… we feel confident in saying that Hermes himself was charged with crafting the light weight Vasque Taku GTX.

With the wisdom of Athena, the Vasque design team (aka Hermes) crammed a slew of mountain-mastering features into this waterproof, breathable, mid-high boot without weighing it (and you) down when the going gets rough.

Waterproofed, 2mm thick nubuck leather uppers with air-mesh nylon panels at the collars keep boots light and breathable in warm temperatures aiding your quick pace on the trail. This is especially helpful for those moments you hear the Sirens song seducing you into setting up camp before reaching your destination.

When Zeus attempts to dampen your day with thunder and rain, take heart knowing the Taku GTX utilizes the power of breathable Gore-Tex, shedding water. The fully breathable Gore-tex boot means you need not dread crossing Poseidon controlled creek beds.

The design of the Taku GTX not only ensures a light, agile and blister free boot, but was crafted to promote comfort and durability. Beefed up rubber toe bumpers help protect uppers and feet from abrasion and premature wear meaning even the Greek god of time, Kronos, won’t outlast these boots.

The Taku’s molded EVA midsoles offer lightweight cushioning and flexibility that is so comfortable that you’ll never want to return to your chariot. Thermoplastic urethane plates help control flex, reduce ankle strain, enhance stability and protect feet from rough terrain.

Vasque’s Arc Tempo Last construction creates an agile, athletic fit that promotes quickness and agility over technical ground and has an asymmetrical curve that’s great for higher arches. The additional benefit of the Arc Tempo Last is that it directs more power to the toe during foot push-off ensuring an efficient transfer of energy with every stride resulting in greater ease for rocky, barely-there trails.

The Taku GTX rides on a Vibram® sole keeping your feet on the trail whether you are eating up miles on a week-long trek or picking your way through shale slides as you shimmy to the top of Mount Olympus. This confidence-inspiring traction is not only durable but is engineered with an athletic stance that’s ounces lighter than a typical hiking sole. The result: if you can handle the terrain so can this boot.

The Bottom Line…
Responsive and snappy, the waterproof Vasque Taku GTX Hiking Boots are as easy on the eyes as Aphrodite, yet tough enough to get you to the top of Mt. Olympus for your tangle with the Greek gods.

Gear Reviews Go Hike Go Outdoors

KEEN Has One Question: Got SOX?

posted by gumptiongear August 26, 2011 0 comments

As an outdoor enthusiast you have high expectations for your footwear. You demand that your shoes provide a comfortable and secure fit while delivering the nimble support needed for all of your outdoor escapades. Why then have we lived through our journeys with lesser expectations from socks?

If you want socks that will keep your feet comfortable, dry, blister-free in every activity then KEEN may have your answer.
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Gear Reviews Go Outdoors

In Search of the Perfect Summer Sandal: SOLE™ Casual Flips

posted by gumptiongear August 24, 2011 0 comments

If you’ve spent your life strolling around on the traditional one-size-fits-all flip flop then you’ve been living your life on little more than a flat cardboard platform. While you thought you’re feet were gaining freedom, the reality is that you’ve been forcing your body to work harder to keep those flips on, aggravating any existing biomechanic problems you may have.

Enter SOLE™, a footwear company out to shatter the traditional one-size-fits-all flip-flop paradigm.

SOLE understands that like fingerprints, your feet are unique. As such the’ve created a casual styled flip flop that provides custom support and cushioning courtesy of the SOLE Wear Moldable™ footbed which molds to your unique foot shape, providing unmatched comfort and support.

On Style and Performance…
Who knew that living an eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle would also allow you to look so chic? A gender-specific strap is composed from 50% hemp and 50% recycled polyester. Both the men and women’s version come with patterned/embroidered straps that give these flips the definitive “sweeeet” factor when you first pull them from the box.

The magic ingredient of the SOLE casual sandals is cork. Yup… cork. SOLE has been researching cork and working on developing products with it since 2008. Through their research SOLE discovered that they could replace some petroleum-based foam with cork and not reduce the performance of their footwear. Using 35% cork in the footbed and midsole, the Casual Flips reduce impact on your feet and the environment. Our field testers were truly impressed by give and natural shock absorbing qualities of the cork footbed.

More than being stylish and environmentally friendly, the SOLE casual flips are a great sandal for your tired feet after any adventure. The full and roomy shape, contoured cork footbed and deep heel all combine to holistically support your feet in their natural and free form. It’s this free and full support that shapes and molds to your foot over time supporting the body and allowing your feet to recover. In other words, this flip not only wows at summer BBQ’s, it’s the perfect post workout sandal for runners and weekend warriors alike.

And when the rubber hits the road, the non-marking rubber outsoles boasts tremendous traction. In fact the traction on these casual flips exceeded that of some “performance” based flips we’ve tested. The grip smooths out your step on gravely roads, uneven boardwalks, and unexpectedly rough cement steps outside your local organic grocery store.

Room for Improvement…
The SOLE casual flip is changing the way that people view the traditional flip flop for the better. The design team at SOLE deserves a great deal of credit for the craftsmanship of this flip, although our testers felt that there was one foible: the double stitching on the underside of the strap. The 50% Hemp/50% Recycled Polyester strap was comfortable, and wicked away moisture like a shammie, however the double stitching proved to be unforgiving on the back end of the toes. As a result we were left with tender tootsies and dubious dorsals until these flips were fully broken in.

Bottom Line…
You have certain requirements of flip flops. For one, you like a polished, sophisticated look, and the stylish upper and cork wrapped footbed fit that bill. You also demand comfort and support; the SOLE casual comes through with a first class moldable footbed that cradles and supports your body. Like your favorite baseball glove or a fine wine these flips will only get better with time. So whether you’re a fellow outdoor enthusiast or a flip flop connoisseur, you’ll revel in the SOLE line up of casual sandals.You can get them from the SOLE store for $70 by clicking here.

Go Tri Uncategorized

Long Term Durability Review – 2XU 2008 V:1 Velocity Wetsuit

posted by gumptiongear August 22, 2011 0 comments

When the Top-of-the-line 2XU wetsuit arrived on the shores of the United States in 2008 words like revolutionary and game-changing rolled off the tongues of triathletes across the country. The wetsuit not only looked fast, but has since proven to be fast.

Along with use of new materials, the V:1 incorporated numerous new and proprietary innovations not seen together in previous wetsuit designs. Some of the innovations were obvious and others were not. The new innovations included:

· High Velocity Strakes – Grooves on the front torso to channel water and stream water flow

· Aquatic Membrane Arms – for Neutral Buoyancy and improved feel for the water

· Concave Water Entrapment Zones – on the forearms

· Roll Bar – improves buoyancy and helps with a higher body position

When buying a wetsuit, there are three important questions to ask, 1) how does it fit? 2) How does it perform? 3) How long will it last?

On the Fit Factor…

After 3 years of use, the suit still fits like an expensive glove. In comparison to other suits at the time, the thinner and more flexible neoprene around the shoulders improved movement and reduced shoulder fatigue. The neck is comfortable. Occasionally, however, the Velcro on the back of the V:1 rides high and chafes the back of my neck.On the Performance Factor…

My body position in the water, both while wearing the suit and swimming without it, has improved tremendously. Sure, a lot of the improvement can be tied to coaching and swim sets, but I credit a lot of the early improvements in my body positioning to wearing the suit for hours on end amidst the challenges of the open water environment.The 2XU was the first in the industry to offer Velocity Strakes that channel water for greater water stability resulting in less sideways movement in choppy conditions. In still conditions offering a channeling water process for greater lift and cleaner water flow movement will result in more speed through the water.

While improvement in body positioning can be tied in part to coaching and training, I credit a significant portion of early improvements in my own body positioning to wearing the suit for hours on end amidst the challenges of the open water environment.

On Durability…

Including both competitions and training sessions, the V:1 has been worn approximately 20-25 times a year since 2008. Over the last year however, the V:1 has begun to show its age. During an open water swim in the cold Spring 2010 waters of Santa Cruz, upon exiting the water my suit and two tears along the seams where the shoulders and torso meet.

I’ve had the tears sealed by professionals on several occasions, but to no avail. Now, after every use, my V:1 faces a repair session with a $12 patch-up kit.

I’ve talked with many V:1 wetsuit owners. Most are pleased with the suit, but some owners have expressed frustration with purchasing an expensive top-of-the-line wetsuit only to later have problems with its durability. At least with the subset of V:1 owners I’ve talked with, perhaps the V:1 is better reserved for race days, while a second wetsuit can be used (and purchased) for training.

Revolutionary design and innovative gear often comes with an equivalent price tag, and as a competitive athlete you hope that price tag also results in long-term durability.

There is little doubt that my V:1 wetsuit has been an invaluable tool serving me well in numerous triathlons and training sessions. However the longevity factor leaves something to be desired. When spending over $500 on a wetsuit, it should last longer than 3 years before it starts to come apart at the seams.

As 2XU continues to break new barriers in the design and performance of wetsuits, I hope the design team spends equal amounts of time improving the durability side of future iterations.

Gear Reviews Go Hike Go Outdoors

Platypus Hydration Re-Imagines the Hydration Pack

posted by gumptiongear August 18, 2011 0 comments

The Dictionary defines “variety” as (1) The state of being varied or diversified; (2) a different form, condition, or phase of something.

We can’t prove that Cascade Designs, Inc., had this definition in mind then they set out to redefine the hydration pack, but it wouldn’t surprise us if – like when Rocky trained for his fight with Drago – they had it stuck in the frame of their mirror keeping them ever mindful of the task set before themselves.

Drawing on years of expertise in the hydration category, Platypus Hydration (part of the Cascade Designs family) set out to re-design and re-imagine the traditional hydration pack. When they put pen to paper, there were no rules, no boundaries, just a vision of what a Hydration Pack could, and more importantly, should be.

The result is a series of low-profile and highly efficient packs fit for a variety of athletic undertakings. This post reflects our initial impressions on both the Origin 3 and Origin 22 after spending a few short weeks with the packs. Over the next five to six weeks our team of outdoor experts will continue putting the packs to the test to see if they truly offer the best performance, comfort and customization available for your outdoor endeavors.

First Impressions…

A lightweight, puncture-resistant, Platypus Big Zip™ SL reservoir is the cornerstone of every pack in the Origin lineup. The designated hydration compartment is constructed to easily accommodate both the two-liter and three-liter sizes without affecting the capacity of the pack itself. Platypus utilizes unique toggle mounts for the Big Zip SL reservoir. These mounts take a bit of getting used too, but they make for a more stable, secure fit.

The leak proof antimicrobial reservoir keeps water fresh and taste free and opens as easy as a bag of chips for stress-free filling and cleaning. Another quality feature is the on/off position on the bite valve which helps ensure that the water stays in the reservoir and not all over your shirt, jacket, or car trunk.

Equipped with the cool BioCurve ventilated back panels and SoftTouch stretch-woven harness, the Origin packs are constructed to attack the most demanding trails while comfortably supporting the weight of your water and whatever else you carry with it.

The ergonomic shoulder straps are a soft, stretch-woven surface stretched over a ventilated foam padding. Over the course of our long term field testing, our team will give distinctive attention to the design of these straps www.generikaonline-de.com/pille/cialis/ because we are interested to see if they effectively compare to the more standardized mesh straps used on comparative hydration packs.

One thing that separates the Origin series from other hydration packs is the variety of hydration hose options which allow the wearer to find the most effective placement for their chosen adventure.

When it seems that an increasing number of brands are moving towards the integration of raincovers for their packs, the Origin series again splits from the pack by sporting waterproof, 10,000mm-coated fabrics, welded, all-weather zippers and heat-taped seams. These materials contribute to an overall minimalist sleek design that is easy on the eyes and sure to draw attention.

Everyone knows the importance of a good first impression and after our first few dates the Origin 3 and 22 packs left us with the warm fuzzies. Next step we’ll put this relationship to the test through the literal peaks and valleys of our relationship to make sure the Origin packs have gumption necessary for a long-term relationship.

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Exclusive First Look: Hi-Tec Total Terrain Mid-Profile Hikers

posted by gumptiongear August 16, 2011 0 comments

Nature is constantly changing. The trail you took yesterday is not the same today. For the ever changing dynamics of an outdoors world Hi-Tec is introducing the Total Terrain Waterproof Mids. These mid-profile hikers emphasize breathability, comfort and support during high-exertion action.

This new addition to the Hi-Tec lineup includes some of the following features:

– Waterproof suede and mesh uppers

– Ghillie and double eyelet lacing system
– CMEVA midsole for lightweight cushioning
– MDT carbon rubber outsole

While there’s still no official release date for the shoe, the good people at Hi-Tec afforded our team an exclusive first look at these athletic inspired hikers. So, in order to provide a proper christening, our crew headed into the Tahoe National Forest for a week of rock hoping, crisscrossing streams, assailing gravel laden fire trails, and cruising the historic streets of downtown Truckee.

First item of note was the lightweight compression molded EVA midsoles which provided out-of-the-box comfort. The support and cushion granted our feet the hall pass necessary to ramble blister free across any mountain line we set our eyes upon. The lightweight and agile nature of the Total Terrains ensured that daily treks along abandoned fire trails were devoid of any cramping or stiffness.

Large mesh panels maximize comfort and breathability on days when the mercury was rising and still provide ample warmth on cold nights spent rustling up ingredients for smores around camp. The waterproof suede and mesh uppers shield your feet from sudden drizzles or unexpected puddles without leaving you with hot, clammy toes.

The carbon rubber outsole bit into challenging and varied terrain while the multi-directional tread and deep lugs virtually exterminated traction loss and delivered solid braking on grit, gravel, sand and mud all while maintaining a nimble and flexible feel.

Despite the worthy performance of the tread, one issue did arise during the review process. As demonstrated by the picture, some of the multi-directional lugs are coated with a green rubber protective layer. It was this layer that demonstrated a tendency to chunk away from the outsole in small bits during more aggressive pursuits raising some concerns about long-term durability of the outsole. However after consultation with the Hi-Tec team, we are hopeful that this wear is due to the fact that our test pair of Total Terrains are a pre-production test sample.

Time is money. The lightweight and sturdy Hi-Tec Mids are designed to adhere to that mantra delivering top-performing trekking technology at a stellar price. If you’re looking for an agile hiker that will get you out and back with ease, the Total Terrain has one direct message for their future owners: “Stomp through mud and puddles and we will keep your feet dry. Scramble on a hot day, and we will keep your feet cool.” So keep your eye out because once these hikers hit the market, you’re going to want a pair.

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