Posts filed under 'Gear'
By now you may have seen the caps that fit on your water bottle (Nalgene style) that have LED lights inside to turn the bottle into a lantern at night. If not, let me introduce you.
These “light caps” have only been on the market the last year or two. They are a great way to make your water bottle pull double-duty. I have tested one of these before that used batteries to power it. Although it added some weight to your bottle that was unacceptable for some ultralighters.
Meet the Sollight. It fills a new niche for those of us who like this concept, but may have wanted a lighter lid, or didn’t like replacing the batteries. This lid operates on 100% solar power. It emits up to 8 hours of light when fully charged. It can be used with any wide-mouth bottle such as Nalgene and Camelback brands, and boasts 4 LED lights beaming light out. I used this on my recent AT section hike, and it was a nice novelty. I had several people ask me about it and they all thought it was cool.
There are an estimated 146,000 tons of disposable batteries thrown into US landfilles annually. If you hate batteries, like me, consider this little fella. There is no need to replace batteries every few months. Also consider the environmental advantage to using solar power. No batteries to discard, and the energy is completely renewable. This light is brighter than ones I’ve tested in the past, and lighter as well.
The only real drawback to this lid is that it doesn’t come with a leash to attach to your bottle. I made one out of some accesory cord, so no big whoop. If you decide to buy one make sure and use a clear bottle. If you use a bottle with color it will diminish the amount of light you have. Also, if you use a sipper lid you will need to remove that to get the best bang for your LED. Don’t worry about losing your charge in the daytime accidentally, it turns itself off with a daylight detecting feature.
Good product that you can purchase at your favorite outdoor retailer, or buy online here.
June 4th, 2008
Does this mean I have to run? When I opened the box and pulled this things out it was almost blinding. They are loud, the picture doesn’t do the color justice. At first glance they look like alien clown shoes,,, I mean that in the coolest possible way.
I played in these shoes everywhere. I ran in them, I hiked in them, I jumped in creeks in them. They preform great. I love the light weight and breath-ability. The sturdy Vibram sole is my favorite feature. i have found that too many lightweight multi-sport shoes skimp on soles. Running over jagged rocks with the sole of a ballet slipper is not my idea of fun.
I also really like the ankle support they provide, coming up slightly higher than a tradition runner. I fully expected to blister on my achilles, (’cause I don’t wear socks) but they didn’t even irritate me a little.
I would definitely recommend these to anyone looking for a light, durable, trail runner / adventure racing shoe. I think for the price, they are a good value.
I personally like shoes that make a statement, if color and subtlety are something that is important to you, they do make a nice grey version.
Check them out here.
June 2nd, 2008
Being Big Boned, I have had to deal with some friction issues my entire athletic life. I have used it all, baby powder, that stuff that looks like a deodorant stick, Chamois Crisco. One year at basketball camp I got the waddles so bad they called me “Penguin”. So thankfully, not one but two, separate people sent me this stuff to try. I never knew so many of you cared about my condition.
It works. Does it work better than other powders in a yellow bottle? I can’t really say. It is less tingly (some people like the “angel kisses”) and it’s label is considerably funnier. Having two, I get to keep one on my desk at work. While this does make things more comfy after my lunch rides, it brings a lot of fun into the workplace.
Personally I think for biking and running a personal lubricant works best. (easy dirty mind, not that kind, but like this or this) This stuff is great for after the shower, before bed, anytime you need to keep essential areas dry. I recently used it on a really long drive, and I must say, it totally helped with that twelfth hour tickle-butt.
Also, as a guy who hates wearing socks, I sometimes need help to keep from stinking up my new sneaks. I have been spinkling a little MBP in the Merrells I’m testing (blog coming soon) and they still smell fine and my feet stay dry!
Check it out here
May 30th, 2008
Summer is a time when the sun beats down on you and you sweat all over. It’s also a time that you can break out your “summer shoes” so your dogs don’t get all soggy and stinky. Summer shoes are fun, they can be flops, sandals, ventilated runners, water shoes, clogs, and on and on.
So over the next few weeks Outdoorzy will be reviewing some of the coolest shoes out this summer. We’ve been running, hiking, fishing, swimming, paddling, and lounging so we can provide you with the 411 you need to keep those ugly things on the bottom of your legs as comfortable as possible as the heat comes on.
Starting us off, the Merrell Calafina.
I had the pleasure of testing these casual flip flops out myself over the past few weeks. I spent one week on the AT wearing gore-tex-ified boots that kept my feet fairly warm all day. I had to wear socks at night to keep my feet warm in the chill of the higher elevations, so when I returned to civilization i slipped these guys on so my feet could breathe. I don’t normally wear flip flops, I’m a sandals guy, but these were a good transition for someone who likes sandals. The suede leather sole provides some grip to prevent slippage. The leather on the strap
that crosses the top of your foot is padded and comfy. And the bottom of the shoe is a Vibram, and we all know what that means… well if you don’t, it means that they won’t be slipping on any wet surfaces. Spilled your margarita at the pool? No problem, keep walkin like nothing happened. (then be sad later cuz margaritas are pricey).
The Calafina has an elevated heal, so if you have a Napoleon complex don’t worry, you have an extra inch on people. If your Chacos are muddy from the river, and you need to throw something on to go to the bonfire this weekend, the Calafina would be my recommendation. They retail for $50, but heck you’ll be looking like Magnum PI and the ladies still love that, no matter how young they are.
May 29th, 2008
Over the past year I have ran more than I ever have in my life. Last year I woke up one day and wanted to try to run a 5k. I trained for a while then ran two 5ks. This year I am going to run a 10k here in town (I need to start training for that soon). For the 5k I bought a pair of New Balance running shoes and ran quite a bit outside, on pavement, around a local park here in town. Those shoes were great, but I don’t think they were specifically built for the outdoor running I was doing.
New Balance recently sent me a pair of their 811 AT to test out. I have ran a total of about 10 miles in them since I got them, so they are still being broken in, but they feel great! One thing I love about them is the ABZORB® EX in the heal. It gives great cushioning and shock absorption. They also stay really tight while I run. I have had a lot of trouble in the past with running shoes becoming untied while running, which, yeah, is a huge problem. I tie these once right before running and don’t think about them again. They don’t even begin to feel loose on the distances I normally run at one time (2-3 miles).
The treading on the bottom of the shoes are also pretty heavy duty, which is because these are a trail running shoe rather than a straight street shoe. However I run through the rubber on shoes fairly quickly and these should stand up a little longer than normal street shoes. If you are a big guy who runs, these would be a great pair for you to try out.
One last thing I like about these shoes is that I can wear them while not running. They work well with jeans and shorts, and again, since they are all terrain, they are good for any weekend adventure you may have.
Overall, these shoes are great. I have never really tried much trail running, but once I get better at running I would like to give these shoes a shot in that environment. I highly recommend the New Balance 811 AT.
May 25th, 2008
Ergon Bike Grips and Bullwinkle Bike
You may have seen these already, they aren’t exactly breaking news. I had seen them in some shops and ads, even a few on the trail, but I had never heard any kind of feedback. I was pretty anxious to try them out. I had been thinking about some bar ends for my single speed anyway, so this seemed like a great time to try the Ergon GC2’s.
No Hairspray needed here. These go on easy and lock tight with a clamp. I was pretty happy with them as I headed out on the first long climb of the day. The bar ends were nice, and the odd “ear” shape gave me lots of hand placement options. They are comfortable for resting your palms on, fingers relaxed, while you grind up, up, and away.
All in all, I like them. I like them enough to keep them on my SS. The hand positions and leverage make up for what I don’t like about them.
The only thing I really didn’t like them is how they feel on technical / fast descents. With your hands being so flat and open, it is hard to relax your hands. I kept feeling as if my hands were going to slide off the front. You can either hang on and give your forearms a pump, or relax and risk being jarred over the front.
Their other major shortcoming is cost. The pair I tested retail for about $40, and their lighter models go up from there. Something to consider.
May 21st, 2008
When I heard I was getting the skateboard of the future, I fully expected a hoverboard. Ever since I first saw Marty McFly rip around on his, I have dreamt of evading bullies in the same fasion.
I didn’t get a hoverboard, but close. When the box came from my friend Mike at Daggoo (My version of Doc) I thought he had forgotten something, the box weighed nothing. I was pretty surprised when I pulled out his super light space-age material long board prototype. I can’t disclose much about the material or construction of the board, (thanks to the 32 page non-disclosure I had to sign) but I can testify this thing is light! It’s designed to absorb vibration as well, and be stable at high speed.
If you’ve ever ridden a skateboard over less than smooth asphalt you know how that can make your feet feel. Incedibly this thing, as stiff as it is, provided an amazing smooth ride. I must have lapped the hill by my house ten times. It was dark when my fiance finally convinced me to come in and I could play more tomorrow.
The next day I took the thing up some real hills. The material works amazing. The only criticism I would have is toward deign. (Sorry Mike) The board had a little too much camber, being as stiff as it is it didn’t give, even under my hefty weight. The rounded surface gave me the sensation that I was going to be bucked forward. I think if you flatten this thing out it will be the perfect longboard ride.
Mike with his baby
Mike tells me his is working on some shorter, freestyle shapes. I can’t wait to get one of those in the pool. I promise to update with details when these things come to market, becaues, as I said before, this IS the skateboard of the future.
May 18th, 2008
Apparently now was not the time for Nau. The company recently announced that they could not secure the funding to continue their operation. They left a statement on their homepage explaining their saddness at the closing and a few hints at why they feel they didn’t make it.
They are offering 50% off their entire line while going out of business.
For those of you not familiar with Nau, they were an active lifestyle clothing company that used sustainable business practices. It’s too bad that Nau didn’t make it, but in a market where so many other outdoor clothing companies like Patagonia already have a hold on the market and are already using sustainable practices, its’ a tough race. I’m sure the staff over at Nau will easily find employment somewhere in the outdoor industry. What a great experience to be part of a cutting edge company.
May 14th, 2008
I got a chance to use this product this weekend when I was camping at the DSG festival. It was bright,
reliable, and lightweight. The beam produced by this LED is focused and creates a perfect circle on the ground. I loved that aspect because my other headlamps all shine an ambient light over a larger area. The Coghlan’s LED Clip On Headlight focuses that light on the most important area, the spot right in front of your feet.
It comes with a red lens that drops down over the bulb area and makes the light more soft. Somehow during the night that red lens got lost, but the light works just the same. The only reccomendation I could make on design for this product is that when that red lens is up it covers the on/off button, so you have to slide it down to click the button.
My favorite feature of the light is that it has a clip. So you can either strap it to your noggin with the traditional strap, or just clip it on the visor of a cap. I am a hat guy, so this came in handy for me.
- Retails for $11.53!!!! You can’t beat that with a stick people….
- Water Resistant
- 25 hours of continuous use on each battery
May 8th, 2008
Are you an Audiophile? Are you a bike commuter, mountain biker, or festival goer? If so, this could be the next big thing for you.
The Skullcandy Link Hydro Pack is a backpack that is completely wired, with speakers on the shoulder
straps, a built-in mic, internal laptop case, and a half-gallon hydration bladder. You can put your cell phone in a side pocket, plug it into the wire , do the same with your mp3 player, and take off. As you ride or roam you can answer the phone by pushing a button on the shoulder strap and just talk, no headset required. You can also jam to your favorite music with headphones or through the shoulder straps. Volume can be adjusted, and you can switch back and forth between phone and mp3 using the controls as well.
I used this on my commute last week and flatted out on my bike. I hopped off to change the tire and sat the pack on the ground. I turned the headphones off and turned the shoulder speakers on and listened to music while I changed my tire… or didn’t change it. I forgot my tire changing tool, so… I listened to music while I waited for my wife to come pick me up. It was sweet.
My only worry with this backpack is that I wouldn’t take it on a plane since as it goes through the xray
machine at the airport it might look slightly suspicious with all the wires inside. But, for any other use, this thing is amazing. Pretty soon all our electronics will be wired into our clothing and run through solar panels made into the material on the shoulders. I’m calling it, you heard it hear first folks… 
- Retails for $139.95
- Comes in Orange/Grey or Camouflage (you won’t be sneaking up on anybody while rocking Metallica though…
- AA battery powered amplifier
- 1/2 gallon hydration bladder
May 7th, 2008
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