Posts filed under 'Gear'
Merrell was kind enough to provide me with one of their XXL Invent shirts to test out. This has turned into, hands down, my favorite shirt to wear. I would say that this shirt is more comfortable than a t-shirt to wear and looks much better.
I took this shirt with me on my honeymoon to Jamaica and it was the perfect place for it. The fabric is a great moisture wicking polyester. You can wear this to the beach or on hikes and it can get wet and sweaty and dries quickly. It also has some great vents in the upper back area to let air flow through easily and keep you cool. The buttons are rubbery and actually hidden when completely buttoned up.
It seems very durable and easy to clean and dry. As a big guy, many times I worry about the length of XXL shirts that aren’t labeled TALL as well, but the length on this is great. You wouldn’t really be able to tuck it in, but this is the type of shirt you wouldn’t tuck in anyway.
This really is a top notch shirt and I do plan on buying a few more. My only suggestion to Merrell would be to provide an Outdoorzy orange…those would fly off the shelves.
July 28th, 2008
During my college days, I had a rain coat for those wet days that I had to go to class. The only problem was this coat was built for temperatures under 30 degrees. So on a typical rainy day, I was very hot by the time I got to the top of the hill.
Merrell’s Thrive jacket would have been perfect for that time. The waterproof fabric protects you from the rain, and it’s lightweight to keep you warm without being hot. The “pit vents” were totally new to me, but they come in handy when you need a little extra air.
The women’s Thrive comes in Ink (shown), White and Rainforest. I really like the overall fit of this jacket. The sleeves are long enough which is rare for me. It’s pricey at $189, but I would definitely recommend it.
Specs from Merrell’s site
- Merrell Opti-Shell™ lightweight 2.5-layer rip-stop fabric
- Contoured, adjustable attached hood provides optimum protection
- Two-way pit zip venting eliminates unnecessary heat
- Dual, secure zippered hand pockets
Get it at:
July 24th, 2008
I had the chance to test out the Merrell Waterpro Toro. At first glance, I thought I would wear them around for a weekend or two while I am running around to fly shops, visiting the future In-Laws, etc. But every time I needed to do all of the stuff above, plus run to the grocery store, check the mail, go to do wedding stuff, I found I was clasping the buckle on these very comfortable shoes to do the everyday stuff. I am not much of a fan of the open toe sandal, because I usually end up fishing in them and I like my toes to be protected from rocks and gravel, but these shoes are great for the boat, canoe, kayak or just any day when you feel like getting out and about. The shoes are easy to slip on and adjust with Velcro straps on the front and rear of the shoe and nylon buckle on the middle strap. Once the shoes are adjusted, you only need to use the buckle to secure the shoe to your feet. The Merrell Waterpro Toro sandal is my new “Go To” foot wear when I headed out to play.
Specs from the web:
• Webbing and synthetic leather uppers wrap feet securely and adjust at toe, instep and heel for a highly personalized fit.
• Once adjusted, use buckles on instep straps to get in and out; remove the padded heel straps to easily convert sandals to slides.
• Lycra® spandex and neoprene linings are soft against your skin and dry quickly.
• DeepDish™ contoured, compression-molded EVA footbeds cradle and center feet for action; Aegis™ antimicrobial treatment keeps odors at bay.
• Air Cushion® midsoles provide shock absorption and cushion for high-impact wear.
• Thermoplastic urethane stability posts provide rearfoot support.
• Injection-molded nylon forefoot flex plates supply flexible support and protection from sharp rocks.
• Nonmarking Vibram® Water Pro Plus Sandal™ outsoles with TC5+ rubber and razor-cut siping deliver amazing wet-surface traction.
• All synthetic construction is vegan-friendly
July 16th, 2008
As bike commuting becomes more popular I think we’re going to see more of these….. Madison Wisoconsin now has a vending machine for bike parts. People will be able to buy the basics that go wrong…. Flat out? No problem, just deposit $ and a tube pops out. Genius!
You can also buy bottled water, energy bars, and other parts like chain lube. It even comes with a built in rack to hang your bike on while you work…
Now we just have to teach people how to change a tire…. and ride a bike.
Via Treehugger
July 15th, 2008
My first thought when I saw these Ahnu Dolores shoes was that they look very similar to a pair of Skechers that I own. After wearing them, I realized there’s a lot more to these. They’re sturdier and have great arch support. My only complaint is that the straps on the top are a little tight and leave marks on my feet. I’m hoping that will stop after breaking them in some more. I have the blue pair shown here, but they also come in black, green and thistle. They’re great paired with jeans when you need a comfortable, casual shoe.
Specs from Ahnu’s website:
- Highly breathable spacer-mesh for added comfort and flexibility.
- Multi-density drop-in midsole with anatomical design for increased arch support and comfort
- Synthetic suede wrapped OrthoLite® foot pods for added under foot all day comfort
- Anti-slip, non-marking carbon rubber outsole
Get them at:
July 14th, 2008
We just wanted to update you on the latest rock bottom, clearrance, everything-must-go, gear deals we’ve found. Get your wallets out, buy some cheap gear, and then turn this computer off and get outside!
La Sportiva Tora Climbing Shoe (Mens and Womens) - $37.56
Get High man… get higggh!!!
Eagle Creek Pack-It Toiletery Kit - $14.41
Because you really should brush your teeth, even on the trail
Teva Pretty Rugged Nylon Sandals (For Women) - $30.36
You’re feet don’t want to be completely naked, but they like to show some skin…
Sierra Designs 45 degree Mummy Sleeping Bag - $63.71 (originally $114)
Looking like a grub worm never felt so good.
High Gear Via Fitness FM Jogging Radio and Calorie Counter - $13.56
Running is boring, but not when you can watch the calories melt away and listen to Cyndi Lauper.
June 25th, 2008
As you may know, one of the biggest and baddest adventure races on the planet is underway. Primal Quest 2008 got underway yesterday and is running through this week and next week. Teams are racing through Montana and encountering a number of obstacles as they make their way through the different adventure sports involved.
This year you can track the teams here through SPOT technology. SPOT Satellite Messengers are small handheld devices you can take in the backcountry to signal out for help in case of an emergency. They use satellite technology so you can get a signal out even if your cell phone is out of range
“This year we are really elevating the Primal Quest experience by teaming up with SPOT and offering the best, custom leaderboard and mapping software we’ve seen to date,” states Don Mann, Primal Quest Director.
Race fans can register for a chance to win a SPOT Satellite Messenger signed by the winning team and learn more about Primal Quest Montana 2008 Presented by SPOT at www.findmespot.com/primalquest
June 24th, 2008
Growing up I seemed to differ from my other female teen friends in one important way; I did not like jewelry. Crazy, I know, but I preferred the free flowing less cluttered look. I still don’t have my ears pierced even.
What I didn’t realize until my adult years is that I simply preferred going natural and keeping my jewelry simple. Recently on a trip to Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountains, I decided I wanted a necklace that made me feel natural, beautiful, and sexy; hard goals to achieve while camping, but The Koru spiral shaped necklace by Wandererimports made it easy.
The Koru necklace came via mail from a small company based in North Carolina who make a variety of elegant and natural jewelry. Each piece came with a title and an information card explaining the meaning, origin and inspiration for the jewelry.
I felt a deep connection to each piece due to the detailed themes and meanings. I feel like I’m wearing a piece of nature and passing on positive vibes every time I wear them.
Price $19.50
Phone: 828.215.3532
E-mail: wandererimports@hotmail.com
Enjoy!
June 23rd, 2008
I had the opportunity to test out the Sea To Summit Large Waterproof Map Case. Most of my fishing involves a kayak, so the opportunity to test the gear would present itself. I floated the Watauga River a couple of months ago and this would be my chance. I was going to float two sections of the river: one section I had been on before, but I had always been with a guide, and the other section would be totally new.
The first day, a friend and I decided to float the section we knew about, but we would add a mile or so to the float. That made the float easy because we would not need a shuttle; we would float from the cabins to the take out point and we left a vehicle at the take out point early the day of the float. We started the float a little later than what I would normally, mainly because of some last minute decisions. Before we left put a copy of the map in the map case and tied the map case around my fly rod holder. That way I could grab a hold of the map at any time to see how far we had gone and how much further do we have to go. I also marked locations of major & minor rapids on the map too.
We started down the river. My friend, Laura, had just bought a kayak, but did not bring it on this trip, so we borrowed another kayak. In the slow water, I went over basic paddling strokes, casting from a sitting position, etc until we approached the first set of rapids. Not being familiar with this section of the river, I got out of the kayak, and used a rope to walk the kayak. This started out a good idea, but turned bad towards the end of the rapids. At the very end of the rapid another rapid joined the main rapid at a ninety degree angle. When my kayak hit the side rapid, the rapid rolled my sit-on-top kayak over, with all of my gear in it. And since I was grasping tight on the rope, it dragged me with it. I went under the water couple of times. I pulled myself to kayak and swam to the side of the river. I rolled the kayak back over and believe it or not, all of my gear was still there, even the fly rod.
Yes, the fly rod was there and intact; not a break or scratch. The only thing I lost was my hat, but that was quickly replaced when I got home. Of course, my gear bag had water in it, but not much and the cooler had some river water in it too. But of all things that were soaking wet, including me and the three gallons of cold river water in my waders, the map inside the map case was completely dry. I had planned on dunking it the river, but I had not planned on taking it on an undersea adventure. If kayaking or canoeing is your thing, get one of these cases. If adventure racing is your thing, get one of these cases, you will not be disappointed. The case is light weight and comes in a smaller size if the large is too big. It also has long strap on it to tie or clip to objects or you can wear it around your neck. The map case is easy to use, it open and closes easily by folding the map case and is locked in place by Velcro tabs.
I wish I had a photo of me soaked to the bone, but I was a little shocked by what happened. Just to let you know, after I went for my drink in the river. I began yelling to Laura, “Go Back! Go Around!” But it was too late; she went into the drink too. We are both alive and still kicking and we finished out the day catching nice trout on dry flies and nymphs.
June 19th, 2008
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SD 45 degree Womens’ Topaz - Long - $87
Gregory Wingate Backpack - $114
Simond Bumper Climbing Helmet - $39.95
Henri Lloyd Storm Barrel Duffel Bag - $29.95
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