Posts filed under 'Review'
We recently had the opportunity to review the Magellan Triton 2000. This tough little GPS device proved durable enough for mountain terrain, always found satelites, and had an impressive look and feel.
The Magellan Triton 2000 is a hand held GPS with a built in 2 mega pixel camera. The camera has 3x zoom and you can associate pics with points on your trip. This would be a fun little feature for geocachers and hikers alike.
The navigation wasn’t quite as intuitive as I would have liked. You start out with the screen you see to the right. Six options that can be a bit confusing on where to go if you just want to look at the map. One cool feature about the navigation of the device though is that you can use the small pointer to tap the screen and choose options. The screen is also touch sensitive, so you can use your finger to drag the map or select buttons. If the touch screen ever goes out you can still use the buttons at the bottom.
We used this device in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming. The area is pretty remote so it was nice to see that the device always picked up several satelites and was very accurate.
A built in flashlight also comes with the device which can make it pull triple duty on the trail for the lightweights out there. You have your GPS, camera, and flashlight in one package. The casing is tough as well with a rubbery material coating it. There is a small handle at the top of the device so you can use a biner to clip it to your pack.
One thing that I found odd with this device was Magellans decision to use 2AA bateries. Many devices today are using rechargable lithium batteries. I understand the reasoning here however. If your lithium battery goes out, you won’t likely have easy access to a replacement. But a combination would be nice for this particular GPS. It would be great to have a 2AA option as well as a built in lithium. Then you have the option and a back up if needed. Disposable batteries just seem so old school these days.
I had an issue a few times on the trip with the battery showing low. Then if I rebooted the device it would show full again.
The built in maps are not much to get excited about. If you like to see where the state borders are and where the interstates are you’ll be happy. Otherwise be ready to immediately go out and buy map software or download maps. The good thing here is the Magellan is very compatible. We used the National Geographic TOPO! map for this trip to the Bighorns which worked well with the Magellan. The two companies have gotten together to make it easy to grab full color maps and use them on your Magellan. TOPO! is also releasing a powerful online tool to download quads for $1 soon. We’ll be reporting full details on that soon as well.
The Triton 2000 retails for $499.99 and can be found at Magellangps.com or at most outdoor retailers.
Other cool features…
- SD card expandable
- Audio Jack (add your digital music to the Triton)
- Barometer (watch for approaching weather)
- External Antenna capability
August 25th, 2008
To be honest, the first thing I noticed was the stylish teal and gray coloring on Merrell’s newest running shoe the CP Paragon. The shoe was striking and extremely lightweight; little did I know they were environmentally friendly as well.
Merrell is working with a Starensier/Cosmo, a company that produces NatureTex 70 for shoe insoles. They use 70% recycled produces to create Merrell’s CP Paragon shoe insoles/strobel!! Pretty cool, huh. So of that 70% recycled material, 80% is from plastic bottles and 20% is from post-industrial material. Even the tag that come on the shoe is made with recycled paper; how can you get better than that? (well, I’m sure someone could think of how so reply and spread the word:)
So how does it feel to walk on recycled plastic bottles???? Pretty good over all:) I could feel the ground, unlike the Merrell’s Overdrive II shoes, but the wide toe box was very comfortable and I love the way these look!
Here are the Specs:
- M-fit™ Gender Specific Anatomical Curve Last
- Full Breathable Mesh Upper
- Reflective Materials for High Visibility
- T-cup™ Slip Resistant Heel Lining Construction
- Waterproof Vamp and Tongue
- Nature-Tex Recycled Strobel Board
- Eco-etc Antifriction Sock Liner
- iR3™ Rubber for Durability and Traction
- Gait-Phase (g-Phase) Midsole Cushioning
- g2-PHASE for pronation Control and Stabilization
- Q-Form® Provides Extra Control for Women’s Unique PRonation Degree and Location Needs
- Forefoot Protection Provides Metatarsal Support on Unstable and Aggressive Surfaces
- Multiple Forefoot Flex Grooves
- iR1 Carbon Rubber provides Superior Lateral Traction
Women’s Weight: 9.2 ozs. / 262g
Another feature I was impressed with on the CP Paragon was the ETC. lining. They lined the CP with friction reducing material that helps lower internal heat and moisture levels. Every runner can benefit from this technology.
I might be crazy, but I really thought that these shoes would make great adventure racing shoes or even water event shoes. They are crazy lightweight, the mesh on the sides and top of the shoe is very breathable, so they would dry quickly and they have the Q form soles for support.
August 1st, 2008
When I first saw these shoes, I knew I would love them. The shape of the Merrell Women’s Sundial Cross sandals is perfect. The combination of the heel and the slight curve in the front makes them extremely comfortable to wear all day.
The style of these sandals goes with anything from shorts to jeans. I’ve also paired them khakis to wear to work. They come in Dark Roast (shown), Antique Brass, Tan, and Midnight. They seem to be a great quality so far. Usually, my favorite pair of sandals start showing wear and tear by this time, but these still look almost new.
Specs from Merrell’s site:
- Full Grain Leather Upper
- 4.5mm Anatomical Antimicrobial Cita-XY™ Aegis™ Foam Padded Footbed
- Nylon 6.6 Injection Molded Arch Shank
- Q-Form® Triple Density Compression Molded EVA Footframe
- Air Cushion EVA/Cork Midsole
Get them at:
July 30th, 2008
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’m a shoe girl. I loves shoes, especially sandals. But I can’t bring myself to love these. They’re just too weird looking.
I’m not sure what the reasoning was for the leather straps that line the heel. They don’t add to the looks at all, and they feel strange when you first put them on. I’ve worn them a couple of times to work (with pants to hide the back), and they were comfortable once I got used to the “heel cage.” If I could somehow remove all the straps, they might make a decent shoe.
Some specs:
- Vegetable tanned footbed
- Footbed wrap with rope
- Aegis™ Antimicrobial Footbed
- Q-Form™ Alignment System
Get them at:
July 16th, 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
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
“Tiguan” is a made up name. It combines Tiger and Iguana, kind of like a Liger. Tiguan seems like an odd name for a vehicle at first, but it really does fit. The Volkswagen Tiguan is a car/SUV hybrid that has amazing power and is soft to the touch, like a Tiger, but has the low profile of an Iguana.
2009 Volkswagen Tiguan Review
It’s no secret that I’m a V-dub fan. I’ve loved VWs since I can remember. My fascination started when my parent’s friends rolled up in our driveway in a VW Thing back in the late 70s. The Thing was another hybrid type car. It combined a car with a jeep. VW has a way with pushing the envelope and trying new things. They have never been afraid to create a car they believed in, even if it didn’t fit the mold.
The Tiguan’s motto is ” The people want to play, but they want to play nice.” And that motto fits the car just as well as the name does. The Tiguan has all the power you could ever want in an SUV, and ties it up in a luxurious package.
If you visit the Tiguan homepage you’ll notice right out of the gate that this car is being marketed to the outdoorsy set. The images of the car have kayaks and mountain bikes on board and they are in rugged outdoor settings. But does it live up to the hype? I say yes. And here’s why…
- All Wheel Drive option - in case you get into some mud or snow.
- Bring the paddles along - pleeeenty of cargo space in the rear for paddles, pfds, boots, snowboards.
- Best Sunroof Ever - 13 square feet of sunroof to be exact, for those moonlit nights.
- Sliding adjustable rear seats - this means more room for gear when you need it, and more leg room when you need that.
- Power - they dropped the GTI engine in this thing, so you’re good to go. (top speed, 129 mph)
- Towing - It can pull 2,200 lbs, so a large pop-up camper, a bass boat, or a ski boat are easily doable.
- Roof Rack - gutters allow you to attach an aftermarket rack or use one of VWs
- Seating - seats 5, most crossovers say they seat 5… but the Tiguan does it comfortably.
My only dissapointment with the Tiguan was it’s gas mileage. Now, don’t get me wrong, 19 city/25 hwy mpg
is great for an SUV. But VW has to compete with a few other crossover/hybrid vehicles that are getting mileage in the low 30s. Most of those other vehicles don’t come equipped with the barrage of extras or the fine German engineering you get in the Tiguan, but that will be a factor with the buying public in this oil crunch. Relief is in sight though. VW has plans to release the Clean Diesel version in the US very soon. It will have a lower emissions and better fuel economy.
The Tiguan starts just over $23,000, which isn’t bad for V-dub quality. And the bottom line is that the Tiguan provides an SUVish alternative if you’ve just gotta have an SUVish vehicle.
July 9th, 2008
The Merrell Overdrive II Women’s Performance Trail Running shoe not only feels great to my wide foot with a very roomy toe box but supports the heel with a thick air cushion which creates a perfect rolling motion toward the toes with each step. The Merrell Overdrive IIs were obviously designed to aid and improve performance while trail running with features like Trailspring on the heels and Q Form sole padding.
The shoe laces tighten using a quick and easy zip pull and the thin mesh material at the top of the foot allows for quick drying and release of heat. Another plus I found while testing the Merrells is that the Vibram sole grips the muddy up hills easily.
Shoe Specs: $90.00
• Merrell Women Specific Trail Balanced Last
• Slip Lasted Construction with EVA Insole
• Airmesh Upper with Synthetic Leather Trim
• Mesh Lining Treated with Aegis™ Antimicrobial Technology
• Injection TPU Heel Counter Support Arms
• 360° Reflective Trim
• Kevlar Lace and TPU Molded Lace Lock System
• Heel Securing Top Eyelet System
Not only was I pleased with the comfort and great performance, but they are very stylish as well. I grabbed the pink and grays and they look great with jeans and kaki shorts.
Bottom line, with my wide feet I have a terrible time finding comfortable shoes and these get an A++.
July 7th, 2008
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