Review: Mountain Hardwear Plasmic Jacket
It’s a scenario virtually every outdoor enthusiast has encountered. Your serene day on the trail is interrupted by a deep rolling thunder in the distance that sends a shiver down your spine. The sky grows dark and turbulent as the bright light of day vanishes into the the gloomy grey ahead.
As the wind howls, and the cold rain drives into the earth, a lightweight shell is your first line of defense against harsh weather. The Plasmic Jacket from Mountain Hardwear offers complete storm protection for fast-moving outdoor athletes. It’s a hi-tec weather shelter ready to keep you dry and free of clammy discomfort.
Fly Over the Trail: Salomon XT Wings 3
Ninety-nine percent of every outdoor trail running adventurer has a day job. We spend 40+ hours a week waiting for the weekend. Sitting behind the oppressive desk of daily monotony, we secretly dream of topographic maps that reveal a universe of pink dotted footpaths and orange contour lines that can deliver our running to fresh pastures and new heights.
A universe that could one day, have us climbing hernia-inducing hills, leaping across mountain streams and scrambling across heather strewn valleys – in which case you’re going to need a rugged, comfortable, and dependable trail running shoe. A shoe like the XT Wings 3 from Salomon Running.
Read MoreBear Grylls Bear Trek Long Sleeve Shirt by Craghoppers
First rule of the trail? Be prepared. Your time in the outdoors can and will bring you face to face with incredible contrasts of both temperature and environment. Just as choosing the wrong direction can lead you into trouble, picking the wrong gear can leave you ill-equipped and unprepared to face whatever surprises Mother Nature has in store.
Slightly stretchy, highly breathable and backed by the real world experience of Bear Grylls, the Bear Trek Long-Sleeved Shirt from Craghoppers is versatile enough to wear down to the crag in the morning, the office in the afternoon, and then local watering hole at night. Impressive right?
Editors’ Choice: The Osprey Manta & Mira Hydration Packs
Your backpack is your closest companion on the trail. From our perspective, that means a comfortable fit with ample room for all of your gear isn’t optional, it’s mandatory. Enter the Manta and Mira hydration packs from Osprey, winner of the Editors’ Choice Award for meeting our standards of quality, utility, value, and excellence. Redesigned for 2013 to provide greater comfort, stability and storage, this series isn’t just impressive, it’s our new adventure BFF.
The Wolverine Made in the USA Sentinel Hiker
From weekend treks around your local mountain, to extended expeditions along the John Muir Trail, the Sentinel hiking boot from Wolverine has been engineered for comfort, performance and durability. Built with a waterproof breathable Gore-Tex membrane and an ultra-rugged Vibram outsole, the Sentinel is a sure-footed and faithful workhorse that won’t let you down when the going gets brutal.
Read MoreReview: Easton Mountain Products Rimrock 2P™ Tent
Low weight, simple design, and bombproof weather protection define a quality tent, and the Rimrock 2 Person Tent from Easton Mountain Products is all that and more. The Rimrock 2P™ Tent provides you with an easy-to-use, effective shelter that can adapt to your various backpacking pursuits, all without breaking the bank.
Adventure Calls… KEEN Answers
Wan·der·lust [won-der-luhst] noun a strong, innate desire to rove or travel about.
The thunder of mountain streams recently revived with melting snow thunder in the distance. Trees with fresh blossoms transform your favorite trails, and slender blades of green begin breaking through the ground. It’s Spring, and the great outdoors is beckoning… so it’s time to gear up and head out to meet her head on. Before you head out and tackle the trail, make sure you’re prepared with quality equipment. Luckily for you, KEEN is making it easy to check off three of the essential pieces on your day hiking checklist.
Follow Us!