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The Business of Gear: Q&A with Skora Running Founder and CEO David Sypniewski

posted by gumptiongear February 23, 2012 0 comments

At Gumption Gear we strive to provide our readers with in-depth, informative, and balanced reviews of the latest outdoor gear. Through our new feature “The Business of Gear” we aim to introduce our readers to the personalities and companies behind your favorite gear.

We start our series with a question and answer session with Skora, a Portland, Oregon-based company founded in 2008 by self-proclaimed “ordinary” runners tired of the injuries caused by traditional running shoes. Recently we posted a first look review of Skora’s flagship minimalist running shoe the Form. David Sypniewski, Founder and CEO of SKORA Running, was gracious enough to discuss the company, his vision and the shoes that make the brand.

Go Run Uncategorized

The Advantage of Going Natural: Hyland’s Homeopathic

posted by gumptiongear February 15, 2012 0 comments

The three components of your exercise routine – pre-workout, active session, and post-workout – have a dramatic impact on your overall fitness gains and sports performance. Treat your body properly and you will train more effectively, with less pain and in the end, hopefully see greater results.

As prescription drugs become more prevalent and complex, and the costs of health care continue to skyrocket, athletes are giving greater consideration to treatments such as herbal and homeopathic remedies that provide a gentle alternative to treat the body, aid the recovery process and perform at a higher level. Hyland’s is one company working hard to provide natural, homeopathic products to help you train more naturally and with less pain. Continue Reading

Gear Reviews Go Outdoors Uncategorized

Native Eyewear’s Endura: Clarity of Purpose… Clarity of Vision

posted by gumptiongear November 1, 2011 0 comments

Whether mashing the gears on your bike, going the distance on the trail or sneaking away to Maui for a weekend of Mai-Tai’s, the Endura sunglasses from Native Eyewear are ready to fill the role of your lifestyle shades.

New for 2011 these sunglasses are fit for small to medium-sized faces and have a lightweight low profile that keeps the shades close to your eyes for superior coverage. Meanwhile, the venting system incorporated into the frames enhances airflow so you can work up a sweat without fogging your view during more active pursuits.

Gear Reviews Go Outdoors Uncategorized

SeasonFive Apparel… Thrive In All Seasons

posted by gumptiongear October 24, 2011 0 comments

“Once we rid ourselves of traditional thinking we can get on with creating the future” – James Bertrand

As an outdoor enthusiast you already know that proper layering is one of the most fundamental concepts in outdoor recreation. This method of dressing allows you to regulate your temperature by peeling-off or putting-on clothing layers — clothes that together wick moisture, insulate and protect from wind and rain. But what if there was a product that truly protected you from all that Mother Nature throws your way, without compromising your freedom of movement or agility?

Enter SeasonFive, a watersports and outdoors apparel start-up is working to introduce a new way of looking at apparel for the water sports and outdoor enthusiast communities.

Gear Reviews Uncategorized

Review: Tommie Copper Compression Shirts & Gloves

posted by gumptiongear October 19, 2011 0 comments

Coaching legend John Wooden once said “It’s not so important who starts the game but who finishes it.”

We all want to finish strong, unfortunately the aches and pains of life and training can serve has hurdles on the way to the finish line. At times we all need a little assistance to help ensure that we not only finish, but finish with gumption. Enter Tommie Copper.

Continue Reading

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Innate Caravan Travel Cubes: Bringing Harmony to your Travel Discord

posted by gumptiongear September 16, 2011 0 comments

Let’s face it, at one point or another we’ve all resolved to live our lives in a more organized fashion. While you may or may not have lived up to that resolution, the Caravan Travel Cubes from Innate Gear ensure that you’ll be able to maintain a far more organized travel pack.

With the Innate Caravan Travel Cubes you can easily separate your work clothes, fun clothes, superhero costume, or dirty clothes from other things in your bag or pack. Whether you’re a committed traveler, a gym rat or an outdoor enthusiast looking for a better way to keep your clothes dry or organized, these travel compartments ease the rigors of your adventuring.

The varying sizes of Caravan Travel Cubes allow you to keep your travel necessities from exploding all over the hotel room when you open your suitcase. Stitch-less weatherproof construction and repurposed fabrics keep clothes protected and daisy fresh, or gives you a plash to stash that wet suit and towel after your morning workout.

Translucent recycled PU top panel provides solid visibility when digging through a loaded backpack or suitcase. Exterior RF welded grab handle lets you easily pull the tubes from your pack and carry it to the changing room.

The feature most appreciated by our Gumption Crew was the ease with which the weather proof PU coated zips closed and opened. We are all familiar with the welded/weather proof zippers on various jackets and packs that feel as though they are stuck from start to finish. The engineering geniuses at Innate have given the user a zipper that is smooth, stick free and water tight.

Ideal for travel in tropical environments or places where inclement weather is a fact of life; the stitch-less construction is vastly superior to conventional sewn “adventure travel” cubes which are not weatherproof.

Are these travel cubes versatile? Yes. Are they durable? Yes. Yet there’s another reason to revel in the goodness of the Innate Caravan Travel Cubes. Innate firmly believes that we can have a positive impact on the planet through the gear we use and how we use it. As such, the Innate design team has gone above and beyond in using earth friendly materials to create this product.

All woven fabrics used are re-purposed scrap that were previously going to an industrial incinerator. The carbon footprint reduction is significant: 1 kg of re-purposed fabric results in a carbon footprint savings of roughly 1.8 kg that was used to manufacture the original material. Recycled pu film is used for the window panels; data provided from Innate’s supplier indicates a significant footprint reduction of approximately 30% after transportation.

Sizes:

LARGE: Fits up to 4 folded dress shirts.

36cm x 24cm x 10cm (14.2” x 9.5” x 4”), 80g (2.82oz)

MEDIUM: Suitable for sport shirts, shorts etc.

25cm x 18cm x 10cm (9.8” x 7” x 4”), 60g (2.12oz)

SMALL: Works well for socks, underwear or a simple cosmetics/wash kit bag.

22cm x 12cm wide x 8cm (8.7” x 4.75” x 3.1”, 40g (1.41oz)

Bottom Line…

Albert Einstein once said, “Out of clutter, find simplicity… From discord find harmony…” The Innate Tavel Cubes provide a helpful and environmentally savvy way for you to turn your travel pack from chaos into a symphony of synchronization.

Stay organized as you travel to the far corners of the map and save the planet at the same time with the Innate Caravan Travel Cubes.

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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.

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.

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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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In Search of the Perfect Summer Sandal: Freewaters™ CRUZ CONTROL

posted by gumptiongear August 15, 2011 0 comments

After designing wetsuits and snowboard boots for over ten years, two longtime friends have set up shop in a small studio outside of Marin California. There, nestled deep amongst the redwood trees, the Freewaters™ team has set before themselves a two-fold mission: First, improve the quality of life through superior product experience by creating quality and innovative footwear, and second through creative humanitarian initiatives.

As fans of companies with big bold visions, we were thrilled to have our first introduction to the Freewaters brand via the Cruz Control Flip, part of the Freewaters™ Bizness class line up:

Every brand of sandals, every pair of flips, has a different fit and personality. More often than not, that personality begins with the fit and feel of the straps. If the straps aren’t comfortable then little else matters. So when we first slipped our feet under the Cruz Control’s “fitperfect” synthetic leather straps, it was a foreshadowing of great things to come.

Water friendly performance leather straps with eco-smart lining crafted from recycled PET bottles are not only ready to rumble poolside, but provide tremendous next-to-skin comfort. Moreover, they legitimately provided that break-in feel straight out of the box. The Cruz Controls’ straps are the perfect marriage between the snug fit of a performance flip and the more relaxed fit of a casual flip. No bickering in this marriage, just zen-like bliss for the top of your foot.

The Cruz Control features an injection molded midsole that makes up the cornerstone of what Freewaters refers to as their Heelium Series. This feather light midsole provides a sophisticated contoured footbed at half the price and weight of what’s available elsewhere. Better yet, this exclusive midsole technology doesn’t skimp out on the comfort and anatomical arch support you need to support your feet, knees and back when you’re wearing these flips all day — and trust us — you’ll be rockin’ these bad boys for days and weeks on end.

The drop in non-slip quick dry EVA foam footbed is perfect for water dwelling mammals while insulating the foot from the daily bumps and grinds encountered by our more urban centric friends.

A 4-way flex outsole with a grooved tread keeps your feet stable, agile and slip free. And when you need to shift gears, the Cruz Control’s flexible outsole provides running-shoe-like spring and a rebound that you can actually feel with every stride.

Together with the contoured footbed these features virtually eliminate toe drag as well as the strain and stress placed on feet, knees and back one would normally expect from wearing flips all day.

As an added bonus the Freewaters design team has thrown in a feature that we believe should be mandatory for all flips: a recycled eco-rubber patch stashed right where you need it most – the high wear heel area.

While they may look like your traditional flip, a combination of patent pending design features, thoughtful craftsmanship and quality construction ensure that the Cruz Control flips are not only Gumption approved, but an absolute steal at $38.

At a time when more than one company lays claim to an “out-of-the-box-no-break-in” fit, Freewaters seems to have actually accomplished that feat. A noteworthy accomplishment that alone merits a special place in your closet for these flips.

And considering that the purchase of one pair of Freewaters™ allows Project Freewaters to provide clean drinking water for an individual for one entire year, the Freewaters team may be well on their way to conquering the global clean water pandemic as well. Check out this video that talks more about the Project Freewaters initiative.

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