Gear Reviews | | Page 47

SolePack™ SP1: Designed With A Purpose

posted by gumptiongear October 13, 2011 0 comments

In a refreshing contrast to today’s do-all, be-all products, the crew at SolePack™ has designed its SP1 shoe transport bag to do one thing and one thing only: transport your extra pair of kicks. Unlike many products in today’s marketplace promising to be all things to all people, this pack does exactly what it is intended to do, no more and no less.

Although the SP1 can’t wash, dry or shine your shoes during transport, it does provide a highly-adjustable bag with shoe compartments large enough to accommodate a range of shoe type – from sneakers to dress shoes – all the way up to a size 13.

Gear Reviews Go Run

First Look: Altra Zero Drop Running Shoes

posted by gumptiongear October 10, 2011 0 comments

After 30 years of shoes primarily designed to control how the feet move while running, there’s been a major shift in thinking toward shoe designs intended to accommodate the natural movement of your feet and optimally efficient running form.

At the crux of this movement is the notion that the foot can do a better job at self-stabilizing and balancing the weight of the body when it can move freely and is allowed more, relatively unencumbered, natural contact with the ground than when it’s in a shoe that is thickly cushioned or overly correcting by design.

Gear Reviews Go Outdoors

Wicking Towels from Discovery Trekking Outfitters – Your New Favorite Outdoor Accessory

posted by gumptiongear October 3, 2011 0 comments

Gary Ryan Blair once said, “Advancement only comes with habitually doing more than you are asked.” If those words are true, then the Ultra Fast-Dry and Extreme Ultralight Backpacking towels from Discovery Trekking Outfitters just might be the true embodiment of advancement.

Most of us have spent a lifetime wrapped in the traditional terry-cloth feel of the standard towel. Whether it’s for the beach, pool or shower, the feel of a terry cloth towel against our skin has become almost second nature to all of us.

Gear Reviews Go Hike Go Pack

The Deuter Junior Backpack: Ready for all your little hikers adventures

posted by gumptiongear September 30, 2011 0 comments

Kids belong outdoors—a fun, healthy, beyond-the-ordinary place that can expand their view of the world. Whether it’s a short day hike out on the trail, or a longer backpacking trek, both are great ways to help your little squirrel appreciate all the beauty and adventurous possibilities that the natural world offers.

The earlier in life kids become acquainted with walking longer distances (as early as age 3), the more likely they will be receptive to a backpacking trip at a later age. Of course you’re going to want to ensure that your little guy or gal has a quality pack that is as comfortable as it is durable.

Introduce your young hikers to the joys of carrying their own gear in comfort and style with the Deuter Junior pack. This sharp looking durable pack will help your little squirrel tackle their own daylong outdoor adventures. This top-loading pack is ideal for carrying day-hiking essentials, clothes or that all important stuffed bear – because we all need a hiking buddy.

Continue Reading

Gear Reviews Go Outdoors

The Ocean Minded Storm Surf Flips

posted by gumptiongear September 27, 2011 0 comments

Whether your adventure plans include air, land or sea, the eco-friendly design of the Ocean Minded™ Storm Surf is a must.

Aiming to become the global leader in sustainable lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories, the crew at Ocean Minded™ are designing gear with a higher purpose in mind: providing comfort while protecting the earth.Ocean Minded believes in utilizing recycled and sustainable materials in all their products whenever possible. Towards these ends, the Storm Surf Flip is a prime example of how the Ocean Minded design team has integrated functionality with eco-friendly design.

Gear Reviews Go Run

First Look: Hoka One One Bondi B Running Shoe

posted by gumptiongear September 21, 2011 0 comments

“I think being different, going against the grain of society, is the greatest thing in the world.” – Elijah Woods

As individuals, we were never designed to fit neatly into a one-size-fits-all box. In an attempt to conform to that which is deemed “popular” we relinquish our individuality in an attempt to accommodate the wishes of others.

Gear Reviews Go Outdoors Go Pack

High Sierra Sport’s Airhead: One Cool Pack

posted by gumptiongear September 19, 2011 0 comments

In today’s outdoor market, there are a slew of brands utilizing breathable stitched foam back panels to increase your comfort. But when it comes to breathability, there’s one bag that outdoes them all. The Airhead from High Sierra Sport is, quite literally, one cool bag.With eye-catching, sheer mesh construction, the Airhead is perfect for your kid’s day at school, the pool or for a weekend adventure on the trail. Multiple storage options and a front-hung monster hook to hold extra gear, this versatile, go-anywhere Airhead pack is a real breath of fresh air. Continue Reading

Gear Reviews Go Hike Go Pack

High Sierra Sport’s Curve Pack: Style for School, Durability for the Trail

posted by gumptiongear September 8, 2011 0 comments

As the leaves start to turn and the thermostat begins to descend, Fall is a perfect time to start introducing kids to the thrill of the outdoor world. Yet even the basic outings require a pack that is not only comfortable, but large enough to stash away all the goodies your little Sherpa needs.

For over 30 years, High Sierra Sport Company has been committed to producing thoughtfully innovative bags that appeal to the intelligence and esteem of the active lifestyle and outdoor consumer. So when preparing to introduce your children to the glorious outdoors, there are few better places to turn than High Sierra Sport for the equipment that will make your outdoor adventures memorable.

As we began our search for backs/daypacks for your little tikes as they are introduced to the world of hiking High Sierra Sport was kind enough to send us a few packs to get out on the trail. First up the Curve.

With a capacity of 1710 cubic inches the Curve affords your kid plenty of room for books, binders, and pencils during the week. When Saturday finally comes, dump out the school supplies and load it up for an escape from town. The large main compartment has plenty of room for a poncho and burrito, while the organization front pocket stores that little pack of gummy bears, GU and other goodies.

After a liberating drive into the hills, the S-shaped padded shoulder straps comfortably hug your budding mountain goat as they follow the trail into the sweet stillness of the mountain air. And if the wilderness is a bit too quiet then the Curve has a handy cell phone/media pocket for them to stash their beloved iPhone so they can take snapshots of their journey.

While there’s not an incorporated hydration reservoir, a large gusseted side mesh pocket provides plenty of room for holding a water bottle or stashing that swim suit that took a dip at the base of the falls. The other feature our little gumption field tester appreciated the plastic pull loops making for easy strap adjustment on the go.

Smooth, contemporary styling, and sleek curves not only make the Curve a classy pack for school days, but sweeping lines give the pack a more narrow profile helping your little trail mate avoid the jutting twigs and branches that snag on broader packs. And for those moments when your hiking buddy can’t avoid the reach of mother nature’s long arms, the Curve’s mini-hexagon ripstop duralite materials keep the bag protected durable enough to last for years of hiking to come.

The Bottom Line…
The Curve helps carry everything your little tike needs for a recon mountain mission while providing that “cool factor” they want for school. Although the pack does lack High Sierra’s VAPEL™ mesh AIRFLOW™ padded shoulder straps and back panel, the Curve was comfortable and durable enough to earn high praise from our junior Gumption Crew member and will leave parents comfortable knowing they’ve purchased a multi-functional bag that will last many moons.

Gear Reviews Go Run

Long Term Durability Review: Scott® MK3 Running Shoe

posted by gumptiongear September 6, 2011 0 comments

Just a few years ago, if someone would have said that Scott®, best known for making high performance bikes and appeal, would make an award winning performance running shoe, few if any would have likely believed it. Yet the

Scott® MK3 is just that shoe.While shopping for shoes at the local running store in January 2011, the salesperson – knowing my feet and running preferences – suggested I test the MK3s.

While the trend has been towards minimalist or barefoot running shoes, they may not be right for everybody. Whether because of physical limitations or personal preference, some runners may need more support and cushion than those shoes can provide.A minimalist shoe, the Scott® MK3 is not. The MK3 2011 is a stability performance running shoe made for those who prefer and require more structure and cushion in a running shoe.

Weighing in at 11.0 ounces, the shoe is packed with performance-enhancing goodness. Scott® engineered the MK3 shoe with a low profile, and a carbon midfoot structure providing an optimal arch which helps guide the foot efficiently, transferring energy from front to rear.

Excellent shock absorption is created by the heel gel and forefoot rubberized EVA insert. The stable and flexible midsole is ideal for a broad range of running styles and foot types.

Their Ergologic Fit technology provides support and control where needed and provides flexibility and adjustability in the anatomically correct places. Scott incorporated a full carbon rubber outsole that intended to accelerate the shoe through increased energy return and increased durability.

The MK3s have been exceeding my own personal expectations since I pulled them off the storeroom shelf. Now, having blazed over 400 miles of both on and off-road running in the MK3, these shoes have proven to be as durable as they are comfortable. These shoes have marshaled me through trails, 5ks, 10ks, half marathons and a few triathlons, and truth be told, they show no sign of letting up anytime soon.

Bottom Line:

When you spend big money on a running shoe you expect it to perform, but you also hope that it will last longer than that whole parachute pants fad. The Scott MK3 delivers exceptionally well on both fronts.

Light as a racing shoe, but as stable, cushioned and comfortable as a training shoe. If you’re a runner who, whether through preference or necessity, needs a fast and steady stability shoe, then the Scott® MK3 will provide you with the energy and performance you desire.

Gear Reviews Go Hike Go Outdoors

In Search of the Perfect Sandal: Freewaters™ MAGIC CARPET

posted by gumptiongear August 31, 2011 0 comments

Daniel Burnham once said, “Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood.” Towards those ends, Freewaters™ has combined patent pending technologies and innovative design features to forge the Magic Carpet– a sandal that has plenty of magic to get your blood flowing.

Like the pride of a racing stable, the Magic Carpet leads the pack in performance, comfort, and style. This hi-tec innovative sandal goes places you never thought a sandal could, so get used to the idea of never taking it off.

Patent pending neoprene flex panel straps are so comfortable you’ll forget they’re even there. These innovative straps demonstrate that pressure and pinching derived from the foot flexing forward need not be a part of your flip-flop experience. Moreover, during those rare moments you remove the Magic Carpet sandals, the straps retain form. While this may seem like a tedious detail, few things can prove to be more insufferable than toe wrestling a flattened strap when you just want to get up and get out. Did we mention they are also water and vegan friendly?

Freewaters has raised the stakes in the world of flip-flop design by incorporating running shoe technology into this sandal. The Freewaters team accomplishes this through an Exclusive Response Arch Shank which creates torsional flex resulting in a spring type action reminiscent of your favorite athletic kicks.

Coupled with the midsole’s ‘toe spring’ which helps eliminate toe drag, the response arch shank generates an efficient transfer of energy within every stride resulting in greater ease whether you’re strolling the beach or making that long walk to the BBQ to flip the burgers.

Amidst a forest of innovative design features, there was one part of the Magic Carpet that truly resonated with our crew: A recycled eco-rubber outsole with aggressive tread and siping providing traction that would impress the Michelin Man. This sticky, water-channeling sole moves water away from the bottom of your sandal ensuring secure footing on slick and sketchy surfaces so you don’t have to hold back when your pistons are firing.

When constructing an outsole that excels on the land and longs for the water, the Freewaters design team put equal effort into fashioning a eva foam footbed that serves as the ultimate welcome mat for your feet. A brushed non-slip footbed keeps you locked in and comfy cruising through life’s waterparks. The 3D molded footbed matches your foot’s shape and cushions your steps while keeping your feet cool on even the hottest summer days.

While this sandal seems to lack the impressive arch support of the Freewaters Cruz Control, the Magic Carpet still delivers rock steady support and massive comfort for which your body will be grateful. At a time when more than one company lays claim to an “out-of-the-box-no-break-in” fit, once again, Freewaters is king of the hill in that category. Good news for you, because when the sun is out, you don’t want to waste any time breaking in new sandals.

Bottom Line…
They say that the elegance of art is that it enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time. If that is indeed the case then the Magic Carpet from Freewaters is the essence of art for the feet.

Exit Note…
If there’s one thing we like more than a quality sandal, it’s a quality sandal with a humanitarian heart. The purchase of one pair of Freewaters allows ProjectFreewaters.org to provide clean drinking water for one individual for one entire year. So go purchase your Freewaters sandals, you’ll be doing your feet and the world a lot of good.

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