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Easton Artica Hike™ Snowshoes

posted by gumptiongear February 7, 2012 0 comments

Historians trace the origin of snowshoes to Asia sometime between 4,000 and 6,000 B.C. As recently as the 1950s, snowshoes were still constructed from wood and rawhide. I share this historical note because as I stood surrounded by the white washed world of the snowy Sierra Nevada Mountains and strapped on the Artica Hike from Easton Mountain Products one thought stood solemn in my mind….

Those poor souls of yesterday would have killed for a pair of these shoes! Featuring ergonomic efficiency and a wide variety of technical innovations to keep your strides competent and comfortable, Easton’s Artica Hike™ is built to handle a wide variety of terrain.

Gear Reviews Go Run

Saucony ProGrid Peregrine

posted by gumptiongear February 2, 2012 0 comments

Trails come in different shapes and sizes; that is the great beauty of trail running – every trail presents its own unique sets of obstacles and challenges.

Conquering these trails requires the right kind of shoe. As diverging philosophies – traditional cushioned versus minimalist – drive shoe design, selecting the shoe that fits your particular needs can be challenging. How much cushioning do I need? What type of tread will provide the best traction under most conditions? Which platform – traditional or minimal – fits best?

Fret no more. The ProGrid™ Peregine trail runner from Saucony® may have made your search for the optimal trail shoe a little easier. By successfully integrating the cushioning and protection of traditional shoes with the benefits of a lower profile, more minimalist design the ProGrid Peregrine will have you taking the long loop on your next trail run.

Gear Reviews Go Run

Goodhew Sedona & Taos Micro Performance Socks

posted by gumptiongear February 2, 2012 0 comments

Running socks are nearly as integral to a runner’s performance as a decent pair of running shoes. Choosing the wrong pair of socks could lead to an uncomfortable run, with hot feet leading to a difficult experience and detracting from the enjoyment of your run.

Although some runners prefer thin minimalist socks for a “lighter” feel, others prefer a slightly thicker sock for additional cushioning. If you fall into that second camp, then the Sedona micro (men’s version is the Taos Micro) from Goodhew has a touch more cushioning for longer runs while offering the breathability and comfort to to urge you on that extra mile.

Gear Reviews Go Run

First Look: INOV-8® X-Talon 190

posted by gumptiongear January 31, 2012 0 comments

As trail running continues to gain traction new and experienced runners alike are asking some of the following question: What makes an ideal trail shoe? Is it a lighter shoe that travels faster over rough terrain? Is it a more minimalist approach that doesn’t interfere with the relationship between runner and trail? Or, is it a more aggressive tread that propels you forward while keeping you upright? All worthy questions that deserve careful consideration by the consumer.

If these are the questions you ask, then the X TALON 190 by INOV-8® footwear may be the answer you seek. As the lightest shoe in the INOV-8 “Off Trail” line, the X TALON 190 is a minimalist trail shoe offering elite-performance in a comfortable package.
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Gear Reviews

Freewaters: The Self Employed House Shoes

posted by gumptiongear January 25, 2012 0 comments

Jeb Dickerson once said, “Morning is when the wick is lit. A flame ignited, the day delighted with heat and light, we start the fight for something more than before.”

We know that the rhythm of our day is often determined by the morning hours… a fact even more important for those outdoor enthusiasts who don’t simply want to live the day, but rather attack it head on.

Your closet is chock-full of high performance technical gear for the outdoors, why shouldn’t your indoor morning (and evening) casual gear be any different? Enter the Self Employed House Shoes from Freewaters.
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Gear Reviews Go Run

Teko Running Socks

posted by gumptiongear January 24, 2012 0 comments

“Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony.” Thomas Merton

As athletes we are constantly seeking the perfect balance… that moment of harmony in which passion, energy, training and effort all meld seamlessly into performance. When your feet are uncomfortable, it’s difficult to perform at the top of your game. After all, your feet propel you forward, stabilize you, and put power behind your movements. Wouldn’t it be nice to find a sock that not only unites performance and comfort, but does so by utilizing environmentally-friendly materials, sources and methods of production and packaging? That my friends makes for happy feet.
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Gear Reviews Go Run Go Tri

First Look: New Balance Minimus Road (aka the MR10)

posted by gumptiongear January 20, 2012 0 comments

The last few years have seen a huge growth in the number of people moving away from more traditional running shoes and transitioning to more minimalist designs. Minimalists shoes offer flatter profiles, far less cushioning on the whole, and a design that encourage a mid-foot strike and enhanced ground feel, minimalist shoes arguable foster a more efficient running form. It’s a movement that has gained widespread acceptance in the past year prompting multitudes of runners to consider making the transition.

With a heritage of design and innovation spanning over 100 years, New Balance has established itself as a player in the minimalist market crafting an extensive lineup of minimalist shoes for both the road and trail. This award-winning, closer-to-barefoot line of footwear features the New Balance MR10. A minimal road running shoe that combines barefoot running benefits with traditional trainer protection. Continue Reading

Gear Reviews Go Hike

The Vasque Juxt: Conquer More of Your World

posted by gumptiongear January 17, 2012 0 comments

As shoes become more advanced and jam packed with technological innovations, more companies claim their products can conquer all things – from city sidewalks to mountain highs. Yet the reality is that not all “multi-sport” shoes are designed for the expanse of life that carries us from urban realities to more remote retreats. As such, there are certain expectations I have for my multi-sport shoes:

1. They cannot suffocate my feet on the drive to the trailhead;
2. They must be nimble enough to carry me swiftly and securely from from stumps to boulders;
3. And yes, I would like for them to look as good at the mountain tavern as they do on the trail.

Enter the Vasque Juxt – the multisport shoe where versatility is the name of the game. Continue Reading

Gear Reviews Go Outdoors

Hi-Tec Alpine Start Parka

posted by gumptiongear January 17, 2012 0 comments

Whether your sitting fireside watching flakes of snow melt mid-air into the campfire, or simply heading out into the cold winter morning, you want to be warm and comfortable. Luckily for you, Hi-Tec has crafted the Alpine Start Parka, a good quality down that maximizes the weight to loft ratio without the expense of higher fill power downs.

Gear Reviews Go Run Go Tri

The ashmei Ultimate Softshell Running Jacket

posted by Gumption Scott January 12, 2012 0 comments

Your alarm clock goes off at o’dark early and with a few weeks left until your “A” race you can’t afford to hit the snooze button. So you roll out of bed, rub the sleep from your eyes and tumble into your run gear to face the cold morning chill. Sure, the only thing you have to do is run, but why not just stay in your warm comfortable bed?

Nothing puts a damper on your motivation to run like those cold, dark and windy mornings (or even nights for that matter). Not to worry, just slip on the ashmei ultimate softshell jacket and feel the excuses melt away.

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