Category: Gear Reviews

Gear From the OR Winter (part 2)

January 29, 2010 /

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I can’t believe how much gear there really is out there. Trying to decide what I include is a difficult decision, but everything can’t fit. I want to start off with a company that we all are familiar with, McNett. Now saying that name a lot of you are saying, ” I don’t know who that is.” Well they are the one who make Seamgrip and ReviveX. Well they are still making all these great product but they are also adding line called Gear Aid. We all understand the importance of first aid for ourselves, now we can get first aid for our gear. McNett has made it easy for one to fix many common problems while outdoors. Another great resource that they have is their Gear Repair and Care Guide.  Gear Aid comes in many different types from, Guide to soloist. Check them out at their website.yowieThe concept behind a Yowie is not new. But they are a company that is growing fast. The price behind the Yowie is nice though. Running  about $8 for a regular Yowie and $10 for an Arctic Yowie. I was able to get an Arctic Yowie and they are very soft to the touch.  They company is also coming out with Stainless Steel Bottles, wallets and Bluetooth headphones.  Check them out and see some demo videos at http://www.outdoortechnology.com

fitsall-package_lgSteriPEN is making it easier to get out and drink safe water. For 2010 they are coming out with a new filter funnel system as well as a new bundled package of the Journey. They are also introducing a new adventurer model.

x2_375b2090d4af9f0267a95817383aa3e6Talking with the people at Optimus stoves was one of the highlights of the show for me. They have a few different styles of stoves that they make.  Pictured above is the Crux. It is a small stove that has a pivot point to fold up, so it can be stored easier.  You can see this a little better in the next two pictures.

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But one of the coolest stoves they have is their Nova. It can be cleaned while it is still running. It is a multi-fuel stove packed with features. These stoves are not new to the market, but I do believe they are worth mentioning. Check them  out here.  As a side note they are the makers of  some pretty sweet water filters. You might have heard of them, Katadyn.c1502941540c79e5db5ddc75d743cf38

Gear From OR Winter (part 1)

January 25, 2010 /

The Outdoor Retailer Show has always been a place to see what new and exciting gear is coming out. This year was no exception. As I said in the previous post, I was able to see and get a lot of information about some of the new gear coming out. So in the next few post I am going to talk about new gear as well as about some of the gear that caught my eye this show that might already be out.

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A vest by Klymit is the first piece of gear that I would like to talk about and was one of the coolest new things that I saw at this show. Klymit Kinetic Vest is the first product to use its breakthrough Klymit NobleTek insulation. Klymit NobleTek is the only technology on the market that gives outdoor enthusiasts the power to “Kontrol” and adjust their level of warmth via flexible, gastight yet breathable chambers filled with gas instead of down or fiber. This cutting-edge technology provides insulation that is not only adjustable, but warmer, thinner and lighter-weight than other insulators. NobleTek insulation uses Argon gas, which is better at trapping warmth, is weightless, and retains its loft when inflated. It also stays warm when wet, is windproof and eco-friendly. The gases used by Klymit are non-toxic, non-flammable and completely safe for both the user and the environment. The vest comes in four different styles designed with features specific to most outdoor activities.

“After two and a half years of research and hard work, it’s so rewarding to see the finished product,” says Nate Alder, CEO of Klymit. “With the Kinetic vests, people can finally see for themselves how well NobleTek insulation works. NobleTek is going to change the outdoor industry.”

They are also coming out with a few different shells. You can learn more about all their products at www.klymit.com.

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I came across this next product after roaming around the show for a few days. OrthoSole customizable insoles. As you can see in the picture, the insoles have interchangeable insert that can be customized six different ways to give you different support options. Knowing that not all feet are alike, this give you the opportunity to adjust your insole to how you feet are. OrthoSole come with a 90 Day Perfect Fit Guarantee. I was able to score a pair of these insoles and will be giving them a product review in the coming weeks after trying them out at work and play. Stay tuned for the review. If you would like more information on these insoles, head to their website at www.orthosole.com.

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The next product isn’t new for this show but it did caught my eye. The Ipood by Sea To Summit is a light weight camp trowel that is collapsible, with a carry-anywhere design and heaps of extra features. The perfect tool for backcountry or outback travel weighing only 3.5 ounces.  A handy hollow handle allows for storing useful items like toilet tissue, hand sanitizer or lighter. Check it out at www.seatosummit.com.

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The last product I will talk about in this post is the Geomate.jr.  This little GPS unit is preloaded with 250,000 geocache locations all over the 50 U.S. states. It makes geocaching as easy as turning on the unit and following the display to the nearest geocache.  If you are looking into getting into geocaching this would be a great first step. Read more about it and the optional upgrade kit at mygeomate.com.

Children Need the Outdoors!

June 20, 2009 /

This morning I woke up thinking, “what should I do today.” The first thing that I thought of was to go up climbing, so we gathered the gear and headed out. As we headed across town I saw the dark clouds forming directly over the mountains we were heading towards, but we continued towards the blackening sky. As we came to the bottom of the canyon it was drizzling rain. As we continued up the canyon it just got worse. We decided to try a new route that we had never been to and, knowing that we might not get to climb, we thought at least we could go and check out the route. We threw on our rain jackets and headed up the trail. This is where my son comes into the picture.

He is just over two years old and loves (love being an understatement) the outdoors. The rain and water did not slow him down a bit. The only thing that was bothering him on the trail was the hood on his jacket. Once I removed that he was just fine, his hat was soaked, but at least he was happy.

After looking for the route we came back to the car with feet and pants soaked. I have always understood the importance of performance gear for myself but it can be hard to find good gear for children. The market is growing and I am happy to see this growth as I have two kids and plan on taking them outside as often as I can. This morning though as I was dressing my boy for today’s adventure I put on some socks we got a couple of years ago from a starter company. The companies name is Roonwear. They make clothing for active children and their tag line is “…because kids sweat too.” He has worn these socks before and I really didn’t think much about the socks when I put them on him this morning, they just matched. But I was very impressed when we got home and his feet were dry. Pants sopping wet but socks and feet dry. I know now each time we go out hiking the first pair of socks that I will put on him, are the socks from Roonwear.

I know there are other companies that make clothing and gear for kids who love the outdoors and I encourage anyone who has children to find and support some of these companies. As I said in the title “children need the outdoors” and to make them happier and in turn us parents happier, we need people making performance gear for children. Please comment if you know of any other companies who make great gear and clothing for children.

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