Gear Reviews

Displaying records 1 - 10 of 138

Gear Review: Icebreaker Ultralite T-Shirts for Trail Running

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August 31, 2010
by Sara Montgomery

Merino wool is usually thought of as a winter garment, but the Ultralite series of merino garments from Icebreaker are also perfect for trail running in the warmer seasons. The natural fiber of Superfine merino wool from New Zealand breathes and insulates incredibly well, and has a luxurious feel next to your skin. The natural fibers don’t become smelly either – a big plus for active users.

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Dim Bulb Tests Lithium Batteries at 2 a.m.

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August 23, 2010
by Phillip Gary Smith

You are burning those new LED flashlights for long night 100-mile quests. You need lithium batteries popularly made by a wild bunny named Energizer. They have two choices. I tested them for you in the middle of the night. But, what about that tree . . . .

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Gear Review: Osprey Mutant 38 Backpack

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August 11, 2010
by Ryan Alford

When I think of Cortez, Colo., I now think of Osprey Packs. Based in the small town, the company is near some of the state's purest backcountry destinations. Osprey is a well-known brand and manufacturer of backpacks. Stay alert and you'll notice fellow trailgoers sporting Osprey gear, uniquely stamped with the trademark red and gray logo. I'm new to the Osprey brand - despite it being around since the 70s. ("You'll have to excuse my friend. He's a little slow. The town is back that way.") After a day with the Osprey Mutant 38, I was no longer "Dumb and Dumber" ... no longer a virgin to the Osprey brand. The Mutant 38 "wined and dined" me proper.

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Gear Review: National Geographic’s Trails Illustrated Maps

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August 07, 2010
by Tim Sprinkle

It takes a lot to improve on the concept of a map. After all, excluding GPS, it’s not like too much has really changed in the area of navigation in the last century or so.

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Book Review: Snowshoe Routes - Colorado’s Front Range

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July 21, 2010
by Tim Sprinkle

If anything, Colorado is home to an embarrassment of riches for winter sports enthusiasts.

High altitude snowpack? Check. Backcountry terrain? Check. Well maintained trail systems? Check.

The problem for snowshoers in the Centennial State often isn’t “where to go” but where “else” to go.

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Gear Review: Powermonkey eXplorer Portable Solar Charger

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July 20, 2010
by Ryan Alford

Bringing consumer electronics on the trail is always a tough decision. There are so many to choose from: GPS devices, MP3 players, cell phones, avalanche beacons, VCRs, and others. Survival and entertainment are the two contributing reasons to lugging all that hardware around the backcountry. Powering that junk is an entirely different issue, especially when packing additional batteries. Batteries suck. They’re heavy and not exactly a “green” product – no matter how long they last. Disposing of “dry” batteries is a nightmare. Remember, leave no trace – what you pack in, pack it out. Replace the dependence on the Energizer Bunny with a solar-powered charger. In this case, use the Powermonkey eXplorer to rule your outdoor electronics. Go solar on the trail! Stellar!

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Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Micro Grid Fleece Jacket

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July 19, 2010
by Ryan Alford

I was able to fully appreciate the Mountain Hardwear Micro Grid Fleece Jacket during an outdoor Independence Day celebration in Denver: Thunder and hail storms moved into the area and the temperature dropped quickly. I threw on the Micro Grid like a Batman uniform – sleek, stylish and ready to fight crime. This was an urban test of its capabilities, but it fundamentally proved that the Micro Grid is indeed a 365-day, year-round jacket. An alpine trail running assessment would come next. For snowshoeing, it would have to wait.

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Gear Review: The Merrell Trail Running Trio – Cruise, Tenon and Brookvale

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July 18, 2010
by Ryan Alford

I’m new to Merrell. So far, I’ve been impressed. I was introduced to the brand during a trail running event called the Merrell Oyster Off Road Adventure Race in Glenwood Springs, Colo. Being the title sponsor, Merrell allowed me to test three different items: the CTR Cruise trail running shoes, Tenon baselayer and Brookvale shell. This trail running trio was an excellent combination of rugged support and off-road excellence. Merrell’s recipe of style and performance translate into optimal three-season gear. I’m not entirely sure they’ll be optimized for snowshoeing, but that won’t hold me back from trying (later, of course).

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Gear Review: Under Armour Impulse Polarized Blue Mirror Sunglasses

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July 18, 2010
by Ryan Alford

Polarized sunglasses make me think of the products marketed on popular infomercials throughout the years – Blue Blockers and HD Vision. Would I suggest using those for trail running and snowshoeing? Absolutely not! When out in the elements, protecting the eyes is highly important – essential is more like it. In my opinion, it’s best to spend some coin on a pair of shades that will offer true polarized protection. Don’t fall for some crappy product with the moniker, “as seen on TV.” I have adopted the Under Armour’s Impulse Polarized Blue Mirror sunglasses as part of my everyday gear on the go and what I take when I’m on the trails. They sit close to the face and comfortably contour the curves of my oversized skull.

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Gear Review: Tanda Professional Restore

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July 15, 2010
by Derrick Spafford

Light therapy and low intensity laser therapy is not new, having been tested and used for quite some time. In recent years however, the popularity of these forms of treatments have increased significantly with those wanting to find an effective, non-invasive and drug-free alternative to traditional forms of therapy. Some of the conditions that respond well to treatment include: arthritis, tendonitis, sprains and strains, and repetitive strain injuries.

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Displaying records 1 - 10 of 138