With airline baggage fees on the majority of the airlines here to stay, more travelers are opting to seek out options that allow them to maximize their capacity with a carry-on. Well, here it is…the bag you have all been waiting for!

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I saw another piece of adventure travel piece of luggage had arrived at our headquarters. All doubt went out the window when I pulled the Gregory Alpaca 22″ Roller out of the box. I received the ‘sunset red’ (it also comes in black) version and anyone that has ever traveled with me knows that I am a big proponent of luggage that stands out for ease of locating on the belt and for describing to airline personnel in the event luggage is misplaced or delayed.

I recently traversed the concrete jungle of Manhattan with this bag in tow. The 4″ oversized wheels and the wide retractable handle made it a fluid travel experience a I made my way from Grand Central Station to Rockefeller Center and beyond.

When flying on smaller commuter jets, it is not unusual to have to check your bag plane side. Many times, I have had to walk out on the tarmac leaving my bag to the elements until loaded. With the bag’s abrasion and water resistant TPU fabric, you won’t have to worry about your contents getting wet or damaged in transit.

The bag’s interior lid contains a large mesh, zippered pocket to help with the inferior organization. The same pocket contains a strap for attaching your keys while you are traveling. The top of the bag also contains a small zippered pocket for travel documents, medications, or liquids needed for quick retrieval when passing through airline security.

The interior is spacious enough for 3-5 days worth of clothing. The temps in New York for my visit were in the low teens and there was more than enough room for my apparel, toiletries, large winter coat, boots and my MacBook Pro and iPad.

I have tested more than 15 bags in the last several years and this bag has quickly become a favorite after only one use.

The bag also comes in a 28″ version (MSRP: $399) to complete the set.

MSRP: 22″ – $349

By Jill Peloquin

This is a review of Ahnu Women’s Montara, mine are ruby wine in color. First, these boots are extremely attractive – I love their look on the trail and off. Dare I say, they are crazy cute. I’ve done maybe 15 miles on muddy trails and double that around town walking the dog and pushing the stroller. These boots are extremely comfortable, warm and I’ve never left a walk or hike with wet socks or blisters. I live in New England, so I know how easy it is to get both of those. I really like the level of rigidity of the sole of this boot and their relative light weight. Together, these characteristics make it easy to hike nimbly on rocky trails and then run errands around town without having to change shoes. They have honestly become my go to boot/shoe for the winter season.

I’m not sure how these would fare for me on a trail gaining or losing a lot of elevation, where the strain would be placed more squarely on my ankle. The boots end just underneath my ankles, which makes them extremely easy to navigate terrain easily, but I’m not feeling the strong ankle support that I might need for a more aggressive expedition. I think for such hiking, I’d aim for a more traditional over the ankle boot. Also, these boots tend to narrow a bit toward the toe, it’s still comfortable for me, but I do notice the difference compared to some of my other shoes. However, the Montaras just made the cut to be part of my skimpy weight allowance to travel with me to an Antarctic oceanographic research cruise…so that should tell you how much I love these kicks.

I also found these boots to fit true to size.

MSRP: $150

As a light packer, I can stuff the bare essentials in a backpack, sling it over my shoulder, and get by for most any trip under two weeks. When it comes to long distance cycling, this light packing skill is essential, as I learned on my week-long journey up the Natchez Trace a little over a year ago. After the trip I detailed out what I took with me in my Cycle Touring Gear List. On that trip I took a one-wheeled trailer. Lately though I’ve been testing the DTR Large Panniers by Detours, and I’ve been very impressed.

Detours’ headquarters is located in the heart of Seattle, a fantastic cycling town. But, besides their Seattle roots, Detours has a lot more going for them – namely, respect. Getting high praise across the bike blogosphere and within the hard-to-penetrate cycling culture is street cred enough to get them on anyone’s shopping list, but I wanted to try a set of Detours bags myself and see what the hype is about. Here is the lowdown on what I’ve found so far…

• The D2R Large Panniers have ample room for this light packer. The set has 2,125 cubic inches of space  – enough for bike tools, spares, hand pump, rain gear, a change of clothes, and a small toiletry set. If you’re crafty enough you could even fit your small camping gear items and snacks in with no trouble.
• The Large Panniers are probably overkill for a commuter – but for those who want a little more “trunk space” these may be just the ticket.
• The weather resistance of these panniers has sold me. I like the facts that the lid has an inner coating on the nylon and that the bottoms of the bags are rubberized for durability and splash resistance. The rain covers included with mine are a nice bright yellow with a reflective strip and handle moderate rain with no problem.
• Side pockets provide extra room for quick access items and are adequate. I would love to see a side zipper pockets, but know those would add weight.
• A front zipper pocket provides a bit more security and is hidden with a flap. This pocket is also great for those who like to compartmentalize when they pack.
• Reflective strips are a nice safety touch.
• The stitching is nicely done. I’ve abused the bags a little and haven’t noticed any wear or tear. The clip and hanging mechanisms seem durable.

Bottom Line: Durable and sturdy panniers at an affordable price ($95 at Detours.us). Detours also makes a variety of other bag sizes for a plethora of riding styles.  If you buy from Detour, remember you’re supporting a US-based cycling company. Check them out to find out more.

By Grant Killian

This shoe beat my expectations of a Lowa trail runner. Lowa is a name I associate more with alpine treks and hiking, but I think this is a solid trail running shoe for when the weather is bad. Shallow puddles were no match for the shoe; I barely noticed a temperature difference when going through a couple icy puddles one morning.

This is a comfy shoe. I mean, it feels like warm plush slippers when I slide my feet into them. This can be both good and bad. For long hikes on cold days or those quick early morning runs when the temps are below freezing, this shoe rises to the occasion and is a pleasure to have on my feet . . . but I found my feet overheating in them on runs of 1 hour or more and for warmer days, these shoes would be best left at home. For a Goretex shoe, however, I think this conservation and build-up of heat is to be expected; the idea is they should keep your feet warm and dry, and this shoe delivers.

The shoe is well-constructed and sturdy enough for rock hopping and scrambling. The traction is reliable on a variety of surfaces. The only real gripe I have with the shoe is the shoe laces are prone to coming untied. For every 90 minute run I went on, the shoe laces would become untied at least once per shoe. Seriously! I know it’s easily fixed by putting different laces on or double tying them. I wish that all shoes I review had just a lacing downside as the main con.

The shoe’s fit was spot on. I typically wear an 11 in trail running shoes and this shoe was no different.

MSRP: $145

This week, Sierra Designs will be debuting their new DriDown technology at the Outdoor Retailer Conference in Salt Lake City. The technology is being touted as “groundbreaking” and promises it will revolutionize down sleeping bag performance. Just what is this new technology and how will it affect our gear going forward? According to the gear gurus at Sierra Designs:

Zissou 15 – featuring DriDown

“DriDown features a molecular level polymer applied to individual down plumes during the down finishing process.  A proprietary application method developed by Sierra Designs ensures a hydrophobic finish.  As a result, DriDown stays dry 7 times longer in the presence of rain, melting snow, or spills, maintains 98% loft after a night in a high humidity environment, and dries 33% faster when it does get wet for a dryer, warmer, more comfortable night’s sleep.”

The first gear to have this tech…

Sierra Designs’ DriDown sleeping bags include the Zissou 0 HI (3 lb, 1 oz; $299), Zissou 15 (2 lb, 11 oz; $259), Zissou 30 LITE (2 lb, 1 oz; $199), Eleanor 20 HI women’s (3 lb, 0 oz; $299) and Eleanor 30 LITE women’s (2 lb, 9 oz; $259).  All five bags feature 600 fill DriDown™, polyester ripstop shells, and polyester liners for an outstanding blend of performance, warmth, compressibility, and light weight.

When and where can we get our hands on it?

DriDown sleeping bag retail availability is scheduled for June 1 exclusively through REI stores and on REI.com, Sierra Designs’ first-to-market partner.  Look for Sierra Designs DriDown sleeping bags at other specialty outdoor retailers mid-July with DriDown apparel debuting in August 2012.

What do we think?

New gear innovations are always exciting. They bring us technology that pushes the industry forward and makes our lives outdoors just a little more comfortable – allowing us to go farther and see more. We haven’t seen the technology first-hand yet, and we can’t wait to test it out. But if the claims are true about DriDown, Sierra Designs may have just taken a giant step forward. The competition will no doubt be scrambling to develop technology to go head-to-head with DriDown but those things take time. For now, you’ll have to wait until June to get your hands on this tech – the wait may be well worth it.

Teva‘s roots run deep within the water shoe market. Heck, in 1984 they created the first real sports sandal. Since those early days for Teva quite a bit has changed. The technology invented for their sandals has made its way into their new shoe types which include flops, casual shoes, and boots. I recently slipped on a pair of their Forge Pro Winter Mid WP boots to see what this evolution has brought us.

The Forge Pro Winter Mid WP isn’t just another sandal sole with a boot resting on top. The Forge Pro has all the makings of  a real hiking boot with useful winter-specific features. The sole is the real soul of this boot. Strategically placed pods, infused with fiberglass, give the boot a firm grip on slick and icy surfaces. In testing the boot stood up to the challenge – and not just on the trail. While the boot performed well on wet and frosty dirt and grass surfaces it really shined on rock and pavement. The grip was noticeably better on hard surfaces which are notorious for causing falls.

The exterior is a nice black on black and has Teva’s T.I.D.E. waterproof membrane, thus the WP in the boot’s name. I submerged the boot in water and donned it in the rain and my feet remained bone dry. The tongue area even stayed dry during submersion which is not always the case with “waterproof” kicks. The “gaiter-like” heel collar suctions above the ankle to keep trail debris from finding its way in.

As for comfort, the Thinsulate insulation was warm enough for the 38 degree test these boots got from me. The footbed was comfortable but those with arch problems may want to look into footbed replacements. Be careful when synching up the top loop, however, the boots can rub the ankle bone of some feet if tied too tight. Try different levels of tension on the laces to get a personalized fit.

The bottom line on the Forge Pro Winter Mid WP is this – a great winter hiking boot or even everyday boot to wear when the mercury falls and slick surfaces are in the forecast.

$160 at Teva.com

The Evolution of the Mountain Hardwear Transition Vest

First, the good news:
For a mere 6 oz (7oz for the guys), this vest is worth its weight in gold. Made with Gore-tex Windstopper fabric, it successfully blocks winter’s harsh nip, while it’s DWR coating shakes off light rain, snow, & sleet to let you run further or bike longer. With a stretchy back and sidepanels, this vest moves as you do and allows excess heat and moisture to escape as you heat up. Even with a long sleeve baselayer underneath, the Transition Vest never feels bulky, thanks in part to flat-lock construction throughout. A single side pocket is handy to stash some bars (or even a pair of lightweight gloves). A big bonus is the reflective patches on the front shoulders & lower back, to help you stay visible as the sun quickly fades.

And now the not-so-good news (which actually turns out to be pretty awesome):
While you may be able to find this vest on sale at various online outfitters, it is officially not part of the Mountain Hardwear lineup this season. (I received this to test just as spring turned into a steamy summer here in the SE, so I’ve been saving this one). Instead of using traditional Gore materials, Mountain Hardwear has recently launched an innovative new waterproof/breathable technology called Dry.Q. — which means exciting new outerwear is now gracing the product shelves.

As expected, Dry.Q is highly windproof, waterproof, and breathable. But unlike previous similar materials, Dry.Q Elite’s “instant on technology” starts working the moment you put it on. It is air-permeable, meaning it allows air and moisture to escape outward. Translation: you’ll stay dry and warm from the get-go.

With 3 levels of sports-specific functionality — Elite, Active, and Core — the Dry.Q collection is certain to find success in many wardrobes this winter. I stopped by my local outfitter, Rock/Creek, to check out Dry.Q in person. All I can say is WOW, this stuff feels amazing: super-ultralight and moves with your body like a second skin. Perhaps we’ll be able to report back on this soon!

Read more about Dry.Q here.

See the Dry.Q Elite collection here.

Not everybody has the luxury of an endless summer, but thanks to Chaco’s ever expanding line of outdoor footwear we can step into other seasons in comfort. For many years, winter would roll around and I would be in some kind of footwear purgatory, unable to give up my trusty pair of Chacos I’d see it through to the bitter end, disregarding the sometimes fashion faux paus of wearing socks with sandals and tell myself that with a thicker pair of wool socks I can get by a bit longer. No longer do I have to feel bad about losing my Chaco tan line, because there is a new generations of Chacos.

The Chaco ToeCoops are similar to clogs with some performance enhancements – a rear strap combined with an adjustable instep strap keep your foot in proper placement no matter what activity you are engaged in. Featuring a PU LUVSEAT™ platform for precise biomechanic sustainability and a waterproof unlined leather upper gives a rugged yet respectable appearance all coming together to make ToeCoops ideal year round footwear whether you’re running your dog along the trails behind your house or working at the office. Not to mention the Vibram® Gunnison outsole for the reliable traction and performance you’ve grown to love and trust about Chaco footwear.

The cult of Chaco wearers is growing – they call themselves Chaconians and they are everywhere. They could be your neighbor or teachers at your nearby school. They could be a river guide or the woman throwing a frisbee to her dog in the park. There is a certain inevitable kinship that exists between Chaco wearers, an understanding that they have at last found the secret to being comfortable on your feet. Check out the Chacosphere to find out more and see a video of a fellow Chaconian about the ToeCoop.

This is pretty much the mattress you want.

A sleeping system with a three inch thick air mattress, a half inch Isotonic Memory Foam insert and plush microfiber cover / durable nylon bottom – you might just find yourself sneaking outdoors to get a good night’s rest (or even rolling out the DreamTime next to your actual bed). A few years back I spent a few nights on the older model DreamTime and was convinced that I needed this in my life – and that was before they added the memory foam technology. Developed by NASA in the mid 60′s, memory foam was initially designed to increase the safety of aircraft seating and was released to public domain in the 80′s when the technology was absorbed by mattress companies and found application in the medical fields. For patients forced lie immobile for extended periods of time, the memory foam drastically reduced pressure sores. The DreamTime’s combination of contour hugging memory foam and air mattress offer a perfect balance comfort, warmth, and durability. This means less time counting sheeps and more time dreaming.

In many ways, your sleeping pad probably sees the most use out of all your outdoor gear – and plays a key role in your outdoor endeavors. Without a good night’s rest, even liquid sleep (coffee) can’t always encourage a cheerful outlook – even in the great outdoors. Obviously with a rolled up dimension 25″ x 11″ and a weight of just under 7 pounds, this is not your go to mattress for backpacking trips, but that doesn’t rule out loads of other situations perfect for a bit of luxury.

Most recently, I rigged up my little Toyota Tacoma with a camper shell for a tour of California’s best mountain biking spots – and was able to afford enough space in the truckbed to fit my bike and gear as well as my DreamTime mattress. When visiting friends, I escaped the need to surf their lumpy couch; when in random out of the way spots, I knew at the end of a long day of riding, I had a comfy bed waiting for me. At 24 hours of Halloween bike race, I pedaled with a four person singlespeed team with laps lasting about an hour I had to make the most of my rest time – particularly throughout the night hours when my whole body ached. Pretty much every time I hopped in the back of the camper I experienced a moment of bliss, experiencing the decadence of the DreamTime – though the cold night and comfort of the mattress didn’t exactly encourage me to get out and gear up for another lap.

Definitely ideal mattress for supported adventure races, bike races, music festivals, etc. but even nice to have around when your friends or in-laws crash at your house. And far easier to setup and stash away than your typical air mattress, not to mention far more comfortable. Two DreamTime’s can be attached together with included straps for couples. The outer microfiber sleeve can be removed and is machine washable.

The Insulation rating of R 9.0 basically means you can sleep directly on snow if you were so inclined. I have the 25″ width large version, but would probably opt for the 30″ extra large model as I spend the majority of my nights on the mattress. The price is quite steep for such decadence, but a worthwhile investment when you consider the importance of a good night’s sleep.

If the Shoe Fits, Wear It.

As an endurance trail runner (translate: a lot of miles on the trail!), I get asked many questions about the best shoes out there. My answer?

There are LOTS of great ones! The key is to try them on and see what works best for your foot.

One of the brands I’ve had the opportunity to test this year is Montrail. While they discontinued my trusty favorite, the HardRock, Montrail has introduced several new shoes to their lineup since, including the ever-versatile Fairhaven.

First Impressions:
The Fairhaven has a generous toebox, yet the fit was secure enough for me to confidently traverse rocky terrain. They have more cush than my previous trail running shoes; while comfortable, I’m curious to see how the support holds up after long miles on the trail.

70+ Mile Update:
In order to properly test this shoe, I indulged in runs on all kinds of terrain, from gravel roads to rocky trails to wood chip pedestrian paths… and even some paved surfaces. The Fairhaven features FluidPost, Montrail’s new pronation control technology that “provides customized support for any runner’s footstrike on any terrain” (read more here.) It’s really quite genius: extra support is there when you need it (like on those gnarly trails full of ankle-twisting rocks), but not when you don’t (good for when it takes a bit of road in order to get to the trails). Speaking of rocks, the Fairhaven sports Montrail’s trusty Gryptonite outsole for excellent traction on sketchy terrain (both wet & dry). The result is a do-it-all shoe perfect for trails with diverse footing or on new ones when you don’t quite know what lies ahead.

Conclusion:
The Fairhaven is definitely worth checking out next time you’re at your local shoe retailer. My biggest complaint is that my foot seems to be right inbetween a 9 & 9.5; however, with a thicker sock, the Fairhaven has performed well, guiding me to new sites on new trails, as well as several top 10 finishes in trail races. Winning in my book!

Want more info? See the Fairhaven in action here.

For the weight weenies: Men 11oz/310g / Women 9.4oz/265g

For those of us experiencing the fringes of fall weather right now,  conditions are ideal for road biking. Slipping through the curvy backroads enjoying smooth surfaces and cool temps is something I long for all summer. But the reality of the daily grind can hamper those jaunts into the country when daylight is running short. For city dwellers, the thought of packing the bike up into the car, adding air to the tires, changing clothes, and then fighting traffic to get to the “good” pavement is often too much. It’s easier to take a quick cruise around the neighborhood or through the urban jungle. For the urban road rider, who doesn’t own a cyclocross bike, the best option is to get a slightly beefier tire to avoid the pitfalls of punctures.

I recently wore out my second set of tires in the past year (I’ve been putting the miles down). I was on the market for something a bit grippier and fairly puncture resistant, all while maintaining the stylistic theme of my bike – I’m “one of  those guys” with the bike that has the matching tires and handlebar grip tape. I found what I was looking for in the Michelin Orium.  Continue Reading

The notion of a four-season tent most probably crosses the average adventurers mind on rare occasion. The need for a tent that can remain standing in gale-force winds or keep its form under inches upon inches of snow isn’t a piece of gear the weekend warrior needs often. Then there is the price tag on four-season tents… the name “four-digit tent” might be more appropriate. But there are those trips that push beyond the limits of a three-season tent and warrant more resilient gear. When borrowing isn’t an option, it may be time to invest. But the new Sierra Designs Convert Tents prove that one doesn’t have to take a second mortgage out for an upper-tier bombproof shelter.

On a recent three-day attempt at the Southwest Couloir Route on Granite Peak in Montana I had the opportunity to test both the Convert 2 and Convert 3 from Sierra Designs. We slept for two nights above 10,000 feet. Temperatures dropped below freezing and winds whipped hard the first night. A volley of sleet pelted our camp on night two. Both nights the tents held form, as if nothing were going on outside. Both tents repelled 100% of the water, despite the fact my body was pressed against the tent wall all night due to a screwy sleeping position. Continue Reading

Once again, CLIF is adding more flavors to their line-up. More samples are on the way to us and we will share our results with you shortly.

CLIF CRUNCH® and CLIF MOJO® are expanding their snack bar lineups with new flavors that are now available at grocery, natural food and mass merchandise stores nationwide.

CLIF CRUNCH
CLIF CRUNCH, the crunchy granola bar made with organic ingredients, has introduced two new flavors, Blueberry Crisp and Chocolate Peanut Butter.

Blueberry Crisp delights your taste buds with bursts of blueberry in every bite. Chocolate Peanut Butter, combines two popular classic flavors, featuring a generous helping of peanut butter and chocolate chips along with a topping of peanut butter drizzle. The new CLIF CRUNCH flavors (SRP: $3.99 per 10-bar box) are available now.

CLIF MOJO
CLIF MOJO, a delicious trail mix bar made with 70 percent organic ingredients, has introduced three new flavors that deliver a mouthwatering array of chocolate, nuts and coconut for a crispy, crunchy texture in bars that taste both sweet and salty.

CLIF MOJO Chocolate Almond Coconut blends toasted coconut, chunks of indulgent chocolate and deliciously salty whole roasted almonds. CLIF MOJO White Chocolate Macadamia combines freshly roasted macadamia nuts with richly flavored soy white chocolate chips. Not to be outdone, CLIF MOJO Dipped S’Mores is a healthy take on a classic campfire favorite, featuring crunchy graham cookies, creamy soy white chocolate and organic chocolate chunks. The new CLIF MOJO flavors (SRP: $1.39) are also on shelves now.

CLIF BAR Announces Nationwide Availability of New Coconut Chocolate Chip Flavor And Tweaks Two Classic Flavors – Apricot and Peanut Toffee Buzz

CLIF BAR, the best-selling energy bar, announces nationwide availability of a new flavor, Coconut Chocolate Chip, as well as new recipes for two popular flavors – Apricot and Peanut Toffee Buzz.

Coconut Chocolate Chip is loaded with toasted coconut and chocolate chips, crafting a delicious, decadent taste for the palate. The new Coconut Chocolate Chip flavor combination is unique to the energy bar category.

In addition, as part of Clif Bar & Company’s ongoing kitchen tradition, our foodies and athletes continuously search for the best ingredients to enhance taste and texture of our bars. Apricot now features 50 percent more apricots to give every bite a zesty apricot flavor. Peanut Toffee Buzz has even more peanut butter and more real toffee pieces to enrich the taste of every bar.

Coconut Chocolate Chip, Apricot and Peanut Toffee Buzz are available now at grocery, natural food and specialty retail stores nationwide. Every CLIF BAR (SRP: $1.39) is made with 70 percent organic ingredients and has an optimal blend of carbohydrates, protein and fiber for sustained energy.

We have some on their way to us and will let you know our take as soon as they arrive.

The North Face has long been associated with great clothing and gear for hiking, running, camping, and casual life… but mountain biking? It’s not often you see an established brand break into a new market like this, so I was very curious to see what they had in store!

Their Trail and XC line debuted on shelves this past spring, including everything from standard shorts & jerseys to all-weather jackets and essential accessories. I was excited to test out the women’s Creeper Jersey, Dusties Shorts, and Brakeman Glove.

While listed on their website as a men’s accessory, the Brakeman could easily be considered unisex, as they fit my relatively petite hands, well, like a glove. I demoed the medium, surprised that it felt almost too snug to begin. After a few trips to the trail, they loosened up and were quite comfortable to ride in. The Brakeman is a hybrid design: your typical fingerless glove paired with a longer pointer and middle finger for added protection. (The extra length does wonders in the hot sweaty south, making sure your digits are dry for maneuvering the shifting & brake levers.) There is extra padding and breathable mesh in all the right places, with an uber-soft nose wipe on the thumb (perfect for wiping sweat from your eyes). Another great feature is extra grip on your braking finger, so you can take on gnarly descents with confidence. However, their ruggedness does not take away from dexterity. While only time will test their durability, the Brakeman’s solid construction has me feeling they are well worth their $28 price.

The Dusties Shorts were my first foray into baggies. I guess I’m a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to cycling (be it mountain or road), my normal kit consisting of a Lyrca short and zippered jersey. I always thought the baggies were for “extreme riders” aka downhiller/freeriders (or those that just wanted to hide their bodies more). I put aside all my preconceived notions for my maiden ride. Getting into the shorts was a bit of a challenge. There is an inner chamois loosely connected to the waistband by elastic strings — ones that look permanent, not like they should be cut. (So I’ve left as-is for now…) Continue Reading

By Cathi Cannon

Yes, I am here to dispel all the myths you have heard about wool — gone are the thick, itchy sweaters from holiday photos. Enter the new and improved wool of today: soft, breathable, and all kinds of comfort.

One of the leading innovators in merino wool performance clothing, Icebreaker, recently provided two items from their summer GT Run lineup for us to test: The Rush Tank and Swift Skort. While I was familiar with their winter collection, this would be my first foray into “summertime woollies”.

A rigorous 3-point test began.

Day 1: Trail Running. Temps were in the mid-90s and we started to sweat just tying our shoes. Perfect testing weather. The first thing I notice about both pieces was how comfortable they were, both in fit and material. I’m not shy about sweating and the Rush Tank did its job in moving it away from my skin quickly, keeping me as dry and cool as possible. (Note: it’s always best to wear a top slightly fitted so that it can transport sweat more easily; a larger shirt flapping in the wind is just not going to work as efficiently.) The Swift Skort was a surprising winner. Made out of slightly heavier 200gsm wool (the tank is 150gsm), it still keeps you cool while maintaining a high level of durability for any unplanned meetings with the ground (or in my case, a crazy bushwack around a hornet’s nest). A slit on the left may be a bit sexy for the uber-modest, but just think of it as built-in air conditioning. On the side is a smartly placed zipped pocket, adequately sized for keys and a few gels or bars. The one thing perhaps missing are gel grippers on the inner short; while they rode up slightly, it did not detract from the overall comfort or “wearability” of the skort.

Day 2: Aprés Bike. Skiers have their aprés gear, so why can’t we?! After a day in the chamois, I can honestly say nothing could be more comfortable than the Swift Skort. Soft and airy, the skort also scores points with a stylish asymmetrical waistband and complimenting panel construction.

Day 3: Hike. I actually started with an hour run, then met up with friends for a two hour hike. I was thoroughly soaked with sweat at the start of the hike, but about an hour in, both items were nearly dry. Using a light pack was comfortable with no chafing or other problem spots. Win!

I can now reveal the secret test I was also performing. Unbeknownst to my hike-mates, I had not yet washed the tank. One of the benefits of wool I had read about was its resilience to the “funk” so common with synthetic performance gear. So, in the spirit of thorough gear testing, I had to indulge. I am happy to report that after multiple uses in the horridly hot conditions of the deep south, the Rush passed the sniff test with a smile.

While I do some laundry, go explore Icebreaker’s website. In addition to purchasing all of their products online, you can learn more about the company and their dedication to sustainability. And while you’re there, say hello to the sheep & farmers that produced my Rush Tank (baacode # 07D1AD41A) and Swift Skort (# 5BAB8B80B).

Check out the full Icebreaker GT Run lineup here: Men’s | Women’s

Cathi Cannon discovered mountains after growing up in Florida thinking the world was flat. She now works in Chattanooga, TN, as a graphic designer to fund her trail running and cycling habits. Cathi is a volunteer race director whose adventures appear at bebackonmonday.com.

3 words to best describe these all natural, bubbly beverages. Blended simply with fruit juices and sparkling water (that means no caffeine, no refined sugars, and no artificial flavors), they are pure in ingredients, and taste.

Izze, founded in 2002 by two friends, was developed on the idea of creating a drink anyone could feel good about drinking. Thinking back to certain European sodas they had enjoyed, it made sense to craft a sophisticated beverage that served a higher purpose, that of providing a healthy and satisfying alternative soda choice.

Izze considers themselves an up-in-coming brand in a rapidly expanding market of better-for-you beverages. We think they’ve made quite a mark, as they are now available in many green grocers, Whole Foods, Starbucks, World Market, and even Target!

They’re passionate about what they do, and about giving back through a variety of philanthropic outreach programs that support education and cultural discovery, and in partnership with the Global Education Fund.

Since they’re sold by the bottle, or slender cans, you can easily pack them into your camping coolers, backpacks, or just have a 4 pack waiting in the fridge to refresh you after a long adventure, be it solo or with the family.

For anyone conscientious about calories, the IZZE-esque flavors offer an even lighter, low calorie option. These are available in Mandarin, Limon, Black Raspberry, and the NEW Watermelon.

Regular IZZE flavors include Apple, Blackberry, Blueberry, Clementine, Grapefruit, Lime, Peach, and Pomegranate.

To learn more visit, www.izze.com

MSRP; 12oz bottle – $1.39 to $1.69/4 pack – $4.99-$5.49, 16oz bottle – $1.69 to $1.99, 8.4oz can – $.99 to $1.25

As if being able to blend all that nutrient rich, and flavorful smoothie goodness were not convenient enough, having it available to take on the run, in a bottle, or anytime away from home, makes it inexcusable not to have one . “Naked” provides ‘on the go’ athletes a variety of smoothie in the bottle options. Genius.

Naked, founded in 1983, and first marketed on the beaches of Santa Monica, CA, has evolved to provide all natural (no added sugars or preservatives) fruit, protein, and veggie smoothie blends, developed from 100% bare naked fruit and vegetable juices, natural proteins, and supplemental boosts.

For adventure athletes always seeking to push the boundaries, we also know and respect the importance of caring for our bodies (most of us anyway), and providing it valuable and often needed nutrients. Naked makes it easy.

With so many flavors, the biggest challenge, is deciding what to enjoy.. we’ll let you decide:

Fruit smoothies: Mighty Mango, OJ, Orange Mango, Berry Blast, Strawberry Banana

Pomegranate Blends: Pomegranate Blueberry, Pomegranate Acai

Veggie Blends: Berry Veggie, Orange Carrot, Mango Veggie

Boost Blends: Acai Machine, Blue Machine, Gold Machine, Green Machine, Power-C Machine, Red Machine

Protein Blends (30grams of whey and soy per bottle): Protein Zone, Protein Zone Doubleberry, Protein Zone Mango

Probiotic Blend: Tropical Mango

On the lighter side, Naked’s Tropical, Peach Guava, and NEW Lychee, and Citrus Lemongrass, blended with Coconut water, provide a guiltless, and quick way to guarantee your body is getting those extra nutrients without all the extra calories, and time to gather the fruits!

Naked Juices are available at Target, Whole Foods, Starbucks, and many grocery and convenience stores nationwide. Hard to miss.

MSRP; $3.29 per bottle

Learn more at, www.nakedjuice.com

New Energy Blend (Acai & Guarana) flavor offers consumers the authentic Brazilian blend from Rio de Janeiro

Acai Roots™, a lifestyle brand, supplier of natural and organic Brazilian Style super food acai products, announced today the newest addition of its popular frozen smoothie pouch line: Brazilian Style (Acai + Guarana) Energy Blend, the second Acai Roots smoothie pouch flavor, joins the company’s previous Pure (unsweetened) Acai.

“This new product takes us back to our roots, since it literally recreates the experience people have with acai in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where acai is normally blended with guarana,” stated Marco Rega, Acai Roots co-founder and Director of Sales.

As with all Acai Roots products, the Energy Blend (Acai+Guarana) smoothie pouch is made with natural acai fruit pulp and is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, nutrients, omegas; and guarana seed extract for a natural and sustained energy boost. The new product is ideal for healthy-conscious/active consumers and is perfect for making acai bowls and smoothies, or ready to eat as a delicious premium fruit bar.

“The timing was just right to expand this line and introduce the Brazilian Style Energy Blend. Acai and Guarana were first mixed in Rio de Janeiro back in the early 80′s to create a delicious, nutritious and energetic combination, providing athletes of all kinds: antioxidants, sustained energy, and great recovery after intense workouts. Our Brazilian Style Energy Blend takes you to Rio, without the 10+ hour flight,” said Igor Pereira, Acai Roots co-founder and CEO. “It is definitely the most authentic and freshest acai experience in the market,” added Pereira.

Acai Roots’ Brazilian Style (Energy Blend) smoothie pouches are available nationwide through www.acairoots.com and will hit retail stores in May with SRP of $5.99.

About Acai Roots

Have you ever missed something from your childhood? Something that was phenomenally good for you, and you knew it? That was the feeling that gripped several Brazilian expatriates one day in 2005. They had just finished playing soccer in San Diego.

“We had all grown up with acai, and we started talking about how great it was in Rio with that active lifestyle – the Cariocas of Rio are famous for having an active lifestyle and a balanced diet, and acai is a big part of that. That was the missing piece: the acai. There were companies bringing it to the U.S., but it just wasn’t what we grew up with – it wasn’t fresh. So we decided to start Acai Roots™, and do it right.”

Today Acai Roots™ offers a full line of delicious and healthy acai berry products including organic acai sorbet, organic juices, smoothies and supplements. All formulated to exacting standards by Brazilians who were born and raised on a healthy diet of acai.

For more information, please visit www.acairoots.com. You can also Like Acai Roots™ on Facebook or follow us via Twitter @acairoots.

It is not often that we receive alcohol related gear options via FedEx at our office. However, on Friday, we received a box requiring our signature from the Clif Family Winery. Unsure of what it was (as we were not expecting anything)…we dug in.

Much to our surprise…it was a ‘pouch’ of wine and we aren’t talking the that cheap box wine that we have all endured at one point or another!

While on backpacking, overnight paddling trips, or bike expeditions…I have always resorted to carrying spirits in a stainless steel or poly bottle as glass was just not viable. Stainless was more forgiving than the poly bottles for retaining smell and flavor (thus one was designated for just that purpose). Enter the Climber Pouch Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Each pouch carries the equivalent of two 750ml bottles, comes from a California winery and is lighter than its glass counterpart.

So grab your pack, picnic blanket and your choice of Chardonnay or Cabernet and head to the beach, the lake or your favorite destination and enjoy this alternative to lugging those glass bottles around.

MSRP: $17 (Climber Pouch Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon) Product was just released on April 22, 2011 (Earth Day).

The Winery is also members of 1% for the Planet!

By Grant Killian

I added these poles, the Black Diamond “Z-Pole” Ultra Distance Trekking Poles to my gear for a 3-day race in Ecuador, replacing an older (and heavier) model of trekking poles. There was no doubt in my mind about the weight-saving these poles would afford, that’s obvious, but I was a little uncertain as to what to expect if the terrain got really tough. Could these poles withstand my 78 kg frame, if it came down to it, and would they be sturdy enough to weather the steep Andean peaks we’d be racing up and down?

I didn’t have to wait long for my answer. About 12 hours into the race, we were tackling a monumental trekking section where we were off-trail in the Ecuadoran highlands. Exposed rocks, dense scrub, steep ravines ledges all around us. I was feeling the 14,000 ft of elevation in a major way — I was light-headed and not thinking 100% clearly, I felt constantly out of breath.

We approached a steep wall of Ecuadoran mountain, 400 meters high or more, not completely vertical but the sort of incline you consider crawling hands and knees to get up. We picked a zig-zagging ascent, using the switchbacks to conserve our energy. There was some scattered vegetation along the way, but it was mostly an exposed climb. These are the routes that give trekking poles nightmares!

My ultra light “z-poles” had done well up to this point, steadying me on descents and supporting me on the climbs. This giant ascent was a real test for poles, and about halfway up the route our team heard a sharp *snap* sound that is either a tree limb cracking apart, or really bad news for a racer’s trekking poles. One of my teammates broke one of his *other* brand and style trekking poles, sacrificing them to the Ecuadoran gear gods. He was forced to continue with just one pole for the rest of the race.

The crux of the field test for these ultra light poles came just a few minutes after my teammate busted his pole. I slipped on some wet rocks and instinctively used my trekking poles to brace my fall. It would have been a long and painful slide down, but my poles held me up; for the brief instant that my entire 78 kg of weight rested on just the single outside trekking pole, I felt the pole buckle. I transferred my weight off as quickly as I could, but the pole rebounded in great shape. It wasn’t permanently bent and didn’t show any signs of damage. I was able to continue the ascent, and days later

in the race I could brush away Amazon jungle or test the depths of muddy rivers with these poles. They served me well in a variety of harsh conditions. I’m sure I could eventually break this ultralight pole if I were to take repeated falls on it, and so the lifespan for this pole is certainly shorter than the heavier duty models. But for my 3-day adventure race, the weight savings combined with the reliability I enjoyed made it a justified investment. The “z-pole” ultra distance model trekking poles from Black Diamond get two solid thumbs up from me!

TRTL Stand 4 and Minimalist 4 cases blend practicality and purpose and are now available in Black, White, Grass Green, Pink and Sky Blue!

The TRTL BOT family proudly announces the availability of the new color line for its multi functional eco-friendly iPhone cases! The TRTL Stand 4 and Minimalist 4 have received rave reviews world wide for blending minimalist design with simple practicality and are now available in Black, White, Grass Green, Pink and Sky Blue!

“TRTL BOT is a group of designers, engineers, and artists who are inspired by beauty and simplicity with the desire to create earth awareness with a sense of style. These new colors are fun and combine fresh style to our philosophy of doing more with less for our planet” stated Peter Gloria, president of TRTL BOT.

TRTL BOT is operated in a solar powered facility and is manufactured in the Los Angeles area using rescued recycled plastic water bottles. The Minimalist 4 and TRTL Stand 4 contain at least 1 rescued recycled plastic water bottle per case which takes 55,000 years to decompose! We consider each TRTL BOT case to be a victory for our planet. The new colors represent the beauty of the TRTL BOT motto and pledge of “Doing more with less”.

Black, White, Grass Green, Pink and Sky Blue for the Minimalist 4 and TRTL Stand 4 are currently available for $29.95 at www.trtlbot.com. For iPhone 3G/3GS users, a Minimalist 3G/3GS is also available in Black or White for $24.95.

About TRTL BOT

Founded in 2009, TRTL BOT is a line of multifunctional Apple iPhone accessories inspired by design, functionality and environmental awareness. TRTL BOT is committed to eco-friendliness and doing more with less. TRTL BOT is also a proud member of 1% for the planet. The turtle logo represents ecology, protection, functionality and style, characteristics that are adopted in all TRTL BOT designs and products.

www.trtlbot.com