Rab Micro Jacket Fleece - Gear Review

A little more than a week after returning from our Boundary Waters Gear Test and we are still daydreaming of shore lunches and a star-filled night sky.  You really couldn't have asked for better camping weather, as long as you packed properly.  We had daytime temps in the upper 70's with bluebird sky, but the first couple of nights got a little chilly, dropping into the upper 30's. Fortunately, I came prepared.  

I had a new weapon in my arsenal against the elements this trip, the Rab Micro Jacket.  This ultra-light fleece made for the perfect layering top.  I was a little skeptical to be honest.  It is really thin and weighs next to nothing.  Compared to your typical fleece it feels about half as hefty, but that didn't seem to inhibit the performance.  It packs down to the size of a softball so I could stuff it in my day pack, just-in-case.  The athletic fit made it great to wear under my PFD when paddling and with a 60+ pound portage pack on  my back.  

The first time I put this on was just after sunset our first night in the woods.  Sitting around the campfire, I was plenty warm, but the true test came at about 4 am at 37 degrees. Inside my 50 degree sleeping bag, wearing this fleece, I was awakened only briefly to replace my hat and drift off back to dream-land.  Just after midnight on evening #2, the breeze was enough to force me to add my Rain Jacket over top of the Micro Jacket, but only for added wind protection. This combination proved to be bullet-proof and I could have managed far worse weather than we ever saw.  

Once home, a quick ride in the washer and it's as good as new.  No piling or any noticeable effect on the fabric, and no residual camp fire smell.  I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised by this fleece.  I pegged it more as an upgrade to a long-sleeve t-shirt, it was far more than that.  The folks at Rab make some really nice gear, this is just the first we have had the opportunity to tell you about.  Check out http://us.rab.uk.com/ to see their entire US line-up.

Tweet

Read More

S4 and Typhoon Optics Sunglasses - Gear Review

Anyone that spends time on the water understands the need for a pair of quality sunglasses.  Polarized lenses reduce the amount of glare we see as the sun's rays reflect off shiny objects, like water.  The range of quality in polarized glasses is incredible.  You can pick up a pair of "polarized" glasses at the gas station for about $10 or you can splurge on a pair of incredible frames and lenses and have to sell a kidney to do so.  The folks from Sunbelt USA, Inc have created a group of brands that try to bring you the best of both worlds.

With four separate brands under their umbrella, each catering to a particular market, they are sure to have a style that you'll dig.  S4 Optics, by far their "hippest" brand, targets the action sports market and a younger demographic.  Typhoon and Gone Fishing Optics both cater to the Anglers out there.  The Flagship line, Sunbelt Optics, is an everyday sunglass brand.  All the glasses under brands are well made and hold up to rigorous use.  The polarized lenses perform better than average and have proven to be exceptionally scratch resistant.  Unlike the gas station glasses, these feel solid on your face and will not give you a headache after prolonged wear and looking through cheap tinted lenses.  They will also not crush your cash supply; ranging from under $20 to nothing over $60...

These are the kind of glasses you don't mind bringing into the woods or out on the lake.  They perform well and should they break or fall in the lake, you won't spend days depressed over the financial burden of buying a new pair.  Another family of brands that falls well within The Paddle Junkie's motto; quality gear that won't break the bank....

Tweet

Read More

Adidas Outdoor Boat CC Lace - Gear Review

Adidas introduced it's newest line-up of Outdoor focused products back in January at the Outdoor Retailer trade show.  With the US launch slated for Fall 2011, you will want to keep your eyes peeled for a rugged departure from their traditional products.  The products fall into one of two categories; "Mountainsport" and "Hiking/Trekking".  The initial roll-out will include over 100 outerwear and base layer styles for men and women as well as 45 footwear styles for men and women and 14 kids offerings...  A new member of Team Paddle Junkie had the privilege of giving the Boat CC Lace shoes a test, welcome aboard Mr. Cocker Spaniol....

...Review provided by The Cocker Spaniol

I received these shoes just over two weeks ago and I have not been able to take them off.  In fact, they have traveled over 20,000 miles!  They have spent time in California, Minneapolis (twice), Las Vegas, Maryland and Harrisburg, PA.  These Adidas are incredibly comfortable.  In California and Maryland, both vacations I may add, my Adidas spent some time drenched in the rain. Well, the outside of them anyway.  Not once did my socks/feet get wet.  If they had, these shoes are built for maximum drainage, perfect for those afternoon boating adventures where an occasional foot dunking is inevitable.  

In Las Vegas, had the opportunity to do some sight seeing (with plenty of walking) and standing around playing table games.  Not once did I notice my feet getting tired – and trust me, it happens.  Taking a first glance of these shoes you wouldn't think there is any support but there certainly more than enough.  Personally, would highly recommend these shoes to anyone.  Stylish, supportive, and most importantly- the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn!

Projected MSRP: $65

Tweet

Read More

Sierra Designs LT Strike 2 Tent - Gear GiveAway

Looking for a new ultralight tent?  Sierra designs is giving away an amazing 2 person option with a design unlike anything you have ever seen before.  Check out the LT Strike 2 and register HERE to win....

Tweet

Read More

GE DV1 Pocket Video Camera - Gear Review

Ultra portable digital video cameras are all the rage.  The thought of being able to take quality video without lugging around a camcorder the size of the NYC phone book is intriguing to say the least.  Several of the latest models even boast "Full HD" video quality along with other usability and durability promises.  We took the GE DV1 out for a spin, here's the low-down.

What really sold us on the concept of this little HD video camera was it's claims of extraordinary ruggedness.  Waterproof down to 15 feet, drop-proof from about 5 feet and dust proof, so it should survive just about any back-country journey, unlike most digital electronics out there.  We found all of these claims to be true, even to the extent of taking several videos underwater.  Plus, it works well as a 5 Mega pixel still camera, taking clear print quality pics in several lighting conditions.

The video quality wasn't motion picture quality however.  The "HD" label may be slightly misleading.  I found that the video output was great for web viewing, so if you want to post the videos to your website or a social media outlet like Facebook, this camera will do a great job.  Plugging it into a 50" plasma proved to be a little more than it could handle however.  This is not to say the video quality was bad, just not equivalent to that of full size HD cameras.

At an MSRP of $129, you really are getting a great camera for the money.  As long as you know what you are getting, you will be more than pleased with the product.  Fast action shots and playing the video on your HD TV are not this camera's forte.  But, if you want a rugged multi-purpose camera you can throw in your beach bag, whip out and catch the kids building sand castles or splashing in the pool, this is an ideal option.  

Tweet

Read More

National Flip-Flop Day

Today is National Flip-Flop Day....  (and my baby girl's 3rd birthday!!!) to celebrate we are going to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.  Probably not as much as this guy though....  Happy Friday everyone!

Tweet

Read More

Sanuk & Timbuk2 travel gear give-away

Click Here and check out the official Facebook entry page...  So here is the skinny.... Good luck!

Grand Prize

1 lucky winner will be randomly selected from the group of people who correctly guess how many women’s size 7 individual Sanuks fit inside a size small (20") Timbuk2 Copilot roller. That lucky winner will win:
*1 size small Timbuk2 Copilot Roller
*A year supply of Sanuks

2nd Prize

2 random winners from all contest entries – doesn’t matter if they guess correctly or not – will win:

*1 size small (20") Timbuk2 Copilot Roller

*2 pairs of matching Sanuks in the appropriate size

Sweepstakes Starts

June 12, 2011 @ 09:50 am (PDT)

Sweepstakes Ends

June 22, 2011 @ 11:59 am (PDT)

Tweet

Read More

Baladeo 34 Gram Folding Knife- Gear Review

For some people, every gram counts.  Climbing a 300 foot rock cliff, you don't want to be dragging any more weight than absolutely necessary.  Whether you fall into that category, or you just like to have gear that is unlike anything else on the market, check out the 34G folding knife from Baladeo.

As the name says, this elegant folder weighs in at a minuscule 34 grams.  Made completely from 420 stainless, which has been shaved to only what is absolutely necessary, this knife feels like a feather and cuts like a razor blade.  The liner lock is very solid, even more-so that I expected.  Smooth operation and solid cutting make this a good back-country folding knife.  It is not the most comfortable knife to use, simply because there is next to nothing to hold on to, but that is to be expected I guess.  When closed the blade is completely exposed, but after much use I have yet to stab myself while extracting it from my pocket, or have an unplanned deployment while stored.

If you are looking for a workhorse pocket knife, this is not your best bet.  However, if you need a no-frills cutting tool or an Every-Day-Carry knife with tons of style, look no further.  Your friends will want to pick it up and play with it every time you take it out of your pocket, trust me!

MSRP: under $40

Tweet

Read More