The Paddle Junkie crew spent 4 days wandering the halls of the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City to find the coolest gear released at the Outdoor Retailer trade show. This is what we found.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011Ryan Weber (aka The Paddle Junkie)No comments
Maybe it's my inner hippie, I'm not sure, but I love me some Tie-Dye. Since I was little my "favorite" shirt has always been a swirly, colorful, often band related cotton T-shirt. It wasn't until I grew up, (OK got a little older - still working on the growing up part) that I realized that cotton was not an ideal technical fabric. If you walk around your local gear shop, all the high-end technical shirts come in less than exciting colors like slate, chocolate and olive. Well, Sport Science gets it and we reap the rewards.
If, like me, you want something a bit funkier the Smarter Dyes are the ticket. It may be missing the obligatory tour dates or the dancing bears, but the colors and patterns are classic. Not too bright and showy, but loaded with character.
Fresh out of the box these feel like your old best friend. Not break-in period required, they are flat-out perfect the minute you put one on. It would take a year's worth of washing to get a cotton T to feel this good. Rapid wicking, machine washable and designed with an active lifestyle in mind, these shirts love to play hard and get dirty. Best part is they clean up like new every time. I have been testing one since June and after at least 30 washes there has been no color fading, no staining, no shrinking and no, um, lasting odor.
Have an event or team and need shirts/jerseys? These will surely get you noticed and the folks over at Sport Science love to get you set up. I need about 20 "Team Paddle Junkie" shirts, just like the one above. Problem is I'd probably have to share. :(
Wednesday, October 19, 2011Ryan Weber (aka The Paddle Junkie)No comments
Well, it happened. Fall is here. The leaves are dropping from the trees and there is a chill in the air. Whether you are headed out camping, going up to the cabin or (like me, unfortunately) cleaning up the yard this weekend, here are a few things that will make life easier for ya'.
Best Made American Felling Axe: Nothing feels more like fall than a campfire. If you have let your wood pile dwindle this summer, this is the perfect weapon for replenishing it. A 35" handle and a 4 pound high carbon steel head makes chopping efficient. This axe is so pretty though, you may just sit and look at it for a while... (Starting at $158)
SOG Salute Folding Knife: With a blade just over 3.5" long and solid as a rock, this folder with handle any cutting task you throw at it. G-10 handles make it comfortable and reduces slippage when damp. ($46.75)
Woolrich Stag Shirt: Not cold enough to bust out a jacket, but still a bit chilly? This rugged wool button-up has you covered. Somewhere between a shirt and a jacket, the Stag serves a wide range of functions. Plus, nothing says classic Americana better than a plaid wool shirt, and it's now machine washable. ($129.00)
Mountain Khaki's Alpine Utility Pants: These pants were built for hard use. Reinforced knees and seat and a utility pocket make these feel like your trusty work pants. One trip through the wash and they are ready for a night out. Relaxed fit and no binding or bunching put these at the top of my "gettin' stuff done" gear list. ($89.00)
Cocoon Outdoor Sleeping Bag Blanket: Crashing in the tent or sitting by the campfire, this blanket adds just enough warmth. It zips shut to form a rectangular sleeping bag, pairs with another bag to make a great 2-person sleeping option, or just wrap up in it like a trusty blanket. The soft as silk nylon exterior is water resistant and the fleece lining feels warm and cozy. ($80.00)
Wolverine ICS Folcrum Boots: Heading out for a hike? Getting some serious work done? The Folcrum boots are on my super short list of all purpose boots. The ICS (Individual Comfort System) is included, allowing for the perfect amount of cushion just for you. The tread on these is super gnarly, so just go for it. ($200.00)
Sierra Designs Transporter Gloves: Not too bulky and plenty warm, the Transporter gloves are a work/play hybrid like few options on the market. Raking leaves or strapping into a snowboard, they are right at home. Reinforced knuckles and great grip make these ideal for anything you need to hang onto, from an ice axe to a frosty beverage. ($79.00)
Sanuk Lumberjack Chills: Once the hard work is done, and it is time to enjoy yourself a little, slip your feet into the Lumberjacks. Like your favorite slippers with all-terrain traction, the wool outer and fuzzy lining makes these my best campfire buddies. They just make me and my feet happy! ($65.00)
Christopher Ward C60 Trident Watch: When you just need to know the time, and not the altitude or your GPS location, this is the ticket. Tough as nails, waterproof to 300 meters and tailor fitted to your wrist, the C60 Trident is an amazing watch. Fully dive capable, but elegant enough to wear with a suit, you don't get this kind of class and quality out of a digital timepiece. (about $575 US)
NanoStriker from Exotac: Lighters are for wimps. Anyone can get a fire going with a Bic and a little gasoline. Be adventurous, go a little old school and try your hand at getting that campfire going with one of these. One scrape of the striker across the ferro rod and you have a shower of insanely hot sparks that will get start just about anything on fire. Plus, it's just fun. ($26.95)
Friday, October 14, 2011Ryan Weber (aka The Paddle Junkie)No comments
Indian Summer has been both a blessing and a curse. While I have more than enjoyed October thus far with temps in the 70's and 80's, and simply amazing weather, it has left me ill prepared. I am heading north this weekend and the forecast is less spectacular. The further north we go, the worse it gets. No shorts and flip-flops, but boots and jackets and I have one in mind that should fit the bill.
Twin Cities weather forecast... subtract 10 to 20 degrees where I'm going.
Weather this time of year varies so much from day to day, even hour to hour. When you head out it will be chilly, then it will warm up, then the wind will pick up. You just have to be ready for anything. Rab's Xenon Jacket is simply a great "In Case of Emergency - Break Glass" option. Warm and light and packable, brilliant!
Let's start with warm. It was surprisingly so, especially for how thin it is. Wind blocking was noticeably better than a soft shell or fleece, providing a warm little cocoon when it's zipped and the hood is up. I would say the comfortable range for this jacket would be from right at freezing up to about 60 degrees. It would be capable of going lower if you layer underneath. Rab utilizes super light Primaloft 60g insulation material to trap the heat in, and keep weight to a minimum.
Did I mention this thing is light? I mean really light. It literally weighs only 12 ounces. For a little perspective, the North Face Denali Fleece (25.7 ounces) weighs over double the Xenon jacket . Rab looked for the lightest materials they could find when designing this jacket, and they found them. The exterior is made from 10 denier rip-stop nylon, that feels paper thin. I was worried that durability would be an issue, but after a number of outings and a rain-shower of cedar sparks from the campfire, I couldn't find a single hole in the shell.
The whole jacket packs down and zips into the chest pocket for ultimate portability. You can literally clip this thing to your pack or hang it on your belt-loop and never notice it's there. Uber packable makes this a go-to option for fluctuating conditions.
If you are looking for a belay jacket, or something you can stick in your glove box for those impromptu adventures, look no further. It is amazing how many times I have grabbed this jacket on my way out the door thinking "I probably won't need it", but gave myself a big pat on the back when I did.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011Ryan Weber (aka The Paddle Junkie)1 comment
From Terje Sorgjerd the creator of one of the most viral time-lapse videos on the net The Aurora. Sorgjerd captures one of the most amazing shots of the Milky Way ever.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011Ryan Weber (aka The Paddle Junkie)No comments
Revo has held a position at the top of the sunglass maker ladder for nearly 30 years. Another gift from the Space Race, the NASA conceived coatings Revo used in it's original lenses put them light-years ahead of the competition. Since 1999 they have been under the Luxottica umbrella; parent company to Oakley, Ray-Ban, Arnette and K&L (which used to be Killer Loop) plus numerous others. Revo recently introduced "Water", its newest polarized lens series, and we got to give them a test drive.
Trying these on indoors you immediately notice the fit. They are incredibly comfortable. No pressure points. The rubber nose and stem pads provide great grip while still being soft. I hate taking my shades off to have a big pink dent on each side of my nose, not going to happen with these. The lenses are large to provide full coverage, so no light or wind leaks in.
The real magic happens when you step outside. I put them on, took them back off, back on, back off, over and over. I couldn't believe how these glasses changed the world around me. I felt like a little kid peering through the window of a View-Master, except that it was my world, only better. Colors are more vivid, everything is sharper, it was like I was able to see details otherwise hidden behind the glare.
Bluebird skies and vast open water are a vision nightmare. Glare surrounds you. Escape is impossible. The Revos answer brilliantly. They reduce blue light and allow red and green to pass through, making them ideal on-water glasses. Hours of wear and I felt no eye strain.
Revo is also committed to producing greener products and minimizing environmental impact in its manufacturing process. The Guide frames we tested are made from 100% recycled pre-consumer plastics and utilize Eco-Use™, a nylon made from the seed of a castor bean plant.
Prices for Revo shades have come down over the last few years. It wasn't that long ago you'd have to shell out well over $300 to call a pair your own. These, on the other hand, ring the register at only $179.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011Ryan Weber (aka The Paddle Junkie)No comments
I ran into these videos on UpaDowna site a few days ago, our buddies over there know comedy when they see it. I can't get enough. They make me laugh out loud every time I watch 'em. Good stuff...
Friday, October 07, 2011Ryan Weber (aka The Paddle Junkie)No comments
Until recently I did not think of socks as a piece of technical gear. I mean, how creative can you get with a tube of fabric you stick your foot into? Well, I had no idea. As I delve deeper into the science behind how a sock is constructed I find that the difference is huge. Materials, placement of seams and shape of the sock all play a huge role in comfort and performance.
The brain wizards over at Keen found an amazing blend of mostly merino wool and nylon yarns, and built in added cushioning underfoot to max out breathability and long range comfort. Yet, they went a step further. Have you ever been out and about and realized that in your rush to get ready you put two different socks on? Yeah, I have too. Well, these Keen socks may just have you taking an extra second to double check. To provide optimal fit and help ensure your sock stays where it is supposed to, Keen makes these socks foot specific. Each pair is labeled on the toe for Right and Left foot.
Once you put them on, it is one of those "why has no one done this before" moments. The fact that each is tailored to the profile of your foot is something you simply must try for yourself. Slip your foot into a traditional sock, stick them in a boot, and head out for a day on the trail. Inevitably you will end up yanking on your socks to get them back where they belong. The Boulder Canyon's stay right where they are supposed to.
At first I thought this was nothing more than a marketing ploy. Something new and different to talk about. How exciting are socks, really? But this is far from the case. Why spend hundreds of dollars and hours of your time to get the best shoes or boots you can find, then sacrifice performance because your socks drop the ball. I was surprised to find that the added cushioning and support these provide made my old school Chuck Taylor's wearable for more than just a couple of hours.
I never thought of myself as a sock snob, but I now find myself digging past sock after sock looking for the little "L" or "R" on the toe of the Keens. If I am lacing up my hiking boots, I will have these on my feet.
