The Paddle Junkie

GSI's Java Press - Gear Review

2012-02-23T12:25:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite parts of the day when out in the back-country is the first hour of every morning. Roll my sore backside out of my hammock, get a fire going, and get some water cooking for a cup of joe. Our crew has an old percolator coffee pot that has seen its fair share of trips, but we just got an upgrade. The folks over at GSI Outdoors sent us one of their 30 ounce coffee presses to try out.

From my point of view, you really have to try to screw up a cup of coffee when you are out in the woods. Decent beans and hot water, that's about all I need, or at least that is what I thought. I was accustomed to having a few grounds floating around my mug and for all intensive purposes, I was cool with that. The funky residue that was baked on the inside of our perco-pot added "character" and "flavor", right?

The coffee press system was not something I had used before, but it is about as easy as it gets. Step 1: Boil water. Step 2: Add water and grounds to the 30 ounce carafe and let sit for about 4-5 minutes. Step 3: Depress the plunger and pour into cup of choice. Out comes mud-free java that any coffee snob would be proud to pour.

From a packing and storage perspective, this beats the percolator pot by a long ways. Cleaning is infinitely easier and with the crystal clear carafe, nothing hides in the corners. The plunger and lid hold securely and allow for easy storage of coffee inside the unit during transport. Another obvious plus is the multi-use nature of the carafe and its insulating sleeve, allowing me to leave redundant gear at home.

On the down side, at 30 ounces our crew in the BWCA will need to make about 4 of these every morning, but they do have a 50 ounce version for larger groups or those with a serious caffeine addiction. Now the big question is, light or dark roast...

MSRP: $32.95

My kinda rope swing....

2012-02-16T16:03:00.002-06:00

SIGN ME UP!!!!

Snowboarding at night...

2012-02-16T15:59:00.000-06:00

Who needs lights on the slopes?

Jacob Sutton’s L.E.D. Surfer on Nowness.com.

Footbalance Custom Insoles - Gear Review

2012-02-09T11:55:00.002-06:00

Custom orthotics, or foot beds, are just for old people or folks with some kind of messed up feet, right? Well, the answer is kinda yes, except that about 75% of the population have "messed up" feet. Nearly three quarters of us have issues with how our feet and lower legs line up and this causes all kinds of issues we never even realize are happening.

I always thought I had high arches, and I may well have at some point, but our feet change over time and as we increase or decrease our level of activity. Arches that are too high or low inhibit proper weight distribution on your feet. Arch issues can also lead to misalignment of your feet relative to your lower leg (pronation) and causes a laundry list of problems too.

Overpronation - usually due to low or collapsed arches, but not always.

Step one: Figure out how your feet and lower legs are actually functioning. Map your footprint and measure the levels of over or underpronation you experience.

Foot analysis in action

Step Two: Based on YOUR feet and the activities you participate in, a Footbalance specialist can determine which insole is right for you. There are 10 to choose from including a heated model for those of us that play in the snow. They then custom mold the footbed to YOUR foot, providing ideal support and maximum results.

I have suffered from Shin Splints for as long as I can remember. As a runner (OK, maybe not as much anymore) it was the bane of my existence. I have endured soaking my lower legs in 5 gallon buckets of ice water, for what seemed like an eternity, as the only real solution to this problem. Since I was fitted for a pair of Footbalance insoles back at the OR Show last month, NO SHIN SPLINTS! That alone is proof enough for me that these things make a HUGE difference.

Pin It

CRKT's Nathan's Knife Kit - Gear Review

2012-02-08T15:03:00.000-06:00

It may be of no surprise to you that I have a bit of a knife obsession. I have from the time I was a young boy. I now have a young son of my own and I wanted to instill in him the value and responsibility that comes with owning a knife. Unfortunately, several people thought giving a 7 year-old an assisted opening tactical pocket knife was a bad idea. Huh? Go figure.

I found an option that helps me teach my son about knives without the fear of jail time. From how they work to how to take care of one and let's not forget how NOT to injure themselves or others with it. The Nathan's Knife Kit from CRKT is part pocket knife, part craft project. Think pinewood derby pocket knife...

The kit is completely pre-cut and all you need is a little glue. It allows the youngster to see and understand what is going on between the scales of a folding knife. Over-sized for easy construction and use, my son was able to complete the kit in about 30 minutes. He carefully sanded down every inch of every piece before we started gluing it together. He debated painting or staining the scales before we started assmebly, but decided he'd rather keep it "looking natural". Yeah, his words...

Now, a couple of months after we initially put it together, it is still functioning well. My son has had to "sharpen" it a couple of times (meaning he sands nicks and scratches out of the blade), which he thinks is one of the coolest parts of owning the knife. Sitting on the couch next to his dad "working on his edge", how can I not be proud?

So, for now, this is the only knife he gets. But thanks to the kit, getting him a "big boy knife" is probably not as far off as before. He now understands more about owning a pocket knife than most adult men in our neighborhood and has a respect for knives that you don't get from a safety lecture.

Big props to CRKT for helping dads like me!

MSRP: $14.99

Naya Boots - A Valentine's Day Gift Idea

2012-02-06T13:51:00.000-06:00

Review by our friends at MyRuggedKid.com

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and if you are still looking for a great gift for your favorite gal I have got it...Naya's Quail Boots!

Living in Minnesota we simply cannot have too many pairs of boots, but now that boots are such a trend everywhere you don't need snow as an excuse. Everyone seems to have the same knee high basic boot, so I really like to find some that are more original. For these I would have to say it is the leawood stacked wedge heel and the upper strap with buckle! The buckle adds a little extra flair as well as can be adjusted to give me more or less room at my calf depending on if I am going to rock the leg warmer trend.

You can wear these boots with just about anything. Dress them down with some skinny jeans or throw them on with a skirt for a fancier evening out. The best news yet is that it is a 3+ inch heel boot and it is COMFORTABLE! I wore them out one night to see one of our favorite bands and I was a little nervous going in. I knew we would be on our feet all night and the heel is over 3 inches....this could be bad. Honestly, I never even thought about sitting down to give my feet a break in the 5 hours we spent on the dance floor. I often tend to be the girl who leaves the bar shoes in hand and trashed socks on my feet. Not the case with these boots! The boots have a back zipper and a side zipper which makes them a breeze to get on and off.

Naya is also a environmentally responsible company so I feel good supporting them. These boots have a biodegradable foot bed and the heel is made out of recycled cork. Their dying methods are eco-friendly and conscious, as they use vegetable tanning processes that are much more gentle on the environment, bonus.

Get them now at Piperlime.com for 159.99

Outdoor Retailer Winter Market "Best in Show Awards - Part 2

2012-02-01T13:47:00.000-06:00

This past week has been one of the busiest ever for Team Paddle Junkie. You should see my inbox, it's ridiculous. The sheer number of connections we made at Outdoor Retailer will enable is to vet tons of amazing new gear from brands big and small in 2012. Here is a peek at a few more items we are excited to test in the coming year.

Granite Gear's Aji Pack: If you need to buy just one pack for all your outdoor adventures, this may just be it. The 50 Liter Aji and Aji Ki (women's version) packs are Uber light and ready to tackle anything from a weekend on the Superior Hiking Trail to a summer with a EuroRail pass. The Aji sports ingeniously designed full zip access and comes loaded with every feature expected in a pack of this quality. Borrowing technology developed for their military packs, Granite Gear has delivered a rugged, go-anywhere pack that we can't wait to get our hands on.

Vew-Do's Nub Boards: Back a few years ago I had an balance board, you may remember them too. What I remember is nearly killing myself dozens of times before I was able to just stand on the thing. For those of us that are a bit balance-challenged, Vew-Do Boards has developed the Nug Board. These boards, available in 3 sizes, have a stationary "Nub" in the middle of the bottom of the board. You still get the balance training, with greatly increased stability and reduced risk of a broken tailbone.

Arbor's Wasteland Snowboard: My affinity with natural materials is not a secret. Arbor has been using real wood top-sheets for their snowboards for years. The Wasteland is a masterpiece of snowboard technology married to amazing laser cut wood veneers. From the local handrail to the last chair up the mountain, this board can handle it all.

Helly Hanson's H2Flow Jacket: Helly takes temperature regulation to a whole new level. Forget pit zips as the gold standard in ventilating your jacket. The H2Flow blends a light weight rip-stop shell with a fleece lining, but it doesn't end there. The shell creates both a shield from the elements and a barrier for escaping heat. Once you warm up the inside, the holes drilled in the fleece lining act as pockets trapping warm air in very methodically/scientifically placed locations. Zippers that run vertically along the chest allow you to dial in the amount of airflow necessary to get the temp inside just right.

Outdoor Research Blackpowder Gloves: Leather is making a comeback in winter glove styling. A more work glove look seems to be all to popular on the hills. Well, beyond looking like a work glove, these actually do some work besides keeping your hands warm and dry. Built into the middle finger is a steel ring that rotates to reveal a bottle opener. They are sure to make you feel like the Incredible Hulk as you rip the cap off your favorite frosty beverage.

Outdoor Retailer Winter Market "Best in Show Awards" - Part 1

2012-01-23T15:27:00.001-06:00

I just returned from Salt Lake City after four days of traversing the ginormous Outdoor Retailer Trade Show. With over 1000 brands, 20000 attendees and literally millions of products, it's hard to find more gear under one roof anywhere else on the planet. This is part one of our "Best in Show Awards"

Sierra Designs launched a new line featuring what they call DriDown. The thought of taking down sleeping bags and jackets into canoe country has long been one that evokes nightmares. There was lots of talk of "nano-technology" and "change on a molecular level", that made my head hurt, but based on their demonstrations this stuff really works. SD stopped short of calling it "waterproof", but for the first time ever I dare to bring a down bag into the BWCA.

Petzl makes a wide range of headlamps for a variety of different uses. Their newest are brighter and more efficient than ever, some throwing out well over 200 lumens of blinding light. The one that caught my eye however was designed as an emergency light. Tiny, waterproof and bright enough (about 40 lumens), it makes the larger, more cumbersome headlamps seem silly for around camp.

How many times have you had to remove your gloves to answer your phone or operate your touch screen device? Well, not any more. A number of brands are touting gloves utilizing TouchTec leather that will work on touch screens. My personal favorites from the show were from Dakine. They were the most comfortable and least limiting in range of motion, and I was able to operate my iPhone without issue.

Continuing the Barefoot trend, but ready for amphibious use are the Merrell Water Current Gloves. Minimalist, uber-light and at home in and out of the water, these could be my new BWCA shoe of choice. Now if I could just find a lake that isn't frozen solid...

Garmont's Momentum IceLock boots are a blend of hiking boot and bomber winter boot. Good looking and incredibly warm, these boots are light and fast and grip ice like Spider-man. The outsole is embedded with tiny fiber glass shards to improve grip as much as 600% on icy surfaces. Say goodbye to spikes.

Winter Sandals? Yup! Sanuk will be delivering a line of boots for winter 2012/13 that are guaranteed to keep your feet happy. As if I needed any more reasons to love this brand, they just keep the goods coming. I'm just sad we have to wait until fall to get our hands on a pair...

This is just the tip of the iceberg. More OR Show highlights to come, so stay tuned...

OR Show Preview

2012-01-12T16:20:00.000-06:00

It's that time again. I am headed to Salt Lake City for the country's largest trade show for the Outdoors world. The Outdoor Retailer Winter Market runs from Wednesday to Sunday next week, and I will be there for the whole thing.

At current tally there are 1,015 names on the Exhibitor List. Check it out and let me know if there is something you want us to report back on. I have roughly 100 booths on my "Must-See" list, so I am going to be one busy guy. My inbox has been blowing up for the last couple of weeks with press kits and sneak peeks at new gear. Here are a few I can't wait to check out...

Millet's 7/24 Ride Jacket: This is a new brand for me. French alpine gear that looks like it's ready for 10 feet of powder and sub-arctic temps. And I just dig the design aesthetic; simple but a bit funky. There is a whole category of gear that is quickly becoming a major player at the show. Back-country snow gear is all the rage. Much of it is designed for ski and snowboard junkies that want to hike into untouched powder. I know this stuff will be bullet-proof for any snowy adventure, no elevation change needed.

Wolverine Trivor Mid-Cut Hiker: These go-anywhere hikers were built to be everyone's best friend. Not Uber-technical, but fully trail capable, these look to be a great all-around boot for the neighborhood park or the trail head.

Hi-Tec's Timaru Down Hoodie: This is not your usual down jacket. Constructed from transparent 15D nylon and filled with multi-color dyes down, you get a funky pattern that changes as the down moves around inside. The dying process is actually supposed to improve the down's performance too. That's just cool...

Teva's ReForge Ion-Mask Water Shoes: Based solely on the description these should be an ideal canoe camping footwear choice. Touted as the marriage of a "classic hiker and an amphibious multi-sport shoe" they should go from rocky portage to slimy creek bed like a champ. If they are even a slight improvement on the Churn water shoes we tested this spring, I am more than a little excited...

Vapur Water Bottles: Its a bottle without the bottle part. Like a reusable Capri Sun pouch with a spout. Ultra packable and uber-light, these make a great back-country drinking system. Plus, they come is a smaller .4 liter size for the kiddies...

Stay tune for more preview items as we get closer to the show. I'll let you know if I see anything else cool.

These waves are SICK! Imminent death, right?

2012-01-12T10:21:00.003-06:00

BIGGEST TEAHUPOO EVER from UnFuzzy on Vimeo.

Kelty Blowout Sale

2012-01-09T16:45:00.001-06:00

Kelty is practically giving away gear on their site. If you are looking for a pack, sleeping bag, kids gear or clothing, you have to check this out...

Hi-Tec Rainier Event WPi Hikers - Gear Review

2012-01-09T11:00:00.001-06:00

We have another new writer on the Paddle Junkie crew. This time we bring in a good ole southern boy from Tennessee. Not only does this guy like to hike and camp, but he is a professional raptor trainer and handler. He ran the bird show at Dollywood and is just an all-around cool dude. Now, before anyone gets their undies in a bunch, I know we just reviewed these boots, but everyone that has tested them loves them. The crew over at Hi-Tec got it right and we all want to share.

Review by Jordan "Birdman" Jones

So here’s the scoop! The Hi-Tec Rainier WPI Men’s hiking boot is jam packed full of all the bells and whistles you could need as a backpacker or everyday outdoorsman. The Vibram outsole will literally grip everything. This includes the frozen lakes of Siberia (aka Wisconsin) where I have recently moved. Since I moved to this snow covered tundra my old hiking boots that had performed very well over the past two years on the AP trail in Tennessee were in desperate need of retirement. I needed a pair of boots that would give great support, be extremely waterproof, moisture wicking, and double as a disciplinary tool for wife and kids (just a joke).

With the Stabila-flex support on the back of the boot you can still move your foot but be assured you have to try very hard to roll your ankle in these bad boys. I have to make a big deal about the Ion-mask waterproof technology since it blew me out of the water, no pun intended. First of all, Ion-mask was originally developed for military clothing designed to repel chemical agents but Hi-Tec are pioneers in the introduction of Ion-Mask in the footwear industry! If it is good enough for our military it is good enough for me! These boots are incredibly waterproof which is perfect for hikers like myself you have to trudge through mud and snow 10 months out of the year. The E-Vent Technology is equally amazing. This waterproof membrane lining the inside of the boot is porous allowing vapor caused by sweat to pass through to the outside of the fabric without being absorbed by the fabric itself. Therefore, the boots stay dry inside and out even better than the all mighty gortex.

There are a couple of cons to this boot but each one can be worked through. The rubber toe cap started peeling away on the sides due to very heavy use in the first two months. This was quickly fixed by putting a drop of glue under the rubber and letting it set. Remember, you don’t want to stitch an area back together on any pair of water proof boots since this will punch holes in the waterproof membrane. Also, this goes along with the incredible support I spoke about earlier. These boots are incredibly difficult to break in! It took 3 months of heavy use to finally tell myself that this boots were comfortable. This is partly due to the fact that the boots are made with V-Light technology. They lack a ton of padding inside the boot but once they are broken in they are very light and are a joy to hike in. The last con I could have, and I am knit picking here, was that the outsole’s upper region is painted brown it seems and after light use it started to split and flake away making me leery that I may have a pair of cheaply made boots. They have definitely redeemed themselves in my mind. Besides the worn look only adds character. If the bones are good who cares what they look like. I would definitely recommend these boots to the hiker or outdoorsman looking for a very sturdy, supportive, waterproof boot. At $239 they are priced with the big boys in the industry but would hold their own any day. Take care and Happy Hiking!

P.S. I bet my grandfather wouldn’t have complained as much about hiking to school up hill both ways in the snow if he had a pair of Hi-Tec Rainier WPI Men’s hiking boots!!!

Hi-Tec's Rainier Event WPI Hikers -Gear Review

2012-01-01T19:50:00.000-06:00

If Lewis and Clark wore these....

Straight out of the box, the Hi-Tec Rainier Event WPI hiking boots molded to my feet and performed like to my expectations. The day after Christmas my family took a hike around a very muddy, very slippery, very hilly trail around a nearby lake. Everyone else in my troop was wearing shoes that were not prepared for such a treacherous hike. I, wearing the Hi-Tec boots, continuously found myself holding others from slipping or catching people mid-fall.

The Rainier Event WPI boots are equipped with Vibram soles. Vibram soles are renown for their quality and special rubber compounds for specific uses. These soles have enough rigidity to provide a good grasp on all surfaces while still feeling light and flexible. Plus, at the end of the day, knocking all the mud and grime off of them was a breeze. Cheers to Vibram.

The second feature of these boots that proved itself during this very wet hike was the Ion-Mask technology. From first look these boots appear to be made out of plastic. However, further research into Ion-Mask reveals that through working on a molecular level, the technology improves the surface structure and which creates a less permeable barrier. In essence, this technology creates Tony Stark Iron Man leather.

With all of this technology on the outside, Hi-Tec did not overlook the breath-ability factor of a hiking boot. Through creating an envelope, using Event Waterproof Fabric, this boot can block water from going in while allowing sweat and moisture a path to go out. These boots kept my feet dry from mother nature's moisture and my own.

Another positive was that they needed no breaking-in time. I am not a fan of buying a shoe and waiting two weeks for the shoe to mold my feet. These boots worked right away. No blisters or aches post-hike.

These are a heavy duty boot, so on a simple 5 mile hike I expected them to perform to their hype. I think what makes any kind of gear is how can it handle in the unexpected. I look forward to continue to challenge the Hi-Tec Rainier Event WPI hiking boots because they appear to be ready for whatever comes their way.

Paddle Junkie Gear of the Year Awards

2011-12-29T15:25:00.000-06:00

Over the last year we have had the opportunity to test and review some of the best gear available. During the Holidays I took a little time to think back about the over 150 products we tried and here are the 10 we feel deserve our "Gear of the Year" award.

Most of these products were new for 2011, some may have just been new to us, either way we think they represent the pinnacle of what's out there. So, if you are looking to spend some of those Christmas Gift Cards, this is the place to start!

Keen Pyrenees Hiking Boots: I live in these boots. They fit so well, I look for reasons to wear them. Do I really need hiking boots to run to Target? Probably not, but should I run into rocks, ice or a serious incline in aisle 7, I'll be covered. Plus, you just don't get any more all-American cool than these... Full Keen Review Here

Sierra Designs Lava Jacket: New Years in Minnesota normally calls for a jacket just like the Lava from SD. This thing will keep you warm and dry well below zero and in the sloppiest of conditions. It lives for playing in the snow, I just wish we had some. It may not be necessary this weekend, but trust me when I tell you, I have it on stand-by. Full Lava Jacket Review Here

Platypus Gravity Works Water Filter: My favorite piece of back-country gear; hands down. Lighter and smaller than any hand pump. Cleans 3 liters of water in about 2 minutes. Best of all, I sit by the fire while good old Mr. Gravity does all the heavy lifting. Brilliant! Full Platypus Review Here

Costa's Grand Isle Sunglasses: These glasses deliver the whole package. Incredibly well made, they feel solid as a rock. The lenses are unrivaled in clarity and glare reduction. They perform when you need them to and look great because you want them to. Full Costa Review Here

First Ascent Rainier Storm Shell: Mother Nature has nothing this jacket can't handle. Battle a monsoon and come out bone dry. Beyond performing like a champ, the Rainier doesn't look or sound like rain gear. No more life inside a garbage bag for this guy. Full First Ascent Review Here

Sport Science Performance Tie-Dyes: I mean, what do I really need to say? Yeah, tie-dyes that stack up with any performance shirt in your closet. Fast wicking, super soft and built move in, these shirts are just awesome. One of these days I am having a "Team Paddle Junkie" version made. That's be sweet. Full Sport Science Review Here

Clif Climber Pouch Wines: Vino. Camping. Indestructible Pouch. Yup, that works. Many of us have been bringing wine as our back-country beverage for years. Clif makes it easier than ever, and the wine is better than most other box/bag wines. Clip a bag (or 2) of Cab to my pack, point me in the right direction and I'm good. Full Clif Wine Review Here

Fenix Light's LD01: How would you like to have a lip balm size flashlight that lights up the night like a giant Mag Light? You simply have to see this tiny thing in action to believe me. 5 nights in the Boundary Waters and not once did I think I needed something bigger. Further proof that size DOESN'T matter... Full Fenix Review Here

CRKT Ripple 2 Pocket Knife: You are looking at my Every-Day-Carry knife. Not huge, but not a kids toy either. Built solid and ready to handle just about any cutting task you have. The milling on the scales add tons of style and the "blade flipper" launches it open like a switch blade. Full Ripple 2 Review Here

ENO's One Link Shelter System: Hammock camping in a neat little package. If you have been thinking about trying it, this is the way to go. Everything you need to make a bomber shelter, while resting comfortably swaying back and forth, all right here. Once you try it, it will take quite a bit to get you to crawl back into a tent again. Full ENO Review Here

Frost River's Vintage Pack - Gear Review

2011-12-27T10:07:00.001-06:00

If you are looking for a great weekend pack that is made by a GREAT company, than you must take a look at the Vintage Pack from Frost River in Duluth, MN. This is a pack that you can take on a day hike, carry your schoolbooks in (like I did this summer), or take on a short weekend trip. The Vintage Pack is made with waxed canvas and has a wonderful self-adjusting yoke connecting the straps. The shoulder straps are padded leather, which make for a comfortable load and are way better than plain leather.

This pack is great for adults, but it would also make for a great canoe pack for the younger/smaller crowd. This is also a great option for my 6^th grade daughters, not too big and not too small. It’s easy enough for them to handle without being too large to carry. Overall, this is a must pack for any outdoors person. It’s versatile, built to last, and built by an unbelievable company in Duluth, Minnesota. Make sure you check their website for other great products. I was hoping Santa would bring me the Correspondent or Single Briefcase, but unfortunately I got coal! J

MSRP: $150

500 Facebook Fan Promotion

2011-12-22T11:22:00.001-06:00

We are only a handful of

"fans" away from 500 on Facebook.

Help us get there and win a

Paddle Junkie Prize Pack!

I"ll make this one easy.

Suggest The Paddle Junkie to your friends...

like this...

Then let us know on Facebook and Comment here and you are entered... The promotion will run until we hit 500! I'll let you know ;)

Keen Revel Winter Boots - Holiday Gift Guide Review

2011-12-22T10:36:00.001-06:00

In Minnesota it is important to keep your feet warm especially in the middle of winter, and with the Keen Revel Boots you can do just that. I have only had these shoes for a short while, but so far they are unbelievable! These boots look just like a regular pair of hiking boots, but what is not seen is the 200g Keen.Warm insulation that keep your feet nice and warm.

I have worn these shoes around town in the snow, rain, and sleet and have not had any problems with them. I have also used the Keen Revels on a few day hikes and noticed a great deal of ankle support, which for me is a must for any hiking boot. The traction was also a noticeable difference compared to other hiking boots, giving me great grip on wet snowy trails and the icy Minnesota landscape..

Besides looking great, keeping your feet dry, and being warm these shoes feel great on your feet. I have had an issue with my knee for the last couple of months, nothing major just a nagging ache, and after wearing these boots I noticed my knee wasn't aching like it use to. I’m not saying these shoes will solve your knee problems, but I am pleased that a pair of cold weather hiking boots are COMFORTABLE and useful.

Overall, these boots would make a great gift for anyone that is looking for a cold weather adventure either in town or on the trail.

MSRP: $140.00

Helly Hansen Swift Fleece - Holiday Gift Guide Review

2011-12-20T11:30:00.000-06:00

A fleece is a fleece, right? Um, no. Sure you can run to Target and pick up a sweatshirt like fleece that will keep you kind of warm, as long as it isn't asked to do too much. The cheap ones provide about zero wind protection and soak up any precipitation like a sponge.

This fleece on the other hand is built to battle the elements. Helly Hansen been one of the top names in rain wear for years. Fans of "The Deadliest Catch" will recognize the HH logo since just about every guy on deck is sporting Helly gear. Braving bone chilling cold and rolling seas is no place for "B" quality gear.

My life will most likely never hinge on the performance of my fleece, but if it does I want this one in my pack. It has a sporty fit so whether you are running the trail in it, or layering under a hard shell jacket, you don't have to deal with excess bulk. The fleece material is a smooth short pile, but it is dense and holds up to a stiff breeze better than most. The edges are trimmed in a contrasting color for a little style factor. Two "hand warmer" pockets on the sides actually keep your hands warm and the chest pocket always comes in handy.

I know there are a million fleece jackets on the market. You will be hard pressed to find one as well built or as up to a challenge as this one though. Helly Hansen build bomber gear. You will never see me on the deck of a crab boat, I may be a little goofy but those guys are NUTS. But if you are looking for a "field test", can you get a more hostile environment? Helly is doing it right and I'm not the only one that thinks so...

MSRP: $130.00

Best Made Company's American Felling Axe - Holiday Gift Guide Review

2011-12-19T13:38:00.000-06:00

Need to stock up on firewood for the winter? Tired of using that busted a$$ axe you got from ol' Grandpa Jones? Well, there are axes and then there are Best Made Axes!

This 35", 4 pound High Carbon steel ax is not like the ones you find at your local hardware store. If you are looking for disposable, try again. This is a tool you will be passing down from one generation to the next and they will be proud to have their turn with it. Make short work of a firewood pile or take down a small forest, either way, this ax will barely break a sweat.

Beyond making a lumberjack quality chopping tool, the folks at Best Made Co make axes with style too. Their line-up of painted handles makes these axes just at home in a NYC art gallery as they are in the hands of Paul Bunyan himself. From the nautically inspired to vivid stains, the colors and designs make ordinary extraordinary.

There's still time.... If you are looking to get this for the Holidays, order by tomorrow (12/20) at 5pm and Best Made will guarantee delivery in the nick of time.

Baffin Amazon Trail Shoe - Holiday Gift Guide Review

2011-12-17T15:55:00.010-06:00

I recently had the pleasure of trying out a pair of Baffin Amazons for the Kansas City Ruckus Run back in November. The weather did not look good that morning, having rained that week with temps in the 40's. This being my first obstacle course race, I expected a lot of cold, muddy, challenges.

The race was a lot of fun, and more than half the obstacles involved water-filled trenches. This was no problem, for the soles of these trail shoes have a metallic grid that both functions to let water easily flow out, but prevents rocks and pebbles from getting in. The Baffins did not get water-logged and squishy like the running shoes on the course. The padding in the fabric of the shoe and the rubber-wrapped toes protected my feet as I slammed them against climbing walls, rocky slopes, and the unseen rocks in the murky trenches.

My one issue with these kicks during the race was that I almost lost one of them a couple times wading through waist-deep mud. I pulled over and tightened the laces, which helped, but I think a velcro strap would really do the trick.

The Baffin Amazons can take a beating

That said, I would be hard-pressed to find another shoe that could provide enough cushion for running with the ability to shed water like these. I look forward to sporting these up in the BWCA next summer, and perhaps for another obstacle course or two in the meantime.

Great video of a fall BWCA trip

2011-12-15T15:58:00.002-06:00

Missing Hatchet from Nate Ptacek on Vimeo.

Sea to Summit's Dry Mesh Duffle - Holiday Gift Guide Review

2011-12-15T14:25:00.000-06:00

I have spent a huge part of my life, for as far back as I can remember, in on and around lakes. Water in general has been a place my mind automatically associates with fun, relaxing good times. As with anything though, it has it's challenges. The biggest and often most frustrating is the obvious fact that around water, things get wet. Try as you may, it just happens.

Having "practical" gear has become a top priority for me. To be honest the quirky, specialized, "I might use this", kind of gear has been dwindling from my closet for quite a while now. The Dry Mesh Duffle from Sea to Summit may just be the most practical bag I own. Whether I am hitting the back-country in a canoe, a local lake to drag the kids around on a tube, or following a dog hunting for pheasant, wet gear is inevitable.

This two compartment duffle is the ticket. The main compartment is a roll top dry bag that will keep gear as dry as any other storage option around. It sits flat and opens wide for easy loading and unloading. The top of the bag is a mesh webbing that will hold any wet gear securely in place and keeps it separate from everything you have been trying so hard to keep dry.

I have said to myself several times, "man, I love this bag". I have tested dozens of bags and packs from some of the best brands in the world, and each had been built for a fairly specific purpose. This bag is built for life in a boat. If you spend any significant amount of time in or on the water, you get it. A go-anywhere, wet/dry duffle bag that is rugged and well designed, what's not to love.

MSRP: $119.95 (75 Liter "Medium)
$139.95 (100 Liter "Large")

Cool Gear Stocking Stuffers - Holiday Gift Guide Review

2011-12-14T13:46:00.001-06:00

Looking for a few things to fill those stockings with? Cool Gear Inc has a boat load of options...

I have been using the Eco 2 Go Mug for a few months and I love it. It keep my java hot for hours. I have yet to spill this thing, and trust me that has to be some kind of record. It looks like a normal cup from your local coffee house, and it isn't plastered with advertising so you aren't a walking billboard for anyone. Nothing too fancy, just a great mug that does its job well... MSRP: $8.99

Have a traveler on your list? These Go Gear Travel Tubes are awesome. All are "carry on" approved and don't leak a drop. So whether they like having their own shampoo when they get there or they hate paying $5 for a little airplane bottle of vodka, these will be your road warrior's new best friend. MSRP: $10.99

And in case you missed our Facebook post from earlier, here's a chance to win this prize pack from Cool Gear. Simply click on the picture below (it will take you to Cool Gear's Facebook page) then "Like" the pic and "Share" it on your wall.... and You're Done!

12 days of Sanukmas starts TOMORROW!!!!

2011-12-13T16:56:00.000-06:00

Just a quick FYI... The 12 days of Sanukmas giveaway starts again tomorrow. Take a look at the pic above to see what they handed out last year. If that is any indication of what is to come, I'm pumped... Keep tabs on their Facebook or Twitter pages...

Newton Running's Terra Momentus Trainers - Holiday Gift Guide Review

2011-12-13T11:00:00.000-06:00

Barefoot running is all the craze, and I am a believer. But after years of running in cushy trainers, my feet, legs, knees, hell most of my lower body, was not ready to dive in to the deep end of the barefoot pool. I spent the better part of the 1990's running in sprint flats, pretty much as close to barefoot as you can get, but once I left school and my track days were behind me, thick padded running shoes were my only arsenal. Just because that is what we were supposed to wear, right?

Newton running has taken a much different look at the design principals of a running shoe than most footwear makers. Rather than trying to infuse the shoe with "technology" that makes running easier or more comfortable, they focused on building a shoe that engages your foot in the most natural way possible.

As a sprinter (ok, it was a while ago) I tend to run on the balls of my feet more than a traditional distance runner. This made the transition to the Newtons a bit easier for me than others I have talked to. Tailored to the "Land-Lever-Lift" running style where heel strikes are all but eliminated, the Newtons are designed for a mid to fore-foot strike. Initially you can't help but feel like these things are forcing you to walk on your tippy-toes.

The first couple of times I took these out, I kept it under 3 miles and trust me, that was plenty. Day 1 I was about a mile in and I thought my calves were going to burst into flames. After a few more sessions, it was substantially better. I can that feel my lower legs and even my feet seem to be stronger.

Beyond the anatomical differences these shoes offer, they are incredibly well constructed. Built for off-road use, they can manage any trail near my home with ease. Head down the sidewalk and the bright green and yellow mesh will turn heads while keeping the elements at bay. Turn off onto a rocky path and the gnarly traction will keep your feet planted where you put them.

All in all, these shoes changed how I run. It took a little time to transition, but I feel faster and stronger than I have in a pair of trainers in years. When the summer months roll back in, I'm looking forward to putting a few more miles on these...

Here are some videos from Newton to help you navigate this new world of running shoes...