Nolan’s 14 is a crazy personal challenge. It’s a point-to-point route that links 14 consecutive 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado’s Sawatch Range over the course of 80 miles, with 44,000 feet of elevation gain. Only about 15 percent of people who attempt the route complete it.

Nichols, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, set the fastest-known-time supported record in 46 hours, 41 minutes on June 29. He ran the route northbound, beating Spaniard Iker Karrera’s previous record by about one hour.

Joe Grant of Gold Hill, Colorado, near Boulder, set the unsupported marker the same day. Running the route southbound, he finished in 49 hours, 38 minutes. That crushed the previous crewless record by four hours.

We talked to Nichols about the feat. For additional context with Grant’s run, listen to the snippet below from Billy Yang’s podcast.

A post shared by Billy Yang Podcast (@billyyangpod) on Jul 10, 2018 at 9:42am PDT

Grant started about 12 hours before Nichols.

“I was able to get an update once [Grant] had finished and set the unsupported record. When I heard that, it really motivated me to keep pushing when I was feeling terrible,” Nichols said.

“Even though we went in different directions and only saw each other for a few minutes along the way, I feel like we are somehow connected by what we experienced during those long hours in the mountains. I’m still incredibly impressed with what he did and glad we can share a page in the record book of Nolan’s 14.”

What It Takes to Finish (and Win) Nolan’s 14

A post shared by The Adrenalin Project (@theadrenalinproject) on Jul 10, 2018 at 4:47pm PDT

For the record, Nolan’s 14 is nuts. The mountain course is over 80 miles and gains 44,000 feet of elevation over 14 summits. It’s often compared to difficult traverses like the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim, only at higher altitude. Competitors are breathing around 40 percent less oxygen than what’s available at sea level.

But the race is more like climbing the Empire State Building 35 times over an ultramarathon distance — in scree without any stairs. Oh, and there’s no official trail. Runners find their own way.

To be considered Colorado Nolan’s 14 finishers, runners can tackle the 14 14,000-foot mountains in any order, using any route. But they must finish in 60 hours.

46 hours and 41 minutes. It was a wild ride. I still don’t really understand how I managed to make it over all of those mountains or even stay awake for that long, but I do know that I am extremely grateful for all the help I had along the way. Thank you so much your time and energy Jocelyn, Joe, Dan, David, Brandon, Peter, Brian, Meghan, and of course Maddy. 📷 @petermaksimow @r.joceee @dhedges_ @meghanmhicks #nolans14 #fkt #14ers #colorado #running #tractionmatters #SupertracUltraRC #hshive #sipsip

A post shared by Alex Nichols (@axelnichols) on Jun 30, 2018 at 7:35pm PDT

Nolan’s was another feather in Nichols’ cap. He’s already a two-time Pikes Peak Marathon winner and last year’s Western States 100 runner-up.

But setting the record required strategy, not just a good base. Nichols had scouted the route and went by memory on “race” day, carrying a compass and few map sections as a backup.

The ultrarunner’s wife and friends supported him. “There were only four spots I could have help from my crew,” he said. “My friend, David Hedges, ran with me through the second night. Having someone there to keep me sane with so much sleep deprivation and fatigue was very helpful.”

Gear helped too. Nichols wore the Scott Supertrac Ultra RC shoe. “It has a very deep lug pattern that provided much-needed traction on the really steep and loose terrain,” he said. “I was also really happy with how durable the upper material was. It handled the bushwhacking and off-trail stuff without ripping or tearing.”

Getting ready to test the new #SupertracUltraRC with a Nolan’s 14 attempt next week. I have a feeling the shoes will do fine, but I’m not sure so sure my legs will handle it as well! #tractionmatters 📷 @iancorlessphotography

A post shared by Alex Nichols (@axelnichols) on Jun 21, 2018 at 12:17pm PDT

For cold weather, he relied on the RC Run waterproof jacket and pants from the same Scott collection. “Both the jacket and pants weighed only a few ounces but kept me warm above treeline during the night,” he said.

Sleep Deprivation Hits High Up on Colorado Nolan’s 14

Even with good support and gear, Nichols hit some rough spots. Ironically, his lowest point occurred on the summit of La Plata, the 12th peak. The sun was rising, Nichols had been running for 32 hours, and he was seriously sleep deprived.

While stocked with Honey Stinger products, “a nice assortment of candy, and a few egg and cheese breakfast burritos,” Nichols admitted he wasn’t fueling enough. He was only drinking water and soda.

“I remember sitting down on some rocks and wishing I could stop this stupid challenge and go to sleep,” he said.

“I ended up starting to move again just because I knew I had to get down the mountain one way or another. If I could have quit the attempt at that point, I probably would have. But I started feeling better later on, and things turned around for me.”

The post 1 Day, 2 FKTs: Runners Make History Brutal ‘Nolan’s 14’ appeared first on GearJunkie.

Before the first Leatherman, the idea of a “pocket survival tool” with pliers and several other functions seemed implausible.

But with the zeal only a 20-something can muster, Tim Leatherman set out to make his gadget a reality. “Made of Mettle” documents the unlikely history behind one of the world’s most renowned multitools.

Along with commentary from those whose lives have changed because of the tool, “Made of Mettle” shows the human power that has made Leatherman a mainstay for outdoorspeople.

The post ‘Made of Mettle’: The History of Leatherman appeared first on GearJunkie.

Runners need water on the trail. For many, this means hydration vests, belts, and packs to haul water, food, and light jackets. But some runners dislike how much they bounce or chafe.

Ultimate Direction claims to have found a new trail-hydration solution with its HydroLight Series.

Ultimate Direction will release the HydroLight series at the Outdoor Retailer tradeshow next week. The shirts, shorts, and tights with integrated water bottle holders will hit the market spring 2019. The series lets runners hydrate on the move without wearing extra gear outside of their clothing.

“HydroLight Series gear is for the runner who wants more comfort and convenience,” said Allison Juhasz, product designer at Ultimate Direction. “Anyone who doesn’t like strapping on a belt is going to love this.”

Ultimate Direction Launches HydroLight Series

The eight-item HydroLight line comprises skin-tight shorts and leggings, shorts, a tank, and a skirt. All of the items have room for two FlexForm 300-mL bottles and have extra pockets. Ultimate Direction custom builds the bottles to fit specific pockets.

Ultimate Direction claims the bottles won’t bounce when you run. It has placed them so as to eliminate chafing and complement a running stride.

The bottle holders stay tight with stretch mesh, with an additional flap to hold the top tight.

The larger items in the line, like the 3/4 tight, has room for big phones, keys, gels, and even a small jacket. And, as you can tell from the images, the center back pocket is huge and can expand to fit large items.

According to the brand, the HydroLight gear line allows runners to carry a remarkable amount of gear without looking bulky or overbuilt.

“I was able to accomplish this by using a combination of apparel and pack materials with varying degrees of stretch in innovative ways,” said Juhasz.

The post Hydration Pants: Ultimate Direction Reveals ‘HydroLight’ Series appeared first on GearJunkie.

Tentsile brought out our inner tree-fort-loving child when it first launched its triangular hanging tent years ago. It provided the ease and comfort of a hammock with the space and coverage of a traditional ground tent. The secret password to enter, though, was totally up to us.

Now, the U.K.-based brand thinks there’s an even more fun way to camp. Tentsile just announced its Universe tent, a “three-element” shelter that works as a ground tent, a suspended tree tent, and a floating, pontoon-style tent.

You read that right: Now you can have a secret camping treehouse that also floats on the water!

“One thing we enjoy at Tentsile is pushing boundaries, so we’re excited to unveil our newest offering,” said founder and CEO Alex Shirley-Smith. “This world-first addresses the need to have an all-terrain, multiuse, fun-packed product that encourages both adventurous play and basic practical needs in any environment.”

Mid-Air Camping: Tentsile Flite 'Hanging Tent' Review

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Tentsile Universe: Land, Air, and Water

For those unfamiliar with Tentsile tents, we’ve tested them and can attest that they’re loads of fun and pretty comfortable. Because they come with a higher price tag than traditional ground tents and a notable weight penalty, we’d say they’re primarily an add-on to car camping adventures.

The Tentsile Universe marks the brand’s largest offering to date. It accommodates up to five adults (880 pounds) plus gear. It has 100 square feet of floor space. With the rainfly, it offers 195 square feet of covered space and three vestibules. Plus, the Universe has more than 5 feet of interior headspace, meaning it might actually be bigger than your backyard treehouse as a kid.

Unlike previous Tentsile tents, the brand claims the Universe is suitable as a four-season shelter with an insulated floor. So, as you might expect, the entire floor holds air (more on that in a sec).

Like its predecessors, the Universe carries Tentsile’s trademark triangular shape and uses three ratchet straps for hanging. Meanwhile, removable tent poles support bug-stopping mesh and a detachable rainfly. Plus, the Universe has multiple entry options, with doors along the wall or through a trapdoor in the center of the floor — ideal for password-restricted access.

Tentsile Mesh: Three-Point Hammock For Hot Weather

Tentsile's tree tents and trampoline hammocks sure do look good in Instagram photos. But if you're looking for a place to chill on a hot day, mesh is a must. Read more…

Floating Tentsile Raft

The big hullabaloo is the Universe’s seaworthiness. According to Tentsile, users can covert the Universe into “an incredibly stable three-person SUP-style raft.” Again, the max load is 880 pounds, and rafters must inflate the Universe floor to 15 psi before setting sail.

BIG, BRIGHT, FLASHING WARNING: Do NOT sleep in the Universe when it’s on the water. It ought to go without saying, but in addition to being super creepy, sleeping on an open raft on a dark lake in the woods isn’t safe.

While you’re awake, however, it could be a lot of fun. With the vestibules rolled up, the rainfly attaches to the poles to create a covered tri-pontoon. Tentsile doesn’t sell paddles, so navigating the Universe is on you — unless you’re willing to go literally wherever the wind takes you.

Also, looking at some of the brand’s marketing, it looks like you could try fishing through the trapdoor or out the side while you float. But we’ll have to test that out after we get a chance to see the Universe up close at Outdoor Retailer this month.

Portable Treehouse, New Suspended 'Tentsile'

This suspended tent can be linked with others for a miniature suspended village. Read more…

If a floating four-season tent-raft that can hang in the trees has you as excited as we are, you’ll have your chance to buy one when it hits retailers in February 2019. That should also give you time to start saving, as the Tentsile Universe will retail for $1,999.

Until then, you can bet we’ll test one for a full review — by land, sea, and air.

The post ‘All-Terrain Tent’ Pitches on Land, Sea, and Air appeared first on GearJunkie.

Whether fishing, hunting, or just exploring, I look for equipment that gives me the most versatility with optimum performance.

The Radar 135 offers a well-balanced combination of stability, maneuverability, and traction that I find valuable in a multitude of environments.

To test the Rader 135, I paddled and fished several stretches of the Chattahoochee River in Alabama and Georgia. The primary species I targeted were largemouth, spotted, and shoal bass. The hunt portion of the review took place in northeast Kansas during whitetail season.

Radar 135: Fishing Kayak

The Radar 135 comes with an excellent SlideTrax system. This track system comes installed on both sides of the kayak for custom outfitting. It allows for mounting multiple accessories, such as a rod holder, camera mount, and cupholder. And, if desired, additional SlideTrax systems can be mounted to the kayak for further customization.

A second important element of the Radar 135 is its AirPro Max seat. The seat can be placed in low, high, and recline settings. Each position can be adjusted while operating the boat and does not require any unfastening or loosening of straps. The seat also fits in the midship SlideTrax system and allows positioning to be adjusted forward and backward.

This boat also has a watertight storage area. There are two access points to the inside of the hull — one at the bow and one in the center. The bow hatch provides a watertight seal with a lever-locking hatch cover. The center hatch also has a watertight seal and remains flush with the deck when closed. This provides more standing room for the boater.

Functionality and Stability

The Radar 135 has tri-hull S.M.A.R.T. technology that focuses on getting the most out of stability, maneuverability, acceleration, responsiveness, and tracking. As already mentioned, I find this combination to be valuable in a multitude of fishing environments.

The Radar 135 combines traditional and modern functionality: Move it by paddle, pedal, or power. This boat comes standard as paddle-only but can be transformed into a pedal-driven or motor-powered boat.

Add-Ons and Specifications

The Radar 135 has a current listing price of $1,499. The Helix PD Pedal Drive add-on currently lists for $1,100 and requires an additional Solo Rudder System at $299.99. The Helix MD Motor Drive add-on currently lists for $1,999. Other Radar 135 specifications include:

• Length: 13 feet 6 inches
• Weight: 90 pounds
• Capacity: 475 pounds
• Width: 34 inches
• Height: 15.5 inches
• 4 available color schemes: desert camo, midnight blue, solar yellow, sonar green

Fishing Test

My first run with the Radar 135 took place in Georgia at my favorite fishing spot on the Chattahoochee River. I was after shoal bass, which typically prefer areas of continuous current. Using this boat in such an area would be a true test of its performance.

I found that in current the Radar 135 performs pretty well overall. I had no problem maintaining balance or changing positions in the boat. Its stability offers peace of mind while standing, allowing me to make long casts or flip and pitch with accuracy.

While paddling through areas of slack water, I found the boat tracked pretty well with nice acceleration. I wish it would track a little better — but I’m just being picky. What the boat slightly lacks in tracking it makes up for with stability.

I was also impressed with the seat on the Radar 135. The easy-to-remove functionality allows me to simply remove and stow it out of the way. This provides more standing room, offering a nice casting platform.

Hunt Reviewed

I’ve found my new favorite way to hunt.

I spent the past whitetail season in Kansas. Months of preparation dialed my brother and me into thin slivers of riverside timber used as travel corridors. Walking in was not an option: We’d spook every animal and cover the area in our scent. The solution became apparent.

At 4 a.m., I eased the Radar 135 into the mellow currents of our local river. I strapped my Mathews Halon 32 onto my hunting pack and stashed it directly behind the kayak seat. With the help of onX Maps, I tracked my position on the river. It took 45 minutes to paddle in, the stars blazing in the sky above.

Approximately 60 steps stood between the muddy shoreline and my treestand, a new level of stealth acquired. I wish I had a success story to detail here, but my chance at a 170+ class buck was missed due to his lack of desire to stop moving in my shooting lanes. (You can read the full story here.)

For successful hunters, the Radar 135 has a weight capacity of 450 pounds for loading your deer and paddling out.

Not Without Faults

The Radar 135 is an all-around solid kayak. However, it’s not perfect. In fact, Wilderness Systems left a few key features off the boat.

Side handles, or the lack thereof, was the first noticeable aspect. Users need these handles to solo-lift and manage the kayak in a variety of circumstances, like lifting it onto a truck bed or trailer or just moving it around in a garage.

The foot peg durability was also lacking. On the very first day of usage, both pegs snapped while I attempted to adjust the length setting. This was either due to bad luck or a bad batch from the factory. I haven’t heard this from many others, so this could be an isolated incident.

The lack of an insert in the center hatch is also troublesome. Sold separately, the insert offers the angler a dry, easily accessible area for storing items such as cell phones, keys, and wallets. The center hatch is useless without the insert.

The Radar 135 also doesn’t come with rod holders, a stand assist strap, or rod stagers. Given the multipurpose, customizable design, I can somewhat understand the reason behind this. However, it can be frustrating to purchase these items separately if you’re a kayak angler.

Thoughts From the Take-Out

The lack of side handles, foot peg durability, and center hatch insert concern me. But I do think the Radar 135 performs well overall. It’s not the fastest or most stable kayak on the market, but it’s one of the most versatile I’ve tested. And versatility speaks volumes in an often niche market.

If you’re an everyday outdoors-lover looking for a multipurpose watercraft, the Radar 135 is an option to take notice of. Whether floating to hunt multiple species or chasing fish in fresh or coastal waterways, the Radar 135 will fit the occasion.

The post Multipurpose Watercraft: Wilderness Systems Radar 135 Review appeared first on GearJunkie.

Insulated, Arctic-influenced winter wear is the hallmark of Canada Goose. This includes a parka once dubbed the warmest on Earth. Today, the company has expanded, including three-season lines with sweaters, rainwear, and breathable shells.

We got a look at the company’s current line on Galiano Island, British Columbia. There, dark Pacific waters and misty forests made an apt proving ground for rainwear and classic-style shells. Pieces like the Riverhead (above) for men and the women’s Trinity Jacket kept us comfortable, dry, and stylish at the island’s Bodega Ridge Resort.

Indeed, it’s a nexus of fashion and form that Canada has become known for. Its jackets perform with top-end materials and new technology. But they’re also among the nicest-looking outerwear in the industry.

You pay for the hybrid theme, with many jackets commanding $500 or more. But we understand the upside of an expensive one-time purchase of something that lasts. After years of wearing Canada Goose’s cold-weather apparel, we’ve seen it last in terms of durability and style, standing the aesthetic test of time. (A lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship also gives peace of mind.)

As for the spring 2018 line, the company didn’t reinvent the wheel. But many of the jackets and apparel pieces continue the fashion/function tradition. And there is at least one new notable tech upgrade: the Strati-Dry 3L membrane (more on this below). Overall, it’s a sharp, heritage-inspired collection that broadens the brand’s reach into new seasons and different climate zones.

We caught up with the brand after our trip to Galiano Island, where visitors hike forest trails and beach sand, some (like us) foraging for mushrooms and other cooked-on-site food.

Spencer Orr, senior vice president of merchandising and product strategy, sat down for a quick Q&A on Canada Goose’s latest and the future of the company, once pegged only as a stalwart of the cold.

Interview: Canada Goose’s Spencer Orr

GearJunkie: Why is Canada Goose focusing on spring/fall jackets and apparel?

Orr: We are dedicated to being a multiseason brand and to meet our customers’ needs and protect them in various temperatures, climates, and elements. We have been given permission by our consumer to bring our proficiency [in jacket design] into new categories and lighter styles.

Explain the new technology in the spring 2018 line.

Our Strati-Dry 3L fabric is a key component of our rainwear. It makes the category functional with its three-layer fabric design that combines protection against inclement weather with a luxurious, tactile finish. It is soft to the touch and flexible enough to stretch in four directions for ease of mobility. Each rainwear piece is seam-sealed, waterproof, windproof, and breathable.

Another upgrade is the thermal mapping on pieces like the Pemberton Sweater. This builds on the design we first developed for down-filled garments to ensure down was placed near the right parts of the body. With the new knitwear, thermal mapping is a combination of knits that increase airflow and breathability to the places on the body that act as a thermostat and are prone to overheating.

How is Strati-Dry 3L different from Gore-Tex, Neoshell, eVent, etc.?

It is a polyurethane membrane that has stretch. In addition to the stretchiness, it’s lighter, easier to pack, and is better equipped to handle impacts. Also, the breathability of our jackets is quite high because of the stretch. It means you’re not moving inside of a static jacket. From just reaching out, driving, or a high-endurance activity, there is no restriction of movement.

Were there challenges when designing with the technical fabric?

The biggest challenge is ensuring that we get the durability without compromising on the design. It is crucial to understand why the particular fabric was chosen and what the principles and properties we want to get out of the fabric are. This is especially important when you’re dealing with stretch. You want to make sure the seams are in the right place, the pockets make sense, the trims are appropriate, and that the construction method works best in order for the jacket to move throughout any circumstance.

With Strati-Dry 3L specifically, we weren’t set on it being light because that could restrict the design. We needed to ensure that the pockets wouldn’t droop and that there was a structure to the style. For example, finding that balance point between a cargo pocket and welded pocket.

Which piece is your personal favorite?

Of spring 2018, our rainwear category is definitely my favorite, specifically the men’s Harbour Jacket. It was made with the urban adventurer in mind, incorporating a convertible back hem that can unsnap to extend the jacket’s length. There’s a ton of military-inspired pockets so the wearer can carry everything on their person. Breathable mesh vents are under the arms and on each side so your body can stay cool and breathe through the dreary weather.

What is overlooked about Canada Goose?

We are a product-first company, and we begin from a place of function first in all product creation. The design process starts by discerning what a product must do functionally (i.e., how it must work) and clearly identifying the necessary performance attributes of the particular garment to be created. Simply, every product must “work.” It is only then that the focus of the design process can shift to creating a beautiful product that meets the aesthetic needs of the Canada Goose customer while maintaining the authenticity of the brand.

Will the company be putting more resources into spring/fall products in coming years?

Absolutely! We have a six-decade reputation for product that’s of the highest quality, allowing us to transfer those benefits to “beyond winter” collections. The demand for us to be a multiseason brand continues to grow. Each product we debut will always tie back to our heritage and put our DNA at the forefront.

Our research has shown that because our consumers trust us to make the warmest jackets in the world, they also trust us to take that expertise into other categories. People want products that are designed with intent and perform properly from brands that have an authentic and true heritage, which I believe is Canada Goose.

The post Canada Goose Expands Waterproof 3-Season Line appeared first on GearJunkie.

Follow Ben Deakin’s POV throughout the entire course. He descends snow, rock, and dirt in one crazy mountain bike race.

The post Crazy Mountain Bike Race Pits Thousands Against Snow, Dirt appeared first on GearJunkie.

From free-soloing El Capitan to ski descents on Everest, The North Face athlete team comprises some of the most recognizable names in outdoor sports. Conrad Anker, 55, captained this team since its inception in 1992, but the brand announced a change this week.

The North Face named Hilaree Nelson, 48, Captian of the Global Athlete Team. She is just the second athlete to hold the position and the first woman.

Hilaree Nelson has been a TNF athlete for nearly 20 years. She performed the first American ski ascent and descent of Papsura Peak, India, linked two 8,000-meter peaks (Mt. Everest and Lhotse), and is a 2018 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year.

Nelson is also the face of The North Face’s Move Mountains campaign, an initiative that empowers women to explore.

“It is my great honor to hand the reins of Team Captain to Hilaree Nelson,” said Anker said.

“Hilaree has a long and storied career with The North Face and is well-suited to help make the athlete experience at The North Face meaningful for both the athletes, individuals, and the brand.”

Hilaree Nelson: Captain of The North Face Athlete Team

The team captain of The North Face serves as the voice and face of a storied brand known for its impressive athlete team. More than 50 athletes run, ski, climb, and adventure in the outdoors for the brand.

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In addition to serving as a figurehead, the team captain serves as the main conduit between the athlete team and The North Face corporate team.

The captain also helps build and manage the team of the future.

“Hilaree was a natural choice to succeed Conrad in the role of Team Captain,” said Mike Ferris, senior director of global brand management. “Not only is she one of the best ski mountaineers in the world, but she has become a constant force of support, motivation, and vision to her fellow athletes.”

Nelson will begin as captain now, with Anker serving as a co-captain through 2018. Come 2019, Nelson will be the sole team captain.

Athlete Resume: Hilaree Nelson, Captain of The North Face

Nelson is mostly known for ski mountaineering and holds an impressive list of achievements in the mountains. When not on a foreign expedition, Nelson resides in Colorado.

In 2017, Nelson summited Denali twice. And she was the first woman to ski the Makalu La Couloir on Makalu, Nepal.

One of her most celebrated achievements was the first American ski ascent and descent of Papsura, a 21,165-foot mountain in northern India. She was first entranced by the summit in 1999 when she was handed a photograph of Papsura.

Nelson attempted to ski the mountain in 2013 but had to turn back due to tough conditions and teammate complications.

Years later, she set her sights on Papsura and trained tirelessly for the objective.

In a span of two months, for training, Nelson skied 14 of Telluride’s most daunting couloirs. Then, when it came time to attempt Papsura, she successfully completed the ski ascent and descent.

And to top things off, after returning from India, Nelson went straight to Denali. There, she climbed the Cassin Ridge and skied the Messner Couloir.

That’s an impressive series of ski-mountaineering events! The expeditions and her history in the mountains solidified Nelson’s place as one of the best, worthy of leading the next generation of The North Face’s outdoor exploration.

The post Hilaree Nelson Replaces Conrad Anker as TNF Team Captain appeared first on GearJunkie.

Swimming may seem pretty simple from a gear perspective. But whether you’re lap swimming to gain fitness, using the low-impact sport to recover from an injury, or tackling a triathlon this summer, you’ll quickly realize those Dollar Store goggles aren’t going to cut it. And that swimsuit that worked for hanging out on the beach? Well, it might fall off when you’re paddling in the pool.

Luckily, swim gear doesn’t get too pricey. But you can avoid some of the costly pitfalls by preparing properly for the pool. Here’s all you need.

Swim Radar App: $4

For those new to the sport, finding a pool with the right vibe can be challenging. But the Swim Radar app can help with that. You can specify a location, pool type (or even open water), and the time you want to swim. The app will show you what’s available near you.

You can even specify if you want a pool with 25- or 50-meter lanes. For someone who’s on the road a lot, this app is a godsend. But even if you prefer to stay local, checking Swim Radar might alert you that there’s a weekly open-water swim happening in the lake near your house.

‘Total Immersion’ Book: $7

Don’t know how to swim? While investing in a coach is a great way to get started, you can save some cash by grabbing a copy of the iconic “Total Immersion: The Revolutionary Way To Swim Better, Faster, and Easier” by Terry Laughlin.

The book isn’t about speed, but rather stroke efficiency, which is arguably much harder to master. If you’re a competent athlete and not afraid of drowning, this book will help guide you in freestyle swimming more effectively.

And at $7, it’s worth reading before signing up for swim lessons. You might find you don’t need them. Or, if you do end up getting a coach, you’ll already be a few steps ahead.

‘Swim Speed Secrets’ Manual: $16

You’ve already mastered the “get across the pool a few times without feeling like you’re about to die” part of swimming. Now it’s time to move on and get a bit faster.

Sheila Taormina’s “Swim Speed Secrets” is a great second book to delve into after you’ve gotten comfortable in the pool. And it’s ideal for triathletes looking to improve swim times.

Taormina is a four-time Olympian, gold medalist, and triathlon world champion: She knows what she’s talking about. This manual is packed with great advice, drills, photos, and even some dry-land exercises that will help you make waves in the pool.

Speedo Solid Latex Swim Cap: $8

The swim cap debate is a tough one. Some people prefer a smooth silicone swim cap because it doesn’t catch on hair as much. But it also tends to slide off midway through a workout.

Most old-school swimmers opt for latex or rubber, like Speedo’s simple latex swim cap. Those race and logoed swim caps you see swimmers wearing? All cheap latex — because they stay in place!

The Speedo cap is available in a huge range of colors. And while it does tend to get bleached out if you swim in a chlorine-heavy pool, it won’t slide off your head in the middle of a hard set.

TYR Sport Special Ops 2.0 Polarized Swim Goggles: $24

These TYR Sport Special Ops 2.0 goggles are a bestseller for a reason: They’re comfortable for most people, which is a tall order for goggles. They also don’t leave uber-deep goggle marks, and the wide rubber on the goggle pieces and straps make them comfortable and solid.

They stay in place even while getting kicked and smacked in churning water during a triathlon. And polarized lenses make them great for swimming in open water as well as in the pool. While a little on the pricey side, well-fitting goggles are worth any extra investment.

Speedo Deluxe Ventilator Mesh Bag: $19

Trust me when I say you’re going to want a mesh bag to carry your swim gear to and from the pool. Otherwise, your favorite gym bag will smell like chlorine (at best) or start molding (at worst).

The Speedo Deluxe Ventilator Mesh Bag can handle your soggy suit and damp towel without making a huge mess. It’s got just enough pockets to keep your gear organized for easier transitions to the shower and reduced time spent pawing through your cave of a bag.

Splaqua Anti Fog Spray: $9

Fogging goggles is the fastest way to ruin a swim, especially an open-water race. So prepare your goggle lenses with a drop of antifog spray gel before hopping in the water.

This one-ounce bottle will last for years, preventing goggles from fogging and keeping them clean. (Yes, even though they spend a lot of time in the water, you do occasionally need to clean goggles.)

If you’re not willing to drop the few bucks on antifog spray, try this trick: Rub a bit of spit on the inside of your goggles before putting them on.

RainLeaf Microfiber Towel: $11

If you regularly forget to remove your wet towel from your gym bag after getting home, a microfiber towel might be the smartest piece of swim gear you own. The Microfiber Towel by RainLeaf is also a serious space-saver compared to your normal beach towel and can be stashed in any mini gym bag.

It also has a loop for easy poolside hang-drying before you start your next swim. It comes in tons of color choices and has solid absorbency and quick-drying antibacterial fabric. Although it won’t be as cozy as a big, warm beach towel, it’ll get the job done just as well.

Speedo Men’s Endurance+ Jammer Swimsuit: $35

Jammers: Speedo’s genius solution for guys who want the speed of wearing a tight-fitting bathing suit but draw the line at the classic Speedo brief. The Endurance+ Polyester Solid Jammers fit comfortably snug but have enough leg coverage that you won’t feel awkward on the pool deck or on the beach.

Available in six colors and designed to be chlorine resistant, the shorts will last through as much training as you can handle.

Women’s TYR Sport Solid Diamondback Swimsuit: $55

There are tons of swimsuit options out there. But for everyday pool sessions, I keep coming back to this simple solid-black TYR swimsuit. It’s inexpensive — around $55 depending on size and color — and fits well without feeling like a sausage casing or a flashing hazard when you push off the wall.

The straps hold up to plenty of wear and tear without stretching while the neckline and legs holes are modest without being uncomfortably constricting. The color combinations are simple but fun. It’s also UPF 50 for open-water swimming and optimized for chlorine immersion for hours at a time.

SportCount LapCounter: $36

OK, you’re swimming laps. If you have an Apple Watch Series 2 or later, you can use the smartwatch’s health app to count your laps. But if you don’t have a watch smart enough to track your swim progress and you’re not a fan of counting in your head, consider a lap counter.

The SportCount LapCounter is worn like a ring on your index finger. For each lap, you can quickly press the counter with your thumb to keep track. This may seem silly for short sets. But anyone who’s had to do multiple 400-meter repeats understands why a tool like this is so valuable.

TYR Pull Float: $13

When you first start swimming, you should focus on learning how to do a decent freestyle stroke without any tools or toys. That’s the Total Immersion theory, and it’s a solid one. But once you’ve gotten the hang of swimming laps, you can start adding props to break up your workout, add challenge, and increase efficiency.

A pull buoy is a great way to do this because new swimmers often rely on their legs to power across the pool and aren’t using their arms as efficiently as they could be. The TYR Pull Float takes leg power out of the equation, forcing you to use your arms in a smart way. (And you can switch it up and use it as a mini-kickboard for a new twist.)

Synergy Hand Paddles: $15

If you’re serious about drills in the pool, hand paddles are the step after a pull buoy. They essentially turn your hands into paddles like you’ve become a frog with webbed fingers. And they help you determine the most efficient hand position for speeding through the water while giving you a serious upper body workout.

The Synergy Hand Paddles are also a good way to break up a long workout. This swim gear prop comes in three sizes and has adjustable straps for a perfect fit.

Xterra Wetsuits Volt Triathlon Sleeveless: $119

Heading outside? The Xterra Volt triathlon sleeveless wetsuit (available in men’s and women’s versions) is a 3-mm-thick sleeveless suit that’s great for most moderate climate conditions. At $119, it’s an amazing value for a starter wetsuit — almost as cheap as renting one! But it will also work for veteran racers looking for a budget suit.

So far, mine has been through four years of open-water swimming and shows zero signs of wear and tear. The sleeveless model means that the neck and chest areas feel much freer and less constricting, so those who find full wetsuits a little claustrophobic will be psyched.

There are nine sizes available in men’s and women’s, and Xterra’s 30-day try-and-test program guarantees you’ll find the right fit.

Body Glide Anti-Chafe Balm: $8

If you’re wearing a wetsuit for open water swimming, avoid annoying chafing by using a bit of Body Glide on your main edge contact points. In a sleeveless suit, that means around your neck, ankles, and armholes, especially right under your armpits. (Trust me, that’s a common chafing area.)

The vegan-friendly, petroleum-free Body Glide won’t wreck your wetsuit — don’t use Vaseline! — and is super simple to apply. Your skin will thank you.

The post Essential Swim Gear You Didn’t Know You Needed appeared first on GearJunkie.

While Amazon Prime Day technically starts at 3 p.m. ET, we’ve outlined some killer bargains ahead of time so you can get an early jump on shopping.

At the start of Prime Day, we will update this article with top outdoor gear picks as sale prices take effect.

Victorinox Swiss Army Pocket Knife: $30 (50% Off)

The Champion Plus from Victorinox is a classic Swiss Army knife. With 30 tools, be prepared to open a wine bottle, fillet a fish, cut a branch even punch leather. Get this classic tool of the outdoors for half off today.

Check It Out

YETI Hopper Two: $175 (30% Off)

The Yeti Hopper Two will hold ice for days and last for years. It’s a reliable choice in a crowded cooler market. Read our review on this awesome cooler here.

Check It Out

Morakniv Eldris Fixed-Blade Knife: $23 (25% Off)

Don’t judge a knife by its size. The pint-sized Morakniv Eldris packs a ton of performance in a stout package. The blade is razor sharp, and the handle is exceptionally sturdy for burly outdoor tasks. Read our full review here.

Check It Out

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter: $10 (60% Off)

Quench your thirst on hikes directly from the stream with the LifeStraw Personal Water Filter. If your water is sketchy while traveling or you need something for the backcountry, the LifeStraw will get the job done.

Check It Out

Gerber Suspension Multi-Plier: $19 (62% Off)

A stainless steel handle and 12 functions make the Gerber Suspension ready for the task at hand. Whether it’s fixing a tent or car, or even saving your life, this multitool may come in handy when you really need it.

Check It Out

Bose QuietComfort 25 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones: $125 (58% Off)

Say goodbye to crying babies on airplanes when you slip on a pair of Bose headphones. If you haven’t given these noise-canceling headphones a chance, they change air travel for the better. Use them at home or the office to relax or deliver powerful music quality to your ears.

Check It Out

Black Diamond Momentum Harness: $44 (20% Off)

Those new to the rock should check out the Black Diamond Momentum as a solid first climbing harness. And seasoned vets needing something to hangdog projects in should also consider this workhorse. With four gear loops and adjustable leg loops, the Momentum is comfy and functional.

Check It Out

Black Diamond ATC-XP Belay Device: $16 (27% Off)

Catch your climbing partner with the Black Diamond ATC-XP Belay Device. The ATC-XP has grooves to provide additional stopping power. So if you have a heavier partner, or just want to have a slower experience lowering another climber, the ATC-XP is a solid choice that should last for a few years of heavy use.

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Morakniv Companion Fixed Outdoor Knife: $12 (21% Off)

Morakniv makes phenomenally sharp knives at low prices. The Companion is constructed with hardened Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel that’s sure to cut your arm hairs. The blade measures 4.1 inches long, and the grip is easy to hold onto. It comes with a plastic sheath that matches the handle.

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Crank Brothers 19-Function Bicycle Multitool: $25 (24% Off)

Bring the Crank Brothers Multitool on your next ride and be ready for the unexpected. This 19-function tool has seven hex wrenches, four spoke wrench sizes, small and large Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, a t-25 Torx driver for disc brakes, a universal chain tool, and 8- and 10-mm open wrenches.

This multitool takes up hardly any space and comes with a stainless steel tool holder.

Check It Out

Pearl Izumi Pursuit Attack Shorts – men’s & women’s: $44 (45% Off)

The Attack Shorts from Pearl Izumi use a new Select Pursuit Chamois with an eight-panel anatomic design for comfort in the saddle. These bike shorts are made from nylon and Lycra for stretch, and the legs have silicone prints to hold them in position.

Pearl Izumi Elite Gel Glove: $28 (21% Off)

Grip the bars all day long without slipping or wearing down in the Pearl Izumi Elite Gel Glove. On the palm is a synthetic leather with gel padding, and on the back of the hand is polyester. And it has a soft wiping surface if you get any grime on your sunglasses.

Check It Out

Looking for more gear savings? Check out last week’s Screaming Deals:

Screaming Deals: Gear Savings of the Week

Howler Brothers, Smith, Buck Knives, and Timbuk2 products are on sale this week. We found the best deals from across the web to save you money on outdoor gear. Read more…

The post Prime Day Deals: Top Amazon Outdoor Gear Sales appeared first on GearJunkie.

The ICAST 2018 fishing convention in Orlando, Florida, offered a sneak peek at scores of upcoming fishing goods. Among the aisles bursting of new fishing gear were the newest fishing kayaks.

We spent a few days on the show floor to round up the most exciting new boats.

Old Town Topwater Series ($899-1,999)

Even before ICAST, the industry felt the buzz of the Topwater series from Old Town. Sneak peek videos fueled the fire of swirling rumors. The new series was unveiled on the ICAST floors with the slogan, “Fishes Like a Full Size, Handles Like a Compact.” The Old Town Topwater Series claims the performance of a large fishing kayak in a compact, lightweight package.

Small-water pond fishing specialists are suited for the 106, lake and inshore anglers will enjoy the 120, and deep-water and far-reaching fishers will enjoy the ranging capabilities of the PDL drive. All three kayaks feature the ultra-stable DoubleU Hull design, multiple rod holders, gear tracks, adjustable seats, four handles, and bow hatches.

Purchase the 106 or 120 before Sept. 28 and receive a free Humminbird PiranhaMAX4 ($99 value). Or get the PDL and receive the Humminbird Helix 5 Chirp GPS G2 ($299 value). You must fill out a rebate form to qualify for free sonar unit. Available in July 2018.

106 specs: 10’6″ L, 34.5″ W, 73 lbs, 440-lb weight capacity, $899

120 specs: 12′ L, 33.5″ W, 82 lbs, 500-lb capacity, $999

PDL specs: 10’6″ L, 36″ W, 76.5 lbs, 450-lb capacity, $1,999

Pelican Catch 130 HYDRYVE ($1,499)

Pelican International launches the lightest and cheapest pedal-driven fishing kayak on the market. The drive looks incredibly similar to Hobie’s Mirage unit. Hobie created the Mirage pedal drive approximately 20 years ago, but patents aren’t forever. Pelican seized the patent-expiration opportunity to utilize the pedal drive technology.

The Catch 130 HD was born, coming in at $1,499. The boat features four flush mount rod holders, gear tracks, and a mesh seat. Construction differs from the industry standard of rotomolding. The thermoformed molding keeps weight light, tipping the scales at 85 pounds. Available Dec. 1, 2018.

Catch 130 HD specs: 12’6″ L, 34″ W, 85 lbs, 425-lb capacity, $1,499

BOTE Aero Rover ($2,499-2,999)

The BOTE Rover took Best of Show in 2017. The mini-skiff/SUP hybrid was the sexiest craft on the floor, a personal watercraft capable of installing a six-horsepower motor. Motor to your secret spots, cut the motor, and paddle to fish in stealth.

BOTE takes it a step further and launches the Inflatable Rover for 2018.

The inflatable Aero Rover held the spotlight at this year’s ICAST convention. It’s loaded with all the same features as the hard-shell Rover, except you can transport this model inside vehicles and on planes for travel. Depending on your needs or budget, choose the Rover without the motor for paddle only ($2,499), or add on the six-horsepower Hidea motor with included Moto Rack ($2,999). Available late summer 2018.

BOTE Aero Rover specs: 12’6″ L, 40.5″ W, 63 lbs, 500-lb capacity, $2,499-2,999

Bonafide RS 117 ($999)

Bonafide came forward as the newest kayak company at ICAST 2017. The company debuted with two models of the SS kayak: the SS107 and SS127. Both kayaks fell into the premium offering with incredible stability and ultra-high seat placement.

The RS 117 comes forward in an economic price range as Bonafide’s newest option. The brand maintains the signature catamaran-style hull while downgrading premium features. Flush rod holders, deck padding, gear tracks, four handles, and a bow hatch cover outfit this model nicely. Available in early 2019.

Bonafide RS 117 specs: 11’7″ L, 33.5″ W, 75 lbs, 425-lb capacity, $999

NRS Star Inflatable Line ($895-1,095)

NRS is no stranger to the water or fishing. And Star Inflatables isn’t a fresh face in the paddlesports. This new kayak line comes with the recent NRS purchase of Star and relaunching the brand.

All three new Star models are built for recreationist anglers. The inflatable sit-on-top kayaks are built out with self-bailing floors, metal D rings, Scotty fishing mounts, handles, and 9-inch, 38-ounce, PVC-coated, 1,000-denier polyester tubes. Available in early 2019.

Pike Fishing IK specs: 12’8″ L, 38″ W, 3-chamber inflatable, $1,095

Rival Fishing iSOT specs: 12’6″ L, 38″ W, 3-chamber inflatable, $995

Challenger Fishing iSOT specs: 10’8″ L, 38″ W, 3-chamber inflatable, $895

Native Slayer 12 XC River Kayak ($1,499)

Native Watercraft launches the Slayer 12 XC for river kayak fishing. The hull is designed for cross-conditions performance. This design has a shallow draft for clearance and allows river anglers to maneuver and control the craft in currents.

Two flush rod holders, four gear tracks, a removable electronics pod, dual hatches, and a spring-loaded skeg are defining attributes. The feature-rich XC maintains a clean deck profile for anglers while allowing the customization gearheads desire. Available now.

Slayer XC 12 specs: 12’2″ L, 36.5″ W, 87 lbs, 450-lb capacity, $1,499

Bluesky Boatworks 360 Angler ($3,499)

The 360 Angler is no secret. The boat debuted at Paddlesports Retailer 2017 as an unfinished product. Jackson Kayak‘s sister brand has enjoyed expansive coverage as the final tweaks take place on its first watercraft launch.

2018 marks the launch. The finished product enjoyed the 2018 Best Boat category at ICAST as well. The dual pontoons sit 48 inches apart for unmatched stability. Pick your poison for on-water movement: Pedal, paddle, or install the motor mount for gas-powered transport. Available in late July 2018.

360 Angler specs: 13’4″ L, 48″ W, 140 lbs, 500-lb capacity, $3,499

The post Pedal Power: Fishing Watercraft of ICAST 2018 appeared first on GearJunkie.

With a fully loaded packraft balanced on my shoulder, I scrambled over wet rocks and trudged through bogs of glacial silt. What initially looked like a few hundred yards to the next put-in quickly stretched to a mile. My body felt strained, but my feet were surprisingly comfortable. Even under the crush of a 65-pound pack.

For one week, our team put the all-new Chaco Odyssey sport sandal and Torrent Pro cross trainer to the test in one of the most rugged and beautiful proving grounds in the world — the Kennicott Wilderness near McCarthy, Alaska. Arriving only a few days after the summer solstice, the 20 hours of available daylight gave us ample shoe testing time.

In short: Chaco’s new shoes, coming to market in spring 2019, deliver a high degree of amphibious performance. The advanced designs and carefully chosen materials open a new category of footwear for the brand but retain many of the qualities Chaco loyalists have grown to love.

Chaco Odyssey Sandal

The next evolution of the traditional Chaco sandal, the Odyssey adds an enclosed toe and a hydrophobic mesh upper for maximum support and protection. An even split between shoe and sandal, the Odyssey represents the best of both worlds. The lightweight mesh is supple, with no seams or abrasion points. And the iconic Z-shaped strap system adjusts evenly with a simple tug, feeling decidedly Chaco.

Underfoot, the soft LUVSEAT ER footbed retains the brand’s classic contours, although not quite as pronounced as the instep curves of the Z-series sandals. Tucked within the midsole package, a rock plate offers sufficient protection without compromising flexibility over uneven terrain. At only 11.5 ounces for a size 11, they’re considerably lighter than most of the performance sandals in the Chaco lineup.

During several days of self-supported packrafting, the Odyssey transitioned from boat to riverbank seamlessly. The upper offered enough adjustment to accommodate a wool sock, Gore-Tex layer, and neoprene bootie all at once. Yet they also fit well with bare feet.

The only inherent drawback to the hybrid sandal-shoe design is the difficulty expelling rocks, sand, and debris once they sneak into the toe box. It’s a compromise made in the name of added coverage and protection. On the upshot, removing the shoe and clearing it is quick and easy.

Chaco Torrent Pro

The Torrent Pro represents Chaco’s latest foray into high-performance water shoes. Co-developed with the USA Raft Team, the shoe drains, protects, and performs. On our trip, we traveled with the team’s captain, John Mark Seelig. According to Seelig, the Torrent includes features specifically aimed at boaters. The low-profile sole package and rounded heel fit into the tight confines of kayaks and packrafts and don’t impede hasty exits.

The quick-dry knit upper fits snug around the foot, with traditional laces applying uniform tension. Like the Odyssey, the mesh includes as few seams as possible for a comfortable, sock-free fit. The lightweight LUVSEAT ER footbed is soft for all-day comfort, but not so soft it sacrifices support.

When scrambling around on wet river rocks, the TPU toe cap provided welcome protection, and the siped ChacoGrip outsole was surprisingly sticky. Climbing on floating icebergs and standing atop slimy boulders were easy tasks. The low-profile tread pattern worked well in loose conditions and didn’t clog with mud.

Like the Odyssey, the Torrent Pro was as much at home on land as in water. Drain ports in the midsole combined with tight mesh kept the inside of the shoe free of water and debris. Now that I’m back home in the dry desert Southwest, the Torrents keep my feet protected and cool.

Pushed to the Max

Alaska holds no quarter for poorly designed gear. During our week of adventure, we put our Chacos through the wringer. Whether shoved deep into the footwell of a packraft or asked to portage a hulking backpack through thickets of alder, I never worried about my feet.

With a lot of summer left to burn, we’ll continue to test the Odyssey Sandal and Torrent Pro in a variety of harsh conditions. And they make for comfortable camp kicks, so they’ll probably log quite a few hours scuffling around camp.

Christophe Noel is a freelance journalist, photographer, and general vagabond. A seeker of stories untold, he can often be found with a map in hand, lost, in the most remote corners of the globe. The founder of Clean Drink Adventures, he believes in the power of the traveler and doing good as you go.

The post We Went to Alaska to Test Chaco’s Newest Sandals appeared first on GearJunkie.

The wind gusts upward of 40 miles per hour, spitting graupel off the overhead rock and onto our backs. Tucking my chin, I pay out rope as the guide climbs around the corner beyond my sight.

I’ve joined a team from Mountain Hardwear and Jackson Hole Mountain Guides on the Grand Teton to get personal with Mountain Hardwear’s revamped 2019 lineup. And man, it’s like drinking from an alpine firehose. I dust the snow off my gloves, ready myself, and ascend into the maelstrom of gray and granite.

Next spring, Mountain Hardwear will release its updated (and closely guarded) alpine equipment kit. The entire equipment line has been revamped — tents, packs, sleeping bags, and clothing. Everything.

Mountain Hardwear: Back to Basics

Mountain Hardwear was founded by a group of renegade designers passionate about the mountain. But along the way, the brand dabbled in backpacking, slackline, trekking, and hiking. Mountain Hardwear strayed away from its alpine roots, and, in the mind of new President Joe Vernachio, “thinned” the brand.

Then, Vernachio posed a question to his product line managers: “What do you really want to build?”

Nothing triggers product managers’ enthusiasm more than carte blanche from the boss. They had a backlog of ideas, a stack of athlete feedback, and endorsement from the top. With those, Mountain Hardwear took a hard look at what it does best, staffed up on designers, and realigned behind a unified vision.

Mountain Hardwear set out to stop chasing what other brands were doing and instead recommit to its core: building the best alpine climbing equipment it can envision.

To shorten the timeline, the brand took a year off from producing sales samples. Instead, it used the extra time to develop, refine, and test its new line of alpine-centric prototypes. Mountain Hardwear will present its latest product innovations to the public at Outdoor Retailer at the end of the month.

We got a chance to get up close and personal with the 2019 alpine kit on the Grand Teton earlier this month. The results are exciting and fresh — more like what you’d expect from a young, energetic startup than a venerable mountain brand. Here’s a peek at what you can expect to see.

Mountain Hardwear 2019 Tents

When Mountain Hardwear launched in 1993, its flagship product was a sturdy, geodesic dome tent. Some 25 years later, the Trango is still widely accepted as the pinnacle alpine shelter and is a favorite of guides and ambassadors.

When outdoor professionals caught wind of the 2019 revamp, they were quick to advise, “Don’t mess the Trango up!” For 2019, Mountain Hardwear makes a few key shelter upgrades, brings back a favorite, and releases something new.

Trango

Trango fanatics will take satisfaction in knowing the Trango remains largely the same, keeping what was good and incorporating a few key upgrades. Most recognizable, instead of vaulting the fly from the outside, the vestibule pole runs inside the fly, which proved to offer greater stability in wind tunnel testing. And the door now unzips in a wide “D” shape and stows quickly to the side — instead of dangling from the center, falling into the climber’s way.

AC Tents

If you’re still mourning the loss of the venerable EV single-wall, high-altitude tent series, you’ll be happy to hear Mountain Hardwear is bringing it back! Sort of. Ed Viesturs (EV) may have moved on, but the AC line improves on the old.

Unlike the EV, the AC uses sleeves (over the clip setup) to increase stabilization and help simplify assembly. Color-coded webbing at the stakeout points helps expedite setup as well. The vestibule is integrated into the three-person model, while the two-person version cuts a little weight by making the vestibule an aftermarket option. The decision is yours.

Outpost 2

Sitting somewhere between the Trango 2 and AC2 (and branching more into three-season creature comforts) is the spacious Outpost 2. The Outpost has a prominent brow at the front door, making tent-bound chores a little easier. The Outpost also sports a dual mesh canopy and mesh doors for better ventilation. And the removable fly has an attached vestibule for an extra room and maximum storm protection.

Also worth noting is that, for 2019, amidst growing concerns about the potential health and environmental impacts of chemical flame retardants tents, Mountain Hardwear decided to begin sourcing tent materials without chemical flame retardants. The switch may not adhere to CPAI-84 specification for flame-resistant materials used in tents.

Packs

Superlative development starts with sourcing tip-of-the-spear materials. Mountain Hardwear integrated the latest in material sciences into its equipment lineup and uses it judiciously in its new line of packs. Climbing-specific accouterments pair with the materials to provide bomber durability, pure function, and handsome looks.

Alpine Light

Dyneema has been dubbed “the world’s strongest fiber,” with a tensile strength reputedly 40 percent stronger than Kevlar and 15 times stronger — and seven times lighter — than carbon steel. It’s hydrophobic and highly resistant to sun exposure. In other words, it’s perfect for the alpine world and the material of choice in Mountain Hardwear’s bellwether pack, the Alpine Light.

The brand stripped down the Alpine Light for hard routes, with little wiggle room for failure. The simple pack comes with lash points, straps, and a rope keeper. And a removable framesheet reduces the pack to fighting weight when the going gets vertical.

Multi-Pitch

The Multi-Pitch is built with the rock hound in mind. The pack’s material is a combination of X-PLY (used in sails for light weight and superior strength) bonded to X-10 cotton canvas and backed with a 0.5-mil polyester film that won’t flake off. The entire pack rides over a durable Kevlar bottom panel.

The Multi Pitch is a rope gun’s top-loader. Hang the pack at the belay and flop the lid over to reveal a pair of internal gear loops. This keeps the rack clean and organized instead of slumped at the bottom of your pack. A pair of deep front pockets can swallow that guidebook, map, or leftover pizza.

The amalgam of materials and design features yields a waterproof cotton that’s both durable and surprisingly supple, built to last a lifetime.

Crag Wagon 

Though we didn’t see it, Mountain Hardwear is also releasing a Crag Wagon pack. It leverages the same materials found in the Multi Pitch but has a yawning, front-loading U-Zip zipper, providing quick access to your entire rack.

Scrambler

Mountain Hardwear designers also got their creative mitts on the brand’s popular summit/weekend pack, the Scrambler. Smaller, lighter, and customized with thoughtful climbing-specific accouterments, the Scrambler 25L (tested) and 35L feature a new sailcloth technology waterproof fabric and sport a pair of handy side pockets.

The pack also has a floating (and removable) lid, an internal gear loop, and a set of forward-angled gear loops, which ensure the rack always stays within reach. I found the 25L a perfect companion to carry on a walk in the park — even way up high in Grand Teton National Park.

Sleeping Bag: Phantom Alpine

Offset baffles, anti-snag zippers, tailored cut, ergonomic collars, contoured foot boxes: A lot of thought went into designing a better night’s sleep this season. The design team’s long hours show in Mountain Hardwear’s Phantom Alpine.

Most sleeping bags have either a left zip or a right zip, or even a middle zip. None of these offers a great solution for tending to camp chores and staying warm while tethered to a wall on a small climbing ledge.

The Phantom Alpine solves this by using a pair of half-length zippers, one running down each side. Simply poke your arms out, zip up under the arms, and your hands are free to cook or sort gear and stay warm under the shelter of 850-fill down.

Beyond Alpine Climbing

Does the gear we saw have application beyond the steep slopes and granite walls? Sure, consumers could use the gear off the mountain and on the trail. But the designs in these styles will intentionally be alpine and reemphasize the “mountain” in Mountain Hardwear.

Lina Adams, Senior Marketing Manager at Mountain Hardwear shared, “Mountain Hardwear is first and foremost a brand for climbers. With the Equipment S19 redesign, a climbing focus was a natural choice for the brand. It’s paying respect to our heritage while focusing on the future. We want our equipment to serve climbers across all touchpoints of their lives and all forms of climbing.”

Like the route to the top of Grand Teton, Mountain Hardwear’s route to its 2019 alpine lineup wasn’t predictable — or pedestrian. But, like the Exum route, it’s a classic that delivers.

The post Gear Overhaul: Mountain Hardwear Doubles Down on Climbing for 2019 appeared first on GearJunkie.

1) Chainless Bike Driveshaft: CeramicSpeed Wows Eurobike

While it looks a bit weird, the CeramicSpeed Driven bike driveshaft certainly turned heads at Eurobike this past week. It doesn’t have a chain or derailleurs, operating with a shaft-drive system instead. It’s just a prototype now, but it could make its way to the production line in the future.

2) Reservations May Soon Be Required at Arches National Park

Our insider national park correspondents on their #NationalParksFieldTrip visited Arches earlier this summer. The landscape was beautiful, and the crowds gigantic.

If a proposed plan is approved, only vehicles with an entry reservation will be allowed to enter the park between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. from March through October.

3) Build the V8 Jeep Truck of Your Dreams

Though Jeep doesn’t offer a Wrangler V8 or a pickup, that hasn’t stopped the aftermarket from offering both. Bruiser Conversions offers four different Jeep Wrangler-based pickups. It even has V8 and diesel power plant options for some impressive Jeep pickup truck builds.

4) First Look: Black Diamond Revamps Tents for 2019

Black Diamond stopped by the office this week and showcased one sleek-looking tent. Beginning in January, the brand will release all-new tents and lineup updates for the first time in a decade. Check out the Distance Z-Pole Two-Person Tent in this sneak peek.

5) Future Cycling Gear: 2018 Eurobike Awards

Eurobike gives us a peek at the best products hitting the cycling market. Here are the show’s award recipients — from startups to sustainability to the best-in-show Gold Award winners.

Browse through the more than 40 products that won awards at this year’s Eurobike.

The post Trending: Our Top Outdoor Stories This Week appeared first on GearJunkie.

The post Brawny Beauties: Wild Rides From Northwest Overland Rally appeared first on GearJunkie.

With a saturated hunting podcast market, it can take awhile to get to the meat of any podcast. One episode doesn’t fit your particular interests while another meanders on without the kind of energy that holds your attention.

Some episodes, however, take on a life of their own. They provide hunting insight, education, and a new take on old stories. Some dive off into psychedelic tangents, sure to entertain to the highest degree. If you’re gearing up for a long drive, a long day at work, or just want new listening material, get after these go-to episodes — listed in no particular order.

The MeatEater Podcast

With a few years under their belt, the MeatEater crew consistently dishes out a podcast that combines storytelling with education. It’s easy to get sucked into the campfire nature of the conversation. Familiar guests lend a fun and hilarious hand to ongoing hunting stories, arguments, and themes.

When Steven Rinella gets hold of an expert on the show, you should prepare yourself for in-depth questions that lead to big, honest answers about the state of our wildlife, American history, and conservation.

Must Listen

Episodes 86 & 87: The Meat Tree Parts 1 & 2. Ok, so this is two episodes, but the storytelling here is the top-notch, fingernail-biting, hold-your-breath kind that pulls you in for the entirety of both episodes. That’s all I have to say about it. A must-listen.

Episode 70: Chronic Wasting Disease. Chronic wasting disease is one of the most widely talked about yet misunderstood issues facing deer hunters nationwide. The crew at MeatEater addresses the issue with expert Bryan Richards, a CWD Project Team Leader for the USGS. Richards answers questions, tells the story of CWD, and gives his best information on how the hunting community can protect our deer populations from the disease’s devastation.

BHA Podcast & Blast

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers had the foresight to bring on the talented outdoorsman and writer Hal Herring to host its podcast. And the payoff makes it well worth adding to your subscription list.

Herring’s journalist mindset and independent take on issues supply a thoughtful nature to a podcast about conservation. He’s hosted living legends like ethicist Jim Posewitz and Patagonia’s Yvon Chouinard among a swath of talented writers and conservationists working hard for public lands.

Must Listen

Episode 05: Hal Herring interviews Jim Posewitz. There are few living conservationists that have done as much for public lands as Jim Posewitz. A relatively unknown name in the broad hunting community, Posewitz is an outdoorsman, conservationist, ethicist, and author who has spent a lifetime dedicated to ensuring Fair Chase ethics are a part of our hunting language. In this podcast, renowned outdoors writer Hal Herring speaks with Posewitz about the history of our public lands and so much more.

Hunt Talk Radio, Randy Newberg Unfiltered

Randy Newberg’s hardcore bend toward public lands advocacy and genuine interest in hunting instruction yields a podcast that no other host embodies. He does this because he loves it, and he brings an old-school sensibility to a new-school media game.

Must Listen

Episode 77: Shane Mahoney. Randy Newberg’s years of advocacy and dedication to conservation make him perfect for holding court with Shane Mahoney, a lifelong conservationist with a poetic understanding of how humans fit into wild spaces. These two tackle some of the biggest questions in the industry: trophy hunting, public outrage, motives, media, and more.

Wired To Hunt

Mark Kenyon is the classic specialist, and his Midwestern roots wrap him in the world of whitetails. His long-term success can be attributed to his consistent, storied, and genuine conversations with real-world whitetail hunters. With his recent addition to the MeatEater production umbrella, there’s a lot to be excited about for Kenyon’s place in the outdoors storytelling landscape.

Must Listen

Episode 216: Beginner’s Guide to Deer Hunting. Mark Kenyon and his co-host Dan Johnson walk a new hunter through the how-tos of killing a deer for the first time. With adults coming to hunting in droves and not having many places to turn, this podcast is a great start to help the beginner hunter get out in the field with fewer surprises.

The Rich Outdoors

Through and through, host Cody Rich is a die-hard, antlers-to-the-wall hunter who’s willing to dig into any and every aspect of hunting. Rich hosts guests from all over the hunting landscape and is truly stoked to get in-depth with their methodology to better himself and his listeners in their hunting practice. There’s an obsessive nature to his podcast. You can’t help but appreciate his ballsy and funny take on hunting as a lifestyle — which, for him, it surely is.

Must Listen

Episode 240: How to E-Scout Like a Pro with Mark Livesay. Livesay lays out his e-scouting plan with host Cody Rich in an honest and straightforward way that would leave most hunters wide-eyed and tight-lipped. The digital landscape of hunting has changed in ways that can’t be overstated. The two men cover this landscape in a two-hour educational piece that is a must-have for the modern hunter.

Beyond the Kill

Adam Janke, of the Journal of Mountain Hunting, has made a name for himself by creating thoughtful conversation within the industry. His approach to the podcast echoes that of the journal itself. He brings on smart guests to talk the big questions like agrologist Mark Hall, hunter and storyteller Adam Foss, and Wild Sheep Foundation’s Gray Thornton.

Must Listen

Episode 86: Is Hunting Conservation? Janke’s conservation discourse with agrologist and retired forester Mark Hall raises some poignant questions about the state of conservation and hunting. Agree or disagree, Hall’s scientific take on the matter is one to consider for yourself.

Shoot’n The Bull

If you haven’t listened to Ty Stubblefield and Josh Keller talk out stories with their guests, you’re missing out on a lot of laughs. Between Stubblefield’s burly and intense need to constantly be on the hunt and Keller’s goofy and hilarious interjections, these two make for a fun podcast that still manages to get to the heart of the outdoors. This is your laugh-a-lot and learn-a-ton show to beat the afternoon doldrums.

Must Listen

Episode 49: Chris Parrish on Raptors, Lead Ammunition and Falconry. This podcast, in particular, stands out. The ancient art of falconry is one that has been quieted with modern hunting. Parrish is passionate about raptors and well-versed in the research. All hunters should take a moment to consider the points he brings up throughout the podcast, especially when deciding what to shoot and why. Dig into Parrish’s thoughts and then formulate your own on the matter.

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Joe Rogan Experience

Although not a hunting-themed podcast, Rogan often digs into his passion for hunting. He enjoys bowhunting in particular, with sportsmen Cameron Hanes, Steven Rinella, Adam Greentree, Donnie Vincent, and more. His connection to the MeatEater crew is long-term and reflected in the number of times he’s hunted with Rinella on the show itself. Rogan’s typical conversation style can go anywhere from comedic to philosophical to downright weird.

Must Listen

Episode 1060: Remi Warren. Warren is not only one of the most badass guys on the mountain, he’s one of the funniest and most down to earth. He’s appeared on the Joe Rogan Experience on multiple occasions, and each is an episode worth listening to. The latest recaps Warren’s experience getting attacked by a grizzly with the MeatEater crew. And the attack itself isn’t even the whole story.

The Hunting Collective

Ben O’Brien is best known for his role in managing the hunting side of the YETI brand. He recently branched out into the world of podcasts. O’Brien’s vast network within the hunting industry has led to a varied lineup that’s beginning to reach beyond the echo chamber found within hunting podcasts.

My favorite part of O’Brien’s style is how he gets out of his guests’ way: Interjection comes only when necessary. It will be interesting to see what names he pulls in as he continues his journey in conversation.

Must Listen

Episode 7: Charles Post. Charles Post’s background as an ecologist puts an interconnective lens on his experience as a hunter. Post is currently bridging the flannel-fleece divide with his role in redefining what hunting is for himself and other outliers. O’Brien and Post talk on what it means to know a place, how hunting fits into ecology, and more.

The post The Best Hunting Podcasts for the Offseason appeared first on GearJunkie.

On Thursday, authorities charged Jesper Joergensen with 141 counts of felony arson for allegedly igniting the Spring Creek Fire on June 27, Reuters reported. Still active in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in southeastern Colorado, the blaze has so far scorched nearly 108,000 acres. But, according to InciWeb, it’s currently 91 percent contained.

According to the Denver Post, Joergensen, 52, in a police affidavit denies intentionally igniting the fire, which destroyed 140 homes. Joergensen faces an arson count for every building the fire leveled.

Danish Man Charged in Massive Wildfire

Currently, officials are holding Joergensen in Costilla County Jail on a $50,000 bond. He is due in Costilla County Court in August. In addition to first-degree arson charges, Joergensen faces deportation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), an immigration detainer.

A Danish national, Joergensen was living illegally in the U.S. with an expired visa when he allegedly started the fire. Joergensen told police he was camping in the area and saw a small tinder fire burning in dry brush about 20 feet from the spot he had previously extinguished a cooking fire.

There was a fire ban in place, making his cooking fire illegal. According to police, Jorgensen said he did not know a fire ban was in place, although he suspected there was one due to dry conditions.

Persistent dry conditions have fed fire risks throughout the state and across the American West. The Spring Creek Fire is one of about a dozen currently active wildfires in Colorado, burning nearly 200,000 acres, according to the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control.

The post Man Charged With 141 Arson Counts for CO Wildfire appeared first on GearJunkie.

Called the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), the new six-event format won’t roll out until 2020. The ACFT has to go through some basic training of its own — a yearlong field study starting this October.

The U.S. Army has been intent on making its combat-readiness testing more accurate, as well as more age- and gender-neutral, for a while. It’s widely known that soldiers dislike the current Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), which includes three dated fitness measures: situps, pushups, and a run.

The new multifaceted ACFT will include six challenges covering a wider range of strength, agility, and endurance tests that help eliminate physical discrepancies related to age and sex.

A post shared by United States Army (@usarmy) on Jun 23, 2018 at 9:08am PDT

It might sound like a small shift. But for an organization as massive as the military, the change is weighty. Maj. Gen. Malcolm Frost, head of the Center for Initial Military Training, told Army Times, “This is a generational, cultural change in fitness for the United States Army, and will be a cornerstone of individual soldier combat readiness. That’s how big this is for the Army.”

Dated 3-Event Test Moves to Dynamic 6-Event Challenge

The current physical fitness test, which has been the standard for almost 40 years, starts with pushup and situp tests. Recruits must do as many as possible in two minutes. The third component of the APFT is a two-mile run for time. Participants receive scores of 0 to 100 in each event. To pass, Army recruits need a minimum score of 60 in each event.

A post shared by United States Army (@usarmy) on May 24, 2018 at 6:17am PDT

What the New Army Combat Fitness Test Includes

The ACFT will include the following six events, with a two-minute rest between each strength and agility test and a five-minute break before the run. The entire test will last 50 minutes.

1. Deadlift. Deadlift between 120 and 420 pounds, depending on the individual soldier. You must do three reps in five minutes.
2. Standing power throw. Toss a 10-pound medicine ball overhead and backward. Complete one practice throw and two graded throws in three minutes. The longest distance is recorded.
3. Hand-release pushups. With chest lowered to the floor, lift your hands off the ground between each rep. Complete as many reps as possible in three minutes.
4. Sprint-drag-carry. In four minutes, sprint 25 meters out and 25 meters back five times. Each iteration will include a different activity: sprint, sled drag, lateral shuffle, and 40-pound kettlebell carry.
5. Leg tuck. Hang from a pullup bar and, with your body parallel, pull your knees to your elbows as many times as possible in two minutes.
6. Two-mile run. Takes place on a track or a paved, level road, with a 20-minute maximum.

How the ACFT Better Measures Fitness

The continuous 50-minute test triples the work-to-rest ratio of the current test. The new ACFT is also expected to predict a soldier’s effectiveness in combat with 80 percent accuracy, compared to 40 percent for the existing APFT, Frost said.

And the more well-rounded test neutralizes age and gender gaps.

Women have been permitted to test for all direct-combat positions since 2016. However, many have felt that the calibrated APFT meant that women were getting a break on standards. After all, men had to run faster and do more pushups.

A post shared by United States Army (@usarmy) on May 23, 2018 at 3:44pm PDT

Because the ACFT focuses more specifically on physical demands for combat, the measures are more universal. The fitness standards are baseline requirements regardless of sex or age.

This is the largest overhaul of the Army physical fitness test in history. But the standards have changed incrementally six times since 1980. And the Army has been moving toward an overhaul of the APFT for the last six years.

It’s a glacial process. There’s still a year and a half until the ACFT is fully implemented. But here’s the good news: There’s plenty of time to train for it.

The post Combat Ready? New Army Test Aims to Better Assess Fitness appeared first on GearJunkie.

Leaders and tippet, though expendable, are vital pieces of equipment for any flyfisher. Without a solid leader and tippet setup, you run the risk of spooking fish or breaking them off. An appropriate leader means better accuracy, turnover, and presentation. The correct tippet selection ensures it will sink (or float) and be nearly invisible to the fish.

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Leaders for Flyfishing

Tied to your fly line is your leader. The leader starts out thick and strong and tapers toward the end, where the tippet and ultimately your fly are tied.

Leaders can be tapered chemically, mechanically, or by hand by tying pieces of monofilament and tippet material into an effective taper. Chemically and mechanically tapered leaders are smoother and have less to catch on whereas hand-tied leaders turn over and cast into the wind better.

A word on leader and tippet weight: Tippet and leader thickness is denoted by an “X” designation. Weights range from 8X to 0X for most anglers, with the larger number designating a lighter weight line. Lines heavier than 0X are noted by the tippet diameter, such as .012. You should try to balance the weight of your tippet with style of fishing, flies used, and target species. Orvis has a handy chart to do just that here.

Tapered Leaders

Rio makes great chemically tapered leaders, and its Powerflex leader ($12 for a three-pack) is a great all-around option. If you are looking for hand-tied leaders, you can find great taper formulas online, come up with your own, or use George Anderson’s Hand Tied Leaders ($6.95). Most leaders come with a perfection loop to make a loop-to-loop connection from line to leader.

If you do choose a hand-tied leader, you have the advantage of knowing exactly what section of tippet needs to be replaced when the time comes. If you’re fishing a 4X leader and have to frequently retie flies or fish have broken off, you know your last section was 4X and can easily tie more tippet on. A blood knot or surgeon’s knot works best for mono or tippet connections.

Standard leader lengths for trout fishing leaders are usually in the 7.5- to 12-foot range. Fourteen-foot leaders are used by some for dry flyfishing in gin-clear water where you need an extra stealthy presentation. Generally, the longer the leader, the harder it is to cast.

Specialty Leaders

You can also get sinking or indicator leaders. Rio makes the Freshwater VersiLeader ($12.95), which comes in a variety of sink rates. It attaches to a floating line to make it fish like a sinking line. Although this hinges a bit (at the loop-to-loop connection) and adds extra grain weight to your line, it’s a viable option and helps get your fly down.

Indicator leaders like Rio’s Indicator Leader ($14.95 for a three-pack) and George Anderson’s Hot Butt Leader ($6.95) have colored butt sections — orange and red, respectively — which act as indicators. These are great if you don’t want to fish under a strike indicator or have a hard time seeing your line in the water. They’re especially useful when high sticking or “Czech” nymphing. 

Tippet for Flyfishing

Tippet is the final, lightweight line that you tie to your fly. Tippet material varies from fluorocarbon to nylon. In tippets of the same diameter, fluorocarbon is more durable and has greater straight breaking strength than nylon.

Fluorocarbon is also less visible underwater. Water has a refractive index of 1.33, fluorocarbon has a refractive index of 1.42, and nylon comes in at 1.62. In short, if you’re fishing spring creeks, lakes, saltwater, or especially clear rivers, then using fluorocarbon will give you an advantage in fooling (and hooking) more fish.

Fluorocarbon Tippet

Fluorocarbon is usually stiffer, tangles less, and is easier to untangle than nylon. It also doesn’t absorb as much water. So if you’re using the same leader and tippet all day, your tippet won’t become weaker towards the end of the day. Seaguar ($16.50) and Trout Hunter ($24.95) make great fluorocarbon tippets with a double structure.

Double structure means the inner fluorocarbon is stiff and has a high tensile breaking strength and a softer fluorocarbon outer coating. This ties better knots than other brands of fluorocarbon without double structure. The only downside is that fluorocarbon costs nearly three to four times more than nylon.

Nylon Tippet

Nylon is a great all-purpose material. It’s a solid choice wherever water clarity is slightly off. Nylon produces excellent knot strength. It absorbs more water than does fluorocarbon, but for almost all applications, nylon gets the job done well. Rio’s Powerflex ($3.35) is a guide favorite, as is the Powerflex Plus ($11.43). Powerflex Plus is a stronger nylon material, testing 20 percent stronger than the regular Powerflex.

Trout Hunter also just came out with their EVO Nylon Tippet ($9.95). Its coating allows for stronger knots and better floating than traditional nylon.

Nylon floats better than fluorocarbon, making it a good choice when fishing dry flies. But using gink or another silicone gel on your fluorocarbon leader and tippet helps offset this.

Stocking Up on Tippet

When shopping for leaders or tippet, it’s important to keep in mind that it should taper down from the previous section. If you’re buying 6X tippet, you should have some 4X and maybe 2X in your bag as well. Tying 6X directly to 2X would be too much change in diameter to yield sturdy knots and good turnover.

In general, you can use the rule of 3 when deciding what size tippet to use with your fly. If you’re fishing a size 12 fly, divide by 3 and use 4X tippet. If you’re fishing a size 20 fly, divide by 3 and use 6X or even 7X tippet.

Looking Downstream

Don’t forget to be a good steward. Don’t throw your tippet on the ground or in the river. Be especially aware of this if you’re using fluorocarbon, as it has a half-life of approximately 250 years. Leader and tippet scraps create hazards for the environment and wildlife, so try your best to gather your used pieces and dispose of them.

Chloe Nostrant is a photographer and artist from Livingston, Montana. She is an employee at the famed George Anderson’s Yellowstone Angler and executive director of the nonprofit Bridger Babes. She spends her free time chasing her next catch and creating artwork centered around the American West.

The post What’s on Your Reel? Leader and Tippet Explained appeared first on GearJunkie.

It’s amazing what happens when you start searching for bikes without a budget in mind. Suddenly, when not automatically sorting from “low to high” on the price range, $5,000 for a road bike seems not only affordable but downright cheap.

It’s not just about the frame, either. The bigger the budget, the higher the quality of the components attached to it — from ultralight carbon wheels to electronic shifters. Whatever your budget is, you might enjoy scrolling through a few of our favorite (Power)baller road bikes we’d buy if we ever hit the lottery.

Even if all of these dreamy two-wheeled machines are out of your price range, who doesn’t love some aspirational bike porn during the workweek?

Hottest High-Priced Road Bikes

Carbon, titanium, bamboo — oh my! We chose eight of the sleekest, fastest, and most outrageous (a lot of) money can buy. Each of these is road and race ready, and available for anyone to purchase. Well, anyone with a few commas on their bank statement.

We’ve arranged these bikes from lowest to highest price, though some may vary depending on component choice.

Pro tip: If you buy one of these road bikes, spend the extra few bucks to buy a seriously sturdy bike lock.

Boo SL-R: $7,000 (and up)

That’s right, we’re starting this list with a bike that isn’t made from carbon or even titanium. Rather, Boo makes bikes with — wait for it — bamboo. And it doesn’t just make bikes for riding on smooth roads. It has cyclocross bikes raced by elite riders like Georgia Gould!

These bikes offer a surprisingly stiff and smooth ride despite being made with panda snacks. Boo’s top-end road bike, the SL-R is compliant enough to feel ultra smooth in corners, with handling that’s a bit more responsive than stiffer frames (thanks to the bamboo’s slight give).

The brand binds the bamboo with hand-wrapped carbon fiber, and each frame features custom geometry designed to make your ride feel exactly right. Now with thru-axle dropouts, the road bike can handle beefier tires. And disc brakes mean excellent stopping power.

Boo’s builders work with customers to customize frames, kitting them out with the best components for their preferred types of riding. So you can almost guarantee you’ll be the only one in the group ride with a bike made of grass.

Litespeed T1SL: $7,249

Litespeed is one of the classic titanium bike builders in the U.S., and the T1SL road racing bike is one of the lightest titanium options on the road. The 2018 model is 15 percent lighter than the brand’s 2015 T1SL frame and comes in at a mere 1,000 grams for a medium frame. For you Yanks, that’s under 2.25 pounds!

Available in six sizes from 50 to 60 cm, Litespeed’s range of road bikes can accommodate almost everyone. Plus, titanium, with its stealthy-looking silver sheen, stands out in a crowd of black and brightly colored carbon and alloy frames.

And Litespeed created the new top tube for the 2018 model from a single sheet of titanium, tapered to reduce weight and add stiffness to the ride.

Handmade in America and kitted out with Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting system, this bike will definitely attract a lot of envious looks at the starting line. But it looks equally cool on those more casual coffee shop rides.

Canyon Aeroad CF SLX Disc 9.0 Ltd: $8,287

For space-age tech under $10,000, the Canyon Aeroad CF SLX Disc 9.0 Ltd, with its 11-speed SRAM eTap HRD hydraulic disc brakes, is your best bet.

Canyon chose components for and built the entire bike with aerodynamics as the primary goal. The H11 aero-integrated handlebar and stem help you get low, and even the seatpost’s design mimics that of the frame — ready to slice through a headwind.

SRAM’s eTap system provides wireless shifting, shaving off grams by reducing cable weight. Hydraulic disc brakes may seem crazy for an aero bike, but the confidence gained by being able to stop on a dime more than makes up for the few added grams compared to calipers.

Of course, Reynolds Aero 65 ATR Disc Carbon wheels offer a range of aero ability regardless of headwind or a brutal crosswind.

Trek Émonda SLR 9 Disc eTap: $11,000

Want to climb hills? You may need the Émonda, Trek’s answer to hill-lovers looking for a frame that likes to climb as much as they do.

The most baller version of the Émonda, the SLR 9 Disc eTap combines a carbon road frame with some seriously high-tech components. At sub-14 pounds, the carbon Émonda is among the lightest of Trek’s road bikes.

And it’s the lightest Trek frame with disc brakes. Notice a trend towards disc brakes here? Almost every high-end road bike has them now.

And again, what makes this bike Powerball worthy isn’t just the frame: it’s what comes with the frame. Full SRAM eTap wireless electronic drivetrain and flat mount hydraulic disc brakes mean this road bike stops on a dime and shifts without worrying over regular cable adjustments. Just remember to charge your robotic derailleur every so often.

Bontrager, Trek’s component and clothing brand, provides the XXX cockpit and saddle as well as the uber-light Bontrager Aeolus XXX carbon wheels.

Specialized Women’s S-Works Tarmac Disc: $11,000

Women’s bikes are no longer the base model with cheap components and a women’s-specific saddle. Now, brands design bikes with women’s geometry and needs in mind, and the bikes spec out with components at the same level as high-end men’s bikes — if not better!

Specialized (obviously) designed the newest iteration of the Women’s S-Works Tarmac Disc to be fast. But tons of R&D went into making it a fast all-around bike, whether climbing, hitting a headwind, or even dealing with a gravel section in a fondo.

The stiff, lightweight carbon frame boasts a power-measuring system integrated into the carbon fiber S-Works road cranks, with dual-sided power measurement. And shifting comes courtesy of electronic Shimano Dura-Ace Di2.

Disc brakes modulate speed, and 50-mm-deep Roval CLX 50 Disc wheels with cotton-cased Turbo tires keep you rolling smooth and fast.

Moots Vamoots Disc RSL: $11,000

Another titanium option, Colorado’s Moots brand has made a name for itself on road, mountain, and cyclocross courses. But when it comes to road racing or riding, the Vamoots Disc RSL is the brand’s “pure road performance” machine.

Moots designed this road runner for stiff, tight handling. The brand also used its proprietary butted titanium tubes. And this iteration of the Vamoots drops a bit of weight thanks in part to a 3D-printed rear dropout. Thru axles mean an even stiffer ride and better pickup.

Unlike most bikes with five or six size options, the Vamoots comes in nine different made-to-order sizes and designs. And for the aesthetically inclined, Moots added dozens of finishing options for the frame, from iridescent logos to barely visible etching — arguably the hardest part of the decision when ordering!

The highest-end model comes with Shimano Dura-Ace 9170, a Chris King bottom bracket, and Mavic K-Syrium Pro Disc wheels. Custom sizing is available as well, as are plenty of modifications if you’re hoping to swap standard shifting for electronic. (But prices vary based on specifications.)

Bianchi Specialissima Super Record: $13,700

Are you obsessed with the Celeste light blue-green that screams “Bianchi”? Or do you have a deep-rooted love for Campagnolo (despite the prevalence of Shimano and Specialized)? Welcome to the new age of retro, with the Bianchi Specialissima Super Record.

It looks classically cool, like a bike your dad or a Tour de France racer may have ridden back in the day. But there’s nothing old-fashioned about it once you look closely.

The Super Light Carbon uses Materials Sciences Corporation’s patented “Countervail” integrated vibration-canceling system, designed to decrease vibration by up to 80 percent. And guess what? That’s NASA technology.

Campagnolo’s Super Record 11-speed shifters, crankset, and bottom bracket power the ride while Fulcrum Racing Zero Nite wheels with Vittoria Corsa G+ tires speed along descents, up climbs, and through tight corners.

Williamson Wheelmen Copper Python-Wrapped Bicycle: $35,000

We started with bamboo, and now we’re going to wrap up the list with something even crazier: Steel! Williamson Goods & Supply presents the ultimate luxury experience, beginning with custom-built, high-quality Columbus Chromoly steel tubing hand-brazed in Detroit.

Granted, it’s a little over the top, but the limited-edition bike is already almost sold out. So someone is snapping them up! Each component on the bike is wrapped in hand-sewn python or crocodile leather — yes, really. And while it’s definitely not a vegan-friendly option, but the animal skins are certified as harvested in a sustainable and humane process.

Copper plating also covers the frame, lugs, bars, and posts, all of which are made in Detroit. Each bike is engraved with its number because only 30 (10 in each of the three colors) will be produced.

The front and rear lights are vintage Schwinn, and there’s even a copper-plated “adult beverage canister”! In all, this is one bike you’ll want to hang on a wall as much as pedal around town.

The post The Road Bikes We’d Buy If We Won the Lottery appeared first on GearJunkie.

Road cycling has grown significantly since U.S. riders started competing for — and winning — Tour de France titles. Even the sport’s scandal adds to its popularity. And now, high-end cycling gear, from full-carbon bicycles to brand-emblazoned jerseys, has trickled down to the masses.

“Racing Bicycles: The Illustrated Story of Road Cycling” presents an eye-catching look at cycling’s roots. Author Nick Higgins chronicles “every major historical development of the road bicycle and the road race.”

And best of all, splashy art decorates each section.

The following excerpt follows the history of cycling wear from its unassuming beginnings to the ostentatious outfits of today.

Racing Bicycles: The Illustrated Story of Road Cycling, by Nick Higgins, is excerpted below with permission of the author and Laurence King Publishing. All rights reserved. 

Maillots: Cycling Apparel, Past and Present

Early racing was conducted in tweeds and wool, with flying helmets and goggles. There was little difference in costume between cyclists and early aviators. But in 1910, Alfredo Binda was dressed by the tailor Vittore Gianni, who invented a dedicated cycling kit.

Jerseys were long sleeved, with buttons across the shoulder and a pocket on the chest. In the 1940s, Fausto Coppi’s personal tailor, Armando Castelli, introduced silk. As well as considerations of comfort and practicality, silk was better able to accept being printed with ink, which would become increasingly important as advertising increased.

Synthetics began to challenge wool in the late 1940s but were resisted by many. In 1947, Louis “Louison” Bobet handed back his yellow jersey, rejecting its synthetic fibers — an awkward moment for the race organizers, since the jersey was actually sponsored by Sofil, the makers of the acrylic yarn.

Wool persisted right through the 1960s. The idea of climbing alpine stages wearing wool in August gives some idea of just how much suffering professional bike riders can endure. Towards the end of the 1960s, the broad chest pocket, which never appeared to contain anything anyway, finally vanished, leaving the familiar three rear pockets as the standard.

Synthetics Seize Cycling

In 1977, Maurizio Castelli, Armando’s son, pioneered what was probably the most noticeable innovation to the sport since the pneumatic tire: a woven polyurethane-polyurea copolymer fabric, marketed as “Lycra.” Again, performance went hand in hand with promotion as he developed a special dye process to better accept its own branding. In 1981 he broke the ban on anything but black shorts, and in 1996 he debuted the skinsuit.

The last piece of natural fabric was dropped from the peloton in 1977 when the chamois leather pad was removed from the shorts to be replaced by “technical” materials.

Cycling often takes on the appearance of an uncontrolled binge of branding and graphic exuberance. As teams replaced the individual, the logos of bicycle manufacturers started to appear on their chests: Hyalite, Elvish, Alcyon, Hutchinson, Automoto. The logo at this point, though, was strictly relevant to the event.

Cycling Jerseys’ Advertising Potential

In 1954, Nivea paid Fiorenzo Magni to wear a shirt branded with their logo — an unlikely association, Fiorenzo not being a conventional model for beauty products. (There was, however, a compelling connection between the product and the sport: It was used to soften the chamois leather in the shorts.) The link, nevertheless, between the sport and what was written across the chest (back, shoulders, thighs, ankles, and head) had been broken, and a spectacle of attention-stealing graphic exhibitionism was unleashed as the kit became an all-over branded suit, with matching mail-lots, mitts, caps, capes, and booties.

The vivid competition for prominence on the backs of the riders has led to some remarkable kit, bringing a psychedelic quality to the peloton and exploiting the most vivid and fluorescent spectrums of print technology.

Team Mapei — sponsored by an Italian grout and tile adhesive maker — impressed through the 1990s in remarkable harlequin-like geometry, while the jeans manufacturer Carrera’s literal stance, with a faux denim kit, was possibly a low point in branding.

There are two simple rules now: White Lycra shorts are never a good idea, and kit can never be too loud. Multiple sponsors fight for space on one shirt in a vivid confusion of branding. Niche marketing can even put a logo into an armpit.

Teams have been serially rebranded as the burden of financing them is passed on: Peugeot, for instance, became Z, which in turn became Crédit Agricole. In most cases, while instantly recognizable to fans, the activity of the sponsor is entirely forgotten. Banks, supermarkets, ice cream, pens, cable TV stations, builders’ merchants, and sausage suppliers leave a mark, but in many cases, while the name is remembered, what they do was never known.

The post Wild Kits: The History of Cycling Apparel appeared first on GearJunkie.

This week, one lucky winner will receive a package from Hyperlite Mountain Gear and Alpacka Raft valued at over $3k!

More on Hyperlite Mountain Gear: With products designed and manufactured in Maine, Hyperlite Mountain Gear has stayed true to the place that inspired its passion for the outdoors. Its products are optimized for all lightweight pursuits, whether you’re wandering through pristine forests or charging into the mountains. Hyperlite designed this gear without the bells and whistles of modern equipment, stripped purely to the essentials.

More on Alpacka’s rafts: Manufactured in the United States by legitimate adventurers, Alpacka Raft packrafts have redefined the sport of packrafting. Current models are a result of years of testing, redesign, and feedback from boaters and multi-sport athletes around the world. Alpacka’s rafts have been used by thousands of people, from New Zealand to the Alaska Range. Enter to win and join those who are already imagining their next adventure.

Be sure to check back every Friday for a new giveaway. Want the giveaway in your inbox? Sign up here.

The post Free Gear Fridays: Hyperlite Mountain Gear + Alpacka Raft Package appeared first on GearJunkie.

From GoPro, “Epic Cloud Cave Wingsuit in Fusion Overcapture” is a short video of Luke Rogers and Chris Byrnes flying in Toogoolawah, Australia. They captured a 360-degree view of the awesome flight with a GoPro Fusion.

The post Watch: Wingsuit Flying Through ‘Cloud Caves’ appeared first on GearJunkie.

Legendary within bouldering circles, Swiss climber Fred Nicole has won respect for a methodical approach to developing and dispatching the world’s hardest boulder problems.

Quiet in demeanor, Nicole eschewed fanfare during his career, both establishing and repeating test pieces around the globe. And Nicole is still at it today, adding Five Ten shoe design to his list of accomplishments.

Nicole’s latest creation, the forthcoming Five Ten Aleon, exemplifies his extensive climbing knowledge and nods to the cutting-edge technical advancements the brand receives as part of the Adidas family.

Five Ten Aleon Bouldering Shoe

Following its purchase by Adidas in 2011, Five Ten has enjoyed increased development muscle. For example, abrasion testing of a new material occurs at an Adidas testing lab, with thorough results available overnight.

This partnership not only speeds development cycles but also helps ensure higher standards in quality control and product consistency.

Five Ten also has access to Adidas’ massive materials library. And this is evident in the Aleon’s the use of Primeknit: a form-fitting, breathable mesh with four-way stretch.

Much like Nicole, the soon-to-be-revealed Aleon possesses understated looks while delivering the qualities required to put down the hardest and steepest routes and boulder problems.

Five Ten and Nicole designed the microfiber upper to resist stretching. Primeknit makes up the closure and keeps the ankle comfortable, all while helping keep the shoe lightweight (advertised at 7.5 ounces per shoe for a men’s size 9).

An aggressively shaped last and a midsole that maintains a slight downturn aim to enhance precision and power when toeing small holds on big overhangs. Proven Stealth C4 rounds out what we expect to be an effective weapon for the most demanding of projects.

Five Ten, Fred Nicole

Five Ten didn’t just put a “Nicole” tag on the shoe to sell it as a “special edition.” The Swiss shoemaker operates a shop in his home country, where he has dissected and reconstructed shoes for decades.

Nicole approached Five Ten with five climbing shoe lasts of his creation. One of these handmade testaments to his bouldering wisdom eventually became the Aleon.

He remained hands-on in this shoe’s development, from the design studio to the manufacturing floor. Nicole’s touch will be a part of every climbing shoe Five Ten releases in 2019.

We’ll have our first look at the Five Ten Aleon at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market this month. For the public, the $190 Aleon hits retail in February 2019.

The post Five Ten to Launch Bouldering-Specific ‘Aleon’ Shoe appeared first on GearJunkie.

“Searching for Christmas Tree,” by Lie Feng, tells the story of a mysterious ice climb tucked in the country’s northern mountains. Chuan and Liu Yang needed to first locate the route, then climb it when the conditions were perfect.

The video was nominated for the 2017 Banff Mountain Film World Tour. It’s an incredible tale of perseverance, dedication, and epic ice climbing.

The post Watch: Chinese Professor Climbs China’s Biggest Ice After Hours appeared first on GearJunkie.