‘Hiking’ Articles
Written by Peter Suciu on 03 February 2012
Mountain bike shoes are good for mountain biking and not so good for hiking, while hiking or trail shoes don’t always work so well on the bike. What’s a multi-sport athlete to do? The answer is to consider the Pearl Izumi X-Alp series.
The newest model, the Seek IV WRX is a $130 mountain bike shoe that will let you clip in when you need, offering a stiff nylon plate to make sure there is adequate power transfer, while still offering padding and a bit of flexibility to be used as trail shoes. These are still hybrids so the WRX aren’t going to be better on the bike than dedicated mountain bike shoes, nor will these replace trail runners. But for those who want to be able to hike and bike with a single pair of shoes, these will do the trick very well. More photos after the jump
Tags: Cycling, Hiking, Pearl Izumi, Seek IV WRX, Shoes, Trail Shoes, X-Alp series
Posted in Cycling, Footwear, Hiking | No Comments »
Written by Louis Ramirez on 30 January 2012
Today’s smartphones pack built-in GPS capabilities that have all but demolished the need for a standalone GPS unit. But what if there was an app for outdoors enthusiasts that turned your smartphone into the digital equivalent of Bear Grylls? That’s essentially what you can expect from ViewRanger, a powerful outdoor GPS app that’s been available internationally, but is just now launching in the U.S.
The $5 app lets trailblazers plan, plot, navigate, record, and analyze their outdoor adventures straight from their GPS-enabled smartphone. It uses Open Source Web maps to provide detailed information on any popular location or alternatively, users can make in-app trail guide purchases on the fly. The trail guides (which cost between 70 cents to $1) are then pinned on the map providing trail descriptions, directions, and pictures straight out of publishers’ guidebooks. Video after the jump
Tags: apps, GPS, Outdoors, smartphone, ViewRanger
Posted in Cycling, Gadget, GPS, Hiking, Mobile Phone, Outdoors, Travel | No Comments »
Written by Brian O'Connor on 27 January 2012
What may seem to be an odd place for a knife company, Spyderco of Golden, CO, had a booth at the SIA show this year featuring most of their models. One knife in particular caught our eyes, not for any other reason than how it might help you or I our of a backcountry ‘situation’. On the surface, the Assist looks to be just a regular, single bladed knife, but it has so much more to offer. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Assist, Assist Black Blade, knife, Spyderco
Posted in Cycling, General, Hiking, Low Tech, Outdoors, SIA, Snow Sports | No Comments »
Written by KineticShift on 24 January 2012
Many people claim to know a trail like the back of their hand, while others claim to have trails on the brain. Now thanks to Buff, maker of headwear, wearer’s can truly have the trail on the brain – or at least head. At the Outdoor Retailer Show they showed the new trail maps line of Buff headwear. Heady indeed!
Buff USA Official Site
[Via Gear Junkie: Gear for 2012: Outdoor Retailer Trade Show]
Tags: Buff, Buff USA, headwear, Outdoor Retailer Show, trail map
Posted in Hiking, Low Tech, Outdoors | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 24 January 2012
In Finnish a Kuppi is ac cup, and for centuries Finns would warm their hands by using a “little cup” or “Kuppilka,” which held a warm beverage. It was typically low tech such as wooden cup. But now Kupilka is a new high tech twist on the low tech that is designed for hikers and campers, or just anyone who wants a cup with the look that is straight out of the wilderness.
The drinking cups (they make utensils too) are made of natural fiber composites mixed with thermoplastic – basically 50 percent pine fiber wood mixed with 50 percent plastic. The result is one that doesn’t absorb smells, are insensitive to humidity and are dishwasher safe. But they are also recyclable, so if it should crack or break it can be ground down and casted again. Plus they offer a rugged look for those who would like to endure the great outdoors, just like the Finns!
Kupilka Official Website
Tags: Kupilka, Kuppilka, Outdoor Retailers Show
Posted in Hiking, Low Tech, Outdoors, Sustainable | No Comments »
Written by KineticShift on 13 January 2012
There are boots that can be good for walking in deep wet snow, but these aren’t exactly good as hiking boots. Fortunately Hi-Tec Sports will bring out the new Pará Boot, a new pair of boots that offers “the best of standard rubber boot with the flexibility, comfort and performance of a hiker.” It features a Vibram sole and removable footbeds, along with a waterproof rubber upper, neoprene lining and a “toggle closure” to make them watertight. These weigh just a pound and a half on each foot, and at $105 they might be more than other pairs, but it is like two boots in one!
Sounds like a great boot that won’t let your feet slip or get wet!
Hi-Tec Sports
[Via Gearjunkie: Coming in 2012: Amorphous Rubber Boots!]
Tags: boots, Footwear, Hi-Tec Sports, Pará Boots
Posted in Footwear, Hiking, Outdoors | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 13 January 2012
While this week’s Consumer Electronics Show promises to offer some new products (and if you’ve been checking out the site you’ve seen CES has been loaded with stuff), those looking to go exploring will find it with Magellan’s latest eXplorist 110 Handheld GPS Device, the newest sibling to the 710 (above). The eXplorist 110, which is being officially unveiled at next week’s SHOT Show will reportedly be ready to use, right out of the box. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: CES, eXplorist, eXplorist 110 Handheld GPS Device, Magellan, SHOT Show
Posted in Gadget, GPS, Hiking, Outdoors, Personal Electronics, SHOT Show | No Comments »
Written by Enid Burns on 27 December 2011
The new Quasar backpack line from Terra Nova Equipment is sturdy and light. The series includes three packs: 30, 40, and 55 liters that weigh in at about 14 ounces. Terra Nova Equipment uses an “Ultra Fabric” made from a crinkly polyethylene material used in yacht sails.
High-wear reinforcement panels are constructed with a cordura fabric and bar-tack points are stitched with Dyneema thread, which is a thermoplastic polyethylene strand with a strength ratio stronger than steel.
Terra Nova Equipment Official Website
[via Gear Junkie: 'Space Age' Look for Super-Light Pack]
Tags: backpack, Cordura, Dyneema, gear pack, Quasar, Terra Nova Equipment, Ultra Fabric
Posted in Apparel, Hiking, Outdoors | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 27 December 2011
Carrying on our theme of bringing light to these days of darkness, we make note of the GoMotion LiteBelt, which provides a 100 lumen CREE LED light mounted at waist level. This hands free light system offers three levels of beam intensity, can be adjusted from flood to spotlight and offers adjustable beam angle. There is also two rear LED tail-lights along with reflective trim so you can see your way and be seen!
GoMotion LiteBelt
Tags: GoMotion, LED, LiteBelt
Posted in Equipment, Hiking, Outdoors, Running | No Comments »
Written by Brian O'Connor on 23 December 2011
It is almost Christmas and if you are a typical male you might be aimlessly wandering through the stores trying to cross names off of your shopping list. The outdoor industry has no shortage of products that make outrageous claims and when the pressure is on to make a decision, you are left with recommendations from the sales staff or what is printed on the side of the box. If one of those names on your list likes to spend their free time hiking, biking, climbing, fishing, boating, snowmobiling or any other activity in the great outdoors or on the high seas miles from civilization, the line of SPOT messaging devices might be for them. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: emergency rescue, GPS, SPOT
Posted in Cycling, General, GPS, Hiking, Outdoors, Personal Electronics | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 14 December 2011
There are times when having a good extra pair of shoes can come in real handy, and the Timberland Radler Trail Camp hikers could be just the thing. At just 9 ounces (255g) each these are plenty light, but weight is just part of the issue. The problem for many of us is that shoes – even when they weigh next to nothing – are still big and bulky. Video after the jump
Tags: Hiking, Radler, Timberland, Timberland Radler Trail Camp
Posted in Footwear, Hiking, Outdoors | No Comments »
Written by Brian O'Connor on 07 December 2011
Winter might be upon us, but it is still hunting in many parts of the United States. You may live near or enjoy hiking on trails that are close to legal hunting grounds with your four-legged ‘best friend’, and EzyDog wants to help your canine stay safe in the woods. Especially if your dog likes to run off-leash.
Their solution? “Blaze Orange” for your pooch!
Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: canine, collar, dog, EzyDog, harness, Hiking, Running, walking
Posted in Exercise, General, Hiking, Running | No Comments »
Written by KineticShift on 06 December 2011
Taking your gadgets on the go is easy enough, but keeping them juiced up when far from the grid can be another thing. Then this week we saw the Piggyback Solar Powered Gadgetbag, which as the name suggests can recharge your digital devices while you hike – provided you have sun shining down on you.
It offers two zippered pouches, including one large (8-inch x 12-inch), which is big enough for an iPad, and one small (8-inch x 5-inch) for compact devices including an Amazon Kindle. There are built-in channels for running USB cables between pouches, so devices can get the juice while safely tucked inside.
The solar panels are worn outside the backpack, which features an 800mAh Lithium ion battery pack to soak up excess power, while the device can output about 100mA along the way to devices inside the bag via USB. While the Piggyback Solar Powered Gadgetbag does add weight, and doesn’t exactly come cheap at almost $120, it is a good way to let the sun recharge your devices while you’re on the move.
[Via Ubergizmo: Piggyback Solar Powered Gadgetbag lets you charge your gadgets on the go]
Tags: iPad, Piggyback Solar Powered Gadgetbag, solar power, tablet
Posted in Equipment, Gadget, Hiking, Personal Electronics | No Comments »
