Gear Review: Thule Capstone 32L Backpack

Some of you might have heard and even seen that Thule (luggage and car roof rack giants extraordinaire) has started making backpacks for outdoor adventures. That's right, the brand that dominates the "on top of your car" bicycle rack world and apparently luggage world has entered the outdoor scene on a new avenue. They have two new style packs that just recently launched and I was fortunate enough to be given an opportunity to try one out...The Thule Capstone (32L edition).

Upon arrival, I could tell this was more than just a day pack, indeed it could also be used as an adventure pack and even an overnight lightweight backpack. I couldn't wait to get it out in the field for testing but alas, wait I would have to do. Fortunately I didn't have to wait to long to really put it to the test.

Be Unique with Keen's UNEEK Open Air Footwear Review

I have a serious obsession with all things sandals, flip-flops, and barely-there footwear. So when Keen approached me asking to review the new Women's Uneek Open Air Footwear, I jumped - literally! - at the opportunity to give them a try.

My Keen Newports are my absolute favorite shoes on the face of this planet. I've had them for years now, and they have been everywhere with me: from the tops of mountains, to creekbeds, to sandy shores, to muddy garden beds, and endless grassy fields. You name it, they've been there! And they are still in glorious shape - considering what I've put them through.

Needless to say, I was pretty excited about the new Keen UNEEK's - an open air shoe/sandal made from a sole and two pieces of polyester braided cord intricately intertwined to form the body of the shoe - striking shock and awe the hearts of all solve-the-maze lovers, self-proclaimed origami experts, and the never ending curiosity of *those people* that can't help but take things apart (points at herself). -I have not ripped apart the shoes yet, just because they are SOOOO cool... not because I'm any less tempted to.

Gear Review: Outad 2 in 1 Bluetooth Speaker and LED Lamp

Have you ever found yourself around the campfire or out by the grill wishing you could crank your playlist louder? Let's face it, the volume on your smart phone really isn't that loud especially when you're outside. Enter the Outad 2 in 1 Bluetooth Speaker and LED Lamp. This little baby has what you need when you're outdoors and want to crank that playlist for everyone's enjoyment out on the deck, around the grill, the pool, or campfire.

This little speaker packs a punch and has great range too. You can pair any Bluetooth capable device from up to 33 feet away and the loudness factor is pretty loud without loosing clarity. To top that off, as the sun starts to go down, this little gem has a LED lantern that is rather bright and can keep the party going through the night with 120 lumens of brightness.

Gear Review: Body Glide

In the majority of the races I run, blisters and chaffing are rarely a concern for me. Anything under a marathon in normal temps/climes I never have to worry about things rubbing and causing issues, think shirt on nipples, inner thighs rubbing, your feet, etc. However, each time I've taken a foray into the ultra running world or one of the smaller trail races with weather or water on course, I will usually end up with something chaffing or blisters on my feet. Let's face it, if you rub a prune against something long enough, it's skin will rip open.

So what's a guy (or gal for that matter) to do on race day when weather is imminent or you are going to sweet like a stuck pig and you know things are going to rub? You reach for some kind of lubricant, much like greasing up parts on your car because metal rubbing against metal for too long might cause some fire.

Gear Review: Terramar Climasense 2.0 Thermolator (Pant, 1/2 zip, and mock)

As an ambassador for Terramar Sports, I've been able to get out in the winter months and continue training and racing without issue. This time around, I was fortunate enough to receive their Climasense 2.0 Thermolator Pant, 1/2 zip and mock shirt. Let me tell you, I really love my TXO 2.0 layers and my Terrmar SmartSilk layers, but the Climasense/thermolator set is top notch. Hands down, it's the best baselayer set I have in my repertoire.

I couldn't really tell you how cold this base layer set can withstand, but as a trail runner, this set is absolutely perfect for anything above 25, especially when you couple it together with some Terramar Smart Silk glove liners and a Terramar beanie. This base layer set moves with you and never bunches up. It's like a second skin almost. The sleeves of the mock and 1/2 zip have thumb holes. With these layers on, I've done runs in 30 degree weather without issue. I've yet to make it out in below 30 this season but I can tell you, I wouldn't hesitate to use my Thermolator layers. When I'm cold, these layers provide a warming effect and if I'm hot, they provide a cooling effect. 

Gear Review: Run Goo (Blister Prevention Cream)

I've been running err... rather trail running for about 2 years now, and up until the past few months,  I've never really had a problem with blisters except for really long runs/races. (We're talking 50k or more). This year though has been a whole different ball game starting with my training leading up to the Barkley Fall Classic. Back in September I had formed some blisters prior to the Rock & Root 30 which was my last tune up run for BFC. I assume it was a combination of wool socks and wet feet during the hot and humid September days on the trail. After BFC the few blisters were pretty gnarly and nasty.

Save on Hiking Gear for the Family!

Zulily has some amazing deals on hiking and running gear for the family today! Everything from Trail Toes shoes for kids to Salomon gear for men and women.

Head on over and check it out before it's all sold out!

*This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.*

 

Happy Trails,

Robin and Tim

Gear Review & Giveaway: Life Straw

A while back we were asked if we would be interested in reviewing the LifeStraw® by Vestergaard. It wasn't long (a week if that) before the LifeStraw® was at our door step. Being avid outdoors people you can only imagine what our answer was. We wouldn't be here right now if we had answered the other way. 

Unsure as to when we'd get a chance to try it out, it sat in our gear stash pile on the bookshelf for a couple weeks. Then Father's Day came and this was our chance. When asked what I wanted to do for Father's Day, the only answer was a family hike. We geared up, loaded up the car and off we were to Frozen Head State Park. We took a nice little family hike/stroll up Panther Branch Trail to Debord Falls and at least one pit-stop along the way for the Bug to play in the creek before reaching the falls (a whopping .6 miles from the trailhead). She's little so we take it slow.

Gear Review: Terramar Body-Sensors Thermolator II Jersey

As most of you are aware, and for those of you who aren't, I am a brand ambassador for Terramar Sports. What is this Terramar Sports you ask? Well let me tell you, only the best base layers you can find to fit all sorts of bills for outdoors activity regardless of season. It's been over a year since I've been stumping for Terramar and still to this day it's a brand I love and believe in.



For this season, I've been outfitted with a great assortment of gear to keep the running going through the winter, and let me just say, they didn't disappoint. One of my favorite pieces this time around is the Body-Sensors Thermolator II Jersey. On those 30 something degree days with the sun shining, you better believe I'll be wearing it under some running jersey that I've acquired over the past year. This baselayer is awesome. Very warm, yet breathable, long sleeves, and it even has thumb holes, not something I've seen a lot of in men's clothing. I've been on a few trail runs with this top so far, and I've not been disappointed.

Gear Review and COUPON!: Free Country Women's Spectral Softshell Jacket

I have a hard time finding clothing that I like. I don't think it's because I'm too picky, but rather because I'm practical. But even then, I still want something that fits, not only my practicality, but my tall frame and simple style.

Free Country recently approached me asking if I would be interested in trying one of their jackets. They offered me one of four different styles and after looking over all of them online, I chose the Spectral Softshell in Black and trimmed in (I believe it's named) Whisper Blue. I thought that it had the most potential of meeting my needs and body type.

Which Bike is Right For Your Chosen Trail?

Spring is here! And with spring comes warmer weather that is perfect for biking! There are many different trails to take advantage of this spring. However, in order to ensure smooth navigation and riding, you should consider what your trail is like, the climate of the area, and which bike would work best for your chosen trail. There are several different bike options available for serious cyclers. Having the right bike for your chosen trail will make a huge difference in your riding and how enjoyable your biking trip is. Here’s a breakdown on some of the most popular bikes and which trails they work the best for.

1.     Mountain Bikes – Mountain bikes are some of the most popular bikes for cyclists to use on trails. They are perfect for mountain conditions, dirt paths, and other off-road conditions. However, these bikes are also frequently used on an all-around basis due to their durability and strength. If you want to use a mountain bike on the road it will also be an excellent choice since they can handle rough road conditions such as potholes very well.

Choose The Right Outerwear For You - Top 5 Hiking Jackets of 2013

It’s that time of year when lists are drawn up for the best performances from products to help give everyone a decent idea of what is best suited to them and with the Blackleaf list of Top 5 Hiking Jackets for 2013 it aims to do the same so come rain or shine you’ll know which is better suited to your favorite walks and treks, or even if you just want a decent jacket to last through your everyday routine.

There are a number of different factors to consider in choosing the right outdoor hiking jacket as some are better suited to winter conditions, some are more insulated and waterproof as opposed to lighter shell jackets that offer water resistance instead and are ideally suited to summery weather. However it can’t always be easy to tell at first glance.  Many have technical features that remain hidden yet manage to help your performance and give extra protection and comfort in certain cases. To find out which is best for you, check out the Top 5:

Ready for any trail – the Top 5 Hiking Boots of 2013

You may be looking for the best possible hiking boots as either due to needing a new pair after your favorite old pair has finally worn out or maybe this year the call of exploring the outdoors has led you to buying a first pair but aren’t sure exactly where to start.  It can be tricky navigating through all the brands and models to find the footwear that is most suited to your needs due to certain types being preferable for particular environments and types of trails so Nightgear has put this list together to show the best of this year’s Top 5 Hiking Boots to help you choose the perfect pair.

Columbia Bugaboot Original Omni Heat Boots

These have all the favored style of the classic Bugaboots but have been packed full of technical features making them a decent pair of winter hiking boots in every respect.  The Columbia Omni-Heat technology is comprised of a thermal reflective liner and 100g of insulation which works to effectively keep heat inside so your feet stay nice and warm while the oiled full-grain leather shell, suede upper and pigskin collar and tongue stops any water and works to prevent colder temperatures from getting inside.  Each of the Columbia Bugaboot Original Omni Heat Boots outsole is made from Omni-Grip high traction rubber so even the worst trails won’t stop you thanks to their grip, while the moulded EVA midsole provides all day long comfort so if the weather and the route ahead is tough then these are ideal.

Gear Review: Dorcy Headlamp

A while back I was contact by Dorcy to review their L.E.D. Headlamp. Of course being an outdoorsy sort and avid trail runner, I said, "sure, I'd love to give the headlamp a test spin, I'm always looking for a good solution to running trails in the dark". A few weeks later a small pack arrived in the mail and in it was the headlamp and a fresh pack of AAA batteries.

It didn't take long before I had the torch out of the package to fiddle with it. I found it to be very simple to operate. It has a single button with 3 press operation for it's different modes. One press full high power flood, 2 presses provides you with a low power flood and three presses you get a high powered strobe light, perfect for disco dancing.

The Gear Needs of a Trail Runner

The needs of a trail runner are few. Namely, shoes, socks, shirt (optional), and underwear. Another optional gear item includes gaiters. They keep all major debris out of your shoes and are a blessing in disguise. However, some trail runs require a bit more logistical planning. My typical weekday morning trail runs are usually no longer than 5 – 6 miles long and really doesn’t require much more than the list above. My long runs however require a bit more thought as they can range anywhere from 10 – 30 miles. We’re talking water, fuel (food, gel, etc.), rain-gear (if you prefer to stay somewhat dry on your run), headlamp(s) (if you plan on running in the dark), etc.

 Here in East Tennessee, we have the blessing of all four seasons. Sometimes spring can be just a couple of weeks, and others it could be a full season complete with warm and cold temperatures. Fall can be the same way here too. Regardless, a trail runner’s needs in each season can and will change.

In the early spring it is still cold as the winter chill lingers in the air. Usually I wear long sleeve running shirts, shorts or sometimes running tights or base layer bottoms (such as Terramar Smart Silk), wool quarter crew socks, and good trail running shoes (currently Brooks Cascadia). Additionally, depending on how cold it is, I might wear a beanie and possibly even gloves but it’s rare as we all know, running generates heat. It’s also important to regulate that heat by dressing in layers because you never know when you might get stuck out there and you want to mitigate the risks of hypothermia.

Gear Review: LED Lenser SEO5 Headlamp

When it comes to LED lights, most of the time, they are usually really bright but don't shine or illuminate for very far distances. Most of the LED flashlights we own have this problem and they have somewhere between 3 - 9 LED bulbs in them. The same goes for some headlamps we own. However, I have to say that the LED Lenser SEO5 headlamps is more than just hype. It's LED Illumination at the best I've yet to see.

When I received the SEO5 Headlamp, I was excited to get it out and play with it. After all who doesn't love to play with flash lights? Unfortunately it was the middle of the day and our Wee Little One was up and about. So I was only able to get it out of the package and get quickly familiar with its one button operational modes, how to focus and spray the light, and how to swivel the head of the light up and down (really that was a no-brainer).

Gear Review: Terramar Body-Sensor Helix Shirts

Some of you may know that I am a proud member of the Terramar Tribe. For those of you who don't, well now you do. What's the Terramar Tribe you ask? That's the brand ambassador program for Terramar Sports. Terramar Sports is the maker of wonderful base-layers that help to fuel our adventures by keeping us warm in the winter and cool in the hot summer. Regardless of the fact that I'm a member of the Tribe, I have to say that I'm in total love with all of my Terramar gear. It's yet to have let me down.

Anyway, so shortly after becoming a member of the "Tribe", I was sent two of the Men's Helix Mountain Tee Body-Sensors t-shirt, a long sleeve and a short sleeve. Having recently converted to being a trail runner, as opposed to a road runner (insert looney tune pic here), I can honestly say that both of these shirts have become my go-to shirts for training and racing alike. Not only are they functional, they are also rather stylish as I've had absolutely no problem wearing them out to town. They also serve their original function of being a base layer quite well.

Review: 2Toms Stink Free Sports Detergent - Part 2

So, if you didn't catch Part 1, 2Toms Stink Free Sports Detergent got the stink out of Tim's running socks. It was a HUGE accomplishment really. I was ready to throw them in the trash after them having sat lonesome in one of Tim's pair of running shoes for a week.

That got me thinking... I wondered if 2Toms was up to the challenge of getting the STINK out of our shoes - namely Tim's Vasque Mindbenders, Tim's Merrell Barefoot Trail Gloves, and my Merrell Barefoot Pace Gloves. --- Those barefoot shoes - I don't care who you are or what kind of anti-microbial it's treated with - STINK to high heaven after about 6 wears. 

I threw them in the wash - hot cycle, cold rinse - with half the 2 oz package of 2Toms. And what'd ya know??

They came out clean. Both Merrell's smelled great - fresh even - almost like new shoes. But Tim's Vasques... there's no hope for those. Unless maybe I soak them in a bucket of 2Toms. 

There's just some things better left stinky.

Read about the 2Toms Stink Free Sports Detergent Specs on Part 1 of this review.

And if you have some stink you need to get out...

Buy some detergent here!

Happy Trails!

Robin & Tim

Review: 2Toms Stink Free Sports Detergent - Part 1

There's one thing about living with a runner that I loathe - his laundry. Typically, I try to wash his running clothes the same day he goes running, because if you don't - well, your nose will pay the price.

More times than not, he'll come home muddy and sweaty, throw his running shoes in the laundry room, and then shower. I'll grab up his clothes that he's placed wherever (it's a hunt every time), and either strategically place them in an area where they can air out or wash them immediately.

Well, this past week my 6-year-old LG front loader decided it was going to quit spinning. Long story short, laundry piled up... and piled up... and piled up while we waited over a week for the part to get here.

At one point, laundry had gotten so out of hand that I took some loads over to my mom's house to wash. That was when I found THE SOCKS.

Living Under a Rock?

We're pretty certain most of you have given up on us and figured we've caved in and took solace under a rock with having a new member of the family. That really couldn't be further from the truth. While taxing, raising our wee-little one hasn't completely kept us from getting out and about. It has however, really limited us from having any quality "sit down in front of a computer to get something done other than bills" time. Also considering work, regular run of the mill household tasks and upkeep, and a nagging an all out painful back issue, we have been somewhat limited in what we've been able to do in the out of doors arena.

So what have we been up to other than wrangling babies, playing taxi driver, and battling a fiery hip/back/leg due to a herniated disk impinging on a nerve? Long story short, a little bit of this and a little bit of that. We've been on some walks, playing on playgrounds here and there when the weather permits it, a short hike, plenty of scenic drives, and for Tim, quite a bit of running including two trail races as he converts from a road runner to a trail runner. There's also been a couple impromptu trips to Mississippi to visit Tim's father in the hospital. He's suffered a couple heart attacks back in February and Cardiac arrest while in the hospital. We ask that y'all keep his dad and family in your prayers.

So as time rolls and my goodness does it, we can't believe that March is already almost half way over, you can look forward to more posts of what we've done in the past few months. We have some gear reviews that are long over due, a couple of race reports, a failed hike and lesson in risk management on the trail, among several others. What's more is Tim is now also a proud member of the Terramar Tribe so you can be certain to see some reviews on some Terramar gear. Tim can honestly say that the base layers he currently has from Terramar are awesome. He's in love with them.