Explore-Mag.com – Featuring Innate Caravan Compartments – April 2012
These organizing cubes are made from repurposed scraps. In the past, the cuttings would have been incinerated. Instead, Innate collects and cuts them into three zippered compartments. Totally waterproof and easily packable, these cubes are equally ideal for adventure travel, business trips or backpacking; and clothing, food or toiletries.
More info: Innate Gear
TreeHugger.com – Featuring SteriPen Freedom UV Water Purifier – April 18, 2012
When traveling, some peace of mind can be had by having an easy way to purify your drinking water, as even the healthiest of us can get caught offguard by nasty little critters like giardia, cryptosporidium, or other bacterial bad guys, which will really put a cramp in any other plans we have.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 80% of all travel diseases are attributed to contaminated drinking water. The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) says that an estimated 10 million people get traveler’s diarrhea each year. If you pack a water purifier along with you, you can help ensure you’re not one of them.
The good folks at SteriPen sent me their newest portable UV water purifier to take a look at, the Freedom model, which is their smallest and most lightweight model so far. And from my experience so far with it, it’s a winner.
Health.com – Featuring KEEN Ambler Mesh; Horny Toad Swifty Zip Hoody; and Osprey Pack Escapist 20 – April 11, 2012
Keen Ambler Mesh ($95; KEENFootwear.com) Sure, it’s only April, but hey, I live in Alabama (hello, warm weather), so I really appreciate how cool these kicks keep my feet. The secret is the combo of “closed mesh” on the top, which allows air to circulate without making my feet feel exposed, and a moisture-wicking lining inside to absorb sweat. The Amblers have the other important trail-shoe element—traction—mastered too, as the tread is super-grippy, even on damp rocks. And did I mention how great they feel? Chalk that up to the perfect ratio of cushioning and support.
Horny Toad Swifty Zip Hoodie ($75; HornyToad.com) Call it love at first touch: This light hoodie feels like a well-worn t-shirt—so soft! But it’s not cotton: It’s actually a tech shirt that wicks sweat and dries pronto, making it a terrific top layer for hikes with lots of hills. There’s also a handy pocket on the lower back, which is perfectly sized for an energy gel or, let’s be honest, a couple bucks for coffee. The Swifty is so cute and comfy that it’s now a go-to weekend topper even when I’m just out running errands.
Osprey Escapist 20 ($99; OspreyPacks.com) Full disclosure: This pack was designed for mountain bikers, and there’s even a helmet attachment (called a “LidLock”) to prove it. But I love it for day hikes, too. It keeps sweat at bay better than any other pack I’ve tried, thanks to the ingenious mix of strategically-placed foam and mesh on the back panels and straps, and that’s a huge thing if you live in an often-steamy climate. In addition, there are lots of little extras that show that great care went into the design: a secret rain cover hidden in the bottom, a small top “slash” pocket so small items (wallet, sunglasses, camera) are easy to access, a pocket on the shoulder strap for your ID and some cash, and two water bottle pockets.
Posted in Horny Toad, KEEN, Moving Comfort
Tagged Ambler Mesh, Escapist 20, Swifty Hoody
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GearJunkie.com – Featuring Light & Motion Vis 180 – April 5, 2012
As bike gear goes, illumination is one category where I go all out. For safety while riding on roads in the evening or at night, I’m going to be that guy you see from a literal mile away.
From behind this means powerful rear-facing, blinking lights. These taillights for bicycles come in a hundred sizes and shapes, most all incorporating a piercing line of tiny red L.E.D. bulbs that catch a driver’s eye. (…)
A high-end option, the Light & Motion Vis 180 costs a steep $99 but offers a bright main blinking light (35 lumens) that’s flanked by a pair of blinking amber-color lights on the sides. The package, which we review in full here, gives 180 degrees of glow. The Vis 180 has built-in batteries that recharge via a cell phone micro USB cord. You can plug it into your computer for a charge. The company cites a run time of 4 hours on high and up to 8 hours of red light on pulse mode.
Bikehugger.com – Featuring KEEN Springwater II – April 4, 2012
The new $110 Springwater II cycling shoe from KEEN is now available. This is a refinement of the original Springwater with one of the primary goals being lighter weight. Personally, I’ve never tried the original, but the Springwater II weighs just 28% more than Sidi Dominators in my size (456gr vs 353gr/shoe). But while the Sidi is obviously a competition shoe, the KEEN is targeted at the commuter. Logically a commuter shoe should have good walkability, but I was surprised how comfortable they were. Keep in mind that my feet have surely been warped from two decades of hard cycling shoes and carbon speedskate boots, so my idea of comfort might be a little skewed. Yet the first day I got these I worked 10hrs on my feet, total comfort all day long. When the snow blanketed Seattle, these shoes had better grip than any of my current civilian shoes, and I walked to work in them (I’d had my fill of crashing in the snow the night before). I went to a concert on Saturday night, stood center of the crowd between the mosh pit and the stage, and had great traction against hard crashing waves of sweaty hipsters….and the toe guard worked great against people trying to muscle me out of my position. While the sole is of course stiffer than most civilian shoes, my feet actually prefer that, and the Springwater II gives pretty good arch support too. After 4 months wearing them, I seriously liked these Springwater II shoes so much, I might buy another just so I can have a pair for both types of pedals that I use.
InStyle.com – Featuring Moving Comfort Take It On Tank – April 2012
Whether you are a triathlete or more of a movie marathoner, you deserve to look cute while working out. We’ve found the best gymwear for every body type, from major curves to straight and narrow.
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If your stomach is not your favorite stretch of skin to flash, choose Moving Comfort’s tank with its curve-disguising ombre shading and flattering side-ruching. Then show off a pair of well-muscled legs with capri-style Patagonia leggings in a bold purple.
Poly-spandex tank, Moving Comfort, $48; movingcomfort.com.
Self.com – Featuring KEEN Arcata and Moving Comfort Momentum Shorts – April 2012
It’s almost Earth Day! To celebrate, we’ve rounded up some of the very coolest new eco-friendly beauty, home and apparel products. Because even though this Sunday, April 22, will come and go, it’s always easy (and chic) being green!
To wear:
5. KEEN Arcata shoes. These are a fun twist on the classic sneaker. The combination leather and canvas upper with recycled aluminum eyelets is durable, comfortable and eco-friendly, making sure your conscience is as contented as your feet. Features include a natural canvas lining with plaid print detail, non-marking natural rubber outsole, recycled aluminum eyelets — all made with vulcanized eco-friendly construction, which eliminates the need for toxic adhesives ($70, KeenFootWear.com)
6. Moving Comfort Momentum Shorts. Recycled shorts! These super cute shorts, great for running, feature a flattering wide waistband as well as zip stash pocket at center back and internal pockets. They’re made from DriLayer Eco Stretch 86 percent recycled polyester, which is developed from post-consumer plastic bottles, plus a touch of spandex. ($44, movingcomfort.com)
Gizmodo.com – Featuring Snow Peak Tulip Lantern – March 1st, 2012
Snow Peak is known for its lighting gear that adapts to the needs of campers throughout the day. And their new Tulip Lantern is the smartest yet, automatically adjusting its throw when it detects it’s being used as a hanging lamp.
Available on March 9th for $150, the lantern uses the law of gravity to know when it’s sitting on its base, where it will shine with a more ambient glow. Or when it’s been hung from the roof of a tent, upside-down, where it will automatically change to a focused, narrow beam. And with its flexible goose-like neck, you can actually twist around its head and get it to produce either lighting effect, no matter how it’s oriented.
Jam Media Collective- Women’s Health – Featuring Verve 4 – May 2012
- Explore-Mag.com – Featuring Innate Caravan Compartments – April 2012
- Bike – Featuring Osprey Packs’ Zealot 16 – May 2012
- TreeHugger.com – Featuring SteriPen Freedom UV Water Purifier – April 18, 2012
- Health.com – Featuring KEEN Ambler Mesh; Horny Toad Swifty Zip Hoody; and Osprey Pack Escapist 20 – April 11, 2012
- GearJunkie.com – Featuring Light & Motion Vis 180 – April 5, 2012
- Bikehugger.com – Featuring KEEN Springwater II – April 4, 2012
- InStyle.com – Featuring Moving Comfort Take It On Tank – April 2012
- Self.com – Featuring KEEN Arcata and Moving Comfort Momentum Shorts – April 2012
- Gizmodo.com – Featuring Snow Peak Tulip Lantern – March 1st, 2012