Posts Tagged hiking
Adidas Terrex Formotion Women’s Hiking Shoe
I’m picky about my hiking shoes. As an avid hiker and past Search and Rescue volunteer, I’ve gone through quite a few pairs. I’ve rarely been completely happy with any of them: cheap shoes are too stiff, or too heavy, or just too flimsy, and top-of-the-line models may fit like a glove, but tend to come with too steep a price tag. Then I tried Adidas’ Terrex Fast X Formotion hiking shoe, and immediately felt like Goldilocks: they were just right.
What sets the Terrex Fast X Formotion Mid Gore-Tex hiking shoe (what a mouthful!) apart is the fact that it’s extremely lightweight for a mid-height shoe, yet completely protects your foot. Hiking over uneven, muddy terrain this spring, I’ve never felt likely to turn my ankle, and my feet never get wet, yet I don’t feel as if I’m wearing a clunky boot.
When Adidas says these shoes are waterproof, they’re not joking. Aside from my winter snow boots, the Terrex is the only pair I can wear all day through rain, puddles, and wet trail and still keep my feet dry. Since they’re not bulky, I’ve been reaching for them not only for trekking, but for my kids’ soccer tournaments (during which I’m guaranteed to stand on wet sidelines for hours) and weekend trips to (soggy) Portland.
The Gore-Tex membrane is breathable, too. During my first test hike on a trail heavy with snowmelt, I paired the shoes with wool hiking socks, and my feet didn’t get sweaty. I also really like the ‘speed lacing’ elastic lace construction, which makes getting them on and off a breeze (they stay tight, too). The grip on the tread is comprised of Traxion, which made for more controlled descending on slopes. My only complaint is that the sole is pretty flat; if you need a very supportive arch, this may be a problem, but it didn’t deter from my comfort.
The Terrex Formotion is available on Amazon for $159.95 and comes in blue or magenta. In addition to the mid-height shown (and reviewed) here, Adidas also makes a low-height (ankle cut) hiking boot.
Posted by Amy in Adventure Gear on May 8th, 2012
Vapur Flip-top Element Anti Water Bottle
Want to buy a water bottle? There are a zillion of them out there to choose from, with variations on the color, materials, and opening. There’s one that really generates some double-takes when I use it though: the collapsible water bottle from Vapur.
I reviewed the original Vapur collapsible anti-bottle late last year, so why am I returning to it now?
Well, this one has a different top. Yeah I know, that doesn’t sound like much of a big deal and I didn’t get all that excited when a rep handed one to me on the floor of a gear trade show I attended. Was it really that hard to open the original one?
Not really, but this one is a whole lot more convenient because you can open it with one hand, without using your teeth. And there’s no little plastic cap to lose. See with this new flip-top version, you can pop it open with the same hand that’s holding it, which is great if your other hand is holding a camera. Or a walking stick. Or a ledge on the side of a cliff you’re climbing.
Since the flip-top keeps the water from leaking out, you can drink straight out of this without sucking. Simpler and quieter, plus you don’t have to feel like a baby. The top assembly screws off for cleaning and drying. There’s an attached plastic ring on the top
Like the original version though, this water bottle has lots of advantages. It can roll down tight to store in your bag when you’re not using it—like when you’re going through security or checking a bag. If it’s half full, it doesn’t still take up the same amount of room as when it’s full. And the really cool part is—pun intended—you can freeze it. Fill it up with water, put the whole thing in the freezer, then you’ve got ice cold water while you’re hiking, for hours. Or you can use it as an ice block in your cooler. After it melts, you’ve got fresh water.
The one downside of these is they’re more bag than bottle, so when they’re not full, they won’t easily go into a bike cage or some backpack holders. So they do better playing back-up than the lead role. On the plus side, kids love the novelty.
These Vapur Element bottles come in four colors representing fire, wind, and water. There’s a 1-liter one, but it’s much easier to find the regular size, which is 7/10 of a liter. These retail for $11.99 if you buy direct from Vapur, but check prices online at Summit Hut too.
See more water bottle reviews from this travel gear blog.
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Posted by Tim L. in General Gear, Kids and Family, Travel Light on May 2nd, 2012
Vasque Talus UltraDry Boots
It’s always great to find super-lightweight hiking shoes, which pack easily for a trip. But when it rains or you have to walk through marshy conditions, the mesh in those boots tend not to be much of a barrier against water. To keep your feet dry, bring along the Vasque Talus UltraDry boots.
The waterproof lining in the Talus boots keeps your feet dry while you’re sloshing through the city streets or the wilderness. And while they’re sturdier than the lightweight shoes that leave your socks soggy, at a pound each, these boots won’t add much weight to your bags.
The Vibram Nuasi outsole provides solid traction on a variety of surfaces. I used them on dusty trails, river-slick rocks and rain-soaked grasslands. When I had to do a little trailblazing, the nubuck upper kept the shoes from getting snags in the heavy brush. And for those concerned about ankle support, the padded collar provides stable ankle support for all your adventures.
The Talus boots are comfortable as well, with a cushy insole that allows plenty of mileage without having to rub your aching feet. And at the end of the day, those feet will still be dry, which is a major key to travel happiness.
Vasque Talus UltraDry Boots list for $150 at Zappos. It’s also available at REI. Both sites carry the men’s version of the boot, as well.
Posted by Jill in Adventure Gear on April 27th, 2012
Hi-Tec Cloud Chaser Shell
I’ve field tested a good number of jackets and shells this winter, so when the Hi-Tec Cloud Chaser arrived on the scene (just in time for spring), I have to admit to being a bit blasé. After all, once you’ve seen one waterproof shell, you’ve seen them all, right?
Wrong. (But you knew I was going to say that, didn’t you?) So what sets the Cloud Chaser apart? Three things: feel, portability, and price.
Feel:
Unlike some waterproof shells that can be stiff and unyielding, the Cloud Chaser feels almost supple, and you certainly have full movability. The Dri-Tec material is soft and breathable while still being completely seam-sealed. In fact, at first glance, I doubted the Cloud Chaser could be truly waterproof, because it’s not slick like a rain jacket or ‘rubbery’ like the ski shells I’m used to, and it’s extremely lightweight. I put it to the ultimate test: two hours on the sidelines of a kids’ soccer match in the driving Oregon rain…in March. No water got through this shell. Again, I’ll admit it: I was surprised, and impressed.
The outer shell is polyester ripstop and the lining is nylon, but because of the ventilation zips, you don’t sweat in it like you would in a traditional rain jacket. You’ll want layers under the Chaser in extreme temperatures, but on mild spring days with light drizzle, you could wear it over a single layer and be comfortable.
Portability:
The feature of the Chaser getting the most attention is the fact that it ‘packs into its own pocket’. At first, I wondered what exactly this meant: did the Cloud Chaser come with a drawstring pouch of some sort? Did the hood convert to a pocket? Turns out, it’s nothing that complicated. They mean exactly what they say: you can roll up the shell and stuff it right into one of its own front pockets. I tried it, and it does indeed work (shrinking to just a little bigger than the size of a softball.) I left the Chaser stuffed overnight, just to see how it would pack for a trip, and while it was marginally wrinkled when I took it out the next day, the wrinkles shook out within the first twenty minutes or so of wear. The hood is oversized (so it will fit over a helmet or thick beanie), and rolls up to be packed away at the back of the collar when you don’t need it. There’s a nice drawcord cinch at the bottom, and you can adjust the fit at the wrists, too. All the pockets and ventilation slits have waterproofed zippers/closures.
Price:
The fact that the Cloud Chaser is only $99 restores my faith that a quality waterproof shell doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. The price makes it possible to add this shell as a travel piece you’ll use again and again, and reach for at home for walks, light hikes, and, if you’re me, endless soccer matches. The women’s Cloud Chaser comes in four colors (two of which are two-toned): Sprout/November, Haze/November, Dover, and Black. Pick one up at Amazon or the Hi-Tec online store. Discount online sites like ShoeBuy have a nice selection of colors and sizes as well.
See more Hi-tec product reviews
Posted by Amy in Adventure Gear, Travel Light on March 27th, 2012
Women’s Outdoor and Travel Sock Round-Up
A few weeks back, Tim posted a hiking sock round-up for men, and now it’s our turn! If you’ve been shopping for all-weather socks for outdoor activity, you know just how many brands and styles are out there. Early this year, I asked performance sock brands to send me the best they offer for skiing, hiking, and running/biking. After incasing my tootsies in Merino wool (non-itchy and a renewable resource!) and wool blends just about every day for the past two months, I bring you my top style picks from each brand.
Dahlgren:
What they do best: design (both aesthetic and functional). Dahlgren’s Sno sock uses their patented Dri-Stride technology in conjunction with soft alpaca and merino wool to absorb moisture in the toe, heel, and mid-foot section using what they call ‘wicking rings’ and ‘wicking channels’. What’s really cool is the way the sock pattern designs (cherry blossoms in the women’s, neon stripes in the men’s) are actually cleverly disguised ‘super highways’ of moisture removal, helping to keep your feet dry and warm.
This puts a whole new spin on ‘form meets function’! The sock is lighter weight than other wool ski socks I’ve tried, yet just as warm. Plus, the shallow part of me really appreciates the unique designs…you won’t find the same-old, same-old ski sock patterns here! The only downside: the Sno Sock has a habit of sliding down my calf during the course of a ski. I’ll admit: this irks.
Also of note: Dahlgren’s hiking sock line includes five designs from backpacking to ultra light trail running, all made with similar Dri-Stride technology. I tried their Hiking Mid-Weight sock, featuring a fully cushioned leg and foot with the aforementioned ‘wicking rings’ and ‘wicking channels’ around the foot (even more useful in the hiking sock than in the ski and snow-sports sock, in my opinion). I wore these on a winter hike in Southern Oregon, where they performed well, keeping my feet dry (even more important to me than warm) as I exercised.
Bottom line: go with Dahlgren’s for serious warmth in a hiking sock or three-season wear in a sno sock. At $22 for the sno sock and even less for the mid-weight hiking sock, Dahlgren’s is a great value. But you might have trouble picking just one color! See all the colors and styles at Zappos.
Fox River:
What they do best: construction. I’m going to go ahead and play favorites: Fox River’s Outdoor Adventure Strive Ankle women’s sock in their Cross Terrain family is my top pick for an all-activity outdoor sock. It’s padded and substantial without suffocating my feet, and to date, has survived a dog attack (ours loves wool). No, it won’t work for skiing, but name just about any other outdoor activity, and this sock can perform. I’ve worn the Strive running, hiking, and around town all winter and spring. It’s made of nylon, wool, and recycled polyester, features memory-knit construction that helps it keep form (no worries about stretching in the wash), and has spandex compression zones that ensure it won’t slide down and give you a blister on your heel. If ankle-length isn’t for you, never fear: multiple lengths are available. They make a kids’ version as well.
Also of note: Also in the Fox River line is the Outdoor Hiking sock. Thicker than the cross-terrain (and no wonder, at 75% Merino wool), the hiking sock comes to mid-calf, and is incredibly warm, making it a winner for mid-winter, but not so hot (no pun intended) for multi-season wear.
Bottom line: Go with Fox River for a multi-season, multi-purpose sock. The Strive is my go-to sock I snag out of the drawer first, and that says more to me than a bunch of stats or facts. It’s survived many washings, and is only a few months old. You can find all Fox River styles, including the Strive, on at Zappos and the Strive in particular in several colors on Amazon for under $12.
Search Fox River socks at Campmor
Darn Tough Vermont:
What they do best: Well, I can’t decide. Construction? Check: Darn Tough uses the industry’s densest knitting. Design? Check: their colors and patterns are appealing and fun. The minute I saw their run/bike sock, it was love at first sight, with its thin mesh and ultra light construction (while still remaining tough as nails…they’re not kidding about that company name). I took the Mesh No-Show Run/Bike along for a 10 mile run, and when I returned, my feet (and the socks) were bone dry. I made my husband feel the socks for himself so he’d believe me! Darn Tough’s Hike/Trek sock performs just as well (despite the way my hiking boots normally overheat my feet), and it’s the only sock of its category I’ve found in to come in ankle-length instead of mid-calf without sacrificing any insulating bulk.
Also of note: It is darn tough to make my picky 10-year-old happy, but darn it, Darn Tough did it. He hates wearing socks because his feet get very sweaty (gross, I know!) but reported the same dryness I experienced while wearing the Kids Hike. Plus, they’re ‘cushion-y’ and cozy (no itches!). The designs are colorful, too.
Bottom line: Without doubt, I’d opt for Darn Tough for a running or biking sock, or any time a major workout is on the books. As a bonus, Darn Tough socks are unconditionally guaranteed, and though you probably won’t need to test them on this policy, it’s nice to know it’s there. Pick up many of their styles, including the run/bike at Amazon for around $14, or at many outdoor specialty sites. For example there’s a wide selection if you get Darn Tough Vermont at Campmor.
Posted by Amy in Adventure Gear, Kids and Family on March 20th, 2012
