by Chuck

I think most of the television watching world knows who Bear Grylls is or at least has heard of his show Man vs. Wild. Gerber has teamed up with Bear to bring a line of knives and multi-tools that not only can be used in everyday situations but also in survival situations. Read more…

Lumapivot in the open position.

Not really, but for some reason the Kelty Lumapivot reminds me of a Star Wars character.  R2 D2 used to be my favorite, but now I am loving Lumapivot!  So far, this little character is lighting up my nights.  Check out the first part of my review HERE.

One thing about reviewing outdoor gear that continually amazes me is what items I find easy to review and what ends up being difficult. Work and family obligations aside, some seemingly simple items end up being the most challenging to review. And this has been the case with the Icebreaker items we received to review. If you will recall, my two girls (Susan 14 & Grace 10) were asked to test a few items. Susan received the Cascade Half Zip and the Flexi Chute (neck warmer), while Grace got the Long Sleeve Hoody Flutter and the pocket hat. Sounds simple enough right?

Well the problem is that the Icebreaker items are simple, well made garments. No flashy features for a reviewer to go on and on about, and they are quite well made, not a detail missed, so there are no faults to complain about or improvements to suggest. This leaves me, as a product reviewer, with very little to say (and if you know me, I rarely if ever have “little to say” about anything).

So here is the short version: All of the items are incredibly well designed and constructed. They are simple unassuming pieces that are comfortable, easy to care for, and do exactly what they are intended to do. So if you are in the market for one of these, stop reading this, go to the Icebreaker web site, and buy some. You will not regret it.

If for some reason you insist on reading the actual reviews (and I hope you do since I went through the trouble of writing them) use the links below.

Icebreaker (Girls Merino Wool) Long Sleeve Hoody Flutter

Icebreaker Pocket 200 Hat

Icebreaker Flexi Chute

Icebreaker Womens Merino Wool Cascade Half Zip Mid Layer

Thank you,

Dave (the turtle) Wilkes, Susan Drake-Wilkes, and Grace Drake-Wilkes

by Chuck

It never occurred to me that Platypus would design such an awesome looking pack. Functionality and Durability?…well that’s what I’m here for, to take it into the outdoors where it belongs. Read more….

by Chuck

The Ahnu Elkridge Hiking Shoe is a new generation shoe with some great new shoe technology. I didn’t know much about Ahnu until I tried them. Read more….

I received the ISIS PDQ Longneck Top and all I can say in one word is “wow”! First of all, this top is much more than I expected. I initially looked at the top on the internet and it looked like a plain zip-up, pull over top. When I received it I could not believe the silky/satin feel of the outside of the top and the cuddly soft inner fleece lining.

Read more here.

By Jenn K.

~ Chuck

Not all Hoodies are created equal, especially the Columbia Prouty Glacier II. It might look like an ordinary hoodie, but Columbia (http://www.columbia.com/) has added their own style to the everyday hoodie. Read more…

~ Chuck

If you are looking for a spacious 3 man, 3 season tent….then look no further than the Sierra Designs Zolo 3 Tent. Read more…

by Chuck

Looking for a work backpack that will carry all of your work needs, even your laptop? What about a backpack that will carry all of your outdoor needs while doing a day hike? Read more….

Designed by Tim Sainburg from Brambling Design

by Chuck

Inspired by anything Military? Would you like to wear the same military issue clothes that our honorable US Military wear? Then wearing some Alpha Industries Apparel will definitely get your juices flowing. Read more…

Designed by Tim Sainburg from Brambling Design

Most people are at least vaguely aware of who Lance Armstrong is, and the foundation he started – LIVESTRONG.  LIVESTRONG with Nike’s support helps those affected by cancer.  I have the pleasure of reviewing Nike’s LIVESTRONG DriFIT Women’s T-Shirt.  This shirt, along with many other products are sold in support of LIVESTRONG.

To read the first part of the review, click HERE.

To read about  LIVESTRONG, click HERE.

The Icebreaker Long Sleeve Grace Zip Top is part of the GT Bike line-up of Icebreaker merino wool. This top may be simple in design, but it looks sharp!

Read more here.

By Jenn K.

The Brunton Eterna Binoculars have been used for the past month in wilderness areas while hiking/biking and along the coastal areas of Southern California. So far I am impressed with these binoculars; there is no distortion, the image is clear, the color is accurate, and there is minimal glare.

Read more here.

By Jenn K.

It’s hard to find a good pair of sunglasses. It’s even harder to find a great pair of sunglasses.  I have had a few months with the Native Dash XP Sunglasses and I don’t have many negative things to say about it.  Click HERE to see some of my final conclusions about the sunglasses.

Thanks again to Native for the opportunity to review this great pair of sunglasses!

Kaleb R.

The Oboz Lightning shoes were designed as trail runners, but I have found them to be much more valuable than that. From trail running, to day hiking, going to the gym and running errands, the Lightnings have been everywhere with me for the past few months.  I have made some last conclusions in my final update on the trail runners. Click HERE to view my update and find the full review.

Thanks again to Oboz for allowing my to review the Lightnings!

Kaleb R.

Review by: Ron J

Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity shoes were provided by Hi-Tec for the purpose of this review.

http://www.hi-tec.com/infinity/us/

I am usually very picky about what I run and hike in but when I saw the opportunity to test a Hi-Tec trail running shoe, I thought I would go out on a limb and try something different.  Read more…

I pulled the parka out of the box and my first impression was this is a nice, lightweight parka.  Read more…

Review by: Ron J

Hi-Tec Sandstone  Peak Parka was provided by Hi-Tec for the purpose of this review.

http://www.hi-tec.com/us/products/men/1115-4947/sandstone-peak-parka/

Final Update: Geigerrig Rig 500 Ballistic

I have spent a good deal of time with the Rig 500 and must say that I have never used anything like it.  It is no wonder that Geigerrig is winning awards for their innovation with this product in the industry.

A recent day hike with my new 10 week old golden retriever puppy, Bo, gave me some new insight to just how innovative this hydration system really is.  Click here to see my update and full review on the Rig 500.  Thanks to Geigerrig for the opportunity to review this awesome piece of gear!

Kaleb R.