Gear reviews & previews
The fourth generation of Garmin’s Fenix GPS sport watch will replace the current Garmin Fenix 3 and Fenix 3 HR. Release date is March 2017. The three models vary in both size and features: Fenix 5S Fenix 5 Fenix 5X You might be asking, What happened to the Fenix 4? The rep did not go into details, but…
On display at the Altra booth was the next iteration of its best-selling trail shoe, the Lone Peak 3.5, plus two new trail shoes, the Timp and King Mountain. Preview: Altra Lone Peak 3.5 Expect minor changes from the current Lone Peak 3.0 (my review). The 3.5 will retain the same voluminous last and fit,…
While in the headlamp aisle at the local REI last summer, I wondered if other customers felt fortunate for the recent advances in LED technology. The three models I was deliberating between were all less expensive, lighter weight, longer lasting, and brighter (by several factors) than the lights I had used for my thru-hikes in the 2000’s and…
Among segments of trail runners, ultra runners, and backpackers, the Lone Peak shoe from Altra Footwear has gained an almost cult-like following for its unique feature set: a voluminous toe box combined with generous midsole cushioning and zero drop from heel to toe. Does the most recent iteration — the Altra Lone Peak 3.0 —…
It’s rare that I depart empty-handed from the house for a run. Often I have a cell phone, water bottle(s), calories, headlamp, toilet paper, and spare clothing like a windshirt, headband, and liner gloves. For longer runs I like tight shorts like the UA HeatGear Sonic Compression Shorts, since they cause me less chafing than lined…
If I only occasionally needed to “find north” to roughly orient a map or to follow a short bearing, a basic magnetic compass like the Silva Starter would be sufficient. But I rely more heavily on my compass than that, since I often backpack in low-use areas where signage is unreliable and trails can be intermittent, as…
While perusing the floor of Outdoor Retailer last year, I walked past Coast, which I had never heard of before and which appeared to have a nice line of lights. I spoke with a rep for a few minutes, and he sent me off with the Coast HL27 Headlamp. After more than a year of…
Eighteen months ago I purchased the Julbo Dirt sunglasses with a photochromic and polarized Zebra lens. This was my second pair, with the first pair being unfortunately lost after a few years of use. Based on product specs and photos, I see no material differences between the original Dirt and current Dirt 2.0. I’m hard on sunglasses.…
Prior to this hunting season I purchased the WFS Upland Hunting Field Vest at my local Jax Outdoor Gear for $20. It’s available on Amazon for less than $30. I knew that it would likely not be a winner when I purchased it. It was only available in size Large, and I’m generally a small…
Prior to the big game hunting season I purchased the blaze orange Yukon Gear Field Vest for less than $30 from Amazon. I was drawn to its price and simple design. After closer first-hand inspection, however, I decided to return it due to concerns over its abrasion-resistance and long-term durability. Fit The vest fits true to…