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Long-term gear reviews: Product insights after a 100-day Appalachian Trail thru-hike

By Garrett Workman / September 26, 2016 /

Intro by Skurka. After his recent 100-day thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, Garrett contacted me with some gear reviews, some about products I have written about previously. I thought his insights were valuable, due to his extensive use and to his unbiased viewpoint, and asked his permission to share them. If you have questions for Garrett, leave a comment.…

Review: Salewa Ultra Train Hiking & Running Shoes

By Andrew Skurka / September 13, 2016 /

The Salewa Ultra Train is the shoe I hoped it would be, with one circumvent-able flaw. In the past month I have worn it on rugged backpacking trips in the Colorado Rockies, as well as on several trail runs and mild hikes to better understand its optimal range. Review: Salewa Ultra Train Some may find…

Review: Altra Provision 2.5 || An easy-rider for roads & non-technical trails

By Andrew Skurka / September 2, 2016 /

When I retired my Altra Lone Peak 2.5 shoes in June after surpassing 550 clicks (read my long-term review), a void was left in my closet: I had no generously cushioned shoe suitable for easy recovery runs on roads and non-technical trails. Fortuitously, the Altra Provision 2.5 recently arrived for review. (Altra also sent the Lone Peak…

Reviews & commentary: Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor 40-60 Pack

By Andrew Skurka / August 25, 2016 /

As third-party reviews and commentary about the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor 40-60 Pack gets posted, I’ll be compiling them here. User reviews at SierraDesigns.com For reviews from “regular” users, go here. Gear Junkie 2016 Gear of the Year We tested it, and not only does the pack expand and contract to maximize uses, but it…

Reviews & commentary: Sierra Designs High Route Tent 1FL

By Andrew Skurka / August 1, 2016 /

I’m biased about the Sierra Designs High Route Tent 1FL, since I sketched its original design and then field-tested extensively each prototype. Do others think I have a future as a tent designer? I’ll be updating this page as we find out. Customer reviews at SierraDesigns.com For reviews by “regular” users, go here. Highlights: Once I…

Long-term review: Suunto Ambit2 GPS watch || Training + navigating revolution

By Andrew Skurka / July 9, 2016 /

It’s rare that a product radically changes my outdoor experience or gear systems. I include the Therm-a-rest NeoAir, SPOT Satellite Messenger (long-term review), and Trail Designs Sidewinder (gear list) on this list, as well as the the Suunto Ambit GPS watch, which is the subject of this long-term review. In short, the Ambit helped take my…

Long-term review: Salomon Sense Pro || All-around favorite running shoe

By Andrew Skurka / July 4, 2016 /

If my quiver of running shoes were limited to just one model, I would select the Salomon Sense Pro, no question. A long-term review is in order: I’m now onto my third pair, and recently picked up two more from REI at 50 percent off, with free shipping and a $20 gift card bonus (with…

Review: Salewa Lite Train Trail Running Shoes

By Andrew Skurka / June 15, 2016 /

Since sharing my early impressions about the Salewa Lite Train last month, I’ve logged many more miles in them, 140 and counting. For product specs, more photos, shoe comparisons, and less informed insight, refer to my first post. Now, though, it’s time for a full-on review. The Salewa Lite Train retails for $130. They are available…

Early impressions: Salewa Lite Train Trail Running Shoe

By Andrew Skurka / May 18, 2016 /

Update (June 15, 2016): Also read my full review. Earlier this year Salewa launched its “Mountain Training” category with three distinct models for trail running and hiking. The Lite Train is the most minimal of the bunch, but most definitely still shares hallmarks of Salewa footwear, like robust design and impeccable construction. I will eventually write…

Long-term review: Altra Lone Peak 2.5 shoes

By Andrew Skurka / April 3, 2016 /

July 2016 update: The Lone Peak 3.0 has been released. Read my review. June 2016 update: After 556 miles of wear, I retired the Lone Peaks. Photos are at the bottom of this post. Last August I was sent the Altra Lone Peak 2.5 shoes for long-term review. I seldom used them in the first four…