Find Your Next Adventure At AvidTrips.com

Adventure travelers are always looking for new ideas and new ways to book their next escape, and a new website called AvidTrips.com has been designed from the ground up to assist in that process. The site allows you to search by a variety of categories, including destinations, activities, price, level of difficulty and so on. With that criteria set, AvidTrips will present a list of tour operators that can provide you the experience you are looking for in some of the best locations on the planet.

The interface on the site is slick and easy to use, offering up quite a bit of customization at your fingertips. There are also quite a few tour operators in the system already too, which means you'l have some good options when you decide on your next destination. The database that the site draws from is still being populated with more options and countries however, so if you have your heart set on a specific place, there is a chance it might not be available just yet.

AvidTrips has also launched a nice blog as well, with some great stories on exotic destinations from around the globe, each of which they offer access to. The editors of the site have also asked me to contribute some gear reviews and you'll find some of my own writing appearing there as well. The team behind the site is dedicated to improving it and providing more information for readers, and it looks like AvidTrips will be a great all-around tool for adventure travelers both now and into the future. I'm happy to play a small role in adding some content to the site.

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New Backpack Charges Gadgets On The Go

Engadget had an interesting article up this morning about a new backpack that incorporates a battery right into the design that allows you to keep your gadgets charged while on the go. The pack, which comes from a company called Trek Support, includes a removable gadget dock that can be charged up through standard power, and then reinserted into the bag to charge three other USB devices while away from home. The design also includes a laptop sleeve and quite a few storage pockets. Best of all, it has a TSA friendly design, which should make it a hit with travelers, and costs just $130.

Now obviously this isn't a pack designed for outdoor enthusiasts, as it packs in extra weight that we don't generally need on the trail, and I do at least leave my laptop home when I go for a hike. But for travelers, this presents an interesting possibility for keeping all of our gadgets charged while on the road. It's often a struggle to do just that, as we end up carrying lots of cables and chargers and so on. I'm not sure that this is the solution, but as someone who travels regularly, it is an intriguing option for trips that aren't headed more remote places.

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Gear Burger Serves Up Piping Hot Deals

If you're like me, you're probably always on the lookout for a great deal on new gear to add to your collection. Sometimes waiting for just the perfect sale can take forever and if you miss your opportunity, you could be completely out of luck.

That's where the new site GearBurger.com comes in. The site monitors 25 different online retailers, including sites like REI.com and Backcountry.com, and tracks over 2000 different brands, in order to find the best deals for you. Not only that, you can customize your search to look for the gear you are specifically looking for and have alerts sent directly to your e-mail so you'll never miss a sale. It's like having your own personal supper always standing by to find exactly what you need.

It is super easy to get started on the site, and you can even login using just your Facebook account, which means you'll be getting deals on outdoor gear in just a few minutes. After that, you're on your own, as I can't be held responsible for the damage that this site could do to your bank account.

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Gear Box: GoLite Hiking Clothes

It's no secret that I'm a fan of gear from GoLite. They have a reputation for making excellent products that are high in quality, very durable, and light in weight. Additionally, the company has made a commitment to limit their impact on the environment which I find highly commendable as well. When I traveled to Nepal this past spring, I even took one of their sleeping bags along, and found it to be an excellent piece of kit to have while trekking in the mountains.

Just before I left for my recent trip to Montana, I received a couple of new pieces of GoLite gear and with anticipation of having the opportunity to test them, I stuffed them in my pack, and took them along to Yellowstone. The first item was a Manitou shortsleeve tech shirt and the other was a pair of Yunnan hiking shorts, both of which seemed like the would make a great addition to my hiking wardrobe. Perfect for warm weather trekking.

Made of quick-drying and highly breathable fabrics, the Manitou tech-shirt is comfortable to wear either alone or a base layer under a jacket. Designed with flatlocked seams to prevent chafing on the trail, the shirt is form fitting, while still allowing you to move freely and without hinderance. It also offers UPF 50+ protection from the sun, not that I had a chance to take advantage of that feature on my trip, as it was raining and snowing for a good portion of the time I was in Montana. That said, the Manitou was super comfortable to wear, both on a hike or around town, and it served well as a base layer in the cooler weather and on its own when the sun started to shine.

Unfortunately, thanks to the snow and rain I mentioned above, I wasn't able to test the Yunnan hiking shorts in Montana, but had plenty of time to do so on my return to Austin, where summer is still in full swing. Turns out, the shorts are even more comfortable to wear than the Manitou shirt, offering a durable stretch nylon that is soft, looks good, and is perfect for a day on the trail. Additionally, the secure hand pockets designed to keep their contents safe and sound, as well as zippered cargo and rear pockets are a welcome addition to the design. With so many pockets, all of your small gear items will be close at hand when you need them. The shorts even look great, resembling something you'd wear kicking around town as much as into the backcountry.

While both of these gear items are designed for hiking, they also are perfect for travel too. Since they are designed and made by GoLite, they pack down very small and weigh next to nothing in your pack. They're also versatile, look great, and wear well, which means they would be perfect for an extended trip abroad where you want to travel light without compromising performance.

Like most of their gear, you can't go wrong with these two products from GoLite.

MSRP: Manitou Shirt: $45/Yunnan Shorts: $65

(Checkout more GoLite gear, including packs and clothes at TravelCountry.com)

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Contour Updates Helmet Cam With GPS Functionality

Contour has announced an all new helmet cam for their line-up that integrates GPS functionality for the first time. Dubbed the ContourGPS, the integrated global positioning sensor built into the camera will track the users position on the planet, as well as speed and elevation, while capturing on their exploits in stunning 1080p HD video.

This helmet cam will also connect with a newly updated Contour video community site, adding the ability to share your locations and movements right alongside the videos. The system is built on Google Maps which will embed a map next to the video footage that displays all the GPS information as the footage plays out.

This is kind of cool technology, although you'll want to turn it off when you don't want to give away the location of your favorite trail. The price for the new GPS enabled Contour is $349.

I got my hands on the ContourHD awhile back, and I've been playing with it lately to prepare for a full review. So far I really dig it, and its ruggedized construction is a great for active pursuits where you might do something that could damage it, i.e.: my mountain biking rides that generally lead to some crashes. I haven't had time to edit the footage together yet so you can get a sense of how it looks, but I'm quite impressed with the performance and features of the camera.

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The Gear Junkie Talks Barefoot Running

In the past few months I've mentioned on more than one occasion that I had jumped into the minimalist/barefoot running craze thanks to my friends over at TravelCountry.com hooking me up with a pair of Bikila shoes from Vibram. Over the past two months, I've been slowly converting over to this style of running, and finding it very refreshing and liberating. I'm currently doing anything under 4 miles in length in my FiveFinger shoes, and anything longer than that I'm still in my traditional running shoes for now.

Today, the Gear Junkie wrote about the barefoot running craze, sharing his thoughts on what he calls one of "the more unexpected recreational trends of our time." As he puts it, shoe companies have spent millions of dollars developing durable, comfortable, and distinct running shoes, and now many of them are reversing the trend and going with the minimalist style. Vibram isn't the only company that is doing this, as Innov-8, Newton, IceBug and more.

GJ admits that he's a convert and I have to agree with his reasoning. He says that for him, the change in stride that you make when you transition to barefoot running results in "a quicker stride cadence, less heel striking, less ankle movement, and a faster pace." While I'm not positive on the faster pace just yet, I will agree with the rest of his statement, and when he goes on to say that he just plain feels lighter on his feet in these minimalist shoes. That is definitely something that I can relate to in the short time that I've been wearing them. I've also said it before, but will reiterate it anyway, my shoes make me feel more connected to the Earth while I'm running. I know that sounds weird, but it's true, and when I run in the rain wearing them, it is a very relaxing experience.

I know that whenever I've mentioned minimalist shoes/running in the past I've received a number of questions and e-mails. While I'm not quite the convert that the Gear Junkie is just yet, I'm happy to answer anything you'd like to know. Drop me a note if you have a question.

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Eric Larsen Gears Up For Everest

Regular readers of my blog have heard me mention Eric Larsen and his Save the Poles Expedition for months. The arctic explorer got things started last year when he launched his initiative to visit all three "poles", including the North and South Poles, and the summit of Everest, which is often called the "Third Pole" in a single calendar year. He has already reached the first of those two, and is now preparing to head to Nepal to climb Everest as well.

In a blog post that he made yesterday on his website, Eric reveals that he is in the midst of packing and getting ready to head to Kathmandu. While he does touch on the expedition a bit, noting that he and his team will be one of only two on their side of the mountain this fall, the majority of the post is a list of the gear that he is taking along with him, which will probably be of particular interest for those who have often wondered just how much stuff climbers take to Everest.

The gear list, as you can imagine, is quite extensive, giving us everything Eric will wear on his body, including his layering system, gloves, socks, boots, and so on. It also lists his packs, tents, sleeping bags, and so on, giving us the specific items that he'll be taking with him, as well, just in case we need similar gear when we go shopping. The list also includes his communications gear, solar power system, and cameras too, so you can really get a feel for what will be in his duffel bag when he hits Kathmandu.

Expect to hear a lot more about this expedition in the weeks ahead, as I'll definitely be keeping an eye on Eric's progress on the mountain. There will be several other Fall expeditions to Everest as well, but the mountain will be a very quiet place compared to the circus that is the Spring Season. Should be interesting none the less though.

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Hanesbrands Reveals Super Suit Performance

Back in the middle of July I posted some information on the preliminary reports of how the Champion Super Suit performed on Everest this past spring. Now, the company has posted its own update with more information on the suit's performance, as well as the other new products that have been in development for some time.

The Super Suit garnered a lot of attention last fall when it was first announced, as it gave us a glimpse of the possible future for outdoor gear. Made with aerogel, the suit promised to be incredibly thin and light, while remaining as warm as a traditional down suit, and according to this report, it seems that it lived up to those expectations.

The suit was used up to 24,000 feet, just below Camp 3, and in temperatures as low as -40ºF. Expedition leader Jamie Clarke described it as the warmest coat he'd ever worn, although the suit didn't breathe as well as other products, which is not surprising considering the properties of aerogel. Hansebrand concludes that while the design shows promise, they still have more work to do to before this can become a commercially viable piece of gear.

The rest of the report looks at how the new line of socks, base layers, and shells performed on the mountain as well. This gear is much closer to being a reality, with some of it hitting store shelves as early as this year.  You can read the entire report by clicking here.

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Gear Box: Trek Fuel EX 5 Mountain Bike

A couple of summers back I purchased a new road bike, the first I had owned in a number of years, and began getting reacquainted with my love for the speed and agility that comes with road cycling. After just a few rides I remembered how much fun it was to hit the open road and go for miles. But riding that fancy new bike made me realize how much my aging, but much loved mountain bike was really showing its years. That bike is now more than 10 years old, and the technology that goes into bikes has changed dramatically in that time frame. It was with that in mind that I decided this summer it was time to upgrade my mountain bike to something new as well.

After much deliberation, and number of test rides, I ended up going with the Trek Fuel 5, a dual suspension bike that had everything I was looking for and more. Now, I have to admit, when I started shopping, I was in the market for another hardtail. It was what I knew, and loved, and I was hoping to avoid the added weight that comes with a dual suspension. But when my local bike shop Mellow Johnny's, which happens to be owned by Austin's favorite rider Lance Armstrong, had a sale a few weeks back, I found myself spending a few extra dollars to take home a more full featured bike than I had originally anticipated.  I got a heck of a deal on the Fuel 5, and the good folks at MJ's were awesome to work with. 

I've now had a chance to take the bike on several rides and get a feel for it, and I have to say, it was everything I had hoped for and more. When I took it for a test drive on a trail not far from bike shop, I wasn't sure what to make of it. I hadn't ridden a full suspension bike before, and it just felt odd, for lack of a better word. Plus, it was heavier than the hardtail I was use to. But, once I got the bike fitted for me personally, and adjusted the suspension properly, the bike immediately started to perform better, and I was starting to see the value of this type of bike. 

My first couple of rides were on a mix of road and trail, with the trail offering almost no technical challenges. These shakedown cruises helped me to get acquainted with how the bike handled, getting use to how it shifts, climbs, and transitioned from one surface to another. During those rides, I came to understand the value of the lockout system on the front suspension, something that was absent on my older bike, but makes a huge difference when riding on paved surfaces. It's almost like owning two different bikes with how much the performance changes from trail to road, and while the Trek will never match my road bike, a Specialized Allez, it sure can hold its own when it has to. 

Where the Fuel really shines however is when you get it off the road and on some real trails. The dual suspensions really make a huge difference, with the bike rolling over obstacles without missing a beat, and without beating the hell out of the rider. Trek has made a fine machine here that handles well and gives the rider plenty of room to grow, and its component set allows for plenty of room for error. The SRAM shifters are smooth and amazingly fast, while the hydraulic disc break system offers a level of control that gives you far more confidence in the saddle. 

I was pleasantly surprised at how well this bike climbs as well. Usually, a full suspension bike means a heavier frame, which can cause it to be slow and ponderous on a climb, but in this case of the Trek Fuel, I've been more than happy with its ability to handle hills. In fact, it doesn't feel incredibly different than my old hardtail, at least not until you crest the hill and go bombing down the other side, which is when this bike really shines. 

As I mentioned earlier, I knew that technology had changed dramatically since I had last purchased a new mountain bike, and I also knew that those improvements would really have an impact on the way I ride. But, what I didn't expect was that it would have such an immediate and direct impact on my rides. The Trek Fuel isn't just a good bike, it's a great one, and even after just a few "get acquainted" rides, I can already feel that it is making me a better, more confident rider. 

It also doesn't hurt that at that after an hour and a half of hard riding, I don't feel nearly as beat up on this bike as I did with the old hardtail. The dual suspension really does help in that area, and now I'm very glad I elected to go with this bike. 

If you're in the market for a new mountain bike, you could do a lot worse than one of the Trek Fuel bikes. They are a wonderful ride so far, and I can't wait to hit the trail again soon. (MSRP: $1699)

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Technology and the Outdoors

By now, many of you have probably read the story that appeared in the New York Times that took a look at the effects of technology on our ability to concentrate, and how going outside, and more specifically getting away from all the technology that has pervaded our life, helps us to clear our minds. In that story, a group of researchers who study the brain, took a trip through the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Utah, a place that offers no cell phone or Internet service, and completely devoid of technology, except for what you bring with you. Some of them were skeptics about the impact of technology on the way we think, while others though that tech overload could adversely effect our concentration. They discovered, that the quiet calm of the outdoors, away from those distractions, did indeed change their perspectives on a great deal of things.

Following up on that story, the Adventure Life published this piece in which site editor Steve Casamiro shares his thoughts on the subject, coming to the same conclusions that many of us already have. A healthy dose of Mother Nature goes a long way to helping keep us focused, happy, and mentally healthy. But he also notes how useful some technologies can be in the backcountry, such as GPS, satellite phones, and so on. Technology like the SPOT Messenger could potentially save our lives and iPods seem like a piece of gear we seldom leave home without these days. The question is, should we be taking all of this stuff and how does it effect our enjoyment of our time out in the woods?

This is a subject I've wrested with a bit myself in recent years. After all, I use a great deal of technology to write about doing things outdoors. I am decidedly a tech nerd. I love gadgets and gizmos, and I think of ways that I can keep them well charged while on an extended trip away from civilization. But that said, I usually leave my cell phone behind and I'm quite content with unplugging from the Internet for awhile. That said, having my iPod along as been useful in a number of situations and a GPS is a tool that holds a lot of a value as well. They'll both probably continue to find a place in my pack.

Like all good things, technology should be used in moderation. It can be very distracting, even at the best of times, and these days we're often multitasking on our laptops, while texting friends and Twittering our every move. All the while, music, television, or both, drone on in the background. I head outside to get away from some of that, and it's important to remind ourselves of that very thing from time to time. After all, if you're reading this blog, you more than likely have a love for the outdoors, and it is would be a shame to miss a spectacular sunset or a rare creature on the trail just because we're too busy picking out the next song on our iPods.

Your thoughts?

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Outdoor Retailer Wrap-Up: Gear Junkie Shares the Best of the Show

Last week the Outdoor Retailer show took place in Salt Lake City, Utah, with many in the outdoor industry making their biannual pilgrimage to check out all the new gear. (I promise I'll be there in January everyone!) I made a couple of posts on the event, noting some of the more interesting gear that I spotted from afar, but as usual, the Gear Junkie has the low down on the most innovative new products that we can expect to see in our favorite stores in the months ahead.

The list contains 12 new products, most of which probably won't be available until 2011, but each brings something new and interesting to their category. For instance, the new Z-Pole from Black Diamond is a nice looking set of trekking poles for light hikers and endurance athletes, that feature carbon fiber poles that easily break down to make them easier to pack. Other items include new SteriPEN Sidewinder, which does away with batteries in favor of a hand crank system for your water treatment needs, and the new Anitdote water reservoir from CamelBak looks like a nice evolution of the product, making it lighter and easier to clean.

The one item on the list that I'm really looking forward to hearing more about, and seeing how it performs, is the nPowerPEG, which is a device that promises to use the kinetic energy gained from our movements while hiking to charge our portable gadgets, such as GPS devices, cell phones, iPods, and so on. The idea of using kinetic energy in this way isn't a new one, but it hasn't always been very efficient either. It'll be interesting to see if this actually works well in the real world, and what kind of charges it produces.

There are plenty of other interesting items on the Gear Junkie list as well, ranging from tents and sleeping bags to innovative new footwear, and just about everything in between. Looks like I'll need to start saving my pennies today to afford some of this stuff in a few months time.

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Gear Box: Icebreaker Tech T Lite

Sometimes the best gear is the stuff you didn't know you needed until you had it. Such is the case with the Tech T Lite from Icebreaker, a company that makes a whole line of performance apparel using Merino Wool as its basic building blocks. Made from 100% natural fibers, Merino Wool is soft, comfortable, and breathes well in all kinds of conditions. The fabric is also designed to keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and while I can't attest to the former just yet, I can confirm the latter.

The Tech T Lite is a super soft and very comfortable technical t-shirt that is great for hiking, backpacking, or simply wearing around town. It comes in a wide variety of colors, and proudly bears the Icebreaker logo on the left breast. Aside from that, there isn't much to say about the design. It is simple, straight forward, and well cut, but looks good in its simplicity.

But looks aren't what we're most concerned about, it is performance, and I can tell you that I've been wearing this shirt throughout the warm Texas summer, and it has exceeded my expectations. The shirt breathes well, even in 100º+ temperatures, and it does an exceptional job of wicking moisture away from the body, keeping you comfortable whether you're on a day hike in the Hill Country or simply kicking around town with friends.

Considering the quality of the Tech T Lite, I'm pretty sure it is going to make a great, lightweight base layer later in the year when the weather turns cool. (It never really gets cold in Texas) The shirt is also very durable and wears quite well. Mine looks brand new, even after being worn, and washed a number of times.

This is my first experience with Icebreaker gear, and I have to say that I'm quite impressed overall. I look forward to trying more of their clothing in the future, especially their cold weather gear and their new line of cycling apparel that was announced last week at Outdoor Retailer.

MSRP on the Tech T Lite: $59.95 but is currently on sale on the Icebreaker website for $44.95. (Check out other Icebreaker gear, including base layers, at TravelCountry.com.)

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Gear Box: Keen Red Rock Mid

It has been awhile since I owned a pair of light hikers that also offered good ankle support. Sure, I have a couple of pairs of light hiking shoes, which compliment my serious hikers used in places like the Himalaya or on Kilimanjaro, very well. But those are all low cut shoes, which breathe nicely in the hot Texas summer, but don't offer much in the way of upper-ankle support.

It was because of this that I was looking forward to checking out the new Red Rock Mid hiking shoes from Keen. These shoes promised to be the best all around hiker possible in a lightweight, but highly durable package, while also offering comfort and performance in a variety of conditions. They also come with the KEEN.DRY lining which is designed to keep moisture out without making your feet too hot and sweaty.

Of course, those promises are all well and good, but if they your hiking shoes don't live up to their claims, you end up with hot, tired, and blistered feet that are incredibly uncomfortable while out on the trail. Fortunately, that wasn't the care hear, and although they required some time to break in, as most good hiking shoes do, once they loosened up some, the Red Rocks became a very comfortable shoe for light and medium duty on the trail. (I'll still prefer my heavier boots for the longer treks in remote areas)

Made of nubuck leather, these shoes wear well and soften up nicely with a little use. The boots are also quite lightweight, which makes them perfect for everything from day hikes to the local park to weekend long backpacking trips to the backcountry. Even after a number of hikes, my Red Rocks look little worse for wear, aside from a little mud from the trail.

I was quite impressed with the grip that these shoes demonstrated on a variety of surfaces including dry, dusty trails, slippery mud, and even wet rocks. Stream crossings were a breeze in the Red Rocks as well, as the KEEN.DRY lining worked as promised, keeping the water out, while letting my feet breathe at the same time.

I've always been a fan of Keen shoes, and generally find them to be an excellent value. They are durable, wear well, and have a nice sense of style as well. The Red Rock Mid continues this tradition, as an excellent pair of light hiking shoes that will serve you well on many hikes in the years ahead. (MSRP: $120)

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Travel Country Blog Reviews New Vibram FiveFingers Treksports

From my recent forays into barefoot/minimalist running, I know that there is a lot of interest out there amongst readers on the Vibram FiveFinger "shoes" and the barefoot running craze in general. I've had my pair of Bikila's for a couple of months now, and already Vibram is shipping new designs, most notably the new Treksports, which are designed for use on trails. The Travel Country Blog recently got their hands on a pair of these new shoes, and have posted their review.

In the review we learn that the new Treksports combine some of the best elements of previous FiveFingers shoes, namely the KSO’s, KSO Treks, and same Bikilas that I've been running in. The results, we're told, are a more versatile shoe that can be used for trail running, trekking, water sports, and more. And in even better news, the Treksports also combine 4mm of EVA foam in the midsole with another 4mm Vibram Performance Rubber Outsole to make this the most well padded FiveFinger shoe ever. Good news for those who are still a bit tentative about jumping into the minimalist running arena.

I'll let you read the rest of the review, but I can tell you that it is a positive one. These new shoes seem to be evolving the design in a new and logical way, that is offering a more comfortable and protective shoe for those who are looking to dump the standard running shoes, and style, that we've all become accustomed to.

As for my own progress in running with the FiveFingers, I can say that I am continuing to enjoy it more and more each time. My milage has continued to increase at a slow, but steady, pace. I'm up to 3-3.5 miles on the days that I run "barefoot", and for the most part it feels really good. I have, however, developed a bit of sore ankle, but I'm unsure if it is related to these shoes or some other activity. Most days I'm still running 5-6+ miles in regular running shoes, and I'm mixing in road and mountain biking a couple of times a week as well, so I've been staying plenty busy. It is tough to say where I caused the minor injury, but it seems to be exasperated someone by barefoot running. For now, I'm taking it fairly easy on the ankle when I can, but as a testament to how much I enjoy this style of running, I haven't stopped and I'm always looking forward to the next day that I run in my FiveFingers.

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Teva's The Naturist Returns For Season 2!

Many of you probably remember "The Naturist" from last year. It was a series of short, but hilarious, videos brought to us by Teva and starring "survival expert" Gavin McInnes, who demonstrates all kinds of things we should not do if we want to make it home alive from our next expedition to the backwoods.

Surprisingly, Gavin has survived his adventures and has returned for a second season, with the first episode hitting the web yesterday. The now legendary outdoorsman comes back strong with this new video, in which you'll learn all kinds of techniques to help you survive in the wilderness, including the importance of always bring along some tinfoil. Enjoy!

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More New Gear From Summer OR

The Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is in full swing, with lots of interesting gear on display for retail buyers and media reps in Salt Lake City, Utah. Everything from new tents and backpacks to hiking boots and GPS devices are making their debut at the show in advance of those products making their way to our favorite gear shops later this year and early 2011.

Outside Magazine is doing a great job of covering the show floor, offering up some tips on what we can expect and even putting together some short videos on the best gear they've seen so far. Their Outdoor Retailer Feed can be found by clicking here, and it will continue to be updated over the next two days as they get the chance to visit more gear manufacturers.

Also doing their usual great job of reporting from OR are the good folks over at TrailSpace.com, who have their own Outdoor Retailer page that they are updating as well. You can access their page by clicking here. Two days into the Summer show, and they've already posted info on a number of great products, including a look at two new brands that are making waves at the show this year.

As for the new items that have caught my eye, I think the SteriPEN Sidewinder looks interesting. It is a new edition to the company's line of water purifiers, but this one is powered by a crank, eliminating the need for batteries. There are also a spate of new items that are evolutionary in their approach, making lighter packs and other travel items as well. I'm ALWAYS looking for ways to cut weight while traveling.

Anything catch your eye yet?

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Outdoor Retailer Gear Preview

On the eve of the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, held twice a year in Salt Lake City, Utah, the Gear Junkie has posted a nice preview of some things that are in the works, and expected to make their debut at the show. As usual, the four day event will highlight the latest and greatest outdoor gear that will be draining our wallets later this year and into 2011.

Amongst the items in the preview article are a new ultralight tent from Terra Nova that weighs just 1 pound, 1 ounces and an "endurance vest" from Salomon that looks like a hydration system for minimalist triathletes and ultra-runners. Other items include the first sit-on-top kayak from Necky, a shoulder bag designed for the iPad courtesy of STM Bags, and a new tri-suit from Wacoal Sports Science.

Perhaps the most interesting items to me are the nPower PEG and a new line of backpacks from a company called Mile High Mountaineering. The nPower PEG is an intriguing new device that purportedly generates power while you walk, and stores it for later use. You can then use the device to recharge your iPod, cell phone, or GPS device. (Can't wait to see how well this works!) The backpacks from MHM are being touted for some new thoughts on design, including a side loading sleeping bag compartment and a new approach to the internal compression system.

Keep an eye out for other new, and innovative products, in the next few days. I'm sure they'll be plenty of gear on display.

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GoLite is Giving Away Gear All Summer Long!

I'm a bit late ont his one, but still wanted to share, as we still have plenty of summer left. One of my favorite gear companies, GoLite, is running a promotion in which they are giving away free gear for 93 days over the course of the summer. Obviously we're well into the dog days, but they still have plenty of great stuff to give away, including tents, shell jackets, travel gear, and so much more. To enter the contest, all you have to do is go to this website, and enter one time. From then on, you're automatically a part of the drawing each day.

As I've mentioned in the past, I'm a big fan of GoLite gear not only because they make great products, but also because they have an eco-friendly approach to everything that they do. It doesn't hurt that they make ultralight outdoor gear that performs well and is durable for use in a harsh environments. I have personally owned a number of GoLite products, including a daypack, wind shells and pants and other apparel, and have always been more than happy with their products, including a great 0º sleeping bag that I took to Everest this past spring. If you haven't tried out their gear yet, and you're looking to shave a few pounds off your next backpacking or adventure trip, then you should definitely give them a try. You won't be disappointed.

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Gear Junkie Checks Out Vibram's 2011 FiveFinger Line-Up

Over the past few weeks I've made a couple of posts regarding my foray into the world of barefoot running, and so far I have nothing but success to report. I find that it is becoming far more natural the more I go out with my Vibram FiveFingers Bikila on. My mileage has slowly begun to increase, the last run I did was two miles in length (following a 15 mile bike ride), and I'm already itching to go further.

The couple of times that I've posted on barefoot running has spawned some comments and e-mails with readers asking questions about the non-shoes that I wear. Vibram has done a great job of designing very lightweight shoes that are comfortable to wear, and yes, even kind of fun. They look a little strange, but it definitely gets the attention of others when you're out for a jog. They also must be doing something right, as the local REI store told me they can't keep them in stock, and my Backwoods store said that they were the best selling item that they had right now.

If you're considering a pair for yourself, you may want to take a look at the Gear Junkie's sneak peek into what Vibram has planned for their 2011 version of the shoes. He has some images posted of the redesigned Bikila LS, which now uses a speed lacing system to tighten up as opposed to the velcro straps on my pair. There is also a new pair designed for "fitness" what ever that means, called the Komodo, and another pair for "fashion" for those that just want to kick around town in you FiveFingers. (Which begs the question. Are these the next Crocs? Let's hope not!) The Gear Junkie even says that there are kids versions in the works too, but offers little other information at this time.

It's hard to tell yet if the barefoot running craze is here to stay or if it just a fad. I can say that I'm very much enjoying it so far, and can't wait until I can do further distances in my shoes. I got my pair from TravelCountry.com, who features them on their front page and has good prices on the entire line of FiveFingers.

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Everest Supersuit Performance Update!

Over the past month and a half or so, I've had a number of readers e-mail me wondering how the Everest Supersuit, designed and tested on the mountain by Expedition Hanesbrands, performed while in the Himalaya. It's easy to understand why there is so much curiosity and excitement around the suit, as it promises all the warmth of a traditional down filled parka, but at a fraction of the bulkiness. In fact, a typical down suit is as much as 40 mm thick, while the Supersuit is a mere 3 mm. A major breakthrough for climbers, all made possible thanks to the wonders of aerogel. 

Earlier today I received a report on the performance of the Supersuit, and a number of other gear items that Hanesbrands tested this past spring, and I think it is safe to say that Champion is quite happy with the results. The Supersuit was worn up to Camp 3 (located at 24,000 feet) on Everest, and in temperatures as low as -40ºF, and was described by expedition leader Jamie Clarke as the warmest coat he had ever worn. Considering how light and thin the jacket is, that is very impressive.

The Supersuit does still have a few hurdles to cross yet however, as the report also says that it performed best in extreme temperatures when rigorous aerobic activities were not taking place. The radiant foil layer that was included in the garments worked so well at reflecting heat back at the person wearing the suit, that it actually became to warm to wear while undertaking strenuous activities. The foil also prevented the escape of moisture, which brought on its own challenges for the climbers too. 

The Champion design team, who came up with the Supersuit are said to be more than happy with the performance results from Everest. The tests showed the potential for gear manufacturers to make major breakthroughs in the design and creation of extreme weather gear using aerogel, delivering products that are extremely warm, yet thin and lightweight at the same time. The bottom line is that as a test product, the Supersuit was a BIG success, but it isn't quite ready for production just yet.

The Supersuit wasn't the only piece of gear that the team tested either. They also put a variety of new base layers, soft and hard shells, and even socks to the test, with all of the gear said to have performed at or above expectations. This is good news for us consumers, who will soon see more options available for our own adventurous expeditions, whether it is sledding in the backyard or climbing a Himalayan peak of our own. Much of the gear is now moving into production and we can expect it to hit stores this Fall under the Champion and Duofold labels. 

So there you have it folks. It sounds like the Supersuit was pretty impressive, and aerogel could very well be the future of extreme weather gear. There are still a few kinks to work out of the designs, but wearing a coat that is just 3 mm thick at 24,000 feet, and in -40ºF temperatures, sounds like an amazing prospect. Lets hope we don't have to wait too long to see this actually in our gear closets. :)

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