The Good Route: Outdoor Clothier's Sustainable Wave
When Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard called him two years ago, wanting to talk gear, Ernest Capbert knew that he and his cohorts at the outdoor clothing startup Finisterre were doing something right. The company is the dreamchild of Tom Kay, a British surfer who wanted to create a sustainable clothing line for the action sports industry. Like Patagonia, Finisterre places a major emphasis on how and where it sources materials, creating products with a cradle-to-cradle lifecycle in mind, while fostering a sustainable supply chain. The company is also incorporating biomimicry into its designs while going to great efforts to secure its own source for wool (hint: it takes the do-it-yourself trend to new heights).
The Good Route recently had a confab with Capbert, Finisterre's director of marketing, about the company's clothing line and its focus on sustainability.
Herewith, some outtakes.
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November 06, 2009
Field Tested: Best Big Wall Climbing Gear
What do you bring up the northwest face of Yosemite's Half Dome in early October? Answer: not much. It’s a 1.5-mile approach gaining 3000-feet in elevation with multiple class 4-5 scrambles, followed by a 2000-foot wall of sheer granite. My climbing partner cut his toothbrush in half to shed weight. I left mine at base camp.
Climbing isn’t—and shouldn’t—be about the coolest newest gear. It’s about what works well. That’s why we brought whiskey.
Below is some of the essential non-technical gear I used. Whether you’re an ultralight backpacker, big-wall climber, or just happen to like stuff that works, this gear will deliver:
SmartWool Adrenaline Light Crew Socks ($18)
Since I wasn’t planning on bringing a second pair of socks up the wall, I needed something that would keep my feet warm and comfortable in a variety of conditions; from hiking in 80 degree weather down in the valley to subfreezing bivouacs on the wall. And, they would have to handle my notoriously sweaty (read: stinky) feet. This light, half-cushioned merino wool-and-nylon crew sock stayed fitted without bunching up, even after several days of heavy use. My partner also commented on the improvement of my foot odor when we were bivouacking. I’ll pack these again the next time I go play in the mountains, for sure. Tip: turn them inside-out to get an extra day of use out of ‘em. You won’t even notice the difference.
Five Ten Marvel Trail Running Shoes ($115)
No hiking boots? Damn right. They’re heavy, and generally totally unnecessary for everything but carrying a pack that’s probably too heavy for you too far. Stealth Rubber, on the outsole, stuck to the granite slabs like suction cups, and the low-profile upper of the shoe made working with the aiders more bearable—especially in high winds when they would flap around like Buddhist prayer flags. Before the trip, I had been running three to eight miles every day in the mountains near Santa Fe in these shoes. Snow, mud, scree, goatheads—they handled everything, without making me feel like I was wearing too much shoe. Mesh panels and breathable lining helps the shoes dry fast, and the ultra-light compression molded EVA midsoles have a shock absorbing heel wedge that eats up shock, letting you play hard all-day.
Patagonia Simple Guide Pants ($125)
I’ve used these pants for everything; mountaineering, cross-country skiing, hiking, whitewater canoeing, yoga, climbing—the first good date I had, I was wearing these pants. These pants are versatile! After four years and three different continents, I’ve only put one hole in them. And that came from a 20-foot upside-down lead fall while wearing crampons. The double-weave of all-recycled polyester and spandex with DWR-coating offers remarkable durability and weather-resistance while remaining lightweight. Water-resistant zippers close the pockets: two welded-in front, one thigh and one rear hip. And my favorite features: a draw-cord elastic waistband that eliminates the need for a belt, and a two-way zip fly for easy use with a harness.
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November 04, 2009
Field Tested: Yakima's HoldUp Hitch-Mount Bike Carrier
The Yakima Holdup bike carrier has a built-in bottle opener. Yeah, I know, so do flip-flops these days, but still.
But first, why the hitch-mounted tray-style bike carrier? Hitch-mounted racks make transporting bicycles easier because you don’t have to be Yao Ming or carry a stepladder to get your bike on top of your roof. If you are driving a four-or-all-wheel-drive rig, you are already nodding your head, especially if your ride is a 50-pound downhill mountain bike. Second, hitch-mounted racks save gas over roof-mounted models by reducing your vehicle’s aerodynamic profile. I couldn’t find any studies on it, and I’m not the sort who records my mileage, but I’m pretty sure you’d pay off the cost of the rack ($415, yakima.com) in a season or six in gasoline cost savings. Some people don’t like dead bugs getting welded onto their bikes when they are transported on the roof. Those people probably won’t care about the Holdup's bottle opener (just saying), but hitch-mounted racks fix that too. Why the tray style, which supports the bike from below rather than dangling them from the frame? Loading bikes onto the Holdup is very fast—like 10 seconds—even with mountain bikes that have strange geometry and don’t easily work on the less-expensive dangler-style models.
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August 13, 2009
Motorcycle Dialogs: Cardo Scala Rider Multi-Set Q2
By Joshua Placa
For those of us who do not find that the rhythm of the road carries enough resonance, there is the Scala Rider Multiset Q2 ( $220; cardosystems.com), the latest inter-helmet motorcycle communications device from Cardo Systems.
The box set contains two headsets that are mounted via helmet clamps (recommended) or a more permanent glue plate. Speakers must be placed inside the helmet in the area of your ears using self-adhering Velcro pads. The Q2 boasts a communication range between bikes of up to 1,640 feet in open terrain and clear weather. Of course, the unit’s effectiveness can be hampered by obstacles (like a mountain), general terrain, and whether it’s nice and sunny or pouring buckets on your head. As tested, a more realistic distance is about 800 feet.
That's fine as long as you stay pretty much in sight of the other rider, but the system is really made for chatter between rider and passenger. The Q2 can also stand alone as a Bluetooth headset for a cell phone, as a speaker that transmits GPS navigation from a “compatible” GPS system, or as a speaker for an embedded FM radio or MP3 player—all practical and entertaining advantages that can come in handy on long-haul runs.
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The Running Man: World's Best Running Headlamp
In November, Black Diamond will release what I think will be the best headlamp on the market for runners: The Sprinter. Here's why it rocks:
*It's very lightweight (a mere 3.5 ounces—that's insanely light) and the lamp is very low-profile -- so it doesn't bob up and down at all when you run.
*It is very bright (about 70 lumens, or far enough to see about 150 feet) and the beam is deliberately focused on the area a runner needs to see most -- just the patch of ground right around his or her feet and a few strides ahead. There's no spot mode, or wasted light spilled off to the sides. You can also dim the light by holding down the button (a very cool feature). And unlike most headlamps, you don't have to waste time cycling through the blinking emergency mode all the time -- it only comes on when you double-click the button.
*It has a blinking red light in the rear that can be turned on or off. This is great for car safety. Most runners wear headlamps on the roads, not trails, yet only one or two headlamps currently offer an onboard rear safety light.
*It's rechargeable. There are no batteries, you just plug the battery pack in, and you're good for a few more runs. For a running headlamp, where you're never that far from home and a recharge, it makes perfect sense—cutting waste, weight, and future cost. Smart.
*It comes with a kit of foreign outlet charge converters, a top strap, and a nifty base to charge the light.
I've been running with a prototype for a week now and have to say this is the most well designed running headlamp I've seen; well worth the $80 price.
Check out the Running Man blog for more gear reviews for runners, marathon training tips, and running news.
—JUSTIN NYBERG
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August 10, 2009
Throngs of Thongs
At every summer barbecue and lawn party I go to these days, every single dude is abiding in some form of rubber footbed with a strap across the top. The flip-flop. The iconic footwear of every beach town on the planet, and a perfect example of less-is-more. At Outside we felt it was incumbent on us to let our feet breathe in the name of science, so since the Fourth of July we've tested more than 50 pairs. Below, in alphabetical order, were our 10 favorites. (Props to Chaco, Teva, and the North Face for using recycled-plastic bags instead of cardboard boxes.) —Will Palmer
Chaco Flip EcoTread
Chaco has always had the sleekest profile, and these minimalist flips are no exception. Said one tester: "They've got the functional but comfortable footbed Chaco wearers love, without the weight of a hiking-boot sole." Add 25 percent recycled rubber in the outsoles and great packability for multi-day treks and you've got a versatile piece that doesn't draw attention to itself. Except possibly for the skull-themed one shown here. $55; chacousa.com
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July 24, 2009
Outdoor Retailer Highlights: Sexy Tandem Sleeping Bag
Camping can be a great date, and the Alite company has decided to really drive that point home. The small company has unveiled a line of car camping sleeping bags (20-degree, synthetic) designed for young people who
a) like to be be really comfortable around a campsite, and
b) like to spend time very, very close to each other.
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July 23, 2009
Field Tested: Kids' Backcountry Gear
Last month, three other dads and I took our six kids (three older girls, three younger boys) to Paria Canyon (left), on the Utah–Arizona state line. The 30-mile trek took us from blazing open riverbeds to spectacular, mossy, 300-foot red-rock walls—and bounteous mud. (I highly recommend it.) Here's some
of the family-friendly gear that made it work. (For bigger pictures of any item, click on the picture.)
-- Will Palmer
Sierra Designs Big Dog 20
A 2.3-pound, 20-degree synthetic bag that fits kids up to five feet tall—they grow fast, but obsolescence isn't a bad thing at this price. $100; sierradesigns.com
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir
The 47-inch version of this non-insulated (yet warm) nylon pad weighs a mind-boggling nine ounces, making it seem almost fragile—yet it held up just fine. From $120; thermarest.comKelty Pawnee 2700 Women's Backpack
For growing teenage girls, this internal-aluminum-frame pack, made for 14–16.5-inch torsos, provided dependable women's-specific support and comfort. $130; kelty.com
Merrell Chameleon Mid Waterproof Kids / Merrell Moab Mid Gore-Tex XCR
A perfect all-terrain kids' hiker, the Chameleon ($65) stood up to rocky trails, warded off moisture when we encountered it, and gripped tight on slippery surfaces. The wicking women's Moab Mid ($105) was particularly effective in the heat. merrell.com
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July 22, 2009
Outdoor Retailer Highlights: Merrell Bike Commuter Clothes
Some of the coolest new apparel I've seen at Outdoor Retailer comes from Merrell's upcoming bike commuter line(Spring 2010), which includes a jean pant and waterproof jacket. The pant and jacket are designed as weather resistant and functional bike apparel, but the techy elements can be tucked away so you don't look like a nerd when you get wherever you are riding to. And the pants have chaps. —JUSTIN NYBERG
From Merrell
Furtive: Jacket, made with Merrell® Opti-Shell™
waterproof-breathable technology, Fully seam sealed for complete waterproof
protection, Lightweight ripstop droptail provides
extra coverage and snaps up out of the way, Lightweight ripstop hood with one-handed drawcord fits comfortably under
a helmet and stows away for minimal bulk, Merrell® reflective chain print on droptail for complete
visibilityReflective cuff straps that hide by day.
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July 21, 2009
Outdoor Retailer Highlights: Merrell Commuter Clothes
Merrell is showing some of the coolest new apparel at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market--a jean pant and waterproof jacket from their upcoming bike commuter line (Spring 2010). The company designed the weather resistant and functional bike apparel with techy elements that can be tucked away, so you don't look like a nerd at that party across town. And just to make sure you don't get wet or muddy, the pants have chaps. —JUSTIN NYBERG
Furtive: The jacket is made with Merrell® Opti-Shell™
waterproof-breathable technology and is fully seam sealed for complete protection. It includes a lightweight ripstop droptail that provides
extra coverage and snaps up out of the way. A lightweight ripstop hood with one-handed drawcord fits comfortably under
a helmet or stows away for minimal bulk. The jacket also includes reflective cuff straps that you can hide by day.
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