AKU is a company that I was recently introduced to when I got to test the La Stria Lite GTX hiking boots. I found these Italian-made boots to be of very high quality, and surprisingly comfortable right out of the box. So it was with much anticipation that I went to the AKU booth...
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The outdoor recreation market is flush with hiking boot brands, all claiming to have something the others don’t. But with AKU, an Italian company that is just now becoming available in the United States, they really do have something I’ve not seen before in their new La Stria Lite GTX hiking boots. AKU calls...
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Therm-a-Rest has long been associated with comfy backcountry camping. With an array of sleep systems and seating in their lineup, the question is “what’s next?” The answer is obvious: smaller and lighter. Backpackers are always seeking to reduce weight, and Therm-a-Rest has answered that demand by releasing the NeoAir XLite sleeping pad. This pad...
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Staying hydrated is paramount in the backcountry. Carrying extra water for drinking and cooking is a fool’s errand (except when there is no other choice). Boiling your water works, but I prefer mine cold, thank you. Purifying pills do the job, keep the water cold and require no effort, but man do they taste...
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Every year as NBC Sports Network airs the Tour de France and the Ironman World Championship you’ll see ads promoting a simple wrist band called Road ID. You may think that Road ID is for pro athletes who cycle for a living, but that myth is FALSE! Utah is home to an amazing landscape...
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The gear trend these days has been about the “one quiver.” You know, that gear that can do it all, every day? We’ve got one-quiver skis, one-quiver bikes, one-quiver shoes, and even one-quiver backpacks. Well if you’re in the market for a one-quiver pack, then rest your trail-weary eyes on the Osprey Escapist 30...
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If you spend much time outdoors, chances are you have a favorite fleece or sweater that has made more than its share of excursions with you. Knits and the outdoors seem to go hand in hand. Warmth, breathability and overall comfort are probably the main reasons yours has been with you so long. But...
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Performance cotton – that’s a misnomer, right? Well, it wasn’t long ago that cotton was verboten among outdoor circles due to the fabric’s lack of moisture management. But times have changed and the Polarmax AYG underwear with XTRdry™ performance cotton is proof. What’s more, there’s even AYG (All Year Gear) tech silk shirts and...
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Springtime weather in the West can be summed up in one word: unpredictable. If it’s a new softshell jacket you’re shopping for, you want something that can stand up to snow, rain, and wind all in the same day. The Helly Hansen Odin Light Softshell jacket arrived at my door just in time for...
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Today’s post comes to you on Earth Day, a time when we all slow down to reflect on the planet we live on and our human impact that affects nature. As outdoor recreation enthusiasts, we’re always looking for ways to reduce our footprint and be good stewards of the environment. As a result, many...
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