As an outdoor junkie, the latest in technical gear is pretty much all I want for Christmas (at least as far as gifts are concerned.) I’m always happy to receive an REI gift card so I can go out and buy my holiday outdoor present, but sometimes it is nice to daydream about getting some of the more expensive stuff that’s out there. So here is my pie-in-the-sky Christmas wish list for 2009 that may give you some gift ideas for your own outdoor junkie.
Category: Gear Reviews
Mountain Khakis Original Mountain Pant review
When winter comes and the snow starts trickling down, the shorts and lightweight pants get tossed into storage boxes and our thick, long legged pants see the light of day once again. Living in a mountain town though, means it can be difficult to find a pair of pants that can withstand winter’s wrath, especially for those who work outdoors. Most khakis are so thin that wearing them in a cold wind is akin to wrapping tissue paper around your legs.
Marker Baron Backcountry Ski Bindings review
After 5 years of backcountry skiing on a pair of old Silveretta bindings, I decided it was time to invest in new ones. After some research, I settled on the Marker Baron bindings. Marker is well known for making quality alpine bindings, and last year they entered the backcountry arena with the Marker Dukes, a burly system that featured a DIN setting that went up to 16. Most skiers don’t require a DIN that high, plus the Dukes are heavy for an average backcountry setup, so this year they introduced a lighter binding called the Barons.
The North Face Odyssey Softshell Jacket review
The search for a good resort-skiing jacket can be a tough one. Skiing in-bounds is an unusual workout since it’s all about charging hard down the mountain (and getting sweaty), then sitting on a lift (getting cold), over and over again. The start/stop activity causes problems with body-temperature regulation, which then fuels an internal debate over what to wear on a given day. Is it a fleece under hardshell kind of day? A baselayer with softshell day?
Thule Prologue Pack Fork Mount 2-bike rack review
After shopping around and nearly fainting at the price of a decent roof-mount setup, I discovered the Thule Prologue Pack. A roof rack system that includes two fork mount platforms with locks for under $200, the Thule Prologue Pack was everything I needed at half the cost of other roof racks.
Pearl Izumi X-Alp Enduro bike shoes review
My search for mountain bike shoes that are tight yet comfortable is at an end. The Pearl Izumi X-Alp Enduro bike shoes have everything I wanted for cruising the trails of Utah. Stiff plates for rigidity while pedaling? Check. Lightweight? Check. Breathable? Check. Deep soles for easy walking? Check. A way to ratchet down the straps for that extra-tight fit? Check.
Black Diamond Orbit Lantern review
Lanterns have long been an integral part of campsites for generations. Like the crackle of a campfire, the hiss of a gas lantern embodies the experience of spending the night outside. But gas lanterns are large, heavy, and require fuel, making them inappropriate for long backpacking trips. As a result, headlamps are a preferred source of light for backpackers. Although they’re great for setting up a tent or making dinner in the dark, headlamps don’t create the warm, glowing atmosphere that a lantern provides.
Guyot Designs Cup/Bowl Set review
Serious campers and backpackers are always on the lookout for the next big thing among lightweight cooking gear. But rather than spend tons of cash for space-age titanuim pots and bowls, there is a new option out there. Silicon. Enter the Guyot Squishy Bowl.
Shimano MT32 Mountain Bike Shoes review
I want my mountain bike shoes like I want my ski boots; stiff and tight. When I’m cruising down singletrack on banked turns, I like my feet to feel locked down and immobile. And if I’m cranking up a steep, rocky hill, then any slippage inside my shoes which takes away even a sliver of power, becomes a source of irritation.