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Spring to Summer
It's nearly summer, and the living is easy - unless you live in the Four Corners area and are drawn to outdoor sports. With all the boating, hiking, mountain biking, paddling, skiing, climbing, camping, trail running and just plain outdoor fun in our backyards, few of us fall asleep at night without assorted blisters, bruises or sore muscles. You're on your own in your quest for the strength of Hercules, the heart of a lion, and the technique of a Jedi master, but we can help point you in the direction of some awesome new gear that just might make your next excursion a bit easier.
If you haven't tried a new bike in the last couple of years, you are in for a treat. Lighter frames and super-efficient components make pedaling a breeze, even on long, arduous uphills. Now is the time to ride before the summer heat and afternoon squalls set in. If you aren't buying a new bike this year, now is a good time to visit your local bike shop for an annual tune up.
While the high-mountain trails are still a bit soggy for my taste, the foothills are in great shape for riding, running, and biking. Here are some of our top seasonal picks for summer. We can't guarantee that you won't get blisters and a sunburn, but we can promise that your loads will be lighter with this high-tech new equipment.
Close-to-town trails already seem crowded with a lot of walking, running and biking traffic, so this may be the season to start exploring off the beaten path. Forest Service and BLM maps are a great way to discover new trails - but make sure someone knows where you are headed and when to expect you back. We've included a nifty new pocket watch to help you keep on schedule, as well as Power Bar's latest gourmet trail treats, which are eminently snack-worthy.
Of course, the giant elephant in the living room that everybody is talking about continues to be the snowpack. With a snowpack that remained above 100 percent through May, this has been the best spring runoff that most of us can remember. The white stuff is finally stable enough in the high country for some great peak bagging in the Sangre de Cristos, La Platas, San Juans, La Sals, etc., although most of the good slopes have already seen their share of Tele and AT turns.
The Dolores is as good at it gets this May, and June promises to stay strong with good water. On June 10 -12, Durango is in for a treat as the United States Canoe/Kayak Association Whitewater Slalom Team Trials will be held on Smelter Rapid on the Animas River, in Durango's Whitewater Park. Competitors vying for spots in September's big event, the World Championships, in Penrith, Australia, will find the water here high and hard.
Canyonlands climbing this spring has been blessed with some of the best weather we've seen. From the cracks at Indian Creek to the limestone of Jacks Canyon, we were able to take advantage of the good weather between storms. Anyone who suffers from the old "sweaty finger" syndrome will want to check out the new sport lotion, which we duly tested for you on real rock and in the gym. If rock climbing is your game, don't miss out on the biggest technological advancement in years - the extended range cams. So far, spring moisture is still sufficient to keep public lands open, so enjoy the backcountry crags while you can. The one disadvantage of a wet spring is that we're bound to get mosquitoes earlier than ever - but, being conscientious gear testers, we've even found a very bug-unfriendly shirt that still looks good on your back.
Trango Max Cam
The long-awaited MaxCam has an awesome 2:1 expansion range, so it covers more rock protection possibilities than its predecessors. From the first trigger-pull, the cam feels solid and easy-to-use. The cams are lightweight and well-shaped, and testing so far indicates that they go in smooth, provide a solid placement, and don't tend to get stuck easily. All MaxCamsT are crafted in the United States at manufacturing facilities rated to ISO 9002 for great quality, safety and consistency. Available in six sizes, $59.95 - 79.95; gthi.com, (303) 530-3035
Tite Grip
Sweaty hands? No problem. While it is great for sports from mountain biking to golf, I like Tite Grip for climbing (NPB). There's little worse than greasing off a hold because of wet hands. The new hand drying lotion is easily applied and stops hands from sweating for up to 6 hours. It can be used on hands or feet. $8.99 for 2-ounce tube; cutmelon.com, (541) 419-9674
Seattle Sports Nagobi Bug Armor
Put the kabosh on mosquitos and the threat of West Nile virus without using toxic chemicals by outfitting your clan behind the polyester mesh of Seattle Sports Mosquito Jackets. Available in black for the guys and white for women and girls (shown). $39.95; seattlesportsco.com, (800) 632-6163
Bianchi Imola Road Bike
I love the smooth ride, lightness, smart looks and price of the Imola (JN). The triple chain (27 speeds) takes on the big hills without taking me out. Frame: Reynolds 631, sloping top tube, rack mounts; Fork: Bianchi carbon, alloy steerer. $1,399.99; bianchiusa.com, (510) 264-1001
Ibex Guide Lite Pant
My husband designed and manufactured climbing apparel and gear for nearly 20 years and is the hardest-to-please tester I've ever used (NPB). He has one word for the Guide Lite pant: "Perfect." The fit is excellent, as is the Climawool softshell material. Climbwool is a stretch-woven blend of wool, Cordura nylon and Lycra. The rear pocket is zippered, and gusseted leg openings have ankle zips. Fly zipper closes down. $185; ibexwear.com, (800) 773-9647
Liquid Logic Vision Kayak
The Liquid Logic Vision (two sizes: 44 and 56) is a free-ride machine with surfboard-inspired rails for looseness on the edges, extra bite for carving and drive. The Vision has amazing secondary stability, a big planing disk for flat spins and loose and bouncy rides on waves, and the slicey ends make cartwheeling easy. $1,099; liquidlogickayaks.com, (828) 698-5778
MSR OverLand Carbon Trekking Poles
At eight ounces a piece, these lightweight poles are at home on the trail as part of an ultralight hiker's bag of tricks. Ideal for fast and light trips where weight is of paramount importance. Full carbon-fiber construction reduces weight and dampens impact forces each time the pole strikes the trail. Anti-shock wrist straps absorb shock for a soft ride. Natural Angle grip provides the ultimate in comfort. Weight: 8.5 oz. each. Length: 25-55 in. $129.95; mountainsafetyresearch.com, (800) 531-9353
Lafuma Pro 4810 Light Pack
At only 2 pounds, 12 ounces, the Pro Light is light enough for alpine routes but roomy enough for more gear-intensive activities. A front zipper allows quick access to the main compartment. There's also an internal rope holder and side compression straps that really work to keep the load in place. $99.99; (800) 514-4807 ext. 10, lafuma.com
Dakota Watch Company Trio Clip
The Trio Clip has two analog time displays and digital display, which includes an alarm, stopwatch, and day/date feature, and a lightweight, yet durable, nightstand, which allows the watch to convert easily into a traveling alarm clock. With its LED microlight, there's no need to feel around a dark hotel room. $85; www.dakotawatchco.com, (800) 829-6066
Triple Threat PowerBar
It is a tough concept to grasp, but energy bars don't have to taste like cardboard. The PowerBar Triple Threat bars (four tasty options) are new energy snack bars that fuel like a PowerBar and taste like a candy bar. I like both the crispy and chocolate-caramel-layered textures (NPB). Each 55-gram bar is fortified with 16 vitamins and minerals and a balance of carbohydrates, protein and fiber and provides 100% of the daily value of vitamins C and E, plus 10 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber and 30 to 32 grams of carbohydrates, 220 to 230 calories and are free of transfats. $1.49; powerbar.com, (800) 587-6937
Bite Xtension 2 Running Sandal
Enjoying running in comfort and this sandal are what I have in common with ultra marathoner Olga Varlamova; otherwise I'm out of her league (JN). The arch and heel support pamper my flattening arches and the forefoot flex helps reduce aches, pains and undue stress on the body. Designed with the insight of podiatrists, the light and airy Xtension 2 running sandals promote a full range of foot motion. $79.99; biteshoes.com, (800) 248-3465
K2 Spire Women's Mountain Bike
The T:NINE Spire-Mountain boasts a 7000 Series Aluminum Alloy with K2 Reflex Mountain top tube frame, Fox Vanilla rear shock, Answer Splice Elite 130mm travel front fork and T:NINE specific handlebars, grips and saddle to provide a dialed fit. $1,099; k2bikes.com, (800) 447-3824Post a comment
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