Email this article
Keep The Dog
There's nothing like new gear to revive your passion for sports. A sporty jacket, trick tent design or warm sleeping bag can be the seeds of daydreams. One day you're sitting in your office gazing fondly at your new altimeter watch, the next thing you know, you've ditched your girlfriend, sold your dog, quit your job, bought a pick-up truck with a camper and hit the road in search of high adventure. Here's a little bit of the stuff our dreams are made of (and we recommend keeping the dog).
Skin Effects Sunscreen
Developed by a dermatologist, Skin Effects SPF 30 is a new sunscreen lotion designed to fight sun damage. The formula contains vitamins A, C and E, providing day-long moisturizing, and protects against UVB and UVA rays. The hypoallergenic sunblock (enriched with anti-oxidants) passed our family's day-at-the-pool test, and provided great protection for a sweaty, dirty hike to our "secret" rock-climbing destination. $10.99 (4 fl. oz.), www.skineffectsbydrdover.com, (866) 428-7327 - NPB
TRAK T-1600 Kayak
A performance kayak that fits in a pack, the TRAK T-1600 is available with either a straight keel for speed and tracking or a curved keel for maneuverability. The 16-ft. medium-volume kayak weighs 47 lbs. and breaks into eight parts that fit together in seven steps. Hydraulics inside the cockpit allow the paddler to instantly shift the shape of the kayak to optimize performance in wind or water conditions. $5,495; www.rethinkkayak.com, (888) 355-2925 - JN
Rab Drillium Jacket
Ultralight, weighing in at a featherweight 350 grams, the Rab Drillium jacket is a take-everywhere multi-sport waterproof jacket made from eVent® 3-layer fabric, a unique venting membrane that moves moisture by a process called Direct Venting Technology that allows sweat to vent directly in one easy step. The Drillium is such a compactable shell, tucking away into its own pocket, it can go anywhere. I summited, raced and rode in it, and wore it casually (some say to excess), providing it with plenty of opportunities to fail. I discovered that it may be the closest there is to a perfect lightweight jacket. The Drillium features a roll-away wire peak hood, separate protective collar, water-resistant front zip and internal storm flap, two outer self-draining pockets and one laminated inner pocket. www.rab.uk.com, or purchase the jacket in the U.S. ($273.99) at www.prolitegear.com - JN
MacPac Esprit 55
The trouble with most multiday backpacks is that once they are full, you can't pick them up. The new MacPac Esprit 55 is designed to fit women, and the new "Liberator" suspension system keeps heavy loads manageable. With 3,356 cubic inches of carrying capacity, the 6 lbs., 3 oz. pack is made of a waterproof, durable nylon. The pack has a generous lid pocket, a handy under-lid pocket, a vertical front pocket, a hip-belt pocket and a waterbottle pocket. There's also a compartment divider. $335, www.macpac.co.nz, (866) 548-6505 - NPB
Dynamic Bicycles Crosstown Chainless Bike
Cruisers claiming the coolest bike in town can put a brake on it - check out Dynamic Bicycles' new chainless bike, the Crosstown. The Crosstown is a light and responsive bike for light touring, commuting and fitness riding that uses a maintenance-free shaft to propel the bike, not a chain. The bike combines a 7005 aluminum frame and fork with 700x35mm high-pressure tires and Shimano's internal hubs with a street shaft drive, creating a bike that cruises fast and smooth. Specs: Shimano 7-speed or 8-speed internal gear hub, Street Shaft Drive, Tektro linear pull brakes (disc upgradeable), all alloy components. Weight: 27 lbs. $679 (7 speed) /$779 (8 speed); www.dynamicbicycles, (800) 935-9553 - JN
Osprey Talon 22 Pack
The Talon 22 held comfortably to my back for a recent 24-hour adventure race, a friendship I wished my shoes shared with my feet, my bike with lower back and my kayak with my butt. Made for "active light pursuits," the Talon 22 (1,300 cu. inches) is the second smallest of four models in the Talon series, all designed for adventure, the fast kinds. The lightweight packs maintain high torso adjustability and feature an Airscape backpanel for even ventilation. Small stuff is easily accessible in the powermesh hipbelt pockets (nice!) and the harness straps have stretch goo pockets, while the main compartment holds more than it appears it can. The side compression straps hold everything stable. It weighs 1 lb., 12 ozs. $99; www.ospreypacks.com, (970) 564-5900 - JN
FiveTen Genius Running Shoe
FiveTen, with a rock-climbing background, also understands running. You can see it - and feel it - in the Genius. With super sticky Stealth S1/C4 rubber soles, the shoe is like a mountain goat on all types of terrain. With a super-light mesh upper (less than 1.5 lbs. per pair), the shoes are highly breathable and quick drying. The patented heel rand (from its climbing-shoe heritage) wraps under the footbed for excellent tortional control and motion support, wrapping the foot in what I feel as comfort and security on a trail run and a kind of bliss on steep trails. $99, www.fiveten.com, (909) 798-4222 - JN
SIGG Cutlery
Sure, if you're camping solo, packing a spoon, fork and knife is no big deal. But add utensils for a few kids and a spouse, and soon you're juggling enough cutlery for an NFL banquet. Packing plastic is an option, but from stirring chili to twirling pasta, real stainless steel beats the flimsy alternative every time. The SIGG cutlery set is made of high grade stainless steel and contains a steak-worthy knife, fork and spoon in a 3.75" package. The utensils unfold to 7 inches and come in a handy nylon case. $19.99, www.sigg.com, (800) 253-3974 - NPB
Guayaki Yerba Mate
Sports drinks are a way of life for athletes. But all it takes is a quick perusal of the "contents" of many drinks to realize there's generally a jaw-dropping number of unpronounceable additives. The new Pure Endurance Yerba Mate is an organic drink that is nourishing, and tastes great. The mix of Yerba Mate, Siberian Gingseng and electrolyte-rich Himalayan Crystal Salt is blended with tangerine and acerola juice. They are great for a quick pick-me-up before a workout, or a refreshing respite afterwards. $2.29 per 16-ounce bottle. www.guayaki.com, (888) 482-9254 - NPB
Big Agnes Lost Dog 50°
While I still don't get the name, this sleeping bag rocks. The Lost Dog 50° is super lightweight (only 22 ozs.) and perfect for summer camping or an emergency bivi. The shell and inner lining are a breathable, water-resistant and windproof nylon rip-stop micro fiber. The generous rectangular shape has plenty of room for feet and shoulders. The bottom of the bag has an integrated pad sleeve, so you don't wake up in the middle of the night wondering why you're sleeping next to your sleeping pad, not on it. There's also a built-in pillow pocket. The bag is designed to mate with other Lost Dog or Nugget sleeping bags, so you're not tied to the standard size. It comes with a cotton storage sack and nylon stuff sack. Regular size: $109, long size: $119; www.bigagnes.com, (877) 554-8975 - NPBPost a comment
www.insideoutsidemag.com doesn't necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post.
Read our full policy.