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Active Helpers
Here at Inside/Outside Southwest, we do our best to reduce our carbon footprint. Give us a bike, boat or good pair of walking shoes and we're off. Not only are we trying to cut down on our oil and gas consumption when it comes to driving, we are working on reducing waste in our gear closet. Rather than falling prey to the curse of overconsumption, we favor products that are built to last. Here are our picks of gear that helps us stay active. Because quality products last longer, fewer resources are wasted. Some of these products have an excellent green pedigree - from organic materials to sustainable sourcing and manufacturing. Others are best-in-class when it comes to longevity.
Plantronics Explorer 370 Bluetooth Headset
If you must be phone-accessible and hands-free to boot, you probably need to take a good look at your life. Until you get that opportunity, stay connected with the Explorer 370 Headset. Designed for outdoor workers, sports enthusiasts and active outdoorspeople, the Bluetooth headset features a "ruggedized" design and boasts military-grade durability for active outdoor use. Water, dust and shock-resistant with windscreen technology for clear calls wherever you are, the Explorer 370 is also easy to set up and simple to use, providing up to 7 hours of talk time and up to 8 days of standby time. $79.95; (800) 544-4660, plantronics.com - JN
Ibex Rim Rock Short
The lightly brushed organic cotton canvas of the Ibex Rim Rock Short provides a relaxed look, fit and feel that I look forward to wearing every day. The Shorts have a zippered coin pocket with a locking pull, two back patch pockets and a 12-inch inseam. Machine washable. $69; (800) 773-9647, ibex.com - JN
Metolius Master Cam
Hand built, inspected and individually tested, the nimble but seriously sturdy Master Cam uses a flexible, single stem and a narrow head width for hard aid or free climbing. Features include cam stops, Range Finder and comfy molded thumb piece. Sizes #00 - #6, $54.95 to $59.95; (541) 382-7585, metoliusclimbing.com - JN
Yakima SwingDaddy
In addition to having a cool name, this rack makes it easy to bring your bike along. Yakima's premier hitch mount, the SwingDaddy is designed for families to Tour racers and everyone in between. The rack has a sliding "SwitchBlade" anti-sway cradle to eliminate bike rubbing and make loading easier. Not only can you open your cargo door while your bikes are loaded, but the rack folds down when not in use. The security cable is handy, but it's the integrated bottle opener that will really save the day. You'll need a hitch on your rig; the SwingDaddy is designed to fit 2" receivers. $439; yakima.com - NPB
Obermeyer Bamboo Mesh Shirt
If you haven't experienced the natural-fiber revolution, here's your chance. Aptly named, the new Bamboo Mesh shirt is made of 30 percent bamboo, a sustainable fiber that is naturally anti-bacterial. The remaining polyester gives the top durability and great wash-and-wear qualities. There's an internal wind guard, plus a sleeve pocket on the men's top. $79.50; (800) 525-4203, obermeyer.com - NPB
AIRE Outfitter I & II Inflatable Kayaks
Look at the size of the tubes! The large diameter tubes on the Outfitter I (shown) & II kayaks are built with confidence in mind. Your confidence! The large tubes and a low center of gravity combine to create a stable whitewater boat to help novices into whitewater but also for experts to tackle extreme water. Outfitter I: 9'11" long, 40" wide, 12.5" tube diameter, 36 lbs., 1,275; Outfitter II: 12'5" long, 41" wide, 12.5" tube diameter, 45 lbs., $1,375; (800) 247-3432, aire.com - JN
Truly Organic Herbal Twill T-Shirt
This Herbal Twill T-shirt feels and looks great. I like that it has an extra-long cut, so it's not always threatening to expose your midriff. Plus, it comes from a company that has led the charge for both corporate and product sustainability. The shirt is made of 100% fair trade, certified cotton. Then it's hand-dyed with natural dies to make it completely organic. $39; (800) 472-4334, truly-organic.com - NPB
Flojos "Mommy and Me" Dottie Sandals
While some are flimsy and too soft or too hard, the new Flojos Dottie is just right. The all-rubber sandal has a slight wedge (that extra half inch does wonders to your calves) that doesn't interfere with performance. The footbed is a super cushiony mattress design. While the bumpy surface seems odd at first, it quickly conforms to your feet for the most comfortable ride in town. The straps are brushed nylon webbing - sturdy and soft against your foot. The sandals come in women's and girl's sizes; my daughters love being able to match with their mommy! $15 (women's), $14 (girl's); (800) 443-5656, flojos.com - NPB
Specialized Roubaix Elite Road Bike
Trim both your carbon footprint and your waistline with a new road bike. The new Roubaix Elite is such an efficient machine that you'll double your mileage. Designed for speed and efficiency, the Roubaix Elite is light, smooth riding and really responsive. With Az2 technology the discrete carbon monoque sections are seamlessly joined into a single chassis, creating a super-strong frame with excellent strength-to-weight and stiffness-to-weight ratios. $1,950; specialized.com - NPB
Osprey IMP 23 Youth Pack
The new Osprey IMP 23 is a truly technical pack that's ergonomically designed for juvenile bodies. The padded harness and back sheet has between 4 and 6 inches of play so a child can wear it for several years. The 23-liter, 2.5 lbs. pack has nifty compression straps and plenty of organizational pockets, so it's ideal for a day hike, but big enough for an ultra-light sleeping bag, headlamp and minimal overnight provisions. The Sprint Series includes three youth packs, designed for kids 8 to 16, $99; (866) 284-783, ospreypacks.com - NPB
Primus Atle BBQ Stove
While the new Atle BBQ stove was designed for camping, you'll use it for everything from tailgaters to spontaneous picnics. In addition to getting an "A" for versatility, the stove is built to last. Weighing just more than 13 lbs. (without fuel), the stove can be carried around like a suitcase. Then it unfolds to reveal a generously sized non-stick grill that's a snap to clean and a full-sized, adjustable burner that easily accommodates big pasta pots. The stainless steel lid doubles as a wind shield with the help of lightweight wings. The stove comes with a hose and shut-off valve for refillable LP gas cylinders and easy-to-use Piezo ignition. $90, primus.se - NPBPost a comment
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