Explore It!

Leki Thermolite AERGON Antishock

Pros: Ergonomic hand grips; Adjustable, comfortable straps; “Super Lock” system keeps extended poles in place
Cons: Twist-lock system harder to adjust than other methods; Shafts vibrate considerably; Antishock technology did little
Bottom Line: Leki’s Thermolite AERGON Antishock poles have comfortable grips and straps, but the antishock system does little and the twist-lock tightening system is overdue for a change making them not worth the price.
MSRP: $140
Leki’s Web site

The thing that sets Leki apart from many other trekking pole manufacturers is its ergonomic hand grips, which are comfortable no matter how they’re held.

Leki’s high-end, lightweight Thermolite AERGON Antishock pole is no exception.

Leki Thermolite AERGON Antishock trekking poles

The pair, which weigh 16.2 ounces (1 ounce less than a pair of Black Diamond carbon poles I’ve tested) have molded foam grips and adjustable wrist straps.

Unlike other pole grips that are seemingly designed for flat trails or ascending, the Leki’s are just as comfy descending steep trails as they are going up or trekking the flats.

Each hand hold has a molded index finger notch and a shaped grip that makes for an ergonomic fit and a content hand no matter how long you’re hiking.

And the wrist straps can be adjusted for both small and large wrists – something many other poles can’t accommodate – and the quick-adjust system is easy to work on the trail.

When descending steep trails, the top of the poles, which are oblong, are slightly convex to better fit in the palm of your hand. By turning the poles backwards and palming the top of them you get the needed support.

The 7075 aircraft aluminum AERGON Antishock poles, which have been available since February, also have a carbide tip that have trustingly gripped nearly any surface.

But the antishock technology left something to be desired. Compared to other high-end poles without the added feature, such as the Black Diamond Contour Elliptic Carbon, I found little benefit while on mixed-terrain trails.

While the Thermolites cost $10 less than the Contour Elliptics – and weigh less too – the inner spring and “elastomer” that gives the Lekis suspension did little when on mixed terrain. But I could feel it when on pavement.

Leki hand grips

And Leki’s twist-lock system to tighten the poles after adjusting them was another big negative – which is probably why the company is incorporating a new SpeedLock system, comparable to Black Diamond’s FlickLock, on some of its 2010 poles.

If I twisted them tightly, it was difficult to loosen them if I had cold hands or was wearing gloves. And often my wife and other female hiking partner couldn’t loosen them if I twisted them too tight.

While some people don’t adjust them throughout the day, I don’t use them all the time while hiking. That means I have to adjust them a handful of times each day.

To the system’s credit, Leki’s Super Lock technology gripped tightly. No matter how much weight I put on the poles, they didn’t loosen.

When striking the ground, they also vibrated or reverberated more than other poles I’ve used. Other poles, like the Black Diamonds, dampened that vibration more, which translates to less hand fatigue.

In its nearly 100,000 square feet, which includes a research and development center, warranty repair center, custom fitting area, product shot location, warehouse space and a pingpong table to work out the stresses of the day, the Pearl Izumi headquarters in Louisville, Colo. seems to have it all.

The running and biking gear manufacturer, which is owned by Shimano, is located just outside Boulder, Colo., and I recently got an inside look.

Like many outdoors companies, many of Pearl’s roughly 100 employees run or bike to work – exuding the company’s image, said Kody Riley, Pearl’s marketing coordinator.

Pearl Izumi’s prototype and repair area

That’s understandable also considering there is a large bike storage area as well as locker rooms with showers just inside the back door.

While the building isn’t very glamorous – much of it is one large warehouse-looking space with departmental dividers – it’s a true headquarters.

If someone makes a warranty claim that needs to be fixed, it’s sent to the area where about a dozen sewing machines sit at the ready.

Those sewing machines are also used to make prototypes of new products that are designed 30 steps away in cubicleland.

The company also has a tent-like area set up to custom fit the Garmin-Slipstream professional cycling team. Of course the team’s gear is then created on site.

And a small fenced-in corner is where all the product shots are captured – lifestyle gear shots are typically shot in and around Boulder, Riley said.

Pearl Izumi’s employee bike storage

As for warehouse space, the building houses nearly all of Pearl Izumi’s inventory – except for a fairly insignificant amount of gear stored in Germany.

And because the company was formerly owned by Nautilus Inc. (until being sold to Shimano in early 2009 for $69.5 million), the building has a wide range of exercise equipment set up for employees to use.

Plus there’s a pingpong table to foster some lunch-time competition.

As you could guess, Riley said it’s a pretty sweet place to work.

Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoody

Pros: Stretch soft shell fabric lets you move easily; Very water resistant; Curved front zipper
Cons: Only found extensively in spring and summer; Too thin for cold weather; No interior pockets
Bottom Line: The Ferrosi Hoody is a great spring or fall jacket designed for active pursuits but is just as nice bumming around town. Its versatility makes it worth the money.
MSRP: $125
OR’s Web site

Launched in spring 2009 as a lightweight, thin soft shell, the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoody is perfect for the cool weather of spring and fall.

The stretch soft shell is durable, incredibly water resistant and breathes really well. Not to mention it looks great.

The body is made of a nylon/spandex mix while the shoulders are a Cordura/Lycra blend with a durable water resistant coating.

2009 OR men’s Ferrosi Hoody

I’ve hiked in a light rain and only after an hour did the shoulders of my under layer get wet.

The Ferrosi Hoody, which could be used as an outer layer or even a mid layer, has two zippered hand pockets as well as a napolean pocket (for the men’s) or a sleeve pocket (for the women’s) to stash gear. And the curved zipper keeps your chin happier when the Hoody is fully zipped.

The athletic cut, which I found to be true to size, combined with the stretchy soft shell fabric allows you to move freely in it. And, unlike many other long-sleeve tops, it has long sleeves to fit people, like me, who have long arms.

Unfortunately, the company only makes the Ferrosi Hoody in spring. You can find it now on clearance at many retailers (especially online), but you’ll have to wait for a few months to find a better selection.

According to the company it’ll be back in January with few changes except for color – new colors include “fossil/balsam” and “cardinal/pumice.”

Lafuma XLight Mid OT
Pros: OutDry technology keeps feet dry; Great traction with Vibram outsole; Reaches ankle bone providing better coverage
Cons: Uncomfortable insoles; Awkward tension system; Limited to people with wide feet
Bottom Line: The Lafuma XLight Mid OT hiking shoes utilize a great waterproof and breathable OutDry technology to keep your feet dry on hikes, but plan on getting an after-market insole instead of using the lackluster stock one.
MSRP: $130
Lafuma’s Web site

With OutDry technology creating a waterproof barrier and a synthetic leather and mesh upper, Lafuma’s XLight Mid OT hiking shoes keep water and loose debris at bay.

The hiking shoes, which weigh about 1 pound, 4 ounces each (for a size 12.5), provide ankle-high protection to keep out everything from debris to wintery slush.

The OutDry technology bonds a waterproof, breathable barrier directly to the shoe’s outer layer.

Lafuma XLight Mid OT

Other methods often use a waterproof membrane that lines the inside of the shoe allowing it, or any other garment, to collect water and add to the gear’s weight.

However, with OutDry, which is incorporated into the XLight, there’s little room for water to penetrate. That results in a shoe that doesn’t soak up water and doesn’t weigh down your foot no matter how long you’re standing in the creek, lake, snow or slush.

When hiking with the shoes wearing a thin, very breathable sock, I didn’t find the shoes to be overly airy. But they weren’t overly hot either. It was about what I expected from a waterproof shoe with a little bit of interior padding.

OutDry technology at work

The XLight Mid OTs utilize a twin lace pull system that allows you to adjust the bottom and top half of the shoe separately by pulling and tightening a cord. The cord then tucks away, albeit not very well, so it doesn’t flop on the top of the shoe.

Inside the shoe, I found the entire foot bed to be pretty wide – and I even have a semi-wide foot. If a shoe is too wide for your foot, you’ll have less stability on the trail.

But with Vibram soles, the widely-spaced deep lugs provided great traction on everything from loose dirt to scampering over rocks. Also, the rubber toecaps and synthetic leather and mesh uppers were durable in my tests.

Lafuma XLight Mid OT outsole

But I found the insole to be inferior to many other hiking shoes I’ve tested. After a few miles, my feet were sore on numerous test hikes. Of course, using some after-market insoles could solve that.

Besides the XLight Mid OTs, lafuma, and many other companies have other gear that utilizes the relatively new OutDry technology as well.

Imagine the frustration of a pre-ski season injury that puts you out commission during the white months. Then imagine the escalation of that if you already bought a pass.

Well, Vail Resorts understands.

The company, which owns Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Heavenly, teamed with Travel Guard to provide season pass insurance.

As with any insurance policy there are loopholes and specific caveats, but, essentially, the insurance is to help you out in case something goes terribly wrong before the flakes fly.

Just shell out $20 for adults or $10 for kids (ages 5-12), and you’ll be set.

The biggest catch is that your injury, or pregnancy or jury duty or death of a family member has to keep you from skiing or snowboarding all season to get your season pass fully refunded.

However, depending on when you make a claim, you could be entitled to a pro-rated reimbursement.

As this is the first year it’s doing it, Vail Resorts is limiting the insurance to passes – not individual tickets. However the Colorado-based company may extend the insurance to other products next year.

But you have to get the insurance by Nov. 15 or 30 days after you buy your pass (which ever comes later).

For more details on the insurance program check out Vail Resorts’ site.

CatEye Vectra Wireless cyclometer

Pros: Easy-to-read display; Installs quickly; Visible when wearing polarized sunglasses
Cons: Minimal functions; Computer and sensor mounts slide when not using adhesive tape; Button not ergonomically placed
Bottom Line: CatEye’s entry-level wireless cyclometer works well, is easy to read and is worth the price, although an upgrade to the Micro Wireless would be more worth it.
MSRP: $45
CatEye’s Web site

CatEye stripped superfluous features to make a bare-bones wireless cyclometer for a very reasonable price.

The Vectra wireless is the Boulder, Colo.-based company’s entry-level wireless cycle computer that has all the basic features of a quality cyclometer.

It has an easy-to-read display that constantly spits out an accurate current speed (to the tenth of a mile per hour or kilometer per hour). It’s appropriately the biggest number on the display and is constantly shown.

CatEye Vectra Wireless mounted on handlebar

With the press of the Vectra’s one large button, which is positioned on the bottom of the unit, the display cycles through max speed, tripometer, odometer and current time. I found all the functions to be accurate.

But the one button, while not difficult to reach or hard to press, could be more ergonomically placed (such as in one or both of the corners). With it placed on the bottom, it’s difficult to not press the button while putting on or taking off the unit from the mount.

That aside, the computer mount can be attached to your handlebars or stem with zip ties and you can use the included adhesive for added security. The same goes for the fork mount in terms of installation ease.

CatEye Vectra Wireless sensor

Both the unit and the sensor require a $4 battery (both take the same type of lithium battery), and to help save battery power, the unit shuts off automatically after 10 minutes.

But the Vectra is missing a couple key functions I like to have on a cyclometer: average speed and trip time.

However, if you want those added features, the Vectra Wireless’ big brother, the Micro Wireless, has those extra features for an additional $15.

In January, Primus announced a universal windscreen that attached to the top of a standard isobutane/propane fuel canister and worked with a variety of canister-top stoves. It was available starting in spring.

Designed to increase efficiency by blocking wind, the Primus Windscreen is the Big Bad Wolf’s biggest nightmare.

The 2-ounce windscreen sat erect atop a fuel canister to block the wind on three sides – about a 200-degree radius – of a canister-mounted stove. The opening allowed room for you to turn on/off the fuel.

On the top of the $15 windscreen, were strategically placed semi-circle cutouts to fit the stoves pot-holding feet.

Besides all that, for storage, the windscreen flipped upside down for a perfect fit around an 8-ounce fuel canister.

But note the past tense in the above description.

This summer I tested the Windscreen on a couple occasions with my ClassicTrail and was ready to post a review of it earlier this week.

However, it turns out Primus started taking the stoves off shelves in August because they regularly overheated with stoves that should have worked with it.

Primus Windscreen

But consumers shouldn’t be too concerned.

“This is not a recall…..but a safety measure,” the company states.

With mine, I found that after 15 minutes of boiling water, the windscreen was way too hot to touch. I also had to be careful when I adjusted the gas so I wouldn’t burn my fingers as I reached through the screen’s open side.

“The text on the box ‘This windscreen fits Primus ExpressStove, Primus MicronStove Ti and most other cartridge stoves.’ is not correct: The MicronStove Ti is not suitable to use with the windscreen. We have decided to withdraw the product from our warehouse, rework the box and include a user instruction,” the company states on a safety information news release.

It goes on to say, “Primus ExpressStove fulfill the requirements but a number of present and older Primus products should not be used with the windscreen, eg. Micron,TiLite, ClassicTrail, Mimer and TechnoTrail stoves.”

Bottom line: If you have a Windscreen, which is ironically still posted on Primus’ Swedish Web site, expect it to overheat with certain models and be careful. If you don’t want to run the risk, return it.

Dealers should contact Primus to return all the Windscreens for a credit, and customers who return one should be given a refund – at which time Primus will credit the dealer.

The company does expect to launch a second generation Windscreen though. It should be announced next summer.

La Sportiva Wildcat trail running shoes

Pros: Aggressive tread; Breathe extremely well; Great cushion
Cons: Mesh upper limits their use to warm, dry days; Shoe runs wide; Portions of the tread are peeling away (though I haven’t noticed a degradation of performance)
Bottom Line: The La Sportiva Wildcat trail running shoes are a great lightweight shoe that’s well cushioned and great for nearly any trail you can find.
MSRP: $100
La Sportiva’s Web site

As one of La Sportiva’s lightest-weight trail running shoes, the Wildcat is touted as the company’s most cushioned as well.

The Wildcat, an 11.96-ounce neutral shoe, grips nearly any surface. From hard-packed dirt and gravel to loose rock and pine needle trails, I never had a problem. No matter what terrain I tested them on, I was confident they’d provide traction.

The shoes also feature La Sportiva’s Impact Brake System that’s said to increase uphill traction and downhill braking, as well as decrease heel shock. I’m sold on the claim as the shoes gripped better than many other shoes I’ve used.

La Sportiva Wildcat sole

The Wildcats, which have a heel-to-toe drop of 12 millimeters, lace down to the toe box, and have a durable rubber toe guard to protect both your toes and the front of the shoes – a great feature for trail running shoes.

Out of the box, the shoes fit well, were comfortable, and I felt like there was little to no break-in period.

Unlike some other La Sportiva trail runners I’ve tested, such as the Imogene, the Wildcats have ample cushion in the midsole. The midsole provided enough cushion to eliminate fast foot fatigue but little enough to know what I’m stepping on, which helps your body feel more stable.

With the AirMesh uppers, the shoes breathe very well and dry incredibly fast when wet.

La Sportiva women’s Wildcat

But that mesh limits them to summer-only trail runners unless you’re in an area that’s dry. The littlest amount of water (including rain) will soak through to your foot.

The La Sportiva Wildcats are designed for medium to wide feet, yet I found they were slightly too roomy for my semi-wide feet. They’re offered in black/yellow and black/green for men and white/plum and white/mint for women.

Pros: Durable latex bladder; Comfortable fit; 90-day “lemon” warranty
Cons: Little, if any, insulation to keep water cool; Pack bounces while running; Difficult to drain and clean
Bottom Line: For a waist pack, KoleGear’s pressurized system works well despite it being a pain to fill and clean.
MSRP: $64
KoleGear’s Web site

A pressurized hydration system is a dream come true for many athletes who are too busy sucking wind to suck water.

One little bite from KoleGear’s pressurized hydration waist pack and water shoots, literally, about three feet.

By pressing the bite valve, a plunger opens sending a squirt-gun-like jet stream into your mouth. It was startling at first, but not uncomfortable.

To fill the pack, which includes a roughly 7-inch by 2-inch latex bladder that expands to the size of a small bread loaf, you first fill up a 1.75 liter (60 ounce) pump. With the bladder in the waist pack, you simply connect one of the included hoses between the pump and the bladder and pump water into the bladder.

It pumps easily and filled up the bladder surprisingly fast. Unlike other pressurized hydration packs, you don’t need to pump air into it. Just the pressure of the latex bladder keeps the water pressurized.

With the bladder in the waist pack, disconnect the fill hose, connect the drinking hose, and you’re ready for the trail.

The process, albeit straight-forward, simple and reasonably fast, is a pain in the butt. It works well from home, but the pack, with all its parts and steps, is clearly not designed for the backcountry.

Luckily, KoleGear already addressed one problem I found with the first version I tested: the leaking bite valve. The company replaced the old bite valve, and the new one works great.

One negative about any pressurized system, including the KoleGear’s, is the constant worry about emptying an entire bladder if other gear depresses the bite valve. With the company’s new bite valve, which was very hard to operate unless I actually bit it, it wasn’t much of an issue.

With a non-pressurized hydration pack, you can squeeze the water back into the bladder after drinking to keep the water cool. With a pressurized system like KoleGear’s, that’s impossible.

On a 90-degree day, I found the water, including that in the pack, got warm relatively fast. It also tasted a little like latex after a few hours in the bladder.

The waist pack itself was comfortable and adjusted well, had a small pocket for keys, a phone and energy gel or bars, but it bounced when I ran and I had to continually cinch it tighter as the water emptied.

The company, which formed in January 2009 and launched the waist pack as well as a backpack version in June, has some work to do on its pack, but the concept is great, and the company doesn’t have much competition.

Kelty Saunter courier bag

Pros: Urban style looks good; Durable fabric; Very water resistant
Cons: No triangular support strap; Loose end of strap flops; No reflective exterior surfaces
Bottom Line: Unless you want it solely for urban commuting via bus, train or car, the Saunter doesn’t cut it.
MSRP: $80
Kelty’s Web site

Osprey Flap Jack Courier

Pros: Easy-to-access pockets; Reflective straps; Functional laptop sleeve
Cons: Triangular support strap awkwardly attached to shoulder pad; Interior space seems small; Shoulder strap can’t be removed to more easily accommodate top handle
Bottom Line: While the Flap Jack Courier is somewhat designed as a commuter bag in the lifestyles category, it doesn’t fully nail form or function.
MSRP: $80
Osprey’s Web site

Neither Kelty’s nor Osprey’s lifestyle bags come close to competing with true messenger bags, but they’re in a different category.

Despite being an outdoor gear company, the Kelty Saunter is clearly designed for the urban jungle via mass transit – not bike – and Osprey’s Flap Jack Courier isn’t much better.

After a couple weeks of commuting to work via bike with both bags, I quickly understood the type of person who Osprey and Kelty are likely targeting.

Both bags are designed for style – and rightfully so as they are in the lifestyle category – and have an adequate amount of functionality for roaming around town or a tame commute to work or school.

Weighing one pound, eight ounces, the Saunter, which first hit shelves in spring 2009, is made of 60 percent recycled polyester and uses vegetable-tanned leather bringing it into the “green” category.

It has a fairly large main compartment, a divided laptop area and two small, hard-to-access front pockets for a total of 1,000 cubic inches of space. A Velcro-type strap to the left and right of center pass through separate aluminum buckles to secure the closure flap, and the entire bag is incredibly water resistant.

But the main shoulder strap, instead of being attached perpendicular to the bag’s seam, is attached parallel to it making the bag sit awkwardly on my back. And the loose end of the strap dangles freely instead of doubling back or having another way to prevent it from flopping uncomfortably.

Both cons are pretty big when it comes to using the bag for a bike commuting.

Osprey’s Flap Jack Courier, on the other hand, seems to be confused on whether it’s a commuter or lifestyles pack.

The triangulated support strap is designed to help hold loads tight to your body, but the strap is attached to the shoulder pad that slides the length of the shoulder strap. That means, when the shoulder pad is in the correct place, the support strap does nothing to help while commuting.

The one-pound, 12-ounce bag has reflective strips, and a spot to connect a blinker, crucial elements for any commuter, easy-to-access pockets and a padded laptop compartment.

Osprey Flab Jack Courier

But the courier bag also has features that bring it into the lifestyles category. It has a top carrying strap, which would be much more functional if you could remove the shoulder strap, an easily accessible organizational pocket, and a host of included webbing colors to slightly customize the look.

Though reportedly bigger than Kelty’s Saunter (the Flap Jack is 1,200 cubic inches), I found it was difficult to fit clothes, shoes and a lunch in the pack while commuting to work via bike. Space wasn’t as big of an issue with the Kelty.

A true messenger bag is simple, durable, weatherproof, has reflective detailing and a few pockets to stash a wallet, keys, mp3 player, some pens and random other necessities. I also sits well on your back without moving – often with the help of a fully-functional support strap.

I’ve used my Timbuk2 Classic messenger bag for years with few complaints despite the abuse I put on it, and Chrome messenger bags are also tried and true.

While both the Osprey and the Kelty are quite different, if you’re looking for commuter functionality, the Osprey wins hands down, but the Kelty overtakes it when it comes to aesthetics and accessibility.