Gear Check :: August
Check out our gear picks for summer fun and travel like the Therm-a-Rest Comfort System to keep you cozy when you're camping.
Sweet Dreams
When a sleeping bag is just too hot for summer camping,
Therm-a-Rest’s Comfort System lets you slide the soft, striped Fitted Sheet
over your sleeping pad then wrap the Tech Blanket around for extra warmth. The
blanket attaches to the sheet via snaps and a draw cord at the feet for a snug
and comfy fit. Unsnap the blanket and wrap it around your shoulders sitting
around the campfire, too. Blanket $50-$60; Fitted Sheet $21-$25. Thermarest.com
Rock You To The Bone
For those swimmers who don’t reach a Zen state while
swimming lap after lap, a musical interlude might just help you enjoy it a bit
more. The Finis SwimP3 v2 uses a unique waterproof technology that uses bone
conduction to relay sound to your inner ear via vibrations. Place the device
against any bone in your skull and enjoy clear music for up to four hours.
Holds 60 songs and attaches to any goggle or snorkeling mask. $139. Finisinc.com
Creature
Comfort
Outdoor companies keep coming up with new and innovative
ways to improve performance. Mountain Hardwear’s latest innovation utilizes
Chitosan, an odor-controlling, natural anti-microbial agent sustainably-derived
from crustacean shells, in an array of lightweight and midweight base layers.
Available in both proprietary Advance and Continuum lines in short and long
sleeve tops, tights and underwear. $18-$60. Mountainhardwear.com
Ergonomic
Travel
With recent airline restrictions and fees for checking bags,
the search for the lightweight and spacious carry-on luggage has begun.
Victorinox’s Werks Traveler 3.0 collection includes carry-on sizes of 20 and 22
inches that fit in an overhead bin. The roller bags feature a patented
ergonomically curved swivel handle that turns parallel to the user’s body to
reduce wrist stress while maneuvering the bag through crowded terminals. The
bags also have 6.5 cm. of expansion. $280-$300. Victorinox-travelgear.com
Drink Safe
With everyone giving up their BEP-clad bottles from years
past, we’re all in need of a safer, healthier way to bring along our own
re-useable water bottles on trips or to the office. The new Nathan Flip Straw
steel bottle is BPA-free, the flip straw makes for easy drinking without
removing the top, and Nathan's finger loop QuickClip is a built in
caribeaner-like clip that attaches anywhere with ease. $25. Nathansports.com
this month's magazine
Resort Round-Up
Our Rocky Mountain resorts are always cooking up something new each season. To get information this valuable, you typically have to hang out at a ski area for several days and meet a local. But we’re going to lay it out right here for you.
Faraway Places
As I type this month’s letter, I’m slowly readjusting to the time change from having been halfway around the world.
In & Out
These conditioning workouts will get you adequately prepped for that first snowfall, when the games can begin outside.
Snow Gear
As with every season, there’s new garb and accessories to keep you moving and grooving—and comfortable—on the slopes. Check out what’s cool for this winter.
other features
Mondays with Marty
Award winning author of Chasing Lance, Martin Dugard shares his weekly musings exclusively online.
also on competitor
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Barry: ?The peloton is definitely changing?
Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:21:44 -0600
