Helly Hansen H2 Flow Jacket

The Helly Hansen H2 Flow Jacket allows you to precisely regulate its temperature, from warm to cool and everything in between

In everyone’s life, there’s a moment when you try something and you think to yourself, “This is brilliant… why didn’t I think of it?”  In the world of outerwear, Helly Hansen has just launched a product that falls precisely into the aforementioned category , solving the dilemma of how to precisely blend optimal amounts of heating and cooling.

As anyone fond of the outdoors will tell you, it’s the age-old problem:  finding a mid-layer or outer layer that not only keeps you warm, but also finding one that regulates your temperature as your core temperatures heat up.  If you’ve ever taken a long hike, especially one with a pack, you’re likely already familiar with the need for temperature regulation.  You wear layers for their heat and protection from the elements, but as time goes on, your body temperature rises and you start to overheat.  This results in either an abundance of sweat or the need to shed layers, both of which are less than ideal

Enter the Helly Hansen H2 Flow Jacket.  Thanks to Helly’s revolutionary Hollow Heat Flow technology, the H2 Flow is not only incredibly effective at warming you as a mid-layer, it also provides an absolutely amazing amount of venting and cooling where you need it, when you need it.

Helly Hansen H2 Flow Jacket front vents

Making the magic happen are two key elements:  adjustable venting on the jacket, and 200g of insulation that utilize both positive and negative spaces.  Together, they form the basis for a tremendous level of user controlled temperature regulation throughout the day.

So let’s say, for example, that your hike begins on a cool fall morning.  You begin your hike with a base layer and the H2 Flow Jacket, with all venting closed.  As a result, you’re warm and comfortable.  But as you pile the miles pile on, your body temperature rises, as does the outside temperature.  Normally, you’d be forced to shed your mid layer, but with the H2 Flow, you have the ability to open the vertical vents and let the outside air flow in.  Once the air is inside the jacket, the insulation’s negative spaces allow it to flow around your body, lowering interior temperatures and aiding in sweat evaporation.

Helly calls it a micro-climate system technology, and if it sounds ingenious, it is.  You can adjust temperatures to match a huge array of activities, from casual to intense, and you can do it all in a single mid-layer.

From there, Helly Hansen took the H2 Flow a step further and incorporated all the features that make their other outwear so incredible.  There’s the breathable, ripstop fabric that’s not only remarkably impervious to abuse, but it also excels at repelling moisture while maintaining breathability.  There’s the sleek styling that makes the H2 Flow at home on the street as much as it is in the outdoors.  And there’s the fact the H2 Flow Jacket is constructed from Blue Sign approved fabrics, ensuring that it’s made in the most environmentally friendly way possible.

It’s a lot to fit into one coat, but Helly Hansen has proven once again why they’re the leader in outdoor gear for the most demanding of uses.

The H2 Flow Jacket is part of Helly Hansen’s Fall/Winter Collection and is available for both men and women for $180.

Helly Hansen H2 Flow Jacket front view half zipped

With all the hype surrounding this new jacket by Helly Hansen, I decided there was no better way to break it in than by putting it to a little test.  Two days after I picked mine up, my wife and I headed to the Eightmile Lake Trail – me with with my new H2 Flow Jacket and her with a standard fleece.

About 4 miles in and just over 5,000 ft, we had both worked up a sweat, meaning it was the perfect time to see how the H2 Flow Jacket’s venting would perform. While my wife packed her fleece into her pack (which later turned out to be a mistake when she got scratched up by quite a bit of brush), I simply opened the H2 Flow venting and kept on going.  Within a few minutes, I had stopped sweating and had cooled down to a comfortable temperature.  It wasn’t the shocking cold you get when you take your jacket off completely.  Instead, I was entirely comfortable – no chills, no wind gusts whipping through the coat – just a comfortable temperature.

Another mile and a half and we arrived at Caroline Lake and the H2 Flow Jacket had done its job.  I removed my pack, zipped the vents back up and sat down to enjoy the view. My wife on the other hand was getting bite after bite from the lake mosquitos.  She grabbed her fleece out of her pack, only to find it was still damp from the first four miles of sweat.  The result was an uncomfortable lunch at the lake, to say the least.  Being the sensational husband I am, I bestowed her with the H2 Flow Jacket on the way down. Thankfully, Helly makes a women’s version of the H2 Flow, or I would have just lost my new favorite mid-layer.

Needless to say, the Helly Hansen H2 Flow Jacket lives up to the hype. As a mid-layer or outer-layer, it is a brilliant design that gets the job done.  It’s warm, it’s cool, and it’s everything in between.

You can learn more about the Helly Hansen H2 Flow Jacket at the official Helly Hansen website.

Keen Glarus Boots and Emerald City Sandals

Whether your ideal summer activity is getting active outside or a leisurely stroll around town, Keen has the perfect summer shoe

With summer officially kicking off in less than a month, it’s time to think about refreshing your warm weather wardrobe (if you haven’t already).  To help usher in the balmy temps, we asked a couple of staffers what shoes they’re going to be wearing this summer, and their responses:  both are loving two new offerings from Keen.

On the men’s side, our pick is the Keen Glarus Hikining – a long-distance hiking boot geared directly at the adventurers among you and perfect for an all-day summer hike.  For the ladies, our pick is a pair of Keen Emerald City Sandals – sandals that look incredibly stylish, but most importantly, have the legendary Keen comfort to match.

Here’s a look at both.

Keen Glarus Hiking Boots ($160, men’s and women’s)

For us, summer is all about getting outside and being as active as possible, with hiking easily ranking as one of our favorite past times.  To make hiking even more enjoyable, the Keen Glarus ranks as one of our favorite trail boots, with a design specifically built for extended, all-day hikes.  Up top, a fantastically rugged waterproof full-grain leather upper paired with a KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane keeps moisture out, keeping your feet comfortable even in wet conditions.  Underneath, 4mm multi directional traction lugs provide ample grip, even in slippery conditions.  And making the Glarus boots some of the most comfortable we’ve tried, removable metatomical dual density EVA footbeds, torsion stability ESS shanks and external TPU heel stabilizers are just some of the tech Keen has packed into their newest hiking boot offering.

The full list of Keen Glarus features include

  • 4mm multi directional traction lugs
  • External TPU heel stabilizer
  • KEEN.DRY™ waterproof breathable membrane
  • KEEN.Zorb Strobel
  • Metal speed hook lacing system
  • Removable metatomical dual density EVA footbed
  • Torsion stability ESS shank
  • Waterproof full grain leather upper
  • Non-marking rubber outsole

You can learn more about the Keen Glarus Hiking Boots at the official Keen website.

Keen Emerald City Ankle Sandals ($85, women’s)

For a more laid back option in the Keen lineup, we love two of the offerings in the Emerald City lineup.  The first is the new Keen Emerald City Ankle sandal, a classically inspired sandal boasting a full grain leather upper and lining.  Not only does the emerald city look great with jeans, a skirt, a dress (or pretty much anything else), they’re also incredibly comfortable, thanks to a luxurious leather wrapped midsole.  Should things get a little more active, a non-marking natural rubber outsole provides ample grip when the need arises, allowing you to showcase your recently acquired four-minute Party Rock dance routine with the utmost precision.

More features of the Keen Emerald City Ankle Sandal include:

– Burnished leather footbed cover
– Full-grain leather upper
– Leather lining
– Leather wrapped midsole
– Non-marking natural rubber outsole

You can learn more about the Keen Emerald City Ankle Sandals at the official Keen website.

Keen Emerald City Three Point Sandals ($85, women’s)

If you love the idea of the Keen Emerald City Ankle sandal but want a slightly different style, the Emerald City Three Point sandal offers a more classically refined look with the same great comfort.  As with the ankle sandal, the three-point sandal boasts full grain leather straps, but in a slimmer design than found on the ankle sandal.  Whereas the ankle sandal is a touch more trendy, the three point sandal airs slightly more on the side of traditional.  Both look great with jeans, shorts, a dress, a skirt… pretty much anything you can think of.  Ensuring comfort during extended use, the three point sandal notes the same luxurious leather wrapped midsole as found on the on the ankle sandle, and a grippy non-marking natural rubber outsole again provides ample traction when you need it.

More features of the Keen Emerald City Three Point Sandals include:

– Burnished leather footbed cover
– Full-grain leather upper
– Leather lining
– Leather wrapped midsole
– Non-marking natural rubber outsole

You can learn more about the Keen Emerald City Three Point Sandals at the official Keen website.

Louis Garneau Vector UX Zenith Snowshoes

The Louis Garneau Vector UX Zenith Snowshoes offer a tough-as-nails design with exceptional comfort during extended hikes

If you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for new ways to get outside during the winter months to enjoy the crisp, cool air.   In addition to skiing and snowboarding (which I’ve been doing for years), my wife and I recently picked up two pairs of Louis Garneau Vector UX Zenith Snowshoes to try our hand at some backcountry winter hiking.  Compared to traditional winter sports, hiking in snowshoes has a significantly lower learning curve, making it something anyone can pick up pretty much immediately.  Best of all, it offers another channel to get outside and be active, despite the frigid temperatures and slippery conditions.

If you’ve never tried snowshoes before, the Louis Garneau Vector UX Zenith Snowshoes are really an exceptional choice for the beginner, as I’ve come to learn.  Built on a super tough polymer molded deck, the Vector UX Zenith’s feature somewhat of an hourglass shape, meaning that you can maintain your natural stride during hiking.  In addition to the shape, the Zenith’s also feature an Ultraflex pivot that allows free foot rotation on the axle for a more efficient stride, and it also plays a central role in preventing the front of the snowshoe from hitting the leg.

Helping secure your foot in place, the Vector UX Zenith’s feature an incredibly easy-to-use twin clip buckle system reminiscent of some snowboard bindings, with two hooks up front and a heel strap, all of which are easily operated with gloves/mittens in place.  Once you’re on the snow, the aggressive Split Jaw front crampon design offers incredible unidirectional traction on ice and slippery conditions, while a second set of side crampons extend down the length of each side of the Vector UX Zenith’s before forming a v-shape in the rear.  Having used the Zenith’s the past couple months, it’s a fantastic, confidence inspiring design, and the Zenith’s truly excel in packed snow, ice, and steep, slippery ascents and descents.

In addition to their exceptional traction, another notable feature of the Louis Garneau Vector UX Zenith’s are their comfort.  Long hikes are a pleasure, thanks to an integrated heel riser that reduces calf fatigue during use, and the 3D-contoured molded harness with EVA padding supports your foot while still keeping you comfortable during extended use.  In terms of snow evacuation, the Vector UX Zenith’s do a great job of clearing the snow as you go, again helping reduce fatigue and increasing comfort during use.

Pricing for the Louis Garneau Vector UX Zenith snowshoes is set at $189 for both men’s and women’s variants, and they come in either charcoal/orange for the men or light grey/lime for the ladies.  Ultimately, if you’re looking for a new way to get outside and escape the all-too-common cabin fever this winter, the Louis Garneau Vector UX Zenith make a fantastic option for winter hiking.  To learn more about the Louis Garneau Vector UX Zenith, head over to LouisGarneau.com for the full details or buy now from Amazon.com
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Mountain Hardwear Trango 3.1 Tent

The Mountain Hardwear Trango 3.1 offers seemingly bombproof protection from the elements for up to three occupants

Of all the equipment necessary to endure the many rigors of the outdoors, there is nothing more important than a quality, bombproof tent.  There’s nothing worse than being in the middle of a rainstorm only to find your tent isn’t watertight, or being in a windstorm only to have your tent collapse around you.  If there’s one area to splurge when undertaking an outdoor excursion, it’s on your tent, and there’s no tent better to splurge on than the Mountain Hardwear Trango 3.1.  Designed as a four seasons expedition tent, the Trango 3.1 is capable of withstanding hurricane force winds, torrential downpours and raging snow storms, all while keeping you safe, dry and protected.

In truth, there isn’t really any area in which the Trango 3.1 doesn’t excel.  Featuring Mountain Hardwear’s proprietary Evolution Tension Arch technology with four Atlas Scandium XL poles, the Trango is rock solid in conditions that bring other, lesser tents feebly to their knees.  On a recent excursion, my wife and I were hit with 70+ mph winds, and the Trango shrugged them off like they were nothing.  And while it is rock solid, the Trango’s setup is a breeze.  Four poles provide support for the Trango’s canopy, while a fifth pole provides support when the Trango’s fly is in place.  From a sizing standpoint, the Trango 3.1 is an exceptionally versatile tent.  For two people, the interior of the tent provides an ample amount of storage for two plus gear next to you, or it sleeps three comfortably.  The Trango does come in 2 and 4 person sizes as well, so depending on your specific needs, you can get the same rock solid stability in various sizes.  In addition to interior room of the main tent, once the fly is in place, you gain additional, covered protection for your gear in both the front and back vestibules, and there’s a variety of other storage pockets to stow your gear while you sleep.  As for specific dimensions, the Mountain Hardwear Trango 3.1 offers a floor area of 48 sq. feet, vestibule areas of 18 sq. feet and 5 sq. feet, and an interior height of 48 inches.  It’s a spacious tent, and it keeps you supremely comfortable in any less than ideal weather conditions.  Weight wise, the Trango 3.1 weighs in at 11 lbs. 6 oz., making it a little heavier than some other expedition tents.  The added weight, however, is more than offset by the added space, as the Trango 3.1 is really as comfortable as you’ll get in an expedition-ready, rock solid tent.

Aside from its ingenious pole system, the second defining element of the Trango 3.1 is its guaranteed watertight construction.  Featuring a fully taped fly, a taped perimeter seam, welded corners and welded guy clip anchors, the Trango is designed to stay dry amidst the worst of torrential downpours, and has been rain room tested to withstand 1,200″ of rain over a 24-hour period.  Helping keep out the elements, the Trango 3.1 features a tent floor constructed from  70D Nylon Taffeta 3000mm PE, a canopy constructed from 20D Nylon Knit Mesh and 40D Nylon Ripstop DWR, a fly constructed from 70D Nylon Taffeta 1500mm PU/SIL, and a  75D Polyester SD Ripstop 600mm PE reinforcement.  Despite its leakproof construction, the Trango 3.1 is ideal for any weather conditions you can throw at it.  During the high temperatures of the summer, the two door design allows superb airflow, keeping you as cool as possible.  You can also opt for setting up just the fly and footprint (sold separately), as a lightweight ,warm weather option.  In the winter, heat in the Trango is retained incredibly well, and as I discovered during a seemingly never ending snowstorm in which three foot drifts accumulated on the side of my Trango, it’s easy to forget how bad conditions are around you while you’re inside it.  It is, quite simply, a mobile fortress, capable of protecting you from the worst Mother Nature can throw at you.

In addition to the features I’ve already mentioned, here’s a quick rundown of all the Mountain Hardwear Trango 3.1 has to offer:

  • Guaranteed watertight construction with fully taped fly, taped perimeter seam, welded corners and welded guy clip anchors. Rain room tested with 1200″ of rain in 24 hours.
  • Atlas Scandium XL poles
  • Proprietary Evolution Tension Arch™ stabilizes tent using fewer poles
  • Pitch Light™ configuration allows user to set up a superlight shelter using only the tent fly, poles and footprint (sold separately)
  • 2 dry entry vestibules
  • 2 dual canopy and mesh doors
  • 2 Tension Shelves
  • SVX window for a brighter interior and visibility of exterior conditions
  • Welded guy clip anchors
  • Internal guy system
  • Reflective guy-out loops, starter point and zipper pulls for easy set-up at night
  • Welded zipper flap construction is lighter and drier than a sewn flap
  • Watertight door zippers
  • Reflective zipper pulls
  • Mesh storage pockets
  • Mesh and canopy zippered thru-vent
  • Superlight 1/4″ buckles and webbing reduce tent weight
  • Reflective starter point
  • Gear can be stored off the floor using canopy pockets or a accessory gear lofts (sold separately)
  • Minimum Weight: 10 lb. 8 oz. / 4.76 kg.
  • Packed Weight:  11 lb. 6 oz. / 5.15 kg.
  • Packed Diameter:  8 in / 22 cm
  • Packed Length:  24 in / 61 cm
  • Pitch Light Weight:  7 lb. 13 oz. / 3.53 kg

The Mountain Hardwear Trango 3.1 is, in no simpler terms, an absolutely incredible expedition-ready four seasons tent.  Having used mine extensively over the past year, I’ve yet to find fault with it, despite the multitude of extreme conditions I’ve subjected it to.  As I said at the beginning of the article, if there’s only one thing you’re going to splurge on to conquer the great outdoors, your tent is it.  With an MSRP of $625, however, the Trango 3.1 isn’t overly pricey, and in terms of quality for your money, you won’t find better.  It’s waterproof, windproof and snow proof, and after a long days hike or climb, you really can’t put a price on a good night’s sleep.

To learn more about the Moutain Hardwear Trango 3.1 and the full lineup of Mountain Hardwear tents, head over to MountainHardwear.com for more details or buy now from Amazon.com
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Marmot CWM MemBrain Sleeping Bag

The Marmot CWM MemBrain sleeping bag keeps you warm and comfortable at –40°F in the harshest alpine environments

Whether you’re planning to climb Everest, trek across Antarctica or are simply anticipating the arrival of the next ice age, the Marmot CWM MemBrain is without question the only sleeping bag that will keep you wishing for more cold.  As the most extreme sleeping bag in the Marmot lineup, the CWM MemBrain can withstand temperature drops as low as –40°F in the harshest alpine environments, keeping you warm, toasty and sleeping like a baby, no matter how frigid it may get around you.

Making the magic happen, the Marmot CWM MemBrain is loaded with Marmot’s 800+ fill goose down, carefully selected to provide the most efficient insulation possible.  As connoisseurs of down, Marmot relies on a series of guidelines to ensure optimum insulating.  Down comes from geese, not ducks, due to goose down’s higher quality; down comes from larger, more mature birds, due to the mature bird down’s larger filament clusters; and down must be properly sorted, washed and dried, to adequately prepare the filament clusters.  All of this adds up to down that boasts a higher loft, better insulation, lighter weight and greater durability, meaning your sleeping bag does exactly what it says it does (which in this case, amounts to keeping you alive and happy at –40°F).  Marmot doesn’t just talk about their down quality, they guarantee that every sleeping bag they sell has at minimum the down content listed, and they guarantee that your bag will perform exactly as it should, for the life of the product.

Of course, down alone does not a sleeping bag make.  Keeping the down in place, and ensuring unpleasant drafts are eliminated, the Marmot CWM MemBrain is over-engineered with reinforced linings, countless baffles and MemBrain waterproof/breathable fabric.  Specifically, there’s a 9-baffle chest section that runs vertically, ensuring that as you roll from side to side, the down stays perfectly in place.  There’s an 11-baffle foot box that runs vertically to keep your feet warm.  There’s a down-filled draft tube that eliminates cold leaks through the zipper.  There’s a 6-baffle hood that insulates your head with 6 chambers of down and an easy access hood cord.  I could quite literally, go on and on and on about how well the Marmot CWM is insulated.  But what it all boils down to is this:  the Marmot CWM MemBrain Sleeping Bag is the most rugged, well-designed sleeping bag you’re going to get.  I’ve used it in some supremely intense conditions, and I can say without question this thing can handle any weather conditions you can throw at it.  It’s exceptionally warm; drafts are non-existent; the multitude of baffles keep the down perfectly in place; and at 4 1/2 pounds, it packs up extremely well.  There is no better extreme temperature sleeping bag on the market.

In addition to the features I’ve already detailed, here’s a lengthier rundown of all the Marmot CWM MemBrain’s attributes:

  • Filled and Finished in Santa Rosa, California
  • Certified 800+ Fill Power Goose Down – Independently Tested and Certified by International Down and Feather Laboratory in Salt Lake City, Utah. Retested at Fill Time in Santa Rosa to Ensure 800 Fill Power Every Time. If the Down Does Not Meet Our In-House Test, We Send It Back
  • Marmot MemBrain® Waterproof/Breathable Fabric – Marmot MemBrain, Waterproof/Breathable Fabric
  • 9-Baffle Chest Section – Baffles Run Vertically in Core for Maximum Down Control. Rolling from Side-to-Side Won’t Shift the Down
  • Reinforced Foot Box Lining – To Handle the Extra Abuse of Boot Liners and Water Bottles
  • “Feely” Draw Cords – Ease Nighttime Cord Fumbling
  • 11-Baffle Foot Box – Baffles are Vertical to Keep Down Around Your Feet
  • Down-Filled Draft Tube – Eliminates Cold Leaks Through the Zipper
  • Ground-Level Side Seams – Eliminates Drafts
  • Hidden Draft Tube Pocket – Inverts Into Draft Tube and Used to Store Watch or Alarm and Stay Out of Our Face
  • Nautilus 6-Baffle Hood – 6 Chambers of Down Around Head for Better Down Control and Fit, Hood Cord is Positioned for Easy Access
  • Stretch Tricot Baffles – Provide Ultimate Strength, Durability and Bag Life
  • Stuff and Storage Sack Included – Store and Pack Just Like Your Sleeping Bag
  • Velcro®-free Down-filled Collar – Keeps Warm Air Trapped in Your Bag; Collar is a Full 6-inch Baffle Width Integrated with the Draft Tube
  • Velcro®-free Face Muff – Keeps the Drawcord and Zipper Away from Your Face
  • Zipper Guards – Help Repel Biting Zipper Coils
  • 6-foot height; also available in sizing up to 6’6″

Pricing for the Marmot CWM MemBrain sleeping bag is set at $679 – a steal considering this is likely the last sleeping bag you’ll every buy for extreme conditions.  To learn more about the Marmot CWM MemBrain as well as the full lineup of other fantastic Marmot sleeping bags (I own 2 other Marmots for warmer temperatures that I love equally as much), head over to Marmot.com or buy now from Amazon.com
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Brunton Restore Portable Solar Power Charger

Both a portable power storage unit and solar generator, the Brunton Restore makes it easy to keep your electronics charged

While it’s true that many of us hit the trails to get away from the technology, there’s no denying that more and more electronics are finding their way into our packs for various functions. GPS units for accurate navigating, cell phones for emergency situations, etc. The problem is, packing electronics means packing plenty of extra batteries – at least, it used to. Brunton, pioneers of portable solar power, have launched the most efficient and compact integrated solar charger available in the new Brunton Restore. Unlike other solar panels that require you to unroll a panel and hook up your device, the Brunton Restore acts as both a portable power storage unit and a solar generator, meaning once its charged, the Restore’s power is on tap anytime. Think of it as an external rechargeable battery that you can recharge with the sun and then use to power anything you need, any time. It’s an ingenious design, and it makes powering your various gadgets a breeze on a multi-day excursion.

In addtion to its solar charging capabilities, the Brunton Restore can also be charged using conventional means. There’s a standard USB port that allows charging via you computer, or you can use a standard wall outlet or car charger to fill the Restore’s battery. To ensure compatibility with a wide array of devices, there’s also a mini USB adapter included as well.

In terms of real world performance, with a full charge, the Brunton Restore managed to charge my iPhone 3 times, and I would expect similar performance for most other phones and/or MP3 players. Once the Restore’s battery is depleted, it takes about a day to recharge it via the solar panels with direct sunlight. On overcast days, recharge time goes up rather significantly – but the Restore still has no problem generating enough power for a variety of tasks, including charging your phone. In all likelihood, if you’re on a multi-day excursion, you’re not out spending 6 hours a day on your phone, so the Brunto Restore really provides ample power for most real world situations. Most importantly, in the event you ever need power, you’ll always have a direct way to get it.

Other features of the Brunton Restore include:

  • A water resistant, durable rubberized shell
  • Internal rechargeable lithium polymer
  • Power gauge and auto shut-off
  • Two (2) 100 mA polycrystalline solar panels
  • 2,200 mAh battery storage
  • Output of 1,000 mA / 5V (USB 2.0 compatible)
  • Dimensions: 3″ x 5.75″ x 1.13″
  • Weight: 7.2 oz

With an MSRP of $125, the Brunto Restore is a fantastic way to have an infinite amount of power at your disposal any time you hit the trails. You can learn more about the Brunto Restore at Brunton.com or buy now from Amazon.com, currently for only $63.99.
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SOG X-Ray Vision Knife

The SOG X-Ray Vision is perfect for the outdoors thanks to its durable VG-10 steel blade and unique Arc-Lock locking system

If you spend any amount of outside, you already know the value of a high quality knife.  A good knife is invaluable for a variety of tasks – trimming rope, preparing food, cutting wood, etc. – and for anyone undertaking any type of backpacking or hiking excursions, a knife is an essential tool in your arsenal of required gear.  When venturing into the outdoors, one of my favorite knives is the SOG X-Ray Vision.  It’s a practical, tough as nails folding knife that can withstand a tremendous amount of punishment, and best of all, it keeps functioning flawlessly despite the abuse.

Making the SOG X-Ray Vision so great is a variety of factors, one of which is its remarkable blade.  Constructed in Japan from VG-10 steel, the blade is 3.75″ x 0.125″, and features a combination half straight-edge, half serrated Tanto design with a bead blasted finish.  If you’re unfamiliar with VG-10 steel, it’s an supremely robust steel that’s incredibly sharp; it takes and holds an edge incredibly well; and it’s remarkably corrosion resistant, making it the perfect blade material for an outdoor knife.  As for the design itself, it’s an ideal length for most cutting tasks; the straight-edge portion of the blade is perfect for a variety of general cutting and filleting needs; the serrated portion of the blade is ideal when you need to cut rope quickly; and as is inherent to Tanto blade design, the tip is exceptionally strong and geared towards piercing.

Mated to the blade, the SOG X-Ray Vision boasts a glass-reinforced black Zytel handle and SOG’s Arc-Lock locking system.  The handle features a relatively slim profile and is comfortable to hold, and brings the total length of the knife to 8.37″.  As for the Arc-Lock system, it’s a completely ambidextrous design that is lightning quick.  Blade deployment is almost instantaneous with the appropriate flick of your finger – so fast, in fact, it can appear as thought the X-Ray Vision has blade assist built into it.  Retracting the blade is equally as quick, and again easily accomplished with either hand.  In terms of strength, SOG states the Arc-Lock can withstand 1000 lbs. of force.  I’ve yet to take the X-Ray Vision to a lab to verify their figures, but in real world use, I’ve yet to have a single misfire of the Arc-Lock system.  It’s a brilliant design – super quick and super strong – and I’ve used it in some pretty demanding conditions.

All in all, if you’re looking for a rugged, exceptionally functional outdoor knife, you can’t go wrong with the SOG X-Ray Vision.  It’s tough as hell; it’s easy to carry; and it cuts anything you can throw at it.  For $170, it’s a must on any serious outdoor lover’s must-have gear list.  To learn more about the SOG X-Ray Vision, you can learn more at SOG.com or buy now at a discount from Amazon.com.

Arc’teryx Naos 85 Backpack

Arc'teryx Naos 85 backpack is an expedition-ready pack perfect for wet weather that's both incredibly comfortable and spacious

With temperatures dropping and winter just around the corner, outdoor activities require more planning than simply heading out for a run or hopping on a bike.  Quality gear is required that’s versatile, functional and comfortable, because otherwise whatever it is you’re doing (skiing, snowboarding, etc.) is going to get unpleasant very, very quickly.  Of all the late fall / winter activities I enjoy, in no area is quality gear more important than in backpacking.  In truth, quality gear not only makes traversing rugged terrain more enjoyable, when you’re on the side of a mountain and an unexpected storm hits, it can also save your life.

For the backcountry lovers among you, over the next week or two we’re going to be bringing you some of the favorite gear we use when venturing off the beaten path.  This gear is absolutely the best of the best, and in the event you’re out for a leisurely weekend hike or you’re seeking to compete directly with the worst mother nature has to offer, this gear has you covered.

Kicking off our special outdoors feature, we’ve got a look at the Arc’teryx Naos 85 – an exceptionally robust backpack that can carry virtually anything you can throw at it.  At its heart, the Arc’teryx Naos 85 is about storage, and there’s precisely 5,187 cubic inches at your disposal.  It’s a big pack, to be sure (the biggest in the Arc’teryx AC² line, actually), but it’s perfect if you’re looking for something to carry a week’s worth of gear or when things get cold, bulky winter gear.  There’s a ton of space, and to be honest, we’d be scared to go any bigger, due to the fact this bag loaded usually puts you around the 50 lb. mark.  But despite its ample load carrying ability, the Naos 85 is, in and of itself, exceptionally light.  It weighs in at only 6 lbs. 4 oz., meaning the bulk of the load you’re carrying is coming from your gear, not the pack itself.

As already noted, it’s easy to approach 50+ lbs. of gear in the Arc’teryx Naos 85, which would get exceptionally uncomfortable without the right fit.  Thankfully, the Naos 85 ranks as the most comfortable backpack we’ve used, as it offers a variety of features to fine tune the fit and beautifully transfer the weight where it needs to go.  One of the ways the Arc’teryx Naos 85 makes hauling loads of gear a breeze is through a fortified double ring Load Transfer Disc in tandem with large side-mounted hipbelt straps featuring weight-stabilization technology.  When hiking, the Load Transfer Disc and hip belt actually pivot with you, increasing your stability and agility and transferring the weight remarkably well from your back to your hips.  Further enhancing comfort during your expeditions, the Naos 85 features an integrated MonoFrame with an adjustable bonded GridLock shoulder strap system.  The Monoframe offers a superbly rigid level of back support, whereas the adjustable Gridlock straps allow an exceptionally precise fit based on your exact build.  All of this adds up to the most comfortable large capacity pack we’ve used, with several of our staff members undertaking all-day hike with 50+ lbs. on their backs, and all reveling at how good they felt at the end of the day.

But despite its excellent load carrying capacity and applaudable comfort, what may be the Arc’teryx Naos 85’s most endearing feature is its waterproofing.  Arc’teryx built the Naos 85 to be completely waterproof, meaning that when things get wet, there’s no need for a weatherproof cover.  Helping keep your pack dry on the inside, all seams are fully-sealed, and the molded AC² fusion points are all equally waterproof.  In addition, each of the Naos 85’s external zippers feature WaterTight technology, while the Naos’ 420ACT fabric and Spacermesh is incredibly light, strong and waterproof.  Finally, the Naos 85’s roll-top closure offers an additional layer of protection from wet weather.  We’ve had the Arc’teryx Naos 85 out for multiple day stretches of rain loaded with gear, and every time, the inside has remained perfectly dry.  While we don’t recommend submerging the Naos 85 for extended periods of time, torrential downpours will do little to ruin your packed gear, and when space is tight, we don’t for a second question leaving the Naos 85 outside the tent amidst heavy rain.

There’s a variety of other features of the Arc’teryx Naos 85 that I’ve failed to mention – six external compression straps, a kangaroo pocket and laminated map pocket, a hydration bladder sleeve and HydroPort, a removable top lid, etc. – but to make it simple, if you’re looking for the ultimate wet weather expedition pack, look no further.  The Naos 85 is super comfortable, incredibly spacious and superbly waterproof, and if you (like us) love getting off the beaten path and exploring the great outdoors, you won’t find a better way to haul your vital gear than the Arc’teryx.  Pricing for the Naos 85 is set at $650, and it’s available in either Blackbird or Gold Rush color options.  To learn more about the Arc’teryx Naos 85, you can see the full specs at Arcteryx.com or buy now from Amazon.com.

Kelty FC 3.0 Child Carrier

The Kelty FC 3.0 Child Carrier makes your love for the outdoors a family affair

For those of you new to fatherhood who may be thinking becoming a dad means giving up an active lifestyle, nothing could be further from the truth. The secret to staying active after kids is finding gear that can withstand the rigors of whatever it is you want to do, all while keeping your child comfortable and protected while you do it. For the avid backpacker/hiker, the new Kelty FC 3.0 child carrier exemplifies this ideal perfectly.

As Kelty’s top of the line child carrier, the FC 3.0 takes comfort during long hikes to an entirely new level. And trust me, as anyone that’s used a child carrier knows, comfort is the key consideration when you have an extra 30+ pounds strapped to your back. Making the FC 3.0 so comfortable, Kelty has introduced a new waistbelt torso length adjustment geared towards a variety of users. The result is a drastically more comfortable, contoured fit, regardless of body type, and one that’s exceptionally comfortable to use on long hikes. The new torso length adjustment also allows your child to ride lower – this serves to create a lower center of gravity, increasing balance while further aiding in your comfort (remember, comfort is key… your back and shoulders will thank you). Another highly welcomed feature of the FC 3.0: the patented auto-deploy kickstand. By engaging as soon as the pack is taken off, the auto kickstand makes loading and unloading a far less arduous task, as you can simply slide it off your shoulders and onto the ground (and vice versa). Storage wise, the Kelty FC 3.0 boasts a total of 1150 cubic inches of storage space divided between under the seat and rear compartments – an ample amount for whatever adventures you undertake.

Of course, it doesn’t matter how comfortable you are if you child isn’t enjoying his or her self, as there’s nothing worse than an unhappy son/daughter five miles into the woods. To ensure your kids comfortable transport, Kelty FC 3.0 boasts a fully padded, ventilated cockpit and five-point adjustable harness, designed to keep your child comfortable and secure. In addition, the FC 3.0 also features a removable sun/rain hood along with a changing pad, offering even more protection and convenience during long treks, regardless of the weather conditions.

Spending some time with the Kelty FC 3.0, I can attest that it is supremely comfortable on longer hikes. I can easily venture out comfortably 2-3 hours into the woods with my wife and son – an impressive feat considering my son’s typical attention span registers right around the 30 second mark. There’s just something about getting outside that mesmerizes him – every time we go for a hike it’s like it’s his first time seeing the outdoors. He’s captivated by everything. And that’s the beauty of the Kelty FC 3.0. You can take your child outside and show them things that without it, it would be impossible for them see. It’s the perfect way to blend your love of the outdoors with family time, which makes it one of our top picks for Father’s Day.

The Kelty FC 3.0 child carrier is priced at $249.95. For more info, you can check out the full details of the Kelty FC 3.0 at the Kelty website.