Follow
Facebook
cascadedesigns.com/sealline, 1.3 ounces
We overheard the following while killing time in an airport bar. “I’ve had to replace my iPhone three times in the last year. I get it wet—just by walking in the rain or whatever—and it dies.” Had we not packed our SealLine iPhone Case in our checked luggage, we’d have interrupted this young woman’s lament by tossing the case over for her to investigate. Unlike some of the burlier cases out there, this one keeps it simple: the hefty zipper offers air-tight security against the elements, and the clear plastic lets you use the phone’s touch-screen without having to break the seal. On the back, there’s a smaller plastic window so that you can also use the camera (perfect for catching video of that raging monsoon), and an internal plug even gives you access to audio, video, or calls—just plug your headset into the external port after attaching the phone to the jack on the inside of the case. Two narrow slits at either end of the bag allow for a variety of attachments—we crafted a wrist strap out of a spare shoelace and took the thing snorkeling in the Sea of Cortez without incident; the case is rated to be waterproof down to one meter for up to 30 minutes. Taking photos with the case in the bright sun can be tricky—we used the phone’s volume control to trigger the lens while swimming, as it proved tricky to hit the camera icon on the touch screen, but nothing could help prevent the sun glare. Chances are, with practice, you could get the method dialed. It’s also the only way we’ll ever travel, hike, kayak, camp, or ride with our precious iPhone…because we can’t afford to replace it every other month.
Show Me: Most Recent
 |
|
www.olukai.com, six ounces
For one of our gear testers, water shoes always struck him as a shoe too far—until he stepped on a stingray in Mexico. Now, he has a pair of Malikos, the latest piece of amphibious footwear to catch our attention. Made by Hawaii-based OluKai, the minimalist split-toe shoe can handle all variety of island adventuring, from rain forest canyoneering to sea kayaking to long day hikes. The uppers boast breathable air mesh, with a sleek, moisture-wicking synthetic suede lining the heel, and injection-molded heel and arch chassis for anatomical support (a nice addition for the typically bare-bones genre). You can also remove 3/4 of the footbed (attached by Velcro) for a more barefoot feel. Underneath, the no-slip treads are fairly aggressive without adding bulk, and while the “tentacles” lined with suction cups—modeled after an octopus’ appendages—may be more aesthetic than legit, we were able to keep solid footing on even super-slick surfaces like wet wood. The svelte fit and boa-style lacing does an admirable job of keeping out the grit save for fine sand, which sneaks in and doesn’t always drain from the ports on the instep. The split toe offers a bit more dexterity than standard sneaks, but may strike some as somewhat superfluous, and those with longer toes may find the fit of the singular big toe a bit cramped. But at six ounces, the Maliko are light enough to bring along any time water is a reality. (Oh, and if you do get stung by a stingray, put the wound in water that’s as hot as you can tolerate. It nullifies the poison.)
|
|
www.smithoptics.com, 11.5 ounces
Smith’s Maze is the world’s lightest certified snow helmet. I prefer it to any helmet I have ever used because it looks cool, keeps my ears and head warm, and it can be stripped down for warmer missions or for wearing a beanie or balaclava underneath. It has less venting and airflow features than other helmets, but that adds to its clean look and warmth in storm days. Often, airflow features open and get crammed with snow and ice in the event of blowing snow or high-speed tomahawks in powder. The straps are adjustable and allow me to cinch the forehead down for high-speed use like wing suit flying and ski racing, or to simply be sure to eliminate dorky looking “goggle gap.” We used these helmets during the filming of Transformers 3 while flying wing suits in downtown Chicago and we looked and felt pretty bad-ass when doing so.
-JT Holmes
|
|
darntough.com
Proof that you’re a true gear-head? You have a thing for socks. Not the loose-elastic cotton variety of your youth, but the brave new world of high performance footwear that provides a technical marriage between between your feet and your shoes. If you’ve reached that level of appreciation, you’ll love Darn Tough. As the name of the Vermont-based company implies, these are likely the most durable hiking socks you’ll ever own. We put a pair of the merino wool Boot Socks through an unrelentingly arduous series of activities (traveling, backpacking, cycling, day hiking) and our feet were perpetually comfortable. Unlike other brands’ socks, which often rely on a collage of different-density yarns across the toe and under the instep, the Boot Socks let natural merino do most of the work. The pre-shrunk wool fits like a second skin and enhances durability. High-density terry loop pads adds a bit of cushioning in the foot and shins that won’t flatten out over miles of use, the toe and heel pockets are form-sculpted for a glove-like fit, and the ribbed knitting means that they’ll ride just as you want them to, and never slip down mid-stride. In addition to the Boot Sock, we’re big fans of the Argyle Crew Socks, which blend fashion with function to create a go-to travel sock that’s the perfect mixture of merino, nylon, and spandex.
As we continue to test the Darn Tough socks, we’ll add updates on their durability and confirm that they live up to the company’s name (and it’s lifetime guarantee) .
|
|
www.ospreypacks.com, one pound, 10 ounces
In this world of gear specificity (this jacket is made for short women of Eastern Europe descent who trail run in moderate temps with four-knot winds and the threat of a light rain, primarily in deciduous forests), it’s refreshing to find a pack that performs in pretty much every condition we explored. Though the Osprey Escapist is billed as a bike-specific pack (for day rides and as a stash pack for hut-to-hut pedaling), we took this hauler hiking and zip-lining in Puerto Rico’s rain forests; daily bike commuting in the nation’s capital; mountain biking in Bend, OR; and rambling through La Paz, Mexico, and it never failed us. Much of its success comes from its lightweight construction. A the front panel makes it easy to stash a lot—lunch, layers, camera, and lenses—in the expansive main compartment. In front of this cavernous section, you find another, narrower section with three three mesh pockets help organize small items, like bike tools, sunglasses and headlamp. A sizable one-zipper top pouch keeps other items (cell phones, notebooks, sun block) within easy reach. The back sheet employs Osprey’s Airscape ventilation system—but in hot, humid conditions, you’re still gonna get a sweaty back. Thankfully, mesh shoulder and waist straps add a cooling measure of breathability. There are bike-specific features (reflective detailing, a clip for a light, and a great helmet attachment), but don’t pigeon-hole this day pack; 1,220 cubic inches of storage and other features like the attached rain fly stashed the base and an external hydration pocket keep the Escapist firmly rooted in a variety of travel and outdoor activities. The only potential Achilles’ heel: the zippers on the second panel occasionally snagged in the pack’s fabric when the pack was lightly loaded.
|
|
GORP'S OFFICIAL BLOG FOR ALL THINGS GEAR
Sift through our full review inventory
Enter Our Gear-Giveaway Contest
Friend us on Facebook 
Nominate Gear for Review - Adventure Travel Packing List
- Backpacking in the Grand Canyon Packing List
- Backpacking Packing List
- Biking Packing List
- Camping Packing List
- Car Camping Packing List
- Day Hiking Packing List
- Fly-Fishing Packing List
- Photography Travel Packing List
- Sea Kayaking Packing List
- Summer Backpacking Packing List
- See More »