Follow
Facebook
www.clothingarts.com
Designed to thwart the thieves that can turn an overseas jaunt into an exhausting exercise in reclaiming your identity, these vigilant shorts are the most convenient way we’ve found to carry a passport, money, phone, and camera without the slightest danger that someone will relieve you of your valuables. The designers of the P^cubed shorts (the P^ = pickpocket-proof in mathematical speak; ^ is the computer symbol for cubed) are nothing but diligent. The two hip pockets each have heavy-duty, durable zippers, plus a button tab for extra security. On the back, both pockets are cleverly designed with an expandable “accordion” feature, allowing them to lay flat or be stuffed with a paperback or guidebook. The passport pocket has three-way security (zips, buttons, and flaps), so there’s no way short of actual kidnapping that will let a thief walk off with your travel documents. Front pockets hold a smart phone and car keys. We love the removable utility pocket—it can fit a small water bottle or soda can. When not needed, simply undo the buttons and store the pouch for later use. Basically, the pants are a hands-free way of traveling—no purse, pouch, or backpack needed. In a pinch you could even use it to avoid the cost of airlines who charge for carry-on bags by keeping all your in-flight essentials on your person. The knee-length shorts are a travel-friendly blend of 25 percent nylon and 75 percent cotton canvas; the material is soft, comfortable, and has the strength of Hercules.
Show Me: Most Recent
 |
|
www.patagonia.com, 10 ounces
Patagonia is hardly a brand that needs to shock its customers—so we suspect the use of naked refers to the fact that your feet feel as close to au naturale as they can get when you’re wearing a pair of the Naked Maui Mocs. But unlike your bare feet, you also get the protection of light-but-spongy EVA outsoles and breathable hemp uppers. Our testers deemed these shoes as light and carefree as spring day—they are perfect for the beach, Starbucks, or even a quick session on the slackline. The loosely woven hemp upper proved surprisingly durable over four months of everyday wear. One tester even tossed hers into washing machine on the delicate cycle after they got a bit stinky and they emerged clean and fresh-smelling. (The hemp will shrink on hot settings, so make sure you only use cold water). The lightly padded poly lining on the inside Inside helps to wick sweat. While the shoes aren’t as breathable as flip flops, they don’t get overly sweaty in hot, humid weather. We like the roomy toe box and no-slip heel. One tip: Buy them ½ size smaller than your normal shoe size, especially if you’re planning on wearing them barefoot.
Test Notes by Page Townsend
|
|
Thanks to Merrell, one of the core brands in outdoor footwear and apparel, playing outdoors just got easier (and more affordable). Their new grant program “The Pack Project” is the cornerstone of their The Pack community (@merrelloutside #thepack) and promises to enrich—and enable—ten deserving recipients with grants of up to $2,500 each.
With so many grants dependent on age, athletic ability, and economic situation, we applaud Merrell’s egalitarian efforts to level the playing field. The only qualification necessary? A good idea that’s entrenched in the outdoor lifestyle. The company states that grants are open to “any and all big ideas that inspire an outside active life.” Wanna go on a road trip and blog about it? Or maybe it’s time to build that climbing wall or skate park your community has long needed. This may be your chance. Merrell will award five grants of up to $2,500 each for the first round of applicants (proposals are due no later than August 17th), and another five grants for the same amount, with proposals due October 17th. Winners will be announced on September 12th and November 5th respectively.
Both individuals and charitable organizations are encouraged to apply—the key thing to remember is that the grants are designed to provide resources and funding needed to “bring innovation and active ideas to life and to support pioneering projects and initiatives that result in increased active outdoor participation.” So if you have a field of dreams that involves hiking, biking, paddling, running, skiing, wing-suit flying, or an outdoor activity that defies categorization, this might be the grant for you.
Apply at www.merrell.com/thepack (and if you win, don’t forget to send us a postcard from the road!).
|
|
www.rei.com
Though our testers are often split on the aesthetic acceptability of convertible pants, the logic behind ‘em is hard to fault, especially on days that start off cool (legs on), shift to warm (zip off the legs for insta-shorts), and then get cold at night (back to pants). Unlike some of the transformable pants out there, REI’s Endeavor Convertibles boast a rugged fabric that’s wind resistant up to 30 miles per hour. They’ve also been treated with DWR coating for water resistance and provide SPF 50+ sun protection. Spandex—a modest 11 percent—has been blended with the poly to provide both a trimmer fit and ample maneuverability for stream-hopping and rock scrambling. Our tester loved that the zips for the removable legs are color-coded; no more guessing which goes on which leg. The zipper pockets (hands, rear, and a right-hand-side cargo) offer ample storage for ear buds, iPhone, and sunscreen, and also make them ideal for travel…if, that is, you vote that convertible deserve to be worn beyond the trail. The shorts stop about two inches above the knee, which may be too short for some.
Only available in men’s models.
|
|
www.capeclogs.com
Very few of us can—or even want to—wear athletic shoes all the time. But towering platforms, pencil heels, and skyscraper wedges don’t always fit the bill. Our active-minded female set instead turn to Cape Clogs, a designer and distributor of Swedish orthopedic clogs. The sixth-generation clog manufacturer in Smaland, Sweden, produces clogs in assorted colors, upper materials, and heel heights; our testers love the new Dala line with their 2.5 inch heels. The suede leather uppers soften quickly to conform to the particular shape of your foot. A braided leather band limits the stretch of the upper and offers the forefoot and instep extra support. The sole is a molded alder wood that doesn’t absorb your sweat or odor, plus the heel is open, so the back of your feet breathe. And we like the closed-toe design as it affords some modesty for feet that have suffered years of abuse in too-tight climbing shoes and ski boots. While the wood under your foot isn’t initially as comfortable as, say, a pair of faux fur boots, the shape of the footbed is designed to provide both scaphoid and metatarsal support, as well as to encourage posture with a slightly dropped toe bed.
|
|
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 »