Evolv Cruzer Approach Shoe

www.evolvsports.com,7.7 ounces
People outside of the climbing scene may not know what an approach shoe is, exactly. But, like that horrible cliché about art, almost everyone knows when they like a pair of shoes. Our testers got loads of compliments while wearing the Cruzer, from both the gear-obsessed and the casually outdoor-oriented. Evolv rightly categorizes these kicks as approach shoes (read: shoes you wear up to the crag); they boast a nice cache of climbing-specific features like high-friction “TRAX” rubber for solid grip on slick surfaces, a barefoot-friendly dual overlap tongue, a minimal-drop EVA midsole, and a heel pull tab that lets you clip ‘em to your pack or harness. The heel folds down for easy on/off (nice for when you wanna get out of our climbing shoes and migrate from one spot to the next). But we also love the fashion-forward styling, including the small burst of color along the sole and the brave use of bright textiles in the toffee and red models. The textured, all-cotton exterior and moisture-wicking insole also makes them killer travel shoes in environments where you want to pound the pavement and stop to impress your friends by confidently scrambling up a convenient rock, tree, or lamp post. As with most climbing and approach shoes, they fit a bit tight; you may want to order up a half-size.

$75

Search for Product on Backcountry.com

Eton Rukus Solar Sound System

www.etoncorp.com, 3.75 pounds
Bluetooth-compatible speakers aren’t new, but we’d be amazed if you can find a system that’s as sleek and outdoor friendly. We first tested the Eton Rukus during a backyard barbeque—it works so well we brought it along to use as base camp audio source for a multi-day outing. The wireless speaker with any Bluetooth-enabled device—including most smart phones and tablets. Set the Rukus on a picnic table and head out to collect firewood—the device says it has a 30-foot radius, but we found it to be effective at more than 40 feet. If you want to change playlists, your phone or iPod is as close as your pocket. A nine-inch by five-inch solar panel bridges across the dual torpedo-styled 2.5-inch speakers. On a sunny day, you can play and charge while the sun’s out, then party late into the night with eight hours of reserve power. There’s also an AC adaptor to charge the device when the weather doesn’t cooperate and you’ve got access to a power line. Included in the package is a USB cable that will charge your other electronics—great for powering up while camping, tailgating, or on a picnic. An e-INK display keeps you up-to-date on the battery and solar charge status. There’s even a convenient elasticized pocket on the bottom to secure your phone or iPod when not in use.

$129

Search for Product on Backcountry.com

Sole Casual Flips

www.yoursole.com
No shoes, no shirt, no service. But what about when you’re where flip flops and a Lei are considered acceptable attire? We admit to spending more time than our mothers would like balancing a fruity concoction in one hand and a shot glass in the other. What led us on the path of destruction? Flip flops, those care-free, devil-may-care sandals that are as at home on the beaches as, well as, the beach. Fortunately for all of us misguided fools who haven’t fled to the islands of our minds, flip flops are now de rigor wear for casual Fridays. And our pair of choice? Sole Casual Flips. The orthopedic shape mimics the natural, barefoot stride. The footbed is cork, which molds to your foot after wear. Plus it’s sustainable. In contrast to many flip flops, the Sole Casual’s have a textured rubber sole that provides grip on trails, sidewalks, and everything in between; the tread is big enough to rebuff sand and dirt. The upper is a durable, washable cotton canvas, backed by a thin foam and synthetic liner. Like all the gear in Gearzilla, you’ll thank us for our stamp of casual approval. We also like to leave a pair in the car for a comfortable drive back home after days stomping through the backcountry.

$79

Search for Product on Backcountry.com

Tecnica Moon Boot Original

tecnicausa.com
Retro is in, and there’s no style that harks back to the groovy ’70s like Moon Boots. Designed 41 years ago as a tribute to man’s ability to walk on the moon, the boots are a colorful celebration of the footwear those early space pioneers wore. While these boots aren’t designed for hiking or technical performance (there’s no left or right and they are designed to fit loosely) they do keep your feet warm. On the outside is colorful nylon; inside is insulating polyurethane foam. Our tester, a 12-year-old alpine ski racer who logs 100-plus days a year on the slopes, loves them for post and après wear. They are easy to don and doff, and provide the comfort of bedroom slippers while carrying gear from car to lodge, or sitting by the fire after an afternoon of ice skating. While the soles are flat, the footbed is thick and spongy, adding about an inch to anyone’s height.

$150

Search for Product on Backcountry.com

Sole Exhale Slippers

www.yoursole.com
When the Exhales arrived on our doorstep, we weren’t sure what to make of their puffy profile. The upper has ribbed baffles like a puffy down coat. Inside is a lamb-soft fleece. “Are they slippers or shoes?” we asked. The answer is both. A soft ripstop-nylon encases mega-warm synthetic insulation; on the inside is a fluffy synthetic fleece. After we got past the somewhat dorky appearance and convinced ourselves that we were space-aged trendsetters, these shoes became our go-to après ski and camp shoes. Our testers wore them in sub-digit temps and reported warm toes every time. The rubber outsole is durable enough to hike and stroll the town in—but the best use for these shoes is hanging out in a hut, tent, or campside, resting your dogs after a long day in less-kind footwear. A suede rand protects the toes and forefoot in high-wear areas. The upper has a water-resistant DWR coating, so if you’re sipping morning Joe and feel compelled to fetch the paper, snow squalls and occasional puddle crossings won’t impede your progress. Sole makes some of the best after-market footbeds on the planet. They’ve used their proprietary footbed for the Exhales—plus added a Polygiene finish (which helps to combat foot odor). As you wear the shoes, the footbed molds to the peculiarities of your foot. Bonus feature: The heel is designed to fold down, so you can wear these kicks as backless slippers (think super-soft clogs), and the pack wonderfully well.

$75

Search for Product on Backcountry.com

« Previous Page

See More Gear »