See the main "Got Gear" page for general information on poles, hydration systems and eyewear.
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PRODUCT REVIEW: Black Diamond Razor Carbon Poles I've used these poles for a few months now and I have to say that my favorite things about them are the exact things they are touted for. I have used adjustable poles before so I have experiential comparison and the Flick Lock rocks! Screw-together poles have never held in my experience. Super easy, even with gloves on, to adjust. Easy to shorten in order to throw on my pack or in my trunk. The shaft grip allows me to quickly take a shorter grab-stance when needed, and the wrist straps are durab. Grips are ergonomically shaped, comfy and strong. A light, thin pole. |
MRSP:$109.95
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PRODUCT REVIEW: Camelbak 2011 Octane LR Handhelds and fanny pack hydration systems are my preference on long trail runs as I've never liked anything strapped over my shoulders due to the fatigue it causes. The Octaine LR hydration system by Camelback was nice surprise. I took off up the mountain with my hands free and hardly noticed any water weight as it distributes perfectly around my waist and center of gravity. The waist belt keeps the shoulder straps from being noticed at all. During my run I spot a bull elk and his harem. With free hands to run, I quickly ascend the zig zagging trail and I'm able to stop and take photos or drink on the run without a hitch from the easy to access nipple. Descending the mountain trail I felt no loose bouncing and it was as if I was running without anything at all around my waist, back or shoulders. I highly recommend the Octatane camelback for its comfortable design and bladder position near the body's natural center of gravity. It is easy to wear for running and snowshoeing. Troy Marsh, Ultra Runner, 16 years (Review for SnowshoeUtah.com) Note from SnowshoeUtah.com: The Octane LR is ideal for lightweight easy hydration, but the pack does not give enough space for a prolonged day nor does it give room for packing away extra layers of clothing. Ideal for fast, and light trail excursions. Less ideal for excursions that will require more packing. |
MRSP:$89.00
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PRODUCT REVIEW: Tycoon (Mens) Ante (Womens) Backpack and Hydration System I've reviewed and used many packs and hydration systems before. The smaller, lighter hydration systems are great if you're into short snowshoe routes or trail running, but for the type of snowshoeing I do—half to full day hikes where I am unlayering and carrying lunch—this pack is IDEAL. I love it. First, both packs feature Camelbaks great easy-hold system on the hydration bladder so they are easy to fill and quick to seal. The quick release drinking tube is one of the best improvements in hydration systems in the last few years—makes it easy to put on an insulated tube or switch out one that is not. The quick lock drinking hose also makes it easy to unhook the hose while filling the bladder. The system is smooth and easy to prep for the trail. Two side pockets—one fleece lined, keeps sunglasses easily accessible and safe. But maybe most important, the pack has been built for easy, comfortable carry, hauling, and gives you everything you really need on a snowshoe trek. Let me explain: 1. The pack compartment is large enough to carry lunch, gloves, layers….heck you just have room to haul stuff, but the pack is small enough it's not cumbersome. 2. A padded waist belt and shoulder straps allow you to put the weight of the pack on your hips, adjust it like a regular backpack and carry everything almost effortlessly. 3. The drinking tube runs through the right shoulder strap so not only can you insulate it, but it is then protected by an insulated shoulder strap as well. 4. The straps on the outside of the pack have been designed to carry skis, snowboards, and snowshoes. I strapped two pairs of adult snowshoes and an XL coat onto the back on the Tycoon and it lashed them on tight for an easy carry. I'm more than impressed and give these packs 5-stars for ideal snowshoe usability. |
MRSP:Tycoon $89.00 Ante $89.99
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PRODUCT REVIEW: Endura Native eyewear is known for making a top-notch eyewear product at the highest level of performance. One of the things I really like about the Endura (New in 2011) is the Mastoid temple grips. The old gripper sleeves used to slide off the glasses when I'd take them off, where the new grips are built into the glasses. A definate improvement. I had my tester use these on far more than just snowshoeing, in fact she used them during the summer as well to mountainbike, road bike, road and trail run, hike and play sand volleyball. Here are her thoughts on the glasses. "After demoing Native's Endura sunglasses I must say, I'm impressed. They fit great and felt very comfortable on my small face. They never threated to tip out of position, much less fall off, even on bumpy terrain. The venting system worked very well -- they steamed only under extreme conditions after being taken off and put back on. The glasses look great in competitive as well as non-athletic settings -- it's always nice to know your glasses can cross into all aspects of living. The two lens options allowed me to choose the perfect level of shading, and switching them out was easy after a couple of practices. |
MRSP:$119.00
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