The Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is quickly approaching and Darn Tough Vermont revealed that it will have a new sock to introduce at the show. Darn Tough Vermont plans to show its Light Cushion sock, which has a number of new features. Continue reading ORSM: Darn Tough Vermont to Unveil Light Cushion Sock
Category: Outdoors
Merrell Introducing Barefoot Hiking Shoes in 2013
Heavy-duty hiking boots may soon become a thing of the past thanks to the folks at Merrell. Inspired by the barefoot running craze led by shoe-maker Vibram, Merrell is introducing its new line of M-Connect hiking shoes which ditch the traditional high-top boot design for one that’s lighter, more flexible, and closer to a barefoot running shoe.
Available for both men and women, the M-Connect line will be designed for various outside activities, including running, training, and hiking. The shoes, which are lower and weigh less than modern-day hiking shoes, are meant to provide hikers with a natural glove-like fit and an overall light and flexible design. To reduce unnecessary weight, Merrell shaved some ounces off the shoes’ soles, allowing for better “ground feel,” greater surface contact, and better overall stability. Continue reading Merrell Introducing Barefoot Hiking Shoes in 2013
H2bike System Water Bottle Meets Bladder System
There are those that love hydration packs but others dislike the idea of wearing a backpack filled with water. The Israeli company BlueDesert seems to have a solution – it basically turns a water bottle into a hydration pack that allows for sipping of water while on the go but without the need to war a bladder pack on the back.
The solution is fairly simple. The SmarTube (as it is called) is basically a coiled hose that connects to the bottle and acts as a straw for the rider. It also features what the company calls the SpiralTube, which mounts to the handlebars and automatically spoils the hose when it is released.
Continue reading H2bike System Water Bottle Meets Bladder System
Nordic Skiing Heads to the Streets with the Skike
In the United States there has been a drought with little rain – let alone snow – being seen this summer, but that shouldn’t stop those looking to hit the slopes. While there are skis that can be used on rocks and gravel the Skiki is another concept, it essentially allows skiing on the roads or flat hard packed off-road surfaces.
This isn’t really that new of a concept, and over the years there have been attempts to put wheels on skis. The Skikes are unique in that it takes an influence from bicycles and uses use a pair of large – at least compared to inline skates – inflatable tires. While downhill skiing is possible, it is really more of a cross-country/Nordic hybrid. Continue reading Nordic Skiing Heads to the Streets with the Skike
Unique Cooking Devices – Paper and Flameless
This week we came across two unique – and very different – concepts for cooking while camping. The first is from Energia USA, which makes it cooking containers out of paper. That didn’t sound right to us either, but you’re reading that right. The cooking pots are made out of paper.
The Hexa Pot is produced of disposable paper that can be used while on the go, and then tossed into the trash or recycling bin! Interestingly the company promises to make products are eco-conscious and are made from 25 percent renewable plant-based plastics. So the idea of throwing in the garbage maybe counter intuitive for a eco-conscious product but it can break down quickly, thus not really piling up in landfills. Video after the jump
Vargo BOT Water Bottle Cooking Pot
The Vargo BOT is not some sort of robot that will cook dinner for you after you’ve gone hiking. But it will allow you to carry water to a campsite and cook in the same vessel. Basically the Vargo BOT is a titanium water bottle and cooking pot in a single, lightweight package.
Unlike most cooking pots this one is designed to carry water without spilling liquid all over everything during a hike, and unlike water bottles this is safe and stable for cooking. It fits in most backpack water bottle pockets, while the screw-top lid can be turned upside-down for cooking. The temperature resistant O-ring won’t melt even when exposed to high heat. In other words, a perfect solution that means one less thing to carry.
Getting the Pole to the Olympics
As the athletes competing in the 2012 Olympic Games begin to descend on London we were left pondering how some of the athletes get their equipment and gear to the games – not to mention other sporting events. Traveling with a shot put probably is a bit annoying, and of course the cyclists don’t have it easy either.
But recently The New York Times noted “For Pole-Vaulters, Clearing the Bar Is the Easy Part.” This had us thinking, how exactly do you travel with a 17-foot pole? While getting it to London is probably a nightmare, so is just getting it to the local track to practice vaulting! Continue reading Getting the Pole to the Olympics
Brazilian Olympic Equestrian Team Using American Made Saddle Pads
The controversy over the U.S. Olympic team wearing uniforms made overseas continues, but this week we hard that the Brazilian Olympic Equestrian Team will be riding in the London Olympic Games with saddle pads produced by Wilker’s Custom Horse Products of Cool Springs, Tennessee. The company produced dozens of white custom saddle pads with the kelly green and yellow trim and piping of the team, while another embroidery business out of state will add the Brazilian flag.
This just shows how international the games have become.
Wilker’s Custom Horse Products Official Website
[Via WKRN: Local company makes saddle pads for Brazilian Olympic team]
Bellyak Offers New Bodyboating Boards
We’ve seen a few new boards and smallcraft, but Bodyboating is a fairly new introduction to us. Bellyak is just releasing its new craft, and launching the new sport of bodyboating on the waters. This is a cross between a kayak and surfboard, but with new elements brought to water sports. Video after the jump
Olympic Attendees Power Lights
Given the amount of athletic competition that will take part in the Olympic Games it would be interesting to see how much power could be generated by the athletes. Unfortunately that isn’t actually possible in this year’s games, but many of the attendees will be powering some of the walkway lights leading to the Olympic Park.
Those attending the game might not know they’re generating the power, but they will do so simply by walking to see the stadium. Twelve special energy harvesting floor tiles, which were produced by renewable energy company Pavegen Systems, were situated along the walkway connecting the West Ham Station to the Greenway walking route to the Olympic Park will help light the way. With more 12 million impressions on the tiles are expected, it could generate 72 million joules of energy. That’s enough to power a small electric car for 397 laps on the Olympic track. It might not seem like much, but this is generated simply by people walking over those tiles. Continue reading Olympic Attendees Power Lights
Stoic Tent for Tall People
Tents are a lot more than just sheets of canvas and a few poles these days, and there continues to be a lot of innovation in cover for those looking to get back to nature. The Stoic Arx X17 is one designed for those taller campers looking for a bit more space. It takes up 28 square feet of space, but allows for campers up to 6’8” to streth out.
The mesh body provides good cross ventilation, making this a true three season tent. It features carbon fiber brow pre-bent poles to provide adequate headroom while offering gear lifts that are ideal for stashing some extra gear.
Sunday Q&A: Safariland Bike Team Trainer Troy Gielish Talks Patrol Bike
What the pros racers ride in mountain bike races is often unlike any bicycle most consumers will ride. But another type of pro rides a very serious bike – namely the patrol officer. This year Safariland and Kona introduced a Patrol Bike 29er for bicycle patrol officers. It was unveiled earlier this year at SHOT Show in January, and officially introduced at the International Police Mountain Bike Show Association Conference in May.
Troy Gielish, Safariland Bike Team Trainer and LE officer tells us what’s special about this bike. Continue reading Sunday Q&A: Safariland Bike Team Trainer Troy Gielish Talks Patrol Bike
New Level of Car Camping
Often times when one thinks of “car camping” it means driving to a camp ground and “camping” next to another row of cars. This is sort of camping in a rural parking lot. But for those who want to experience a bit more serenity while still having some creature comforts should consider the Yatoo, which can essentially transforms a user’s car into its own camper, complete with tent, kitchen and bed. Continue reading New Level of Car Camping