We’ve been working on “place” with Parker and it became an instant new favorite place with it’s soft micro-fleece.
Full length, it is 54×37 inches. In our house, we keep it folded in half, which is the perfect size for Parker.
The Premium Recycled Pet Blanket is made from high-quality, recycled Ripstop with an antibacterial and antistatic treatment. Given that it’s the height of shed season, it repels fur well with a good shake.
It can be used a variety of ways. From protecting furniture to functioning as a bed in your car or tent. It’s perfectly cozy to take anywhere to snuggle with your pup.
I am looking forward to the warmer months to use while camping. Given how Parker has claimed it, it’ll also be perfect for car rides as a consistent and familiar bed.
We’ve covered Ibex in the past, including why Merino Wool rocks when it comes to outdoor adventuring.
Ibex recently sent us their Wool Aire Hoodie to review. And it came at the perfect time, just as a cold snap was descending on the Front Range.
Ibex Wool Aire Hoodie
I was surprised opening the package. I knew they were sending me a jacket, but what was this mysterious package and why was it so light? Certainly this wasn’t the jacket! But it was.
The Wool Aire Hoodie is surprisingly light. A women’s medium is only 10 ounces. Mine, a men’s large, weighed in at 12.7 ounces. When wearing it, it is so lightweight that I often forget that I’m wearing a jacket. If feels similar to a windbreaker, but offers a lot more protection from the cold.
Ibex Wool Aire Hoodie
For testing, I wore it for cold morning walks with the dog and on a few hikes. Even on brutally windy red flag days, the Wool Aire Hoodie helped keep my body temperature just right (part of the magic of Merino Wool) and was breathable and moisture-wicking.
During a long hike, I especially appreciated the temperature control of Merino Wool. I was comfortable throughout without experience any sweaty discomfort or chilliness. When it got too warm for the jacket, it was also compact enough to tuck into my pack without taking up much space.
It also fits well. I’m 5’11” and 180 pounds. A large fit true to size and the athletic fit was perfect for my lean and somewhat muscular frame. While it offers great insulation, the jacket doesn’t look like a puffy jacket. It looks really good and sharp!
Ibex Wool Aire Hoodie
It features two hand pockets and a stash pocket on the left breast.
The scuba style hood was great, as well. Not a ton of excess fabric, but it moved well with my head as I leaned from side to side or bent down.
Since we’re publishing this close to Earth Day, it’s worth noting that the Ibex Wool Aire Hoodie is sustainable, as well.
The Wool Aire Hoodie is made from polyester, Merino Wool, and virgin nylon. All Ibex Merino Wool is sustainably sourced and the virgin nylon is made with Bluesign certified nylon, meaning that it using as few chemical inputs as possible. And with it’s wind- and water-resistance, it was made free of poly- and perfluorinated chemicals.
Ibex Wool Aire Hoodie
If you’re in the market for a new jacket, I highly recommend the Ibex Wool Aire Hoodie. It’s the perfect lightweight performance jacket for the backcountry, but stylish enough for listening to live music at the beer garden. It looks great and performs well. It’s overall quality is insanely good and I can imagine it lasting for years.
With summertime camping approaching, I have been on the lookout for how I can bring my love of cocktails with me to the campsite. Sure, I could bring bottles and utensils and cocktail shakers, but that is a lot to bring with me. Alternatively, I could buy and bring pre-made cocktails, but where is the fun in that?
High Camp Firelight 750 Flask
High Camp Flasks sent me their Firelight 750ml Flask to test and I think I might have found the perfect solution.
The Firelight 750ml Flask is big enough to hold a bottle of wine or my favorite whiskey, but what I found myself drawn to was making pre-made cocktails to store and serve.
Portable Ranch Water
14 oz. Tequila Blanco
7 oz. Fresh Lime Juice (or 7 limes)
1.5 oz. Agave Nectar
Topo Chico Sparkling Water or your favorite sparkling water
Mix together the Tequila, lime juice, and agave nectar and pour in your Firelight 750ml Flask. When serving pour roughly 3 oz. of the mixture into your drinking vessel with ice and top with Topo Chico Sparkling Water.
Alternatively, this ratio works well with your favorite whiskey. You could also swap it out for rum and swap out the Topo Chico for Spindrift Pineapple Sparkling Water.
It stores in a slick fabric bag and comes with two 6-Shooter Tumblers that secure to the top and bottom of the flask using a magnetic locking system. The Tumblers are double-walled, so they keep drinks cold.
High Camp Firelight 750 Flask
Additionally, the flask itself is vacuum insulation, keeping that Ranch Water perfectly chilled or your wine at room temperature even outdoors.
It weighs only 29 oz. empty, so if you’re backpacking, it doesn’t add much additional weight. Essentially it weighs only a little more than your typical vacuum sealed water bottle.
It retails for $125 and can be purchased along with other cocktail accessories at https://highcampflasks.com/.
I am really excited to share with you that I have found the perfect everyday sleepwear pants from DKOTA Grizzly: the Cade Pants.
DKOTA Grizzly Cade Pants
They are made with a blend of Cotton, Polyester, and Baby French Terry. The Cade Pants have an elastic waistband with a drawcord, making them really flexible. There are four total pockets, including a hidden zippered pocket and back patch pocket.
Out of all my lounge pants, these are the most comfortable. They have become my go-to sleepwear and weekend lounge pants. The Cade Pants are perfect for sleeping in, but also rolling out of bed to take the dog for a walk.
During a winter camping trip, I also found that these were warm and comfortable enough in my sleeping bag. I didn’t feel overheated or cold.
The Cade Pants can be found at many of DKOTA Grizzly’s retail partners. If you visit their Find Retailer page, you can locate a retailer near you. There are multiple colors available and they retail for $68.
I’ve been wearing minimalist shoes fairly exclusively over the past 12 years.
Even with trail-running, I would wear shoes that had only 5mm between myself and the Earth. I could feel every tree root and rock on my runs.
And I loved that.
But I also recognized that, especially on more technical terrain, having minimal protection was holding me back. I could tear down the terrain as fast as I knew I could because of those rocks, roots, and uneven ground.
The reason why I started wearing minimalist shoes was because of an injury to my achilles. Any shoe I wore that wasn’t zero-drop caused pain and discomfort. And that issue still persists 12 years later.
Enter: Altra
Altra has been on my radar for years. They fit the mold of a minimalist shoe—wide toe box, foot-shaped shoe, and zero-drop—but with cushioning.
Altra Superior 5 Trail Running Shoe
When Altra sent me a pair of their Superior 5, I was hesitant at first, but was immediately put at ease when I first slipped on the shoe.
When the box arrived, it was a wet, snowy day in Colorado, so I didn’t wear them outside initially to run. I took them downstairs to my workout area for a HITT style workout.
Immediately, I knew something was different.
With all the jumping jacks, jump squats, and even running in place, I was going harder, faster, and stronger than I had in my other workouts.
When I took them out for my first trail run, I noticed that both my speed and my stride had improved. I shaved off 15 seconds to my most recent best mile and my stride was more efficient.
What was going on?
The Altra Superior 5
I chose the Altra Superior 5 out of their lineup because it is their slimmest trail design.
It weighs only 8.5 oz. for a US M9.0 and 7.3 oz. for US W8.0.
While it is still zero-drop (meaning that there is a 0mm difference between the heel and toe placement), the Altra Superior 5 still has a 21mm height. 17mm more cushion than I am typically used to!
Altra Superior 5 Trail Running Shoe
Even though it has more cushion than I am used to, it still provides some ground feel. While I wasn’t feeling everything, I did notice that my foot still had enough feedback from the ground to adjust how it was running, especially on technical terrain that was rapidly changing.
And if ground feel isn’t your thing and you want more protection, the Altra Superior 5 has a removable rock plate that adds additional protection.
The outsole is also pretty darn grippy with their MaxTrac™ outsole and multi-directional lug pattern. It handled well on a variety of terrain. My first run was on a snowy and slushy day and as a transitioned from dirt to concrete, it responded well.
The upper is pretty nice too. I had read some negative reviews about the tongue causing issues with some runners, especially going downhill and having their foot slip. But I never experienced any issues with the lacing system or the “burrito style” tongue wrap. My foot always felt very secure.
The tongue itself has more padding than I’ve seen in other shoes. It’s also integrated seamlessly as part of the upper, hence the “burrito style” reference.
Altra Superior 5 Trail Running Shoe
The Altra Superior 5 also has built in gaiter attachments. This was a welcome addition. With other shoes that didn’t have this feature built in, my gaiters always sat a little bit funny and snow typically found their way in. Even after stomping through a foot and half in Rocky Mountain National Park, my gaiters stayed secure.
Hardy but Minimal
During the course of our review, I put on over 50 miles on this shoe.
Going into it, I wasn’t sure I would love it. I had run many ultras with very little protection and was somewhat content. But this shoe shook my belief that I was making the best decisions for my feet based on my previous footwear choices.
I am still happy that I am running minimalist, but in a more hardy shoe. My times have improved and I am able to tear down those trails the way I’ve seen my ultrarunning idols do.
I still appreciate that ground feel isn’t completely gone either. A big reason why I find joy in running is the ability to feel the Earth and Altra still provides that ability—granted it is with a bit more cushion.
Altra Superior 5 Trail Running Shoe
If you haven’t tried Altra yet, but are curious about minimalist, zero-drop shoes, you’re missing out.
The Altra Superior 5 is available online in Men’s and Women’s sizes, but Altra has a handy tracker to show shoe stores in your area that have them.
During Outdoor Retailer, I had the chance to visit with the St. Louis based clothing manufacturer, DKOTA Grizzly.
Over the past several years, I’ve been visiting their booths and seeing their products at our local Scheel’s and have always been impressed with their attention to detail when it came to creating functional and stylish clothing.
DKOTA Grizzly specializes in men’s rugged-casual clothing.
Their team walked me through their Spring ’22 line and I could immediately see how their product design had evolved from heavier fabrics to performance fabrics, making DKOTA Grizzly a “crossover brand” that can allow wearers to transition from the gym to work.
A majority of their new products, including the Boone shirt, that we’ll dive into more detail on, were created with active stretch a movement fabrics; making it the perfect spring or summer companion.
DKOTA Grizzly Boone Long-Sleeve Shirt
DKOTA Grizzly sent us their new Boone shirt to test out.
This shirt is made from a Nylon / Spandex blend. It is light and breathable. During testing, I wore it on a hike during a fairly warm spring day and found it to be very comfortable. The fabric itself was very cool, which I think would be a great pairing in summer when it is a bit warmer. Or, at the least, pairing it with a jacket on cooler days.
The Boone also has two hidden zippered chest pockets. Now, when it comes to button-up shirts, I don’t really ever use my chest pockets. But I liked the style of the zippers. Typically when buttons or snaps, it was always a pain to undo the button. The zippers made it a heckuvalot easier to access.
DKOTA Grizzly also designed this shirt so that there’s a sunglass wipe on the lower hem and a loop inside to hang your sunglasses from.
It’s little things like this that made their product design standout and I found myself constantly surprised.
I’m a big fan of this shirt.
It’s still warming up in Colorado, but as Spring starts to settle in, this shirt will join me on many adventures. Whether I am fishing, paddle boarding, or boating.
The Boone can be found at many of DKOTA Grizzly’s retail partners. If you visit their Find Retailer page, you can locate a retailer near you.
DKOTA Grizzly New Boone Shirt
They also created another shirt called the Barkley, which is a short-sleeved variation for what we tested.
To learn more about their manufacturing practices, you can visit their website: dakotagrizzly.com.
Having a solid pair of undies is important for any outdoor activity. Because when you’re out and about, there’s nothing like a bad chafe that can cause you discomfort for days.
These boxer briefs are a Merino Wool blend (81% Wool, 12% Nylon, 7% Elastane). It makes for an extremely light (only 0.25 lb) and flexible fit.
As we’ve shared before, Merino Wool is great for odor resistant, making this a perfect pair for a weekend of backpacking and camping without the need to bring an extra pair.
For testing, I took this on several multi-hour hikes and snowshoeing and it’s moisture-wicking properties allowed for everything to remain comfy and cool.
With it’s elastic band, I also found that these didn’t ride up or down in my activities.
The bottom line: these boxer briefs are great. Really happy that Ibex sent me a pair to test. Excited for more adventures in them.
When I first started running, I slowly began to build my running gear closet. And Tifosi were the first running sunglasses I bought.
So I was really excited when Tifosi reached out for us to test out their new rimless eyeshields: The Rail.
Tifosi Optics New Rimless Eyeshield
Typical shields can offer superior coverage, but can ultimately be heavy and restrict airflow to the face. This can make shields uncomfortable to wear over long periods of time and cause fogging.
“As an avid cyclist I enjoy the coverage of a large shield like the Rail,” commented Joe Earley, Tifosi Optics CEO. “However, the drawbacks that come with larger shields – increased weight and restricted airflow – were the impetus behind creating our next rimless shield. The Rail provides Tifosi’s community with another great option to add to their collection,” Earley continued.
Tifosi Optics New Rimless Eyeshield
When designing The Rail, Tifosi removed the rim from around the polycarbonate lens; shaving down significant weight. But this design choice also breaks the restrictive seal that the rim could create around the face. This allows for greater breathability and comfort on long rides or runs, but I also found in testing that these glasses don’t fog.
That right: no fog.
Even when I took them into the backcountry for snowshoeing, I didn’t have any issues.
The Rail weighs only 32g. And total lens coverage is 131mm x 59.5mm with scratch-resistant polycarbonate lenses. It also has adjustable nose and ear pieces for customized fit, hydrophilic rubber nose and ear pieces that improve grip as you sweat.
Tifosi Optics New Rimless Eyeshield
You can choose between two separate lens combinations: an interchangeable model that includes lenses for bright, low, and no light scenarios, as well as their Fototec lens that adapts to changes in ambient light, making it perfect for mountain bikers or trail runners.
During our tests, I grew to love these sunglasses. They were light and comfortable and they looked great!
Tifosi Optics New Rimless Eyeshield
One of the core reasons I chose Tifosi as my first pair of running sunglasses was because of it’s affordability. And that brand promise still remains true, even with The Rail. No matter which lens or color combination riders choose – including the stylish Midnight Navy – the Rail costs a highly affordable $79.95. The Rail will launch online and through retailers on March 15, 2022. For more information, please visit: http://www.Tifosioptics.com
The FLITE XT® TRAIL combines Merino wool and Swiftwick’s proprietary GripDry™ Fiber that is incorporated into the heel and forefoot of the sock to provide traction and grip inside the shoe. When tearing down the steep terrain of Mount Sanitas, the sock stayed in place, not sliding or bunching as my foot shifted in my shoe.
Around the ankle, Swiftwick uses their AnkleLock™ Technology with strong elastic to make sure that the sock stays in place, but also provides a sense of stability on rocky terrain.
Over the course of our testing, we wore them in a variety of conditions, including trail-running and snowshoeing. During these colder activities, we found that the Merino wool performed as expected. During these activities, we never felt like our foot was overheated or too cold.
“After the release of our original FLITE XT® socks, designed with advanced stability technology, we heard growing feedback from our hike and trail running customers on their love for the line’s performance features,” said Joanna Mariani, Chief Marketing Officer of Swiftwick.
“Using that feedback, we set out to combine the FLITE XT’s signature stability features with the natural wonders of Merino wool to provide the best-performing outdoor sock on the market. FLITE XT TRAIL was inspired by our customers and ardently crafted by our team– we’re excited to see what adventures our customers take these socks on.”
Swiftwick® FLITE XT® TRAIL
These socks are a welcome addition to our gear closets. We’re looking forward to ultra season and being able to put more miles on these.
Since that review, Ibex launched their new Woolies 2 Base Layers and sent us a pair to test in the snow.
Ibex Woolies 2 Crew
Ibex’s Woolies 2 Base Layers differ from the Woolies Tech in that they are 100% merino. They are a bit heavier, and more insulating as well at 240gsm. If you’re heading out for long hours in colder weather, the Woolies 2 is going to be your best option.
Ibex Woolies 2 Bottoms
For testing, I took them out in a variety of conditions: trail-running, snowshoeing, and back country skiing. I found that during low-impact activities (showshoeing or skiing downhill) that these were the perfect match. I wasn’t too hot or too cold. But during heavier activities (trail-running and the ski ascent) they were too much.
For skiing, I had paired up the base layers with a mid-layer, shedding the mid-layer about halfway up to regulate my body temperature. When I had taken the Woolies Tech out into the backcountry, they were light enough so that when paired with a mid-layer, I felt perfectly comfortable.
Ibex Woolies 2 Bottoms
One thing I’ll note with the Woolies 2 Bottoms was that no matter how heavy or light the activity was, I didn’t experience any chafing in the nether region.
There’s a lot to be said about why the Woolies 2 perform so well and it’s in part due to the magic of Merino wool. As mentioned in the previous review, Merino is a natural, high-performance fabric, in part because of the conditions these sheep live in. Winters can be below zero and summers as warm as 95ºF. The sheep’ coats have evolved so that the fibers react to the changes in body temperature. And this natural technology is passed along to its human wearers.
During a cold spell in Colorado, with temperatures dipping to -12ºF, I started to wear these base layers everyday. Even when I wasn’t playing outside, I wore them throughout the day for work, typically paired with a pair of jeans and flannel.
Ibex Woolies 2 Crew
And they were extremely comfortable. If you’re in the camp of “Oh no, wool is so itchy!” you have to try Merino. It doesn’t itch and is so comfy and cozy.
Given that they regulate my body temperature so well, I also found these to perfect base layers to transition from the slopes to the ski lodge in. They weren’t wet from sweat and the natural odor control Merino has kept them from being stinky.
For the test, I wore a size large in Men’s. I am 5’11” and 180 pounds and it fit really well.
For information, you can head over to ibex.com. The Woolies 2 come in Men’s and Women’s sizes.
