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Forclaz Trekking Carry Bag Review

As someone who has used the Forclaz Trekking Carry Bag for various activities, I can attest to its versatility and comfort. Whether I am using it for a weekend camping trip or a destination travel by plane, this bag has exceeded my expectations.

Forclaz Trekking Carry Bag Review

Carrying the bag is a breeze thanks to its comfortable carry system. The padded shoulder straps make it easy to wear on my back, even when loaded with heavy gear. The multiple handles allow me to carry it by hand or easily attach it to other bags or packs. I appreciate the lockable main zip, which provides an extra layer of security for my belongings, which is a comfort whenever I am traveling by plane or leaving this back at the bottom of a mountain face that I am climbing.

Forclaz Trekking Carry Bag

Packing for trips is a breeze with the Forclaz Trekking Carry Bag. The expandable capacity of 40L to 60L provides ample storage for all my essentials, and the multiple compartments and inner pockets keep everything organized and easy to find. I also love that it is accepted as cabin baggage by most airlines, making it an ideal choice for destination travel.

Forclaz Trekking Carry Bag

One of the standout features of this bag is its durability. The hard-wearing fabric and reinforced seams ensure that it will hold up to years of use, and the 10-year bag warranty gives me peace of mind. The water-repellent coating is an added bonus, keeping my belongings dry in wet weather, which was perfect when I took this bag camping in the Colorado mountains during the winter.

In conclusion, the Forclaz Trekking Carry Bag is a fantastic carry bag that is perfect for a variety of outdoor activities. Its comfort, versatility, and practical features make it a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and convenient carry bag. Whether you are going on a weekend camping trip or traveling the world, this bag is sure to meet all your needs.

Hike In Comfort With The Salto Ripstop Pants

I recently had the opportunity to try out the Cotopaxi Salto Ripstop Pants on a hiking trip and I must say, I was thoroughly impressed.

Salto Ripstop Pants

First off, the slim fit and versatile fabric made it easy for me to navigate various terrains with confidence. The encased elastic waistband with drawcord allowed for a comfortable and adjustable fit, which was essential for me since I tend to fluctuate between sizes. The full zippered fly was also a nice touch, making it easy to take the pants on and off.

Salto Ripstop Pants

One of the standout features for me were the pockets. The hand pockets were deep enough to securely store my phone and wallet, while the concealed leg zipper pocket provided barely-there, essential storage. The back patch pockets were also a nice addition for extra storage. The D-ring for keys was a thoughtful detail that added a bit of convenience to my day-to-day use.

In terms of comfort, the Salto Ripstop Pants did not disappoint. The organic cotton blend material felt soft and breathable against my skin, even during prolonged activity. The 30″ inseam provided ample coverage without being too restrictive or baggy.

Salto Ripstop Pants

What’s more impressive is that Cotopaxi’s mission aligns with their sustainability efforts. As a Sustainable Apparel Coalition member, they’re committed to reducing their impact on the planet through recycled materials, as well as tracking and minimizing their environmental footprint. The fact that these pants are made in West Java, Indonesia at Asmara—a leader in sustainable, high-performance outdoor products—gives the Salto Ripstop Pants a sustainable edge over comparable pants.

Overall, I highly recommend the Cotopaxi Salto Ripstop Pants for both hiking and travel. The comfortable fit, ample storage options, and sustainable edge make these pants a great addition to any outdoor enthusiast’s wardrobe.

Lift Heavier With The Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer Shoe

The Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer shoe is a versatile shoe that is designed for weightlifting, walking, and running.

Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer shoe

This shoe has a minimalist design, with a 0mm drop and a 10mm AdaptCushion foam underfoot making it a true minimalist shoe. The wide toebox allows the toes to spread, giving the user more grip and stability when lifting weights. The sleek, modern design of this shoe makes it a great choice for those who are looking for a minimalist shoe that is both comfortable and stylish.

Features

The Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer shoe features the innovative ADAPTSOL™ TECHNOLOGY, which allows the shoe to adapt to the shape of the user’s foot, providing a comfortable and customized fit. The wider toe box, ultra-flexible sole, and just the right amount of stretch throughout the shoe gives the feet the freedom they need.

Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer shoe

The ADAPTSOL CUSHION is designed with enhanced biofeedback in mind, featuring over 100 individual massaging cushions that mimic barefoot proprioception. The cushioning is optimized for any activity, providing just the right amount of cushioning to keep the feet comfortable and protected.

The ADAPTSOL TREAD offers flexible traction, utilizing a uniquely articulated, dual-injection rubber. The tread is designed to provide supreme flexibility while still offering unmatched traction, allowing the user to move with confidence and stability, no matter the activity.

The Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer shoe is designed with the user’s comfort and performance in mind. The ADAPTSOL TECHNOLOGY, ADAPTSOL CUSHION, and ADAPTSOL TREAD all work together to provide a customized and comfortable fit, flexible traction, and optimal cushioning for any activity. Whether you’re weightlifting, walking, or running, the Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer shoe will provide you with the support and performance you need.

Testing

Weightlifting in the Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer shoes was a pleasant experience. The wide toebox allowed my toes to spread, which helped me maintain a solid grip on the ground.

Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer shoe

The 10mm insole provided a level of comfort that I didn’t expect in this shoe, allowing me to lift heavier weights without feeling discomfort. The 0mm drop and minimalist design of the shoe gave me a feeling of stability, which is important when lifting heavy weights.

Running in the Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer shoes was also a great experience. The 10mm insole provided enough cushioning to protect my feet from the impact of running, and the minimalist design allowed me to feel connected to the ground. With the minimalist design, I was able to maintain good form and reduced the risk of injury. The 0mm drop and minimalist design of the shoe allowed me to run with good form, and the shoe felt comfortable and lightweight during my runs.

The Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer shoes are not just a great choice for your workouts, they are also stylish enough to wear out on the town or to business meetings. The minimalist design of the shoe, combined with its sleek and modern look, makes it a stylish addition to any outfit. Whether you’re dressed up for a meeting or just running errands, these shoes will complement your look.

The versatile design allows for seamless transitions from the gym to the office, making them a perfect choice for the stylish, on-the-go individual. With the Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer shoes, you can have the best of both worlds – style and comfort.

Overall, the Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer shoe is a versatile, minimalist shoe that is great for any activity. The 10mm foam provides a level of comfort that is unexpected in a minimalist shoe, and the wide toebox allows the toes to spread, giving the user more grip and stability when lifting weights. The minimalist design of this shoe makes it a great choice for those who are looking for a minimalist shoe that is both comfortable and stylish.

The Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer shoe comes in both Men’s and Women’s sizes in a variety of stylish colors.

Brand New KÜHL ESKAPE 50L DUFFEL

The KÜHL ESKAPE 50L DUFFEL is an exceptional adventure duffel that stands out for its versatility, stylish construction, and functional features.

KÜHL ESKAPE 50L DUFFEL
KÜHL ESKAPE 50L DUFFEL

KÜHL sent us this duffel to check out and when I first unpacked this duffel I was floored by this product and the attention to detail their product team put into it.

This duffel has been designed to be a perfect carry-on for airplanes, making it an ideal option for travelers. Additionally, its features make it suitable for a wide range of outdoor adventures, from hiking trips to weekend getaways.

KÜHL ESKAPE 50L DUFFEL
KÜHL ESKAPE 50L DUFFEL

One of the most notable aspects of the KÜHL ESKAPE 50L DUFFEL is its ease of packing. The duffel features two fast-access exterior zippered pockets, providing quick access to your essentials. This is especially useful when you’re in a hurry, as you don’t have to dig through the main compartment to find what you need. The high visibility interior also makes it easy to find what you’re looking for, even in low light conditions.

The design of the KÜHL ESKAPE 50L DUFFEL is another standout feature. The padded back panel and stow-away shoulder straps with easy-clip aluminum hardware make it incredibly comfortable to carry, even when it’s fully loaded.

Additionally, the durable, waterproof TPU-laminated nylon fabric ensures that the bag can withstand even the toughest conditions. The side pocket can even be converted to a water bottle pocket, making it the perfect accessory for outdoor adventures.

KÜHL ESKAPE 50L DUFFEL
KÜHL ESKAPE 50L DUFFEL

One of the most impressive aspects of the KÜHL ESKAPE 50L DUFFEL is its versatility. With a magnetic sternum clip and reinforced high abrasion areas, this duffel is designed to last. Its spacious interior makes it perfect for stashing dirty clothes, shoes, or even a water bottle. The multiple pockets provide ample storage space for all your essentials, making it easy to stay organized. Whether you’re going on a hiking trip, a weekend getaway, or just need a carry-on for your next flight, the KÜHL ESKAPE 50L DUFFEL has got you covered.

The KÜHL ESKAPE 50L DUFFEL is a top-notch adventure duffel that is perfect for anyone who is looking for a versatile, stylish, and functional bag. With its ease of packing, comfortable design, and multiple pockets for storing essentials, this duffel is the ideal accessory for all your outdoor adventures.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting out, the KÜHL ESKAPE 50L DUFFEL is sure to become your go-to bag. So why not visit KÜHL.com today and see the different by design, different by construction duffel for yourself!

All-New KÜHL ESKAPE 14L MESSENGER

The KÜHL ESKAPE 14L MESSENGER Bag is a fantastic choice for anyone who values both style and functionality.

KÜHL ESKAPE 14L MESSENGER
KÜHL ESKAPE 14L MESSENGER

KÜHL sent us a sneak peak at this bag and when I unpacked it and started to dive in on all the features this slim messenger contains, I was giddy with excitement.

The sleek black exterior is not only practical but also adds a touch of sophistication to your everyday look. The bag is designed with an abundance of pockets, providing ample storage space for all your essentials.

The quick access laptop/tablet compartment is particularly useful, making it easy to grab your devices on the go. The interior of the bag is high visibility, which makes it easy to see what you’re looking for, and the zippered mesh pockets are perfect for storing smaller items.

KÜHL ESKAPE 14L MESSENGER

One of the most impressive features of this bag is the adjustable shoulder strap, which provides a dialed fit for ultimate comfort. The strap is also infinitely adjustable, ensuring that it can be adjusted to fit you perfectly. The stow-away hip belt is another excellent feature, as it provides added stability and helps minimize bounce when cycling.

Comfort is key when it comes to messenger bags, and the KÜHL ESKAPE 14L MESSENGER Bag does not disappoint. The shoulder strap is well-padded, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods, and the waist belt helps distribute the weight evenly across your body. These features make it an excellent choice for cycling or commuting.

The KÜHL ESKAPE 14L MESSENGER Bag is an exceptional choice for anyone who wants a stylish and functional messenger bag. The sleek black exterior, ample storage space, comfortable straps, and smart product design make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality messenger bag.

Ibex Woolies 2 Reversable Beanies Review

Ibex’s Merino Wool Beanies are a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a warm and comfortable winter hat. Made from 100% Merino wool, these beanies are designed to keep your head and ears warm in even the coldest temperatures.

Ibex Woolies 2 Reversable Beanie
Ibex Woolies 2 Reversable Beanie

Merino wool is a type of wool that is derived from the Merino sheep. It is known for its softness, warmth, and moisture-wicking properties. Unlike traditional wool, which can be itchy and scratchy, Merino wool is extremely soft and comfortable against the skin. It is also naturally insulating, making it an excellent choice for cold weather gear.

One of the key benefits of wearing Merino wool in the winter is its ability to regulate body temperature. Merino wool fibers are naturally porous, which allows them to absorb and release moisture. This means that the wool can absorb sweat from the skin, keeping the wearer dry and comfortable. At the same time, the wool fibers can also trap warm air close to the skin, helping to keep the wearer warm.

Ibex Woolies 2 Merino Beanie

Another benefit of Merino wool is its natural resistance to odors. Unlike synthetic fabrics, which can retain odors after just a few wears, Merino wool fibers have a natural ability to resist odors. This makes it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts who may be participating in winter activities for extended periods of time.

I tested the Ibex Woolies 2 Beanies in a variety of winter activities, including hiking, trail running, and skiing. These activities can be tough on traditional winter hats, but the Merino wool construction of the beanies helps to keep them in great shape. They are also extremely comfortable to wear, making them a great choice for extended periods of activity.

Even after building up a significant sweat in these beanies, I am still comfortable in them. And it is really only when I sweat in them that I have really bad hat hair.

In conclusion, the Ibex Woolies 2 Beanies are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a warm and comfortable winter hat.

The natural properties of Merino wool make it an ideal choice for cold weather gear, and its ability to regulate temperature and resist odors make it perfect for outdoor activities.

Whether you’re hitting the trails for a hike or hitting the slopes for some skiing, the Ibex Merino Wool Beanie is a must-have for anyone who wants to stay warm and comfortable this winter.

All I Want For Christmas – 2022 Holiday Gift Guide

tentree Treeline Canvas Unisex Jacket

tentree Treeline Canvas Unisex Jacket

This fall jacket is 99% compostable (seriously). That’s because its insulation is a blend of organic cotton and Kapok — a fully compostable fibre from the dried fruit of the Kapok tree. Once you’re done loving it, remove and recycle the screw buttons, and return your jacket to the earth.

Plus, with this purchase, tentree will plant… you guessed it! Ten trees!

Jack Wolfskin Routeburn Pro Insulated Jacket

Jack Wolfskin Routeburn Pro Insulated Jacket

Jack Wolkskin’s ROUTEBURN PRO INS jacket offers you reliable protection from the weather on your hiking trips. The insulating PRIMALOFT fill is made from recycled polyester, as is the TEXASHIELD PRO shell fabric, which effortlessly withstands cold gusts of wind and rain showers. With inserts made of comfortable stretch fleece, optimal freedom of movement is assured. The hem can be adjusted to get the fit that’s best for you. Small items can be stashed in the three pockets so you can grab them when you need them.

Torch Flask from High Camp Flasks

Torch Flask from High Camp Flasks

Delivering top-shelf drinking in a pocket-sized package, High Camp Flasks Torch™ Flask features an innovative, funnel-free design and an integrated magnetically attached shot glass. Unlike other pocket flasks, you can even add ice. Fill it up by unscrewing the wide bottom-cap of the flask, then pour yourself a drink in our sake-glass-inspired shooter. 

Specs

  • 100% stainless steel
  • Removeable bottom cap for funnel-free fill-up and easy cleaning
  • Shot glass magnetically attaches to the flask
  • Double-wall insulated
  • Electrogloss Clean Technology preserves the integrity of your spirits.

VOITED Cloudtouch® Indoor / Outdoor Camping Blanket

Cloudtouch® Indoor / Outdoor Camping Blanket

Cozy up with a loved one with Voited’s new Cloudtouch Blanket. Their 4 in 1 insulated & water-resistant indoor/outdoor blanket is perfect for van life, camping, travel & home. Recycled ripstop on one side & luxurious CloudTouch™ fleece on the other. Durable. Stain Resistant. Machine Washable. Eco-Friendly!

The Ultimate Outdoor Chair by ParkitMovement

Enjoy the Exploration with the Voyager Chair from PARKIT. This outdoor recreational-use chair has been designed to provide maximum comfort, ultimate durability, and fundamental functionality to relax in the great outdoors. A cooler-chair combo with storage for anything you need under your seat, a versatile cupholder, hands-free carry straps and more, VOYAGER is built to last, adventure after adventure.

  • INDUSTRIAL FRAMING | Aircraft-Grade Aluminum for strength and durability
  • WOVEN POLYESTER WEBBING | Woven polyester is soft, maintains strength 
  • FAUX TEAK ARMREST | Durable material adding style to any fireside campout
  • ERGONOMICALLY DESIGNED We designed the VOYAGER to mimic our natural sitting position (not too low to the ground)
  • INSULATED COOLER / UTILITY STORAGE | Designed to hold ice for 8+ hours, and includes exterior pockets to securely carry all items to basecamp 
  • HANDS FREE CARRY | Hands-free-carry strap(s)
  • INTERCHANGEABLE CUP HOLDER
  • 1 MANGROVE TREE PLANTED FOR EVERY VOYAGER PURCHASED.
  • 24-Month Warranty

Ibex Tranquil Hoodie Sweatshirt

Ibex Tranquil Hoodie Sweatshirt

We are huge fans of Ibex, so when we saw they launched a new hoodie, we knew it had to go on our holiday gift guide.

The Tranquil Hoodie Sweatshirt comes in both men and women sizes and in an array of different colors.

It comes with:

  • Invisible Zip Pockets
  • Elastane for Material Recovery
  • Raglan Sleeve Allows Extra Movement
  • Drawstring Hood
  • Rib Knit Hem and Cuffs

ORTOVOX VALBON PANTS Review

If you’ve read our review of the ORTOVOX PALA LIGHT JACKET, you know that we are huge fans. But if you’re going climbing with ORTOVOX, you can’t just climb with a jacket, you need a pair of pants to go with it.

ORTOVOX also sent us the VALBON PANTS to review as well.

ORTOVOX VALBON PANTS

These minimalistic pants are sustainably made with organic cotton and hemp materials. The combo of these materials make for an extremely comfortable climbing pants.

The VALBON PANTS is loose fitting with wide thigh-areas, a stretchy knee area, and tapered ankle cuffs for maximum movement. The crotch also features a two-way stretch material for ultimate movement that moves with you.

When climbing, I found these pants to be extremely versatile. They claim to be tailored for climbing and I found this to be true. I could stretch between holds without feeling like these pants were restricting my movement.

ORTOVOX VALBON PANTS

The waistband is flat and made with merino wool so its nice and soft and stretchy. It fits nicely underneath a climbing harness. I also appreciated how they didn’t ride up or dip down during my climb. They stayed where they were without exposing my butt or making me uncomfortable.

There is also a drawstring on the waist for extra security.

It features three pockets. Two are located on the front hip and one is zippered and on the right thigh. All of these are easily accessible while wearing a climbing harness.

ORTOVOX VALBON PANTS

There are also elastic ankle cuffs. I didn’t need them. My calves are pretty wide, but they rested naturally very comfortably at my ankle.

Just as I had found with the PALA LIGHT JACKET, these pants are so comfortable and nice that I wear them even when I am not climbing. I love the colors and how it pairs with the jacket that I will wear these to work or out on the town. I mean, its Colorado, so looking like you either came or are going to the climbing gym is normal.

The VALBON PANTS is available online for $150. I am 5’11” and 185 pounds and wear a size large. For reference, the waist fits similar to a 34″ waist. And the ankle cuffs rest, right at the top of my shoes, so similar to a 32″ inseam.

ORTOVOX PALA LIGHT JACKET Review

What I love about ORTOVOX is how bright and colorful their clothing is.

ORTOVOX PALA LIGHT JACKET

And the ORTOVOX PALA LIGHT JACKET is no exception. They sent me the jacket in the clay orange color (pictured above) and it pops!

But colors aside, ORTOVOX makes some of the best outdoor gear for climbing, hiking, and winter adventures.

The PALA LIGHT JACKET is a durable, athletic stretch jacket made for alpine climbing.

It is made with a sleek, athletic cut and a four-way stretch that allows for flexible movement. When climbing, I could easily stretch between holds without the jacket feel like it was catching or pulling.

It also has elastic cuffs and waistband that moved well with me when I climbed. It has drawstrings on the side to tighten around the waste as needed. I haven’t needed to use them though. I like how the jacket naturally fits. When reaching and climbing, I never felt that the jacket rode up on me.

The outer material is scuff resistant. How scuff resistant? Well, I lost a hold, slammed into the rock face, and the jacket made it out better than I did. I hit hard and the jacket has a couple scuffs, but that is it.

ORTOVOX PALA LIGHT JACKET

When ORTOVOX constructed this jacket, they added reinforcements in high-stress areas such as the hips, shoulders and underarms for ultimate protection against craggy rocks.

This jacket is also very breathable. When climbing, the morning was around 50-degrees and slowly warmed up to 65-degrees before I reached the top. Throughout I found this jacket very comfortable. I never felt overheated. And that is due to the merino wool used in the inside.

I have really enjoyed this jacket. It has been a great climbing companion, but it also looks really good off the mountain. I have worn this to work, on dates, road trips, and really, any opportunity where I needed a solid, light jacket.

The PALA LIGHT JACKET is available online for $220. I am 5’11” and 185 pounds and wear a large.

Solo Stove Is Worth The Hype!

Spending an evening outdoors, cuddled up with your kids, in front of a fire is one of my favorite activities during autumn.

But it takes a lot of effort to build a fire. You have to find the right location and setup the proper fire ring. Plus, if you live in suburbia, the HOA frowns upon having an open, wood burning fire pit in your backyard, and gas fire pits aren’t great. Sure you can roast a marshmallow, but you’ll be tasting propane.

Solo Stove sent us the Bonfire 2.0 to test out over the past several months and is it worth the hype? Absolutely!

Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0

The Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 is a portable smokeless fire pit that is perfect for the backyard and beyond.

The Bonfire 2.0 is constructed of 304 stainless steel that is resistant to rust and corrosion. It has a dual-wall design with an elevated fire grate to improve airflow and minimize smoke.

While my kids love campfires (because campfire = s’mores), their biggest complaint is smoke. “Dad, it’s in my eyes!” I was impressed by how “smokeless” the Solo Stove was. When burning, we were able to sit comfortably around it without needing to play musical chairs.

The airflow on the Solo Stove also allowed the wood to burn down, eliminating much of the ash and charcoal that would typically need to be cleaned out.

Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0

The Bonfire 2.0 weighs only 20 pounds and comes with a carrying case. This makes it easy to store, but also easy to pack to watch the sunset over Longs Peak from our favorite lake or take tailgating. Once the fire is out, it is easy to tip over to dump out the ash before packing it back up.

Setting up the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0

Setting up the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 fire pit was pretty darn easy. In the box, the fire pit body is a single solid piece.

It needs to be set up on a level surface, six feet away from other buildings or combustible surface like a deck or pergola. Sand, paving stones, pavement, or dirt make great surfaces. Solo Stove does sell additional accessories, including a stand that elevates the fire pit four inches off the ground, which is great for grassy surfaces.

Once you have the Bonfire 2.0 on your chosen safe surface, all you have to do is place the flame ring on the rim.

It is as simple as that.

For Halloween, it took me all of two minutes to have it setup and ready to go to welcome trick-or-treaters.

How to use the Solo Stove Bonfire

To build a fire in the Solo Stove Bonfire, you build it like you normally would.

Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0

Light a nice sized pile of dry tinder, add kindling to strengthen the flame, the slowly add larger pieces of firewood.

You can also use fire-starter logs in it as well.

The Bonfire 2.0 fits firewood logs up to 16 inches long, but shorter length logs are a bit easier to maneuver and position in the pit and seem to allow the fire to burn more efficiently.

Safety First

I have young kids, so I feel that it is important to mention that this is fire pit and it does burn hot.

Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0

The ventilation that creates the smoke free environment burns hotter and faster than an open fire pit.

My kids are used to their friends’ propane fire pits, so I did have to warn them not to run around the Solo Stove and that it is very hot.

Also, be careful with those marshmallows! They will burn easily!

Is it worth the hype?

The Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 is $399. But when we were pricing out a fire pit for our deck, we were looking at $500-$750 for the construction. Plus, the Solo Stove is portable and it is wood burning (much better than propane!). You can take it anywhere. Plus, it has some fun accessories, including a Pizza Oven!