The North Face Wayfinder Rolling Duffel - Gear Review

For 40 years The North Face has been designing an extensive line of performance apparel, equipment, and footwear. They have consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation so that their fellow outdoor enthusiasts can push the boundaries of exploration.

Towards those ends The North Face has constructed a line of luggage designed to withstand the rigors of travel with bags durable enough to handle being thrown in the family wagon, strapped on top of a train or shoved into a plane’s cargo hold.

While there's a variety of ways to test the gumption factor of luggage, one method stands out above the rest.  How about a three month trek across Europe?  That's the test one of member of our Gumption Crew did with the Wayfinder 25 by The North Face.

Part of North Face's lightest luggage collection to-date, the Wayfinder 25 rolling duffel bag seemed an ideal choice for the long journey rockin' the following dimensions:

  Across the bottom - 24.5 in.
Across the middle - 24.5 in.
Across the top - 24.5 in.
Depth - 12 in.
Height - 6.5 in.
Strap - 11 in.
Handle - extended - 17.5 in.
Volume - 3785 in³ (62 Liters).

Constructed with durable, abrasion-resistant nylon ripstop fabric the bag was bullet proof and provided optimal resilience througout the European adventure.  The ripstop fabric also proved for easy maintenance which always ensured our crew member had one sharp lookin' bag no matter how bad that Euro Taxi trunk may have been.

The beauty of this rolled duffel is in it's simplicity.  The The Wayfinder bag is light, extremely durable and doesn't waste excess space on a plethora of hidden compartments and zippered sections you'll never utilize.

The exterior end compression strap is made with a side-release buckle that improves access to the main compartment.  And speaking of that main zip compartment, like a hungry hippo it was big enough to swallow up all of our crew members items.  In case you're wondering that meant 7 pairs of pants, 12 shirts, underclothes for 12 days, 1 pair of sandals, 1 pair of athletic shoes, toiletries, and a lightweight jacket!! 
On this particular journey our team member partnered the goodness of the Wayfinder with Pack-It Folders from Eagle Creek and swore that the bag resembled more of a magicians bottomless hat than a traditional rolled duffel.

The telescoping ambidextrous handle allowed for pulling the duffel with ease and control.  Smooth inline wheels ensured the bag rolled over cobblestones, up steps and through terminals with ease and grace.  The  reinforced corners also provided an extra durability factor which was appreciated when sprinting through the maze of foreign airport terminals.  The Wayfinder also proved that it wasn't prone to tipping and tilting despite the tall and lightweight frame of the bag. 

While our crew member noted that the addition of some reflective piping would be a great inclusion as a safety feature, the bag otherwise exceeded their expectations on their European Vacation. The Wayfinder has a simple but rock solid design that will provide years of service.  It's a bag well-suited to be your travel companion no matter where your journey may lead.  After all, if this bag can handle three months in Europe via trains, planes and automobiles, rest assured it has enough gumption to handle any adventure you have planned.

In Search of the Perfect Summer Sandal: Chaco Flip Out EcoTread

There is a reason that Chaco Footwear has an entire page dedicated to "Chaconians" - the people who love and trust their Chacos above all other flips and sandals.  Since 1989 the company has held themselves to a standard of fit and quality which has won them legions of dedicated fans. 

Each pair of Chaco® flip flops and sandals addresses the dynamics of your stride with what they call ADDSTRIDE, a combination of footbed contour for pure alignment to the body and to the adventure, function specific materials and outsole geometries designed to enhance the walking motion.  In non-technical terms, better fit means better footwear. 

With this heritage of technological innovation and quality footwear, it goes without saying that the Gumption Crew was thrilled with an opportunity to review the Chaco Flip Out EcoTread as part of our "Search for the Perfect Summer Sandal" series.

On Performance Factor…

We can't define this flip any better than Chaco does on their own site.  The Womens Flip Out Ecotread is "a pure balance between function and simplicity".

Enjoying the Flip Out Ecotread at 7000 ft

This flip has a single piece of soft polyester webbing, water-proof leather toe posts and a floral patterned microfiber footbed. With the ADDSTRIDE footbed technology the Flip Out Ecotread helps maintain arch support and body alignment.  That's good news for you as it ensures a supported, comfortable stride in any activity whether cruising the beach or around base of a waterfall as our Gumption Crew did at 7000 ft in the El Dorado National Forest.

The Non-marking EcoTread™ outsole is simple but effective in design providing enough sticky traction for basic everyday wear.  The other design feature we enjoyed was grooved channels on the outsole which, on wet surfaces, help move water away from the shoe thereby ensuring even more secure traction.  A definite benefit for those outdoor enthusiasts who insist on wearing their flips even in the rain or the mom on the go standing poolside watching her kids at swim lessons. 

The design/performance feature that our Gumption Crew truly fell in "luv" with was the Chaco LUVSEAT™.  In broad brush terms the LUVSEAT™ is the curvature of a Chaco footbed.  More specifically the LUVSEAT™ footbed ensures a supported, comfortable stride in any activity, and as a result, has been awarded the Seal of Acceptance by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). 

It is at this point we provide a shameless plug of this incredible video describing the benefits of the LUVSEAT™ technology.  Trust us, it's a must watch.   

  
On Style Factor...
Our Flip Out EcoTreads were the stylish purple floral patterned flips pictured.  With water-proof leather toe posts and floral patterned microfiber footbed, these flips are not only comfortable, but they stand out in a crowded world of plain black flips.  While the body lines of the flip were designed to enhance comfort and long term wearability, they make for a sleek and aesthetically pleasing sandal.  They are also available in other colors including a blue/green color Chaco has appropriately named "fresh". 

For those passionate not only about style, but sustainable style you will be pleased to know that the outsole contains 25% recycled content.  And one day, many moons from now if you actually wear down your sandal or that durable outsole, fear not my friend for you can actually ReChaco it!

Room For Improvement?

Throughout the review period the straps on our Flip Out EcoTreads were steady.  Even after use in wet environments they didn't shrink up or stretch out.  For our crew this was both a negative and positive.  It's always a benefit knowing your straps won't change dramatically over the life of your sandal. However the straps might prove to be problematic for ladies with a higher instep.  Additionally our crew found the straps to be a little on the narrow side which took a little adjustment time.  

Closing Thoughts...
The Flip Out EcoTread is a perfect fit to the Chaco tradition of high caliber sandals built to last.  If you're a Chaconion, or even a Chaconian wanna-be then the Chaco Flip Out EcoTread is a dependable flip perfect for your more casual adventures.  They will keep you comfy and more importantly, well supported.  Add in the ability to ReChaco your flips, rest assured the Flip Out EcoTread will be an enduring part of your wardrobe for many summers to come.

Our First Look: Sole Casual Flip

As we continue to revel in the goodness of summer, so too does our review series "In Search of the Perfect Summer Sandals." The good people at SOLE were kind enough to send over some of their casual flip flops for testing as we continue to seek the perfect sandal for all your summer adventures.

No two feet are alike.  While those five words are a simple truth, not all footwear companies seem to pay it equal attention.  SOLE not only recognizes that fact, but has designed their entire lineup of footwear based upon this little tidbit of reality. 

As such SOLE Footbeds and Sandals have been created so they mold to fit your unique foot perfectly.  This is a stark contrast to most flips which take the "one size fits all approach" resulting in flat footbeds offering little support or cushioning.  This forces the wearer to scrunch their toes as they walk which, in turn, puts stress on the body from the feet, through the legs and up to the lower back.   That's not good news for your feet, not good news for your back.  

Out of the box these SOLE flips are not only beautiful in terms of aesthetic design, but from the first wear it's easy to tell they are equally as stellar in terms of design fit.  Over time SOLE notes that the arch height adjusts to your required level, but does not flatten out. The forefoot takes the shape of the balls of your feet and toes, and the aligning heel cup supports your unique heel shape. This creates a continuous contact point across the soles of your feet, leaving no area unsupported.  While it's still too early for these flips to have fully molded to our feet, these flips already feel more supportive than a typical flip-flop.

The SOLE Casual Flips include the following features:

-Gender-specific strap made of 50% hemp and 50% recycled polyester;
-Double-stitched construction;
-Wear moldable footbed;
-Metatarsal support pad;Anatomically shaped midsole and footbed contains 35% cork by volume;

-Adjustable arch support;
-Deep - but not too narrow heel cup;
-Hidden toe ridge.
-Midsole support structure.
-Grippy rubber blend outsole


Over the next several weeks we'll be fully vetting the SOLE casual flips and will then post a full review detailing the Gumption Crew's thoughts on long term comfort, durability, support and more!

First Look: Keen Targhee II

Starting with the Newport, Keen Footwear has created a company built on hybrid innovation, redefining the outdoors and - as demonstrated by their new Keen Recess Initiative - giving back to the community. 

Today, KEEN makes a broad selection of shoes for men, women and kids Hybrid Footwear that goes from coastline to ridgeline and everywhere in between.  A prime example from the KEEN lineup: The Targhee II.

The Gumption Gear Crew has the good fortune of taking a look at these adventure shoes, part of the KEEN "Trailhead" line-up.

Right out of the box theTarghee II hiker from KEEN will strike you as a multi-purpose utility vehicle ready and willing to take you on any recess adventure you have planned.  These stylish hikers come with the following features:

- 4mm multi directional lugs
- Dual-density compression molded EVA midsole
- KEEN.DRY™ waterproof breathable membrane
- Non-marking rubber outsole
- Patented toe protection
- Removable metatomical dual density EVA footbed
- S3 Heel support structure
- Torsion stability ESS shank
- Waterproof nubuck upper

On our first few initial wears there's no doubt the shoes flexible nylon mesh uppers offer ample durability, flexibility and breathability for comfort on the go.  Despite the generous toe-box, the Targhee II's do seem to run about 1/2 small.  That being said, KEEN has done a quality job of meshing their unique stylings with the functional uses for which the shoe is designed.  The Targhee II is stylish enough to trek around town, yet tough enough to scramble granite boulders or cross that sketchy creek crossing and deliver you safely to the other side. 

The Secure-Fit Lace Capture System provides easy control over the tightness of your laces providing for a secure fit and the anatatomical EVA footbeds provide ample cushioning with solid arch support.

Over the next several weeks we'll be reviewing the the Targhee II to see if it has the 'gumption' needed for your outdoor adventures. We will be testing the long term fit and comfort of the shoe while also taking a close look at the durability of the shoe from the top of the KEEN.DRY membrane to the rugged rubber outsole. 

Built for Adventure: The Hi-Tec Salt Creek Shirt

Long known for their durable and innovative footwear, Hi-Tec is now bringing their passion for creating quality products to the world of outdoor apparel. So when the good people at Hi-Tec gave us the opportunity to review their Men’s Salt Creek Long Sleeve Shirt, we were more than happy to oblige.  The only outstanding question was... where to test?

The Tahoe Rim Trail is a 165 mile trail around Lake Tahoe that  passes through two states (California and Nevada), six counties, one state park, three National Forests, and three “Wilderness areas” along the mountain crests above Lake Tahoe. The elevation of the trail ranges in elevation from 6,400 up to 10,300 ft.  We could think of no better place to put the Salt Creek Shirts to the test.

On Performance Factor…
Robert Stevenson once said, “I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.”    

From the outset it was obvious that this shirt was born for the ‘great affair’.  The  new Hi-Tec apparel utilizes the same attention to detail, technology, performance and high quality materials for which their footwear is world renown.  Crafted from featherweight nylon weighing in at about 4.3 oz the Salt Creek is breathable, quick-drying and exceeded our expectations on moisture-management.


While our heart rate was maxing out on the trail, the lightweight nylon wicked away perspiration while the Tri-flow venting system helped keep us nice and cool by increasing air circulation across the back.  When the heat kicked up,  we simply rolled up our sleeves which were secured with button loops on each upper arm.  Here, our testers greatly perfered Hi-Tec’s use of the button loops rather than the traditional button tab because on the trail, simplicity means functionality.

A backpack-friendly shoulder design eliminated seams gouging into our tester's shoulder blades via shoulder strap pressure on longer excursions.  Finally, as outdoor enthusiasts know, when you spend a lot of time outdoors, limiting sun exposure is important, especially at higher altitudes.  Towards those ends the Salt Creek is powerfully sun-protective boasting 30 UPF defense against harmful UV rays.

On Style Factor…
With the Salt Creek, Hi-Tec’s designers have artfully crafted a rugged yet refined look making this superbly wearable button-up the ideal accompaniment to any adventure whether trekking alpine terrain or journeyng across downtown heading out for a bite to eat.  It was also designed with plenty of "wearing ease" ensuring that the shirt fits great solo or with a layer underneath.

When testing this shirt at higher elevations we were initially concerned that one of the shirt’s great strengths – the stellar ability to keep us cool – might also serve as its greatest weakness by allowing too much body heat to escape.  But as the first gust of wind picked up along the ridgeline, that same lightweight nylon did a remarkable job of blocking the wind helping us maintain a nice consistent core temperature while always remaining comfortable.

The double chest pockets not only come in handy during active pursuits, but avoid the bulky aesthetic design of some competitor’s designs. These front flap pockets are great for stashing energy gel, cell phones, boarding passes or anything else you need quick access too.  The nifty zipped security pocket provides a safe haven for important documents and valuables when you’re on the move.

The XL sized Salt Creek fit our 6'4" crew member well and still provided the perfect amount of room in the shoulders which was greatly appreciated on our more active pursuits.  The large sized Salt Creek was a true-to-size fit for our 5'10" crew member as well. 

Room For Improvement?

The Gumption Crew became big fans of this shirt and it’s become a “must wear” for all of our team adventures.  That being said our testers had a few minor adjustments that they would like to see incorporated on future versions of the shirt.  On the style side our Gumption Crew would prefer to see a more rounded style on the design of the drop tail (similar to the North Face Bolder Gorge Shirt).
 

While the Salt Creek had a great true-to-size fit with solid room in the shoulders and arms, our testers suggested a version with stretch panels around the shoulders and on the elbows for more extreme outings.

Closing Thoughts...

The best thing we can say about this shirt is we never noticed it on the trail except when fellow hikers took time out to compliment us.  From the desert valley to mountain ridgelines and the world in between the thoughtful design of the Hi-Tec Salt Creek shirt will keep you comfortable while traveling and is sure to draw compliments where ever the trail leads.

In Search of the Perfect Summer Sandal: The North Face® Base Camp

As our search for the perfect summer sandal continues we took a look at the North Face® Base Camp Flip-Flop.

On Performance Factor…

Inspired by the North Face® hyper-durable expedition equipment, the straps on these sandals offer tremendous support that feels better the longer you wear them.  After a long day on the trails or hiking through the urban jungle, your feet will appreciate the contoured footbed and ultra-cushy egg crate-inspired footbed. 

The footbed not only massages those weary feet but allows air to flow around the bottom of the foot making for extra breathability. In short the footbed will relax and refresh your feet every time you slip on the Base Camp Flips.

A durable and comfortable nylon toe post will make friends with your toes immediately.  Soft PU binding and jersey-lined uppers assure against the skin softness.  EVA midsoles provide maximum comfort with the natural freedom of flip flops as you flip off those grungy hiking boots and slip on the light weight (approx 6 oz) goodness of these sandals.

Extra points to the North Face® design team for the grippy rubber outsole that provided extra traction on wet surfaces or when our daily routines turned a little more adventurous.  The rubber outsole only adds to the incredible durability of these flips.

On Style Factor…

We’ve already confessed our love for the egg crate-inspired footbed which makes these flips stand out in a crowd. Where the Base Camp flip really sets itself apart on style with the massive array of colors and styles on the PVC-free Hypalon® strap.  You can find everything from basic black to “Newtaupegen/Algaeylw” shown below.
 
Room For Improvement?
While ideal for traipsing around the campsite, for our crew, these flips lack the overall support and shock absorbtion that they would like to see for long days pounding around on the pavement.  The maximum comfort of the egg crate-inspired footbed provides excellent comfort but our testers were left craving a little more anatomical arch support.

Closing Thoughts...
The Base Camp flip-flops follow in the great tradition of quality and durable North Face products sure to outlast even your most vigorous outdoor activities.  Indoor or outdoor, these rugged yet comfy flips will keep your feet comfy and stylish everywhere you venture and come at a price that won’t dent your wallet.  

In Search of the Perfect Summer Sandal: The Sanuk Roots

As our search for the perfect summer sandal continues we stumbled across a quote from Caskie Stinnett who once noted “I hate having my life disrupted by routine.”  If, like Caskie, routine is your own personal arch nemesis then you’re going to love Roots from Sanuk.

On the comfort Factor…
In Sanuk’s world fusion of funk meets function these sandals favor the funky fashion side, but don’t let the slender lines of this flip fool you.  The roots have a comfy toe post that never threatened to “uproot”.  A textured outsole keeps you steady whether you're lounging by the pool moving to the beat at next summer BBQ rave party -- oh how we love a good summertime BBQ Rave!

The surprisingly soft “high rebound” EVA footbed provides massive shock absorption and plenty of lasting support benefiting you in two ways: (1) Less foot fatigue, and; (2) You can wear the Roots all day and you can rest assured they remain easy on your back.

Let's be honest, when it comes to the standard straps of some beach style flips, they are more reminiscent of wearing sackcloth on a journey of repentance.  A soft moisture wicking textile lining feels more like salvation for the feet giving reason to rejoice in dry and wet conditions alike.  Couple the heavenly straps with the approximate 5 oz. weight of the Roots and you’ll want to wear these angels everywhere.
 

On the style factor…
No longer must you suffer wearing the same old standarized black flip flops that your 75 year old neighbor is sporting.  The Roots line up sets a new standard of funky cool and stylized awesomeness.   

For those who prefer the “You can’t see me” mantra there’s the Roots Mossy Oak.  These rustic style flips come complete with hunter orange jersey liner and antler-ized Happy U Logos.

Or for those that prefer a more island inspired style you can be Rasta cool in the  Roots Irie flip. Deemed by Sanuk as the unofficial sandal of Rastafarians everywhere, these flips feature a tri-color footbed with a Rasta-fied logo at the heel.  After all the only thing that makes the Sanuk logo happier than normal is the addition of dreadlocks.

Either option ensures that you’re feet are going to be stylin’ and profilin’ with these flips constructed of synthetic vegan-friendly goodness.

Room for Improvement? 

Like its Fault Line cousin, the Root’s hardened EVA happy face outsoles provided perfect flex and solid traction both on the beach and at 10,000 ft elevation on trails above Lake Tahoe (the Gumption Crew tests everywhere), but in an ideal world our crew still prefers a rubber outsole for a little more sticky grip.   

Secondly for those whose feet dwell in the fuzzy land of ‘tweener’ sizes be advised that there are no half sizes.  That means your tweener feet will need to chose either a size up or down - but either way your feet will still be well taken care of with the Roots. 

When it's all said and done, the Roots won over the Gumption Crew.  The combined goodness of comfort and funkified style make these a stellar take on the standard beach cruiser and well worth a trip to the Sanuk vault of goodness.  In fact our review time with the Roots has ensured one thing... we'll be purchasing more pairs to satisfy jealous family members.

In Search of the Perfect Summer Sandal: The Sanuk Fault Line Review

As we continue on in our search of the perfect summer flip, the crew at Sanuk was kind enough to get us a few stellar sandals to include in the review series.  Before we dig into the review, some of you may be wondering who or what is a Sanuk?

Taking its name from the Thai word for fun, Sanuk footwear works overtime to make innovative products that are as much about funk as they are about function.  Perhaps the sandal that perfectly illustrates this Sanuk world fusion of funk, function and comfort is the Sanuk Fault Line.

Our team knew these flips were winners when, upon first bringing them home, family and friends tried their best to claim them as their own.  More than once our testers reported that they thought their flips had gone missing only to find their Fault Line's on the feet of a colleague or family member.  But we digress...  

On the comfort Factor…

If you watch any TV at all you know that memory foam mattresses are all the rage.  Why?  Because people love the idea that something like a mattress can adjust to our body providing a customized fit for comfort.  In the same way memory mattresses are flooding American bedrooms, the Sanuk Fault Line may soon be flooding America’s closest with their deep cushion memory foam footbed. 

Made from real yoga mat material this gushy crinkle textured surface instantly conforms to the shape of your foot providing for that Zen-like moment every time you slip them on, and we mean every time!  The comfort factor is increased by the sandal’s soft neoprene linings backed with polyester that help wick away moisture.

Whether our testers were rockin’ the Fault Line on a daily stroll, or sliding them on after a training session, the flips provided consistent comfort that refreshed both foot, body and mind.

On the style factor…
Broad synthetic sectioned nubuck leather straps provide for a snug fit, sharp looks and lasting performance.  The Fault Line’s style guarantees that at the next backyard BBQ, pool side lounge session or day at the beach, you’ll have the best dressed feet around.

Our brown Fault Line's endured everything we tossed at them and still looked like new after a three week testing period.  Not only do the materials make your feet as happy as the Sanuk logo, you can rest easy knowing that the all-synthetic construction makes the Sanuk Fault Line flip-flops vegan-friendly.

Room for Improvement? 
It's hard to improve upon a sandal that's as sound as the Fault Line, that being said, our testers had a few notes:

• Our testers loved the gushy goodness of the yoga mat footbed.  However, if you’re a heavy heel-striker then even the massive comfort of these flips may not give your body the full shock protection from a long day banging around a concrete jungle.
• Hardened EVA happy face outsoles delivered solid lightweight traction everywhere we took these sandals, and are perfect for beach dwellers, but in an ideal world our crew would prefer a rubber outsole for increased traction when you've got to go off trail to get to your hidden beach coves.

When it's all said and done, our crew loved the Fault Line.  The sandal provided quality comfort throughout the review period leaving our testers impressed by the quality, style and appearance of the sandal and longing for more Namaste.

Simply put, these are the type of flips that make you want to go out and buy another pair… so when you’re checking out the full Fault Line series at Sanuk.com, just go ahead and double that tally in your cart, your feet will thank you.