The Deuter Junior Backpack: Ready for all your little hikers adventures

Kids belong outdoors—a fun, healthy, beyond-the-ordinary place that can expand their view of the world. Whether it’s a short day hike out on the trail, or a longer backpacking trek, both are great ways to help your little squirrel appreciate all the beauty and adventurous possibilities that the natural world offers.

The earlier in life kids become acquainted with walking longer distances (as early as age 3), the more likely they will be receptive to a backpacking trip at a later age. Of course you’re going to want to ensure that your little guy or gal has a quality pack that is as comfortable as it is durable.

Introduce your young hikers to the joys of carrying their own gear in comfort and style with the Deuter Junior pack. This sharp looking durable pack will help your little squirrel tackle their own daylong outdoor adventures. This top-loading pack is ideal for carrying day-hiking essentials, clothes or that all important stuffed bear – because we all need a hiking buddy.

Shoulder straps on the Junior pack are sized and shaped specifically for a small child's frame. More importantly they are soft and nonirritating which means longer trips with fewer complaints. Easy-to-use sternum strap complements the shoulder straps' posture and keeps the straps secure.

Creative embroidery and color prints ensure that the Deuter Junior passes the “cool” test. More importantly, reflective accents increase visibility in low light or on walks to school and there’s a name tag under lid in case your kid forgets the pack at school.

There are only two minor changes we would like to see on future iterations of this bag. First our field crew noted that a safety whistle built into the sternum strap buckle would be ideal. We all want our children to enjoy their hiking experience, but we also want to help ensure their safety. Secondly, while the Junior’s side mesh pockets are fully capable of holding water bottles, the gumption crew believes the addition of a small hydration reservoir would be ideal. Not only does it guarantee that mom and dad will save money from replacing lost water bottles, it also helps teach the importance of the Leave No Trace principles.

The Bottom Line…
Out little Gumption Testers (aged 3 and 5) loved this pack. The Deuter Junior backpack is perfect for your little tikes adventures whether in the playground, going for a swim in the lake or heading out on the trail. With creative embroidery and color prints backed by the durable legacy of Deuter, there is something to make the eyes of any girl or boy light up

The Ocean Minded Storm Surf Flips

Whether your adventure plans include air, land or sea, the eco-friendly design of the Ocean Minded™ Storm Surf is a must.  

Aiming to become the global leader in sustainable lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories, the crew at Ocean Minded™ are designing gear with a higher purpose in mind: providing comfort while protecting the earth.

Ocean Minded believes in utilizing recycled and sustainable materials in all their products whenever possible.  Towards these ends, the Storm Surf Flip is a prime example of how the Ocean Minded design team has integrated functionality with eco-friendly design.

Constructed with water-based adhesives, post-industrial recycled OM Foam, uppers of recycled fiber and water-friendly synthetic nubuck and recycled rubber content outsole the Storm Surf flips are not only water friendly, but vegan friendly as well.  Moreover, they are designed with comfort, durability and performance in mind. 

Distinctly designed to the curvature of your foot, the footbed of the Storm Surf allows your toes to splay naturally thereby improving your balance, relaxing the foot and provides a more natural resting place for your feet.  Molded anatomical 25% post-industrial recycled OM foam midsoles not put your feet at ease, but gives you the warm fuzzies knowing that you’re doing your part to keep Mother Earth pure.  

As your traverse the globe seeking out new adventures, you can trust that your feet will always feel fresh thanks to the AgION™ antimicrobial compound.  That keeps you, and those fellow travelers crammed on the euro-train with you, happy.

When it comes to the outsole, there is one major problem.  Simply put, it's the fact that most people will never see them.  Far too often the average consumer ignores the benefits of a well crafted outsole.  In their search for something that "feels good" many people ignore the shortcomings of a flat cardboard styled bottom.  In the case of the Storm Surf, the High Traction Toposwell siped recycled rubber content outsoles are truly a thing of beauty.

This unique design provides superb traction in both wet and dry environments protecting your feet from the bumps and bruises of the urban jungle or that rock laden trail delivering you to that secret surf spot.

A gentle curve aides the foot's natural rolling motion thereby directing more power to the toe during push-off.  Better form means better support, meaning you can wear these flips longer without your feet, knees and back loathing you in the morning.

While the Storm Surf excels at merging eco-friendly technology with durable performance, there was one outstanding critique. Our field team felt as though the these flips fell short in providing uniform cushioning across the footbed.

Despite decent cushion in the heel strike region, the mid-foot section of the sandal lacked similar cushioning.  While the outsole excelled at guarding against the bumps and bruises of your winding roads, the lack of cushioning in the midfoot region meant that the Storm Surf didn't provide the same level of overall shock absorption as other flips we've tested.  That being said, it's worth noting that our field tester for these flips was a 6'4" beast with a heavy heel strike.  
 
The Bottom Line…
The Storm Surf from Ocean Minded™ not only provides the durability and performance you've been looking for in a flip flop, you can rest at ease knowing that your buying quality product from a company helping to save the world that you live and play on.  If the earth friendly goodness of these flips don't entice you, know that at $24.99 you’re getting 2011 technological & ecological innovation at a 1990 price ensuring that your feet and your wallet are satisfied customers.

First Look: Hoka One One Bondi B Running Shoe

"I think being different, going against the grain of society, is the greatest thing in the world." - Elijah Woods

As individuals, we were never designed to fit neatly into a one-size-fits-all box. In an attempt to conform to that which is deemed “popular” we relinquish our individuality in an attempt to accommodate the wishes of others.

The same is can be said for the equipment we depend on day in and out. At the end of the day, corporations are no different from individuals, they are susceptible to falling in line with the latest trends and fads.

Towards this end, Hoka One One is charting a distinct course that stands apart from the rest of the running world. While much of the early refocus of this new era of shoe design has been around minimalism and less cushioning, Hoka One One has pursued innovation in an entirely different direction.

The Hoka One One shoes are engineered for maximum cushioning, comfort, protection and energy return, while still offering lightweight, nimble performance and uninhibited movement.

With the goal of designing shoes for optimal performance, comfort, efficiency and fun, Hoka One One has pioneered a new philosophy in running by merging aspects of minmalism and maximal- ism. The design guru’s at Hoka One One have incorporated several of the key performance traits of the oversized technology trend in skiing, mountain biking, golf, tennis, while also paying heed to recent footwear advances that aid in natural foot motion and efficient running mechanics.

Foam in the midsoles of Hoka shoes is 30 percent softer than the material used in traditional running shoes, and there is 2.5 times more midsole volume than in most running shoes. 50 percent increase in outsole surface area (com-pared to traditional running shoes) improves grip and stability.

The additional surface area allows greater contact with the ground, allowing the runner’s foot to dynamically engage the ground while the shoe’s outsole gains traction on pavement, dirt trails or rocky surfaces.

Hoka One One notes that “Running in Hoka shoes is like nothing you’ve ever experienced, and it’s something you’ll never forget. Unlike shoes that produce a hard or rigid feeling, Hokas offer up luxurious softness and a sensation of weightlessness.” While our field team has only put limited miles on the shoes thus far, there’s no doubt that running in the Bondi B is like nothing we’ve ever experienced.

In the early testing stages the Hoka One One innovation combination of minmalism and maximal- ism does deliver a near floating sensation during runs that reduces fatigue in the runner's feet, legs and core. One thing is for certain, on downhill runs the Bondi B leaves you feeling as though you’ve stepped outside of the Space Shuttle Atlantis for a weightless space jog.

Over the next several months our Gumption Gear team of runners, triathletes and fitness junkies will be putting the Hoka One One Bondi B Road Shoes to the test.  We will continue to examine functionality, features, impact of the technological innovations and of course the long term durability and gumption of Bondi B Runners.  

First Look: Hoka One One Bondi B Running Shoe

"I think being different, going against the grain of society, is the greatest thing in the world." - Elijah Woods

As individuals, we were never designed to fit neatly into a one-size-fits-all box. In an attempt to conform to that which is deemed “popular” we relinquish our individuality in an attempt to accommodate the wishes of others.

The same is can be said for the equipment we depend on day in and out. Corporations are no different from individuals, they are susceptible to falling in line with the latest trends and fads.

Towards this end, Hoka One One is charting a distinct course that stands apart from the rest of the running world. While much of the early refocus of this new era of shoe design has been around minimalism and less cushioning, Hoka One One has pursued innovation in an entirely different direction.
The Hoka One One shoes are engineered for maximum cushioning, comfort, protection and energy return, while still offering lightweight, nimble performance and uninhibited movement.
With the goal of designing shoes for optimal performance, comfort, efficiency and fun, Hoka One One has pioneered a new philosophy in running by merging aspects of minmalism and maximal- ism. The design guru’s at Hoka One One have incorporated several of the key performance traits of the oversized technology trend in skiing, mountain biking, golf, tennis, while also paying heed to recent footwear advances that aid in natural foot motion and efficient running mechanics.

Foam in the midsoles of Hoka shoes is 30 percent softer than the material used in traditional running shoes, and there is 2.5 times more midsole volume than in most running shoes. 50 percent increase in outsole surface area (com-pared to traditional running shoes) improves grip and stability.

The additional surface area allows greater contact with the ground, allowing the runner’s foot to dynamically engage the ground while the shoe’s outsole gains traction on pavement, dirt trails or rocky surfaces.

Hoka One One notes that “Running in Hoka shoes is like nothing you’ve ever experienced, and it’s something you’ll never forget. Unlike shoes that produce a hard or rigid feeling, Hokas offer up luxurious softness and a sensation of weightlessness.” While our field team has only put limited miles on the shoes thus far, there’s no doubt that running in the Bondi B is like nothing we’ve ever experienced.

In the early testing stages the Hoka One One innovation combination of minmalism and maximal- ism does deliver a near floating sensation during runs that reduces fatigue in the runner's feet, legs and core. One thing is for certain, on downhill runs the Bondi B leaves you feeling as though you’ve stepped outside of the Space Shuttle Atlantis for a weightless space jog.

Over the next several months our Gumption Gear team of runners, triathletes and fitness junkies will be putting the Hoka One One Bondi B Road Shoes to the test.  We will continue to examine functionality, features, impact of the technological innovations and of course the long term durability and gumption of Bondi B Runners.  

High Sierra Sport's Airhead: One Cool Pack

In today’s outdoor market, there are a slew of brands utilizing breathable stitched foam back panels to increase your comfort.  But when it comes to breathability, there’s one bag that outdoes them all.  The Airhead from High Sierra Sport is, quite literally, one cool bag.

With eye-catching, sheer mesh construction, the Airhead is perfect for your kid’s day at school, the pool or for a weekend adventure on the trail.  Multiple storage options and a front-hung monster hook to hold extra gear, this versatile, go-anywhere Airhead pack is a real breath of fresh air.

In the hot, sticky woods the sheer mesh construction not only ensures that your trail buddy has a feather light pack, but it reduces the normal ocean of back sweat which your teenaged hiking buddy will certainly find uncool.

At 2021 cubic inches the Airhead swallows up all the gear your hiking partner will need for an excursion into the unknown.  The ribbed grab handle is one of the best we’ve seen on any pack and ensured that our Junior Gumption Field tester always had a firm grip on the action.  And for those moments that mother nature gets a bit fickle, the Airhead pack has a hidden water-resistant rain cover. 

The mesh construction means that the bag lacks the structural veracity of similar sized packs, and we would like to see the the inclusion of a water resistant rubberized bottom in future iterations of this pack.  That being said, our field team found that the overall design made it far more versatile than your standard backpack. 

The Airhead has proven to be durable and abrasion resistant in any activity.  For those moments not spent trekking through the woods our Junior Gumption Gear field tester discovered that the Airhead pack provided a great way to store and carry all of his swimming equipment.  The sheer mesh construction creates tremendous ventilation for all your west swim gear.   

We do need to note that the front-hung hook on Airhead examined by our Team detached within the first week of testing.  Yet considering High Sierra Sport’s legacy of sturdy packs we chalk up this incident to a simple manufacturing glitch which happens from time to time.  The good news is that with High Sierra’s industry leading warranty, rest assured your gear will be taken care of by HSS tremendous customer service team if any problem arises.

The Bottom Line…
The High Sierra Sport Airhead is fully equipped for quick-hit backcountry missions or life’s daily adventures whether by land, air or sea. 

Innate Caravan Travel Cubes: Bringing Harmony to your Travel Discord

Let’s face it, at one point or another we’ve all resolved to live our lives in a more organized fashion.  While you may or may not have lived up to that resolution, the Caravan Travel Cubes from Innate Gear ensure that you’ll be able to maintain a far more organized travel pack.

With the Innate Caravan Travel Cubes you can easily separate your work clothes, fun clothes, superhero costume, or dirty clothes from other things in your bag or pack.  Whether you’re a committed traveler, a gym rat or an outdoor enthusiast looking for a better way to keep your clothes dry or organized, these travel compartments ease the rigors of your adventuring.

The varying sizes of Caravan Travel Cubes allow you to keep your travel necessities from exploding all over the hotel room when you open your suitcase.  Stitch-less weatherproof construction and repurposed fabrics keep clothes protected and daisy fresh, or gives you a plash to stash that wet suit and towel after your morning workout.  

Translucent recycled PU top panel provides solid visibility when digging through a loaded backpack or suitcase.  Exterior RF welded grab handle lets you easily pull the tubes from your pack and carry it to the changing room. 

The feature most appreciated by our Gumption Crew was the ease with which the weather proof PU coated zips closed and opened.  We are all familiar with the welded/weather proof zippers on various jackets and packs that feel as though they are stuck from start to finish.  The engineering geniuses at Innate have given the user a zipper that is smooth, stick free and water tight. 

Ideal for travel in tropical environments or places where inclement weather is a fact of life; the stitch-less construction is vastly superior to conventional sewn “adventure travel” cubes which are not weatherproof. 

Are these travel cubes versatile?  Yes.  Are they durable?  Yes.  Yet there’s another reason to revel in the goodness of the Innate Caravan Travel Cubes.  Innate firmly believes that we can have a positive impact on the planet through the gear we use and how we use it.  As such, the Innate design team has gone above and beyond in using earth friendly materials to create this product. 

All woven fabrics used are re-purposed scrap that were previously going to an industrial incinerator. The carbon footprint reduction is significant: 1 kg of re-purposed fabric results in a carbon footprint savings of roughly 1.8 kg that was used to manufacture the original material. Recycled pu film is used for the window panels; data provided from Innate’s supplier indicates a significant footprint reduction of approximately 30% after transportation. 

Sizes:

LARGE: Fits up to 4 folded dress shirts.

36cm x 24cm x 10cm (14.2” x 9.5” x 4”), 80g (2.82oz)

MEDIUM: Suitable for sport shirts, shorts etc.

25cm x 18cm x 10cm (9.8” x 7” x 4”), 60g (2.12oz)

SMALL: Works well for socks, underwear or a simple cosmetics/wash kit bag.

22cm x 12cm wide x 8cm (8.7” x 4.75” x 3.1”, 40g (1.41oz)

Bottom Line...

Albert Einstein once said, “Out of clutter, find simplicity… From discord find harmony…”  The Innate Tavel Cubes provide a helpful and environmentally savvy way for you to turn your travel pack from chaos into a symphony of synchronization.
 

Stay organized as you travel to the far corners of the map and save the planet at the same time with the Innate Caravan Travel Cubes.

Initial Impressions: The Sole Pack

Your adventures aren’t of a limited variety… so why are you stuck with a traditional pack that in reality is limited in its functionality?  Enter the SolePack™ SP1 Shoe Transport Bag.  A patented backpack accessory dedicated to providing a convenient way to transport an extra pair of kicks.

Developed by Doctors of Physical Therapy, shoe storage on the sides of your backpack frees up that precious space inside your backpack and keeps your grimy shoes away from the clean interior compartments of your pack.

 

The SolePack’s adjustable straps allow it to fit the backpack you already have. The straps also allow for a snug fit while at the same time easy removal from your pack when needed. The breathable vents provide proper ventilation and keep your sneakers fresh! Each shoe compartment accommodates up to a size13 men's shoe.

 

SP1’s adjustable strap enables it to be used with a range of packs, from high school backpacks to trail savvy day packs.  And, since it is built with a black 800D nylon shell it will have no problem tackling your our personal quests.

 

Our right-out-of-the-box initial impressions of the SP1 include:

 

· Solid construction: The black nylon material appears durable, easy to clean and the black color easily hides dirt; The stitching is strong and able to withstand gumption abuse;

 

· Size Matters: The pack is big enough to fit a range of shoe sizes from toddlers to your size 13 monsters.

 

· Adjustability: The straps are durable and provide enough adjustability to accommodate a range of packs.

 

Innovation is driven by need and necessity.  There’s little doubt that if you’re an athletic multi-tasker you’ve found yourself wishing there was a more convenient way to stash your dogs after a training session, day on the court, or after you slip into your flips after a long day on the trail.  If that’s the case then the SP1 pack might just fit your need. 

 

Our Gumption Gear Crew will spend the next several weeks using the pack out and about in the real world to see how convenient and functional the pack truly is. And, perhaps along the way our field team will find some new and creative ways to take advantage of the extra space the pack affords.

High Sierra Sport's Curve Pack: Style for School, Durability for the Trail

As the leaves start to turn and the thermostat begins to descend, Fall is a perfect time to start introducing kids to the thrill of the outdoor world.  Yet even the basic outings require a pack that is not only comfortable, but large enough to stash away all the goodies your little Sherpa needs. 

For over 30 years, High Sierra Sport Company has been committed to producing thoughtfully innovative bags that appeal to the intelligence and esteem of the active lifestyle and outdoor consumer.  So when preparing to introduce your children to the glorious outdoors, there are few better places to turn than High Sierra Sport for the equipment that will make your outdoor adventures memorable.

As we began our search for backs/daypacks for your little tikes as they are introduced to the world of hiking High Sierra Sport was kind enough to send us a few packs to get out on the trail.  First up the Curve.

With a capacity of 1710 cubic inches the Curve affords your kid plenty of room for books, binders, and pencils during the week.  When Saturday finally comes, dump out the school supplies and load it up for an escape from town.  The large main compartment has plenty of room for a poncho and burrito, while the organization front pocket stores that little pack of gummy bears, GU and other goodies.

After a liberating drive into the hills, the S-shaped padded shoulder straps comfortably hug your budding mountain goat as they follow the trail into the sweet stillness of the mountain air.  And if the wilderness is a bit too quiet then the Curve has a handy cell phone/media pocket for them to stash their beloved iPhone so they can take snapshots of their journey. 

While there’s not an incorporated hydration reservoir, a large gusseted side mesh pocket provides plenty of room for holding a water bottle or stashing that swim suit that took a dip at the base of the falls.  The other feature our little gumption field tester appreciated the plastic pull loops making for easy strap adjustment on the go. 

Smooth, contemporary styling, and sleek curves not only make the Curve a classy pack for school days, but sweeping lines give the pack a more narrow profile helping your little trail mate avoid the jutting twigs and branches that snag on broader packs.  And for those moments when your hiking buddy can’t avoid the reach of mother nature’s long arms, the Curve’s mini-hexagon ripstop duralite materials keep the bag protected durable enough to last for years of hiking to come. 
 
The Bottom Line… 
The Curve helps carry everything your little tike needs for a recon mountain mission while providing that “cool factor” they want for school.  Although the pack does lack High Sierra’s VAPEL™ mesh AIRFLOW™ padded shoulder straps and back panel, the Curve was comfortable and durable enough to earn high praise from our junior Gumption Crew member and will leave parents comfortable knowing they’ve purchased a multi-functional bag that will last many moons. 

Long Term Durability Review: Scott® MK3 Running Shoe

Just a few years ago, if someone would have said that Scott®, best known for making high performance bikes and appeal, would make an award winning performance running shoe, few if any would have likely believed it.  Yet the

Scott® MK3 is just that shoe.

While shopping for shoes at the local running store in January 2011, the salesperson – knowing my feet and running preferences – suggested I test the MK3s.

While the trend has been towards minimalist or barefoot running shoes, they may not be right for everybody.  Whether because of physical limitations or personal preference, some runners may need more support and cushion than those shoes can provide.

A minimalist shoe, the Scott® MK3 is not.  The MK3 2011 is a stability performance running shoe made for those who prefer and require more structure and cushion in a running shoe.

Weighing in at 11.0 ounces, the shoe is packed with performance-enhancing goodness. Scott® engineered the MK3 shoe with a low profile, and a carbon midfoot structure providing an optimal arch which helps guide the foot efficiently, transferring energy from front to rear.

Excellent shock absorption is created by the heel gel and forefoot rubberized EVA insert. The stable and flexible midsole is ideal for a broad range of running styles and foot types. 

Their Ergologic Fit technology provides support and control where needed and provides flexibility and adjustability in the anatomically correct places. Scott incorporated a full carbon rubber outsole that intended to accelerate the shoe through increased energy return and increased durability.

The MK3s have been exceeding my own personal expectations since I pulled them off the storeroom shelf.  Now, having blazed over 400 miles of both on and off-road running in the MK3, these shoes have proven to be as durable as they are comfortable.  These shoes have marshaled me through trails, 5ks, 10ks, half marathons and a few triathlons, and truth be told, they show no sign of letting up anytime soon. 

Bottom Line:

When you spend big money on a running shoe you expect it to perform, but you also hope that it will last longer than that whole parachute pants fad.  The Scott MK3 delivers exceptionally well on both fronts. 

Light as a racing shoe, but as stable, cushioned and comfortable as a training shoe.  If you’re a runner who, whether through preference or necessity, needs a fast and steady stability shoe, then the Scott® MK3 will provide you with the energy and performance you desire.