Platypus Origin 22.20 Quenching Your Thirst for Adventure

If it is variety and function that you crave, the Origin 22.20 from Platypus is a veritable feast. Appetites are satisfied with jaw-dropping waterproof, 10,000mm-coated fabrics, welded, all-weather zippers, heat-taped seams and 1342 cubic inches of gear space.

In redesigning the hydration pack the Cascade Design Team took a streamlined approach providing exactly what you need and nothing you don’t to keep things light and simple. The main compartment is large enough to gobble up all the gear necessary for minimalist overnights at the beach or peak-bragging day trips.

For all the small essentials you want at your fingertips the minimalist approach of the Origin 22.20 hydration pack doesn’t short change you on storage options. Two zippered waist pockets and two stretch sleeve side pockets along with an internal mesh organizer pocket provide a plenty of storage options. Moreover the stretch sleeve side pockets blend in seamlessly with the rest of the pack and remain tight keeping the streamlined profile of the pack intact.

A lightweight, puncture-resistant, Platypus Big Zip™ 2.0 SL reservoir is the foundation of this Origin pack. An isolated reservoir storage compartment not only ensures gear stays dry, but guarantees that a fully loaded reservoir doesn’t sneak up like a thief in the night stealing gear capacity from the rest of the pack.

The leak proof antimicrobial reservoir keeps water fresh and taste free and opens with ease for stress-free filling and cleaning. Add to that multiple housing options for your hose and an on/off position on the bite valve you’ve got a hydration system that is not only adaptable, but keeps the water in the reservoir and not all over your shirt, jacket, or car trunk.

Utilizing unique toggle mounts for the Big Zip SL reservoir, Platypus has created a more stable, secure housing for the reservoir. These toggle mounts eliminate the lateral movement and instability suffered by reservoirs in other hydration packs so you can hit the trail hard knowing you won’t get sea sick from a reservoir that sways to and fro.

While out pounding the trails with a loaded reservoir, there are few things worse than suffering through that nagging bulge in the center of your back. Platypus has resolved that issue via a padded back section and the BioCurve ventilated back panels which lifts the pack off your back for better ventilation.

As an increasing number of brands are moving towards the integration of rain covers for their packs, the Origin packs stands out from the crowd by sporting weatherproof construction for superior gear protection in any weather. With 200D rip stop nylon, 10,000mm urethane laminiate and welded, water resistant zippers and heat-taping on all critical seams this pack - in the black, green or blue - is bold, striking and resilient, willing to take on whatever Mother Nature - or Disneyland - throws your way.

In the early stages of testing our field team was hesitant to fully endorse of the removable back compression/storage panel. Yet after spending several months with the pack, there is no doubt it has become one of our favorite features. Whether it’s your favorite pair of flips for base camp to dirty gym clothes after a training session, the removable storage panel is the a perfect storage unit.

The Origin's ergonomic shoulder straps are a soft, stretch-woven surface stretched over a ventilated foam padding. Over the course of our long term field testing, the straps remained comfortable day in and day out showing zero signs of break down or wear out. And did we mention there’s even a built in emergency whistle tucked away on the left shoulder strap?

Room for Improvement...
Drawing on years of expertise in the hydration category, Platypus Hydration has done a tremendous job of re-imagining the traditional hydration pack. Despite the overall love affair our field team has had with this pack,  there are still a few minor critiques worth noting:

-Two months into testing the water resistant zippers remain rather stiff, but bottom line is that they work and we’ll take stiff over leaky any day.

-While packing heavier loads, the top loading straps did show a tendency to slip requiring momentary readjustments from time to time.

-When we wear packs, we only seem to fully utilize the sternum strap when hitting the back country or tackling challenging terrain. For daily commutes around town we rarely if ever use this strap. As such from time to time we did find ourselves slightly vexed at the tendency of the stretch-woven fabric on the shoulder straps to slip on the shoulders.

The Bottom Line…
From the mountain ranges of Northern California to the renowned beaches of Los Angeles and everywhere in between, our crew trekked fast and hard with the Origin and thanks to quality materials and construction the pack still looks as new as the day arrived. This new vision of a hydration pack offers impressive fit and comfort proving to be a true all-rounder, offering the “elite performance of super-light uncluttered weatherproof design” promised by Platypus.

At the end of the day, you don’t want to just go through the motions of another outdoor adventure… you want gear that lets your outdoor soul excel in that adventure. Towards those ends the Platypus Origin 22.20 is truly one of the most well constructed and durable products we've had the fortune of reviewing, easily earning the Gumption Gear seal of approval.

SeasonFive Apparel... Thrive In All Seasons

“Once we rid ourselves of traditional thinking we can get on with creating the future” – James Bertrand

As an outdoor enthusiast you already know that proper layering is one of the most fundamental concepts in outdoor recreation. This method of dressing allows you to regulate your temperature by peeling-off or putting-on clothing layers -- clothes that together wick moisture, insulate and protect from wind and rain. But what if there was a product that truly protected you from all that Mother Nature throws your way, without compromising your freedom of movement or agility?

Enter SeasonFive, a watersports and outdoors apparel start-up is working to introduce a new way of looking at apparel for the water sports and outdoor enthusiast communities.

Warmer than a rash guard, yet more breathable and flexible than a wetsuit, the cornerstone of the SeasonFive apparel line is the Atmost1.0 proprietary fabric blend. Engineered to block outside elements such as water, wind, UV rays the fabric still allows vapor and heat to be released, keeping you comfortable and protected when Mother Nature gets a little aggressive. Developed with minimal seams and muscle supporting stretch, SeasonFive gear also adds an element of compression technology.

SeasonFive offered the Gumption Gear crew an opportunity to test their new Barrier Shorts and Unisex Leg Sleeves both part of the ultimate layering system for extra support, performance and insulation.

Intended to be used as a stand-alone piece or with SeasonFive leg sleeves for ultimate layering, the waterproof nature of the Barrier Shorts make them the ideal gear for an outing in the kayak or on the paddle board.  For those longing to satisfy their more adventurous side, these are the perfect attire for that Tough Mudder Race you've been itching to run.  

The Barrier Shorts offer the insulation, breathability and water resistance of Atmost1.0. The men’s shorts have a 10 inch inseam and the women's shorts have a four inch inseam measurement- but neither has an actual inseam meaning you can revel in your adventures and never give a second thought to a potential unfriendly rash from skin abrasion.

Hitting the pavement on those early a.m. sessions before the sun crept up over the horizon, our field team took note of the Barrier Shorts two primary benefits.  First, the Barrier Shorts played a significant role in regulating core body temperature, ergo eliminating the need for excessive layering.  And since the fabric is breathable, you never feel like you're stuck suffering in a rubber suit trying to cut weight for your next MMA appearance. 

Second, the shorts - as well as the leg sleeves provide the fit and feel of compression gear helping to keep the muscles supported no matter what your outdoor escapades entail.  Additionally, if you're a trail runner, the sleeves come with the added benefit of protecting your legs from small scratches abrasions and nasty things like poison ivy on the trail.   

Room for Improvement…
When our team received the shorts we were informed that they were designed with wet and sloppy conditions in mind (ie rafting, kayaking, biking).  While the barrier shorts excel in virtually any amphibious adventure and those cool morning runs, using the Barrier Shorts for an afternoon of bombing down fire trails on your Mountain Bike may not be the ideal use. Our field tester, a former professional cyclist, noted that the two seams running along the inside of the hip flexor could leave the serious rider with potential saddle sores after a three hour ride. 

When it comes to the Unisex Leg Sleeves the biggest grievance offered by our field team was the difficulty in removing them quickly.  Admittedly, our female field guru liked the idea of having stand alone sleeves for the calves - she even enjoyed the compression feel.  However, after using the sleeves on training runs, she denoted her preference for either one piece leggings or the stand alone shorts rather than using the shorts and sleeves together.

The Bottom Line...
SeasonFive has boldly stepped out of the traditional apparel paradigm to bring the outdoor enthusiast a product line-up designed to help you perform in any condition with greater comfort and protection from the elements.  If you're amphibious by nature, or simply looking for a more effective way to eliminate excessive layering without compromising on performance, then SeasonFive has got you covered!

First Look: Columbia's Spring 2012 Backpack Line-Up

Edward C. Steadman once said, “One must spend time in gathering knowledge to give it out richly.”

 If experience brings wisdom, then Columbia Sportswear’s 70+ years of experience in the outdoor industry means they should know a thing or ten about making great outdoor gear. As such, when Columbia offered the Gumption Gear team an opportunity to review their Spring 2012 line-up of versatile new backpacks the answer was an easy - YES!

 Columbia’s new series of backpacks - the Treadlite 22, the Women’s Vixen 22 - designed specifically for women - and the Endura 50 is an ample demonstration of the Company's new direction: Attitude and Innovation.

Initial Impressions…
True, Columbia has been in existence since 1938 - but this line up of packs definitely sends the message: This is not your Daddy's Columbia Sportswear Company.

Built upon Columbia’s heritage of outdoor knowledge and quality construction, these packs add technological innovation with a dash of attitude creating a series of packs aimed at the outdoor enthusiast who wants to go fast and light without compromising on comfort or features.

From color scheme and logo integration all the way down to built in emergency whistles on the sternum strap, credit to Columbia for nailing all the design ques.

The Techlite shoulder straps are engineered to provide outstanding comfort, breathability and lightweight strength while helping to distribute weight efficiently. An open-air styled panel stretched across the back of these packs makes up Columbia’s Backdraft Aerating Suspension System. In early outings one thing is readily apparent: Columbia’s suspension system provides more comfort than anyone should expect from an adventure ready pack.

A narrow profile design provides significant freedom of motion so you can revel in the goodness of your adventure whether out hiking, biking, snowshoeing or boarding. Should you get caught in a drizzle or a blustery blizzard while out conquering the wilderness, the packs also feature Columbia’s Omni-Shield water-repellent treatment to protect your gear.

Speaking of water, each of these packs is 3L hydration compatible meaning you'll never go thirsty on your conquests. 

If over the next few weeks you happen to be hiking the trails in Tahoe, or enjoying the year's first snowfall, keep your eyes open. Rest assured the Gumption Gear crew will be out, Columbia packs attached, traversing the wilderness putting the Endura, Vixen and Treadlite to the test in preparation for our long term review.

Review: Tommie Copper Compression Shirts & Gloves

Coaching legend John Wooden once said "It's not so important who starts the game but who finishes it."

We all want to finish strong, unfortunately the aches and pains of life and training can serve has hurdles on the way to the finish line. At times we all need a little assistance to help ensure that we not only finish, but finish with gumption. Enter Tommie Copper.

Tommie Copper therapeutic copper compression (TCC) technology works by combining the health benefits of copper found in their patented copper-infused yarn with a proprietary multi-directional compression technology. The result is Tommie Copper’s Cu29 Compression fabric used in all of Tommie Copper’s Compression wear.

Compression helps stabilize muscle tissue, keeping the swelling of muscle fibers at a micro and manageable level. Traditionally, compression wear was designed primarily for athletes to be worn for short periods of time to increase performance, enhance recovery and alleviate pain. Tommie Copper’s Cu29 compression material now makes the same benefits available to the masses at an affordable price point.

Why Copper?
Copper has been used for medicinal purposes as far back as ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome as well as in the ancient Aztec civilization. One of the world's oldest medical texts, the Ebers Papyrus states, "Treat inflammation with pulverized copper". It is also believed that copper stimulates the immune system to fight infections, to repair injured tissues, and to promote healing.

Compression helps stabilize muscle tissue, keeping the swelling of muscle fibers at a micro and manageable level. By combining the benefits of compression material with copper-infused yarn, Tommie Copper’s compression gear aims to merge the benefits of compression fabric and copper.

So here’s the big question… Does it work?

The Gumption Gear Field Team had the opportunity to review the Tommie Copper Compression Shirt and Compression Gloves. Both the Compression Shirts and Compression Gloves provided compression without restriction meaning normal movements were not restricted or complicated. The fabric is exceptionally soft and light weight – so light weight in fact that often times you’ll simply forget that you have it on.

Our field team used the Tommie Copper Compression shirts in every scenario from daily training sessions, training runs, post-triathlon race recovery sessions and simple, everyday use.

To their credit the crew at Tommie Copper takes efforts to point out that not everyone will experience the potential benefits in the same way. From our end, our testers had no misconceptions that the shirt would eliminate killer knotted muscles, nor did our team believe it would bring about the miraculous healing you may be seeking for your lower back pain. That being said, the compression shirt provided comfortable support and all day stability in the shoulders and back.

Perhaps, just as important for a compression shirt that will be worn through the day – the shirts are highly odor resistant. In terms of relief from aches and pains, one field tester did note that when wearing the shirt for extended periods of time, there was some relief from the typical lower back pain experienced from an old sports injury.  It is at this point we stress pain and injury are very different things.  The shirts did not, nor did we expect them to, heal the sports injury.  However, the compression shirt did seem to help alleviate some of the aching associated with that injury.

The compression gloves stand out from other products because of their simplicity.   No velcro, no bulky straps and no heavy metal pieces. The gloves (available in both full finger and fingerless compression styles) are made of the same lightweight soft fabric as the shirts. As such you can wear them all day without interfering with normal activities which is a definitive plus.  While our team did not report similar levels of relief while using the gloves as the shirts, it should also be noted that none of our field testers suffer from any of the debilitating joint ailments that plague the individuals this particular product would most likely help.

That being said, there are two specific points worth noting from our review team.  One of our field testers discontinued use of the gloves as she reported that they seemed to exacerbate a tingling sensation when worn through the night.  However, this could be as simple as a sizing issue.  Our second tester, while noting no significant changes, did report that they plan on continuing to use the compression gloves to see if they eventually provide some relief for their mild carpal tunnel syndrome.

Bottom Line….
Once again, we would be remiss if we didn’t note that pain and injury are very different things. No compression gear on earth will heal a severe sports injury. That being said, there is a reason you can see athletes at every level of competition utilizing compression gear and our crew is interested enough in the line of Tommie Copper gear to purchase some of the calf compression sleeves to aid in their marathon training.

For those seeking a product to help the body recover from training sessions, or simply to provide additional relief for those aches and pains standing between you and the finish line, we recommend you take the time to research how Tommie Copper might benefit you.

First Look: KEEN Tryon WP Adventure Shoes

You have an epic new day hike planned, but it requires a lengthy approach over a labyrinth of demanding landscape. If that’s the case, you may want to lace up the lightweight KEEN Tryon Shoe and scramble your way to the mountain top.
These fast and furious adventure shoes are loaded with features that will give you a much needed assist in tearing up the trail.

KEEN.DRY™ waterproof breathable membrane keeps your feet dry even when you’re forced to slog through mountain streams. An abrasion resistant and breathable textile mesh upper helps keep your feet cool while trekking or celebrating your impressive conquest of the trail back at the lodge.

The KEEN.ZORB insole readily absorbs shock so that your knees don't have to while a stone bruising protection plate guards feet against nasty rocks and roots on your expedition. Tough rubber outsoles provide ultra-sticky tread that grips like a climbing shoe ensuring you have a solid foot to stand on from the urban jungle to John Muir’s favorite forests.

Initial Impressions…

Open up the KEEN box and the first thing that you’ll notice is the aesthetic awesomeness (a very technical term) of the KEEN Tryons. In the humble opinion of our field team, these might be some of the best looking kicks in the KEEN Trailhead series. Following is a round up of our crew’s initial impressions:

Quality: From the KEEN.ZORB to the patented rubber toe guards, KEEN’s commitment to quality construction and innovation are readily evident in the Tryon shoes.  Another job well done by the KEEN design team.

Fit and Feel: The Tryon delivers the lightweight, flexible and protective feel you want in a rugged off-road performance shoe. A removable metatomical, dual-density EVA footbed aids in a comfortable fit while a built-in S3 (shock, suspension, stability) support structure effectively supports the feet on impact and dissipates shock.

On initial field tests the shoes keep your heel locked securely and comfortably providing greater stability and overall traction.  Out of the box the Tryon’s felt a little snug across the top of the toe line, but time will tell if that is merely a feature of the “break-in” process.

Sizing: While not as wide in the toe box as the KEEN Targhee II, the Tryon fits true to size in terms of both length and width. That being said, if your excursions have you blitzing steep downhill terrain you may consider going up 1/2 size.

As advertised, the Tryon’s have thus far proven to be fast and aggressive without sacrificing the responsive feel you want out on the trail. Over the coming weeks our field team will continue putting the KEEN Tryons to the test to let you know if they have the gumption you need, not simply to tackle the trails, but to conquer your escapades!

First Look: Ashmei Ultimate Softshell Jacket - Bring on the Weather

Today’s running apparel market is notably competitive, filled with an array of jackets designed to cover a range of running and weather conditions. Breaking into an already crowded market with a performance soft shell jacket that not only performs well, but also generates enough “buzz” to sell well can prove to be a challenge for even the best of companies.

One company up for the challenge is ashmei.  Based in the United Kingdom, ashmei is a niche performance apparel company aspiring to produce the best high performance running apparel in the world, period. The Ashmei Ultimate Soft Shell Running Jacket refuses to buckle under the weighty expectations of this ambitions goal.

The Ultimate Shoftshell Jacket is designed with the runner and the various climate and mixed terrain conditions in mind utilizing the very best fabrics and materials. These materials are selected or developed based on their ultimate performance to ensure your comfort no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.

The inner layer of the rear panel is constructed using natural MAPP Merino wool. It is linked to an outer layer of high tech performance fabric.

The end result is jacket that feels soft and luxurious against the skin, while being water resistant, wind resistant and breathable, keeping the wearer warm, dry and comfortable during those cold, rainy early morning or late evening runs. And, if you happen to live in a climate that is consistently cold from the fall to the spring, this bad boy offers total sun-block UV protection.

As an added benefit, the materials used in the making of the Ultimate Soft shell jacket are 100% natural, sustainable, renewable and biodegradable with the materials being traceable to the animals it was derived from.

Initial Impressions...

Simply put, our "out of the box" impressions of ashemi’s Ultimate Softshell Jacket are off the chart. From the moment our testers slipped the jacket over their shoulders, they were thoroughly impressed. Highlights include:

Quality: The craftsmanship of this jacket is readily apparent. From the selection of the jacket’s materials, to the meticulously sewn seams and the placement of the air vents and plastic headphone guides appear to be perfect.

Feel: The 100% Merino Wool feels amazing. Luxuriously soft to the touch, while providing the sense that this jacket will hold up to even the harshest of running conditions.

Sizing: Slightly larger than a typical American medium fit, the UK medium size being tested by our field team still affords a quality and stylish fit.

The Bottom Line...

While California's fall weather has thus far only provided a few early mornings truly worthy of this jacket's technical nature, our field team has enjoyed every mile on the pavement and trail in this softshell. Over the coming weeks and months, the Gumption Gear field team will continue to push the limits of the function and performance limits of ashmei’s Ultimate Softshell Jacket and report back. Bring on the weather.

SolePack™ SP1: Designed With A Purpose

In a refreshing contrast to today’s do-all, be-all products, the crew at SolePack™ has designed its SP1 shoe transport bag to do one thing and one thing only: transport your extra pair of kicks. Unlike many products in today’s marketplace promising to be all things to all people, this pack does exactly what it is intended to do, no more and no less.

Although the SP1 can’t wash, dry or shine your shoes during transport, it does provide a highly-adjustable bag with shoe compartments large enough to accommodate a range of shoe type – from sneakers to dress shoes – all the way up to a size 13.

Our Gumption Gear testers used the SP1 to transport a variety of shoes with ease - golf shoes to the driving range, cycling shoes to triathlons, dress shoes to work and baby shoes to grandma’s house. Not only does the SolePack™ provide a convenient way to separate your funkified post- workout shoes from the rest of your gear, the breathable vents provide enough ventilation to help dry out the compartment and help cut down on the funk factor.

Adjustable nylon straps ensure the SP1 can be used with a range of bag-types while keeping it snugly attached like momma Koala and her joey. The Gumption crew affixed the SP1 to gym bags, a small child’s suitcase, backpacks of various sizes and a golf bag. The SP1’s adjustability made for a remarkably agile and adaptable bag.

The adaptability of the SP1 is undeniable. Yet, that very nature of its design means that the Solepack may hinder quick access to the items inside your primary pack. Depending on the type of bag used and the placement of the SP1 on your bag, the straps used to hold the SP1 in place can also interfere with the zipper system on some bag and packs. As such users of the SP1 may consider placing items that require quick access in a compartment that is not encumbered or otherwise blocked by the SP1.

Bottom Line...
It has been said, "do one thing and do it well"...  towards those ends the SolePack™ SP1 Shoe Transport Bag excels at it's singular purpose: transporting your extra pair of kicks, securely and conveniently. If you’re an athletic multi-tasker who’s been looking for a better way to transport your extra shoes then look no further than the SolePack.

Paper-Feet: The Merger of Eco-Awareness & Minimalism

Minimalist shoes — slimmed-down sneakers and glove-like Vibrams that mimic bare feet — are all the rage. It's a less-is-more approach to footwear that you can spot everywhere from the trails to the grocery store. Yet one company has taken the minimalist movement to the extreme with eco-friendly flare. Inspired by the beach, TOMBOLO LLC’s has created minimalist sandals manufactured from upcycled outdoor billboard advertisements. The result: Paper-Feet.

It’s worth noting that these sandals aren’t actually manufactured from “paper”. Instead they are constructed from upcycled outdoor billboard advertisements.

The giant roadside outdoor advertisement displays are wrapped with a one-piece 14×48-foot PVC vinyl material that’s a lot like a dense pool tarp or poly cover but thicker and more durable. Instead of ending up in the landfill, the advertisement you may have seen adorning the placard while driving down the freeway now becomes transformed into a one-of-a-kind, flexible, waterproof sandal on your feet.

The most notable asset of Paper-Feet is the feather-weight and malleable nature of a sandal manufactured from fiber-reinforced PVC plastic sheeting. Unlike traditional sandals or flip flops, Paper-Feet fold flat and can be rolled/folded up and put in a purse, or even a back pocket. Great for going around town, they are a creative solution for situations when shod feet are required. That “No Shoes No Service” sign no longer need stand between you and a quick bite to eat. Simply pull the Paper-Feet sandals out of your pocket and slip them on, hopefully with the whole restaurant watching.

Velcro tabs ensure that the adjustment process is intuitive and straight forward. Yet the dichotomy of the shoes comes at the intersection of performance and durability. In terms of durability, Paper-Feet sandals held up to the rigors of traversing gravel walkways and old paved country roads. However they offered little protection to the soles of our feet nor did they offer any barrier from the entry of soil, thorns or small rocks which proved to be irritating to the feet.

If you’re a kayaker or living a ‘beach lifestyle’ Paper-Feet sandals can be a novel treat for your feet. Yet in our review process the biggest hurdle to actually utilizing them for a truly active outdoor lifestyle is the thin soles.

There is no substantive level of protection.  So in the instance you happen to step on a sharp rock or a few goat head thorns (as we did while out for an evening walk) you’re going to feel it. Additionally while the material is durable, it doesn’t breathe so when going barefoot you can expect your feet to work up a sweat. The addition of a thicker more protective perforated sole that still affords the same incredible packability of these sandals would be a massive improvement to future iterations of the Paper-Feet sandal.

Bottom Line…
Admittedly we enjoy the idea of being able to carry our footwear around in our back pocket. Still in the beta testing phase the Paper-Feet sandals aren’t yet perfect but we applaud Tomblo LLC for finding an innovative way to merge the minimalist movement with an eco-friendly and socially responsible lifestyle. If you’re a fan of cruising barefoot, but not willing to pay a hefty price tag then Paper-Feet might just be the right fit for you.

First Look: Altra Zero Drop Running Shoes

After 30 years of shoes primarily designed to control how the feet move while running, there's been a major shift in thinking toward shoe designs intended to accommodate the natural movement of your feet and optimally efficient running form.

At the crux of this movement is the notion that the foot can do a better job at self-stabilizing and balancing the weight of the body when it can move freely and is allowed more, relatively unencumbered, natural contact with the ground than when it’s in a shoe that is thickly cushioned or overly correcting by design.

Embracing the less is more movement, Altra Zero Drop Footwear has introduced a line of gender specific Zero Drop™ running shoes designed to accommodate the natural movement of your body and feet. Thanks to the good crew at Altra, our Gumption Field Team has the opportunity of vetting the men’s Instinct and women’s Intuition running shoes. 

The Intuition (Left) and The Instinct (Right)

On Style and Design…
For a first generation shoe, both the Instinct and Intuition are sharp and eye catching without being overly bedazzled with bright colors or gaudy designs. Admittedly when you pull the shoes out of the box, the unassuming design can easily lull one into perceiving these shoes as a basic minimalist runner. Yet simply tossing these shoes into the one-size-fits-all minimalist category does them no justice.

Our crew quickly discovered that every element of these shoes is based upon an underlying premise of a shoe designed to develop a more natural, optimally-efficient running form.

Both the Instinct and Intuition are built with a natural foot shaped design presenting a wide forefront to the shoe. Any preconceived notions and duck foot jokes regarding the unconventional shape quickly faded as our testers found that the wide cage provides a relaxed fit and feel, allowing the toes to splay naturally as they would in your favorite pair of slippers. While it seems contrarian to think that a foot-shaped shoe can be considered an innovation, in this instance that is exactly the case – these shoes were built to run.

There’s nothing fancy about the Altra outsole… just a whole lot of innovative goodness. Altra's FootPod outsole maps the bones and tendons of the human foot allowing for maximum flex and responsiveness. With canted lugs mapping your foot, this unique outsole is intended provides a natural all-purpose traction system which thus far has served our crew members well on a variety of surfaces from dirt roads to treadmills and a world of running surfaces in between.

The Zero Drop™ Platform…
By name, you'd think zero-drop shoes are yet another addition to the “minimalist movement” sweeping the running landscape. While some “zero drop” shoes can be categorized as minimalist – certainly not all minimalist shoes are Zero Drop, nor are the Instinct and Intuition designed specifically as minimalist runners.

Most Running Shoes are built on a 2-to-1 heel-to-toe ratio (Twice as thick in the heel as the forefoot). Zero Drop footwear by ALTRA has been built on a 1-to-1 ratio meaning that the heel and forefoot are the same heights off the ground just as Mother Nature intended.

The Altra Zero Drop shoes offer cushioning and protection while mimicking the foots’ natural zero drop build. This means the usual aggressive heel striking that occurs in a normal running shoe is replaced with a more natural running motion in which the runner lands on the mid to fore foot region.

This means that moving to the Altra line-up of shoes is a transition that takes some time. To their credit, the company makes no qualms about that fact and properly informs their customers about the adjustment period.

Despite going through their own adjustment period, our team's initial impressions of the Zero Drop line-up are overwhelmingly positive. Over the coming weeks our field team will continue to put the miles on both the Instinct and Intuition continuing to test the fit, feel, durability and performance of these shoes over the long haul.

Wicking Towels from Discovery Trekking Outfitters - Your New Favorite Outdoor Accessory

Gary Ryan Blair once said, “Advancement only comes with habitually doing more than you are asked.”  If those words are true, then the Ultra Fast-Dry and Extreme Ultralight Backpacking towels from Discovery Trekking Outfitters just might be the true embodiment of advancement. 

Most of us have spent a lifetime wrapped in the traditional terry-cloth feel of the standard towel.  Whether it’s for the beach, pool or shower, the feel of a terry cloth towel against our skin has become almost second nature to all of us.

Yet not all towels are created equal, and the Ultra Fast-Dry and Extreme Ultralight Backpacking towels from Discovery Trekking Outfitters shatter expectations of what a towel should look and feel like.  Thinner than cotton towels, these wicking towels are silky, highly absorbent, antimicrobial, quick drying and ultralight. 

Whether you're in and out of the pool on race day, or hurling yourself into mountain fresh swimming holes, these wicking towels dry you off and then dry out just as quickly.

Yet more than simply dry you off, the lightweight moisture-management fabric actually pulls the water from your skin. When the moisture reaches the outside of the fabric, it spreads out to many times its original surface area, enabling it to evaporate quickly.

The durable fabric remains soft no matter how many times it dances through your washing machine.  And with the largest size towel weighing in at less than 9 oz, the feather weight and compact size make it perfect when space is at a premium.  That makes these the perfect towels for all of your outdoor exploits and adventures.

Speaking of outdoor exploits, we've all had moments when our towel gets left in the swim bag or the back of the car.  The unfortunate reward for our forgetfulness is that cantankerous mildew aroma.  Yet the science behind these towels eliminate that issue. The fabric utilizes Polygiene odor resistant technology which takes advantage of pure silver.  When applied to the fabric it helps control odors. 

The equivalent of 2 silver rings is used to treat over 5000 towels.  Yet that's not the only reason this technology provides a more environmentally friendly option for the consumer.  Polygienetreated materials can be utilized for longer periods of time before laundering is required resulting in the use of less energy, water and detergent.  In other words, Mother Nature will appreciate these towels too.

All of the wicking towels from Discovery Trekking Outfitters boast SPF sun protection blocking up to 93% of UV rays (the darker the color, the higher the SPF).  That's great news for your mountain top excursions or for parents seeking another way to protect their little starfish from the harmful rays of the sun. 

Room for Improvement?
Over the course of the review period, only one substantive critique was offered by our field team. The Gumption crew felt as though the addition of a quick-attach loop for greater drying ease would be a quality addition.  A quick-attach loop would afford swimmers the option of securing their light weight towel to fences for fast drying sessions between races and allow backpackers the option of attaching the Extreme Ultralite to their pack for quick and easy access.

Bottom Line...
Our crew has put these towels to extensive use in every conceivable situation.  From morning training swims to the beach, from backwoods adventures to Disneyland, the towels from Discovery Trekking have met and exceeded any expectations one could possibly have for a towel this sheer and this lightweight.

As a lifelong competitive swimmer and former professional water polo player I have personally spent a lifetime on pool decks wrapped up in the traditional terry-cloth towel.  Now, after having the opportunity to use these wicking towels, you can count me as one of the converts.  

The science and technology behind the entire line-up of Discovery Trekking Outfitters towels ensure that the days of packing a musty, perpetually damp towel are for a bygone era.  Whether you’re an avid outdoors enthusiast a professional swimmer or somewhere in between these towels are an essential component to your gear bag.