KEEN Tryon WP: Designed for Adventure, Built to Last

Blurring the lines between hiking boots and adventure shoes, KEEN’s stylish and rugged water proof Tryon lets you hike deep into the backcountry with cool, sure-footed determination. As noted in our First Look, these fast and furious adventure shoes are loaded with features that will give you a much needed assist in tearing up the trails.

The Tryon is built to last: Even after canyon-country abuse, the Tryon’s abrasion resistant and breathable textile mesh upper showed only normal wear and tear, while the sole held up better than average for a shoe this light. Every step on rock-strewn trails and slush-covered slick rocks in California’s Auburn Recreation Area felt secure thanks to the Tryon’s tacky low-profile tread. Add to that the stone-bruising protection plate and patented rubber Toe Guards and our tester’s feet were well protected against those nasty rocks and polished roots on expeditions around Lake Tahoe.

KEEN designed the Tryon with a higher cut providing ankle protection without limiting range of motion while KEEN’s S3 Heel support structure kept our field testers heel locked securely and comfortably providing greater stability and overall traction.

A removable metatomical footbed cradles the natural contours of your foot so your dogs aren’t barking at you the last few miles of your adventure. 
To make the footbed even more comfortable, KEEN adds their ZORB stroble technology providing exceptional shock absorption in the knees and ankles so your legs won't be tired when Lake Tahoe's South Shore night life comes calling.  

The Tryon also features KEEN.DRY, KEEN's proprietary waterproof, breathable membrane that lets vapor out without letting water in. Over the course of our review period, the Tryon’s proved to be exceptionally breathable and remained bone dry whether crisscrossing babbling brooks or standing in a stream to lend a hand to hiking companions.

Now let's get scientific... Research has shown that even 1 or 2 ounces of extra weight on your feet exponentially increases your oxygen use, taxing your cardiovascular system and wearing you out.  Which is why you can trek light knowing your Tryons weigh in at about 13 oz (for a size 9 shoe) - less than many competitors.  

Room for Improvement...
For a company known for providing plenty of room in the toe-box the KEEN Tryon has a more slender front end than some other shoes in the KEEN Trailhead Line-up - something that hikers with a larger-sized foot may notice on long downhill descents. If you think this may be a problem for your particular foot, simply size up 1/2.  

Secondly, while our field team revelled in the competence of these shoes on quick hit mountain and backcountry exploits, the general consensus was they could use a little more arch support for general every day use.

Bottom Line...
Hardcore ruggedness and comfort come together in the KEEN Tryon providing a quick and aggressive platform for your feet on trips where you’d rather cover lots of ground instead of carry lots of gear.  From shimmying down ravines in old quarry’s to rock hoping in Tahoe’s Zypher Cove and tackling trails in between, the KEEN Tryon has proven to be a responsive, versatile and durable shoe for outdoor enthusiasts living by the fast and light motto.

Review: Platypus Origin 3.0 Hydration Pack

Built upon the Platypus heritage of well-designed hydration systems, the Origin series of packs marks Platypus’ foray into the world of hydration backpacks.

The smallest of the Origin line-up, the Origin 3.0 Hydration Pack provides the outdoor enthusiast the ability to carry up to 2 liters of liquid refreshment and still have storage space - 183 cubic inches worth - for keys, nutritional supplies or any other goodies you may want for your trek.

Similar to its larger sized siblings, comfort and durability are at the foundation of the Origin series of packs. The contoured fit of the Origin 3.0 is designed to support aerobic activity. The BioCurve ventilated backpanel conforms to your movements while allowing air to flow freely between you and the pack. The padded ergonomic shoulder straps provide comfort without compromising maneuverability. Both the BioCurve backpanels and the shoulder straps are overlayed with a soft, stretch-woven fabric that provides next to skin comfort and suprising durability.

Constructed from 200D nylon and treated with a urethane laminate for a waterproof finish, the Origin 3.0’s got your back when the sun fades behind those dark clouds and Mother Nature turns on the water works. Add to that welded, water-resistant zippers and heat-taping on all critical seams, and the Origin 3 is ready to handle the toughest of adventures.

Origin 3.0’s hydration system is second to none. It uses the same lightweight, puncture resistant, BPA free 2 Liter Big Zip™ SL Reservoir place in a dedicated reservoir pocket  as the Origin 22.20 hydration pack designed to keep your gear dry while maintaining the pack’s internal storage capacity.

Like the entire series of packs, the Origin 3.0 utilizes unique toggle mounts for the Big Zip SL reservoir, creating a more stable, secure housing for the reservoir. This housing system effectively eliminates the lateral movement and instability suffered by reservoirs in similar hydration packs.

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 on your stuff.

Room for Improvement...

Overall, the Origin 3.0 is well-constructed, provides lots of room for those much needed goodies and provides enough liquid refreshment to tide over an elephant. As with all gear, though personal preference rules the day and as such there are a few critiques offered for consideration by our field team:

• For our medium sized field testers the pack worked well for short day hikes and outings on the mountain bike, the Origin 3 but was too broad and bulky for running on those mountain trails or busy city streets.
• When we handed the pack over to our Clydesdale Category tester, the pack felt more appropriate for trail runs, but felt small on the back and was problematic in terms of adjustment for the sternum strap.

Bottom Line...

Looking for a small sized hydration pack perfect for high-energy, low-duration pursuits?  With an ergonomic fit, sizable storage space and easy to use hydration system, the Origin 3.0 has a plethora of quality features to offer.  Coupled with durable weatherproof construction this pack will serve you well for years to come.  

That being said, whether you add this pack to your closet of outdoor goodies will depend on the intended use.  If you’re looking for a streamlined hydration pack that rides tight and close for longer trail runs this first generation pack may not be the ideal fit.  However, for quick power outings around town or out on the trail the Origin 3 is a great buy for the medium sized hiker who doesn’t mind the fit and feel of a broader pack.

Columbia Baselayers: The Merger of Technology and Performance

Layering your clothing is a tried-and-true way to ensure comfort (and warmth) during those days where the mercury drops and your breath hangs in the air around you mid-sentence. The beauty of this simple concept is that it allows you to make quick adjustments based on your activity level and changes in the weather.

Thanks to Columbia, it’s time to ditch those cotton undies and the souvenir T-shirt from that U2 concert and upgrade to the Baselayers bolstered with Omni-Heat technology for warm, dry, layer-able comfort during your active cool weather pursuits.

On the Merger of Technology and Performance...

John Wooden once said, “It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.”

By paying detailed attention to the oft-ignored liner of our cold weather garments Columbia is inciting a revolution in outdoor performance apparel through their patented Omni-Heat technology.  This thermal reflective technology manages body heat through a system of tiny silver dots.  These tiny dots are the little details that work together to make big things happen.

Similar to an emergency blanket, Omni-Heat’s tiny silver dots bounce body heat back at you while at the same time allowing excess heat to escape through the permeable/breathable regions between the dots thereby preventing your body from overheating.  

According to Columbia, the Omni-Heat technology on average boosts heat retention by 20%.  While the Gumption Crew had no scientific means of measuring the increased levels of heat retention here’s what we can tell you from our time in Mother Nature’s laboratory: It works.    
Columbia’s Omni-Heat technology kicks in when you need it most and helps regulate body temperature while keeping you comfortable without compromising your performance.

As your next to skin layer, baselayers are also primarily responsible for keeping built up moisture away from your skin.  Towards these ends Columbia’s “Omni-Wick™” feature moves moisture away from the body, allowing perspiration to evaporate quickly. This wicking/evaporation process keeps you cool and your clothing dry, even when you’re heart rate is hitting the red zone.

In a nutshell, the Omni-Heat and Omni-Wick technologies work in harmony to  expel sweat but lock in warmth, better regulating your body temperature.  And while those technologies are working to help you perform better, antimicrobial treatment keeps the fabric feeling (and smelling) fresh during high-exertion activities which your adventure buddies will appreciate on the drive home.

On Fit and Feel...
Columbia’s top and bottom baselayers provide a slim, form-fitting design that fits more like a second skin than additional piece of garb.  Instead of feeling like a knight heading out for battle, the fabric blend of polyester and four-way-stretch elastane is light and flexibile working with you in your athletic endeavors all while reducing excess fabric bulk.  

The other feature our field crew thoroughly enjoyed was Columbia’s flat-lock stitching.  Flatlock stitching provides comfort by minimizing friction against the skin.  So whether your going for a morning run, or heading into the backwoods on a snowshoe adventure, smooth interior seams ensure that you never need to worry about any skin discomfort.

Bottom Line...
Columbia’s Omni-Heat technology is part of the new school look for this old school brand forging a new standard in outdoor clothing that’s difficult to beat.  No matter what your cold weather adventure entails, Columbia’s Omni-Heat midweight baselayer garments are a mandatory addition to the closet of any outdoor enthusiast.  Columbia’s full line of baselayer apparel is available in tops (standard and ½ zip) and bottoms for both men and women.  

Columbia's Peak Ascent™ Beanie: Warmth Redesigned

Thanks to the crafty crew at Columbia, the traditional beanie just hit the next step of the evolutionary ladder.

Columbia has taken the classic design of your favorite cozy winter lid and lined it with their Omni-Heat® thermal reflective lining.  Similar to an emergency blanket, Omni-Heat's tiny silver dots bounce body heat back at you while at the same time allowing excess heat to escape through the permeable/breathable regions between the dots thereby keeping your noggin' from overheating.    

By capturing your head’s own heat and circulating it evenly throughout, Columbia says Omni-Heat keeps you 20-percent warmer.  Perhaps even better, the Omni-Heat lining doesn't increase the thickness of the seams so the Peak Ascent Beanie still fits snug and avoids leaving you with that not-so-cool cone head look.

So when you run out the door to hit the slopes grab Columbia’s Peak Ascent Beanie because your mom always told you keep your dome warm.
 

The Bottom Line...
Classic design with new world technology keeps you warm without being itchy or uncomfortable.

Rider Sandal R1 Series Flips: Taking Your Feet Global

Celebrating their 15th year in the US market Rider Sandals is extending its brand in 2012, expressing its authentic Brazilian heritage with “Street Summer.” Inspired 100% by the Brazilian lifestyle, “Street Summer” captures the essence of Brazil with vibrant colors and the cultural trends of Brazilian fashion; all while delivering comfort, flexibility and durability.

Rider has given the Gumption Gear Crew a sneak peak at the R1 Urb and R1 Urb Plus flips, part of the new 2012 Street Summer flip collection. As part of the "Street Summer" line-up the the R1 Urb and R1 Urb Plus flips feature Rider mixes contemporary urban trends and distinct Brazilian beach fun with a dash of attitude and Rider specific technologies.

On Fit and Performance...
Looks can be deceiving, and out of the box the R1 Rider Series may give the appearance of a standard casual flip with swanky 3-D tread. Toss them on however and you’ll be thankful for the technological features packed away into the soul of these sandals.

When sliding on a pair of flips there’s really only two things that you want: comfort and support. On both counts our field team testers gave these causal flips solid marks.

The comfort factor stems from Rider’s exclusive “Flexpad” technology. According to Rider, millions of micro-air chambers provide a lightweight footbed with enough flexibility, comfort and durability to support you through a day full of classroom shenanigans or beachside brews.

While the inner lining of the strap is not as soft as a more traditional neoprene jersey lining, the R1 Urb and R1 Urb Plus feature Rider's "Fast Fit" technology which adjusts to a variety of foot shapes and constantly adjusts to your individual walking style. The interior of the R1 series straps are textured to allow for additional breathability which pays dividends on those long hot summer days. An innovative dual hinged adjustable upper at the toe post allows for subtle movement that provides extra comfort when you’ve got to hustle to snag that prime beach spot.

Beyond the material technologies used to construct Rider’s new line of sandals, the footbed is also anatomically contoured. This slight rolling contour of the flip makes for effortless use and prevents your body from kicking out extra energy while globe trotting from beaches in Rio de Janeiro to Australia’s Manly Beach.

Speaking of globe trotting, our field team loved the unique sole of the sandals which feature a 3-D map of Lapa, a hip region in the City of Rio de Janeiro.

And because you want to ensure your beaches stay clean and pure you can take comfort knowing all these sandals are made of 30% recycled material and are 100% recyclable in your nearest Bin #3.

Room for Improvement...
While a new pair flips from Rider’s Street Summer 2012 collection would be a nice addition to your summer footwear, there are a few areas for improvement that our testers noted.
• The footbed could use more of an aggregated surface to allow for better traction in both wet and dry conditions.
• During the break-in period, the rubber toe posts did create mild discomfort on the inside of the big toe and there was mild pinching, all of which fade as the flip and your foot go through that introductory period.
• While comfortable for casual wear or short periods of use, our team would prefer a little more arch support for extended periods of wear.

Bottom Line...
Can't afford a trip to Rio de Janeiro? The 2012 Rider R1 Urb and R1 Urb Plus flips might be the next best thing, and at only $27 and $30 respectively, it’s safe to say far more affordable.

Native Eyewear’s Endura: Clarity of Purpose... Clarity of Vision

Whether mashing the gears on your bike, going the distance on the trail or sneaking away to Maui for a weekend of Mai-Tai’s, the Endura sunglasses from Native Eyewear are ready to fill the role of your lifestyle shades.

New for 2011 these sunglasses are fit for small to medium-sized faces and have a lightweight low profile that keeps the shades close to your eyes for superior coverage.  Meanwhile, the venting system incorporated into the frames enhances airflow so you can work up a sweat without fogging your view during more active pursuits.

Self-adjusting Cushinol™ nosepads and ear stems have are the perfect combination of softness and substance creating a nonslip grip that never let our field crew down. They keep these sunnies in place, ensuring a soft feel and personalized fit.

If you’re a sunglasses fanatic there’s little doubt you’ve dropped significant coin on sunnies only to realize that when out pushing the limits your eyes are still straining in the daylight. For those who have suffered through that experience, fear not. Native Eyewear’s Polarized Crystal Carbonate® lenses not only block 100% of harmful UVA and UVB light, they also offer sharp, crisp and glare-free vision. This means your eyes can relax when your out on that training run ensuring that you won’t miss a step.

During those longer rides and runs you're bound to encounter shifty light conditions. Thanks to Native Eyewear's Snap-Back™ interchangeable lens system, you can quickly and easily swap out your darker bright-light lenses for the low-light set (or visa versa) to keep your vision clear and eyes protected from road dust.

The additional lenses are Native’s SportFlex. These orange-yellow lenses have a blue mirror coating and earned 'favorite status' from our field team for their ability to excel in a variety of low-light conditions from cloudy, overcast, dusk and dawn.

Some open frame styled sunglasses fail to provide adequate coverage for your peripheral vision.  Yet during the review period our crew gave high marks to the Endura’s full range of coverage that kept our field team's eyes well protected from the sun's rays at all angles. Additionally the feather light Rhyno-Tuff® AIR frames endure extreme highs and lows in temperature meaning your frames remain ready for action from sea level to mountain top.

Room for Improvement...

While providing solid glare protection, our crew found the polarized lenses to be a little dark for lower light conditions and didn’t provide the crisp level of contrast for which we had hoped. Secondly and simply, size matters... So consider the only other negative critique offered by our team an official appeal to Native to create the Endura XL for those outdoor enthusiasts with larger-sized faces.

The Bottom Line...
Whether you're an endurance athlete or simply looking for a pair of sunnies to take you from a day around town to that mountain ridge line, the Endura Polarized Sunglasses will help you redifine your limits with a touch of rugged class and adventure-worthy utility.

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.