theOutdoorBeat.com

Adventure Race

Test of Aclima WoolNet shirt

By Leave a Comment

test of Aclima woolnet shirtWarning! This shirt will transform you into a cross between a sex-monster, a superhero and a drunk on a park bench. So feel free to pick a choice among these stereotypes.

Nevertheless, behind its kinky exterior is a product, which can be used in virtually any climate and with a wide application for outdoor enthusiasts, runners and cyclists.

Aclima WoolNet is the name of a fairly new series of technical wool base-layers, with a grid pattern design, which you might have seen in Brynjes synthetic base-layers for years. The combination of a highly technical product, and the simple effect the air pockets provides with its flexible temperature adjustments, creates a highly usable and versatile product. [Read more…]

One great little piece of gear for the fall

By Leave a Comment

armwarmersblack

The other day I was out running as a guide for a group of new trail runners. For some of them it was the first time they went into the forest running on small singletrack and having great fun.

 

It was a day like any other here in Denmark. It was sunny, rainy, hot and at times a bit chilly. As we were running I was asked a lot of questions like: How do you manage to just run on the trails and not knowing where you are (or at least my new friends did not know where they were 😉 )? And what shoes should I go buy for trail running? Will my Garmin Forerunner GPS watch be ok for trail running?

 

And so they kept asking me questions. One of them more challenging than the other. But when one girl at some point asked if she HAD to bring a pack as the weather was changing quite a bit on this particular Saturday, I had to answer her that choosing the right cloth from the start can do quite a lot to your comfort during a run.

armwarmers2

If I should recommend one single little item it would be the Smartwool arm warmers. They are among my very favorite gear for running in the fall and commuting to the office as well.

 

With arm warmers made from wool, you get a very versatile piece of gear that will keep you warm when wet and the wind is tough. When it becomes warmer you can roll down the arm warmers. When having a break you can roll them up again.

 

So when it comes to a small not expensive piece of gear with a lot of options I can fully recommend the Smartwool arm warmers. It even comes in both dull black and a colorful option 😀
[sc:stdad ]

GEARnews: Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20

By Leave a Comment

prod1

Simplicity in a brand new pack from Ultimate Direction

 

The brand new Fastpack 20 for this fall is build for longer runs in the mountains, day hikes and events like the OMM mountain marathon and adventureracing.

 

On the front you have access to two large pockets that can hold two bottles of water or your GPS, phone or other accessories. Also you have a few smaller pockets for perhaps your  energy gels. The main compartment can hold your gear and also a hydration system if you wish so.  It has a tight fit with everything from 15 liters to 23 liters says Ultimate Direction.

 

The pack has stretch pockets on the sides that will hold almost anything, and the huge rear stretch pocket allows gear to be quickly stowed or used as needed.

 

The main compartmens closes with a waterproof roll top closure ans is said to be waterresistant. We love the iedea off no zippers as they are often the weak spot of such a rucksack.

 

Unique to the Fastpack is Ultimate Direction’s InfiKnit construction: the back panel and shoulder straps are made from one piece of custom-made fabric, which eliminates contact with all seams.

 

If we are so lucky as to get to test one this fall, we will bruing a full review here on GEARcatalyst.com.

prod2

 

SPECS & DETAILS

 

  • Patent-pending Infiknit harness is a continuous, seamless back panel and shoulder strap system to prevent abrasion and discomfort
  • Large, main roll-top compartment expands from 15L to 23L
  • Rear stretch-mesh pocket with low-profile daisy chain system
  • Water bottle compatible front pockets also fold flat to store other items
  • Dual adjustable sternum straps and side straps for stability and fit
  • Integrated side compression Z-straps for varying load capacities
  • Removable foam back panel for comfort
  • Available in 2 sizes

Sizing at Chest (Unisex):

S/M: 24″ – 40″ / 58 cm – 91 cm

M/L: 32″ – 46″ / 81 cm – 112 cm

Measure wearing the clothes you intend to wear

A pack full of gear will fit smaller

 

Specs:

  • Capacity: 15L – 23L / 915 – 1403 cubic inches
  • Weight: 1 lb 3 oz / 535g
  • Dimensions: 20″ x 11.75″ x 9.5″ / 51 cm x 30 cm x 24 cm
[sc:stdad ]

#sufferbetter for spring 2015

By 1 Comment

patagonia_longhaulshirt

Anther look into new gear for 2015 is the upcoming gear from Patagonia. They introduce quite some news in the trail running range. And let me start with the most wierd one and yet the one I look most forward to test.   From sponsored atlethes they were asked if they could not do at real shirt for runners. Not a singlet, not at traditional T-sthirt. No a real shirt that you could also use in the office.

 

Patagonia Long Haul Western Shirt

The result is the Patagonia Long Haul Western Shirt with a button front easy to open on the really hot days. It is the most breathable shirt Patagonia has yet produced and with venting and odor control with technology from Polygiene.   Very interesting. But how will it perform compared to a traditional t-shirt. And what about the pockets on the breast and running with a vest or other hydration system? Time will tell.

Also new for next spring will be trail running packs the size of 10L and 15L.

And the #sufferbetter? It is a hashtag introduced by Patagonia and used on twitter, instagram and other social media platforms.

patagonia_fore_runner_vest_10 patagoniapack15

 

Also it is interesting tha Patagonia introduces a pair of nice pants with integrated belt through a small webbing.

Men’s & Women’s RPS Rock Pants

Rock, Paper, Scissors: Better your odds with the cool and confident RPS Rock Pants. The
lightest climbing pants Patagonia makes, they’re featured to pull cruxes 10 feet or 10 pitches up.

DSC_0739 DSC_0740
[sc:stdad ]

2015 Gear preview: Camelbak

By Leave a Comment

camelbakliness15

Camelbak has a new line of products comming up for 2015 for trail runners. There will be four different vests to choose from with the Camelbak Circuit being the smallest one with a 1,5 liter antidote reservoir and little space for additional gear. This one is for the shorter runs and races where you do not need to bring with you a lot of additional gear.

 

The Camelbak Marathoner is the same as we already know it. It is one of my own personal favorite vests with a nice tight fit and just enough space for gear, gels etc. for most training and races. I am glad to see this one countinue.

 

The two new Ultra vests are the 4L and 10L. Both take a 2L reservoir and additional space of two or eight litres. I saw them at Outdoor Show in Friedrichshafen, Germany and they look quite interesting, though the 10L is more of a backpack than a vest and so has quite some nice packs out there to compete with.

 

Product Details:

NEW for 2015

Ultra 10

  • Open mesh back panel for lowering core body temperature
  • Capacity: 8L + 2L Antidote Reservoir
  • MSRP $150

Ultra 4

  • Lightweight and expandable storage
  • Capacity: 2L + 2L Antidote Reservoir
  • MSRP $115

Marathoner

  • Low profile and quick external reservoir filling access
  • 2L Antidote Reservoir
  • MSRP $100

Circuit

  • Lightweight and low profile for entry-level and elite runners with open mesh back panel
  • 1.5L Antidote Reservoir
  • MSRP $85

Retail availability: January 2015
[sc:stdad ]