Category Archives: Product Reviews

01.04.13
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Which Merrell Barefoot

So where do you even start to begin when you want to buy a Merrell Barefoot shoe? I think I’ve heard the question “Which Merrell Barefoot shoe do I get?” at least a hundred times in my line of work so hopefully this blog post will help you make the right decision.

The unique concept about Merrell Barefoot shoes is their soles. Adapting the Vibram rubbers they’ve created their own tread made specifically for either road or trail running. Of course, this doesn’t specifically mean its a running shoe, Merrell Barefoot created a more conventional looking shoe so that you could wear it out as a walking shoe around the city or perhaps go bushwalking. But let’s discuss it from a runner’s point of view for a moment. What would you say to a runner who was considering both shoes?

Appearance

Let’s all be honest here. A traditional running shoe doesn’t exactly treat to kindly to the eye but we all secretly go out there trying to find ourselves a nice looking running shoe. Merrell Barefoot have taken this thought into consideration and created a somewhat more conventional looking shoe so that you could wear it when you’re walking around the city as well.

Road Tread

Trail Tread

Now that you’ve seen the two soles, what could possibly be the difference between the two? Everything! Okay, not everything, it still is a fairly similar shoe but the key differences in these two shoes are really specifically made for the environment it’s in.

Fit

For example, the Trail Glove ties up tighter around the neck of the shoe to ensure that sticks and stones don’t fall in, similar concept of the Vibram FiveFingers KSO model, whereas the Road Glove has a looser feel to them. Not that you’ll be slipping out of your Road Gloves any time soon but the model was made that it didn’t need to be so tight around the neck because there was a less likely chance of rocks and sticks getting in compared to the Trail Glove.

The Trail Glove is noticeably tighter around the arch as well, as if there is an invisible band around the shoe, keeping your foot fairly snug as you run. This could be the game changer when it comes to choosing between the two models. If you have a narrow foot, you’ll find the snugness no problem to handle with, even someone with a normal foot will notice the snugness but not enough for you to be annoyed by it but if you have a wide an flat foot, this could be a problem. If this is the case, the Road Glove may be the one to go for.

Tread

The tread of the Trail Glove is much more prominent, imagine it to be somewhat similar to cleats but not as technical, this allows traction for when running through loose gravel and dirt in comparison to the Road Glove, which has a smoother sole which although doesn’t allow the same traction on trail, still has incredible grip on the sole to allow traction on the road. Now here’s the thing, everyone is always looking for the golden shoe. The one that allows you to do anything and everything, for example, if you’re a runner like I am, you’d want to be able for your feet to take you everywhere, whether it be running from road to dirt or road to trails, you’d want to make sure your shoe can handle it all. The good thing that I have been informed about is that I’ve had customers who run in the Trail Glove on the road and still absolutely love it; it goes for the Road Gloves too. Merrell’s ability to create a shoe that allows you to run in a variety of environments, in my books is a great shoe.

With a great fit, good looks and amazing versatility, it is hard to choose between the two models but as the name states, each model is made for it’s use and I think the best way to choose between the two models is where you’ll be running more in and to know that even if you decide to run in a different environment, you’ll be able to with no troubles.

 

12.21.12
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Skora Footwear

Skora is a new running company that have been around for about three to four years now. Although being a zero drop shoe, it isn’t exactly as ultra minimal as some other shoes are out there. So for the barefoot fans, Skora is a good cushioning option for a long race but if you were keen on a super barefoot feel than it may not be the one you are after. Either way, here’s a few details about Skora and maybe that way you can make the decision for yourself.

Run Real is more than a statement, it is a way of conducting business. They believe that runners are smarter than most brands give them credit for. They are free-thinking and challenge conventional wisdom. They believe in common sense, rational principles and challenging the status-quo.

SKORA Running Video from SKORA INC. on Vimeo.

At SKORA they view Real Running as running how nature intended – efficient, effective and with ease. As the foot strikes the ground, contact is made in the middle of the foot, not at the heel. Running with a whole-foot gait results in less impact energy and force shock transmitted through the body than compared to the heel strike gait favored by conventional running shoes (built with large amounts of cushioning, support and a thicker heel).

For years, they have been sold technology that is supposed to make the running process better than nature has intended. Despite the millions of marketing dollars spent, and countless studies, there has yet to be any conclusive proof that bags of air, gel, shock absorbers or fancy support systems work or decrease instance of injury. In fact, there are many studies that show the opposite.

There is indeed now a movement towards products that encourage more natural running form. Some call it “barefoot”, “minimal” or “natural” or “free”.

If you look closely however, you will find most of these products are little different than the running shoes built and sold with “advanced technical features” for years. “Natural” shoes that have thick heels and TPU shanks? Proprietary technical cushioning systems? Doesn’t sound so “natural”, does it?

At SKORA, they reject the terms “minimal”, “natural”, or “barefoot-style” when it comes to running. They believe there is only one way to run that respects our bodies — simply put, it is Real Running. Nothing more, nothing less.

Run Real.


“Running ability is programmed into the human DNA. For millions of years, we have run from danger and towards the things we seek. As humans, we innately know how to run — we Run Real.”

Real Running is not a new program, proprietary technique, or something they invented. Real Running is their honest, open solution to the confusion over terms like “barefoot”, “minimal”, “natural” and “free” styles of running.

 

At SKORA, they look at things differently. They believe that running shoes should be built to encourage running performance that is as biomechanically correct as possible, with minimal interference. SKORA’s footwear lets people run naturally. Run Real is their philosophy and they stand by it.

SKORA is a new company with a new vision and philosophy. This means that they can do things differently and are not in a position of trying to follow all the marketing and design practices that are the foundation of conventional athletic brands and products.

Run Real is more than a statement, it is a way of conducting business. They believe that runners are smarter than most brands give them credit for. They are free-thinking and challenge conventional wisdom. They believe in common sense, rational principles and challenging the status-quo.

 

12.19.12
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New Balance Minimus Zero: 9 Things You Should Know

1. Minimal means many things.
“From the start, we envisioned creating a range of “minimal” within the collection in order to satisfy the interests and needs of a broad spectrum of runners. The response to our original 10 series product (4mm drop) has been terrific, but we know that there are many runners who are intensely interested in zero drop products. There are good reasons why a runner might prefer one style over the other – and we ultimately want to support them both and more.”

2. ‘Zero’ refers to more than just the size of the drop.
“We define our NB Minimus collection by 3 measures: weight, stack height and the heel-to-toe drop. Those are the levers that we can pull to create different levels of minimal product. In addition to the reduced drop, NB Minimus Zero products also feature lower stack heights and weights than the 10 series – 6.4 oz for NB Minimus Zero Road and 4.4 oz for NB Minimus Zero Trail.”

3. Zero wouldn’t have been possible without the first round of NB Minimus product.
“We definitely learned a lot in the process of making the first NB Minimus product. I don’t think we’ve ever done more prototype rounds on a shoe than the MT10!”

4. We’ve had too many ideas to fit into just one model.
“We had some ideas for the 10 series that we weren’t able to execute at the time. You’ll begin to see those on the NB Minimus Zero product. One example is the coring of the midsole on the Zero that greatly reduces weight and provides amazing flexibility. In fact, we had an idea for the original product that we are still working on for the third evolution of NB Minimus in 2013.”

5. These shoes are going to make you work for it.
“The NB Minimus Zero series product is for runners who are looking to go even more minimal – more ground feel, more independent foot movement, less weight. The Trail Zero is particularly minimal. It will really force the runner to pay attention to how they are running because the shoe won’t be doing any of the work for them.”

6. You’re going to want to come prepared.
“We would recommend the NB Minimus Zeros to runners who are already experienced with minimal trainers. NB Minimus Zero would be a big departure for people who are running in traditional shoes – even more so than our current line. The zero drop is only part of the minimal equation that runners should note. We have significantly reduced the amount of foam and rubber underfoot.”

7. Zero drop is going to be an adjustment for a lot of people.
“Transition times vary per person, but it’s important that even experienced minimal runners make transitions cautiously. Incorporate more minimal products slowly into your running schedule and be hyper-aware of what you are feeling in your feet, ankles and calves. We also highly recommend employing Good Form Running techniques while using minimal shoes.”

8. NB Minimus is inspiring updates in other running shoes.
“In general, we’ve found that runners are increasingly interested in more neutral platforms. We have taken this thinking into other areas of our running product line and have expanded our use of non-traditional off-sets. In Spring 2012, we’ll launch 2 key performance updates that will move from a 12mm to an 8mm drop.”

9. And even in some places that don’t have anything to do with running.
“You’ll definitely see that influence in other products…you’ve already seen it with NB Minimus Life and NB Minimus Training.”

12.19.12
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New Balance Product Release

Adventure Megastore has become the first in the world to grab a hold of New Balance‘s brand new release of their latest products.

You will have noticed in the last few posts the different styles that New Balance have released but here you’ll receive a more in depth post about each and every one of those styles.

What makes it Minimus?

LOWER DROP
Drop is the difference between heel height and toe height. Minimus features a range of drops to encourage a more natural foot position.

WIDER TOE BOX
The wider forefoot allows your foot to expand naturally on impact.

LOWER STACK HEIGHT
To maximize closer-to-barefoot feel, Minimus has no insert, minimal midsoles & outsoles, and is engineered to encourage mid-foot strikes.

LIGHTWEIGHT
Because Minimus contains only what is necessary, it’s almost 50% lighter than traditional lightweight shoes.

*Caution: This product should be introduced slowly into a running exercise routine. New Balance recommends limiting initial use to 10% of overall running workouts and very gradually increasing time and distance. This product increases the strain on the foot, calf, and Achilles tendon. Overuse of this product or use for activities outside of running and walking may increase the risk of sustaining injury.

Now let us introduce you to the new range!

1. New Balance Minimus Road MR10 – Mens

2. New Balance Minimus Road WR10 – Womens

3. New Balance Minimus Trail T10 – Mens

4. New Balance MT810 Trail Running – Mens

5. New Balance MW995 Walking Shoes – Mens

10.19.12
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Spartan Race & Obstacle Race Shoes – What to Wear

The Spartan Obstacle Race offers races of varying distances and difficulty ranging from 1 mile (1.6 km) to marathon distances: the Spartan Sprint (5+ km of obstacle racing), the Super Spartan (13+ km), the Spartan Beast (19+ km), and the Ultra Beast (42+ km – one of two marathon obstacle courses along with Mudderthon). Spartan Race also has a time-trial obstacle course race that is one mile in length, and has a military series in which obstacles are designed by the United States military.

Spartan Race’s parent company, Peak Races, hosts the Spartan Death Race, 48+ hour extreme test of endurance and resilience. In a Spartan Race event, “participants will confront obstacles ranging from extreme to absurd that gain their inspiration from sources as varied as Spartan training, Navy SEAL training and American Gladiators”. ESPN describes the Spartan Race as “a true test of will.

It’s important to have the right shoes so you can be prepared for this demanding race. You’ll have maximum grip in these extremely light shoes!

 

1. Bare-Grip 200

Inov-8 Bare Grip 200 (ON SALE)
The freedom and sensation of barefoot running but the grip of an all conquering off trail shoe. Incredibly light and responsive, the bare-grip™ 200 simply screams “SPRINT ME, RACE ME” when you lace it up…and boy, does it deliver! Uniquely the ZERO Arrow Shoc-Zone™ bare-grip™ 200 does not have a midsole, so all the natural power and speed of the foot is transferred directly through the shoe. The closest you can get to barefoot running in a harsh off road trail environment.

Weight 200g / 7oz (UK8)

2. X-Talon 190

Inov-8 X-Talon 190 Red - Unisex
This shoe will redefine expectations for elite runners looking for the highest levels of proprioception and the most natural foot position. Featuring a 3mm differential between the forefoot and heel and a 3mm footbed, the X-Talon™ 190 ensures that your foot remains closer to the ground in its most stable position.

Weight 190g / 6.7oz (UK8)

3.  Inov-8 X-Talon 212

Inov-8 X-Talon 212 Silver / Amber - Unisex

More World Championship wins than any other shoe in off road running. The optimum combination of minimal weight, stability and grip as well as a durable and protective upper.

4. Inov-8 Roclite 285

Inov-8 Roclite 285 Red / Slate - Unisex

A lightweight and versatile trail shoe designed for maximum performance in both races and training. The reinforced toe box protects the foot and shoe upper from any unexpected terrain.

5. Vibram Fivefingers Spyridon

Vibram Fivefingers Spyridon Black / Green - Mens

The Spyridon with its 3.5mm Vibram rubber sole allows a better grip in the trail. It has an aggressive tread design for solid grip and the midsole has a nylon mesh that spreads the impact from a rock over a wider area, offering a better protection from rocks, roots and any other trail objects you may encounter without sacrificing the barefoot experience.

6. Vibram Fivefingers Trek Sport

Vibram Fivefingers Trek Sport Black - Mens

The FiveFingers TrekSport is designed with rugged, high-performance materials to help maximize your outdoor experience. With abrasion-resistant Coconut Active Carbon in the upper for natural breathability, 4mm EVA in the midsole for plating protection, and a lightly cleated 4mm Vibram® performance rubber outsole for extra traction on a variety of terrain.

09.25.12
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Injinji Toe Socks for Vibram Fivefingers and Barefoot Shoes

Let’s face it, Vibram Fivefingers can smell pretty bad after awhile.

Injinji Lightweight Performance Series Mini Crew

While I have heard of all sorts of crazy methods to reduce that smell (denture tablets are a common one), the most practical way to keep the smells at bay is to wear socks with your shoes. Now I know for some it takes away from the barefoot feeling and obviously if you are wearing Five Fingers, then not any old sock is ideal either; they need to have toes pockets.

Size Chart for Injinji Toe Socks

Size Chart for Injinji Toe Socks

There are lots of toe socks on the market, however, I can not recommend enough the Injinji Lightweight Performance series. Made from 75% CoolMax, 22% Nylon and 3% Lycra, the Lightweight Performance is comfortable, super lightweight and flexible. It feels as if you are not wearing anything at all. Injinji comes in small, medium, large and extra large and have a really accurate sizing chart on their website.

The biggest benefit of Injinji is its superior wicking abilities. They hold hardly any water; even if you are have soaked them running through numerous puddles and creeks. They also protect with odor control, which is the biggest benefit of wearing them inside running shoes as opposed to being completely barefoot. The sock itself is not designed to provide warmth. However, it is so thin that if a person in wearing them in colder weather, it is possible to put two pairs on and not compromise on the fit or performance.

This sock is really versatile and can help to reduce friction in the running shoe, helping to eliviate blisters and hot spots. There is some extra material at the back of the heel cup which allows for the Achilles to be protected. They work really well with conventional running shoes as well as barefoot models. It also works really well as a liner in hiking shoes.

For those of you looking for something to keep your feet warm yet are still lightweight, you could try the Nuwool version in the Lightweight series. Wool makes an excellent choice for warmth and best of all it does an excellent job at wicking moisture and preventing blisters

Injinji Lightweight Performance No Show in Gulf Blue

Injinji Lightweight Performance No Show in Gulf Blue

Weather you go for the CoolMax or NuWool, these socks really are comfortable and for those of you may not be a fan of the smells that come with your barefoot running shoes, these would be my reccomendation for keeping your feet fresh, clean and dry. They come in a range of lenghts (No Show, Mini Crew and Crew). The Injinji Lightweight in No Show is the perfect interface to compliment any of the current minimal footwear offerings such as the Vibram Five Fingers, Merrell Barefoot, and New Balance Minimus. As well as the basic black, white and grey, there are now some really funky colours to choose from such as Mariner Blue and Fresh Green.

08.25.12
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BlackWolf Tempo Day Pack

The BlackWolf Tempo comes in three sizes to suit any adventure from daytrips to lightweight overnighters (30, 40 and 50 litres). Hikes into the wilderness require slightly more than just a carry-bag, what with extra layers of clothing, some provisions, plenty of liquids and a host of other little extras needing accommodation. But regardless of whether that journey is a day trip or if it will involve an overnight stay, packing as lightly as possible is a priority.

 

Lighweight and boasting an air light harness and vented foam shoulder straps, extreme comfort over long distances is just one attractive attribute. The BlackWolf Tempo also has an internal organiser and compression straps to ensure the maximum advantage is taken in filling all the space available. Its mesh waterbottle pockets make your liquid supply accessible and easy to carry, while built-in raincover means everything inside is kept dry, even if you are not.

Features:

  • #10 zipper
  • Built in Raincover
  • Compression Straps
  • External Headphone Port
  • Hydration Compatible
  • Internal Organiser
  • Mesh Waterbottle Pockets
  • Music Pouch
  • Night Reflective Daisyloop
  • Padded shoulder strap
  • Padded Waist Strap
  • Removable key Clip
  • Sternum Strap
08.17.12
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Keen Gypsum Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

From beaches to mountains to city streets, Keen believes the outdoors is anyplace without a ceiling. Keen believes in living a HybridLife, which means being part of a greater community that is full of people who create possibilities, play in the outdoors and care for the world around them, follow the trail farther afield in the Gypsum Mid, an all-terrain boot built with the technology to take you there. Featuring a wide, 4mm lugged outsole, a KEEN.Zorb strobel and KEEN.DRY waterproof breathable membrane, the Gypsum Mid delivers the stability, comfort and moisture management needed for overnight hikes and winter ascents.

The waterproof Keen Gypsum Mid hiking boots have long-lasting construction to keep feet protected during long treks featuring:

  • Waterproof nubuck leather uppers offer ample durability, flexibility and breathability for lasting comfort on and off the trail
  • KEEN.DRY™ waterproof breathable membranes keep feet dry while allowing perspiration to dissipate before it saturates the inside of the shoe
  • Patented rubber Toe Guards protect feet and uppers from impacts and abrasion
  • Removable Metatomical EVA footbeds are shaped to provide ample cushioning and arch support; can also accommodate orthotics
  • Compression-molded EVA midsoles offer shock-absorption and padding for all-day comfort
  • External thermoplastic urethane heel stabilizers support feet on impact, dissipate shock and reduce the chance of twisting an ankle
  • Supportive ESS thermoplastic urethane plates provide torsional stability and protection from uneven and rocky terrain
  • Gypsum Mid hiking boots have nonmarking rubber outsoles with aggressive 4mm multidirectional lugs to deliver durability and traction
05.23.12
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The OxFam Trailwalker: Make it blister-free!


The Oxfam Trailwalker Sydney is fast approaching on the 24-26 August 2012. 550 teams will walk 100km from the Hawkesbury to the Harbour to raise money for charity. Big distances often conjure up one painful thought – blisters! Thankfully there is a sure-fire way to ‘no’ to blisters with the Injinji sock range, in addition to a good hiking shoe!

On first appearance, you will notice that they have the toes separated. Not only that, but they do so using Coolmax.

Coolmax wicks away moisture and prevents blistering. These anti friction fibres systematically move perspiration away from your feet and through the fabric, allowing you to feel cooler. The individual toe sockets also mean there is less skin-to-skin contact, which means prevents corns and blisters.

It also features a seamless anatomic design, so it is structured around every contour of the foot. This means no hot spots, bunching or slipping (which could also create blister points).

I’m not saying these are the miracle preventative to blisters, but they sure as hell do a good job. We have a huge range of Injinji socks online and in store. We also have shoe specialists in store to help fit you into the right hiking shoe for you. Whether you have a wide or narrow foot, we will find the shoes and socks for you. So come say ‘hello’ to Injinji socks (and us, while you’re at it) and ‘no’ to blisters today!

Yours in a blister-free life,

BareFoot Gen

03.12.12
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Heads Up: The New Balance Minimus T20

It is very difficult to keep up with the new brands/models/styles into the Barefoot Running market. Obviously, as barefoot enthusiasts, we love to see what is new out there and what the footwear companies are doing next. Here is a heads up about the newest offering from New Balance in their Minimus range, the T20.

Following on from the T10 and T00, this latest creation has a 4mm drop and continues to utilise the Vibram sole. I feel this shoe is almost a hybrid of its two predecessors. The T00 was so exciting when it first arrived on our shelves. Aesthetically, it looked really nice and is still probably the coolest looking shoe within the Barefoot Running circle. However, the shoe itself was almost too light at a mere 90 grams. It is ideal as a racing shoe. However, for the normal, everyday trail runner, the lack of shoe meant that its durability was scrutinised.  The T20 sits between the T10 and T00 at 167 grams for the men’s version and 130 grams for the women’s.

The T00 had a roomier toe box and removed the constricting band around the front of the foot that was featured in the T10. Unfortunately, the overall performance of the T00 was disappointing as it felt too light and vunerable for the trails. Entering into the area is the Minimus T20. We were lucky enough to get to try this shoe out in store and I was very impressed. Lightweight but strong, despite it’s minimal design, the T20 feel sturdy on the foot and the attention to rugged construction is evident.

New Balance is definitely noticing what works and what isn’t in their trail shoe. The T20 has a combination of features from the T10 and T00, which make it an attractive offering. Like the T00, the shoe is still light and flexible, thanks to the interwoven upper. It looks just as cool in my opinion. There also seems to be more toe protection in this model compared to both the previous.

One of the best things about this shoe is the sole unit, which is more like that of the T10. Reinforced with a Vibram outsole and combined with the extra weight in the shoe, it seems a lot more durable and hardwearing than the sole on the T00. It allows for an excellent balance between a barefoot feel and providing protection from sharp rocks and glass. It also gives great traction without the need for a large tread profile.

This shoe feels so nice on. It still feels like your foot is protected on the outside like a conventional running shoe. Extreme barefoot runners, who want to be as close to the ground as possible, will probably not be a fan, however, this shoe does give you that almost barefoot feeling on the trails. It is extremely comfortable and could be an excellent shoe for somebody who wants to try barefoot running for the first time. It would also be ideal if you’re looking for versatility, as a shoe that will work as a jogger and as an everyday shoe. New Balance has done an excellent job in designing the latest edition to the Minimus range. We await its arrival in Australia (around July we have been informed) with huge anticipation.

 

 

02.14.12
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Coming Very Soon: The Merrell Road Glove

We got to look at the samples of the Merrell Road Glove last year and are excited that it is due to arrive in store in the next couple of weeks. If you are after a minimalist running shoe for the road, the Merrell Road Glove is an excellent choice. As one of Merrell’s newest edition, this shoe has all the benefits for of the Trail Glove but has been developed and tweaked based on customer feedback from the barefoot community. This seems to be something that the people at Merrell take very seriously and it is great to see that they are designing shoes based on what people want rather than what they believe people want.

Some of the New Merrell Running Shoes including the Road Glove (3rd and 4th from end)

Design

The Road Glove is definately a more refined version of the Trail Glove. The biggest improvement is that the sole itself does not touch the arch of the foot. This allows for the foot to flex more naturally in the shoe, making it feel more minamilist, yet still providing protection. The upper is a little sofer and feels smoother, allowing for a more comfortable run. It seems to

be the middle ground between the Trail Glove and the Sonic Glove, still allowing for good ventalation of the foot. The shape of the Road Glove is anatomatically friendly. It has a wide toe box and a narrow heel which allows for the foot to feel secure but still allows for the toes to spread and increase stability.

Merrell Road Glove in Lime Zest

Merrell Road Glove in Twilight

 

The sole unit has been designed with a Zero-drop and has been described as pancake flat. The aggressive treads that are so effective on the Trail Glove are obviously not suitable for this road runner. Therefore, the sole unit for the Road Glove has been designed with flat thread. This is the most significant improvement to the Road Glove that allows for groundfeel when landing on a flat surface. The sole unit also allows for excellent traction on the road. The Vibram sole has similarities to that of the KSO Trek. It has enough rubber to protect the foot, yet still providing the feeling of barefoot on the ground.

 

Functions

The shoe is has been designed to be a road running version of the Trail glove. Merrell have taken on board the feedback they received for the Trail Glove and have designed a very decent road running shoe. Mimamilist running shoes should feel as if there is no shoe there at all and to achieve a more natural gait. The Road Glove does meet this expectation and is a good choice in mind for anyone who is interested in minamilist running and is a great alternative to the VFF’s.

What makes it even better is the functionality of this shoe could extend from road running. This shoe wiould be an ideal choice for a minamilist CROSSFIT shoe. It also works really well as a comfortable casual shoe for everyday wear. Giving the similarities to the KSO, I would expect that the Road Glove would be a running shoe that you would get excellent wear out of. As you can probably tell I am eagerly awaiting this shoe to arrive in the next couple of weeks. For those who loved the feeling of the Trail Glove, the smoother feeling of the Road Glove is even better.

03.02.11
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Sea to Summit NylonTarp Poncho

Sea to Summit Tarp Poncho

The nylonTarp Poncho from Sea to Summit is a handy item to include in your kit on occasions when you need a tarp to sleep under or as an emergency shelter.  The Tarp Poncho is not only a tarp or poncho, but a pack cover, tent awning or ground sheet!  The Poncho is constructed of a lightweight waterproof fabric which is double stitched and tape sealed and is great in temperate conditions where you may sweat too much in a traditional rain jacket.  It includes a peaked hood and the poncho is plenty big enough to cover a large backpack while wearing it.  The poncho easily converts into a 2 person tarp shelter and has reinforced attachment points for guy ropes etc.  Weighing in at only 367grams it is a great addition to your kit for emergencies and it wont break your back carrying it.

01.21.11
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The team head out for an overnight hike




A quick photo of some of the team outside the shop as they set out for a quick, overnight hiking trip.

They are just heading an hour south of the city for a short hike and overnight camping adventure.

Gavin and Vinnie are leading the trip taking along Diana & Angelina (with Richard and Daniel joining as well).

No doubt we will hear the tales on Monday!

11.01.10
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My Favourite Trekking Sandal – Ecco Offroad

** Again, I’ll preface this blog post with an open confession that I am a devout Ecco shoe fan.. I own 5 pairs and my kids (as you will see in the pics already have 6 between them – and they are only 2 and 4 years old..)**

Ecco Offroad Sandal - Review

I’ll start off by saying that I genuinely believe that the Ecco Offroad Sandals (mens/womens) are one of the most complete trekking sandals on the market. I have numerous sandals – samples from suppliers and others that I have purchased over the years – and I have not found a more comfortable and capable pair of sandals than these.

I’ve had my pair for 2 years now. I’ve worn them lots. I’ve taken them travelling through Europe, camping at every opportunity, I’ve windsurfed in them (off a coral beach/cove), done some day hikes in them, worn them while carrying my oldest (approx 20kg) son in a baby carrier/baby backpack – and even worn them to some nice restaurants!!

They have been great. I find that the multi-adjustment points (across the toe, arch and heel) allow me to get a perfect fit depending on the time of day and conditions I am in (eg. I had to tighten them up all the way when I was using them in the water and loosen them when wearing them with socks on the plane!).

Ecco Offroad Sandal - Review 2Ecco Offroad Sandal - Review 3

The Receptor sole unit is fantastic. They give me as much comfort and support as any of the hiking boots I have but are still quite flexible across the forefoot (a trademark of the Ecco fit).

As for quality – I can’t complain (in fact, this is one of the remarkable factors). As you can see from the images, 2 years of use has been pretty good on them. I am pretty hard on them too – they’ve been caked in mud from various camping trips, drowned in salt-water, burnt by the sun and generally worn hard).

The suede footbed has worn exceptionally well and the outersole looks (to me) like they’ve only been worn a few months. I admit, I should have been conditioning the upper straps with a proper wax to avoid some of the fading, but I kind of like that look. Regardless, proper care will ensure that the leather straps continue to last and not crack as time passes. I’ll probably use the Ecco Leather Conditioner – or even the Nikwax Leather Conditioner we have in stock.

Ecco Offroad Sandal - Review 4

All in all, I am thrilled with these sandals. Take a look at the pics to see what I mean.

Any questions – or comments, feel free to contact me.

Anthony.

Ecco Sandal Family

Ecco Sandal Family

10.13.10
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Adventure Trip Report- Yosemite National Park, California

I managed to get enough time off during the end of California’s summer season to sneak in a week-long hike trough Yosemite National Park. I spent 7 days and 6 nights completing 80 km.

I put tons of Adventure Meagstore’s products to the test, with my favorite brands being Sea To Summit, Merrell, Platypus, The North Face, Black Diamond, X Socks and Smartwool. My favorite product was my Merrell Moab Ventilators which left me with no blisters or foot issues, while also providing the best grip I’ve ever experienced. I’m sure its has a lot to do with Vibram soles, but I was amazed.

10.11.10
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Superfast in my Dunlop Volleys!!

So, today I went back to school – in my choice of shoes, at least.

Dunlop Volley Shoes Smartwool PHD socks

Anthony in his Dunlop Volley Shoes & Smartwool PHD socks

I used to run in Dunlop Volleys all through high school. They were simple and cheap, given my ever growing feet.

I won’t go through the details, but suffice to say, I have tried every range of shoes on the market.

Lately though, I have been running pretty much exclusively in one of my 4 FiveFingers (Classics, Sprints, Treks and Speeds).

My kids wear Volley’s and I bought a pair so I’d have the same shoes as them (tragic dad, I know). I ran in to work today (approx 5kms) and smashed my time by almost 4mins (5.2km run, today’s time: 29.42mins)

It’s a funny run, half barefoot, half shod. There is a bit of cushioning, but no support. I found I would heel strike a little more than in my Five’s but generally kept up my technique throughout the run.

I am a fan.

It’s not quite the raw barefoot experience that I love, but a decent change – and certainly closer to barefoot than to shod.

.. quite happy with my time too!

(Oh, and as you can see from the pic – I chose to run in my Smartwool PHD’s, as reviewed in another post earlier..)

08.31.10
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X-Socks Trekking Silver

First Test:

X-Socks Trekking Silver

My first impressions of the Trekking Silver’s was somewhat mixed. I wasn’t sure how much a thin thread of silver could affect the overall performance of the sock. The first couple of days the material was very coarse, and I wasn’t sure I was going to like them. My favorite type of socks tend to be 50-60% wool, mostly favoring Smartwool, so I was going into the test very critical.

Pros:
X socks are designed with unique features found in no other sock. The company spends a ton of money on research and development to make their socks perform very different from other styles. Most of their active socks have various air conditioning channels to help dry and ventilate. Another feature that’s aids the drying process is the air guides that push moisture across the whole surface of the sock. Both of these features were really noticeable and defiantly keep my feet dry throughout the day.

At the end of the day I found the socks to have very little stench and smell. The company uses a silver wrapped thread which has been proven to reduce bacteria growth. Overall, they performed equally to wool socks, which are known to not hold smells. So I was pleased to note that there are other fabrics to help aid bacteria growth and smells.

Cons:
Some cons are that the material was very coarse compared to wool socks in the same thickness.

Conclusions:
I would like to try these socks on a long extended hike in hot conditions to see how those air channels and air guides really perform. Venturing into a different brand and materials was a very big jump for me, but it was nice to feel something extremely different, in a good way.

http://www.x-socks.com/#/site/products/x-socks/trekking-hiking-hunting/trekking-silver/135395

08.30.10
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Hiking Sock A Day Competition

For the week of August 30th to September 3rd, Anthony and I plan to wear different socks each day and give our opinions on how each one performs. I will update the site each morning to give our beginning and final thoughts of each product.

The testing of the socks will be done in store, so I’ll be judging the socks in a more day to day type environment. While, I wish I could try each sock out on the trail the reality is most of our staff are always working. So why not rate them on their ability to perform in the city rather than the trails.  

But stay tuned to my upcoming posts about how various socks perform in my 5 day trip to Yosemite, California.

The socks being tested are

Gavin’s Selection:
  • X-Socks Hiking Silver
  • Smartwool PhD Heavy Hiker
  • Merino-Tec Ankle socks
  • Injinji Coolmax
  • Smartwool Hiker Light
Anthony’s Selection:
  • Smartwool PhD running
  • X-Socks Run Sky Run
  • X-Socks Trekking silver
  • Lifesocks Baseplus
  • Injinji Outdoor Hiker

08.26.10
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Hiking Food Ideas

Hiking Food – Packing Healthy Camping Meals

Part I

This short intro to hiking food for camping and trekking will assist you in planning healthy and delicious meals for long extended trips.

Calorie intake is regarded as a very important issue when hiking through the back country, especially on longer extended trips. Food provides the body with essential energy and nutrition to keep us going strong on the trails. With a poor managed diet, one can lose the mental and physical attributes that hiking requires for an enjoyable experience.

Planning an extended week long trip menu is very important for the mind as well as the body. Some items the staff and I like to take are dishes that have a very high calorie intake for the weight of the item. The ratio between weight and calories is something that should always be noted. If you’re crazy like me, you can start a nice list in Microsoft Excel detailing all the food you intend to take with their corresponding calories, proteins, sugars or any other relevant information to help organise the diet. While this isn’t a complete guide to food choice it definitely helps you to understand that food choice can make a hiking trip much more enjoyable.

Here is a list of some of the vital points that must be considered when deciding on your trekking food:

  • Items that have a large amount of heavy or bulky packaging will greatly increase weight and excess trash. (Anything canned and huge bags of potato chips)
  • Recipes and dishes that can be semi-prepared at home will reduce cooking time on the trail. For example, you can replace cumbersome packaging of items such as couscous recipes by placing them in zip lock freezer bags. You can also add your own herbs and spices this way!
  • Foods that are not perishable will last longer and are normally much easier to pack. Find alternatives to fresh veggies and meats such as dried or dehydrated food.
  • Recipes that reduce the usage of gas and time on the stove will make your gas canister go that extra mile. E.g- couscous, freeze dried, dehydrated.
  • Avoid food with high sodium, salt, and artificial additives.  You’ll find that many of the freeze dried meals have a huge amount of sodium and preservatives so be aware. This is where your Excel table will come in handy!

Some of the items I like to take:

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
Oats Tuna Packet (Not in a can) Ben’s Rice
Cereal/Powered Milk Beef Jerky Couscous
Oats Bars/Breakfast Bars Instant Noodles Instant Noodles
Dried Fruit Cheese Sun Dried Tomatoes
Instant Pancake mix Bread/Tortillas/Pitas/Flat Bread Homemade Dehydrated Veggies
Dried Eggs Peanut Butter Summer sausage/Pepperoni
Instant Mac ‘n’ Cheese

We try to stress buying the majority of your items at the local Asian grocery store, Coles, or Woolworths. This method will reduce the cost of each meal compared to those pricey unhealthy freeze dried meals.

I have had good success with a budget food dehydrator which can found at Myer or online for more professional models. They offer a hiker a great resource for gourmet recipe building, especially for larger groups. One of these units can pay for itself in a matter of 5-6 batches. Each freeze-dried meal can cost around $12-$14, making a 7 night back country trip more expensive than it has to be. By doing it yourself you can reduce costs, control your calorie intake and enjoy your camping food that much more!

Stay tuned for part II