Hi-Tec V-LITE INFINITY HPI

Until lately a trail shoe was just that.

But the latest adventure shoe from Hi-Tec breaks down many of the trail/road barriers with amazing comfort and ridiculous light weight.

Starting at the bottom, the soles are provided by Vibram® and are lugged appropriately for off road duty. I found the shoes gave me confidence in loose conditions but were surprisingly grippy in the wet and

muck too.

The forefoot of the sole is seriously grooved, giving it amazing flex for whatever kind of running you do. Vibram® calls it Flex-Zone and the groove is angled for a natural hinge motion. The heel is slim and not overly bulky which favors a mid to fore foot strike.

The mid-sole has eight densities of foam that correspond to pressure points on the foot strike and make this shoe one of the most comfortable shoes I've worn. Period!

Admittedly there was an adjustment period, but now the marriage of my feet and these shoes are in the honeymoon stage with no end in sight. The V-Lite Infinities are nimble and have cradled my peds to the point where I can focus on the trail and the obstacles coming my way and not constantly evaluate foot comfort. I've worn them on the road too and although they might not be my first choice in the future, they are up to task on the asphalt. But point them in the ditch and here's where they shine. The uppers are seamless technology which virtually eliminate hot spots and they are coated with a microscopic water management system.

Ion mask™ technology was developed for military application but the V-Lite Infinities are the first shoes to adapt the molecular surface enhancement.

This means the shoes repel and expel water better, which keeps the weight of the shoe stable throughout the run in all running conditions. I've run in the rain and in the heat and the shoes' moisture level remains constant which means maintained comfort.

These are the shoes that inspired a few Scandinavian lads to create a new sport and an Internet sensation called Liquid Mountaineering. http://bit.ly/p4HEKN

What ever kind of running you do off the pave, take a spin in the V-Lites.

You can thank me later.

PRICE $160 CDN

2011 Giro Ionos

It has 21 vents, and 8 colour combinations and one big price tag.

It looks good except when I put it on my head and it becomes this enormous cradle around my cranium. Acutally it looks ridiculous.

Giro claims it's their most advanced road helmet and it has what it calls 'wind tunnel' ventilation. But I don't agree, it's no cooler than my five year old Limar, and it has the same number of vents.

On the positive side, the new improved Rock-loc 5 works well and is easy to use. Although the dial is teeny, compared to the rest of the helmet.

I suspect the autographed version by the seven-time TdF champ has something to do with the $300 price tag, but at half the price it's still a questionable purchase.

Honey Stinger Waffle

It's a been long debate in my house about trail food. Space packets of goop, chalky nuts and seeds or real food for endurance events.

But the disagreement has been put to rest by Honey Stinger. The Stinger Waffles are worth the hype and the money because they combine the best of space-aged food and the real thing.

They are all natural and organic. And although some contents like, organic palm fruit oil, aren't pure health food ,the good outweighs the bad.

Other ingredients are organic honey, and organic rice syrup that pack 160 calories and 21 grams of carbs.

The waffles are an adaptation from a popular Dutch traditional stroopwafel. Street vendors sandwich syrup with two thin waffles in Holland.

Honey Stinger has done a similar thing, but uses organic honey as the soft middle layer between two crispy shells.

The thing here is that they are easy to consume, taste really good, and have a palatable texture.

Each package contains one disc, good for about 30 grams and are roughly the size my palm.

They're available in two flavours, honey and vanilla and look like waffles, feel like waffles and would be great with maple syrup.

PRICE $2.50 CDN each

HiTec Granite Peak Parka

The 3-in-1 jacket has to be one of the most difficult garments to do well. Finding a mixture of fabrics and insulation to keep the bulk down and the fit acceptable can’t be easy.

In my experience the shell is often too big, and the liner is too short to go it alone. The Granite Peak parka from HiTec has turned me around though, and I should really clear out my closet of redundant outerwear to make room for this multipurpose jacket. The insulation layer is a 200-weight fleece with a wind-block for the anterior. The same fabric lines the sleeves with serves two purposes. It cuts the wind and makes sliding the jacket on much easier. I have been wearing the fleece on its own, and I find uses for each of the three exterior pockets. The ideal temperature range is about -2 Celsius to about 7 Celsius. But slide the hooded Dri-Tec shell overtop and the temperature range goes way down.

The hood is not detachable, but it does roll up nicely into the collar. I’ve worn the jacket sledding, telemarking, to shinny and in temperatures down to -22 C with poor personal insulation (cotton T-shirt) and I’ve stayed toasty.

The shell also has good water repellency, although it bears not resemblance to a ducks back, I stayed dry when I used my shower as my testing ground. I could see the G.P. parka holding up in a rain-shower just fine, but it may not be my first choice for a downpour. The Granite Peak has many attractive features, and a big one is the price.

SRP is $199.

So if you are looking for one jacket that can keep you covered for most of the year, this could be it.

Lock Laces

I can't remember the last time I tied my shoes.

All my running shoes have bungees, mostly because it makes getting in or out, much easier, especially in transition zones.

My latest testers are from Lock Laces. They feature a large pinch-lock and the usual stretchy bungees.

The cords are bound at the ends, so threading them through the shoe eyelets is a breeze.

Their website features a step-by-step installation photo gallery, so setting up a pair of shoes only takes a few minutes.

Bungee laces can ease tight spots on the top of the foot and they create even pressure throughout.

Aside from athletes the bungees are practical for kids, seniors, or those with physical limitations.

PRICE $11.00 CDN

Contera Adjusta-Pro radio chest harness

When I joined the ski patrol I was offered the use of a standard radio harness supplied by the patrol at the ski hill. But even before my first shift, I knew a community piece of equipment wasn't going to cut it. I like gear and owning my own harness is just logical. My supplies in the harness, and the same kit all the time is really important when a skier is injured and I need to know where my tape, my shears, or my gloves are.

All the above fits in the roomy pocket. I also keep a red beacon for patroling at night that wraps on a pole to mark a scene. A pen and notepad, and my 10 code cheat sheet also fit in there. A permanant marker for marking lift tickets or restocking tags goes in the pen slot beside the pocket.

On the front of the pocket is a four stage LED light with one red, and one white bulb. It has two points of adjustability and can be used to illuminate the trail or read a map. A really great additional feature is that it slides out of it's sleeve so it can go where ever you want it.

The radio pocket is easily adjustable to accomodate just about any size of radio, even the FRS.

There are a pair of elastic antenna holsters to keep it out of the way and in a vertical position.

Although the selection of radio harnesses isn't huge, the Adjusta-Pro is really the top of the heap with adjustability, simplicity and usefullness. The light puts this harness over the top.

PRICE $55 CDN

Sugoi Piston 200 Tights

It was evident to me when I saw the stock image of the Sugoi Piston 200 tights that they were a garment I really needed. Two things really jumped out at me just from the photo.

1. They would fit. Period. So many tights are long in the rise and end up doubled over to compensate for their length in the crotch. The result is a horrible fit and frustration. The rise measures 20 cm. but fits better than that number indicates.

2. Compression is my new best friend and the Piston Series was offered from my trusted garment friends at Sugoi. I've worn the socks with great success and how could I go wrong with lower body full cover. My instincts were right and these are my must have gear. I've been spreading the word since I first pulled them on. They've been on during a workout, afterwards, on a long plane ride, an equally long bus ride, to bed and for two solid telemarking days. The results were astounding, as my quads, ham-strings, and glutes really benefited from the squeeze.

They are really finely crafted too with flatlock seams, light weight, durability and compression strength.

The claims of compression ring true for me and have helped my with recovery. The company line adds improved muscle stability, and increased movement efficiency.

They feature the usual stuff too, like an interior key pocket and 3M Scotchlite reflective dots.

PRICE $90 CDN.

T-Bar Ridge

Last week I went on a day-trip to Jasper, AB. for some rippin' with Mr. Hume.

iPhone and GoPro video compiled for a sample of the day.

Kiteboarding video by thegearhound

I recently shot this video with my GoPro camera. I tried attaching the cam. Andreas' skis but it just popped off and I was lucky to find it in the spindrift.

Andreas was kind enough to hold the camera, and well....he knew what to do.

So a big thanks to him and to Ross for an afternoon well spent.

GH

Salomon S-Lab gaiters

Running in the springtime slop is similar to running the dry, dusty trail in high summer for one reason. Crap you don't want in your shoe bed, creeps in and plays spoiler.

Gaiters my friends, are the cure for this pet peeve of mine. Salomon makes their S-Labs in sizes to fit your low cut shoe with more precision. Hook and loop snug them around the ankles even further and the under-strap keeps them in place. The fabric is a light and breathable, but not resistant to snagging on the enclosure. So I refasten the H&L after use as prevention.

I have encountered resistance from runners who fear overheating, but I have yet to experience this, especially with these high quality gaiters from Salomon.

PRICE $25 CDN

Wigwam Snow Mountain Pro socks

Yes I do talk socks alot, but they are as varied and as important as the jacket or any other layer you wear specific to the activity you chase. These are ski socks, and they have developed greatly in keeping with the rest of the gear you don. Wigwam produces almost 30 pairs of snowsport socks alone.

I was drawn to the Snow Mountain Pro for the quilting on the shin. My tele boot always grind this part of my leg, but the cusioning from the sock greatly cuts down this discomfort.

The socks are everything else you expect from a ski sock; seamless, long, warm and terrific moisture management.

PRICE: about $25 CDN.

MEC Mercury Tights

Occasionally a purchase can bring about linger feelings of buyers remorse. Not for parting with your loot, but for the choice of garment you've just made.

The Mountain Equipment Co-op Mercury tights are a perfect example of this dilemma. Inexpensive, but the pros end there, and the check marks in the list of cons is lengthy.

First of all look up at the photo, see how the rise of the crotch extends to just below the nipples?. Inexcusable in 2011. Twenty years ago this may have been OK, but I can't stand an ill fitting pair of tights. The waist band should never have to be rolled over to make the fit adequate.

Secondly, after a few wears and washes, they are a saggy mess. The elasticity of the fabric is gone and they fit more like a size large than a medium.

They are fleece lined for cool weather endurance activities and have an abundance of reflective piping, but they probably won't experience fresh air again.

PRICE $49 CDN

Black Diamond Guide Gloves

I was looking for a durable and warm ski glove, and in my web search the Guide Glove kept popping up. Turns out this glove was available close to home so I have been putting them through some testing. Dexterity was high on the list too and these gloves have seams cut into the palms for greater fine motor abilities. The also have a long cuff covering the wrist, which is one place I really like to keep out of the snow.

The liners are a fluffy wool pile fabric with a Gore insert and removeable, and I've found the interior disapates the moisture really well. Few things more unpleasant than sticking your hands back into your gloves after lunch only to dicover a stinky, and soggy mess. After two straight full days on the hill recently, the finger and palm leather was salt stained, which means the interior was doing its job.

The gloves are rated to -28 C, and although I've only been to -22, my phlanges were still toasty.

Aside from the leather the remainder of the glove is a four way stretch nylon with great abrasion properties.

Thanks Santa I really love them.

PRICE $160 CDN

Terra Plana Evo running shoe

As far as minimalist shoes go, these have to be near the top of the list.

Toes are happiest when they're together and it just isn't natural to have synthetic between my tarsals so this is one of the big advantages over theVibram KSO's.

The toe box provides some wiggle room and a bit more protection than the Vibrams too.

The sole is wafer thin, (4mm) and surprisingly stiff and unnatural and they cause the Evos' to flop around at walking speed, but as the pace increases so does the performance of the shoe.

The most plush area is found in the tongue and the heel, which caused blisters in the other tester in household.

The uppers have a honeycomb design created in latex over a breathable a nylon mesh that resists light water splashes and precip.

Construction is completely glueless to shave the weight and I found the shoes to be ideal for crosstraining and balance exercises.

PRICE $160 CDN

Sugoi Firewall LT glove

I'm disappointed to see Sugoi has done nothing to improve these gloves for 2011. Mine are from last season and they are the most frustrating gloves I've ever owned, and they are the impetus for this blog.

The palm is slippery, particularly when it gets impregnated with daily grime. If I can't grip my steering wheel, how could I hang on to my ski poles. Further to that the palm synthetic fabric invites the cold, offering winter winds a warm place to come in for a visit.

My hands are unremarkable in size, but I struggled to pull them on.

The cuff had to be heavily doctored to allow my hand to fit past the narrow opening. The was a neoprene webb across the cuff to allow increased movement. I cut that out, it was a hindrance. There was velcro on the cuff too, I cut that off too. It was sewn own in reverse order and the hooks were always sticking on the terry cloth nose wipe on the thumb. The reflective decals on the back of the glove have peeled off, and now the seams are coming apart.

Sadly, with a few improvements the Firewall LT could be a great glove, because they fit so well. They fit.....well, like a glove.

PRICE $40 CDN

Crankskins Crank wrap

When you own nice stuff, you want to maintain it like the day it joined the family. At least I do. I think I take good care of my gear, and it returns the favour with years of service.

Recently I installed some DA 7800 cranks on my road ride, which are notorious for showing heal rub. Crankskins are made to keep your cranks, seat post, downtube, frame and fork protected from nicks and scrapes.

I ordered the candy red to match my frame colour, expecting to get two extra wraps sent out, but they included a checkered flag one too. Now I wouldn't be caught dead with anything that refers to auto racing, trucker hats and swill beer, but the gesture was appreciated. (must be a slow seller).

The decals are supposed to be die-cut, but mine are not and I used scissors to cut them out.

Other than that the $21 for four decals including shipping was reasonable for the duty they will perform to keep the crank arms bearing their type.

Available in a growing variety of colours, patterns and textures specific to a wide variety of road and mountain cranks.

PRICE: $15.00 USD

Sugoi Hydrolite Jacket

It seems as though fall has been upon us for a long time now, bringing dull skys, liquid sunshine and gloom. Well, if you can still muster the strength to get out of bed and straddle your bike you're gonna need a rain jacket. The Hydrolite has been my companion for the last month or so, and it's been a god-send. Packable, light and weatherproof, it's always tucked into my back pocket whether I'm on the skinnies or the fat tires. It's also a great wind block and the generous under-arm venting allows body heat to escape while your arms are extended to the handle-bars.

I haven't washed it yet, but I'm told on the delicate cycle of the washer will treat you right because after a few muddy rides the jacket has now lost its showroom luster. I'd recommend trying the jacket on to ensure a good fit in the extended position, although the fitted cut of the garment is generous in the sleeves and tail. The smoke colour is often sold out, but it may hide the dirt a bit better.

PRICE: $135 CDN

Sugoi R+R compression sock

Run or watch any race these days and you'll notice the growing number of knee highs.

It's not just a fad folks, the benefits of compression during and after running have been garnering a lot of research. Pull up the trousers of your friend the type 2 diabetic and you'll probably discover their sup. hose.

Compression increases blood flow to the extremities and aids in flushing lactic acid, hence the recovery is expedited.

In my own experience the socks are a great help in this area. Forefoot running can bring about tight calf muscles, and these socks really make a difference. I don't run in them, the padded foot bed particularly in the heel and toe isn't to my liking so they are half of the race and recovery for me.

Gregory Wasatch Daypack

My old hydration pack is over 10 years-old and is very limiting in the amount of kit I can lug around.

This pack actually belongs to my wife, but she has let me use it a few times and I've been converted. The Wasatch is beyond roomy. It has pockets in pockets and

I can carry more than enough for a run or a day hike in addition to a three litre water bladder. The mesh pockets on the belt an the side of the pack are easily accessible and add to the overall 12L capacity of the bag. All the marketing mentions the body hugging design and it didn't disappoint. I wore it recently on a five hour adventure without hardly even noticing its presence. I went through six litres of water, but the balance was superb. Apparently hydration bags have come along way in the last decade.

PRICE $83 CDN

MEC Tace Jacket (Sneak Peak)

The trail running section at most running shops has been growing over the last few years, as runners discover the joys of trails that were formerly the domain of mountain bikers. The Mountain Equipment Co-op has become keenly aware of this, and they even put up presenting sponsorship for the 5 Peaks trail runnning series. With that said, the MEC has been upping the ante with their shoe selection and collection of endurance apparel. The new Tace Jacket is part of the push to get on the trails.

My tester arrived recently and I have been doing it all in the Royal blue packable jacket. It's super light, and aptly named when the weather turnes nasty. Tace means armor, and I needed it on a short run recently when the showers came, then the rain, and finally the hail. I was soaked everywhere except for what was covered by this jacket. Water literally fell off the nylon shell. It also cuts the wind, but the generous pit and back venting has an amazing cooling effect. The Tace is boxy and I am a tailored jacket man myself so the cut feels loose, but it fits. There is an elastic wrist, and pull tabs for the waist which has more drape in rear. Reflective tabs mark the shoulders, back and left sleeve. A single slash pocket near the right kidney is MP3 ready. This jacket has already seen alot of action and with the summer dwindling,it's not going to let up any time soon.

PRICE $82 CDN