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

Inov-8 Debris Gaiter

I've mentioned before how much I enjoy running trials intended for bikes or hiking. Time passes quickly when I am placing my strides to avoid the pitfalls of the trails. Dirt, stones and dust are part of the gig right?, sure but outside my shoe. I have been trying out these Debris Gaiters for a while and they are super. They don't add heat to my feet, they just keep junk out. They attach to the laces with a hook, and under the sole with two replaceable rubber laces. They are water repellent and quick drying so they are like a sock over my sock. They come in three sizes and their low price make them a must have for running off-road.

PRICE $20 CDN

Skinz Road Bike Protector

I just dragged my road bike 1200km across the Rockies and back for some riding on the beautiful roads of the Columbia Valley. Even after my mishap with a garage door earlier this year, I still believe transporting a bike on a roof rack is the best way to go. The trouble is on the highway with bugs and stones messing up the front of your ride. My last cover from Sci-Con implodes after one highway journey and the choices in this niche market are pretty slim. Enter the Skinz protector. It covered the bars and the forks generously and nylon strapping secured around the load bars of the rack. Velcro strapping is also found near the saddle and the stem to keep in in place at high speed.

The entire protector folds up nicely into a pouch that doubles as the seat protector when the Skinz is in use. Durability has not been an issue yet but I suspect long exposure to the sun, and rain will weaken the lycra.

Skinz makes a wide variety of bike covers for the roof and the rear hitch.

PRICE about $80 CDN

Drymax Maximum Protection Crew

I have tender tootsies, and the older I get the more cantankerous they become. As a result, my peds have kept me from running longer distances. Truth is I don't love running, especially on the road. Trail-good, road-bad. Last spring I was talking socks with Ultra distance runner and fellow free-healer, Jeff Ball. (http://give-n-er.blogspot.com/) He put me on to these socks and my feet have been happy ever since. They are bulky, but not padded in any area of the sole. They have high seams, so they don't rub in the shoe and they are dry. The video they produced,(see older posts) demonstrate the sweat removal system. They claim to be 25 times dryer than regular running sock and I believe it.

Sweat causes friction, which leads to blisters.

The Maximum Protection model is aimed at marathon and ultra distance runners. They feature the friction free fibres of Profilen® which has the lowest coefficicient of friction of any solid material.

I've run, played tennis, cycled and run stairs in these socks. They are true to their claims, well made and are proving to be durable. I have probably 40 days in these sock now and only in one instance did my feet burn like the old days. I just ran 27 km on a trails the Rockies with no problems, no blisters, not even a hot spot on the descents.

Great sock, hard to find, but well worth the effort and money.

PRICE $25 USD

Sinclair Canyon

Sun shower, driving head wind, 8% grade topping out at 70.4 km/hr on the descent.

Ride around the Lake

It took me while to ride and log in to my account and then my phone battery died before I got back to town.

What are we doing here in North America? Cleaning up an oilspill.

Nike Free Running+

These shoes were intended to be my summer everything shoe, and so far they have been. Speed work on the track, stair training, some short distance running, single speed cycling, and even some tennis. I slipped on a few of the Free models, but I went with the Running+ because of their wider platform. And I knew I wasn't going to dedicate these kicks to running.

They take a fit of getting used to. First of all they are soft and my calves fatigued for the first week or so, but the body adapts right? Contrary to the corporate claims, they are not barefoot running, let's be clear. Sure they are a long way from a structured shoe but those marshmallows on the sole do not resemble the balls of me feet in any way. They are a departure for a big corporate machine to an unstructured shoe, but barefoot they are not. They are way to comfy to make that claim.

The bootie-like uppers are seamless and really are a great fit.

I like the shoes and I'd get another pair, I've even recomended them to a few people already.

(It appears they were aware of the shoes, but were waiting for someone like me to make the jump.)

The knock I have against the shoes is durability.They lack this important feature. The shoes are about six weeks old, but look more like six months. My toes are beginning to peek through the mesh and the soles are pretty much shot and I'll be lucky if they last until the leaves turn.

PRICE $125 CDN.

Vail Colorado. Close to my heart

Rapha Continental | Vail to Vail from RAPHA on Vimeo.

Bike Polo Video by gearhound

Vittoria Zaffiro Pro

My last training tires were a high thread count racing tire, so they wore down pretty good after two seasons and a couple thousand Km's. I have made this mistake in the past, but I vow not to get drawn into the sexiness of road cycling again. I train for Triathlon, sometimes with aero bars and sometimes without, but always with the endurance of TT in the back of my mind.

This year I opted for training tires, it says so right on the box. Lower tread count, TPI=60, and a harder casing for resisting road abrasions. The deep tread fades on the shoulders, and is good for fast cornering and water dispersion, and it has a foldable bead.

The tire comes in five flavours. I went with vanilla, because white is the new black.

PRICE: $45 CDN

...because the TdF begins tomorrow

More Core workout exercises

MEC Quarter Knickers

Not many years ago, I was mocked openly for wearing knickers about town. Gladly, attitudes have come around and they are more widely available. This spring I dished out for these MEC Quarter knickers and I'm glad I did. This is my sixth pair of long shorts and these might be my fav. They are a riding short pure and simple, with articulated knees and roomy crotch. Whisper light and stretchy with a two position top button for letting it out a bit. The rear waist features additional webbing for a U-lock. The front slash pockets are zippered, but mysteriously missing are the mid-thigh pockets. Great short, so it may be too late in the season to find any more.

PRICE $65 CDN

Sugoi RSR Short

I would have to say these are my running shorts. Not because I adore them, but because they are versatile with slash pockets in back and one inside. Of course running is not something to do with a pocketful of change, but occasionally there is something small that needs to come with. They're available in three colours, blue, black and grey. They are cut long and loose in the leg for the longer tan line and they have a mesh insert. The liner does ride up a bit, but nothing's perfect.

PRICE $45 CDN

Exclusive Bike Club

It's a club I have never had any interest in, but my invitation came last week and I was powerless to resist.

I am the guy who snickered at bowed bike trays, caved in car roofs, and duct taped ski boxes.

But I can't do that anymore, 'cause I'm a new member of this group of gear crushers.

Make no mistake, I am embarrassed about it, emabarrassed to the core.

I've been throwing things on my Thule systems for nearly 20 years, and have never even had a close call.

No longer.

Now I can only snear at repeat offenders and hope I never join that club.

Women's bikes

None of the hundreds of bikes in the newly renovated space at Revolution Cycle was built for me.

That’s because Revolution partnered with bike builder Specialized Canada to create the world’s first women’s concept store. Almost half their space is dedicated to women riders, which reflects the consumer base, says manager Ben Fedoruk.

Most have researched on the Internet or in magazines before they come in for a test ride, he says — and they know what they need.

“Girls aren’t the same. When they get on a bike that’s not built for them, they’re not happy; they’re not comfortable.

“This is women designing bikes for women.”

These are not just unisex frames painted in pretty colours. They’re designed from the wheels up with input from riders like Darcy Turenne. The Norco Bikes team rider was in Edmonton recently to sign autographs at United Cycle and show off the Vixa, the latest freeride unit she helped design.

A native of Comox, B.C., and former member of the national downhill mountain bike team, Turenne, 26, also hosted the television program The Ride Guide on the Outdoor Life Network. As an ambassador for Norco Bikes, she now spends almost 300 days a year on the road and in the saddle, so bike fit is really important.

“I wanted a bike that would suit my riding style. I basically just told them (Norco) what I wanted to use it for and what I wanted it to feel like, and the engineers came up with a mock draft of the geometry.”

According to Turenne, the Vixa has a shorter cockpit, with less reach from the seat to the handlebars, so it’s more comfortable. It’s also shorter in height and lighter than a unisex model, so it’s more nimble.

This is an exciting time for female cyclists, Turenne says. They’re attracting more media attention and corporate sponsorships, and all of the big bike companies are introducing women-specific lines.

“I think the support women are getting in the cycling industry is definitely attracting more female cyclists because there is product out there for them; they don’t feel excluded.

“Girls like to ride with other girls; it’s less intimidating. And having that product out there for us to use is really great, really good for the sport.”

Back at Revolution Cycle, Fedoruk says he’s seeing a lot of women who want to upgrade their wheels to more expensive models.

“They start out with maybe an $800 bike, but within two years, all of a sudden they’re bike junkies, and they read magazines all the time and they’re buying $4,000 bikes.”

Sable googles

Swimming is has many benefits we all know about, but it's cheap to boot.

Just some trunks, maybe a cap and googles. So why would I spend triple the amount of most googles for a pair of Sables. Mostly because they claim to be anti-fog and great fitting.

Well....so much for that sales pitch. On the third day, I wore these in a lake swim tri and although they weren't rinsed until I crossed the line, the googles were pretty much done.

The salesperson, and the included instructions are adamant about handling the lenses on either side to maintain the integrity of the coating. I still have these googles, use them occasionally, but they are on par with much less expensive earwear. The fit is just ok, and their claim about distortion elimination is not really noticeable. All said and done they are just average and definitely not worth the extra money

PRICE: $50 CDN

Crank and File

I am producing a summer bike series for the Edmonton Journal on bike culture in this city.
The title above links you there but here is a sampling video on single speeds.

Rapha Pocket T

This is a high performance sleeper of a T-shirt. At first glance it looks like a overpriced T with an afterthought of a pocket slapped on the back quarter. But slip it on, cruise to the cafe and you'll be convinced this is no ordinary cotton garb. Because it's a blend it wicks, and stretches and looks casual but functions at a high level. I have a medium and it's form fitting, but the give and cut won't let it ride up in the rear when you're in the saddle. It's not race-day, but it's ride ready for casual pedaling or summer cruising.
True to Rapha attention to detail the pocket contains text of cycling lore.
PRICE about $85 CDN.

Mark Sissons' sprint work-out

Open water Tri Training

Sugoi Resistor Toe Cover

It's been a cool spring so far, and I all my riding shoes are covered with booties. But, in a race situation
booties can be cumbersome in transition, so toe covers to the rescue.
I used them recently in a duathlon, and they didn't save my life, but my toots were sure pleased I chose them.
The wind swirled around on the 20km ride and I heard afterwards people complaining of cold or numb feet for the second run.
I was unaffected by the chill as the polyurethane coated stretch fleece did it's job.
The concept and execution of the toe cover is simple, easy on and off, and held in place by the cleat on the sole.

PRICE: ABOUT $20 CDN

I am Slackjaw'd