Trim them nails

Anyone who knows me, jokes about how I wail on and on about this important piece of info.
Apparently I am not the only one. This is from the Drymax sock site.

BOGS classic high boots

Sure these boots are outside of the scope of this blog, however, when something good comes along, it warrants a mention.
First of all they are targetted to the agricultural sector, for mucking stalls and feeding the livestock. But they are a true three season boot and for me that really works. Rated to -30 C, they live up to that number as long as I'm not standing around. And for the spring they are waterproof and the knee high uppers are stretch neoprene.
Traction is sure in the snow and mud with the lugs, and in true welly tradition they feature a ramp on the heal for easy off function.
I would recommend buying these boots a bit small, as they pack out.
They only come in full sizes.
Price $90 CDN

Arcteryx Stinger bib pants

Ocasssionally I encounter gear,like these Stingers, that I almost feel guilty owning. These pants are so good they deserve to be in Chamonix, or the Chugach where they can serve their owner in epic conditions. Instead they are on a ski patroller on a little bump on the prairie. Sure they are overkill for what I have been using them for so far but occasionally I get to the Rockies and really rip. Just for those days I have the Stinger pants. They feature four pockets, and double ended zips for venting, bomber inner boot plates, snow cuffs and of course a ballistic Gore shell. There is ample room in the knee and the tush for the tele stance. These pants are really the pinnacle and sometimes I feel guilty, but sometimes I know I deserve the best. Stinger bibs are just that.
PRICE - $500.00 CDN (yea....ouch)
MADE IN CANADA

Episode 11 - The Season Dr. Scott Petett

The Season Episode 11 from Fitz Cahall and Bryan Smith on Vimeo.

Finis Freestyle Snokel

Although my swim coach would never allow me to use this training device, I find it really useful.
It is made specifically for the freestyle stroke and forces me to keep my head down. This had been an issue with my ability before the snokel and now if my head bobs up, I get a mouthful. I think it also enables me to relax more in the water, so I can focus on body position and stroke dynamics.
Although there must be a reason, I wish there was a purge valve to expel liquids, but after some use it's become comforable.
I am not a great swimmer and probably will never be one, but I'll take every advantage I can get, and $40 isn't outrageous to help me with my swim stroke. It's also cheaper than my coach.
Nose plugs are recomended.

Sugoi Braveheart Tuke

As far as endurace hats go, this might the one. The tuke is a fleece lined fino-therm lightweight layer with a generous cut. It's long enough to cover the ears and keep the ear-buds in place, but can be folded over like a beanie when the temperature rises.
This tuke is also great for riding, although not considered windproof, it fits under the helmet without bulk and keeps the noggin warm. Topping it all off, it looks good, so once it's on, it stays there.

PRICE $30 CDN. in 3 colours

Arcteryx Paddler, Paul Kuthe

The Season Episode 8 from Fitz Cahall and Bryan Smith on Vimeo.

Gear Hound Rider

Nice ride!

Bridging the Gap Vol.1 from Joseph Lobato on Vimeo.

Adidas Evil Eyes

Typically I avoid 'the hype'. Movies, music, gear, whatever. I like to find things that work for me on my own terms without an advertiser telling me what I need.
Last summer just before a long group ride, a man approached and opened with something like, "Oh I see you bought the hype." He was pointing to my Cervelo Soloist, and his comments still reverberate with me. For the record, I bought that bike for many reasons that still make sense to me, and the advertising was not among them.
So how does that relate to the Evil Eyes? Recently two guys I ride with were donning these glasses. They both raved about how they had interchangable lenses, tilting arms, making it easier to see while riding in the drops, removable arms with a headband.
The Adidas Evil Eyes are outstanding glasses, they fog slighly, but for the most part they stay clear. Mine came with two sets of lenses, grey with a mirrored finish and an amber. I ride, and ski with both. Another really cool feature of these shades is the foam band lining the top of the frame which keeps them off your forehead, and collects perspiration. The nose piece is also interchangable to accomodate all beaks and the ribber grooved arms keep the glassed firmly in place.
These are my training and racing glasses and they get alot of use, and the lense coating is still keeping them clear.
Made in Austria
PRICE $250 CDN