Reviews - Product Reviews

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Activewear | Aerobic Equipment | Backpacks / Daypacks | Book Reviews | Bottles / Hydration | Canoes / Kayaks / Boats | Casual / Travel Clothing | CD/DVD/Video Reviews | Climbing / Mountaineering Gear | Dogs / Pet Accessories | Electronics | Eyewear / Optics | Fitness/Training Aids | Flexibility / Balance | Food / Sports Nutrition | Footwear | Footwear Accessories | Gloves / Hats / Socks | Lights and Knives | Miscellaneous | Outdoor / Camp Furniture | Outerwear | Paddling Accessories | Skin / Bodycare | Sleeping bags / Sleeping pads | Snowsports | Sport Racks & Boxes | Stoves / Cookware | Strength Equipment | Tents / Shelters | Travel Gear | Water Purification / First Aid | Weights | Weight/Training Gloves | Yoga / Pilates |

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Activewear

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Merrell Apparel Ophelia shirt Feb 11, 2011 Well-familiar with its hiking boots and increasingly stylish lifestyle shoes, a couple female SNEWS team members snagged a few garments and quickly assessed that the Ophelia long-sleeve shirt is a winner on the road and around town. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Activewear articles

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Kokatat Men’s Surf Trunk Jul 5, 2010 Kokatat’s Surf Trunk, made of super-soft microsuede, dries quickly and remains comfortable even when completely soaked. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Activewear articles

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SkirtSports Tough Girl Skirt Apr 12, 2010 Combining a skirt and slightly flared leg tights, the SkirtSports Tough Girl Skirt blends fashion and function for hiking, running or any time you're on the go. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Activewear articles

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Mammut Alpine Underwear Dec 7, 2009 In the past few years, we’ve seen the growing popularity of “body mapping,” in which garments include a variety of panels made of various materials to regulate temperature and manage moisture. Mammut employs this concept in its Alpine Underwear, available in two weights for men and women. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Activewear articles

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Injinji Yoga Socks Aug 10, 2009 Anyone who has worked up a good sweat practicing yoga (or, for that matter, Pilates, Tai Chi or various martial arts) knows that foot traction can become an issue, even when using a sticky mat or exercising on a good wood floor. Injinji’s Yoga socks (both in toeless and full toe styles) have tiny rubber nubbins on their base for better grip. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Activewear articles

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Aerobic Equipment

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Fitnex E55SG Elliptical Sep 14, 2011 So many ellipticals can be large and pricy, and the though the smaller ones may have a lower price tag, what they give up to get there makes for a more wobbly ride that’s not as much fun. The Fitnex E55SG elliptical manages to be rather petite but still can hold its own when a user pushes it hard. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Aerobic Equipment articles

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Makoto Xergame Jun 29, 2009 When the current owners of Makoto USA saw the game that would become Makoto at an arcade in 2002, they immediately realized its potential to provide both physical and mental fitness for anyone, from athletes to the elderly to folks in rehab. The SNEWS® team first saw a Makoto at the Health & Fitness Business show in Denver several years ago and, after playing it (over and over, we must admit), we had to get one for the office. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Aerobic Equipment articles

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LifeCore 1000 Recumbent Bike Jan 19, 2009 Fitness equipment is getting sleeker, smaller and more refined as technology changes, and the folks at LifeCore have taken full advantage of all the advancements with a recumbent bike that, as of January 2009, has the smallest footprint of any recumbent we’re aware of– 44 inches long and 24 inches wide. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Aerobic Equipment articles

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Smooth Fitness Agile DMT Jul 28, 2008 The Agile DMT by Smooth Fitness is one of the new types of aerobic cross-trainers that we at SNEWS have dubbed “A-Trainers” because the movement can be altered in so many ways. The “A” stands for anything from “alternative” to “ascent.” Basically, these machines are a relatively new type of elliptical trainer, which is now a decade+ old, that allows users to define their motion, height of climb, stride length, resistance and the like. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Aerobic Equipment articles

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Fitnex T60 Treadmill Jan 16, 2006 A relatively new company on the equipment block, Fitness Master makes a line of equipment called Fitnex, which debuted in late 2003, that looks quite a bit different than other lines. It doesn't try to blend in using subtle shades of grays or BMW brown tints with a luster; instead, it's a bit of an in-your-face, race-car metallic silver with big blue button controls on the console. SNEWS testers used the Fitnex T60 treadmill for a number of months, dabbling with its range of programs, heart rate controls and other buttons. We had runners going sub-7 miles, walkers power-stepping at 3-4 mph, and hikers sweating their way up inclines of 12 percent. Bottom line is, the T60 is sturdy, functions well, feels really stabile yet soft underfoot while both walking and running, runs super smoothly and quietly, and reacts quickly to changes in speed and incline. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Aerobic Equipment articles

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Backpacks / Daypacks

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Lowepro Photo Sport 200 AW Jun 22, 2011 The Lowepro Photo Sport 200 AW pack answers the call for many active outdoor photographers who want to quickly access their DSLR camera for a picture while on the trail. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Backpacks / Daypacks articles

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Kelty FC 3.0 Kids Frame Carrier Aug 2, 2010 Kelty's FC 3.0 Kids Frame Carrier not only gives a child a comfy ride, but it also has a top notch suspension system and loads of smart features to please parents. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Backpacks / Daypacks articles

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Osprey Manta 30 hydration pack May 17, 2010 While Osprey's Mantra 30 hydration pack is not super lightweight, it's still very comfortable and ranks as one of the best hydration packs the SNEWS team has ever tested. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Backpacks / Daypacks articles

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JanSport Talus pack Mar 22, 2010 JanSport has been trying to reclaim its position as a leader in backpack design, and the new Talus daypack includes new versa-wing pockets that transform from one mesh compartment into two. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Backpacks / Daypacks articles

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Kanga Tek Personal Holder Nov 9, 2009 Guys have a real dilemma when looking for compact carriers for money, change and small odds and ends. Beyond the traditional wallet or money clip, there aren't too many options beyond throwing the stuff in a messenger bag or a backpack. The Kanga Tek personal holder, a simple shoulder sling with zippered pockets, gives people another choice. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Backpacks / Daypacks articles

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Book Reviews

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Athlete’s Pocket Guide to Yoga May 31, 2010 With the Athlete’s Pocket Guide to Yoga you don't have to wade through text to get to the heart of the matter -- 50 routines explained through simple and effective descriptions with color photos. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Book Reviews articles

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Ultimate Health & Fitness Journal Dec 14, 2009 Honestly, we have wondered why somebody needs a pre-designed workout log when all you need is a notebook. But the Ultimate Health & Fitness Journal (also known as the Ironworks Health & Fitness Journal) reminded us why this type of product can be helpful, particularly to a beginning or someone getting back into exercising. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Book Reviews articles

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The Great Kettlebell Handbook Nov 17, 2008 Kettlebells are not only the hot thing in fitness equipment, but they’re also the latest subject in a series of “Great Handbooks” – concise booklets that focus on the basics of an activity or piece of equipment with illustrated exercises. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Book Reviews articles

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Athlete’s Guide to Yoga Jan 14, 2008 Somehow Sage Rountree has managed to maintain her yogic voice – or enough of it to keep some authenticity, which she has by leaps and bounds – while also toning it down just enough to speak directly to an athlete, which she also is by leaps and bounds. Even the cover says YOGA while also saying ATHLETE in its choice of colors, clothing and style – straightforward without all the frou-frou and implied incense-burning and ohmmm of yoga that could turn off some athletes. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Book Reviews articles

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Great Handbook: Foam Roller Jan 31, 2007 We tend to like the succinct and consumer-friendly approach of the past "Great Handbooks" by Productive Fitness Products that take hand-holding and simple approaches to showing exercises for simple accessories and tools, such as stretch bands, stability balls and dumbbells. And this newest Foam Roller handbook is just as varied, amazing in exercise selection and thorough. But succinct it is not, and that's where it falls on its face just a bit. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Book Reviews articles

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Bottles / Hydration

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Clean Bottle Jul 12, 2010 What makes the Clean Bottle really different is a screw-off bottom. Other than that, it’s your basic plastic bike/sport bottle. Still, we’re testers of products for goodness sake, so we thought we’d give it a try... Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Bottles / Hydration articles

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PlatyPreserve Storage Bottle Sep 7, 2009 Wine experts will tell you that, within a few hours of opening a bottle, the vino begins to go bad due to exposure to oxygen. We’re going to trust this claim, as the SNEWS team cannot recall an instance that we allowed a bottle to go unconsumed for more than, like, half an hour. We really like wine. Nevertheless, Cascade Designs has introduced the PlatyPreserve, a flexible plastic container that allows you to store leftover wine for days or even weeks. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Bottles / Hydration articles

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CamelBak Better Bottle Stainless May 4, 2009 The SNEWS® team tested the 0.5-liter, insulated version of the Stainless “Better Bottle” for several months in cold and hot conditions and have decided, hands-down, we love it. Why? Primarily because its double-walled insulation keeps fluids cool – actually, it keeps them downright cold. Think vacuum-sealed container but with a sipper top. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Bottles / Hydration articles

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capCap by Human Gear Mar 2, 2009 We’ve all been there – tipping our head back to take a drink from a wide-mouth bottle only to miscalculate or be bumped or jostled so you get most of it down your shirt. Enter the simple, inexpensive piece of gear called a “capCap” by a new little company called Human Gear, which was started by Stanford University design graduate Chris Miksovsky. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Bottles / Hydration articles

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Polarpak Moflow Pressurized Hydration System Oct 13, 2008 At SNEWS® we prefer to test products that don’t suck. And Polarpak has built the virtue of not sucking directly into the design of the Moflow Pressurized Hydration System. Available as an aftermarket reservoir for hydration packs, the Moflow is not only a pretty good product, but it can also be pressurized to deliver a constant stream of liquid with a mere chomp on the bite valve. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Bottles / Hydration articles

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Canoes / Kayaks / Boats

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Hobie Mirage Adventure w/ Fishing Package May 15, 2006 Tradition and innovation can, and frequently do, fly in each other’s faces. And that is certainly the case with Hobie’s Mirage series of peddle-powered sit-on-top kayaks. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Canoes / Kayaks / Boats articles

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Liquidlogic Manta Ray Apr 24, 2006 The Manta Ray is Liquidlogic's first trip into the sit-on-top world, and the company did it with a boat designed from the ground-up with fishing in mind. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Canoes / Kayaks / Boats articles

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Epic V10 Surfski Oct 17, 2005 We were more than just a little excited to get our hands on the V10 Surfski. Boasting a length of 21 feet, 4 inches and a width of just 17 inches, the V10's South African pedigree of paddling huge water in unforgiving exposed conditions is readily apparent. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Canoes / Kayaks / Boats articles

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WaveSport Diesel (prototype) Nov 24, 2003 Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Canoes / Kayaks / Boats articles

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Liquidlogic Hoss Playboat Sep 18, 2003 As the SNEWS Team has traveled the byways and backcountry over the last couple of years, we have heard the comment that whitewater kayaking is going the way of windsurfing. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Canoes / Kayaks / Boats articles

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Casual / Travel Clothing

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Mountain Khakis Granite Creek Pant Nov 1, 2010 Long known for its relatively heavy pants, Mountain Khakis has introduced the lightweight, nylon Granite Creek pant, which received positive reviews from three very different testers. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Casual / Travel Clothing articles

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ExOfficio Give-N-Go Stretch Underwear Nov 13, 2006 Underwear is underwear, right? Oh so wrong. Especially if they go into your suitcase or backpack and need to be airy and dry quickly so you can lighten your traveling load. The ExOfficio Give-N-Go Stretch Underwear has become a go-to when SNEWS® packs its bags -- or even just for comfy at-home wear. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Casual / Travel Clothing articles

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Macabi Skirt Oct 10, 2005 The rather unusual Macabi Skirt was designed by a fisherwoman but has found a whole slew of uses from hiking to telemark skiing to traveling. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Casual / Travel Clothing articles

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Royal Robbins CoolMax Expedition Shirt Apr 14, 2003 Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Casual / Travel Clothing articles

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Arborwear Lightweight Climbers Aug 13, 2001 Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Casual / Travel Clothing articles

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CD/DVD/Video Reviews

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Stott Pilates Firm & Fit DVD Jan 4, 2010 With a level-2 difficulty rating, the Stott Pilates Firm and Fit DVD is a helpful, easy-to-use guide for anyone who is familiar with basic Pilates or yoga movements. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all CD/DVD/Video Reviews articles

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Ultimate Health & Fitness Journal Dec 14, 2009 Honestly, we have wondered why somebody needs a pre-designed workout log when all you need is a notebook. But the Ultimate Health & Fitness Journal (also known as the Ironworks Health & Fitness Journal) reminded us why this type of product can be helpful, particularly to a beginning or someone getting back into exercising. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all CD/DVD/Video Reviews articles

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Stott Pilates Toning Ball Pack Oct 9, 2006 Weighted rubberized balls that fit in the palm of your hand aren't new or different, but like with all accessories, it's the education and instruction the company provides with them that can make the difference. In this case, the Stott Pilates DVD included with the balls and poster in the company "Power Pack" can get about anyone started well. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all CD/DVD/Video Reviews articles

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Budokon Beginning Practice DVD Sep 15, 2006 In Japanese, Budokon means "spirit of the warrior" and combines the three elements of yoga, martial arts and meditation. In the first DVD in Gaiam's Budokon series, Cameron Shayne, a black belt in karate and hatha yoga instructor, shows off his lean body and soothing voice to take beginners through this unique mind-body workout that has become quite the craze in Hollywood and among the stars. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all CD/DVD/Video Reviews articles

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Climbing / Mountaineering Gear

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Komperdell Carbon Shovel Apr 3, 2006 An avalanche shovel is a critical piece of any kit. For those who can afford it, the Komperdell Carbon Shovel offers a better solution. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Climbing / Mountaineering Gear articles

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Grivel Taa-k-oon Mar 4, 2005 Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Climbing / Mountaineering Gear articles

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Black Diamond Camalot C4 Aug 9, 2004 Gearheads pouring over catalog specs may not be all that impressed, but get some of the new Black Diamond Camalot C4's in hand and you'll understand why this is the best upgrade yet. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Climbing / Mountaineering Gear articles

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Black Diamond Positron Straitjacket Quickdraw Oct 13, 2003 Combine two Positron carabiners with one Straitjacket Dogbone and you have Black Diamond's Positron Straitjacket Quickdraw which looked good enough to get our tester drooling all over his rock shoes. Naturally, we got him one or two to play with. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Climbing / Mountaineering Gear articles

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Black Diamond ATC-XP belay device Jun 12, 2003 The ATC-XP is the first major update of Black Diamond's popular ATC, still one of the smoothest belay devices around. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Climbing / Mountaineering Gear articles

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Dogs / Pet Accessories

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Ruffwear Sunshower jacket Mar 1, 2010 The Ruffwear Sunshower jacket keeps your pooch dry when you don't want a wet dog in the house or the car, not to mention on the couch or your lap. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Dogs / Pet Accessories articles

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Ruffwear Gourdo dog toy Dec 15, 2008 Ruffwear's Gourdo toy is a dog's best friend. "Mom and Dad buy me lots of toys. I like most of them but I actually have several favorites and one of them is Ruffwear’s Gourdo. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Dogs / Pet Accessories articles

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Planet Dog Orbo dog toy Sep 25, 2006 After being the key tester on Planet Dog's indestructible Orbee five years ago, Bingo was going to be put to the test again. This time, Bingo aka Destructo Dog was going to test the company's newest dog toy, Orbo, which we were told was also nearly indestructible. It also had a treat spot and a special minty smell and taste (although we personally can't vouch for the taste). Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Dogs / Pet Accessories articles

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Planet Dog Orbee Jun 2, 2001 SNEWS® was told the new floatable, throwable, chewable Orbee globe toy was "indestructible." Well, if that didn't spark our interest since part of the SNEWS® team has a SNEWS® dog that is Mr. Destructo. We -- actually Mr. Destructo Dog aka Bingo -- just had to test this alleged indestructible toy. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Dogs / Pet Accessories articles

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Electronics

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Suunto M5 Fitness Watch Oct 18, 2010 Designed for people who simply want to exercise, the Suunto is easy to operate and won't overwhelm you with needless functions. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Electronics articles

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cy-fi wireless sports speaker Jan 25, 2010 The wireless cy-fi speaker delivers sound to the outdoors, whether you're looking for relaxing background music or heart-pumping tunes for exercise. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Electronics articles

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Highgear Axio Mini Altimeter Dec 21, 2009 Most altimeter watches are too bulky to fit a woman's small wrist, but the Highgear Axio Mini is petite, attractive and absolutely stuffed with all the electronic features a techno-geek desires. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Electronics articles

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Garmin FR60 sport watch Nov 2, 2009 The amount of data exercise enthusiasts can obtain about their workouts these days is mind-boggling, really, and the Garmin FR60 is one device that adds to what you can learn about what you are doing -- both indoors and out. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Electronics articles

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Polar FT40 Heart Rate Monitor Apr 13, 2009 Polar has clearly divided its line between products for basic fitness and those for more serious training or athletic use. The FT40 is clearly a monitor designed for fitness since its workout feedback focuses on calories used, the amount of calories used from fat, and time spent in “fitness” vs. “fat-burn” zones. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Electronics articles

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Eyewear / Optics

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Minox binoculars Feb 22, 2010 The general thinking is that you’ll pay at least $200 for a decent pair of binoculars for nature observation, and, of course, the price tag can reach into the thousands. So we set out to find what kind of experience we would have with a new model of Minox binoculars priced at $199. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Eyewear / Optics articles

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Rudy Project Noyz photochromatic sunglasses Nov 16, 2009 Rudy Project is certainly known for its high-end sunglasses geared for performance, and the Noyz is no exception. We tested these ImpactX Photochromic Clear lenses while running, hiking, rafting and mountain biking in all kinds of light conditions. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Eyewear / Optics articles

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Fitovers Polarized Sunglasses Apr 28, 2008 Those of us stuck with wearing prescription glasses, or choose to wear them because contacts or eyesight corrections don’t work or don’t appeal, have a challenge when it comes to sun and glare protection for our eyes. But Fitovers eyeglasses shades offer a simple, attractive solution. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Eyewear / Optics articles

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Rudy Project Exception sunglasses Oct 31, 2005 Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Eyewear / Optics articles

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Native Eyewear Silencer Jul 18, 2005 Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Eyewear / Optics articles

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Fitness/Training Aids

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iFitness Belts Oct 17, 2011 The iFitness belts SNEWS recently tested are great for runners who like to carry gadgets, keys and snacks with them. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Fitness/Training Aids articles

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Lifeline Pullup Revolution Oct 4, 2010 The Lifeline Pullup Revolution allows you to do assisted pull-ups without a large machine, though testers said it doesn’t offer quite enough assistance for some beginners. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Fitness/Training Aids articles

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TrakFitness weight attachments Aug 23, 2010 Attach TrakHandles and a TrakBar to strength training equipment in your home or at a gym, and you'll have complete, smooth movement on three axes for better mobility, less strain and better functional training. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Fitness/Training Aids articles

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ProGryp Paw Sponge Hand Grips Aug 9, 2010 Made of thick foam rubber, ProGryp hand grips combine thick cushioning with a no-slip surface so you can lift weights comfortably and safely without gloves. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Fitness/Training Aids articles

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Life Fitness Body Shape Kit Jun 21, 2010 The Life Fitness Body Shape Kit has a wide assortment of good-quality gear and instructional materials that will help a beginner establish a workout routine. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Fitness/Training Aids articles

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Flexibility / Balance

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Trigger Point “Grid” Roller Dec 6, 2010 The Grid roller from Trigger Point Therapy is a viable alternative to traditional foam rollers and could be more comfortable for some. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Flexibility / Balance articles

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MFT Trim training/balance disk Feb 15, 2010 The innovative MFT Trim disk can be used as a wobble board, a basic balance board, or even a twist trainer to improve balance and exercise your core. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Flexibility / Balance articles

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Zen Pro vibration trainer Jul 20, 2009 Vibration training has grown steadily in popularity, moving more recently into home use as less expensive trainers are entering the market. We took a look at the newer Zen Pro trainer offered by Teutonic Sales, which was being tested and used in a high-end boutique personal training studio. There, the owners and trainers had experience not only with vibration training as a part of sessions with clients (who, in general, we are told, enjoy the modality) but also with other brands of vibration plates. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Flexibility / Balance articles

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Stretchmate Jan 8, 2007 We are great fans of finding the nearest fencepost, wall, railing or curb to prop up a foot or lean against to stretch, and have often asked, why do you need anything else? OK, so we can be wrong. We have now found that something else that not only encourages you to stretch better, but allows you to do all your movements in one place rather than continually searching for another object that’s the right height or position. Enter the Stretchmate... Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Flexibility / Balance articles

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LifeSpan Stretch Partner Oct 18, 2004 One may wonder why anyone would need a piece of equipment to stretch, especially one that takes up the same amount of floor space as an indoor cycle. Heck, stretching is something you can do on the floor or using walls and chairs. Why indeed. Unless you are truly motivated, disciplined or pretty knowledgeable about how to do a stretch (or dedicated enough to get a book and follow it precisely), this simple steel gadget can motivate you to take a couple of minutes here and there to throw in a few good stretches – both active and passive – or simply do a 10- or 20-minute routine. Heck, position it in front of the TV and you can use the boob-tube time pretty well. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Flexibility / Balance articles

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Food / Sports Nutrition

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5-Hour Energy Aug 31, 2009 Over the years, we've used many things to boost our energy, including coffee, Red Bull and other canned energy drinks. When we first saw all the hype over the 2-ounce bottles of 5-Hour Energy, we were skeptical. But, naturally, we bellied up to the bar in the name of science…burp. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Food / Sports Nutrition articles

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Bela-Olhão Sardines Sep 23, 2008 We freely admit we almost turned our noses up at the idea of sardines as a tasty treat for outdoor adventures. Blame it on childhood memories of fishing. Well, our whole outlook changed when we dug into our first can of Bela-Olhão sardines. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Food / Sports Nutrition articles

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Electrolyte add-ins: Elete, Nuun, CamelBak Elixir Aug 14, 2007 Once upon a time if an athlete or workout enthusiast wanted or needed electrolytes such as sodium or potassium, he or she had three choices: Gatorade, Gatorade, or a pinch of table salt in some other beverage. But several companies are pushing the envelope, expanding options for those who work out intensely, for long periods, in extremely hot or humid weather, or for those who are just plain “salty sweaters” and may need a few more electrolytes. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Food / Sports Nutrition articles

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ProBar nutrition bar Oct 4, 2004 Sports nutrition bars are everywhere, but the ProBar, which is new on the market, is a different breed. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Food / Sports Nutrition articles

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Kidsport nutrition bar Sep 3, 2002 Why not a bar for kids? This bar’s creators point out that for young kids (about ages 7 to 10), the mix of vitamins, minerals and other nutritional additives in normal adult sports nutrition bars can be an overload for their littler bodies and lower needs. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Food / Sports Nutrition articles

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Footwear

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Patagonia Advocate Moc Sep 6, 2010 The Advocate Moc not only serves as a great lightweight camp shoe, but also, 1 percent of sales is donated to groups protecting the environment. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Footwear articles

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Olukai Amo sandal Jul 26, 2010 Olukai's Amo sandal lives up to the company's reputation for producing footwear that not only looks great, but also stands up to heavy use in the outdoors. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Footwear articles

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Timberland Rip Current Tech water shoe Jun 14, 2010 Timberland’s Rip Current Tech sheds water like a duck, but this water shoe is so comfortable and supportive, it’ll remind you of your favorite sneakers. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Footwear articles

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Dansko Kelsey sport clog Apr 26, 2010 Dansko's Acadia Sport collection includes lightweight, low-profile clogs that SNEWS testers say are so comfortable you won't want to take them off. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Footwear articles

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GoLite Discover Lite / Trail Lite shoes Apr 5, 2010 GoLite's Discover Lite shoe for men and the Trail Lite shoe for women turn footwear design on its head, putting cushioning near the ground, while placing firm support underfoot. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Footwear articles

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Footwear Accessories

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Orthosole insoles Mar 15, 2010 Choosing the right aftermarket insole is tricky. Orthosole came up with the cool concept of making a modular insole to suit a variety of activities and types of footwear. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Footwear Accessories articles

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Yaktrax Pro Feb 8, 2010 No more slip slidin' away. Yaktrax over-the-shoe traction devices proved to be comfortable and made us feel very secure when we wore them during winter runs in southern Germany. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Footwear Accessories articles

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Spenco for Her Total Support insoles Jun 8, 2009 Most footwear manufacturers don’t put much of an insole or footbed in shoes for a variety for reasons, including cost, widely differing individual preferences, and the fact that so many people use personal orthotics. As a result, after-market insoles have become quite a business with a plethora of choices for every foot type and preference in support or cushioning. Now, too, come women-specific footbeds from Spenco. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Footwear Accessories articles

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Dirty Girl Gaiters Sep 11, 2006 As trail running aficionados, we can't say we have really found the perfect gaiter for the fast-moving yet dirty endeavor. But the Dirty Girl Gaiters come awful close. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Footwear Accessories articles

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Shoe Wallet May 23, 2005 Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Footwear Accessories articles

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Gloves / Hats / Socks

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Smartwool Graduated Compression Ultra Light Sock Mar 28, 2011 SmartWool has placed its foot in the door of the fast-growing compression clothing category with its new Graduated Compression socks. According to SmartWool, this is the first performance-enhancing, over-the-calf sock in Merino wool with graduated compression. Did our testers like what they tried? Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Gloves / Hats / Socks articles

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Headsweats Ultralite cap Oct 11, 2010 Headsweats caps and visors are made with lightweight fabrics that shed moisture effectively, dry quickly and resist stains from sweat, dirt and sunscreen. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Gloves / Hats / Socks articles

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Outdoor Research Adrenaline mitts Feb 1, 2010 Outdoor Research markets men’s and women’s Adrenaline mitts for skiing, but our tests revealed that they’re actually great for a variety of winter activities that get the heart pounding. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Gloves / Hats / Socks articles

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Goodhew socks Nov 30, 2009 Just a little more than a year old, the Goodhew sock company has its feet firmly planted in the outdoor industry. The company has also set itself apart from the competition by focusing on a tight line of lifestyle socks, rather than making the usual wide range of sport-specific models. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Gloves / Hats / Socks articles

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Thorlo Experia Multi-Sport Socks Sep 14, 2009 Thorlo was once the go-to brand when it came to socks for all-things active, but the shine began to wear off in recent years. This year, Thorlo brought out its new Experia multi-sport socks and won us over once again. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Gloves / Hats / Socks articles

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Lights and Knives

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Victorinox Swiss Army Dual Pro X Sep 27, 2010 The Dual Pro X is larger and heavier than some Swiss Army Knives of the past, but its locking blades and beefy implements tackle tough jobs in the backcountry. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Lights and Knives articles

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Gerber AO F.A.S.T. 3.0 knife Jul 19, 2010 Since Congress made assisted-opening knives legal in all 50 states in 2009, SNEWS was eager to test Gerber's new technology in its AO (assisted opener) F.A.S.T. knives. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Lights and Knives articles

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Petzl Ultra headlamp Jun 28, 2010 The Petzl Ultra headlamp has a whopper of a retail price ($450), but it delivers an impressive 350 lumens of light, and burns for more than 16 hours on one charge. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Lights and Knives articles

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Petzl Tikka Plus headlamp Oct 26, 2009 When Petzl's original Tikka hit the market nearly 10 years ago, the LED headlamp helped revolutionize the lighting market. Petzl is hoping to cause a stir again, revamping most of the designs in the Tikka headlamp series. We tested the new Tikka Plus headlamp to see how it compared to its original brethren. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Lights and Knives articles

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Coleman LED Quad Lantern Jun 22, 2009 Pardon the pun, but Coleman's LED Quad Lantern presents one of the brightest ideas we've seen when it comes to lighting. It's unique because the body of the lantern has four detachable panels, each of which has six 5 mm, white LED lights. We tested the lantern during several car-camping trips and found that it was really handy when we had several people sharing a campsite. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Lights and Knives articles

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Miscellaneous

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Junior reviewers put GeoPalz pedometer, website through the paces Jan 14, 2011 Last year, SNEWS told you about GeoPalz, a decorative pedometer and online game that allows users to earn points through physical activity. We asked some pint-sized testers to take the GeoPalz concept for a spin to get real-world feedback. See what they had to say and how that might apply to anybody with an eye on appealing to kids. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Miscellaneous articles

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Leki Carbonlite Aergon trekking poles Oct 25, 2010 Leki's Carbonlite Aergon trekking poles proved extremely lightweight and easy to adjust, though our testers did have one concern with their performance. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Miscellaneous articles

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ProGryp Paw Sponge Hand Grips Aug 9, 2010 Made of thick foam rubber, ProGryp hand grips combine thick cushioning with a no-slip surface so you can lift weights comfortably and safely without gloves. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Miscellaneous articles

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Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Shopping Bag Sep 28, 2009 OK, we admit it. We're a bit obsessed. Not with the latest pack or tent, but with reusable shopping bags. They go on all our shopping expeditions from the grocery store to the farmer's market, and even come in handy for car camping and traveling. A new addition to our arsenal is Sea to Summit's Ultra-Sil Shopping Bag, a rather high-end bag that's proved to be quite handy. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Miscellaneous articles

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Swing Flashlight ultralight umbrella Apr 27, 2009 Back when we reviewed the Swing Liteflex, if we had seen any room for improvement, a light would have been one to name. Now the company has introduced an umbrella with all the same great features as the Liteflex, but this time with an LED light built into the handle. Now you can stay dry even on “dark and stormy nights.” Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Miscellaneous articles

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Outdoor / Camp Furniture

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Strongback Chair Aug 24, 2011 The Strongback Chair isn't the lightest deck, patio or camping chair, but it does provide much-needed back support our users found delightful Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Outdoor / Camp Furniture articles

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Kelty Basecamp Kitchen Aug 3, 2009 It’s amazing how quickly a campsite picnic table can get cluttered with food, bowls and other odds and ends to the point that there’s no room to prepare food, much less cook it or eat it. But the Kelty Basecamp Kitchen will free up space on the table and help you get things organized. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Outdoor / Camp Furniture articles

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Kelty Recliner Apr 6, 2009 When a camp chair costs $160, there are high expectations. Obviously, it has to be way more comfortable than those bag chairs sold in sporting goods stores and the supermarket -- you know, the ones with the sandpaper fabric seat that slumps so low that the front lip cuts into your legs. A high-end chair should also outclass most of the souvenir shop beach chairs that are only somewhat adjustable and quickly rust, bend and rip. As soon as our testers unfolded the Kelty Recliner, they couldn't wait to begin their rigorous testing. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Outdoor / Camp Furniture articles

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Crazy Creek Hexalite Original Chair Aug 25, 2008 It sometimes a tough decision -- take the camp chair backpacking and bear the weight, or leave it and suffer hard or wet ground. Fortunately, lightweight chairs such as the Hexalite Original Chair from Crazy Creek make the decision easier. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Outdoor / Camp Furniture articles

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Sunset Dual Recliner Swing Jun 9, 2008 We at SNEWS® have looked at many deck and porch swings and thought about acquiring one, because when you work hard you gotta be able to relax hard too. From mass merchandisers to big box to your local department and drug stores, they all seem to have one come spring and summer and we’ve certainly tried our share. While each has its merits, the Sunset Dual Recliner Swing is not only the Cadillac of swings, it is the Ferrari of swings. You want a swing? Do you really want a seductive, embracing, never-want-to-get-up, ahhhhh-producing swing? This is the swing for you, hands down. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Outdoor / Camp Furniture articles

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Outerwear

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Lole Avenue Jacket Apr 22, 2011 Lole's new Avenue Jacket faced the finicky weather months of March and April, on two SNEWS testers in southwest Colorado. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Outerwear articles

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Sherpa Adventure Gear Vajra jacket Nov 29, 2010 Sherpa's Varja jacket is warm, weatherproof, attractive and the perfect piece for times when a big, puffy jacket is a little too much. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Outerwear articles

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JakPak jacket and bivy shelter Jun 7, 2010 The JakPak -- a jacket that transforms into a bivy -- represents real out-of-the-box thinking, but our testers wonder if most people will really find it useful. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Outerwear articles

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The North Face Kishtwar jacket May 3, 2010 Made with Polartec's new Power Shield Pro, The North Face Kishtwar soft shell managed heat and moisture well when our hot-natured tester wore it during an adventure race and while hiking and skiing. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Outerwear articles

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Marmot Reyna jacket May 11, 2009 As winter tried to hang onto its last bits of wind and snow in some parts of the country, the SNEWS® editors took Marmot's Reyna women's jacket out into some of the elements. Part of the company's M1 series, the soft shell jacket is made of Polartec Windbloc fabric made for such winter-chasing-spring conditions. The jacket straddles the line of winter and spring functionality -- good as a layering piece when the Fahrenheit drops or on its own for warmer conditions like spring bluebird ski days. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Outerwear articles

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Paddling Accessories

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AT 4 Play Small Shaft E Paddle Jun 4, 2007 The female contingent of the SNEWS® testing crew gives Adventure Technology (AT) a big hand for embracing smaller hands. The AT 4 Play paddle with a small-diameter shaft proved to be comfortable and functional during a month of testing on the Truckee, Salmon and Trinity rivers in California. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Paddling Accessories articles

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Patagonia Rio Serrano PFD Jan 15, 2007 Patagonia is one of many PFD manufacturers replacing foams made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) with materials that are more environmentally friendly. For the Rio Serrano, Patagonia uses a new type of foam, called Gaia, which doesn’t contain the chemicals and heavy metals found in PVC that not only harm humans and animals, but also pollute landfills. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Paddling Accessories articles

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Simms Dry Creek Duffel Jun 19, 2006 One challenge that dry bags have had, however, was that they were long and deep. Simms wisely took the dry bag and turned it on its side, and then oriented the opening the long way -- instant large opening and no more digging. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Paddling Accessories articles

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NRS Anti-Gravity Shirt Aug 29, 2005 Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Paddling Accessories articles

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Lendal Kinetik Touring and Kinetik S paddles Jun 21, 2004 Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Paddling Accessories articles

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Skin / Bodycare

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Scape Sunscreen Aug 16, 2010 The SNEWS team was very impressed with Scape sunscreen, which goes on smoothly, stays put when you're in water or sweating, and has a mild fragrance. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Skin / Bodycare articles

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Mission Anti-Friction Cream Nov 23, 2009 We’ve tried a whole lot of anti-friction gels, creams and lotions, as well as bandages and other stick-ons with anti-chafe claims. So far, Mission’s cream – which the company calls “high-performance, athlete-engineered skincare” — has them all beat. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Skin / Bodycare articles

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Coleman SkinSmart Insect Repellent Oct 5, 2009 Plenty of people avoid the use of DEET repellents due to the perception that its use carries potential health risks. Coleman’s SkinSmart Insect Repellent contains no DEET and protects against mosquitoes and ticks. Also, it's pitched as being odorless, whereas many non-DEET repellents have a strong odor. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Skin / Bodycare articles

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K2 Endurance Sunblock SPF 50 May 12, 2008 Increased awareness in skin protection has spurred skincare companies to make sunscreens that don't make you feel like you're slathered in grease or smell like a giant pina colada cocktail. K2's newest formulation is Endurance Sunblock, which was devised by the former Neutrogena chemists of Outside Labs and branded under K2. Made with a blend of four sunscreen ingredients, it boasts an SPF 50 rating and blocks UVA and UVB rays. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Skin / Bodycare articles

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All Terrain Recovery Rub Jan 22, 2007 Most athletes, be they weekend warriors, serious rock jocks, die-hard club enthusiasts, committed adventure racers, focused trail runners, or pick a sport of choice, find that sore muscles and joints become part of the training package at some point. We've tried many such ointments and potions over the years, but few has performed as well for our team as the All Terrain Recovery Rub. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Skin / Bodycare articles

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Sleeping bags / Sleeping pads

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Aerobed Pakmat Sep 20, 2010 The Aerobed camp mattress inflates with a hand pump, and requires no batteries, so it makes your car camping trip a bit more eco-friendly. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Sleeping bags / Sleeping pads articles

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Mountain Hardwear UltraLamina 15 sleeping bag Jan 18, 2010 If there’s anything we covet more than a tasty meal in the backcountry, it’s a comfy, warm place to sleep. Mountain Hardwear succeeds in giving the ladies a good night’s sleep by offering bags such as the UltraLamina 15. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Sleeping bags / Sleeping pads articles

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Therm-a-Rest Tech Blanket and Fitted Sheet Dec 1, 2008 For mild conditions, a normal sleeping bag can simply provide too much warmth. Fortunately, you can combine a Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad with a Tech Blanket and Fitted Sheet to create a sleeping system that's not too hot and not too cold. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Sleeping bags / Sleeping pads articles

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Marmot Women's EcoPro 15-Degree Sleeping Bag Apr 14, 2008 With the "green" wave that's swept the outdoor industry, you can find an eco-friendly version of nearly every type of gear, including sleeping bags. Marmot's EcoPro bags are made with PET, a type of polyester derived from recycled plastic bottles. The synthetic insulation is 80-percent recycled, and the DWR polyester shell is 100-percent recycled. Eco-friendliness is always commendable, but do the bags perform? Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Sleeping bags / Sleeping pads articles

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Snowsports

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Giro Omen Helmet with TuneUps Wireless Feb 1, 2008 While the primary function of a helmet is to protect your skull, the benefits of wearing one go beyond its primary use. Nowadays, it also needs to be stylish, keep you warm (but not too warm) and interface with your electronics. The Giro Omen with TuneUps Wireless scored big in all categories, and one tester declared that it was the best helmet system he's ever tested. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Snowsports articles

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K2 Black Hawk One ski helmet Mar 11, 2005 Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Snowsports articles

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G3 Ticket Ski Feb 14, 2005 Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Snowsports articles

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Garmont Adrenalin AT Boots Jan 22, 2005 Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Snowsports articles

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Giro Fuse Ski Helmet Jan 17, 2005 Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Snowsports articles

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Sport Racks & Boxes

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Thule 1205 Trailer Jun 11, 2007 If you're like many outdoor-oriented folks, unless you own a decent-sized truck or SUV, your vehicle is barely big enough to haul you, your friends and/or family, and all the requisite gear without some very creative loading and strapping of equipment to roof-racks, the trunk and even the bumper. What you need is a trailer. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Sport Racks & Boxes articles

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Thule Load & Go Cargo Box Jun 26, 2006 Thule recently introduced the Load & Go system and, being connoisseurs of organized adventures, the SNEWS® team put a Go Box to the test. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Sport Racks & Boxes articles

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Roof Rack Reminder Apr 10, 2006 There is nothing quite so disturbing to the memories of a wonderful mountain bike ride or paddling adventure as hearing the distinctive crunching sound above the car as you remember -- too late -- that your garage was not built high enough to accommodate the cargo on your roof rack. The Roof Rack Reminder is designed to remind you, both at home and away, of the items you are carrying on top of your vehicle -- and hopefully, prevent disasters. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Sport Racks & Boxes articles

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Yakima Pro 12 Cargo Box Mar 28, 2005 Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Sport Racks & Boxes articles

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Yakima Viper Bike Rack Mar 25, 2004 Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Sport Racks & Boxes articles

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Stoves / Cookware

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Brunton Profile Two-Burner Range Jul 27, 2009 In the past, two-burner stoves pretty much resembled oversized toolboxes, and manufacturers put little effort into making them attractive. But these days, practically every type of gear has received a facelift, with modern curves and lines. Sleek and brightly colored, the Brunton Profile is certainly one of the most stylish two-burner stoves we’ve tested. And when it’s time to fire up the thing and cook a meal, the Profile performs admirably. But our tests, which included numerous car-camping trips, revealed a couple of issues that need to be addressed. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Stoves / Cookware articles

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Sea to Summit X Bowl and X Plate Nov 3, 2008 Gear companies have focused a lot of attention on making kitchen accessories, such as bowls and plates, that are much lighter than products of old. But Sea to Summit has joined those who are trying to go one step further with its X Bowl and X Plate, which not only shave weight, but also occupy less space in a backpack. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Stoves / Cookware articles

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Jetboil Helios Jul 7, 2008 Jetboil sparked a revolution in the stove market with its PCS (Personal Cooking System), which popularized the use of heat-transfer mechanisms (like the Jetboil FluxRing) to increase performance. Jetboil's latest invention, the Helios stove, isn't likely to rock the stove market as the PCS did, but it too makes use of a clever idea. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Stoves / Cookware articles

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Brunton Wind River Range Camp Stove Jun 26, 2008 If your camp food menu revolves around Beanie Weenies and Ramen noodles, stop reading this review. If you consider yourself and aspiring gourmet, a “foodie,” or just the kind of car camper who likes to be able to adjust the burners when you’re whipping up a meal in the woods, meet your new best friend. Brunton’s Wind River Range (great name, by the way) is one of the best-performing double-burner stoves we have ever hauled along on a car-camping trip. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Stoves / Cookware articles

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MSR Reactor stove Dec 3, 2007 The hottest development in stove technology the past few years has been heat exchangers—devices that transfer heat directly from a stove burner to a pot to avoid heat loss and make stoves more efficient. The trend began with the Jetboil, and other manufacturers now offer their own variations on the theme. MSR’s Reactor may be the best of the bunch, and this is not only due to the performance of its heat exchanger. The burner itself represents a leap forward, allowing the stove to cook quickly while remaining whisper quiet and pretty much impervious to wind. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Stoves / Cookware articles

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Strength Equipment

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ProGryp Paw Sponge Hand Grips Aug 9, 2010 Made of thick foam rubber, ProGryp hand grips combine thick cushioning with a no-slip surface so you can lift weights comfortably and safely without gloves. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Strength Equipment articles

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Hoist V6 Personal Pulley Gym Mar 8, 2010 Hoist V6 Personal Pulley Gym fits into a relatively small space and allows you to everything from toning to strength training to serious weightlifting. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Strength Equipment articles

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Zen Pro vibration trainer Jul 20, 2009 Vibration training has grown steadily in popularity, moving more recently into home use as less expensive trainers are entering the market. We took a look at the newer Zen Pro trainer offered by Teutonic Sales, which was being tested and used in a high-end boutique personal training studio. There, the owners and trainers had experience not only with vibration training as a part of sessions with clients (who, in general, we are told, enjoy the modality) but also with other brands of vibration plates. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Strength Equipment articles

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The Great Kettlebell Handbook Nov 17, 2008 Kettlebells are not only the hot thing in fitness equipment, but they’re also the latest subject in a series of “Great Handbooks” – concise booklets that focus on the basics of an activity or piece of equipment with illustrated exercises. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Strength Equipment articles

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Spri Door Attachment Mar 6, 2006 Sometimes the smallest items are the must-have's and can’t-do-withouts in your exercise artillery. Take this door attachment from Spri. It's a short and simple strip of heavy duty woven nylon cord. But with this and an exercise tube (sold separately) and you nearly have an entire home gym. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Strength Equipment articles

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Tents / Shelters

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MSR Gear Shed Nov 22, 2010 Own a Hubba Hubba tent, but want more elbow room? MSR's Gear Shed adds 26 square feet of space and attaches quickly and easily. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Tents / Shelters articles

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Eureka! Copper Canyon 1610 Tent Jul 6, 2009 The first sign that you've gotten hold of a good cabin tent comes long before you spend your first night in the thing. It comes the moment you set the tent up. For a large shelter with a footprint measuring 16 feet by 10 feet, Eureka!'s Copper Canyon 1610 went up pretty easily. The first time we took the tent out of the box, two people were able to pitch it in about 30 minutes. If that seems like a long time, we can relate nightmare stories about much longer set-up times with tents that had inferior designs. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Tents / Shelters articles

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Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 May 18, 2009 With solo shelters, it seems we often make big sacrifices. If we want something truly lightweight, we have to sacrifice huge amounts of living space -- often to the point that a solo tent feels more like a nylon coffin. Trust, us. You don't ever want to wait out a two-day driving rainstorm in a shelter where there's barely room to roll over, much less sit up straight. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Tents / Shelters articles

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Sierra Designs Velox 2 Jun 16, 2008 The Sierra Designs’ Velox 2, a two-person, three-season backpacking tent, packs in plenty of features that out of the box make it seem downright snazzy. However, a few flaws left us feeling the tent needs just a bit more refining. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Tents / Shelters articles

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Sierra Designs Electron 3-season tent Sep 12, 2005 Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Tents / Shelters articles

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Travel Gear

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Ivar Revel G2 pack Dec 20, 2010 The Ivar Revel G2 pack includes a clever shelf system dividing the pack into three compartments to help you organize electronics, folders, files and other gear. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Travel Gear articles

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Briggs and Riley Explore 25 Upright suitcase Dec 13, 2010 The Briggs and Riley Explore Upright suitcase is durable, offers a great amount of storage space and has clever components to organize your stuff. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Travel Gear articles

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ChicoBag Messenger bag Nov 15, 2010 Unfurl the ChicoBag Messenger bag, and you have a handy, stylish tote that looks at home while you're strolling European streets, visiting the gym or even shopping at your local market. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Travel Gear articles

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Haiku Rumi messenger bag Nov 8, 2010 The SNEWS® team has always admired Haiku bags, but thought they were relatively heavy. Fortunately, the company has launched the Rumi collection made with lightweight fabrics. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Travel Gear articles

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Lilypond Roadrunner Carry-on Rolling Duffel Aug 30, 2010 Lilypond's Roadrunner duffel not only looks great, but this rugged hauler also stands up to the all the abuse airport luggage handlers can dish out. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Travel Gear articles

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Water Purification / First Aid

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Sawyer Biological Water Filter Jun 18, 2007 Will Sawyer's water bottle filter displace the reservoir and filter combination in our testing team's packs? No, but it is now the go-to water bottle filter combination when we are out on moderate day hikes with plenty of known streams and we simply want to scoop, sip and keep moving. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Water Purification / First Aid articles

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Meridian Design AquaStar Plus Nov 7, 2005 Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Water Purification / First Aid articles

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Life-Link Backcountry Survival Kit Jan 19, 2004 Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Water Purification / First Aid articles

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MSR Miox Purifier Nov 3, 2003 We've said it before, and we'll say it again -- pumping water ranks right up there with changing the cat litter. It's a chore we'd prefer to skip altogether. So we applaud attempts to create water-treatment devices that cut out the cranking. MSR's new and very compact, very lightweight Miox Purifier represents a step forward in pump-free purification. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Water Purification / First Aid articles

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Hydro-Photon Steri-Pen Jul 14, 2003 Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Water Purification / First Aid articles

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Weights

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Life Fitness Body Shape Kit Jun 21, 2010 The Life Fitness Body Shape Kit has a wide assortment of good-quality gear and instructional materials that will help a beginner establish a workout routine. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Weights articles

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Savasa Fitness women’s hand weights Sep 21, 2009 Savasa hand weights show off an interesting twist in design and aesthetics. Savasa has approached all of its new 2009 products with its eyes on the women’s demographic – women who want to get fit but aren’t nuts about it, who want their gear to look nice without being too cute, and want some design flair. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Weights articles

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The Great Kettlebell Handbook Nov 17, 2008 Kettlebells are not only the hot thing in fitness equipment, but they’re also the latest subject in a series of “Great Handbooks” – concise booklets that focus on the basics of an activity or piece of equipment with illustrated exercises. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Weights articles

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SportBlock 5.0 selectorized dumbbells Jun 30, 2008 If the workout space in your home is limited or you’re hesitant to invest in a full set of dumbbells and a rack, selectorized weights are a good option. A pair of SportBlock 5.0 weights can replace 10 pairs of dumbbells, and each SportBlock 5.0 allows you to lift from 5 pounds to 50 pounds, with the weight increasing in 5-pound increments. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Weights articles

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GoFit Kettlebells Nov 5, 2007 While the kettlebell has actually been around for centuries, hoisted by Romans and Russians alike, the fitness industry has given this handled cannonball-looking weight a major facelift to appeal to the modern masses. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Weights articles

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Weight/Training Gloves

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ProGryp Paw Sponge Hand Grips Aug 9, 2010 Made of thick foam rubber, ProGryp hand grips combine thick cushioning with a no-slip surface so you can lift weights comfortably and safely without gloves. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Weight/Training Gloves articles

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Bionic Glove/Fitness Aug 21, 2006 With a name like "bionic," this glove oughta be able to help anyone wearing it leap tall buildings and whip a gang of bad guys. While that's likely asking a bit too much, it is worth noting that they pack a lot of promise since the fit and function is designed by an orthopedic hand surgeon. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Weight/Training Gloves articles

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Harbinger Handle It Bike Gloves Nov 15, 2004 Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Weight/Training Gloves articles

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Schiek Lifting Glove Feb 23, 2004 Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Weight/Training Gloves articles

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Nike Power WebCage Training Glove Oct 10, 2002 Weight lifting and training gloves are a pretty simple age-old creation. Nike has tried to make the simple little glove more than that with its Power WebCage Training Glove (men's only). Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Weight/Training Gloves articles

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Yoga / Pilates

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Gaiam All Grip Yoga Block Sep 10, 2010 Ever been in a yoga class, find you need a little extra help in supporting your body, and reach for your block? Only problem is, mid-pose, it often slips from your fingers or just rolls over on the ground, refusing to “come” as a good dog might. The All Grip Yoga Block by Spri Products parent Gaiam could be the answer to your woes. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Yoga / Pilates articles

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Athlete’s Pocket Guide to Yoga May 31, 2010 With the Athlete’s Pocket Guide to Yoga you don't have to wade through text to get to the heart of the matter -- 50 routines explained through simple and effective descriptions with color photos. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Yoga / Pilates articles

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Stick-e Towel Mar 29, 2010 Soft on one side and grippy on the other, the Stick-e towel proved useful not only for yoga, but for weight lifting as well. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Yoga / Pilates articles

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Injinji Yoga Socks Aug 10, 2009 Anyone who has worked up a good sweat practicing yoga (or, for that matter, Pilates, Tai Chi or various martial arts) knows that foot traction can become an issue, even when using a sticky mat or exercising on a good wood floor. Injinji’s Yoga socks (both in toeless and full toe styles) have tiny rubber nubbins on their base for better grip. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Yoga / Pilates articles

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Yoga Stick-e Socks Dec 8, 2008 A proper yoga pose typically requires concentration, balance and careful body control. Yoga Stick-e socks have a tacky rubber material at the ball of the foot, the lateral side and heel that effectively grips surfaces such as the rubber on a mat, carpet or the type of wood floor found in exercise studios. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Yoga / Pilates articles

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