Best Gear from Summer Outdoor Retailer 2015

As many of you know, last week the 2015 Summer Outdoor Retailer convention was held in Salt Lake City, with many gear manufacturers unveiling their latest and greatest products there. Most of those items won't go on sale for weeks – or even months – yet, but as usual OR gave us a glimpse of what to expect in terms of gear trends and new products that will make our outdoor adventures and travel experiences much better.

This year, there was a focus on expanding what defines an outdoor adventure, with many companies debuting products that were designed for both fashion and function. There is definitely a trend in pursuing urban adventure as well, with a lot of products transitioning nicely from trail to town. The outdoor industry is finding that many younger people don't want to spend their days hiking and backpacking a rugged trail, but instead they like to spend time with their friends outdoors at an event such as a concert or festival. Products designed for this market are very different from what we traditionally think of in terms of tents, backpacks, and sleeping bags.

Of course, many of the online gear sites put together their picks for the best new items on display at Outdoor Retailer, not the lest of which was "Best New Gear Awards" that we handed out over at the Gear Institute. I serve as the news editor for the site, and helped in the selection process. Amongst the products that we honored were an amazing water purifier from MSR, a lightweight tent from Mountain Hardwear, and the lightest waterproof jacket available today (3.5 oz) from Berghaus.

We weren't the only site handing out awards however. The Gear Junkie selected his favorite products from Summer OR as well, with several items making a repeat appearance from the Gear Institute list. Outside magazine also weighed in with their thoughts, honoring other impressive gear items from the show as well.

All in all, it was another good Outdoor Retailer, with plenty of gear for us to covet. That said, there were very few items that were revolutionary, but plenty that made incremental improvements that will certainly be welcomed by the outdoor community.

Gear Closet: ECCO Yura GTX Light Hiking Shoes

My recent trip to Alaska turned out to be a good opportunity to put some new gear to the test. After all, the terrain there is perfect for hiking and biking, and the weather was cooler than what I typically get during the summer months in North America. With that in mind, I packed a few new items to take with me on my journey, and I'll be sharing my thoughts on those various products in the days ahead.

One of the first pieces of gear that I was anxious to put to the test was the Yura GTX light hiking shoes from ECCO. I knew that while I was in Alaska that I'd be on my feet a lot, and doing some hiking on trails, but nothing too serious or demanding. So, a light hiking shoe seemed the perfect choice for my travels, and the Yura GTX was certainly a good choice for the job.

The GTX version of the Yura incorporates a Gore-Tex waterproof lining to help keep your feet dry in wet environments. Considering there were a few stream crossings on some of the trails, and the occasional rain storm to deal with, it was nice to have this extra level of protection. But Gore-Tex also lowers the breathability of a shoe to a degree, which can make your feet warmer at times as well. While this wasn't a major problem for me in the cooler temperatures of Alaska, it could be something you'll want to consider if you're hiking in warmer places. That said, ECCO also offers the standard model of the Yura that does not have the Gore-Tex lining.


Made from soft, yet durable, suede, the Yura is a nice looking shoe that resembles a cross between a hiking boot and a trail runner. ECCO has managed to mix the best of both of those worlds by offering a lightweight shoe that still has a tough sole capable of protecting the foot from a wide variety of obstacles. A sturdy toecap extends that level of protection to the front of the foot, while a firm heel cup offers stability and support.

The Yura shoes are quite comfortable on the feet, which makes them a joy to wear both on and off the trail. I routinely wore them for 15+ hours while in Alaska, transitioning from hiking routes to pavement without missing a beat. Their flexible sole and suede upper minimizes break-in time as well, allowing them to mold quickly to your feet after just a short time of use.

ECCO has incorporated a rugged stole in this shoe that provides surprisingly good traction on a wide variety of surfaces. This helps to make the Yura a great option for use not only on hiking trails, but also as an approach shoe or just kicking around camp. This level of versatility makes them a great option for adventure travelers too, as this is a shoe that can be worn in a variety of situations and environments.

If you're in the market for a light hiking shoe – or a versatile travel shoe – the ECCO Yura is a good choice. Comfortable, good looking, and very stable both on and off the trail, it is the type of shoe that can be worn just about anywhere. I appreciated the level of protection and cushioning that it brought to my foot, while still making it easy to scramble across streams, up steep hills, and over slick rocks. While it isn't meant to replace your dedicated backpacking boots, it can handle just about anything else that you throw at it.

The Yura GTX model – with a Gore-Tex liner – carries a price of $170, while the standard mode of the Yura is a bit less expensive at $150. Both versions of this shoe are worth the investment, delivering great performance and durability for the price.

Gear Closet: Keen Uneek Shoes

One of the things I've always liked about Keen shoes is that they tend to be exceedingly comfortable, feature eye catching designs, and are usually built for adventure. That would sum up my thoughts completely on their Uneek sandals, which certainly live up to their name with their unusual look and design.

Over the years I've owned a number of shoes from Keen, and some of them have been amongst my favorite footwear ever. Their classic Newport sandal has been a mainstay in my gear closet for years, and has accompanied me on many trips around the world, including my recent visit to Egypt. But when I first saw the Uneek shoes I wasn't sure what to make of them. They aren't exactly unattractive, but they also don't look like anything you've ever seen before. They take an almost minimalist approach, although saying that would sell-short the amount of support and comfort they provide. This is a shoe that lives up to Keen's outstanding reputation, but just happens to look a bit different than anything they've produced before.

Any qualms you may have about how the Uneeks look are quickly dispelled once you put them on. They mold to your foot perfectly, creating a nice cushion that cradles your arches and provides plenty of support for long days or walking around town, or simply lounging at the beach. The lightweight, airy design feels amazing, and you'll be left wondering how a shoe that is so simple in design can feel so good when worn.


Part of what makes these shoes so unique – for lack of a better word – is how they are constructed. They're built out of just two cords and a sole, with everything weaved together in a way that is so simple, you'll wonder why no else had thought of it first. That construction method is what gives the Uneek shoes their special identity, setting them apart from the crowd in so many ways.

But don't think for a moment that Keen skimped on performance when created this footwear. They make an excellent water shoe for example, quickly draining away moisture and drying rapidly as well. This helps to make them a great option for kayaking and canoeing, hanging out at the beach, or just running errands around town. They make an excellent travel shoe too, as they are not only lightweight, but highly packable.

I have had one issue when wearing my pair of Uneeks for an extended period of time. The ankle straps tend to irritate the back of my feet when they are worn for longer periods, and it gets to the point that I have to take them off or run the risk of developing a blister. It should be noted that this only occurs when I've had them on for several hours, and usually if I've been particularly active. This seems to be more of an issue of how they fit on my feet, and is not a widespread issue. No other reviews that I have seen have mentioned this, but it is important to be aware of none the less.

That said however, it is easy to recommend these shoes. They are so comfortable in every other way that it is almost as if I'm going barefoot when I have them on. Their unusual design illicit comments and questions too, so don't be surprised if others ask you about them when you wear them out in public.

The Keen Uneek is available in six different color schemes and carry a price tag of $100. If you're in the market for a comfortable, lightweight, and unusual shoe, this one will certainly fill those needs very nicely.

Gear Closet: Jambu Bedrock Hiking Shoes

It never ceases to amaze me the number of footwear companies that are producing excellent shoes for use both on and off the trail. Take Jambu for instance, a company that I knew was out there, but until recently I had never gotten the chance to try out any of their shoes. But recently I had the opportunity to put their brand new Bedrock hiking shoe to the test, and came away extremely impressed.

The first think that struck me about the Bedrock shoes was how they didn't really look like a hiker at first glance. In fact, it would be easy to mistake them for a casual loafer if you didn't look closely. This gives them the ability to be equally at home on the trail as they are running around town, a level of versatility that I personally appreciate both while I'm at home, or traveling abroad.

The Bedrocks have a nicely understated design that doesn't make them appear overly flashy in any way, yet they still look stylish and attractive. They have a classic look about them that allows them to be worn with your typical hiking gear, or with casual clothes while out on the town with friends. As someone who likes to travel light, I truly appreciate their ascetic, as they can easily pull double-duty on any trip.


I have to admit that I wasn't enthralled with these shoes right from the start. While they looked good out of the box, when I put them on my feet I found them to be overly stiff, and a bit uncomfortable. But over the course of a couple of days I wore them around the house, gradually breaking them in a bit more. It wasn't long before they felt great on my feet however, and I started wearing them everywhere. I've read other reviews online that indicate that there is no break-in period required with the Bedrocks, but in my case it took a little time. Just keep this in mind when you're trying out these shoes for the first time, in case your experience is closer to mine.

In terms of performance, the Bedrock delivers everything you would expect out of a light hiking shoe. It has a waterproof upper made from nubuck leather that keeps your feet well protect from moisture. It also breathes well too, although I did find my feet getting a little warmer as spring temperatures rose.

The shoe also features what Jambu calls its Hypergrip soles that are designed to provide good traction on a wide variety of surfaces, both wet and dry. I can attest to how well the shoe holds its grip as I've used them on everything from pavement with snow and ice, to muddy, rocky trails slick from recent rainfall. The Bedrock provided sure-footing no matter where I took them, and I was continually impressed with their performance on any terrain that I used them on.

As mentioned above, it took a few days of wearing the shoes before my feet got completely comfortable in them, but once they did these I found that they were amongst the most comfortable hiking shoes I've ever worn. The footpads provide plenty of cushioning, and at the end of the day your feet and legs still feel refreshed and strong. In fact, I was never in any hurry to get these shoes off, which is something I can't say about every hiking boot I've ever put on.

Considering the level of performance they deliver, the Bedrock shoes are also quite light. They tip the scales at just 5.6 oz, which is surprisingly light for everything they offer. I appreciate their lack of weight as well, as once again it comes in handy when packing for a long trip.

Jambu has priced the Bedrocks at $129, which makes them a real bargain as far as I'm concerned. I've tested shoes that cost twice that much and weren't nearly as comfortable nor offered as good of performance.

If you're looking for a new shoe for spring adventures, than look no further than the Bedrock from Jambu. They look great, are very comfortable, and are versatile enough for both trail and town. They just might become your new favorite shoes that you'll want to wear everyday.

Backpacker Picks the Best New Gear of Spring 2015

With spring officially here, it is time to start planning some outdoor adventures, with hiking, backpacking, and camping trips on the agenda. It is also a good time to pick up some new gear for those excursions, and Backpacker magazine is here to help in that department.

The outdoor adventure-focused mag has recently published its spring gear guide, providing readers with lots of insights and information on a wide variety of products. For instance, their backpack overview alone covers more than 18 new packs, each of which were put to the test by over 160 different people in the field. Which packs came out on top? The team at Backpacker were especially fond of the new Atmos/Aura packs from Osprey, as well as the Baltoro and Deva from Gregory.

But backpack aren't the only gear items on the slate of products that were tested. The best new hiking boots were also run through the ringer, as were the latest sleeping bags and pads as well. The magazine even took a look at the top shell jackets, as well as the very best tents for the camping season ahead.

If you're in the market for some new backpacking gear this spring, than you'll definitely want to drop by the site and check out what products won the coveted "Editor's Choice" awards. If you're going to be spending your hard-earned dollars on new boots, packs, or tents, you want to ensure that you're selecting the best that your budget allows. As usual, the Backpacker team is very thorough in their methodology, and there is lots of good insight to be gleaned from their testing. Before you head out to your local gear shop, see what they had to say about the products you're considering adding to your gear closet.

Gear Closet: Rocky S2V Substratum Direct Attach Hiking Boots

Recently I've had the distinct pleasure of putting some of the fantastic gear from Rocky S2V through it's paces. I carried both the Provision Jacket and Provision Pants with me to Kilimanjaro, and if you've read my reviews of those two products, you already know that they proved invaluable in keeping me warm and dry on Summit Day. I've also been testing Rocky's Substratum Direct Attach hiking boot as well, and have once again come away incredibly impressed with the level of design, comfort, and attention to detail that has been put into this product. This is a boot that will see you through many adventures – in incredibly poor conditions – and continue to keep you moving all the while.

I will say that while I was very excited to receive the Substratum Direct boots as part of my pre-Kilimanjaro care package from the good folks at Rocky S2V, they did not accompany on my journey to Africa. As I wore them prior to departure, I realized two things. First, they needed to be properly broken in before I could scale a mountain in them, and secondly they are incredibly warm, which would have been great on the summit push, but not so useful on the lower portions of Kili where you're hiking through muggy rainforests. For those reasons, I chose to leave them at home and carry a pair of boots that were more suitable for all of the climate zones on Kilimanjaro instead.

That said, it should be noted that these boots are actually fairly easy to break-in, I simply didn't have the time to do so before leaving for my climb. But upon return, I have been wearing them regularly, and it has taken very little time at all to get them completely broken in. They were already very comfortable straight out of the box, but the flexibility wasn't quite where I wanted it at first. But it didn't take long at all for the boots to loosen up, and feel more natural on my feet.


As with all of their gear, Rocky S2V has built the Substratum to perform incredibly well in the poorest conditions imaginable. They are completely waterproof, with the fabrics that make up the boot treated with Rocky's proprietary Hydro IQ which repels moisture incredibly well, while still allowing your feet to breathe nicely. They also use both PrimaLoft and Aerogels as insulation, which explains why they are so incredibly warm, even in very cold conditions.

Of course, it doesn't matter how warm and dry a boot keeps your feet if it doesn't provide good traction on the trail. The Substratum deliver in that department too with Vibram sole that sticks to just about any surface – wet or dry – and provides plenty of protection for the foot too. I've used these boots on dry and muddy trails, as well as on snow and ice, and have found that they provided excellent traction on all of those surfaces. Something that provides a nice piece of mind when heading out on more challenging excursions.

The Substratum gets high marks for durability as well. As with Rocky S2V's other products, the level of construction is incredibly impressive, and it feels like these boots were built to last a very long time. My pair looks practically brand new despite having a few miles on them. The designers of these boots picked high quality materials for every element of the Substratum, and while I've only had them a short time, it seems this is the kind of hiking boot that will last you for years.

Those high quality materials will definitely extend the life of the boots, but they also have added a bit of extra weight to the shoes as well. I don't have very many nits to pick with the Substratum, but they are on the heavier side when compared to the competition. If you're a backpacker or climber who counts every ounce, you may find that a lighter boot is more to your liking. But when you consider the level of durably, protection, and performance that the Substratum bring to the table, you may find that there is very little else that can actually compete with them in all categories.

As mentioned several times, these boots are quite warm. So much so that I'm not sure they'll be something that I could wear on the trail during the summer months. They are definitely well suited to cooler weather hikes, and will perform exceptionally well in the winter, but during the summer most people will probably find them to be uncomfortably warm. Keep that in mind when you consider what you're looking for out of a boot, and when and where you'll be using them.

Rocky S2V designs their gear to be used in extreme conditions, and as such they often build in features that are meant to help us survive in the backcountry, even when disaster strikes. With the Provision Jacket for example they include a handy little survival kit complete with a signal mirror, compass, and so on. Both the Jacket and the Provision Pants also incorporate the Recco rescue technology as well, making it easier for SAR teams to locate the wearer should they go missing. With the Substratum boot the mad scientists in the Rocky labs have incorporated two fire sparkers and two wet cubes in the insole, making it very easy to start a fire should you find yourself in a situation where that is necessary. This is a nice touch that helps set Rocky's gear apart from the competition, and while you may never need to use these survival items, it is nice to have them just in case.

The Substratum carry an MSRP of $299.99, which puts them into a more expensive price range than most people will probably want to spend on a boot. But then again, these boots aren't built for most people. They are made for the active outdoor adventure who demands high performance out of their equipment, and expects it to meet those demands in the harshest environments imaginable. This is a boot that is made for backpackers and mountaineers heading into remote areas where conditions can be a bit unpredictable, and they will serve those men and women very well. If you're in need of that kind of performance, than this is certainly the boot for you.

On a side note, Rocky S2V makes a lot of boots that are used by U.S. military personal stationed across the globe. Much of the design and technology that goes into those boots have also made their way into the Substratum as well. In fact, both of the Green Berets that accompanied me on my Kilimanjaro climb owned boots from Rocky, and had nothing but praise for their high quality and high level of performance. One of those soldiers even brought a pair along for the trip, and he wore them throughout. The Substratum take many of their cues from those same boots, and the Rocky legacy and quality is evident across their entire line of gear. I can't tell you how impressed I am with all of their products, and I will be recommending them highly for a long time to come.

Gear Closet: Chaco Trailscope Waterproof Hiking Shoes

Chaco is well known for making their iconic sandals, which are a favorite amongst outdoor enthusiasts. But not everyone knows that they also make a line of excellent hiking shoes and boots that are worthy of attention too. Recently I got the opportunity to put their Trailscope shoe to the test, both at home and on Kilimanjaro, and what I found was an incredibly well made light hiking shoe that is just as capable on the trail as it is running errands around town.

When shopping for a light hiking shoe I always look for something that is comfortable, versatile, and durable. Those are three words that aptly describe the Trailscopes, which are built for use in a wide variety of environments. These qualities make them an excellent choice for the casual hiker, adventure traveler, or just someone who needs something that is tough, but looks good in a casual setting.

The Trailscope shoes come in two varieties – standard and waterproof. I tested the waterproof version and found them to have all the necessary components for keeping your feet dry even in very wet conditions. They are made with a water-resistant leather upper and have an integrated waterproof bootie as well. Both of those items work together to repel moisture in a very efficient manner. In fact, I wore these shoes in a late afternoon rainstorm on Kilimanjaro, as well as in snow and ice back home, and never once had my feet even feel the least bit wet. I'd venture to say short of complete immersion in a stream, or getting caught in very heavy downpour, they'll manage to keep out all water.


Chaco puts a great deal of emphasis on making their shoes very comfortable, and that starts with the well cushioned footbed that they call the "LUVSEAT." This thickly padded liner molds nicely to the foot over time, and actually does make a difference in the level of comfort that you'll feel when wearing these shoes. I'd go so far as to compare the fit and feel of these shoes to being closer to a sneaker, rather than a hiking shoe, with just the added weight that comes along with the thicker heel belying the difference.

Speaking of the heel, the Trailscope provides solid protection for your feet, protecting it nicely from the sharp rocks, rough ground, and uneven terrain that comes with a hiking trail. I was impressed with how they felt while walking on a variety of surfaces, providing the wearer with a protective shield that doesn't make you feel detached from the ground in any way. This is important on long hikes, as it keeps your feet feeling rested but still allows you to trek with confidence.

On Kilimanjaro, the Trailscopes served as my camp shoes after a long day of hiking on the rough trails. They were excellent in that role as they allowed me to shed my heavier boots for a much more comfortable shoe that was lightweight, yet still managed to keep my feet warm and dry. They were so good at their job in fact that at times my feet felt a little too warm. If I were to complain about any aspect of this shoe it would be that the waterproof versions could possibly breathe a bit better, which would regulate the temperature of your feet more evenly. This is mostly a small nitpick in the greater scheme of things, but it is important to point out none the less, particularly if you suffer from warm feet already.

It should be noted that Kili is a challenging environment on gear. It features multiple climate zones, plenty of rocky terrain, and weather conditions that can vary greatly. But that said, when I returned home my Trailscopes looked like I had just taken them out of the box. There wasn't a scratch, scuff, or ding on them despite wearing them on most afternoons on the mountain. I think that says an awful lot about their long term durability, and their ability to survive in tough environments.

As mentioned, these shoes also served double-duty while at home just kicking around town. We had a few late-winter storms blow through our area, bringing snow and ice to a city that normally doesn't have to deal with those conditions. The Trailscopes performed very well however, with the excellent waterproofing keeping moisture at bay. And as the temperatures dropped, I appreciated the fact that these shoes were able to add a little extra warmth to my feet.

Beyond that however, these shoes just happen look nice and are perfect for wearing in casual situations. They have an understated design that is perfect for the trail, but doesn't scream "outdoorsy" when you just want to wear them around town too. If you like to wear your hiking shoes for a variety of occasions, I think you'll find Chaco has delivered footwear that will keep you happy both on and off the trail.

The waterproof version of the Trailscope runs $135, which makes them competitively priced with similar boots from other manufacturers. Considering the high level of comfort that they deliver however, I'd say that they are a relative bargain. This is a great multipurpose, light-duty hiking shoe that will keep your feet happy and safe on the trail or around town. They are durable, good looking, and well built, which should make them a great addition to your gear closet too.