the GearCaster

Softshell: Not Just For Jackets Anymore

 

A noticeable trend at Outdoor Retailer Winter this year was the use of softshell fabric in footwear. For fast and light activities such as hiking, trail running, and even snowshoeing, softshell can provide those year-round outdoor enthusiasts the weather protection of a full winter boot without the bulk or weight. 

Granite Gear Aji 50 Lightweight Multi-Day Pack

 

For 2012, Granite Gear has added another lightweight backpack to their multi-day pack arsenal. Featuring full zip access, this versatile pack can be used for everything from weekend hikes to thru hiking the Appalachian Trail. 

Release Your Inner Ninja

 By Don Jurries

 

Put on the Airblaster Ninja Suit and you’ll feel different. This long underwear is guaranteed to make you feel more confident. You’ll be admiring yourself in the mirror and just possibly trying out Ninja moves until your wife or girlfriend rolls her eyes. There are women’s versions, too, so you’ll just have to get her into a Ninja Suit to make her understand.

Black Diamond GridLock Screwgate Carabiner Review

 

As you belay another climber, your locking carabiner is always prone to shifting and rotating within your belay system, especially when the rope is not weighted. Apart from being extremely annoying, the danger of carabiner rotation is cross loading. 

Wool Graduates From Base Layers To Insulation

Wool is highly compressible, has a warmth to weight ratio comparable to down, stays warm when wet, is naturally thermo-regulating, manages moisture and odor control. With all this greatness, why hasn't wool been yet used as insulation? Both Ibex and Smartwool have decided to now give wool it's time in the sun, creating the perfect mid and even outer layers for cold weather adventures.