Muscles Not Motors Gear Review – May 2010
By
Ryan James Leclerc
Posted May 1st, 2010
Whether you’re a snowboarder or snowshoer, mountain hiker or mountain biker, Nordic skier or Nordic walker, you need gear. Each month, I review, right here, three items that I personally feel are especially cool. Here are my picks for this month.
Sierra Designs Isotope Nano Jacket
I’m not sure what the weather will be doing when this column hits the stands, but right now, it is stuck in a classic, dark, and dreary springtime rain cycle, and I am determined not to let it get me down. The sun will come back eventually. Until it does, I’m going to suit up with rain gear and do my thing, rather than sit inside and mope. The Sierra Designs Isotope Nano Jacket is the perfect jacket for rainy days like these. Made with Nanolite ripstop fabric, it is ultra waterproof and breathable, and also ultra lightweight, so it is ideal for running, hiking, and any activity involving lots of movement. A bonus for a guy like me, who has freakishly long arms, the Nano Jacket is designed using Condor Construction, which integrates elongated arm panels so that when you reach above your head, your belly doesn’t pop out. A bonus for the earth is that the Nano Jacket is a member of the Sierra Designs Green Effect movement, which uses environmentally friendly materials without sacrificing performance. $99. www.sierradesigns.com.
Smith Evolve Proof Sunglasses
During those windows of time when the sun graces us with golden rays of light, reach for a pair of Smith Proof sunglasses. Part of the new Smith Evolve line of sunglasses, goggles, and helmets made from recycled and renewable-based materials, the Proof utilizes a new material called Rislan Clear, which is a lightweight, durable, and fully transparent material made from the fully renewable and non-genetically modified castor plant. The storage bag is also environmentally friendly spun-out fibers made from fully renewable coconuts. The low impact on the environment doesn’t come at the expense of performance, however. The Proof still has a Polarized, Carbonic TLT lens that results in zero optical distortion and is extremely impact resistant, as well as a Grimalid frame that is exceedingly flexible and light, and maintains its shape under all temperature changes, making it ideal for active use. $119. www.smithoptics.com.
Ahnu Shasta Cross Terrain Runner for Women
Ahnu’s name and philosophy are all about balance. Balance between work and play, and balance between performance and lifestyle and a commitment to environmental responsibility. The Ahnu Shasta is a women’s running shoe that strikes a balance between trail and road running, providing the right stability for each discipline. The basis of Ahnu footwear is their Neutral Positioning Technology which centers and guides the foot to promote an efficient, stable, and of course, balanced stride. For maximum shock absorption and protection against stones, the Shasta uses an EVA midsole and a forefoot shock dispersal plate. For optimum breathability, the Shasta uses a spacer mesh upper with a tighter mesh along the sides to block out debris. Rain or shine, the Shasta’s slip resistant lugs will help keep you on your feet, or I should say, will help keep your balance. $90. www.ahnufootwear.com.
