Muscles Not Motors October 2009 Gear Review
By
Ryan James Leclerc
Posted September 28th, 2009
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.
KELTY GUNNISON 2.1 TENT
There are a lot of things to do in the fall, other than mope about the shorter days and how far off the snow is. The weather is nice, there are hardly any mosquitoes, and a serene calmness has replaced that hectic summer vibe. Fall is an ideal time for camping, and your chances of scoring that particular campsite on that particular island are much better than during the height of summer. You’ll need a good tent of course, so check out the Kelty Gunnison 2.1. At just under 5 pounds it is nice and easy to carry. With only two poles and color-coded clips it is nice and easy to set up. And priced at under $200, it is nice and easy on the wallet. With a large screen on the tent itself, and a welded window on the fly, you can relax inside your 92” x 58” x 40” space, while watching those people who wanted your site paddle on by. $180. www.kelty.com.
PRIMUS PRIMELITE RACE HEADLAMP
If you are a mountain biker, you need to get yourself a high-powered, rechargeable light system. It amazes me when die-hard mountain bikers concede to the shorter days and only ride on weekends when all they simply need is a good light. Night riding is a blast, and once you embrace it, you can continue going on rides after work until it snows. Light systems aren’t cheap, but don’t be afraid of the price tag. I promise you won’t regret the investment when you’re cruising your favorite singletrack long after the sun has set. The Primus PrimaLite Race is an affordable, lightweight, and waterproof light system that can be mounted on your handlebars (with purchase of optional PrimeLite Bike Clip), or worn on the head for multiple other uses. At full power, the Luxeon Rebel diode will blast light up to 200 meters for three hours. The low setting, which is ideal for running, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, and moving around the campsite, will burn for 25 hours. $85, $10 for Bike Clip. www.primuslighting.com.
WESTCOMB RECON IL SOFTSHELL
There’s nothing quite like a nice softshell jacket. It is like a security blanket, only a lot more functional. Fall is the time of year to pull out the base and mid layers, but when the temperature really starts to drop, it is time for the outer layer. If you need a new outer layer this year, consider a softshell. They offer greater breathabililty and freedom of movement than hardshells, but are just as warm. Designed and manufactured in Vancouver, BC, the waterproof/windproof Westcomb Recon IL excels in the movement category, thanks to Westcomb’s innovative and totally unique method of laminating, versus quilting, the insulation into place. This technical first results in unmatched stretchability and improved warmth. You’ll feel like the Recon is part of your body when you’re skiing, ice climbing, or shoveling out the car after a glorious Nor’easter. $399. www.westcomb.com.
