Give life to your legs with Spenco insoles

Spenco sent me a few pairs of insoles to try out as a way to reduce knee pain. Specifically I was sent the Polysorb Total Support, FLOW Warm, and FLOW Cool, which I have tried with several pairs of footwear and in a multitude of environments.

I have used the Polysorb Total Support in my ski boots to provide further stability of my feet. Honestly, I found it easier to drive ski tip pressure with my big toe on the outside ski- allowing deeper early turn initiation. I swap these right into any of my hiking boots. These insoles have bestowed an extended life with some of my older boots, while providing a lively bounce in all footwear. I also used the Polysorb Total Support in my Sorel’s which didn’t get enough time on my feet during our lackluster Winter. They really have become an everyday insole in my Blundstones- they were tested over a few weeks in different conditions, and I’m happy to report they have greatly reduced my chronic knee pain (which is a story for another day!)

I was a little skeptical of the FLOW Warm and FLOW Cool insoles… but have become a believer after using them in my winter boot Chaco Credence Wool Nurl boot (which, btw, you can almost steal from Zappos right now.) The FLOW Cool have been coming into play lately with the spring weather, and are better suited for running or cycling shoes. While I flip-flopped this winter between the FLOW Warm and Polysorb Total Support, the FLOWs are thinner and meant more for running shoes in cooler temps. I currently use and won’t go without the Polysorb Total Support in my everyday Blundstone boots.

Takeaway: using insoles other then the stock insoles provided with your footwear will provide longer life of your boot or shoe, while alleviating pains that you have just lived with.  A simple switch of insoles can help!

Polarmax Technical Base Layers and All Year Gear

Polarmax products are all 100% made in the USA and utilize superior green initiatives with packaging.  I had the opportunity over the last month to put multiple Polarmax products through their paces. Being a strong proponent of all things merino wool this was a true test as I didn’t use any of the Polarmax merino base layers straying from my comfort zone.

The Heavy Weight Comp 4 Max Stretch top and bottom are made of 90% Acclimate Dry Polyester and 10% Spandex. The super athletic cut of the fabric made the spandex a key component allowing for the necessary flexibility dropping the knees for my turns down the 7 inches of fresh at Cannon Mountain. Cannon was also the perfect venue to understand if they would keep me warm but also breath. Being an East facing mountain staying warm is paramount at Cannon. Once at the top and in search of fresh tracks we hiked over to Mittersill and both pieces wicked away the moisture from my skin keeping me comfortable on the way up. It was warm for Cannon being around 24 degrees but a wind chill making it feel like 12 degrees.  I can see why Polarmax is the official supplier of the National Ski Patrol as I never felt cold, wet, or clammy beneath these base layers.

What I didn’t know before receiving the product from Polarmax was that they produce a year round product made of cotton. I did say cotton! This isn’t your everyday cotton though as they have developed a wicking and stink free performance cotton.  The “All Year Gear 365″ (AYG) made of 96% cotton and 4% spandex giving that additional support and stretch in the boxer brief and their short and long sleeve crew tops. The shirts did run pretty long even though I have a longer torso. I think the AYG shirts could be tailored with more of the athletic cut found in the heavy weight base layers offered by Polarmax and the AYG boxer briefs. The AYG shirts and boxers are perfect for all day or more appropriately in the gym or other active pursuit as they provide a no stink, quick drying fabric.

Helly Hansen Zeta 2L HT CIS Jacket

Guest Editor- Matt LeDoux

Helly Hansen is thought to be one of the best brands for outdoor gear. This jacket had a lot to live up to with such a heritage.

A little background: my first ski jacket was a Helly Hansen. My dad bought my brother and I matching ones for Christmas long ago. It was a shell, a new concept back in the 80′s. It was fluorescent colored, water resistant and did it’s job well.  I skied many years with it, from powder days in Austria to icy, finger numbing days in the northeast. Another reason I was eager to see how this jacket would stack up.

The Zeta 2L HT CIS (Component Insulation System) has many pros and a few cons.

Pros:

-Thin (minimal bulk) yet warm. The perfect combo as it’s easy to maneuver in yet warm on the bone chilling days with the Primaloft inner jacket.
-Welcoming pockets. The Pockets are lined with a soft felt-like material, it’s a little detail but it’s nice when you need a quick hand warm up.

-Ample pockets. I always have my iphone on me, and I dont want it in the lower pockets because it rubs against my keys and scratches the glass face plate. This Helly has two upper pockets on either side for safe, convenient cell storage.

-Pit vents. This is a nice feature. Plus, dual zippers are provided to zip open the vent from either side. Good if you’re wearing a pack.

-Inner Primaloft jacket and Helly Tech 2L waterproof breathable outer shell. This 3-1 jacket makes it a great all season multi-use jacket. Wear the shell in the rainy seasons for breathable protection and the inner jacket alone in the colder months when not needing waterproof protection from the outer shell.

-Solid helmet compatible hoody fit. A lot of ski jacket hoods are too baggy. I pull the chords but can never get it right. Or they hang too far over my face, like a flappy baseball cap. This one is dialed in in terms of proper fit. Nice to see.

-Weather proof zippers. Nothing new, but good to have. Velcro cuffs. I thought the cuff length was too long when I first put the jacket on but with the adjustable Velcro cuff it fits my short arms perfectly.

Cons:
-the hood doesn’t detach. I don’t always want the hood, it’d be nice to have the option.
-missing an inside pocket. Lots of outside pocket options, but no inside pockets. I like putting my wallet, iphone or camera there when skiing.

Overall: Helly Hansen has once again made a solid jacket for outdoor adventures. Only a few minor things were missing. The most important features, like being thin, warm and cut well overshadow those. This is a jacket I’ll ski many days in, and a product that once again lives up to the HH heritage.One warning, this jacket runs small in the shoulders (athletic cut). The large size fits like a medium. Keep that in mind if making an online purchase.

Thank you to HH for providing the jacket for review.

Outdoor Research Sensor Glove

I am thankful to Outdoor Research for providing me with their touchscreen Sensor gloves. Much of my Winter commute is time spent on the platform waiting for the T. I was having a hard time using my smartphone without freezing my fingers.

While other brands provide gloves with one or two fingers to use the touchscreen these OR gloves use Touchtec leather on the entire palm side of the glove. OR uses a 100 weight-Radiant Fleece to provide warmth and wind resistance. This is more then adequate for the expected use of the Senor glove. OR does offer beefier gloves with Touchtec leather to provide more warmth for those who want to access their phone or iPod on the ski lift. While the gloves are warm for the commute they are by no means a ski glove which OR also offers. 

The sensor gloves did take some getting use to as the ends of the fingers are squared off and needing a specific motion to scroll through applications on the phone. As for typing, I can’t say they are that easy to type with but then again I don’t send to many detailed messages from my phone with our without gloves. Beyond the Touchtec abilities this glove looks and feels a step above your garden variety fleece glove as the leather palms give it upgrade in style as well.

Per the usual, Outdoor Research is innovating above and beyond their competitors with this glove for mobile devices.

Revitalize your gear with NIKWAX

I received a generous goodie bag from Nikwax and my leather boots, wool clothes, and technical outerwear were the beneficiaries.

I started with the clean up of multiple pairs of leather boots and applied ample amounts of  waterproofing wax for leather. As you can see from the pictures below these boots were ready to soak up the wax. While recommended for boots with gore-tex or eVent, it can be used on boots without. This is a very safe product that allows you to use your fingers for application without worry. Beyond the obvious waterproofing benefit this wax really cleans up a boot with a really nice shine. I didn’t buff then at all with a cloth and they still came out shining. The middle picture below shows all conditioned boots 24 hours after first use. The 2 oz tube provided plenty of liquid for the first use and will be enough for another application as needed for each of the five pairs of boots.

The overall reconditioning of the leather almost overshadows the waterproofing function. Yes, the wax will darken your boots which I believe provides that  newer look the boots once had.

The NIKWAX Tech Wash is perfect for any outerwear that has a DWR finish that you are afraid to wash out the repellent attributes from. I put three jackets into the front loader with one of those jackets needing a lift from old age.  A lift it received, as it repelled the rain like a newer shell.  I also look forward to working this Tech Wash into my tents, as I was unaware of the use beyond outerwear.

Lastly, I was more than happy to try out the Wool Wash travel gel as I am heavily invested in all things merino (Ibex)! I only used on one item because I want to save this for travel. When traveling/hiking, I pack merino wool items to reduce the amount of clothes needed as it naturally fends off stink. However, if a top is worn for more then 2-3 days for active pursuits it could use a quick wash without the need of a washing machine making the travel gel a necessity in my bag.

NIKWAX not only revitalizes old gear but maintains your new gear. When you make the investment in your gear it’s important to take exceptional care to ensure longevity. The NIKWAX product family is short money for the long term benefits it provides.

On Top of the Pile: Chaco Waterproof Credence Wool Nurl Boots

The Chaco Credence Wool Nurl takes your favorite summer sole and creates a super durable, wool lined, waterproof boot. I hesitate to call it a Winter boot, as not to confuse it with a heavier Winter boot like a Sorel. While it’s fully suitable for the Winter months, it’s not necessarily the boot you wear while snowshoeing in below-freezing temperatures.

This boot has a place in the woods- but surprises as a work boot and in town. From urban get around to stacking endless amounts of wood, this is a worthy chameleon-like contender looking for more time on your feet.

The first days were not challenging test days for the boots riding the Redline and walking to the office, but nonetheless left me a bit surprised with the all day comfort. Being Chaco’s, I knew they would have comfortable footbeds.  But the temperature control was awesome…never once felt too warm, most likely due to the ever-present wool acting as climate control. Going into the weekend I was ready to see if this comfort would sustain itself outside of the office and on the farm.  And that they it did.

The gigantic woodpile needing to be stacked proved to be a perfect environment: wet ground, temps in low 30′s (f), a solid 5.5 hours of work moving the wood pile and stacking.

A note on sizing:  I wear a 10 in most shoes including Chaco. These boots do run a little bigger as most boots do. The one remedy I had already planned on was inserting a pair of  SuperFeet over the existing footbed to help take up some volume and provide a snugger fit. While kicking around town they are fine having a little room, but while working I prefer them to have the ability to allow for modifications-which they did. Chaco doesn’t come in half sizes so something like SuperFeet makes sense instead of cramming into a full size down. I also wore a heavier weight merino wool sock with these boots when needing to suck up more space in the boot.

I wore these for 12 hours total that day, with a bulk of it in constant motion and at times forgot I had boots on. They don’t have a steel toe but did provide more than adequate protection for the occasional dropped piece of wood.

Each Credence boot features two looped pieces of leather making for putting on a breeze. The waterproof barrier didn’t seem to prevent them from breathing when the work got warm. The Vibram soles stuck to every surface – wet or dry – drawing confidence with every step over uneven earth.

The Credence is like a Blundstone on steroids. A must for those looking for a non bulky winter boot that you can get away with wearing with just about anything (although a suit would be pushing it…well maybe the black!)  I find this boot to be the perfect solution for the shoulder seasons and through Winter in urban environments and equally up to task in the hills. Many thanks to Chaco for providing this awesome boot for review.

Boston Bike Friday

Up and at it this morning to meet the DOT Bike convoy as they were spinning past my part of the neighborhood at 7:15. It was awesome to see the crew being escorted by the Boston Police (C-11) as well as BPD riders guiding our convoy to City Hall for the first Bike Friday event of the year. Thanks BPD!!! I rode in and had fun chatting it up with Andy from DOT Bike.

The usual suspects from previous years were there promoting National Bike to Work Week. Always great to see the vendors/organizations supporting the growing cycling culture of Boston. Of course, my first stop was at the Boloco tent for the tasty Truck Stop egg burrito and a cup of coffee. It was also nice to see Pete from Boston Cyclists Union as they are strongly committed to supporting Boston as a world class cycling community.

A new participant to be present this year included one of Boston’s recently permitted mobile food vendors, Equal Exchange Free Range, follow them on Twitter to know where they will be with their trike so you can try some of their excellent organic coffee. (Thanks, Jess!).

I brought my bike over to the WheelWorks tent for a quick adjustment to my brakes and made my way to the other various tents. I met Janey from Go Green Streets and really love what they are doing to promote not only cycling but any alternative to commute besides a car. Having the options we do in the city is pretty awesome not only for our health and environment but on our wallets.

Another cool company that is getting bigger every year, Urban AdvenTour, was here today as always promoting there awesome bike tours of the city….what an alternative to see all the nooks and crannies of the city!

Here is a shot of the scene and the organizations that are doing there part in promoting a healthier Boston! Don’t mind the horrible example of 1960′s architecture being represented (City Hall).

A fun morning and glad to catch up with friends (yeah you Ibex Jenny) from around town. Happy Friday!

Mother’s Day gift giving thoughts

Mother’s Day is rapidly approaching and falls early this year on the 8th of May.

While I propose some gear thoughts for the active Mom I also believe traditional gifts are appealing as much as I like to think gear, gear, gear.

A great gift for the Mother of your child is a charm necklace. This can be built upon with additional charms for future Mother’s Days, birthday’s and other gift giving times of the year! My recommendation is checking out Helen Ficalora. Upon getting the chain, you can start with an Alphabet charm with the initial of your child. This is a sure win for Dad!

I might also recommend snapping up gift certificate (ummm…Groupon) for a facial, massage, or pedicure/manicure. Flowers are always welcome as well on Mother’s Day and should be standard in your mix of giving on Mother’s Day!

Now for the gear gift perspective…

I am sure the Mother you are buying for already has a watch or two but why not give her a watch that will help engage her while on a run or walk. A great watch that would meet fitness related goals would be an Ironwoman Sleek 150 Lap with Tapscreen.

Does she have a go to rain jacket for weekend away or a rainy walk with the dog? If not I can highly recommend the Outdoor Research- Palisade Jacket. My recommendation for Outdoor Research is based on knowing that anything they produce does the job intended and is also backed by their Infinite Guarantee.

An Ibex Hooded Indie is a lighter weight merino long sleeve that is great for layering in the colder months but also a year round piece of clothing suitable for any weekend bag. The beauty of the merino wool is it’s temperature range in which it can be worn. The Indie could be a great cover up from the sun while sailing or watching the sunset from your favorite beach.

For an everyday top in the hot summer months pick up the superfine, premium merino,  Reef Tank Top from Icebreaker. You will be thanked many times over because of the ultimate comfort the soft merino provides on the hottest of days.

You can’t go wrong with a new pair Chaco Flips which are all flip and no flop. The comfortable Chaco footbed will keep her feet happy all day long.

I wish you well in your hunt for the ideal Mother’s Day gift!

Patagonia rising above the norm!

A person doesn’t have to be in a customer service role to make an impact. Customer service is an art form that is essential to any role within an organization. I recently had an experience that I consider artistry. Art isn’t just a painting, drawing or sculpture but an act that creates a mindset or change for another person.

A public relations contact, Jess, from Patagonia is an artist. She impacted me by doing something not expected and certainly not a responsibility within her Public Relations role. She had been told about a ski accident I was involved in and how I was bummed about my 10 year old, go to Patagonia vest, that had to be cut off my body by ski patrol….along with a new jacket. She acted on an emotion and outside of her job description and sent me a brand new vest. This is a great example of someone demonstrating amazing customer service.

More organizations need people that think outside of their roles to exceed customer expectations! I was already a fan of Patagonia for many reasons beyond their clothing but that was solidified forever by one act of superior customer service!

Springing ahead with Ibex Clothing

It’s no secret that I love merino wool and Ibex in particular. I was sold on them shortly after they came onto the scene in 1998. I still own and wear the same products that I bought back then and in subsequent years.  The merino wool of today is not only for the colder months. The last few summers all I have liked to wear is wool t-shirts for casual and active wear. The feel is soft and luxurious on the skin.

The beauty of merino wool is the itch free and no stink factor. No joke- you could wear a top hiking all day and put the same top on the next day without any stink. It has led me to light packing when traveling as I know I can get a couple days out each Ibex shirt I pack. The wide temperature range merino wool can be worn is another compelling point worth passing along. The wool is super breathable and pulls all moisture away from the skin.  Okay, point is Spring 2011 line is now out!

I would like to to note that this review is based on the Ibex product I have purchased in the past and I don’t own any of the Spring product…YET! They did invite me up to their headquarters in White River Junction, VT recently to see the Spring line. The dogs of the office were acting a little aloof now that they have been featured in the centerfold of the Spring catalog! 

I took some pictures to share with you but I highly recommend heading to the Ibex store at 303 Newbury Street to touch and try on for yourself. Thank me later when you leave with a shirt that you want to wear everyday.

Here are a few of my favorites for men and women…

If you aren’t able to get to the store on Newbury Street, be sure to check out their entire Spring 2011 lineup on the Ibex Clothing website.  I was lucky enough to pick up a Full Zip Shak Hoody at the Newbury Street location recently as part of their Winter Sale..although I still won’t part with my 8 year old Shak mid-layer.