Gear

What Our Gear Guy is Gifting for Christmas

This has been a tough year for everyone. It has dealt significant financial and personal hardships on such a large scale that it feels ridiculous to even write about presents. On the other hand, as someone who has had the privilege of holding onto his job—and his health—I think if you have the means, it’s a good time to spread extra cheer by being extra thoughtful with holiday giving. Everyone on my list showed me a lot of kindness, grace, and patience this year and I’m thanking them in part with these gifts.

Dad

Holy Grail Steaks Bushugyu Wagyu A5 Strip ($ 189)

While the more than $ 10 per ounce price tag makes this steak beyond decadent, I’ve tested Holy Grail’s premium Wagyu and don’t doubt that this will be the best steak my father has ever eaten. I would buy him a bottle of scotch with a price tag north of $ 150 or grab the bill at a holiday dinner at a fancy steakhouse in appreciation of all he has done for me so this most luxurious of steaks feels just right—especially since he’ll be able to prepare it in the comfort of his own home.

Mom

Momentous Elite Sleep Capsules ($ 65)

My mom and I have never been very good sleepers. We claim our ability to function on roughly four hours of sleep night after night is a superpower, but we would gladly choose long peaceful nights of sleep if only we could. Enter Momentous Elite Sleep capsules, whose concoction of melatonin and magnesium I use to manage my pandemic-enhanced insomnia. They settle me down enough to get to turn off the Kindle at a reasonable hour, and keep me down throughout the night—with no morning-after grogginess. I am excited to share calming stories of deep sleep with her, rather than ones of our resilience in the face of exhaustion.

Ruffwear Double Track Leash Coupler ($ 25)

I also got her the Ruffwear Double Track so she could ditch her second leash on her daily dog walks with her two beloved quirky terrier mixes. Both gifts will hopefully lead to a calmer 2021.

Brother

TP Link Deco Wifi System ($ 270)

While this isn’t the sexiest present, I’m giving my brother a solid internet router because I selfishly want to communicate with him more easily. We work virtually together often, and his WFH situation is in a room far away from his WiFi source, which means I spend a lot of time staring at his frozen face while repeating his name in monotone during important conversations. I can’t take it anymore, so here we are.

Sister-in-law

CamelBak Horizon 25-Ounce Wine Bottle ($ 35)

Orca Vino 12-Ounce Tumbler ($ 25)

While a $ 25 bottle of wine is a fine holiday gift, it will likely be consumed and forgotten before the New Year. An aesthetic, useful, and ergonomic insulated bottle for wine coupled with an equally handsome high-gloss wine tumbler is a gift that will keep on giving. I prefer boxed wine while camping and I look forward to enjoying happy hours using this pair with my sister-in-law for many summers ahead.

Partner

Lululemon Run for It All Hooded Gloves ($ 44)

Oiselle Wool Flyout Long Sleeve Shirt ($ 86)

Cielle SPD Beanie ($ 45)

Swiftwick Aspire 4 Socks ($ 18)

Due to the nature of my job, I am usually better outfitted than my wife for the sports we do together. I’m pretty ashamed when I’m exceptionally comfortable in a top-end kit while she shivers in old Costco base layers and fleeces she’s owned since college. This year she’s expressed interest in cold-weather running so I put together this primo collection for her by focusing on my favorite materials for next-to-skin comfort. The Oiselle Flyout Top uses Polartec PowerWool, which is a fine merino wool synthetic blend that gives a nice little thermal bump with remarkable moisture management. The Flyout Running Tights feature Polartec Powerstretch Pro, which also mitigates sweat without inhibiting movement. The gloves and hat are suggestions from female friends who run year round in our town. The Swiftwick Aspires are currently my sock of choice for long runs.

Daughter

Patagonia Baby Furry Friends Bunting ($ 79)

In the past I’ve bristled about people focusing on the cuteness of well-made children’s adventure gear while overlooking the fact that it allows kids more comfort while playing outside. Three years into parenting, I’ve climbed off my high horse and embraced how damned cute kids gear can be. Case in point: this fleece bunting that will make my daughter Jojo look like a cheetah—tail, ears, and all. She is on a serious cat kick right now, so I plan to play with my feline-human hybrid as she crawls around our house this winter. The synthetic fleece will also add a solid moisture wicking thermal layer below her bibs and jacket for ski days this season.

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Camping Tips, Tricks and Adventures

First Time Backpackers – What to Consider When Buying Backpacking Gear | Miranda in the Wild

Buying backpacking gear? Here’s a saying to remember: strong, light, or cheap; you can only pick two. In this video, I’ll dive into what this means and how it can guide the purchasing decisions for your entire backpacking system. I’ll also offer my hot take on the big item you should NEVER purchase first! Like, Subscribe, Comment, and tune in every Sunday for more Miranda in the Wild!
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Camping Tips, Tricks and Adventures

Budget Backpacking! I Bought Gear AND Went Backpacking for Under $200! | Miranda in the Wild

I tried to do an entire backpacking trip for $ 200 or less! Over the course of ten years working in the outdoor industry, I’ve had access to affordable, high-quality gear and been able to test and ask questions from the experts around me before choosing to buy. I’m so grateful for this experience, but I know that for many people, backpacking and hiking can be quite an investment. I challenged myself to start from square one, acquire all my backpacking gear and take a trip – all for under $ 200! If you have an REI near you where you can rent gear, I highly recommend that. $ 200 is enough to take an amazing backpacking trip with great gear if you have access to REI rentals, but for this challenge I decided to see how far I could get without renting anything. Watch the video to see how that turned out… 🙂 I hope you enjoy my $ 200 budget backpacking adventure! Shop REI Good and Used: https://www.rei.com/used Check your local REI Rentals: https://www.rei.com/rentals Trail: Baker Lake – https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/baker-lake-maple-grove Baker Lake is on the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish and Skagit people. Like, Subscribe, Comment, and tune in every Sunday for more Miranda in the Wild!
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Camping Tips, Tricks and Adventures

Outside’s Guide to 2020 Holiday Sales on Outdoor Gear

Holiday sales are a great opportunity to snag gifts for your loved ones—not to mention gear for yourself—but it can be hard to know where to look. To streamline the shopping process for you this year, we’ve compiled a list of bomber deals and promotions from brands in the outdoor world. We’ve tested gear from all of these brands, and we’ve provided our product recommendations below, too. Bookmark this page and check back frequently for more pre-Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals—we’ll be updating it with the latest promotions that are worth your time.

Backcountry

Promotion: The brand is offering up to 40 percent off gear and apparel during its Pre-Cyber sale.
Dates: November 18 through November 25
Our pick: The Patagonia Micro Puff hooded jacket. We gave it a Gear of the Year award in 2018.

Promotion: Backcountry is also offering 25 percent off all Arc’teryx products.
Dates: November 23 through November 30
Our pick: The Trino SL Anorak. We included it in our 2021 Winter Buyer’s Guide roundup of the best jackets.

BioLite

Promotion: BioLite is offering 25 percent off sitewide.
Dates: November 23 through December 7
Our pick: The FirePit. We called it “the best portable grill ever” in 2017.

CamelBak

Promotion: The brand is offering 25 percent off all water bottles, drinkware, and custom bottles on its site with promo code HOLIDAY25.
Dates: November 16 through December 1
Our pick: The Eddy+ .6L insulated water bottle. It’s one of our Gear Guy’s favorite reusable plastic models.

Club Ride

Promotion: Club Ride is offering up to 70 percent off gear and apparel sitewide.
Dates: November 26 through November 30
Our pick: The Rambler Poly-Wool Henley shirt. It kept our testers cool during our 2020 Bike Test.

Columbia

Promotion: Columbia is offering 40 percent off select gear.
Dates: November 12 through November 22
Our pick: The OutDry Ex Reign jacket. It was one of our favorite waterproof jackets of 2019.

Filson

Promotion: When you spend $ 500 or more, you’ll receive a gift code for $ 150 toward your next purchase. Or when you spend $ 250, you’ll receive a $ 50 gift code.
Dates: November 19 through November 30
Our pick: The Down Cruiser vest. Our Gear Director, Will Taylor, loves its burly warmth.

Hydro Flask

Promotion: Hydro Flask is offering 25 percent off sitewide.
Dates: November 25 through December 6
Our pick: The 32-ounce Trail Series bottle. It’s our Gear Guy’s favorite to carry everywhere.

Huckberry

Promotion: Huckberry is offering up to 30 percent off select gear in black colors during its undercover sale.
Dates: November 20 through November 23
Our pick: The Weekender Sunglasses. How could you beat a pair of durable, polarized sunnies for $ 25?

Moosejaw

Promotion: Moosejaw is offering up to 30 percent off gear and apparel, plus 20 percent off one full-price item with code PARTYTIME during its Anniversary Sale.
Dates: November 9 through November 22

Promotion: Moosejaw is also offering up to 30 percent off gear and apparel from brands like The North Face, Arc’teryx, Marmot, and more. Plus, free shipping on orders over $ 49.
Dates: November 23 through November 29
Our pick: The Nemo two-person Victory blanket. It’s a simple accessory that makes car camping better.

Osprey

Promotion: Osprey is offering 25 to 50 percent off select products, plus free shipping.
Dates: November 13 through November 30
Our pick: The Archeon 70 pack. It was our favorite travel bag our 2020 Summer Buyer’s Guide.

Rumpl

Promotion: Rumpl is offering 25 percent off select products.
Dates: November 14 through November 30
Our pick: The Travel NanoLoft Puffy blanket. It was our favorite blanket for travel in our 2021 Winter Buyer’s Guide.

Salomon

Promotion: Salomon is offering 25 percent off apparel, gear, and footwear as part of the brand’s Cyber Week sale.
Dates: November 19 through December 4
Our pick: The Ultra Pro shoes. They’re our go-to pick for trail running.

Saxx

Promotion: Saxx is offering 20 to 40 percent off sitewide as part of its Black Friday sale.
Dates: November 26 through November 29

Promotion: Saxx is also offering 20 to 40 percent off sitewide, plus free shipping as part of its Cyber Monday sale.
Dates: November 29 through November 30
Our pick: The Kinetic HD boxer brief. It’s columnist Andrew Skurka’s favorite pair.

Stio

Promotion: Stio is offering up to 30 percent off sitewide and free shipping as part of its holiday kickoff and Black Friday sales. Plus, the brand will be offering daily deals with an additional 10 percent off the sale price on select items.
Dates: November 23 through November 29
Our pick: The Thermpop Fleece shirt. It’s gear editor Ariella Gintzler’s most versatile shirt.

Promotion: When you spend $ 300, you’ll receive $ 30 as part of the brand’s Cyber Monday sale.
Date: November 30

Western Rise

Promotion: Western Rise is offering 25 percent off select products as part of its Holiday Sale.
Dates: November 11 through November 30

Promotion: If you spend $ 100, you’ll receive a $ 50 gift card.
Dates: December 2 through December 25
Our pick: The Evolution Pant. We included it in our 2019 Winter Buyer’s Guide roundup of the best bike commuting gear.

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Camping Tips, Tricks and Adventures

Good Gear: Green Guru Breathes a Second Life Into Old Gear

Green Guru Upcycled Sleep Pad Travel Kit

If one person’s trash is another person’s treasure, then Davidson Lewis is a gold miner. He and his team at Colorado-based company Green Guru sift through the outdoor industry’s waste stream—which is more like a raging river—hunting for durable, high-quality materials that can be upcycled into everything from hard-wearing wallets to flashy, one-of-a-kind bike panniers.

Lewis’ first job was at a bike shop, “and your first job at a bike shop is changing flat tires all day long.” So Lewis got a Ph.D. in fixing flats—but became increasingly “concerned about how many tubes get thrown away.”

And those piles of rubber tires stuck with him. After graduating from Virginia Tech with a degree in industrial design, Lewis launched Green Guru in 2005, intent on turning bike-shop trash into practical products for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a practice known as upcycling, which is often confused with recycling. Lewis explains it as “taking something that has no value and turning it into something of higher value.” Recycling, on the other hand, he says, “essentially takes something and downcycles it.”

For Green Guru, giving bike tubes a second life was just the start. “Soon thereafter, we adopted climbing rope and wetsuits as other gear waste,” he says. “And then we started taking other salvage fabrics like tents and awnings—basically any durable material—and building it into the Green Guru product line.” Today, the line includes backpacks, waist packs, panniers, various bike bags, bottle holders and its latest: the Travel Kit, in collaboration with REI Co-op. The versatile, 12-inch pouch keeps small personal items like toiletries or electronics organized—and mountains of outdoor-gear waste out of the landfill.

The Green Guru Travel Kit is made from repurposed bike tubes, sleeping pads and climbing rope.

The raw materials of the Travel Kit—bike tubes, climbing rope and sleeping pads—are all ideal candidates for upcycling. As Lewis realized during his time in the bike shop, popped tubes get chucked by the bucketload. Though many cyclists opt to patch tubes until they look like scarecrow overalls, eventually, punctures near the valve, overlapping patches or full-on blowouts render repairs ineffective. Similarly, climbers inspect ropes for damage and replace them regularly. And inflatable sleeping pads—which REI’s sustainability team identified as another ideal product for upcycling—inevitably pop or leak.

To Green Guru, these materials are only “waste” if you plan on using them for their original purpose. But Lewis saw so many other creative uses. So, he organized a collection of them at REI stores and bike shops and from individuals across the nation.

Each Travel Kit (exclusive to REI) uses a third of a bike tube for the grippy bottom and handle, which keeps wet counters from making a mess of your toiletries and protects electronics from the elements. Four inches of rope sheath ruggedize the zipper pulls. While the zippers aren’t upcycled, they’re salvaged from local suppliers (hence the two-tone styling). Lastly, the colorful sleeping pad patchwork on the top of the Travel Kit makes the durable pouch (10 by 4.5 by 3.5 inches) bright, playful and impossible to miss. All told, the co-op and Green Guru’s first batch of 3,000 Travel Kits will divert 990 bike tubes, 425 sleeping bags and 12,000 inches of rope from landfills.

“We’re talking about durable materials and gear that were intended for a very long life,” Lewis says. Now that long life includes a second act as Green Guru gear.

Want to get involved?

REI members and customers have been donating bike tubes to Green Guru for the past decade. If you’d like to contribute old gear to the brand’s upcycling efforts, get in touch here. Green Guru is currently requesting bike tubes, climbing ropes and wetsuits. Or, if you have a flat tire, bring your bike into your nearest REI bike shop (call ahead; shop times and availability vary) and we’ll happily get you riding in no time and send your tube along to Green Guru.

For more stories of brands doing good work, visit our Good Gear landing page.

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Camping Tips, Tricks and Adventures

Best Women’s Mountain Bike Gear for Fall Riding

Getting dressed for a trail ride in the heat of summer is easy. But as the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, what you wear on the bike becomes all about versatility and performance. These are the technical pieces of gear that will keep you riding—and smiling—through the shoulder season and beyond.

Pearl Izumi Women’s Rove Long Sleeve Shirt ($ 80)

While some performance flannels incorporate technical features galore, ranging from stretchy look-alike fabrics to hidden zipper pockets, Pearl Izumi’s Rove is a simpler rendition with just the necessary bike-friendly tweaks. The brushed polyester twill is exceptionally soft and cozy, making it warmer than the average riding flannel and a highly effective layer on chilly mornings, but it also wicks sweat well and dries quickly. A roomy fit and longer drop-tail cut offer full coverage in the riding position and when the shirt is cinched under a hip pack. The lack of bike-specific features help make this shirt more activity agnostic than other tech checks, too—I’m equally happy wearing it on the ride as I am at the campsite.

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Gore C5 Gore-Tex Infinium Gloves ($ 60)

When riding temperatures get into the forties and fifties, I often find myself like Will Ferrell’s Ricky Bobby in Talladega Nights—I’m not sure what to do with my hands. Should I wear my normal trail gloves, which protect my palms and improve my grip but offer little to no insulation? Or should I wear my winter gloves, which are warm but less dexterous and at times bunch and rub at the seams? Gore’s C5 Gore-Tex Infinium gloves fill that big gap perfectly. They’re constructed like mountain-bike gloves, with a snug fit, Velcro closures around the wrists, and a synthetic leather palm that gives me a direct interface with my grips. A windproof and water-resistant shell provides more warmth and weather protection than summer-weight gloves, and pre-shaped fingers reduce the material bunching between my hands and the handlebar, which eliminates rubbing. These work great with touchscreens, too, enabling me to operate my phone in chilly conditions without taking them off.

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Bontrager Avert Women’s Mountain Bike Rain Jacket ($ 170)

This 200-gram waterproof shell is small, light, and highly packable, stuffing down into its own pocket—something the most fervent space weenies will appreciate. Super-snug elastic wristbands help keep moisture out and warmth in. A longer, mountain-bike-specific cut fits over baggier layers and offers generous coverage while retaining a slim and flattering shape. My favorite feature, though, is a hood that actually accommodates a trail helmet to keep your head dry in a storm, with a Boa dial system that enables you to ratchet the hood down over your lid for a secure fit. For a waterproof jacket, the Avert is also respectably breathable, allowing for short periods of gentle climbing without overheating.

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7Mesh Women’s Revo Short ($ 225)

The brand 7Mesh, based in Squamish, British Columbia, knows that a good pair of rain shorts can make the difference between staying in and getting out in crappy weather. This pair will make you feel invincible in a downpour. Constructed with waterproof Gore-Tex and fully taped seams, the Revo short keeps your butt and chamois dry, even while riding along waterlogged trails. The legs are roomy enough to fit over knee pads comfortably, while a slim, tailored cut and just-right inseam are flattering—hitting right below the knee, they provide extra coverage in the wet while avoiding that cankle look that longer Capri-style shorts produce. An adjustable waistband and sturdy zippered fly with a button closure are durable fixtures that have withstood two seasons of machine washes.

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Velocio Women’s Trail Mesh Bib Liner ($ 139)

Technically, these mountain-bike bib liners aren’t a fall-specific item; the highly breathable mesh material is actually intended to prevent overheating on hot summer rides. But I recently came to appreciate them for cold-weather adventures when my group rolled up on a trailhead bathroom during a chilly ride. The pee-break-friendly design meant that I could skip into the latrine, still cozy in my fully-zipped jacket and layers, and drop trou without having to expose myself to the cold. A lot of brands offer bathroom-break-friendly women’s bib shorts, but Velocio’s extra-stretchy, extra-wide, crisscrossed strap design makes it super simple: no buckles or clasps, just pull the waistband down like you would with shorts.

Other features make these liners my go-to for long rides in general: the straps keep everything in place when I’m moving around on the bike, and the chamois stays robust and comfortable for several hours. The luxuriously soft mesh feels like pulling pantyhose over my body, and extra-wide leg grippers provide the ideal amount of compression and support without constricting or rubbing.

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Thule Rail Hip Pack 4L ($ 100)

In the past, I haven’t been a fan of hip packs with integrated bladders. Generally, the heavier a hip pack is, the more unstable and shifty it is around my waist in very bumpy terrain. Finicky hose-attachment systems can also result in a loose and dangling hose midride, and they make taking the pack off or putting it on feel like a two-step process.

Thule’s new four-liter Rail is the best hip pack I’ve tried to solve these problems. A flatter profile and wide, stretchy waistband (unusual for a hip pack) help it conform to my body and prevents the Rail from sliding around on hectic descents. Other packs use magnetic hose attachments, too, but instead of a single-point attachment, Thule’s smart system features a roughly 8.5-inch-long magnetic strip that runs the length of one side of the waistband, providing generous real estate for securing the hose sleeve (also designed with a magnetic strip). The result: you can drink midride and replace the hose without fumbling around or even looking down. The Rail’s flatter shape means that using the pack with a full bladder of water leaves just enough volume to stow a tube, tools, a phone, and a couple snacks. Strapping your tube to your bike could also allow you to pack a light layer.

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Giro Manifest Spherical Helmet ($ 260)

Launched this spring, the Manifest trail helmet incorporates Giro’s Spherical MIPS technology. This tech is the brand’s proprietary execution of MIPS, which helps protect against the rotational forces that are related to the majority of brain injuries by enabling the outermost layer of a helmet to “slide” subtly on the head in an impact, absorbing energy from oblique hits. This lid features a unique two-piece design: an outer EPS foam liner sits on top of an inner liner, allowing the two pieces to rotate around one another ever so slightly. Giro says there are two main benefits of Spherical over other MIPS executions: no rough-edged plastic MIPS liner against the hair or scalp, and that liner doesn’t interfere with fit.

The Manifest is an exceedingly comfortable trail helmet. While Giro’s previous-generation Montaro and Montara trail helmets felt a bit tight to me around my temples (likely due to the MIPS liner located directly between the head and the helmet’s EPS foam), the Manifest fits perfectly on my average-shaped head. The antimicrobial liner is pleasantly cushy, and venting is generous for hot rides. A magnetic buckle system is a nice touch, enabling quick fastening and one-handed opening. Silicone grippers in the front vents allow you to stow your shades, though I did have a hard time getting some sunglasses to fit securely. If goggles are more your style, you’ll appreciate the rubber goggle-strap gripper on the back of the helmet.

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Roka x Machines for Freedom GP-1 Sunglasses in Palmera ($ 250)

Women’s cycling apparel maker Machines for Freedom is known for its boldly feminine, eye-catching floral prints. This limited-edition collaboration with performance eyewear maker Roka features Machines’ gorgeous tropical-themed Palmera print on Roka’s GP-1 cycling sunglasses. The rose-gold mirrored lens works well in all but the very lowest light conditions, and it was perfect on partially cloudy days, when the light is always changing.

While intended for both road and mountain biking, the GP-1’s are included in this roundup because they stayed securely on my face on the trail and offered good clarity and light transmission in bright-light conditions in the trees. Fogging was a nonissue, and the wraparound lens and frameless upper half provided an unobstructed field of vision. These shades also garnered a lot of compliments, and wearing them made me happy. (Note: For maximum joy, readers who also dabble in drop-bar riding—and can afford this combo—are advised to wear these shades with the matching Machines for Freedom Summerweight Long Sleeve jersey in Palmera.)

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Camping Tips, Tricks and Adventures

GEAR | Cycling The Monsal Trail On The Specialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0 EQ eBike – Review

When Specialized got in touch with me it couldn’t have been at a better time. I was just days away from visiting the Peak District and was planning on hiring a bike to cycle the Monsal Trail, so I jumped at the chance to try out the new Turbo Vado SL 5.0 EQ bike.

What is it?

Specialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0 EQ £3,600

Overall Rating (4.5 / 5)

Stockists

Specialized

Features

Integrated Turbo Connect Display to view key ride data quickly and safely.
Fully integrated and secure Specialized 320Wh downtube battery w/optional Range Extender compatibility for up to 120 miles of range.
Specialized SL 1.1 custom lightweight motor, peak 240W / 35Nm, 2x you rider amplification (180% assistance), assist up to 15mph.
Turbo SL mounted rear rack, Racktime-compatible for your favorite bags and panniers, and DRYTECH fenders to keep the spray away.
12-speed Shimano SLX shifter and XT derailleur for lightweight, precise performance for the long haul.
DT Swiss R500 disc wheels paired with fast-rolling, high-grip, Nimbus II Sport Reflect 700 tires with BlackBelt flat protection and reflective accents to increase visibility.
Lightweight and high-strength premium carbon fork with Boost 12x110mm thru-axle.
Future Shock 1.5 reduces impacts from rough roads and terrain, potholes be gone!
Premium hydraulic disc brakes for maximum stopping power.
Extra-bright front and rear lighting to see and be seen.
Lifetime frame warranty.

What we thought

Throughout the first lockdown earlier this year I could be found pootling around my village on an old, borrowed Decathlon mountain bike and whilst I enjoy cycling, due to lack of storage at home, I no longer own a bike.

I’m not into serious mileage, mainly as I am fearful of cycling on roads, so most of my rides to date have been short and leisurely, and whilst I’d heard of Specialized (thanks to more serious mountain biker friends), I’d never ridden a bike with a price tag of more than a few hundred pounds before, let alone an e-bike worth a few grand.

Busting e-bike myths

I find the marketing of this bike interesting, it seems like the fact it has a motor is really downplayed and the styling of the bike means at a glance you wouldn’t immediately know it was an e-bike.

Now, if like me, you have no real idea what an e-bike is, let me explain and dispel a few myths in the process.

Using an e-bike isn’t like using say a scooter. It’s not a case of turning it on and the bike does everything except steer for you, far from it. You still have to put the effort in and pedal, but the small electric motor boosts the power of your manual peddling, helping you pedal longer and faster.

This makes e-bikes much more accessible than a standard bike that demand a modicum of fitness, so for those who perhaps aren’t hugely confident, knowing that they can let their bike take some of the strain could encourage them to take to the saddle, which can only be a good thing.

Adjusting the bike

I went for the medium frame and used an allen key to drop the saddle. I was keen to ensure my seated position was as perfect as possible, so watched some YouTube videos and made sure the seat was the ideal height for me.

As well as adjusting the seat I also had to attach the pedals (a first for me!), which after a small amount of faff I managed to do.

Charging the bike & range

Upon arrival, the bike was already about 70% charged and it was intuitive to plug in and turn on. There’s a clear battery display which shows you how much charge is in the bike and when it’s running low, it’s just a case of plugging it in for a few hours.

*The bottom display shows battery charge, the top display shows the level of pedal assist*

My first tentative ride was a short local ride just to get used to the bike and get a feel for it having never ridden anything like it, and certainly having never had the opportunity to ride anything costing more than a few hundred quid before!

Comfort & ride

I really dislike uncomfortable saddles and whilst serious cyclists will say that a larger saddle adds unnecessary bulk, I personally prefer comfort. When first sitting on the very narrow, hard seat I was convinced it was, in fact, a torture device not a saddle.

After my first short ride out, and with the addition of my trusty gel seat pad, it really wasn’t as bad as I’d feared, after a 27km ride however my posterior felt bruised and sore, so a downside for me would definitely be the unforgiving saddle.

Initially, the bike did take a bit of getting used to. The sound of the motor (although very quiet) and the feel of the pedal-assist made me think of the bike as “Robo Bike” and to begin with, it felt a bit weird, but as I pedaled I realised I was cycling much faster than I usually would, mainly because going at speed was largely effortless.

I loved how easy it was to switch pedal assist on and that I could choose from 3 different levels. On my longer ride down the Monsal Trail, I generally kept it at around 1 to 2, but occasionally boosted it up to 3 and frequently turned it off altogether to get a better feel for the level of effort I had to put in when manually cycling.

*With the front wheel off, the bike fit perfectly into the back of my BMW X1*

Cycling the Monsal Trail was a wet and muddy experience and whilst pretty much as flat as a cycle trail can get, it still felt like it was a good test for the bike, giving me the chance to get in a few good uninterrupted miles and I’ve got to say, despite finishing the ride soaked through and covered in mud, I loved every second of it!

The manual gear shifter was so much smoother than anything I’ve used before, pedal-assist made every mile a joy rather than a chore, but by the time I’d finished, I still felt like I’d been out for a good ride. I think the main difference is that I finished the trail much faster than if I’d been on a manual bike or had I kept pedal-assist turned off.

I have an inflammatory joint condition, so handlebars that offer good comfort and grip are always very much appreciated, and I really liked the comfort and grip offered by the handlebars on the bike. I left my gel cycle gloves at home but didn’t feel like I actually needed them, certainly not for a flat ride anyway.

I found the steering of the bike to be light and responsive and the bike felt incredibly quick, certainly compared to anything else I’ve ridden before. I absolutely loved zipping down roads and trails at speed and that’s probably the best way to describe the Turbo Vado SL 5.0 in one word, zippy.

Pros

It’s not massively obvious that this is an e-bike, the motor is both small and lightweight.
I was impressed by the brightness of the built-in lights.
Very smooth gear changes.
Decent shock absorption on uneven and bumpy ground.
I appreciated the built-in mud-guards when cycling in wet autumn conditions!
Brilliant for commuting on as you’re less likely to arrive a sweaty, panting mess at the office.
Takes out a lot of pedaling effort, but I still felt like I was working when riding and certainly not like I was completely ‘cheating’.
It’s really responsive and highly maneuverable.
When the motor kicks in, it’s a smooth transition and after a while, you stop noticing it altogether and barely notice on the lowest level of pedal assist.

Cons

Narrow, hard and uncomfortable saddle.
Even for an e-bike, this is pricey so you’ll need to be serious about using it for your daily commute or getting out and about on it in order to justify this investment.

The verdict

Our Rating

Quality 5/5

Practicality 5/5

Looks 5/5

Value 4.5/5

Overall Rating (4.5 / 5)

I had no idea what to expect from an e-bike having never ridden one before, and whilst this is undoubtedly a superb bike, what I like most about the Specialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0 EQ e-bike is that it makes cycling more accessible, even to those whose fitness levels might have held them back from cycling in the past.

It still feels like you’re riding a bike and working, but the pedal assist just makes life that bit easier…and faster!

It still feels like you’re riding a bike and working, but when you turn it on, the pedal-assist just makes life that bit easier…and faster! It’s far more agile than I expected it to be and in my hometown, I felt like I was zipping around much faster than I usually do on a bike.

When the motor kicks in, it’s a really smooth transition, not at all clunky and whilst after riding it I still felt like I’d had a cardio workout, I felt like I’d not had to work quite as hard as usual and certainly for inclines, I absolutely loved the difference that it makes.

Although I didn’t get close to testing the 120-mile range of the battery, I think for most, even those commuting by bike, this range would allow for several days of use before needing to recharge the battery. During my time with the bike, I went on 3 short local rides as well as a 27km ride down the full length of the Monsal Trail in the Peak District.

It’s pricey yes, but it’s so good that I have genuinely considered an e-Bike as an alternative to my car commute. If my 13-mile route to work was safer and not a combination of narrow winding country roads and a vast dual carriageway, ditching my gym membership and commuting by e-bike would become a viable option.

The Specialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0 EQ eBike is quite simply a stunning bike and an absolute joy to ride and something I was very reluctant to return after our loan period!

DISCLOSURE | Thank you to Specialized who loaned us the bike for review purposes. We were not paid to write this review.

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Camping Tips, Tricks and Adventures

Gear Your Adventure Dog Wants

Our family started as a family of four – two adventure humans and two adventure dogs. While we’ve grown since the first “fur-kid” joined our pack, we still have our nearly 11-year old cattle dog and his younger sister and we still take them on family adventures. To make those adventures happen successfully, we bring along some critical pieces of gear. Here are some of our favorite dog-specific gear that your dog is sure to want!

Mountainsmith K9 Cube

How do you pack your dogs‘ gear? We used to toss their leashes randomly into the truck, toys/accessories into a random tote bag and stash their ziplock bag full of food anywhere we thought they wouldn’t dig into it as we drove down the road. Now, we use the Mountainsmith K9 Cube. The Cube includes two waterproof-lined food/water bowls and a roll-top food bag they can’t break into. The interior is very spacious with a top zipper pocket and internal divider; and the side pocket is large enough to fit an extra-large Nalgene for their water refill in camp.

Vapur EZ Lick Foldable Dog Bottle

When we’re biking or hiking with the pups, we always bring extra water. The Vapur Dog Bottle carries .7L of water and features a clip to easily carry on a backpack. My favorite feature is the lick-activated PupCap, so we don’t need to bring a bowl along. The bottle is made with thin, but durable, dishwasher safe BPA-free plastic, so it’s safe and easy to stash when empty/easy to clean for the next adventure.

Ruffwear Dog Leashes

I have to admit, we probably own as many leashes as we do dog toys – which is a lot – and just about all of those leashes are made by Ruffwear. Their Knot-A-Leash, Roamer Bungee Leash and Crag Reflective Leash are our three favorites. For around-town walks, we use the simple Knot-A-Leash. It’s reflective, features a locking carabiner and it’s the the perfect length for short walks. On more dynamic outings (i.e., trail running), the Roamer Bungee Leash is a more dynamic leash that is adjustable and can be worn around your waist. And finally, if the dogs need to be on-leash in camp, we use the Crag Reflective Leash. It’s reflective for increased visibility and it can range between 3.5 feet and 6 feet in length, letting us decide just how much distance the pups have to roam.

Chaco Dog Collars

If there was any way to equip our pups with Chaco sandals, we would! But, in the meantime, we’ll stick with collars. The Chaco Dog Collar is super-durable (trust us, our dogs put it through mud, snow, bramble and more and they’re still in great condition) and I love the color options – you can also make custom collars and leashes to match!

Ruffwear Climate Changer Fleece

Our dogs like to roam when we’re in camp and while I’m comfortable with that, I also like knowing I can find them quickly. The Ruffwear Climate Changer Fleece is a zip-up layer with reflective lines and an additional tab for a clip-on light. Our cattle dogs stay cozy in cool weather and we have some peace of mind while they roam.

Qalo Custom Dog Tag

If there is one thing that can instantly wake me up, it’s the sound of a dog tags breaking the silence of the night with a metallic clang, clash, jingle. Thankfully, there’s the Qalo Custom Dog Tag. Made from silicone, these tags are durable, easy to clean, scratch resistant and pretty much silent. With your dog’s name on once side, you can customize the other (with up to 6 lines of engraved text).

NiteIze SpotLight Collar Lights

For post-sunset adventures, we always carry a few NiteIze SpotLight Collar Lights. The lights feature a small metal clip to easily attach onto our dogs’ collars and they come in a variety of colors. They also have a solid glow and flash modes with batter life lasting from 20-25 hours, are super light and have proven to be very weather resistant.

Yeti Trailhead Dog Bed

After a long day on the trail or the road, we want our pooches to be as cozy as possible. The Yeti Trailhead Dog Bed is a two-in-one setup which makes it perfect for at home and on the go. When we travel, we pull the removelable Travel Pad and leave the Home Base at home. The dogs love its comfort and I love how easy it is to clean.

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Camping Tips, Tricks and Adventures

GEAR | Super Sparrow Insulated Water Bottle Review

There are so many stainless steel water bottles on the market, so how do you know which one to go for? Super Sparrow water bottles prove you don’t need to pay a high price for a great quality water bottle.

What is it?

Super Sparrow Wide Mouth 500ml £15.59 – £23.99
Super Sparrow Small Mouth 750ml £10.36 – £16.95

Overall Rating (4 / 5)

Stockists

Features

Stainless steel, double wall insulation keeps contents hot for up to 12 hours and cold for up to 24 hours
BPA free
Leakproof
Wide mouth features a flexible handle
Rubberised, grippy base on the standard mouth version

What we thought

We’ve been lucky enough to receive two different versions of the Super Sparrow water bottles to try out and both of them have distinct benefits which we’ll look at in turn.

Firstly, although I used it for water and juice, I also used the wide mouth as a flask, storing hot water inside it ready for a brew after my weekly open water swim.

After a cold swim I took hot water inside the wide mouth and made myself a post-swim herbal tea and after 3 hours the water was still piping hot.

It is worth saying however, that when water is boiling hot, I did find that the wide mouth leaked a little. The heat must temporarily shrink the rubber seal inside the lid, though it’s important to note that once the water had cooled a little (after about an hour) and with cold liquid inside, there were no issues at all with leaks in either of the flasks.

The flexible rubber handle on the lid makes it nice and easy to grab when it’s at the bottom of your backpack and I also found the wide mouth was great for when I was really thirsty and wanted to take great big gulps of water.

By contrast the small mouth is much narrower and I’ve used this more often at the gym and throughout my working day. I’ve used both the wide mouth and small mouth out on hikes and generally prefer the small mouth for hiking.

The small mouth has a rubberised base which makes it quite grippy, so it’s ideal for use outdoors on unstable surfaces. I did find however that due to the grippy base, squeezing the bottle into small spaces isn’t quite as easy as the base offers some resistance, the benefit of this though is that if you place the bottle in an outer pocked in your backpack rather than inside it, it’s less likely to fall out!

Both bottles are great to use, and I keep them both constantly full of filtered water. One comes out to the gym with me, whilst the other stays by my side throughout the working day.

Pros

Good quality bottles
Nice colour options available
Wide selection of sizes and styles to choose from
Both bottles offer good insulation properties
4 different mouth options from small mouth up to wide mouth water bottles
Competitively priced compared to some other well-known insulated water bottles

Cons

The seal leaked on the wide mouth when boiling hot water was inside, but this improves as the water cools and there were no leaks at all from cold liquids

The verdict

Our Rating

Quality 4/5

Practicality 4/5

Looks 5/5

Value 4.5/5

Overall Rating (4 / 5)

I’m really happy with the quality of both bottles and if push came to shove, I think if I had to choose my favourite, it would be the wide mouth version.

I love the bright vibrant colours and performance wise, they are effective at keeping water cold, even overnight. When I take one out of the fridge at night to place one on my bedside table, the water is still cool in the morning.

Super Sparrow water bottles are very competitively priced and performance wise, they compare very favorably to pricier water bottles, such as Chilly’s and Hydro Flask.

DISCLOSURE | Thank you to Super Sparrow who supplied the featured product to us to test. We were not paid to write this review.

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Camping Tips, Tricks and Adventures

Work-Ready Outdoor Gear

Let’s be honest, while getting after outdoor pursuits is our number one priority, we also need to get our day jobs done. For us, that means tending to a flock of 35+ chickens, more than a dozen ducks and all the joys that come with owning a farm. Luckily, some of our favorite outdoor brands not only make fully-capable outdoor gear, they also make fully-capable work gear.

Here are some of our favorites for multi-faceted outdoor families.

Muck Boot Company Original Lace Up Boot

When I’m making a quick run to the barn for stock and poultry watering or egg collection, I don’t want to deal with my heavy-duty boots. Instead, I go for a lighter duty, “chore”-geared boot, particularly the Muck Boot Company Original Lace Up. The men’s and women’s versions are equally capable, comfortable and waterproof. They feature the classic Muck slide on/off with the addition of a lace to cinch them down a bit when the work gets a little harder. And the women’s versions have really fun interior design/colors!

Vasque Sundowner

While a classic hiker, the Vasque Sundowner is also my go-to for all-day work on the farm. My first pair of Sundowners handled long trails days for over a decade and the latest model delivers the tried-and-true you expect from Vasque. Gore-Tex lined, it is 100% waterproof while maintaining breathability. My favorite feature, though, is its rigidity while still being insanely comfortable. These boots are also available in men’s and women’s versions.

Patagonia All Season Hemp Canvas Vest

Sometimes I need more pockets and other times, I need a little more insulation. With Patagonia’s All Season Hemp Canvas Vest, I get the best of both worlds. It comes in a guy’s and women’s version and features a stash pocket for a hat or other accessories, hand warmer pockets to cut the edge on cold mornings, a zipper chest pocket for writing implements, cell phone pocket and more. It’s a super capable and comfortable option on colder days!

Toad & Co. Women’s Mcway Barn Jacket

In my opinion, it’s tough to find a jacket you can wear mucking stalls in the morning and out to a small (socially distanced) gathering in the evening, but the Toad & Co. Mcway makes it happen! The jacket is durable and sustainably-minded with recycled polyester and organic cotton. It is a great option for cooler days and stood up great to rainy days.

Simms Men’s Dockwear Jacket

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Simms Dockwear. We’re avid fly fishers, so if our fishing gear can stand up to days on the water, it should stand up to days at work and the Dockwear does just that. Simms’ men’s Hooded Dockwear Jacket features a flannel lining, insulated hood for working (and fishing) on colder days and all the pockets for all the random things you need throughout the day. The Dockwear Jacket also comes in a standard non-hooded version.

Dovetail Workwear Freshley Overall

I absolutely love my Dovetail Freshley Overalls. So much so, I own two pairs! It’s not easy to find a form-fitting, rugged pair of women-specific overalls. I need pants that will handle more than minor scuffs and these are it! Next to durability, comfort is also an important factor for most of the gear I wear and I happily check that box on these overalls, too! Dovetail Workwear makes sure women have all the pockets, all the comfort, and all the durability they need to get it done.

Vermont Glove Uphill Skier

Available this fall, the Vermont Glove Uphill Skier glove isn’t just for skiers. I have used a lot of insulated and uninsulated gloves in outdoor pursuits and for work and this glove is one of my favorites. The Uphill Skier features a powder cuff that I love for blocking debris while splitting wood or cleaning the coop. They’re also made from goat leather and super durable, thanks to the double stitching. I can pick up small nails or shovel stalls day and this glove has proven comfortable while getting the job done.

My First Opinel No. 07 Scouts Folding Knife

Our kids really love helping out around the farm and it’s important to us that they learn responsibilities and safety around the property. When we had our oldest try out Opinel’s My First Scout Folding Knife, he learned confidence with a tool that was new to him, thanks to a kid-sized handle and a little practice. And while we liked the integrated safety lock, he really liked the green color option!

Kids Carhartt Canvas Dungaree

We literally own every size Carhartt kid’s Canvas Dungaree from 3 months to 6T and both our son and daughter wear them regularly for hikes and working around the farm. They are the kind of pants you can pass down to your kids, friends’ kids, first and second cousins and maybe even the kids of the aforementioned. Needless to say, they’re rugged. Our kids have put their Carhartts through the ringer from cross-country ski days to working on and mending fences around the property.

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Camping Tips, Tricks and Adventures