Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Rab Equipment Adrift 24L Day Pack Review

Article by Jeff Valliere

Rab Adrift 24L Day Pack ($80)

One size fits most

24 Liters / 1465 cu in

1lb/7oz

Available now. $80

Also available in 30L



The Rab Adrift Day Pack is designed as a durable multi use pack that crosses over well between daily use, travel and commuting, to day hiking or trips to the crag.  Constructed with an exceptionally hard wearing nylon ripstop fabric, a close fitting back system for stability and comfort, easy U shape zipper, internal pockets and removable hip belt.

Testbericht: Soto Outdoors 750ml Titan Topf

Artikel von Markus Zinkl

Soto 750ml Titan Topf (€54,90)

Einführung

Ich durfte den Soto 750ml Titan Topf testen und bin absolut begeistert. Der Topf ist aus hochwertigem Titan gefertigt und extrem leicht. Mit nur 60g für den Topf, 15g für den Deckel und 20g für die Griffzange ist er ein echtes Leichtgewicht. Das macht ihn perfekt für meine 3-Jahreszeiten-Touren.

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

adidas Terrex Agravic 3 Multi Tester Review: A Versatile All Around Trail Runner at a Great Price! 9 Comparisons

Article by Mike Postaski and Sam Winebaum

adidas Terrex Agravic 3 ($130)

Introduction

Sam: Hot on the heels of a completely revamped road trainer line, adidas Terrex joins the party with a completely revamped trail running line including the Agravic Speed Ultra, Speed and here the Agravic 3. 


A modern, simple design all around trail runner at a great $130 price, the Agravic 3 features:

  • Lightstrike 2.0 foam an energetic, vibration absorbing foam that is more forgiving than the usual trail shoe foam, 

  • an internal midfoot plastic stability/protection plate that delivers a touch of springy propulsion, 

  • a reinforced debris mesh upper 

  • an all terrain even some road 4mm lug always fine Continental rubber outsole. 


The whole package weighs a commendable  10.25 oz / 290g US9 with a just sub “maximal” stack height of 34 mm heel /  26 mm forefoot. After finding the Ultra and Speed a bit too “springy” at all but very fast paces and not that well held at the upper level for my paces, I was eager to see how this more "conventional" yet throughly modern trail runner would perform.  

Arc’teryx Sylan Review: 5 Comparisons

Article by Alexandra Zvezdin

Arc’teryx Sylan ($200 USD/ 240 CAD)


Introduction


Sylan is the new Arc’teryx “all around” trail shoe. I think it’s appropriate to start with a little bit of history explaining why this shoe is a big deal. 


The Norvan series was the Arc’teryx trail shoe line up offering the LD (long distance), SL (super light) and the now discontinued VT (Vertical Terrain). 


Unlike the Norvans, the Sylan is the first shoe entirely designed by Arc’teryx, whereas previous trail shoes retailed by the brand were heavily supported in the design process by Salomon (also owned by Amer Sports).


The shoe is branded as “athlete inspired and built for speed”. This is obvious right away: rocker, integrated gaiter, sturdy but lightly built. Some of the more technical features  include  InFuse foam (EVA & Polyolefin) and  Vibram Megagrip LITEBASE outsole. The Sylan is offered in 3 models: Sylan, Sylan Pro, and Sylan GTX. This review is for the Sylan. Let’s dive in and see what this new shoe is all about compared to the Norvan and other shoes in this higher-stack, high rocker, still-light category. 

Monday, August 19, 2024

ZPacks - Mirage Sun Hoodie Review

Article by Markus Zinkl

Mirage Sun Hoodie ($99.95)

Introduction

I recently got my hands on the ZPacks Mirage Sun Hoodie and it differs a bit from your usual sun hoodie. This hoodie is the result of a long development phase and a collaboration with EvolveSupplyCo. 


Material and Comfort

First off, the material is a 96% Merino Wool Blend, which makes it incredibly soft and smooth against the skin. No itchiness or transparency here. 

Sunday, August 18, 2024

Dynafit Alpine DNA 2 Review: 4 Comparisons

Article by Jeff Valliere

Dynafit Alpine DNA 2 ($219.99)


Introduction:

The Dynafit Alpine DNA 2 is a lightweight mountain running/race shoe for mid to shorter distance mountain outings and technical trail running races. It eaturies a responsive, lightweight midsole, a full length X shaped Pebax plate, Vibram Megagrip outsole with Litebase (4mm lugs) and a race fit snug upper.


Pros: Light, nimble, agile, traction, stability, security


Cons: Sizing (runs small, so size up at least a half size)


New: list 3-4 most comparable shoes (with your name next to each)

Dynafit Sky DNA

VJ Maxx 2

Merrell MTL Skyfire

Hoka Zinal 2

Friday, August 16, 2024

Testbericht: ASICS GEL-Kayano 31 (German)

Artikel von Marcel Krebs & Nils Scharff

ASICS Gel-Kayano 31 (200 €)

Einleitung


Nils: Im letzten Jahr hat ASICS dem Kayano zu seinem dreißigsten Geburtstag eine Rundumerneuerung verpasst. Verschwunden waren jegliche klassischen Stabilitätselemente - hartes Plastik suchte man vergebens. Stattdessen hat das 4D GUIDANCE SYSTEM™ Einzug gehalten, dass mithilfe eines eher gummiartigen Schaums auf der medialen Seite des Mittelsohle sowie ganz viel inhärenter Stabilität ein sehr viel unaufdringlicheres Lauferlebnis bietet, als man das bisher von sog. Motion-Control-Schuhen wie dem Kayano gewöhnt war.

In diesem Jahr steht daher ein eher überschaubares Update an, das vor allem die kleinen Schwächen des Vorgängers ausbügeln soll. ASICS verspricht bessere Traktion und ein luftigeres Obermaterial. Gleichzeitig scheint der Kayano etwas an Gewicht verloren zu haben. Inwiefern sich diese Veränderungen bemerkbar machen oder ob man guten Gewissens auch zum Vorgängermodell greifen kann, versuchen Marcel und ich in den folgenden Zeilen darzustellen.

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

2XU x District Vision Desert Collection Review: Ultralight Desert Singlet and Ultralight Desert Compression Shorts

 2XU x District Vision Desert Collection

Compression apparel specialist 2XU joined cutting edge sunglasses/apparel brand District Vision to create a collection of apparel focus on running in the heat, big time heat as the collection launched and was worn by Harvey Lewis at the 2025 Badwater 135, likely the hottest course on the planet starting in the hottest place on the planet, Death Valley.

Using cutting edge ultra light breathable fabrics and  2XU’s compression technologies this kit is all about comfort and performance in extreme conditions.

I tested the Lightweight Desert Compression Shorts and Ultralight Desert Singlet on multiple runs in this summer’s New England high heat and high humidity for the review

Monday, August 12, 2024

Testbericht: Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 - 4 Vergleiche (German)

Artikel von Markus Zinkl

Xodus Ultra 3 (170,00 €)


Einleitung

Nachdem ich sowohl den Saucony Xodus 1 als auch den Xodus 2 gelaufen habe, war ich besonders gespannt darauf, den neuen Saucony Xodus 3 unter die Lupe zu nehmen. Die ersten beiden Versionen haben in puncto Leistung überzeugt: Der Xodus 1 bot bereits eine solide Performance, hatte jedoch einige Schwächen in der Langlebigkeit der Außensohle. Saucony gelang es jedoch, mit dem Xodus 2 nahezu alle Kinderkrankheiten auszumerzen und einen nahezu perfekten Trailschuh zu liefern. Mit diesen Erfahrungen im Hinterkopf war meine Erwartungshaltung an den Xodus 3 entsprechend hoch. In diesem Testbericht werde ich untersuchen, ob die neueste Version die Messlatte erneut höher legen kann.

Sunday, August 11, 2024

"Over or Under" Sunglasses Comparison Review: Julbo Destiny Reactiv 0-3 High Contrast, Smith Shift Split MAG ChomaPop Photochromic, Rudy Project Rydon Photocrhomic

Article by Sam Winebaum

Julbo Destiny Reactiv 0-3 High Contrast, Smith Shift Split MAG ChomaPop Photochromic, Rudy Project Rydon Photocrhomic with prescription Insert

In the article I test and review 3 performance photochromic (light adapting) sunglasses suitable for running, cycling, skiing, hiking and everyday wear.


All three feature photochromic lenses which means their Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage changes as light changes, letting through more or less light depending on conditions.


At their “darkest”, most sun in the mix, all three are quite close with 9% VLT  for the Rydon, 12% for the Shift Split Mag and 15% for the Destiny. Their “low light” VLTs varies more with 67% for the Smith, 74% for the Rydon and a big 87% for the Julbo with higher numbers clearer in dimmer light.


I always choose photochromic lenses to maximize the utility of the sunglasses from full on sun to in and out of trees on trail runs, to dawn to dusk. 


And there is a twist.. as I have always worn such glasses with typically big lens surfaces over my 25g Oakley carbon frame prescription eyeglasses (non sun)  to be able to easily put them up on my head when need be and for just plain convenience.  

Skida Running Cap Review

Article by Sally Reiley

Skida Running Cap ($48)

As a New Englander who grew up in Minnesota and loves all things outdoor, I am unabashedly a huge fan of Skida winter hats for running, nordic skiing, alpine skiing (under helmet), and all winter activities. I was gifted my first Skida alpine hat before others had even heard of it; I still have this hat with its large yellow, blue, purple and green polka dots.  Here I test their Running Cap.

Saturday, August 10, 2024

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 Multi Tester Review:10 Comparisons-Up in Cushion and Energy, Way Down in Weight!

Article by Jeremy Marie and Derek Li

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 (230€/230$)


Pros:

  • Excellent cushion to weight ratio, huge weight drop vs v2: Jeremy

  • Comfortable, airy yet supportive upper: Jeremy/Derek

  • Springy foam, with lots of rebound: Jeremy/Derek

  • Works for a variety of paces: Jeremy/Derek

  • Quite natural feeling, not overly directed: Jeremy/Derek

  • Still has of the best outsole grips and durability:Jeremy/Derek

  • Lower price point than competition:Jeremy/Derek


Cons:

  • slight lack of stability at the heel: Jeremy


Most comparable shoes 

Salomon SLab Phantasm 2

Nike Vaporfly Next% 2

Hoka Rocket X 2


Stats

Spec Weight: men's 6.84oz / 194g (US9/EU42)

  Sample Weight: men’s  7.65oz / 217g US10.5/EU44

  Prior Version Weight:  9.91 oz / 281g (US10.5/EU44)

Stack Height: men’s  40 mm heel /  32 mm forefoot ( 8mm drop) 

Prior Version Stack Height: 38 mm heel /  30 mm forefoot ( 8mm drop)

Platform Width: 104 forefoot /52 midfoot /79 heel 

Measurements won’t be as accurate here as the main external edge is exposed midsole, and the edges are curved at the heel and midfoot. Forefoot number is fine.


Available now at our partner Top4 Running Europe HERE (some colors on sale)

Hoka Skyflow Initial Review: Worth the Wait! At Long Last from the OG of Cush, Supercritical Foam Max Cushion.

Article by Sam Winebaum

Hoka Skyflow ($160)

Introduction

The Skyflow is Hoka’s first max cushion road trainer entirely powered by supercritical foam, no plates on board. Sitting at 40mm at the heel and 35mm at the forefoot, it weighs a commendable light 9.14 oz /259 g in my US8.5 sample. Copiously shod in rubber for durability (and some at the ground stability and response) it features a soft and supportive Creel Jacquard upper.

Thursday, August 08, 2024

Hoka Rincon 4 Review

Article by Matt Kolat 

Hoka Rincon 4 (€132, £109.99, $125 USD)

Pros

  • Low price for a versatile trainer

  • Stiff/firm foam (may also be a disadvantage for some)

  • Styling (subjective)

  • Low weight


Cons

  • Very short tongue

  • Very different shoe compared to previous editions (this may also be an advantage)

Recenzja: Hoka Rincon 4 (Polish)

Article by Matt Kolat

Hoka Rincon 4 ( 558,75 zł  €132)

Za

  • Relatywnie niska cena

  • Sztywna pianka

  • Stylistyka (subiektywne)

  • Niska waga


Przeciw

  • Podeszwa zewnętrzna zużywa się zbyt szybko

  • Bardzo krótki język

  • Zupełnie inny but w porównaniu z poprzednimi edycjami (to może być zaleta)