“I couldn’t pass up this incredible opportunity to be part of this major initiative at AWI. Australian Merino wool is an amazing natural fibre with over 10,000 years in the making. When you combine this tremendous heritage with the latest in innovation and technology, it creates a truly unique sport apparel opportunity and I am excited to be part of it.” 

Mr Mavis will be working with the Australian based AWI team and country based key account managers to arm brands developing and positioning Merino wool collections with more knowledge about this perfect natural fibre. Their first focus will be the North American sport and outdoor market.

“We aim to dispel some of the misconceptions around Australian Merino wool,” Mr Mavis added.

“It is thermo-regulating in both cold and heat, ideal for all end use categories. Modern manufacturing and finishing techniques have made superior product solutions for base, mid and outer layers possible. Australian Merino is comfortable to wear and easy to care for; soft, luxurious and machine washable. It is renewable and natural.

“The majority of softer fine micron Merino comes out of Australia, dwarfing the rest of the world’s Merino market. In addition, the AWI-owned Woolmark brand is one of the most recognised ingredient brands in the world .The entire combination is a recipe for success.”

Woolmark’s global marketing and product development manager for sports and outdoor Lars Ulvesund said: “Stan’s unique skill set of product creation and brand building are already paying dividends for our ingredient brand. We are excited by the work which is being done by him and the sports and outdoor team at AWI.”

Background

Stan Mavis a co-founder of Pearl Izumi in the USA and later president of SUGOI Performance Apparel.

Australian Wool Innovation is a not-for-profit company owned by over 29,000 Australian woolgrowers. AWI invests in research, development, innovation and marketing along the global supply chain for Australian wool.

For more information and imagery contact:
Sonny Puryear, Country Manager – Americas
O +1 212 626 6745
sonny.puryear@wool.com

The Maui Jim Freight Trains are by far the best sunglasses I have ever worn. Aside from the fact that I look about 1,000 times cooler with these on, they may be the best all around sunglasses known to man. These are the sunglasses you want to be wearing when you land that trophy Marlin and light up a Cuban. If you drive a car, fish, fly a plane, ride a bike, walk a sidewalk or paddle a canoe or kayak, or do anything outside (maybe inside) these are the sunglasses for you.

The polarization is so good, if you look at a retention pond it looks like the Caribbean.  You can look a fish in the eye and know where its heading next. when cycling with these glasses, I can read the expiration month and year on car’s license plates.  Also, the space aged frame metal known as MauiFlex actually remembers the shape of your face once it has been worn.  Not sure if they float, I will need to test that out.

Benefits Include:

• MauiFlex memory metal frame contours to your face size and maintains its shape over time without over-bending or breaking
• Maui Evolution lens includes the best qualities of glass and polycarbonate to find a perfect medium of clarity and impact-resistance
• PolarizedPlus eliminates 99% of the blinding glare (like off waves), sharpens contrast, and filters 100% of UV rays to keep your eyes healthy
• Silicone Clearshell scratch coating ensures you don’t ruin the shade of your sunglasses with aggressive outdoor usage and exploration
• Adjustable nose pads and padded temples feel good on your face even after the twelfth hour riding into the sun
• Includes a carrying case and lens cloth

The Maui Jim Freight Trains are available in the following colors; Gloss Black/Neutral Grey and Copper with Tan HCL Bronze.  Fit size is medium/large.  Suggest retail is right around $300.

We received the Palisades Pack and the Singletrak Pack to test out and review.  Upon receipt of these packs, my initial thought immediately went to the rugged construction of the packs.  I was extremely impressed with the fabrics and hardware used in the construction process to produce such high quality packs.  I recall that one of my first thoughts was my desire that Ruff Wear produced a pack for humans…unfortunately they do not.  I was envious of the gear that my dog would get to utilize.  The two packs really are constructed exceptionally well. 

In the upcoming months we will be putting these packs to the test on local trails as well as a few adventures on the Appalachian Trail.  We are very excited about these products and believe they will enhance the safety and comfort on outdoor adventures that we share with our dogs.

I close with a little about each product which I borrowed from Ruff Wear’s website.

Palisades Pack

The ultimate backcountry dog pack.  Ruff Wear started with their best-selling Web Master Harness and then added a rugged, multi-featured, detachable saddle bag system.  The pack is built for use in rugged conditions on multi-day backpacking trips when extra carrying capacity is needed.  Integrated water bladders keep your dog hydrated in dry conditions.

Singletrak Pack

Mobile hydration.  This sleek, low-profile hydration pack is ideal for adventures where water is all you need.  Two on-board, removable Platypus water bladders mean your dog can carry their water and yours!  Two external stash pockets fit other adventure essentials.

This past winter, both Bailey and I packed on a few extra pounds and our energy levels have decreased.  Knowing this to be a very slippery slope, I have made a very focused attempt at both she and I to be more active in our day-to-day activities.  We start our mornings with a 5-mile trail run and she’s been coming along on more hikes with me.  In the past when I have taken her she would receive the term “lazy” as she would frequently quit on me.  This year is a bit different, because I’m just as out of shape as her and we have quit on each other on occasions. This year, unlike those passed, we both find ourselves in the same condition and I can much more easily relate to her physical condition.

With close to two months of trails together we are both finding it easier to go longer distances.  We have become an encouragement and motivator to one another; our bond has gotten stronger.

I was excited to learn that we would be receiving the new Singletrak Pack and the Palisades Pack from Ruff Wear.  It is a life of luxury no more for Bailey.  Instead, she is now on her way to becoming an “outdoors” dog.  We will get to testing these products immediately and publish reviews soon after.

BHEESTIE is easy to use and it is always thirsty and can be used to dry out electronics by following the simple directions below.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Turn off your electronic item (if in protective case remove), dry off item and place in the silver bag with bead pouch (do not remove beads from clear pouch).

2. Seal bag tight.

3. To remove everyday moisture leave electronic item in bag overnight or until next use. If item has been soaked or submerged immediately remove battery, dry all visible water, and place in BHEESTIE bag® – leaving in for 24 – 72 hours.

The $20 BHEESTIE bag should last up to a year if used for everyday moisture removal and is kept sealed tight at all times. If it is used to save an electronics that has been completely submerged, it may last a shorter time.  Knowing when it is time to replace your BHEESTIE is easy as there are a small amount of blue “indicator” beads in each bag’s bead pouch.  When these turn gray it is time to replace BHEESTIE.

NOTE: BHEESTIE® can’t save LCD screens or cell phones, etc., that have shorted out or are broken. Be sure not to turn on a wet cell phone – wait until it is completely dry.

BHEESTIE® claims a near 100% success rate if you follow the directions provided.

BHEESTIE keeps personal electronics working better and potentially lasting longer. Can be used for
daily maintenance or even to save a wet cellphone, iPod®, camera, etc. BHEESTIE can last
up to a year depending on use.

Great for use after sports and activities: running, skiing, golfing, boating, travel, gym, walking, beach,
biking, water sports or accidental soakings. BHEESTIE pulls the wet out of your electronics.

I had the opportunity to speak with founder/inventor Andrew Hamra and we’ve got some being sent our way to test out and review.  In the meantime, check out this video that Andrew at RUNNUR referred us too.  Pretty neat! 

I think this product has some great implications and highly encouraging watching the video put to test their slogan, of “Made for Movement”.  Enjoy.

Right off I was impressed that these boots have such an excellent grip.  A majority of the trails that I have been on include crossing paths with slippery rocks and passing through creeks, however the boots maintained a steady grip.  The boots also did a great job of keeping most of the water out.  They got a little bit wet, as to be expected when completely submerged underwater, but dried quickly. 

Another aspect of this boot that I would like to compliment is the ankle support.  Within an hour of hiking with my previous pair of boots, I could already begin to feel the strain on my ankles.  With the Oboz Yellowstone, there was no point within my hikes that I ever felt discomfort in my ankles.

The boots have a stiff heel cup which initially had me worried about blisters, however I have not had a problem with this unlike previous boots I’ve owned.

They are comfortable and light on my feet.  Whether I’m at work or hitting the trail, these shoes seem to be perfect for all day wear.

The design was attractive, and the soles rugid for rough terrain seem to work well.  Deeper tread voids held mud which ended up getting everywhere later on, but that’s pretty much all boots so I can’t complain too much on that subject.  The metal top lace holders were a nice touch as well and make for a much more durable boot.  More than anything I was happy with the fact that no matter how much water, mud and dirt these shoes have encountered they always clean up well and continue to look brand new.

Overall I was very pleased with the Oboz boots and will continue to enjoy them on my hikes throughout north Georgia.

We said get familiar…we mean it, check out the videos on the point6 website under the About Us section of their site.  For me, buying outdoor gear isn’t entirely about the product (although it weighs heavily into my decision), but I like to buy from company’s with the right attitude and do business with people that are fun to do business with.  For me, point6 has struck a chord deep inside of me and “had me at hello.”  I think they’ll tickle your fancy too…maybe even make you chuckle.

Upon first glance of these beauties one notices the reinforced areas of the sock as well as the soft merino wool.  Who says a sock needs to be just a sock?  The superior material, styling and reinforced areas of the sock makes them something to salivate over.  We’re looking forward to getting our feet snug into a pair soon!

I started by rinsing them with warm water by using a wet paper towel. This gets any caked on dirt off. 

After shaking well and pressing the sponge on the applicator to break the seal, I doused my boots with the Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel. I used it to clean the leather, the fabric, and the rubber soles.

After applying generously, I rinsed them in the sink.

Then I spot dried them with a towel and let them sit for 15-20 minutes.

Upon return, I found them looking much better. They weren’t sparkling or anything, but I could tell that they had been cleaned.

If you’re going to clean your hiking boots or any other leather or suede footwear, you might as well pick up some Nikwax for it. If my boots had been dirtier, you might have seen a bigger difference, but I still think the result is the same.

Clearly leaders in this niche market, we were quite excited to learn that we would be receiving samples of their innovative products for testing.  Today we received the following items from Nikwax:  Footwear Cleaning Gel, Basewash, Waterproofing Wash for Leather, Sandal Wash, Tech Wash, and TX.Direct.  We wanted to test these products in different geographic locations so we sent samples to our expert reviewers; Jeff Jackson, Benjamin Wells Maas, and Josh Condon…I will also review some of the products.

Below is a brief description of each of the Nikwax Waterproofing products:

Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel – Cleans safely, revitalizes breathability and water repellency.  Recommended for Gore-Tex and SympaTex.

Nikwax Basewash – Cleans safely, deodorizes, softens, enhances wicking and accelerates drying.  Recommended for Capliene and Driclime.

Nikwax Waterproofing Wash for Leather – Waterproofs, maintains support and breathability.  High performance cream for smooth leather.

Nikwax Sandal Wash – Cleans safely, deodorizes and sanitizes.  Recommended for all natural and synthetic sandal materials.

Nikwax Tech Wash – Cleans safely, revitalizes breathability and water repellancy.  Recommended for Gore-Tex.

Nikwax TX.Direct – Adds water repellency and revives breathability.  Recommended for Gore-Tex.