Gear: November 2009 Archives

While athletic footwear sales are down 2.4 percent from a year ago, hiking boot sales are up almost ten percent. “Why? Hiking boots are popular with young adults and during a recession, folks are more likely to go on a camping trip or a day-trip hike in the White Mountains than spend big bucks on a fancy vacation, said Marshal Cohen, NPD’s chief industry analyst.” From The Boston Globe.

“Never have I been more tempted to kick a polar bear and see what happens. I’m sure there are a few pairs out there already, amateury ones where you rest your feets on habaneros, but these are freaking official.” Mark Lorenz writes about the new Columbia Bugathermo hiking boots on Manolith.com.

Outside magazine suggests some lightweight personal headlamps for running at night. “Your next step is to enter the world of cycling lights. Which might not be a bad idea. NiteRider’s Minewt 200 ($199) throws out 200 lumens, enough to bike with, so certainly enough to run with.”

I have a good friend who hikes many “technical’ trails in his sandals, and while my 200-plus-pound frame may put a bit too much compression on flimsy soles, there are many others who find sandals just fine for medium-difficulty hikes. Steven Regenold talks about three different sandal-style hiking footwear offerings currently on the market. “Sole’s high-end Platinums are hands down most comfortable. They also look the best, in my opinion, with a handsome design appropriate in the outdoors or for patio dining.”