Each Builder’s Max pack 30 grams of protein, without any artificial flavors, high fructose corn syrup, trans-fats, or any of that other stuff we shouldn’t be eating. At 380-390 calories, they’re more than just a snack, and make a great post-workout meal. And they’re certainly more portable and convenient that egg whites or chicken breasts. Because they’re so nutritionally dense, (and quite chewy), you’re going to want to drink a lot of liquids with one. I prefer water, since the Builder’s Max already has 15 vitamins and minerals in addition to the protein, and anything else is going to add to calories, which I personally don’t need right now. If I was doing some hard intervals or an epic mountain bike ride, it might be different. Like taste preferences, your needs are probably different. With that in mind, here’s how they stack up on the taste buds.

CLIF Builder’s Max Protein Bars

My favorite flavor in the original Clif bars is the Cool Mint Chocolate, and has been since I first found them on the shelf at Trader Joe’s. If you like that one too, the Builder’s Max in Mint Chocolate Chip will hit the spot, but with the benefit of that extra protein. Of the trio reviewed here, it’s also the one with the truest flavors. Mint and chocolate will always be a winner for that reason. My hands-down favorite, although I’m a bit biased towards them.

Caramel Peanut. A bit light on both flavors, which may be good if you’re not looking to get overwhelmed with peanuts. I like them in my trail mix, but not to the point of overpowering other flavors. The caramel texture does get a bit lost in the rest of the bar, but it’s also overall pretty smooth chewing, rather than crunchy like a candy bar. Clif did a good job here of hinting at the peanut and caramel, without making them “in your face”, even if they actually are.

Last up is the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Thanks to the soy cocoa crisps, these bars have a pleasing, lightly crunchy texture to go along with the chocolatey goodness.It does indeed have a taste reminiscent of chocolate chip cookie dough, but there’s a slight aftertaste which comes on rather shortly after, that reminds me it’s a protein replacement bar, and not a dessert. It’s not so strong as to be objectionable, but if you’re looking to reward yourself with some forbidden fruit after a good workout, this may bring you back to reality a bit too quickly. On the bright side, at least it’s not some artificial flavoring that tastes legit, but is actually bad for you. That makes it a fair trade off. So it’s good, but not my favorite.

If you’re pushing yourself at the gym or giving 100% during your favorite sport, the Builder’s Max may be just the ticket. They’re a welcome addition the Builder’s family for anyone that needs some serious protein replacement. If 30 grams of protein and nearly 400 calories is too much, keep in mind that the Builder’s also includes a 20 gram bar, as well as a 10 gram snack size. All with the goodness we’ve come to expect from Clif. For full ingredients listings, nutritional content, and everything else Clif, go to clifbar.com

- Brian

Boombotix Boombot1 Ultraportable Speaker

Shaped like an alien with asymmetrically sized eyes and some stubby legs, the first thing my Boombot1 did was disappear. Well, not completely. To say that it walked off might be an exaggeration, but if you have a teenage daughter at home, you can just forget about ever seeing your Boombot again. This was a less than subtle hint that she needed new computer speakers, but it also validated the design efforts of the crew at Boombotix – oddly shaped it might be, it’s certainly likeable. I figured that the rechargeable lithium ion battery would eventually give out, and she’d bring it back, looking for the USB charging cable. That didn’t happen. With a run time of six hours, she used it off and on over a week, with no sign of it dying. So I stole it back while she was in school.

Boombotix Boombot1

Once it was in my possession, I had to a chance to give it a proper review, and get some photos. Charging via the included USB mini cable did indeed take “about an hour” as evidenced by the LED star that is green when charging, and blue when in use. That done, I plugged in the 1/8″ (3.5mm) cord into the back, and into my iPod. Heed the warning on the self-storing cord spool, and pull both sides at the same time, otherwise they won’t retract at the same rate. After finding the best balance between the unit’s volume (controlled by buttons on either side of the top-mounted power button) and my device’s volume, I was pleasantly surprised how well the little Boombot could fill a room with sound. Reproduction of the mids and highs was more than acceptable, and as expected from a 50mm driver, bass response was present, but weak. That’s not a criticism, but an acknowledgment that it takes a large speaker to produce low notes. To test voice reproduction, we plugged it into a Kindle Fire and watched episodes of Archer and Arrested Development. No disappointment from the content or sound quality. Although I didn’t take it with me on a bike ride, I did use the attached belt clip on a windy day, and it performed admirably. I can see the appeal of clipping it to my hydration pack for mountain bike excursions. Note that the IP53 ensures your Boombot will continue working even during dust storms and light rain.

Boombotix backs their speakers with a one year “No matter what” warranty, but the $44.99 Boombot1 we tested seems durable enough that they probably don’t end up having too many warranty claims. It’s available in several fun color and graphics combinations, performs better than expected, and is versatile enough to be used indoors or out with a variety of devices. For those times when a speaker is better than headphones or earbuds, it shines. I just need to get myself another, or figure out how to hide this one from my daughter. boombotix.com

- Brian

Feed Zone Portables

Now in their new cookbook, Feed Zone Portables, Chef Biju and Dr. Lim offer 75 all-new portable food recipes for cyclists, runners, triathletes, mountain bikers, climbers, hikers, and backpackers. Each real food recipe is simple, delicious during exercise, easy to make-and ready to go on any ride, run, climb, hike, road trip, or sporting event. Feed Zone Portables is now available in bookstores, bike shops, and online. Learn more and try out free sample recipes at www.feedzonecookbook.com.

Feed Zone Portables expands on the most popular features of The Feed Zone Cookbook with more quick and easy recipes for athletes, beautiful full-color photographs of every dish, complete nutrition data, tips on why these are the best foods for athletes, and time-saving ways on how to cook real food every day.

In his introduction to Feed Zone Portables, Dr. Lim makes the case for real food as a more easily digestible, higher-performance source of energy than prepackaged fuel products. He shows how much athletes really need to eat and drink at different exercise intensities and in cold or hot weather. Because the body burns solid and liquid foods differently, Lim defines a new approach for athletes to drink for hydration and eat real food for energy.

With the recipes, ideas, and guidance in Feed Zone Portables, athletes will nourish better performance with real food and learn to prepare their own creations at home or on the go. Feed Zone Portables includes

* 75 all-new recipes that taste great during exercise: Rice Cakes, Two-Bite Pies, Griddle Cakes, Waffles, Baked Eggs, Sticky Bites, Rice Balls, Ride Sandwiches, Baked Cakes, and Cookies
* A smart introduction on how real food works better for athletes
* More than 50 no-fuss gluten-free recipes, including great-tasting cookies and cakes
* More than 50 vegetarian recipes

Feed Zone Portables: A Cookbook of On-the-Go Food for Athletes
Biju Thomas and Allen Lim with forewords by Taylor Phinney and Tim Johnson
Hardcover with full-color interior. 6 5/8″ x 8 1/4″, 288 pp., $24.95, 9781937715007

Chef Biju Thomas is a professional chef known for light, simple dishes bursting with bold flavors. He has designed the menus of many successful restaurants in Denver and Boulder, Colorado. Chef Biju has cooked for dozens of elite professional cyclists, teaching them the craft of cooking.

Dr. Allen Lim is a sports physiologist and cycling coach. Lim was director of sport science for Garmin and RadioShack cycling teams and is the only American scientist to have worked and cooked for teams at the Tour de France. Lim has worked with dozens of top American cyclists to improve their performance and nutrition.

VeloPress publishes books on cycling, triathlon, and running to help beginners and committed athletes achieve their goals. For more information, please visit www.velopress.com.

Shifter 4.0 from Spotlight

Yes, it does seem as though we review a lot of flashlights and knives. But they’re two of the most common tools for outdoor enthusiasts, and are all-around handy to have. What we try to avoid is sharing the same item over and over again. That’s one of the reasons we’re excited to review the new Shifter 4.0 from Spotlight. To the untrained eye, it might just be another flashlight, but we’ll dig into the technical specs a bit, and explain why Spotlight is one of our favorites.

First, a bit about LED technology, which is advancing pretty rapidly. At this point, if you own an incandescent flashlight, you’re getting a fraction of the output you’d have with an LED, and your battery life is being wasted as heat. That’s one of the reasons we’ll be seeing LED lights replacing the incandescent and CFL lights in our homes soon. LED bulbs require approximately 1/10 the amount of energy as incandescent bulbs to put out the same amount of light. Incandescent bulbs emit 25 times more heat than an LED. That’s electricity you can’t see, but might feel if you’re close enough to the bulb. (If you happen to see a flashlight being used to fry an egg, that’s simply the world’s most inefficient flashlight at work) LEDs are also nearly indestructible, and usually rated for 50,000 hours of use. Whether being used on the job, or just around the house, the LED flashlight cannot be beat for price relative to performance. And Spotlight is taking that a step further.

RLS Lens

That little bit of heat the LED bulbs put out can limit effectiveness in less expensive lights, reducing output and battery life. Spotlight addresses this in two ways. First, instead of a TIR (Total Internal Reflector) system, they use their own RLS (Reflector Lens System), which provides the Shifter 4.0 with a flood to spot ratio of 12:1, at the same time allowing the bulb to run cooler.  Combined with chips that are optimized for maximum efficiency and temperature control, Spotlight LED flashlights are brighter and run longer than their low-end competitors. Once you buy an LED flashlight, the only consumable is batteries. Might as well make sure you get an efficient light.

Recessed Tail Cap Switch

Just over 5 inches long, the Shifter 4.0 has a solid feel, without being too heavy. Mine came pre-loaded with 4 AAA Duracell batteries, so it was ready to go. Attractive knurling in the middle of the body and grooves on either end are more than just design elements, they make it easier to handle with or without gloves. One of our contributors came up with the idea of testing the focus by twisting it while under running water. Rest assured, you’ll be able to work this light in the heaviest rainstorm. Likewise, the O-ring sealed tail cap cannot be removed easily under those conditions, preventing water from getting inside by accident. On the flood setting, the beam is nice and even all the way across. As you zoom out, the middle is slightly darker. That brightens up as you reach the spot light setting, which is very focused, with a bit of a halo. Finally, the rubber switch that cycles through the high, low, and strobe settings is recessed into the tail cap. Not only does this help avoid accidentally turning the light on (or off), but it allows you to stand it on end, and use it as an area light, or leave the strobe on as a distress signal. Expect 2.5 hours of run time on high, which gives you 255 lumens of output, enough to throw a beam 200 meters. Pretty good numbers for a quartet of AAA batteries. On low, we usually get at least a month or two of occasional use. Your results may vary.

If you’re wondering why we haven’t suggested this flashlight as a dads and grads gift, it’s only because it won’t be available until July. We just happened to score one early for our review. Check 12vspotlight.com for availability.

- Brian

Serfas FMP-969 Floor Pump

I’ve got a Serfas FP-100 floor pump that has served me well for at least ten years, maybe more. This is the 3rd home I’ve lived in since I bought it, and besides myself, dozens of neighborhood kids have used and abused it. It’s seen plenty of greasy, grubby, dirty hands, filled hundreds and hundreds of tires, and still works like new. That kind of durability has made it a great value.  So when the folks at Serfas offered to lend me their new FMP-969 floor pump for testing, I was more than willing, but also anxious to see what the fuss was all about with this new pump.

Stainless hose with clear rubber cover

First things first: This is not the pump you leave outside for your neighbor’s kids to use. The FMP-969 is a beautiful aluminum pump that is as much a piece of artwork as a useful tool. An extra wide base sports a large pressure gauge that reads to 240psi, the handle is polished ovalized tubing, and even the hose is pretty special, being braided stainless with a clear rubber sleeve. I’m not suggesting you stand it on your coffee table, but my wife hasn’t complained when I leave it in the living room. It’s so nice looking, maybe she hasn’t realized it’s a tire pump. Or maybe she’s given up on trying to civilize me. (Note: she came into my office while I was writing this, and admitted that she never really looked at it, and thought it was a scooter)

Switch From Presta to Schrader in a quarter turn

Taking a closer look, it’s obvious that some thought went into the design. That wide base is nice and solid, so it doesn’t tip over easily, but fits small and large feet with ease. High contrast numbers on the black face of the gauge – white for psi and orange for bar, are easy to read, plus there’s a big red arrow on the rotating bezel, so you set the pressure, and stop pumping when the arrow and dial line up. About four inches taller than my old steel pump, the FMP-969 offers more volume per stroke, and hitting those high pressures is easier with the wider handle. The taller body necessitated a longer hose, which I found convenient for topping off tires while a bike is still on the repair stand. A hose keeper at the top of the pump keeps it in place when not in use. At the end of that hose is an all-metal valve that switches from Presta to Schrader by simply rotating a ring a quarter turn. It’s clearly labeled P and S too. After admiring all the details, it was time to put it to use.

Pressure Gauge

I recently swapped tires from one of my mountain bikes to another. They’re 26 x 2.00, but noticeably taller than most tires. The extra volume and height allows me to choose between a plush ride on bad roads/dirt trails, or a bit more speed on hard surfaces. It also means that they take what seems like forever to fill to 60 psi. The FMP-969 managed in 47 strokes, compared to the old FP-100 at an even 60. A 700 x 23 road tire only took 17 strokes to hit 110 psi, which is an improvement of about 9 over the old pump. Usually, the higher pressures require more effort. In this case, the taller pump meant less stooping, so it never felt like work. If there’s one minor downside, it would be that the valve head needs to be threaded on, rather than using a locking lever. Not a big deal, but it does slow things down a bit. Oh, I also checked the built-in gauge against a digital tire pressure gauge I have, and they seem to match. So they’re either both accurate, or both off. But I’m leaning towards the former.

Ovalized, machined aluminum handle

So is it worth the $120 MSRP? I think so. Given that my previous Serfas pump shows no sign of giving up, and they’re quite a reputable brand, I have no doubts about the quality. The design makes filling tires faster and easier too. But the bling factor should not be overlooked either. I’ve got a raw aluminum MTB, and a brushed raw steel bike in my home shop right now, and this pump just fits right in with the rolling art. In a world full of bright and garish “in your face” logos and graphics, the simple stylized “S” on the base, and etched logo on the handle are a refreshing change. As my friend (a bike shop employee) mentioned when he first saw it, it’s “a sexy piece of gear”. I have to agree. And it functions as great at it looks. serfas.com

- Brian

Esbit Alcohol Stove & Cookset With Heat Exchanger

If you’re shopping for a compact camping stove for the first time, the fuel choices can be a bit overwhelming. Each type has some pros and cons. We like the gas canisters for car camping, but spare gas is bulky, and may not be readily available when traveling. Solid fuel is safe to store and transport, but doesn’t pack a lot of energy, and may also be difficult to find. Multi-fuel stoves that can burn compressed gas or gasoline and other liquids are very flexible, but not quite “plug and play”, and require some extra maintenance as well. Wood burning stoves, whether commercial or homemade, are inexpensive and handy, but maintaining a steady temperature is problematic. Alcohol stoves manage to balance everything, as fuel is cheap and readily available, the stoves are light and not terribly bulky,  and they allow you to vary temperature with few moving parts. Until now, the only real downside was that alcohol as a fuel wasn’t terribly efficient. The Esbit Alcohol Cookset with Heat Exchanger solved that last issue quite nicely.

Heat Exhanger

By attaching a heat exchanger to the bottom of their 950ml pot, Esbit has cut boil times by about 30%, which means meals are ready sooner (after a good hike, that’s a huge deal), while using less fuel. Reduced consumption means you don’t have to pack as much fuel either. Packed inside is a burner made entirely from brass, with a lid containing a thick rubber O-ring, for leak-proof storage. There’s also a handy temperature control device for the burner that allows you to boil, simmer, or snuff out the flame completely. Everything nests inside the pot, which has folding handles so it all fits inside the included mesh storage bag, making for a 10.9 ounce package about 4.9″ x 4.9″. The pot, stand, and lid are all hard anodized aluminum, which greatly improves strength, creating a durable cookset that should last for years.

Brass Burner

Using the stove is simple. Once you’ve added some alcohol, place it in the stand and light it. For boiling water, leave it as-is. To reduce the heat, just vary the opening on the temperature control device. Esbit has smartly stamped both ounce and milliliter markings inside the pot, directly below a tiny indentation in the rim, which forms a spout for easy pouring. Because it’s on the uppermost part of the pot, and the lid has a thick edge, no heat escapes. This assists in faster heating, and lowers fuel requirements for simmering.

We loaned it out to one of our guest contributors (and fearless testers) for a two day trip, and asked him to provide feedback upon his return. Not surprising, comments centered around the improved efficiency over his old alcohol stove, and that it was about half the size, weight, and price of the compressed gas model he sometimes uses. Although neither of us had any complaints, we both agreed that the tiny plastic handle on the lid was not so easy to grasp with large hands. The consensus was that this would be a great stove for a new camper as well as a seasoned veteran. Inexpensive, light, easy to use, and you can buy fuel in every grocery store, drug store, or hardware store across the US, and probably just as easily overseas. Find it at industrialrev.com

- Brian

Timbuk2 Aviator Travel Pack – Available May 15th at  www.timbuk2.com and www.eBags.com
Stylish urban carry-on travel bag converts from a suitcase to a backpack with stowaway padded straps and removable hip belt

Available in Black Ballistic Nylon; and Carbon Ballistic Nylon/Textured Carbon Ripstop Nylon

Timbuk2 20″ Aviator Travel Pack

Size: 20”

Retail Price: $179

Aviator Travel Pack design features include:

• Laptop pocket fits up to 17″ Macbook Pro
• Top organizer compartment keeps toiletries at the ready and organizes packing
• Full-zip front opening to main compartment for easy packing and access
• Two external zip pockets for smartphone, wallet, passport and boarding pass
• External compression straps for cinching down or wrangling a bursting bag
• Zip through top pocket for full access to main compartment when needed
• Rain shedding pack cover included in dedicated pocket
• Reinforced handles on all sides for quick grab from the turnstile

Timbuk2 Aviator Wheeled Pack – AVAILABLE MAY 15 ON WWW.TIMBUK2.COM AND WWW.EBAGS.COM

A smart travel bag that converts from a rolling suitcase to a backpack with stowaway padded straps and removable hip belt.

Available in Black Ballistic Nylon; and Carbon Ballistic Nylon/Textured Carbon Ripstop Nylon

Timbuk2 25″ Aviator Wheeled Pack

Size: 25”

Retail Price: $249

Aviator Wheeled Pack design features include:

• Large panel loader main compartment with external compression straps
• Expandable top compartment with secure zipper construction offers easy access to necessities and organizes packing
• Secondary external stash pockets on the top flap, side wall and main flap
• Lightweight design with grab handles on all sides for easy portability
• Bike-inspired comfort handle system and skateboard wheels
• Smooth rolling wheels and an extending handle for the heaviest of loads and easiest of airport maneuverability
• Reinforced handles on all sides for quick grab from the turnstile
• Padded, ventilated back panel

ECCO MIND in black

Founded in Denmark in 1963, ECCO is now the world’s 2nd largest manufacturer of casual footwear. With their Scandinavian roots comes a design ethos that favors clean, simple lines, and attention to detail. To celebrate their 50th anniversary last month, chief designer Niki Tæstensen created the MIND, a modern shoe that evokes ECCO’s past while reminding us that they’re poised to take on the future.

ECCO MIND in Cocoa Brown

After making 350 million pairs of shoes, you can be assured that ECCO knows a thing or two about how to do it right. Owning their own factories and tanneries allows them to minimize their environmental impact, but also gives them unparalleled quality control of the entire production process, especially with their leathers. One look at the camel nubuck upper of the MIND, and you’ll understand why ECCO’s tanneries are the suppliers to other industries that want to utilize the finest leathers available. Luxuriously soft, they offer the comfort of a well worn shoe from day one. This comfort extends to the flexible sole that allows your foot to move naturally. Between them lies a 2mm foam footbed topped with leather that is perforated from the ball of the foot forward, allowing for moisture control, and breathability. High contrast stitching is an attractive design feature, but must be done right, as if it’s just the slightest bit uneven, it will stand out. All the stitching on the MIND was pleasantly uniform, no doubt in part due to the fact that 210 ECCO employees handle each pair before you try them on.

ECCO MIND ladies Shadow White

As expected, walking in them is something of an indulgence. The day they arrived, I had ridden my motorcycle to work, and welcomed the opportunity to exchange my hard-soled boots for soft and supple shoes. It’s certainly understandable that they would be more soothing to my feet, but in the following days, I put them on around 5:30AM, and didn’t remove them until after midnight. Despite long hours and quite a bit of walking, my feet still felt fresh, without any aches. One observation I find very interesting is that the first two people to ask about them were a flight attendant and a hotel employee, both of whom spend most of their workday on their feet. Apparently, those in the know recognize a shoe that looks as comfortable as it feels. Speaking of looks, the ECCO MIND is available in special anniversary colors – Black, Medieval (an awesome blue), Cocoa Brown, and Earth Brown in men’s sizes 9/9.5-12/12.5, or EU 40-46. Ladies sizes are 5/5.5-10/10.5, which is EU 36-41. They lose the brown options, but gain Fuchsia and Shadow White. All of them include a pair of cream colored laces, in addition the yellow/orange shown.

ECCO MIND ladies Fuchsia

Watching the videos produced for their 50th anniversary celebration, I couldn’t help but feel that a good part of their success comes from the company culture itself. Still family-owned, ECCO considers their 20,000 worldwide employees as part of the family. That seems to extend across all job classes, resulting in pride of workmanship simply not found in other brands. And a glimpse into the workspace of the designers reveals a clean and modern office with sharp angles and natural materials that both contrasts and exists in harmony with nature. Looking across the Danish countryside through those huge windows must be relaxing and inspiring. It’s no surprise that their footwear reflects the same characteristics, and is surely one of the reasons they’ve been so popular with outdoors enthusiasts as well as fashion-conscious consumers that live active lifestyles. ecco.com

- Brian

Quivver

When I volunteered to review a new product called a ‘Quivver’, I wasn’t sure what to expect.  Advertised to ‘protect your money, mobile and keys so you can focus on the journey’, Quivvers are essentially small, smart organizers designed to be worn either over the shoulder or as a fanny pack.  Quivvers provide a clean, minimalist means of keeping your important items on your person and immediately to hand.

I am finding that the more I use mine, the more I like it.  It offers room for the basics without being large enough to become a purse.  Using it, I’ve been able to go out in public with my pants pockets empty for the first time in years.  I hadn’t realized how attuned I am to the feeling of my wallet in my back pocket and mass of keys, gum, and the rest the front, until it was all gone.  The sensation is still a bit strange, but I like it.

Quivvers offer three zippered pockets with options for externally attaching additional gear.  The pockets are arranged two on one side in what I’d estimate as a 60/40 split opposite a larger, see-through pocket on the other.  All are secured with smooth, easy-pulling zippers.

Clear pocket

I like the triangular, synthetic zipper pulls.  They are unobtrusive but stylish while offering better grip than traditional pulls, especially for sweat-slick fingers.  Almost more importantly, the synthetic material seems to stop the pulls from clanking or jingling with movement.  Such repetitive noises are an absolute deal-breaker for me, and haven’t been a problem.

As for  the pockets themselves, the clear one is perfect for a phone, allowing for touch-screen use and quick status checks without the necessity of either removing the phone from the pocket, or the Quivver from my shoulder.  For more extended use, I do un-sling the Quivver, but leave the phone in place within.

Keys, cards and the rest go in the other two pockets.  More bulky items like water bottles or sunglasses can be attached externally in a few ways: a flexible, triangular attachment-point and S-clip on one side, or a plastic loop on the other.  The loop doesn’t look particularly robust, but has proven solid so far.

Loaded Quivver with attached sunglasses and 1L H2O bottle

The shoulder strap is adjustable via an elastic cord which runs through the middle and is secured with a press-lock ball.  This is also how the Quivver  converts from over-the-shoulder to fanny pack use.  I’m not a fanny pack person, so I haven’t used it that way past confirming that it works as advertised.  One potential fanny pack issue was the elastic cord, which makes a pretty large loop when the strap is cinched down around my ~34” waist.  The loop was easy enough to tuck under the strap, but might still pose a snagging hazard.

The design is minimal and very simple, but it’s clear that a lot of thought and attention to detail went into making it that way.  The product looks finished.  Its parts each have a purpose, with nothing wasted.  Materials and build quality appear solid, and as well thought-through as the design.  I see every reason to expect this thing to last through years of daily use and abuse.

Though I’ve worn and been happy with my Quivver on a few walks, my exercise of choice is bicycling.  As much as I love getting out for a ride, toting my wallet, keys, etc. has always been a hassle.  They fit easily enough into my handlebar bag, but that means extra steps when  I want to leave the bike, even for a minute: the bag has to be removed, shoulder strap clipped on, then slung.  Reverse to hit the road again.  It’s a small thing, but the extra time and hassle is a pain, as is fishing items out and replacing them.

Quivver plays well with hydration systems

With my things stored in the Quivver, the difference is startling.  Since my important items are already on me, I have only to lock my bike and walk away.  Bathroom breaks and quick runs into stores are faster and easier.  When I need an item, it’s right there in front of me.  Tug a zipper and grab.  No digging, no shifting, no forgetting where I put something.  I appreciate that convenience a lot.

Though I was mainly interested in testing the Quivver for its cycling and hiking potential, they are meant to be worn daily.  I gave that a try, and have been impressed with the results.  I like that when I want to get out on my bike or go for a hike, I don’t need to transfer the contents of my pockets from one set of clothes to another.  I just drop the Quivver, change clothes and re-sling it.

Better yet, I’ve found it’s faster and easier to retrieve and replace items stored in the Quivver than it is to access the same items when stored in my wallet or pockets.  Just tug a zipper and grab.  No fumbling or digging.  The added convenience  at drive-up ATMs, in particular, surprised me.  Hassle reduction rules!

I’m happy on the comfort front, too.  My review Quivver has proven to be quite comfortable worn over a variety of clothing, from cycling jerseys to collared and t-shirts.  While it does shift a bit with activity, the movement is minimal and has not been a problem for me so far.

I’ve also found that the Quivver and my Camelbak are just as comfortable when worn together as they are separately.  That sounds silly given that even a small Camelbak can easily hold everything the Quivver does and more – but at the cost of having to remove the Camelbak to hunt through its pockets anytime something is needed.  For whatever reason, I hate that.  The Quivver keeps my important items immediately accessible for the win.

That’s 3 sets of keys, cash, gum, pocket knife, ID and other cards, 2 spare phone batteries, phone

The down-side is that space is fairly limited: the Quivver cannot hold my bi-fold wallet, for example.  It handles the contents, just not the wallet itself.  A tri-fold design might fit, but if it did, I think it would be very tight.  Space runs out quickly.

That’s okay, though.  Quivvers are not intended to be packed with everything you own.  That is what purses, backpacks and similar items are for.  Quivvers are intended to keep your really important items right where they need to be: on your person and immediately available.  Carrying a wallet within the Quivver would actually make the contents less accessible.

Wearing a Quivver is a bit odd at first, but it grows on you.  The functionality is really impressive.  I expected it to be good for active use, but I’m still surprised at how much I like it day-to-day.  I find it’s simply more convenient than the alternatives.

My tester came with military-style digital camouflage, but they are also available in a variety of other patterns and solid colors.  At $40-45, I like the value.  They are machine-washable and should be hung up to dry.

I have a feeling I might already have lost this one to my wife if not for its camo pattern.  She is very interested in trying a more ‘girly’ color scheme for herself.  I see more Quivvers in our near future.

Visit http://www.quivvers.com/ for more information, or to make an order.

- Matt

Spring yard work. Once it’s on, it’s easy to forget you’re wearing a Quivver

Solio Xcellerator + Hub

Solar energy continues to increase in popularity, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s practically free – you only have to pay for the panel to harness the sunlight and convert it into usable energy, and today’s panels are durable and long-lasting. Even more important, it can be used to power many things and poses very little threat to the environment, unlike its competitors which produce carbon dioxide emissions.

Solio is the brand name from a company called Better Energy Systems Inc.  They’re based in Oakland, California but have teams in the UK and Kenya. They’re a great company that strives to provide clean energy to everyone, no matter what their geography or financial standing is. I was granted the privilege of testing  their Solio Xcellerator and Hub.  It’s a simple device; it comes packaged in a tablet sized box containing an 8.5 by 5.5 solar panel, the battery pack (hub) and a versatile USB to micro USB cable. The hub has both a micro USB slot (used for charging the hub) and a USB slot (for charging your phone or other electronic device).

The Xcellerator can charge the Hub in 4-6 hours on a sunny day and 4.5 hours from a USB port. If you’re familiar with charging a battery via solar energy, you’d recognize what a feat that is. Other solar chargers that I’ve owned take twice the time to charge with the solar panel as they do with a USB port. But Solio uses high efficiency solar cells.  There’s even has a kickstand on the back of the Xcellerator to position your panel perfectly to catch the most sunlight.  Even more great news; The Xcellerator can charge your Hub even when it’s cloudy!  It will just take a little longer (about 8 hours). Although I didn’t go out of my way to test the durability, both pieces appear to be well made, and should hold up to rough handling while camping.

Solio Xcellerator solar panel

Many solar charger manufacturers tell you to plug the solar panel directly into your expensive device; Solio always puts a smart battery between the sun and your electronics. There are so many reasons Solio promotes that. For one, the battery in your phone is not built to take the high heat of solar charging. And connecting your device to a solar charger exposes them to large surges and drops in voltage which may ruin the battery life of your phone.  For me personally, I have a hard enough time keeping my phone alive with the regular battery, and would be in a whole heap of trouble if I destroyed its lifespan!

Using the Solio Xcellerator and Hub is simple. Simply Charge the Hub (plug the micro USB into the Hub and the other end into the Xcellerator or a USB port), then charge your device. Fully charged, the Hub can charge popular smartphones in about 90 minutes! That is about how long it takes to charge my phone from empty to full with a wall charger.  If you’re ever wondering how charged your Hub is, simply press the button located on the top. It flashes slowly 1-5 times to indicate the battery level. It lights up red when it’s charging and flashes green when it’s outputting to your electronic device. I was able to recharge my phone twice from the Hub before it needed to be charged itself.

To purchase the Solio Xcellerator, or view their other charging solutions, visit solio.com. It’s well worth $100 because of what it will save you in panic and frustrations. You’ll never again worry about being cut off from the world due to your phone dying and I’m grateful that I won’t find myself in that situation any more.

-Heather

Coast HL27 headlamp

What makes the HL27 such a multipurpose winner? The step-less zoom and light control give it the flexibility for all sorts of lighting jobs. On its lowest setting, the HL27 puts out a single lumen, which will illuminate objects up to a mere five meters away. That’s barely enough light to read a map, but will help preserve your night vision. Run time at that level is 99 hours and 30 minutes. Crank the power all the way up, and you’ve got 309 lumens of light, good for up to 122 meters. At that output, run time drops substantially, down to three hours, 45 minutes. My experience is that neither end of the spectrum is used a lot, so real world run times can be anywhere from ten to twenty hours. Not bad for a trio of AA batteries, which Coast includes with every light. But output alone isn’t the only measurement that matters. Coast uses a carefully designed lens, called a Pure Beam Focusing Optic. Twist the bezel around the lens counter-clockwise, and you’ll get their Ultra-View Flood Beam, which is an even, wide angle light. Rotating in the other direction changes the pattern to their Bulls-Eye Spot Beam, which is a very tight, bright beam, surrounded by a halo, so you can still see objects outside of the light’s focus point.

Coast HL27 headlamp

Coast designers placed a hinge on the bottom of the lamp unit that allows it to be pointed downwards, great for when you’re hiking at night and need to keep your hands free. The strap is adjustable, and wide enough that it grips well and provides an even amount of pressure. The battery pack mounts directly to the headband, but since the entire unit only weighs 4.4 ounces, it’s not uncomfortably heavy. A nice touch is the wire routing through the headband, which prevents snags. Since this was the first headlamp I’ve tested that includes a detachable strap that goes from front to back, I went out and bought a hard hat to test the mounting system. My 3M lid isn’t quite the same as a proper search and rescue helmet, but worked well for testing purposes (It’s actually the same one Coast uses in the photo on their website). On the hard hat, the extra weight was hardly noticeable.

With my old house, a headlamp is a necessity for certain projects. We’ve got plenty of dark nooks and crannies, including the crawl space in the attic, a narrow closet for  the sump pump in the basement, plus a pretty dark room with the furnace, water heater, and my beloved fiber modem. Let’s hope it doesn’t get much use there. What I really appreciate is being able to walk my dogs on local trails without having to carry a flashlight in my hands at all times. Not sure if I’ll get mistaken for “Tim the Toolman” Taylor with my headlamp on, but it’s convenient. And I really like the “one tool for many jobs” concept, since I have neither the budget nor motivation to own a bunch of specialized gear. If there was a way to fit this light to my MTB helmet, that would be even better. And really, I’ll keep the hard hat as part of my zombie apocalypse rig.

There are other lights that are more outdoor-oriented, but they’re mostly a bit pricier, and don’t appear as durable. They also lack Coast’s lifetime guarantee against defects in materials and workmanship. If you’re looking for a quality headlamp that can handle more than one task, check out coastportland.com

- Brian

eBags Mother Lode TLS Weekender Convertible

As the weather continues to warm up and school lets out, more and more of us will be hitting the road for work and pleasure. If your next multi-day trip away doesn’t involve a tent and sleeping bag, the Mother Lode TLS Weekender Convertible from eBags should probably be on your shopping list. Why? Quite simply, it’s an incredibly versatile piece of luggage that does far more than you would expect, especially at a price point below $100.

Mesh lid, divider, and tie down straps

Overall (fully expanded), the bag is 22″ x 14″ x 9″, for a total capacity of of 3651 cubic inches, with a weight under four pounds. But it’s as though it was designed by the same people that do the interiors of motor homes – not a single inch of that space is wasted, and it will take you a while to discover all the different storage options. The main compartment has a handy divider that attaches with small buckles. Use it to keep clothing items separate, and prevent shifting while on the go. Each side also has a tie-down with two different height settings, so you can can pack in layers. I used them on the low setting to keep my pants in place, with shirts packed on top, so I arrived with wrinkle-free clothing. On the way back, I used the high setting, and snugged everything down to keep my bag (now packed with dirty clothes and some gifts) as small as possible.

Plenty of storage in front flap

Inside the lid is a generous mesh compartment with a zipper that allows you to fully open it, so you can lay items in there, rather than stuff them in. Pockets are everywhere. A zippered pouch snaps inside, for small items you want to pack in the main compartment without getting lost. There’s a top compartment that holds the shoulder strap, with extra room for items you might want easy access to. A small zippered pocket on the side contains a drawstring pouch for your water bottle or similar item, and has a window for your ID tag. The front has another nicely sized compartment for more easy-access items, plus a short strap with a clasp for securing your keys. Two zippered pockets that would accommodate larger paperbacks are complemented by a smaller mesh pocket, a phone/MP3 player pocket, and a narrow pocket for a pen or stylus. On the very outside of the front is a nearly hidden zippered pocket for travel documents.

Stowable backpack straps

There’s more. A zipper on the back opens to reveal the backpack straps. Like the shoulder strap, they’re out of the way when not needed. Right above that is another zipper, which leads to the laptop compartment. An ingenious “Laptop Sling” will accommodate laptops and netbooks up to 11.75″ wide, and 10-19″ long. The adjustable sling allows you to get the perfect fit, then just buckle/unbuckle as needed. Other features include four external compression straps, lockable zippers (most with pull tabs too), and three handles for easy carrying and safe lifting from any angle.

Laptops ride safely between your clothing and padded back

Packing for a business trip, my wife at first had doubts that I could fit in my laptop and four days worth of clothing, but it turned out I had room to spare. And then some. Lilliputian toiletries down the middle, socks and underwear filling in the gaps on the sides, I could probably squeeze a week’s worth of vacation clothes in, after expanding it via the extra zipper. The commuter flight I took had a $25 bag fee each way, so the Weekender Convertible would pay for itself after two trips. Walking through the airport, I wore it like a backpack. Waiting to board, I stowed the backpack straps and carried it like a briefcase onto the plane. My only complaint was that the shoulder strap could have used a bit more grip, as it had a tendency to slide off my shoulder. Like the backpack straps, it made up for that with sufficient padding for extended use.

This is one of those reviews that truly caught me off guard. This bag is an awesome combination of capacity and convenience. Everything appears well thought out, and the materials and construction look like they’ll stand up to plenty of miles. Even for car trips, we’ll probably replace our well-worn duffel bags with the eBags Mother Lode TLS Weekender Convertible bags. We can each choose our own color, and thanks to the stowable backpack straps, I won’t get stuck carrying them all. eBags.com

- Brian

New Belgium & peopleforbikes.org

PeopleForBikes is a non-profit organization that is on a mission to unite millions of voices to improve the future of bicycling in America and get more people on bikes, more often. With strength in numbers, PeopleForBikes aims to pave the way for a safer, more accessible country for bikes.

“It feels great to be partnering with a brand who cares for the future of bicycling as much as we do,” said Kate Powlison, marketing manager at PeopleForBikes. “On our quest to unite millions of bicyclists, we hope to become one voice stronger, one New Belgium beer at a time. Cheers to National Bike Month!”

Alternatively powered, and 100% employee owned, New Belgium’s goal is to maintain an environmentally, socially and economically conscious business by aligning their business practices with nature and its inhabitants. They have helped bike-related non-profits raise over $2 million by selling beer at the Tour de Fat Bicycle Carnival throughout the U.S. Learn more about the company’s sustainable initiatives on their sustainability page.

“New Belgium is honored to help spread the good word of the bicycle and encourage folks to sign the pledge,” said Michael Craft, Senator of Tour de Fat Non-Profit Relations. “Much like beer, bicycles make people smile and smiling is something we could all use a bit more of these days. Our brewery is so rooted in bicycles, it just makes good sense to use our craft to encourage advocacy.”

To learn more about what PeopleForBikes is doing to make America a better place for bikes, visit www.peopleforbikes.org. Join the movement by signing the “I am for bikes…” pledge.

To learn more about New Belgium Brewing Company, visit www.newbelgium.com.

About PeopleForBikes:
PeopleForBikes is a movement to unite millions of people to transform America through bicycling. They are currently leading the Green Lane Project, which is an effort that focuses on building physically protected and inviting bike facilities in communities across the U.S. Join the movement to improve the future of bicycling at www.peopleforbikes.org.

About New Belgium Brewing Company:
New Belgium Brewing, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, is recognized as one of Outside Magazine’s Best Places to Work and one of the Wall Street Journal’s Best Small Businesses. The 100 percent employee owned brewery is a Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Business as designated by the League of American Bicyclists, and one of World Blu’s most democratic U.S. businesses. In addition to Fat Tire, New Belgium brews eight year round beers; Ranger IPA, Rampant Imperial IPA, Shift Pale Lager, Sunshine Wheat, 1554 Black Ale, Blue Paddle Pilsener, Abbey Belgian Ale and Trippel. Learn more at www.newbelgium.com.

- Brian

All-in-one sunscreens protect, moisturize and cater to varying skin types and needs

Irvine, CA – Control Corrective Skincare Systems heats up the sun care market with several “triple action” sunscreens that provide full-spectrum sun protection while also moisturizing and treating specific skin conditions, replacing as many as three products with one powerful solution.

Control Corrective Skin Care

Just in time for spring and summer, the company offers Oil Free Sunscreen SPF 30, ideal for all skin types; Intensive Skin Lightening Cream SPF 30,  for those with pigmentation issues; Aroma Matte Day Cream SPF 30, for oily skin types; and Botanical Soothing Cream SPF 30, for sensitive and inflamed skin.

“While there are plenty of sunscreens on the market, most of them serve only one purpose – to protect from the sun,” said Ellen Clark, president of Control Corrective Skincare Systems. “Today’s busy, multi-tasking woman (or man) will reap more value in terms of time and money from a three-in-one sun care product that also serves as a daily moisturizer and is customized to her particular skin condition, whether aging, acne or rosacea prone skin.

The multi-purpose sunscreens offer protection from both UVA and UVB radiation, and are safe for sensitive skin or those with hyperpigmentation. Retail products sizes are as follows (Professional sizes are also available):

·         Oil-Free Sunscreen, SPF 30 – Great for all skin types, this unscented, non comedogenic product is oil-free, yet works double duty as a lightweight daily moisturizer.  It is available in a 2.5 ounce bottle; Suggested Retail: $28.

·         Intensive Skin Lightening Cream SPF 30 – A powerful multi-tasker, this calming botanical-based cream protects and lightens skin for a fairer more event texture and tone, ideal for blotchy, irritated or sensitive skin. It is available in a 2.5 ounce bottle; Suggested Retail: $48.

·         Aroma Matte Day Cream SPF 30 – The lightweight, zinc based cream is absorbable and non greasy, great for all skin types. Japanese green tea plus multi-vitamins including Vitamin C inhibit aging and free radical damage. It is available in a 2.5 ounce bottle; Suggested Retail: $36.

·         Botanical Soothing Cream SPF 30 – This calming sunscreen and moisturizer all-in-one cream soothes sun damaged and sensitive skin. Aloe Vera, Vitamin E and Vitamin A join forces to neutralize redness and non-irritating microfine zinc oxide provides full spectrum sunscreen protection. It is available in a 2.5 ounce bottle; Suggested Retail: $48.

Control Corrective Skincare Systems products are available through skincare professionals nationwide, or by contacting the company at (866) 290-4290; info@Controlcorrective.com