Leatt 4.0 MTB Enduro Helmet
Leatt 4.0 MTB Enduro Helmet utilizes their cutting-edge 360° Turbine Technology for severe head and brain impact force reduction. It features an easily removable chin bar with a metal latch that’s downhill certified and has a Fidlock magnetic closure system for an ultra-secure fit. Sweet new perks include a sunglass dock under the visor for safe storage and an under-the-visor goggle fit for convenience.
One of the 4.0 Enduro Helmet’s coolest features is the removable chinbar, which can be easily detached and reattached with a solid stainless steel latch. Even with the removable chin bar, the 4.0 Enduro helmet is DH certified. Just like its full-face brother, you can pop out can the mouthpiece for maximum front ventilation. The inner liner is breathable, moisture-wicking, anti-odor, and easily washable, preventing unwanted odors after long rides on hot days.
DH certified with a lightweight polymer shell and advanced airflow system. The 4.0 Enduro helmet has it all, including Leatt’s trusted 360° Turbine Technology, which helps protect riders from sustaining serious head and brain injuries in the event of a crash. This technology can reduce peak brain acceleration by up to 30% at impact speeds associated with concussion and reduce peak brain rotational acceleration by up to 40%. The gnarly stuff happens in a crash, which can severely harm your head and brain. What’s more, the in-molded EPS and EPP impact foam allow for superior impact energy absorption. Naturally, the 4.0 enduro offers optimal neck brace compatibility as well.
The advanced airflow system with 18 vents makes for comfortable, breezy riding at both high and low speeds, which is pretty impressive because not many helmets provide optimal ventilation at low speeds. Another convenient feature is the FidLock magnetic closure system, which allows for a secure and comfortable fit, even with gloves on.
The 4.0 Enduro helmet comes in Chilli, and Black color schemes, and retails for $299.99. It comes in Small (51-55cm/20-21 5⁄8”), Medium (55-59cm/21 5⁄8- 23 1⁄4”), and Large (59-63cm/23 1⁄4-24 3⁄4”) sizes.
The Leatt MTB 4.0 Enduro is a DH-certified convertible helmet that offers oodles comfort, along with the innovative 360° Turbine Technology. The convertible system means you get two helmets in one, either an uber-comfy half or a protective full-face. It has provided plenty of ventilation, a functional visor, and an easy-to-use FidLock magnetic buckle. Removing the chin bar was simple while wearing the helmet, but when reattaching it was easier to just take it off your head. I spent most of my testing using just the normal half helmet and would bring along the chin guard when I knew I would be encountering gnarly terrain.
Click here to purchase the MTB 4.0 Enduro
USWE Epic
The new USWE EPIC series of hydration packs offer mountain bikers a fully-featured pack with an innovative 4-point harness system that keeps it securely on your back even in the gnarliest terrain. The packs are equipped with their bounce-free No Dancing Monkey 1.2 harness system, with integrated elastic straps that allow freedom to breathe and move in action.
The tested EPIC 8 features a main storage compartment for the hydration bladder and larger gear and a smaller zippered front organizer pocket for tools, equipment, and food. It has an integrated stretch mesh helmet holder, which can also carry a jacket or armor. The Epic 8 has 8 liters of storage, a 3-liter bladder, and comes in Blue/Black and Red/Black color schemes and retails for $139.95.
The Epic Series comes in three sizes, Epic 3, Epic 8, and Epic 12.
The superb NDM (No Dancing Monkey) harness system kept the pack stable and secure on my back on any terrain, and it felt like it became one with my back, without any excess movement or bouncing. It was simple to adjust the Velcro shoulder and chest straps to alter the trim of the pack depending on load and personal requirements, and I loved the center connector with its easy one-button release. The packs’ flexible backpanel with its raised foam pads and elastic harness straps provided excellent comfort, stability, and breathability. The Epic 8 was the perfect size for my normal forays, it had enough capacity, yet was still small enough to not be a hindrance.
Click here to purchase the EPIC 8 in Black/Red
Click here to purchase the EPIC 8 in Black/Blue
Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D Sleeping Pad
The MondoKing 3D provides their highest level of comfort and support. Boasting 4.25 inches (11cm) of premium foam, the ultra-cozy pad combines a plush next-to-skin feel with a 7.0 R-value to keep you warm and comfy in any condition or season. StrataCore construction provides a lofty three-dimensional shape and compresses easily to save room in your trunk or closet. The extra-comfy self-inflating pad features the easy-to-use TwinLock valve, allowing the pad to inflate three times faster and deflate five times faster. Like all Therm-a-Rest pads, the MondoKing 3D is made in the market to ensure quality and minimize environmental impact. The pad includes a go-anywhere stuff sack with a built-in pump sack.
- Stable Comfort: 4 inches (10 cm) of stabilized loft provides the comfort of home anywhere.
- StrataCore™ Construction: Yielding an impressive warmth-to-weight ratio, StrataCore uses a continuous layer of thermal foam nestled between alternating ridges of air and foam.
- Comfortable Fabric: Supple stretch knit fabric provides deluxe breathability and plush surface.
- Giant Sleep Surface: Vertical sidewalls maximize useable sleep surface.
- Incredibly Warm: Foam core delivers all-season warmth to assure a great night’s rest anytime.
- Easy to Pack: StrataCore construction allows the pad to easily compress and pack away.
- Mateable: Mates perfectly with other 3D mattresses.
- TwinLock™ Valve: Utilizing two one-way valves, one for inflation and one for deflation, the TwinLock valve system makes setting up and breaking camp a breeze.
- Pump stuff sack included
- $209.95 – $229.95
The MondoKing 3D is the ultimate pad for car camping and offers an amazingly comfortable 4 1/4 inches of thickness and a toasty warm 7 R-value. The top knit fabric feels lovely against the skin, and the internal foam layering and top alternating ridges provide the perfect combination of plushness, firmness, and anti-slip. It feels like you’re sleeping at home on your bed! Their new TwinLock valves make inflating, adjusting firmness, and deflating easy and quick.
Click here to purchase the MondoKing 3D pad
TASCO Pathfinder MTB Gloves
The Pathfinder Gloves are all new for 2021. This cleverly designed glove gives you the protection for those backcountry adventures without any sacrifice in comfort; you need not even remember you are wearing a glove.
Pathfinder MTB Gloves – the perfect balance of fit, breath-ability, and protection with no compromise on comfort or durability:
- Vented Fourchettes (sides of the fingers) to allow for maximum venting
- TPR Knuckle Protection is just where it matters when whacking through the overgrowth
- Molded Neoprene Knuckle panel to give that extra bit of protection in high impact areas without adding a bulky feel
- Molded articulated cuff design – no binding or feeling it restricting your movement
- TPR Cuff enclosure – not just your standard wimpy velcro closure
- MicroFiber Sweat wipe on thumb panel – wiping your nose never felt better!
- Durable Silicone grip design – to make sure you don’t slip if you need to grab the brake levers
- Medical grade velcro hook and loop enclosure – built to last and give you that ultra snug fit
- perforations on the palm and fingers – to allow for extra ventilation
- Anatomically engineered Clarino synthetic leather overlay – to provide additional protection & durability
- AX Suede Palm material – do you even know it’s there comfortable??
- Conductive threads on the index finger and thumb to ensure you don’t miss that trail-side photo
- Men’s Sizing (XS-2XL)
- $38
One of my fave go-to gloves. The Pathfinder is durable, comfortable, and has the right amount of padding on the palm and back of the hand. I like the versatility and ease of the Velcro closure on the wrist. It has been very durable and has dealt with my extensive trail work, dealing with rocks, tree cutting, etc. The additional protection has been functional had several occasions that I have crashed or fallen over.
Click here to purchase the Pathfinder MTB Gloves.
Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Light Pullover
The standard construction for Stretchdown™, this baffle width balances warmth and mobility for the full range of outdoor winter pursuits. The original baffle size and most versatile member of the Stretchdown™ Collection. From the beginning, we engineered a baffle size and fill schedule that would provide the perfect amount of warmth for a broad range of activities.
- The exclusive stretch-woven fabric delivers incredible durable stretch with a unique hand feel
- 700-fill RDS-certified down insulation
- Adjustable hood with front cinch (Hooded Jacket Only)
- One secure-zip chest pocket
- Two secure-zip hand pockets
- Full zipper at center front
- One internal dump pocket and adjustable cinch at hem
- Insulation is bluesign® approved
- PFC-Free DWR
- Materials: Durable Stretch Woven (87% Nylon, 13% Elastane)
- MSRP $250
The Stretchdown Light Pullover is warm and comfortable and is perfect for cooler temperatures. I wore it around town, the campfire, at the campsite, shoveling snow, and on chilly hikes. The hoody provided some extra protection and functionality, and the Stretchdown baffle system made for a puffy jacket that was slim and not bulky, with just a tad of stretch.
Click here to purchase the Stretchdown Light Pullover
Pearl iZUMi AmFIB Lobster Gel Glove
The iconic PEARL iZUMi Lobster Glove is the go-to glove when warmth is your biggest priority. This innovative lobster split finger glove is designed to provide a mitten warmth with enough dexterity to operate shifters and brake levers confidently. This glove uses 170g Primaloft Gold insulation with Crosscore technology for incredible warmth with minimal bulk. The main body fabric provides wind protection with easy articulation, and an Ax Suede Laredo synthetic leather palm makes the glove as grippy as it is durable. A 3D shaped gel pad provides bar comfort without causing unnecessary bulk, and despite plentiful insulation, is still touch-screen compatible.
- 170g Primaloft Gold w/Crosscore technology insulation is made from 35% post-consumer recycled polyester and incorporates Aerogel particles for maximum warmth with minimal bulk
- New AmFIB-specific 3D shaped gel palm pad reduces bulk and improves grip comfort
- AmFIB Softshell main body fabric protects from wind and water
- Ax Suede Laredo synthetic leather palm for durability and great grip
- Touch screen compatible index finger and thumbs
- $85
The AmFIB Lobster Gel Glove is one of my favorites for those cold days when you don’t need the full-on pogies or ski gloves. My hands have stayed comfortable down to 20-25°, though you can extend the warmth range by tossing in a handwarmer pack. The moderate pre-bent shape worked nicely when holding onto the handlebars, without binding on the back of the hand. I enjoyed the new gel pads on the palm, which offered comfort, improved grip, and additional warmth. During the winter, I always toss these into my pack, just if the temps drop or I am flying downhill and dealing with windchill factors. Excellent!
Click here to purchase the AmFIB Lobster Gel Glove
Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low
The Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low is up for the elements—all the elements. Surrounding a weather-resistant eVent™ bootie construction is everything you love about the classic Lone Peak, plus the new addition of the responsive Altra EGO™ midsole. The MaxTrac™ outsole keeps you conquering rough terrain so you can enjoy high speeds with dry feet.
- Balanced Cushioning – This platform positions your heel and forefoot at an equal distance from the ground, encouraging better alignment and form and a low-impact landing.
- FootShape – This comforting design gives your feet more space to sit naturally and is designed to address biological differences in men’s and women’s feet.
- TrailClaw – These canted lugs on the outsole are strategically placed beneath the metatarsals to provide added traction underfoot.
- MaxTrac – This outsole provides the perfect combination of grip, traction, and durability on all terrain types.
- Weight: 13.2 oz / 374 g
- Midsole: Altra EGO™
- Outsole: MaxTrac™
- Cushion: Moderate
- Stack height: 25 mm
- Upper: eVent™
- MSRP $160
The Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low is the perfect shoe for running, hiking, or around town. They are comfortable and offer protection from the elements and trail, keeping your feet warm and dry. I used them many times in the yard and driveway, in rain, snow, and crud, where they performed flawlessly. The grippy sole with its aggressive tread helped bite into dirt, rock, and trail obstacles, offering up a meaty trail companion.
Click here to purchase the Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low
Smith Optics Shift MAG Sunglasses
Pushing athletic endeavors into overdrive, the new Smith Shift MAG offers cyclists and runners every performance advantage possible when it comes to speed. The new 5-base shield unisex sunglass features a slight wrap fit for complete coverage and includes Smith’s notable ChromaPop™ and MAG technologies.
The superlight and slim frame – complete with a vented brow bar to promote airflow and minimize fogging – features MAG interchangeable technology; a magnet-based innovation that enables fast lens swapping with a simple click. The MAG system is built directly into the frame for fingerprint-free lens changes.
The Shift MAG is offered in three ChromaPop non-polarized performance lens options that reveal natural color enhanced visual clarity and greater definition of objects – and all include a secondary Clear lens for riding or running in low light or rain. A Photochromic Clear to Grey option that darkens with sun exposure is also available for addressing varied light conditions within one lens.
Additional features include a multi-adjustable nosepiece to allow for added airflow by positioning the frame closer or further from the face, while also offering a customizable fit. The nosepiece and temples are comprised of megol which reacts to perspiration by gently adhering to the skin for a comfortable, no-slip fit at any speed. The thin megol temples also offer ultimate helmet compatibility by securely storing within the open venting channels when taken off the face.
The new Shift MAG (MSRP $259, including two lenses and a hard case) is available at select retailers worldwide and online at smithoptics.com.
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