the GearCaster

Plume Recoiling Bike Mudguard

Anyone who rides their bike in rainy climates can appreciate a good mudguard. Although not quite as hipster as using a plastic bottle or piece of cardboard, the Plume roll up mudguard is an elegant solution to do away with permanent or ill fitting over the wheel fenders, saving you from a wet chamois and skunk line on your ride around town.

Recon Jet Heads Up Display Sunglasses

During Google's annual I/O developer conference the other week, Recon unveiled Jet, their new high performance Heads Up Display (HUD) sunglasses, to the masses. Jet is basically Google Glass targeted at the outdoor set, cramming all of the functionality of your smartphone into a small, unobtrusive display. 

Petzl Climbing Gear Size Study

Most outdoor companies use fit models to help design their standard products, from which all different sizing options are created based on a grading scale. Some companies, such as The North Face, have experimented with user controlled software that matches your personal measurements to the best corresponding product size. Petzl is taking a more proactive approach by reaching out directly to you, asking you to send in your body measurements to help the company better design future product sizes. 

Maui - The Multisport Adventure Paradise

I am not a beach vacation sort of gal, as I can't sit still for long and never understood the desire to "layout" in the sun. Although many people do flock to Maui for just that, the island is filled with multisport adventure possibilities. We packed our days with everything from hiking and cycling to SUP surfing and snorkeling amongst bales of green sea turtles and tropical fish. And yes, we enjoyed a Mai Tai or two.  

Isis Riviera Skirt Review

For the past 6 months, I have practically lived in the Isis Riviera Skirt. With a simple, wrap around, Velcro closure style, the skirt is easy to throw on over just about anything to add a bit more coverage and take you from playtime to running errands in a snap.