Suunto Moves to Strava

Suunto-StravaGPS smartwatch maker Suunto launched its online data-crunch website Movescount a while back, but now it is moving to a deal with Strava. This will allow users to track runs, rides, swims and hikes and track heart rate and cadence via the Suunto watches and will add the social fitness ability to provide motivation and camaraderie.

Movescount Strava Website

Magic Pack

First-Ascent-Sorcerer-PackThe Eddie Bauer First Ascent Sorcerer Pack isn’t exactly magical – so it won’t hold 10 times your weight or anything fantastical like that. But it is somewhat mystical in how it provides a unique blend of strength, weather resistance and light weight. It is made from CTF³ monofilament fiber using welded construction methods, so it can be seriously packed.

It is ideal for the next outdoor journey, but it isn’t rated for exploring dungeons or fighting orcs.

Eddie Bauer First Ascent Sorcerer Pack Official Website

Cabela’s Packs It In With New XPG Line

Cabela's-XPGOutdoor retailer Cabela’s new XPG line features a collection that includes backpacking tents, shells, active apparel, running shows and even packs to pack it all in. The line is the eXtreme Performance Gear, and is aimed to help the company branch out beyond hunters and fisherman – and includes hikers, backpackers, peak-baggers and trail runners.

The new XPG line is launching this spring.

Cabela’s XPG Official Website
[Via GearJunkie: Outdoors Retail Behemoth Cabela’s Goes ‘Fast & Light’ With New Product Line]

Snow Trek

Deploy-TR-3Winter still has some time left and if you’re looking to get out there you might think about deploying with the Deploy TR-3 poles, which feature a one-handed length adjustment system called the Trigger Release. This provides on-the-fly adjustability that can come in handing when hiking in deep snow, sidehilling, switchbacking or just when you need to change your footing. These poles feature a breakaway strap that allows for glove-friendly adjustments but will also force-release if pole gets lodged during a fall.

The Deploy TR-3 are made of 7000-series aerospace-grade aluminum and can collapse to a pack-friendly size after the hike.

MSR Deploy TR-3 Official Website

Fast on the Trail

Adidas-Outdoor-Terrex-Fast-When you’re on the hiking trail sometimes a sure foot is better than being quick, but the Adidas Outdoor Terrex Fast R GTX is for those who don’t think a hike should be a stroll in the park. This lightweight, athletic-inspired hiker is designed for the fast-paced trekker.

It features a breathable mesh upper with supportive synthetic overlays, speed lacing that allows for quick-and-easy adjustments and a molded tongue for added comfort.  The FORMOTION midsole provides motion control and downhill comfort, while the Continental rubber TRAXION outsole will provide reliable grip on the trial regardless of the terrain.

Adidas Outdoor Terrex Fast R GTX Official Website

Boots and Stuff

Lems-Boulder-BootsWhile the barefoot experience has been a hit with runners, the Lems Mens Boulder Boots are there to offer the barefoot experience on the hiking trail. These lightweight boots feature water-resistant nylon uppers, and full-grain leather to help keep way moisture and protect the feet while feeling food at the same time. And at the end of the hike these boots practically roll up for easy storage.

Lems Mens Boulder Boot Official Website

Timberland at 40

TimberlandTimberland is celebrating its 40th year in business with a very special 40th Anniversary Ltd. Collection, where only 1,973 of each style will be made available – while numbers #1 and #1973 will be put up for auction. Bidding began this week and will continue until October 5th, with all auction proceeds going to Rainforest Alliance.

As the company notes:

“These are the boots that have not only withstood our tests for durability and protection, they’ve withstood the test of time. This special collection is limited to only 1973 pairs each to celebrate the 40th anniversary of our very first original Yellow Boot – the one that started it all.”

Timberland 40th Anniversary Ltd. Collection Official Website

Going Asolo

Asolo-PiumaWhether you decide to hike with a friend or hit the trails solo you can do it with the Asolo Piuma, a light but supportive boot. It is heavier than a trail running shoe, so it isn’t meant to replace one – but it still provides natural movement more than a lot of boots. It features a suede/nylon mesh upper and Vibram sole that provides a secure footing on most terrain. While it isn’t waterproof it is meant to be rugged enough for hiking beyond the beaten path.

Asolo Official Website

Over Yonder

YonderIf you’re looking to head over yonder and see the world, then load up the iPhone with the free mobile Yonder App, which makes it easy to find great outdoor destinations. Users can further track their adventures with geo-tagged video and images, follow other users, and share experiences with the Yonder community and other social networks.

Yonder automatically identifies a user’s current location and displays a feed of nearby places to explore. Users can filter the feed by one of 18 different activities including hiking, biking, rock climbing, kayaking and more.

Yonder Official Website

PROTKT and Serve

WahooTaking that iPhone on a ride is cool, especially as it can be used with a variety of apps, but you’ll want to make sure it survives the ride. This is where the Wahoo Fitness PROTKT comes in. This iPhone bike case is sleek and slim, yet weatherproof and shockproof – providing users a simple and secure solution to accessing their iPhone through rain, dirt, snow and of course – sweat.

It even comes bundled with the Wahoo Fitness App for cycling – transforming the handset into a powerful fitness tool – which you can combine with fitness sensors to wirelessly monitor all your crucial information. It can also be used with a neoprene hand band for use while walking, running or hiking.

Wahoo Fitness PROTKT Official Website

Rand McNally Maps the Way

Rand-McNally-ForisWhile the Rand McNally name likely evokes atlases and books, the company knows a thing or two about GPS as well. The Rand McNally Foris 850 is designed not to be read at a desk, but out on a trail or while on a bike. Out of the box it features more than five million miles of roads and trails preloaded onto the device.

These include trails in National and State parks and forests, rails-to-trails routes, and of course US street and contour maps. The rugged and waterproof Foris 850 features a three-inch anti-glare touchscreen, compass and altimeter. It runs on two AA batteries and it can go where the road or trail takes you. Video after the jump

Dwarf-Sized Axe

Joseph-Bowen-Micro-AxeThe Joseph Bowen Micro Hatchet TAD Edition is not an axe for a dwarf but it be used one-handed, while its design centers the force of the impact into the middle of the blade allowing for even hard objects to be cut. It is skeletonized to reduce weight, and it features one large center hole to aid the grip. This might just be the axe to take hiking, camping, unless you actually need to chop a lot of wood.

Joseph Bowen Micro Hatchet TAD Edition Official Website

Spring Boots

Spring is (almost) in the air and while that means warmer weather is ahead it also means mud, lots of mud. While many of us are itching to get out and take in a hike, it helps to have the right shoes. The Hi-Tec Sierra could be just the thing. This hiking boot features ion-mask hydrophobic management technology that makes these fully water proof but yet not overly big or bulky.

The i-shell upper offers a snug fit that provides comfort and support, while the Vibram sole will help protect the feet from rocks and other uneven terrain and give grip both uphill and downhill. There is even rustproof metal hardware to ensure that these boots will go the distance. The Hi-Tec Sierra promise to be well padded, and will serve wearer’s well even when spring turns to summer.

Hi-Tec Sierra Official Website