Gear Test: Merrell Chameleon Hiking Shoes

One of the most important parts of hiking is taking care of your feet. Being comfortable throughtout your hike is ofter overlooked, but only becomes more important and evident as the miles pass and the day grows long. I decided to start my research a couple of months ago to treat myself to a new pair of hiking shoes. There are nomerous styles and brands, all of which have tremendous advantages depending on the hiking conditions. In the end, I narrowed my choice to the Merrell Chameleon Iso GTX XCR.

The Merrell Chameleon Iso GTX XCR is a hiking shoe that has a combination of features that makes it one of the best all-purpose hiking shoes available. The breathable mesh upper really helps cool your feet on those long hikes by allowing hot air to escape. Merrell also coupled a Gore-Tex waterproof liner to the breathable upper allowing your feet to stay dry when your path crosses streams or is riddled with mudholes.

Additional features include:
Protective toe bumpers
Air-cushion midsoles
Ortholite footbeds
4mm lugs
Vibram outsoles

I've logged over 52 miles on these shoes in the past two months and I'm completely amazed with the results. The longer I own them, the happier I become with my decision. The break-in period seems to be rather long, probably due to the Vibram outsoles. I broke my pair right out of the box and the comfort allowed me to immediately hit the trail without any second thoughts. Check them out and hit your favorite trail.

Kayak: Paddling Tailwater Area (For Beginners)

Friday evening was the perfect opportunity for a quick river trip. This was only my second time in a kayak, but I think I have progressed very well and was ready for a scenic cruise. I decided to put in at the mouth of the Cave Run Spillway, an area known as the Tailwater Picnic Area and Boat Ramp. This turned out to be a perfect place to get accustomed to your kayak and prepared for longer adventures.

My trip took me 2.7 miles down the lazy Licking River. I decided to keep the trip short and take out near a parking lot owned by the Cave Run Bicycle and Outdoor Center. There, I was afforded the opportunity to park (permit required) while I enjoyed a few hours over the water. I can feel a new obsession coming on with each and every opportunity I have to hit the water. Now to seek out a longer section of the river, something more challenging, or maybe a little (very little) white water.

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Gear Test: Black Diamond Trekking Poles

A couple of weeks ago I decided to pick up a pair of trekking poles.  Over the years, I have always hiked with support from a stick I would fashion from fallen brush along the trail, but never with anything like this.  I did some initial research and quickly became overwhelmed in a sea of brand-loyal opinions and features not necessary for my purposes.

I narrowed my choice to a pair of Black Diamond Trail Shock poles.  These poles seemed to be favorable among many reviewers and experts, but this was evaluated carefully.  For me, I made a choice based on reputation, reviews, and price as they were available through a fantastic sale.  I must admit that after putting about 25 miles on them, I am completely satisfied, impressed, and convinced that trekking poles can help tame or improve any trail.  The FlickLock system keeps the sections of the poles exactly where you set them and the shock absorber helped me transition to ascend or descend.

Pros:

Lightweight.

FlickLock system.

4-Stage Shock Absorber.

Cons:

Small baskets.

No rubber tips included.