Endurance

Gear Review — Inov-8 Debrisoc

6 hours, 59 minutes, 55 seconds. That was Team Gear Junkie’s time at Saturday’s MNOC Adventure Race, a run/bike/paddle competition in east-central Minnesota, where some…

Written by Stephen Regenold July 16, 2007

Gear Review — Brooks T5 Racer

In an attempt to run as unencumbered as possible, I’ve been testing a pair of Brooks’ T5 Racers, which are flyweight road runners nearly unnoticeable…

Written by Stephen Regenold July 12, 2007

Sneak Peek — Salomon Speedcross 2

Salomon has shipped me an early test pair of its latest trail runner, the Speedcross 2, which comes out in the fall and is built…

Written by Stephen Regenold June 29, 2007

BOB Ironman Sport Utility Stroller Review

At $349, the BOB Ironman Sport Utility Stroller is about as much as I can imagine ever spending on a child-pushing device. But this little…

Written by Stephen Regenold June 21, 2007

Inov-8 F-Lite 250 Review

In a quest that’s stretching now beyond the two-year mark to find the perfect trail-running shoe, I’ve discovered only one real thing: There is no…

Written by Stephen Regenold June 18, 2007

Vibram FiveFingers

OK, clear your throat. Now let out a hearty laugh. Yes, these are gloves for your feet, and they look silly. Now listen: Vibram is…

Written by Stephen Regenold May 25, 2007

Newton Running

Made to mimic the feel and technique of running barefoot, Newton Running’s new line of high-end shoes have lugs that extend from the base of…

Written by Stephen Regenold May 16, 2007

Perfect Trail Runner

In a quest that’s stretching now beyond the two-year mark to find the perfect trail-running shoe, I’ve discovered only one real thing: There is no…

Written by May 02, 2007

Salomon S-Lab XA Pro 3

Can you say cream of the crop? The Salomon S-Lab XA Pro 3 shoes were developed for elite adventure racers, top trail runners, and mountain…

Written by Stephen Regenold March 16, 2007

Off-trail running/Inov-8 Mudclaw

For a moment, forget about Nike and New Balance. Take pavement and trail out of the picture. Imagine running on rocks, jumping stumps, stomping in…

Written by Stephen Regenold October 10, 2006

Teva Shoes (not sandals!)

Since 1984, when a Grand Canyon river guide invented a unique sport-oriented sandal with over-the-foot nylon straps, the Teva brand has been synonymous with open-toe…

Written by Stephen Regenold September 10, 2006

Primal Quest gear, part III: Water sports

Down-river transit during the Primal Quest adventure race will be accomplished in two ways: In a traditional tandem kayak as well as on a not-so-traditional…

Written by Stephen Regenold July 14, 2006

Primal Quest gear, part II: Biking

To prepare for a long haul, I’ve outfitted my mountain bike with lights, bags and components that will — hopefully — get me through the…

Written by Stephen Regenold July 14, 2006

Primal Quest gear, part I: Trekking

Say a prayer for the Gear Junkie. By the time many of you read this, I will be off into the wild yonder of the…

Written by Stephen Regenold July 14, 2006

Adventure bikes – Surly Pugsley, Evingson Cycle Voyageur

Essentially beefed-up mountain bikes with massive tires, adventure bikes have been manufactured by custom shops since the late 1990s. Surly Bikes, a company based in…

Written by Stephen Regenold July 14, 2006

Inov-8 mountain running shoes

These aren’t trail runners. They aren’t shoes you’d wear for a jog on the street, either. U.K.-based Inoveight Ltd. makes shoes for the oddball sport…

Written by Stephen Regenold September 25, 2005

Ironman wrap-up, or The Gear Junkie gets the flu

To borrow an old line, the best-laid plans of mice and (Iron)men often go awry. Thus was my case with Ironman Wisconsin, an event for…

Written by Stephen Regenold September 24, 2005

Ironman Swim

In mid-September, the Gear Junkie is signed up to compete in Ironman Wisconsin, a full-scale Ironman triathlon event that includes a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile…

Written by Stephen Regenold September 24, 2005

Ironman Run

The final leg of an Ironman triathlon — a painful 26.2-mile marathon run — is undoubtedly the most loathsome and horrific portion of the race.…

Written by Stephen Regenold August 24, 2005

Ironman Bike section

The second leg of an Ironman triathlon is a grueling bike segment that stretches on and on for 112 miles. Top-end cycling equipment is a…

Written by Stephen Regenold August 23, 2005

Car Camping Tents (Kelty, Paha Que, Hilleberg)

A small tent really has no place at the common drive-up campsite. For car camping, you want a cavernous, feature-full, stand-up-and-stretch-out nylon lodge with pockets,…

Written by Stephen Regenold August 03, 2005

Adventure racing shoes (Salomon, Nike, Adidas, Montrail)

A typical adventure race includes steep uphill climbs, river crossings, long treks off trail and miles upon miles of fast running on gravel roads and…

Written by Stephen Regenold July 03, 2005

Best Luxury Camping Accoutrements

Poking at coals and roasting marshmallows — requisite campfire idleness and tomfoolery — are as integral to the outdoors experience as any epic hike in…

Written by Stephen Regenold July 03, 2005

Nordic Walking

Perhaps you’ve seen them walking through the park, striding earnestly, poles pumping at their sides, skiers without any snow. Perhaps you’ve snickered or offered a…

Written by Stephen Regenold May 06, 2005

Hydropel sports ointment

My feet may never forgive me for the past two years. Three marathons, ten adventure races, a triathlon, several mountain climbs and hundreds of hours…

Written by Stephen Regenold August 13, 2004

‘Squeaky Cheeks’ Powdered Body Lube Fights Chafing

The unmentionable and embarrassing bodily effects of repetitious exercise — chafed thighs, armpit rash, butt burn — traditionally have been managed with greasy lubricants. Petroleum-based…

Written by Stephen Regenold July 12, 2004