Authors: Dr. Mark Cucuzzella (NRC) & Nick (Wear Tested Gear Review) This article was originally published on Natural Running Center. Dr. Mark reviewed the SOAR x Altra Mont Blanc Carbon while Nick reviewed the SOAR x Altra trail running apparel. The Altra Mont Blanc Carbon is a standout trail running shoe that blends innovative design with practical functionality,…
Category: Gear Reviews – Running, Cycling, Travel, Outdoors, Wearables, Money & More
Stay Hydrated Smarter: New 2025 Study Shows Liquid I.V. Outperforms Water
A 2025 clinical study reveals that Liquid I.V.’s Hydration Multiplier and Sugar-Free formula significantly outperform plain water in boosting hydration, reducing urine loss, and improving fluid retention. Perfect for athletes, travelers, and anyone on the go. Introduction Hydration is more than just drinking water. In May 2025, researchers from the University of Memphis published a…
Fast Walking for Longer Life
New Study Reveals Just 15 Minutes a Day Can Lower Mortality Risk Walking has long been celebrated for its health benefits, but a groundbreaking study from the Southern Community Cohort Study sheds light on just how powerful fast walking can be. The research, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine (2025), followed nearly 80,000…
The Minimal Shoe Advantage: Build Stronger, Healthier Feet for Life
Authors: Dr. Mark Cucuzzella (NRC) & Nick (Wear Tested Gear Review) The content in this article should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs. This article was originally published on Natural Running Center. In a world obsessed with high-tech “super shoes” packed with carbon plates and thick foam,…
Riding Into Comfort: My Day with the GOREWEAR Cycling Kit
There’s something about a fresh kit that makes you want to ride farther and faster. I recently set out on a mixed road and gravel adventure, fully kitted in GOREWEAR’s SWIFTRIDE Optical Bib Shorts, C5 Jersey, Everyday WINDSTOPPER® Vest, and C5 WINDSTOPPER® Gloves. Here’s how the gear performed, mile after mile. The Start: Early Morning…
Conquer Every Summit: SOAR x Altra Trail Running Gear Review
The SOAR X Altra collection sets a new benchmark in premium, high-performance trail running apparel. Designed for elite athletes and serious enthusiasts, these products blend British craftsmanship, American trail innovation, and cutting-edge materials—all wrapped in a vibrant “Prism” colorway that’s both functional and attention-grabbing. We hit the trails with this exclusive collaboration between SOAR Running…
Antigravity A1: The World’s First 8K 360° Drone is Here — Redefining How We Fly
If you thought drones had already reached peak innovation, think again. The new Antigravity A1 — the first drone ever to capture in 8K 360° — is about to change the way we see the sky, explore the world, and tell our stories. Born from a collaboration between Insta360 and pioneering third-party developers, the A1…
The Ultimate Urban Travel Kit for Digital Nomads
Mammut Seon Transporter 15 with Tree Wood FL T-Shirt and Alvra Summer Shirt Are you searching for the perfect travel gear that seamlessly blends work, play, and exploration in the city? Look no further. In this review, we share a real-world experience using the Mammut Seon Transporter 15 backpack, the Mammut Women’s Tree Wood FL T-Shirt, and…
The Only Urban Bike Helmet Guide You Need in 2025
When I started riding my e-bike a lot more, I quickly realized my old road helmet wasn’t cutting it. It felt bulky, out of place, and frankly, not designed for the speeds or risks that come with zipping through city streets at 20+ mph. I wanted something safer but also sleeker. That’s when I went…
Altra and SOAR Set a New Benchmark in Trail Racing Performance
SOAR, pioneers in high-performance apparel, and Altra, a trailblazer in footwear, have joined forces to set a new benchmark in trail racing. Uniting SOAR’s precision-built apparel with Altra’s trail-tested footwear, the collection delivers a complete racing system engineered for speed, protection, comfort and control. A Complete Trail Racing System for Peak Performance The Altra x…
Transitioning to Minimalist Shoes – The Altra Tiered Approach
We’ve just published Version 2.0 of our Transitioning to Minimalist Shoes special report (with accompanying downloadable PDF). Now that the Altra Running Experience (Flow 2 and Wild 2) shoe collection is widely available, we’ve made it a safer tiered approach to transitioning. We recently reviewed both the Altra Experience Flow 2 and Altra Experience Wild…
The Daily Trainer That Nails Comfort, Bounce, and a Natural Fit—Is This the Ultimate Transition Shoe?
Altra Experience Flow 2 is Altra’s latest daily road trainer, designed to broaden the brand’s appeal with a 4mm drop, energetic new midsole, and signature wide toe box. The target audience are runners seeking a transitioning minimalist shoe or a comfortable, versatile, and stable shoe for daily miles, while still offering Altra’s natural foot-shaped fit….
Get Wild Out There With The New Altra Experience Wild 2
The Altra Experience Wild 2 is the latest iteration of Altra’s popular trail running shoe, designed to bridge the gap between traditional running shoes and Altra’s signature zero-drop models. With a 4mm heel-to-toe drop, a roomy foot-shaped toe box, and a blend of comfort, protection, and versatility, the Experience Wild 2 aims to appeal to…
Why KUHL Renegade Shorts Are the Only Adventure Shorts You’ll Ever Need
The KUHL Renegade Shorts are widely recognized as a benchmark for durable, versatile hiking and everyday shorts. We reviewed the original Renegade Shorts over three years ago and it remained our favorite travel and adventure shorts. Design & Materials Fit & Sizing Pockets & Storage Performance & Durability Final Observations The KUHL Renegade Shorts are…
Cross Training With GORUCK For Runners
Cross training should make runners feel stronger and lighter. The most important feature of any cross training for runners is lower impact – your ankles, knees, and hips won’t experience the impact of running. We wrote about the benefits of cross training for runners in our recent post. Briefly: Benefit How Cross-Training Helps Injury Prevention Reduces…
Your Sky, Your Color with the Veeniix V11Air
The new Veeniix V11Air is a new and exciting professional drone that has identical technical specifications as the Ruko F11PRO 2 which we tested last year. The key differences are in the design and software. The F11PRO 2 is our favorite consumer drone and the V11Air is an updated version with a better design and…
Benefits of Cross Training for Runners
What are the benefits of cross-training for runners? Cross training offers a wide range of advantages for runners, whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned marathoner, or recovering from injury. Here are the key benefits, supported by expert sources and scientific studies: Injury Prevention Improved Overall Fitness Rehabilitation and Recovery Mental Refresh and Motivation Enhanced Performance…
Rucking: The Ultimate Strength-Building Routine You Can Start Today
Walk your way to strength, stamina, and better bone health with just a backpack. Welcome to the world of rucking – a simple but powerful exercise where you walk with a weighted backpack or rucksack. It’s a low-impact, joint-friendly workout that helps build muscle, improve balance, boost cardiovascular fitness, and increase bone density. And the…
Building the Perfect Running Kit with GOREWEAR
Today, I’m lacing up in a trio of GOREWEAR essentials: the Everyday Thermo 1/4 Zip, the Concurve 5″ 2-in-1 Shorts, and the Contest 2.0 Tee. Here’s how these pieces come together to create the ultimate running kit for every condition – I went for a run at the hilly and popular cross country trail nearby….
Jack Be Nimble, Jack Be Quick. Jack Wore The Altra Superior 7.
The Altra Superior 7 is the latest iteration in Altra’s minimalist trail running lineup, designed for runners seeking a natural, connected-to-the-ground experience with a touch of cushioning. Nimble. Quick. Lightweight. Fit & Comfort Ride & Performance Durability Pros & Cons Pros Cons Minimal feel with some protection Limited traction in mud/aggressive terrain Extremely flexible and…
One for Work. One for Travel. Which KÜHL Pant is Right for You?
KÜHL is one of our favorite manufacturers of quality, high-performance apparel, and gear for the outdoors. But they also have a wide selection of apparel thus making it hard to decide which model or design will work for you. For example, in the Pants category, there are sub-categories of Lightweight, Travel, Hiking, Tech, and Work…
The new Ruko U11MINI 4K Ultra-Portable Pocket Drone
Ruko has officially launched the U11MINI 4K, a compact yet powerful aerial pocket drone designed for beginners, travelers, and photography enthusiasts. With ultra-clear 8K imaging, 20,000ft long-range transmission, up to 96 minutes of flight time from triple batteries, and highly equipped kit, it offers the best value and highest configuration in its class. We reviewed…
The Altra Experience 4mm Drop Shoe Collection: Flow, Wild, and Form
Altra Running, long celebrated for its zero-drop, foot-shaped running shoes, expanded its lineup last year with the Experience series-a collection of shoes featuring a 4mm heel-to-toe drop. This new range includes Experience Flow, Experience Wild, and Experience Form, each tailored to different running needs while maintaining Altra’s core philosophy of natural movement and comfort. What…
REI Anniversary Sale 2025
The co-op’s biggest sale of the year celebrates 87 years of outfitting members and the outdoor community. Members save 20% on one full-price item and an extra 20% on one REI Outlet item May 16 – 26. Use coupon code ANNIV2025 at checkout. 30% Off REI Co-op Brand Clothing & Gear (excludes bikes)25% Off All Smartwool…