Paper-thin silicone-treated nylon, compact size, and a frameless suspension make the Iso superlight—and a good choice for speed hikes. The tradeoff is decreased abrasion resistance and minimalist support. 1.6 lbs,
1,200 cu in; www.gregorypacks.com

The post Gregory Iso – Daypacks: Reviews appeared first on ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Online.

Don’t resign yourself to bad form. My clunky stride isn’t pretty, and the Radial’s boldly curved outsole helped my foot roll from heel to toe more smoothly than usual—and get quicker rebound. That smoothness, combined with a triple-density EVA midsole and cushy air pad in the heel, made this a soft ride on dirt roads and packed trails. When I did venture onto rockier stuff, a blown-rubber crash pad in the forefoot prevented stone bruising.

Bonus: The upper’s superthin mesh tightens easily on your instep.

Bummer: For slender heels, the roomy rear foot can be a bit sloppy. 13 oz; www.thenorthface.com

The post The North Face Radial: Trail Runners: Review appeared first on ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Online.

Judicious use of siliconized nylon—bolstered by 1,000-denier reinforcements—make the Bodie both water-repellent and durable while keeping weight low. 2.5 lbs, 2,000 cu in; www.marmot.com

The post Marmot Bodie – Daypacks: Reviews appeared first on ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Online.

If you’re one of the lucky ones who can trot out the front door and weave together a perfect run on a mix of trail and pavement, stop gloating and buy a pair of Odysseys. At first glance the toothy tread appears to be trails-only, but the low-profile lugs, four-density EVA midsole, and forefoot gel pad helped us lay down cushy tracks on the hardest ground. One tester slapped these on for a lunchtime quickie and doubled the planned distance to include extra road miles. On trails, stability is good, thanks to torsional rigidity and a deep heel pocket.

Bonus: The mesh upper is among the most breathable we tested.

Bummer: The fat ankle padding felt a tad clunky to some testers. 13 oz; www.montrail.com

The post Montrail Odyssey – Trail Runners: Review appeared first on ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Online.

This climber-friendly pack has a removable hipbelt—a plus when wearing it with a harness—and a weight-shaving detachable lid. Brilliant: Tool attachments double as bottle openers. 2.9 lbs, 2,150 cu in; www.mountainhardwear.com

The post Mountain Hardwear Phenom – Daypacks: Reviews appeared first on ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Online.

We can only imagine the highly caffeinated sessions that produced the Overdrive. No detail has been left out or unexamined, from integrated drain holes in the outsole to a protected gaiter strap channel under the arch to drawcord lacing that adjusts easily even with cold or gloved hands. Innovative tubular cushioning—Merrell calls it TrailSpring technology—absorbs heel-strike impact and should outlast foam. Even after a 16-mile trail run to the base of Capitol Peak, near Aspen, the padding left one tester’s feet feeling fresh (well, as fresh as could be expected). A TPU plate stabilizes the shoe, and forefoot grooves increase flex. A wide fit is good for foot-swelling epics (adventure race, anyone?).

Bonus: The Vibram sole barely showed wear.

Bummer: Not for the narrow-footed. 13 oz; www.merrell.com

The post Merrell Overdrive – Trail Runners: Review appeared first on ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Online.

Ever had one of those days when your feet felt so light it’s like they weren’t quite touching the ground? The X-1/C is the next best thing to bottling that feeling. The secret is shaving every possible gram while still retaining the essentials: cushion, traction, and stability. The Encapsulated Shoc Pad in the heel provides good padding on hard dirt, and the supportive upper gives confidence on technical mountain trails. 9.1 oz; www.teva.com

Bonus: The low-volume, snug forefoot was a favorite among our racers, as it held them close to the midsole for excellent control.

Bummer: If you run as much on road as on trail, the forefoot cushioning isn’t adequate.

The post Teva X-1/C – Women’s Trail Runners: Reviews appeared first on ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Online.

With all due respect to Martha Stewart, this shoe is the ultimate control freak. With close-to-the-ground feel and gravity-defying weight, the Highlander is like a racing flat for trails. Speed fanatics will love the stiff sole, and mud wrestlers will envy the aggressive Gryptonite tread, which shook off glop better than any other sole we tested. A close fit enhances control as well: Forefoot volume is low, and the heel pocket is slender. The mesh upper breathed and drained admirably but proved water-resistant enough to keep wet snow out on alpine runs.

Bonus: The upper molds to your foot after the first use.

Bummer: The thin, stiff sole means you’ll want to drive—not run—these specialists to the trailhead. 11 oz; www.montrail.com

The post Montrail Highlander – Trail Runners: Review appeared first on ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Online.

This shoe will make a convert of even diehard roadies. With aggressive tread perched on top of road-shoe-like gel cushioning, and a flexibility that allows the smooth heel-to-toe roll that roadies are accustomed to, the Eagle Trail makes for an easy transition to dirt. Already a trail fan? Get this shoe for logging fast miles on well-maintained paths. The fit is best for wider feet. 11 oz; www.asicsamerica.com

Bonus: Over time, the inner foam molds to your ankle, improving comfort.

Bummer: If you prefer hairier singletrack, you’ll likely want a stiffer sole.

The post Asics Gel-Eagle Trail V – Women’s Trail Runners: Reviews appeared first on ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Online.

If you took a razor and cut every gram of fat from a typical trail runner, you’d get the X-1/C. Amazingly, Teva didn’t have to whittle away stability to do it. The trick: The upper’s lacing-and-support system, called Wraptor Lite, pushes your instep toward the center of the shoe while freeing your toes for great balance and rapid-fire maneuvering. Midsole cushioning didn’t come under the knife either, making this featherweight a true long-distance performer.

Bonus: Mesh vents at the rear of the arch let cool air circulate through the heel pocket.

Bummer: When laced tightly, the plastic Wraptor supports caused cramping for flat-footed testers. 11 oz; www.teva.com

The post Teva X-1/C – Trail Runners: Review appeared first on ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Online.