Author: Jesse

Spyder Jagged GTX Shell Jacket Review

Boulder-based apparel maker Spyder has a long standing reputation for performance gear with a distinct look. Until recently, they skewed more towards the racing world and a more technical appearance. With their new Freeski...

Mammut Eigerjoch Hybrid Insulated Jacket

Mammut Eigerjoch Hybrid Insulated Jacket Review

In summary, I truly love the Mammut Eigerjoch Hybrid Jacket and give it a strong recommendation. Like all Mammut gear I’ve tested, the quality is very high and the design is extremely functional. This jacket is warm and weather resistant enough to serve as a light outer layer in most situations and breathable and flexible enough to be a nice mid layer under a shell. It feels and looks great and has exceptional mobility for a variety of activities. At $325, the Mammut Eigerjoch Hybrid Jacket doesn’t come cheap, but when you consider that you are essentially getting two pieces of apparel in one, the value proposition starts making more sense. I highly recommend checking it out either online or at your local Mammut dealer.

Gregory Citro 25 Backpack Review

The Gregory Citro 25 Backpack is a 25 liter pack designed for day hikes and approaches on hot days.  It utilizes some of the company’s premium harness features to create a pack that is...

JBL Flip 4 Bluetooth Wireless Speaker Review

The JBL Flip 4 is really an amazing little bit of technology, combining great sound, impressive volume, versatility in the form of IPX7 waterproofing, and useful features like voice assistant integration, a speakerphone, and the ability to link multiple speakers together.  All this adds up to an exceptional option that makes it one of the best portable bluetooth speakers available today.  At between $90 and $100 depending on where you pick it up, the Flip 4 is more expensive then a lot of the Chinese brands you’ll find on Amazon but the payback is a full featured product backed by a company with a lot of experience in the audio industry and I believe it’s worth the money.  Find out more at JBL.com.

SILCA T-Ratchet and Ti-Torque Kit Cycling Multi-Tool Review

The SILCA T-Ratchet and Ti-Torque Kit is an elegant and effective solution to most of your on the road/trail adjustment needs. It is an incredibly well-made, versatile tool that can be used in a variety of ways to fit your situation. The Ti-Torque allows precise measurement of tightening force so that you don’t damage any of your expensive carbon components and it covers the Nm range of 99% of bike adjustments you’d make on a ride. SILCA built this thing to last and the included case gives you a great indication of its premium quality. At $98, the T-Ratchet and Ti-Torque Kit is a serious investment for a tool, but considering the thousands it can save you on a cracked bike frame, it’s well worth the price. Find out more at silca.cc.

Assos H.Rally Cargo Shorts S7 and H.Rally Boxer Mountain Bike Shorts S7 Review

The H.rallycargoShorts and H.rallyBoxer are extremely well-made, comfortable, high performing mountain bike shorts for all types of riders. A range of premium materials are used to allow the shorts to stretch and move with you, while being durable and breathable. The sign of a great mountain bike short is not noticing them and that is exactly how I felt through my H.rallycargoShorts and H.rallyBoxer review. The zippers at the waist and legs are a standout feature for adjusting fit and the removable impactPads give a nice bit of added protection without any real sacrifice. At $119 for the H.rallyBoxer and $199 for the H.rallycargoShorts, you definitely pay a premium for Assos’s superior products. That said, if you spend a lot of time riding, the added comfort can really be worth it on a long ride and I definitely suggest adding them to your arsenal. See assos.com for more information.