Deuter X Air 1 Hydration systems that flop around like rabid trolls should be burned. Thankfully, the Deuter X Air 1 easily escapes the fire primarily because of its stable Advanced Aircomfort suspension. What makes this design unique is a layer of breathable mesh tensioned across the length of the pack’s back panel via two light spring steel stays. This type of tensioning keeps the X Air 1 comfortably in place no matter how jarring the ride, and it also offers greatly enhanced breathability because a layer of air is free to circulate between the pack and your back. Now consider the X Air 1’s low price of $99, its jacket, lunch and tool-friendly volume of 850 cubic inches, a helmet carrier, and an included 3-liter water reservoir, and you’ve got a complete and affordable system versatile enough for 60 minutes spins or sunup-to-sundown epics.–D. Sheldon Price: $99 Pack weight: 1 lb, 14 oz Bladder weight: 6 oz Volume: 850 cubic inches www.deuterusa.com
Smith Threshold Sunglasses Typically I’m a no-nonsense shepherd who prefers to live a simple, accessory-free life. But I agreed to give these new Threshold sunglasses a chance for a day of frenzied rabbit chasing in the hills. I immediately appreciated the 9-Base lens curvature as it really enhanced my peripheral vision and allowed me to react quickly to the flighty moves commonly used by bunnies trying to juke me in the sagebrush. The Distortion-free TLT® Optics provide 100% UVA/B/C and Blue Light protection so I never felt as my vision was impeded. In fact the new RC30 lens tint with Platinum mirror coating allowed my eyes to stay relaxed all day, increasing my performance dramatically. Usually when I’m bashing recklessly through the underbrush in hot pursuit of a jackrabbit, my eyes take quite a beating but the generous wrap-around style of the Threshold protected my eyes so effectively I was able to increase my speed without risk of injury. Since the Threshold frames have an adjustable wire core temple, I had no problem keeping them on my unusually shaped face—even when I stopped to roll in the old elk carcass rotting in the ditch. I’m not really known for taking good care of my equipment (you should have seen how quickly I chewed through the last “indestructible” toy I had), but the TR90® frame material proved to be quite durable. As with all Smith Slider sunglasses, the Threshold comes with three easily interchangeable lenses for varying conditions, making them a great bargain for an unemployed dog on the pro-fun tour.– Tulip Parker Rating: 4.5 Paws Price as tested: $99 With Polarized Lens: $128 More info: www.smithsport.com
Mountain Flyer
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