I stayed active throughout my first two pregnancies because I knew it would help me feel better, and more importantly I knew it would help ease labor and delivery…enough incentive for this girl! However, putting on my maternity fitness wear was sometimes less than inspiring. I’ve tried fitness clothes from Nike, Prana, and many others. All make great regular fitness clothing, and their maternity gear actually worked out okay for me. But I can’t describe my relief when I learned about BornFit maternity sportswear. In a word, WOW! Not only are the clothes incredibly stylish, but their moisture-wicking, wrinkle resistant poly/spandex fabrics help keep you cool so you can kick up your workout that much more if you choose.

That’s one of the greatest things about the Outdoor Retailer conference — you run into the most amazing up-and-coming companies. With BornFit, I had heard about them before the conference and decided I had to go check them out while I was there meeting with the top outdoor brands in the industry. Sometimes ‘maternity wear’ is nothing more than some guy putting a stretchy piece on the front of jeans. Nice try. But when I met up with founders Julie and Lisa — former college roommates and both active moms — I could tell their products would at least be well-intentioned. Then I saw the spring 2010 collection and was impressed with the style. But would it perform?

I have been running in my BornFit Oxford skort several times now and, although I’m not currently pregnant, once I tie the inner drawstring it fits great! That’s the brilliant part — although this is maternity athletic wear, it is designed to be worn pre-pregnancy, throughout your pregnancy, and even post-pregnancy. The 2-inch waistband on the shorts, pants, and skorts can be worn over or under your belly, depending on what is more comfortable for you. What’s more, there’s a drawstring within the waistband so your clothes will still fit before and after pregnancy. I especially love the side slits on this skort, which makes for even better range of motion. Another bonus is the mesh side pocket hidden under the skirt for your keys, GU packets, or some cash. The material is excellent at wicking, and breathes quite well…so you don’t suffocate under your clothes if you happen to be pregnant in the summer.

BornFit touts the Oxford Skort as being good for running, biking or hiking. However, since the undershorts are not padded I wouldn’t recommend them for any ride longer or more grueling than a spin class. And while they are ideal for running, I don’t stop there. The skort is modest enough (14″ skirt length) that you will feel comfortable with the coverage when in a yoga class or hitting the store later in the day. That’s what I love about this kind of gear — it’s active, but attractive.

Now that I’ve discovered BornFit, I know that when I’m walking into the gym 7 months pregnant I can hold my head high and know that I still look great. And if I didn’t have the option of cinching up the waist, well these cute maternity clothes might inspire me to go for baby number 3 just so I could wear them! Thankfully that’s not the case — I can wear them now, and I’ll wear them when I’m pregnant.

In recent wind tunnel testing, Speedplay, Inc. has discovered the aerodynamic importance of pedal choice. The first known wind tunnel test of clipless pedals, conducted at the San Diego Air & Space Technology Wind Tunnel, established a notable difference in the coefficient of drag when comparing Speedplay pedals to other brands.

“In order to measure the wind resistance of pedals, I created a fully-articulated robotic cyclist to accurately replicate a real-life racing scenario and to eliminate human variance in the wind tunnel,” explained Speedplay’s pedal designer, Richard Bryne. “The robotic cyclist pedaled the bike at a cadence of 100 rpm and at a speed of 30 miles per hour in each test.”

Speedplay Zero pedals bested the two other clipless pedal brands tested by posting a substantially lower coefficient of drag score. While each of the other pedal brands posted the same coefficient-of-drag score of .243, Speedplay pedals produced a lower drag score of 237. The reduction in wind drag of Speedplay pedals, when converted into time saved, results in an incredible 33 seconds per hour advantage.

“I suspected Speedplay pedals would prove to be more aerodynamic than the others because of their minimal frontal area, but even I was surprised by the margin of difference,” said Bryne.

To put the significance of this speed advantage into perspective, using Speedplay pedals is comparable to switching from a standard front wheel to a deep-profile, aerodynamic front wheel, according to available data. This aerodynamic advantage is important to competitors because it is easier to gain speed by reducing drag than by increasing power. The result is also good news for speed seekers who appreciate good value, since a change to Speedplay pedals is an inexpensive way for a cyclist to gain a meaningful increase in speed.

More Info: Visit Speedplay.com/33seconds

SCOTT USA’s road program is as solid as they come… add on top of that the market-focused approach of the Plasma1 and Plasma2 triathlon bikes and you apparently have a winning combination. If you are in the market for a triathlon bike, check out what SCOTT USA is putting out. Here’s their quick news release:

Today SCOTT USA announced that it was the second most represented bike brand at the recent Ironman Brazil competition, having surpassed every brand but Cervelo. The SCOTT Plasma1 and Plasma2 continue to grow in popularity globally, and showcase SCOTT’s continuing commitment to the triathlon community. SCOTT Bicycles US Vice President and General Manager Scott Montgomery noted, “This is a global Ironman, and we moved to second. That is good news and shows the increasing reach of the SCOTT brand. We are getting closer to #1.”

More Info: Visit SCOTTUSA.com

Lightning Bolt, the iconic surf-inspired apparel brand recently re-launched in the United States, has quickly become a hot commodity to surf shops and boutiques alike. With the launch of its website and solid support from on-the-pulse retailers, the brand is rapidly catching fire.

“With the recent sluggish economy, it seems that the entire fashion community has been waiting for something different and fresh to show up – they’ve found that this summer in Lightning Bolt,” says Jonathan Paskowitz, president of Lightning Bolt, USA. “The collection was created with quality as a priority and with a straight-up classic, vintage vibe giving consumers a feeling of nostalgic satisfaction while shopping. Although the brand is known primarily as a surf brand, it is such a fashion-forward collection, that many high-end fashion boutiques have been placing just as many orders.”

Consumers will be able to find their favorite Lightning Bolt pieces from coast to coast at a variety of boutiques and surf shops including: Planet Blue, Premier Shops, Val Surf, West Coast Surf Shop, LABL, Alpha, The Sea Barn, Wet Sand, IAN, Pancho’s Surf Shop and Los Angeles Sports Club. For those not able to peruse these shops, Lightning Bolt product can also be easily found on the web at the leading, trend-focused online retailer, www.revolveclothing.com.

Lightning Bolt has also kicked off the summer by launching a sophisticated and engaging website. The site features the current collection; the legend of the Bolt; nostalgia photos of the original Bolt team; and information on its present team, which consists of inspirational young riders who are a part of a new generation that surfs with a mix of old-school ethos and grace and modern skill. Fans and friends are able to catch behind-the-scenes video footage of the voyages of Lightning Bolt’s motley surf crew by tuning into “Bolt TV,” also featured on the website. Finally, browsers are directed to all of the company’s social media forums, including: its twitter account, Facebook page and MySpace page.

Stay tuned to the website www.lightningbolt-usa.com to see where Lightning Bolt will pop up next – whether the team is ripping and grilling out at your local surf spot, or the killer new boardshorts that could show up any day in that kitschy little boutique nearby.

About Lightning Bolt
Lightning Bolt, originally founded in Hawaii in 1972 by Gerry Lopez and Jack Shipley, is a collection of men’s and women’s apparel inspired by both original and modern concepts of the world of surf and skateboarding. Lightning Bolt’s fashionable and functional collection offers various styles created by a young and experienced team of designers who are inspired by the true spirit of soul surfing and its riders’ lifestyle.

Portuguese textile group, TMG-SA, and surf industry veteran, Jonathan Paskowitz, have partnered to re-establish Lightning Bolt in the United States.  Lightning Bolt, “A Pure Source.” For further information, please visit www.lightningbolt-usa.com.

As the name suggests, the all-new KEEN Newport Backpack takes its cues from the ubiquitous KEEN Newport Sandals that have made the brand so famous. One look at the compression straps and you think, “That pack sure looks like KEEN Newport Sandals”. Well, I’ll take a step out on a limb and say, YES… it was planned that way. 

With a bevy of enviro-friendly components the KEEN Newport Backpack will go from boardroom to backcountry in a jiffy. It is hydration compatible and comes with a suspended laptop sleeve built to schlep up to a 15.4″ laptop in cradled comfort.

Check out a few more features of the Newport Laptop Backpack:

• 100% recycled aluminum components
• 15.4″ padded and suspended laptop sleeve
• 100% recycled interior liner
• Hydration bladder pocket with hose outlet
• Breathable mesh and foam back panel
• Water bottle pockets on both sides
• 100% recycled inner tube rubber bottom
• Dimensions: 20″ x 12″ x 8″
• Price: $100

Buy Now: Shop for the KEEN Newport Backpack

Eureka!, maker of high-quality, innovative sleeping bags and tents for a wide range of campers and outdoor enthusiasts, introduces eight new sleeping bags for 2010. Eureka!’s new Implosion series includes the Kotey 35°, the Riner 40°, and the Shawnee 40° offering minimal pack size and weight while providing warmth for activities in temperate climates. The new Deep Woods Collection featuring the Centerfire and Rimfire are rectangular, classic-designed sleeping bags with upgraded features for whatever Mother Nature has to offer.

The Implosion sleeping bags series is highly compressible and lightweight with a 50D polyester ripstop shell, Eureka!’s own/proprietary Rteqmicro fill and vertical “S” quilting for better insulation distribution. These performance bags come in three different styles – a the mummy, rectangular and hybrid, offering outdoor enthusiasts a variety of design and shape options depending on their sleeping patterns and preferences. Each bag features “peached” polyester liner fabric that is super-soft and feels warm to the touch, as well as an internal pocket and an integrated compression stuff sack.

• Kotey 35° mummy bag (82” x 32” x21”): 2 lbs 1 oz. Retail: $84.90
• Riner 40° hybrid bag (82” x 33” x 24”): 2 lbs 8 oz. Retail: $89.90
• Shawnee 40° rectangular (78” x 33”): 2 lbs 8 oz. Retail: $79.90

“The Implosion Series bags are just right for adventurers who are concerned about carry weight and pack size while on the trail; they provide exceptional performance without the bulk,” said Rob Marcello, Eureka! sleeping bag product manager. “Eureka!’s high performance sleeping bags provide consumers with the technical features they crave blended with the comfort they need to get a good night’s rest.”

Eureka!’s new Deep Woods Collection consists of classically designed rectangular bags that are durable, warm and roomy, providing the rugged outdoor enthusiast with a bag that is perfect for harsh elements. Each bag features a 100% yarn-dyed cotton flannel liner for excellent resistance to fabric color transfer and Eureka! ThermaShield™ insulation.

The Centerfire collection features bags that are constructed of a two-tone 10 oz cotton duck shell with stylish riveted reinforcements giving the bags the look of a pair of work jeans. Other notable features include a “sip n’ zip” 20-inch zipper on the left side that allows campers to sit up and enjoy breakfast in bed or easily do other activities that require use of both arms without getting out of the bag, and a “downwind” zippered foot vent at the bottom of the bag for comfort. The bags also include an integrated (detachable) carry duffle.

• Centerfire -10° (80” x 38”): 13 lbs 6 oz., MSRP: $139.99
• Centerfire 0° (80” x 38”): 12 lbs. 4 oz., MSRP: $129.99
• Centerfire 15° (80” x 38”): 11 lbs. 3 oz., MSRP: $119.99

The Rimfire bags are constructed of a 5.6 oz poly/cotton blend, and come with and three free floating webbing straps that will not tear the seams of the bag when it is secured for transport or storage They are available in two temperature ratings:

• Rimfire 0° (80” x 38”): 10 lbs 8 oz., MSRP: $109.99
• Rimfire 15° (80” x 38”): 9lbs 7 oz., MSRP: $99.99

Visit EurekaTents.com for more details.

Editor’s Thoughts

Eureka is introducing a great lineup of sleeping bags at affordable price-points. The Implosion series is great for warm-weather backpacking or camping where light weight and compressibility is appreciated while the Rimfire and Centerfire designs are standard rectangular bags with all the bells and whistles for the outdoor enthusiast who wants comfort and warmth in any condition.

More Info: Search for Eureka! Tents & Sleeping Bags

There has been lots of talk around electric cars, for years and years, and Tesla Motors knows this. I knew a guy when I lived in Key West who had 2 or 3 little 2-seater electric cars from the 70s that he used to get around. And two days ago I was in DC having dinner with a consultant from Georgia who lives in a town (not just a little golf course community) that has hundreds of miles of golf cart paths for residents to get around to the store and school and work in golf carts. The cart paths are only for bikes, pedestrians, and golf carts — and they are entirely separate from the roads (for safety reasons) and give you a very secluded, tree-lined experience to get around your day. You can run 20-mile loops on these cart paths, through tunnels and over bridges, and never have to run alongside a noisy & dangerous road. For years I’ve felt that Park City could connect the Rail Trail to its Redstone and white barn paths to make a similar huge belt loop around the greater Park City area.

But as idealistic as those sorts of communities sound, it isn’t realistic that we change where we live and how our communities are designed just so that we can use low-impact transportation. Even using a Prius doesn’t seem all that exciting, though it is practical. Enter the Tesla Roadster. It is a gorgeous 2-seater roadster run 100% on electric power. Not only that, it has so much torque that it can go 0-60mph in less than 4 seconds! It’s also built in concert with Lotus, so you know it has a good pedigree.

And here’s the best part: it claims a range of almost 250 miles on a single 16-hour charge. Of course, as you see in the attached clip from Top Gear, that may not be a perfect representation of battery life under extreme driving conditions. The guys at Top Gear said it only lasted about 50 miles when driven hard, and then they had mechanical issues driving the backup car while the first car was re-charging.

One cool thing is that you can charge the car from any wall plug if you want — meaning it costs just a couple cents per mile to re-fuel. No more trips to the gas station — except to pick up a soda and some beef jerky, of course. Now, you may say that that isn’t really low-impact on the environment because most of us use electricity from coal-fired power plants. That’s because many locations have laws that require the energy companies to default to the lowest-cost source for all customers. But I know that in the state of Utah anyone can request that the Rocky Mountain Power Company supply their household only with electricity generated from renewable sources such as wind, solar, and hydro — which are all quite plentiful in the state. So it only costs an extra 12 bucks or so per month to go 100% green for your household power.

Of course, it costs much more than that for the Tesla Roadster. The Tesla’s price tag runs a little over $100,000USD and has a waiting list. I’m sure the price will come down, as mentioned on the Top Gear clip, when early adopters have purchased several and the unit cost of production comes down with economies of scale. But in the meantime, assuming you don’t live in a golf cart friendly community and you want to have a ripping fast sports car without the impact of oil consumption, the Tesla Roadster just may be your brand of luxury.

Next electric car to drool over: The Tesla Model S, due out in 2011, that reportedly seats 5+ passengers and looks like an Aston Martin. And with a price tag under $50k USD. Sick!

With all the talk about “green energy” these days, advancements in technology have followed. I’m no stranger to wind farms, in fact I’ve seen them in the farmland of the Midwest for years and my brother-in-law has worked on wind farms for nearly 10 years. But, the idea of harnessing the power of the sun has just always been compelling to me and with recent advances in solar panel technology, there are more and more creative ways to harness the power of the sun.

There are now a myriad of portable solar chargers on the market today–some are small with the intent of charging an iPod or cell phone (Solio Hybrid 1000), while others are larger with the ability to more efficiently charge a laptop. Other solutions combine the solar panel charger with a portable power unit (essentially a super-efficient battery pack) to enable the use of more high-power A/C devices such as blenders, radios, electric griddles and the like.

Just one such device is the all-new GoBe Combo Set which includes the GoBe Solar Briefcase and GoBe Power Hub to harness the power of the sun in a more long-lasting power package.

Who Should Use It?

There are a variety of portable solar panels and power hubs on the market, but this one appears to be a solid choice for many types of users who are looking for a bit more power and versatility. With the ability to run more high-power devices, this could be a great choice for adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, scientists, emergency preparedness or eco hermits wishing to unplug.

Combine this unit with a wireless card and you’ve got yourself a mobile office solution ready to blog or work from anywhere a cell tower is available. Simply plug in the laptop, iPhone and hang out on a mountain or campground for days.

About the GoBe Portable Battery

This 9-lb battery pack (looks like a fattened bowling pin with a handle) provides long-lasting power between solar or wall charges. Built with a handle on top to facilitate transportation, the unit sports both A/C, D/C and USB plugs to power a variety of devices without adapters. Keep in mind that any high-draw device or anything with a 3-prong plug will not work (lets be realistic here).  This unit is perfect for powering or charging laptops, cell phones, iPods, and other small appliances when disconnected from the grid.

Power Hub Specifications:

• Built-in ventilation and fuse for safety
• Self-discharge RITAR batteries can be stored for 6 months between charges
• Battery Life: Up to 1000 cycles
• A/C Power Output: 80 Watts
• D/C Voltage: 12 VDC +- 1.5 V
• A/C Voltage: 110 VAC +- 10 V
• USB Output: 5.25 -4.40 VDC
• LED output power indicator lights
• MSRP: $180

About the GoBe Solar Panel Charger

To charge the GoBe Power Hub on-the-go, this briefcase-style solar panel system is compact enough and durable enough to be packed in the back of the car without much worry. Its locking levers keep the panels protected from tiny hands (my kids think it’s pretty cool) or accidental breakage. The handle eases transport and the flip-out supports allow for optimal sun capture.

Though having two devices may seem cumbersome, it is nice to separate the two (Power Hub and Solar Battery Charager Panel) to prevent damage to the solar panels and not limiting the size of the solar panels due to the form-factor of the power unit.

Solar Panel Specifications:

• 10.5 W power output
• Pop-out support legs
• Locking mechanism
• Size: 16″ x 22″ x 2″
• MSRP: $180

The GoBe solar power hub and solar panel battery charger briefcase are available as a combo package for $179 or sold individually for $129 each. Looks like a great system to have for emergency or extensive travel outside of the grid.

Buy Now: Buy the GoBe Solar Power Hub and Solar Panel

Ultralight shells are excellent companions on summer hiking trips for unexpected weather changes, or for those crisp Spring or Fall mornings to take the edge off. I’ve tested a few items from Penfield over the years and have been impressed with the quality of their products. New to their Spring/Summer collection is the Penfield 360 lightweight, breathable and weatherproof jacket.

The 360 jacket looks to be a great companion for hiking, mountain biking or trail running should the need arise for a little more protection from the elements. Built from 100% nylon, this jacket will definitely do the trick. Here are a few more features:

• Fabric: 100% weatherproof nylon
• Adjustable hood
• Lower pouch pocket
• Chest pocket with printed waterproof zip
• Elastic cuff and hem
• Mesh lining
• Colors: Yellow, Blue or Black
• MSRP: $110

While the colors and styling aren’t anything earthshaking, it can be your silent partner on many outdoor adventures.

More Info: Visit PenfieldUSA.com

I went to the local lake yesterday in search for a battery re-charge from the daily grind. We met up with some friends to throw the boats in the water, roast weenies, and darken up our ghostly white farmer tans. I had my Kelty Cabana with me but didn’t set it up right away because someone else had brought a 10X10 shade tent. My friend said the cabana was too small and that I should just leave it in the bag.

Cabana First Thoughts
As a gear junkie you can’t just leave stuff in the bag even if the need for the gear has already been fulfilled. The cabana is quite spacious actually and is a stellar beach shade getaway. You may not be able to fit six adults underneath along with their Twilight books and lawn chairs, but if you have little ones who need to take a nap the ground floor provides great protection from the sand.

Cabana – 1. 10X10 shade – 0.

Tent Set-up
The set up isn’t bad. If your like me, you probably don’t have 3 people dying to help you set up your tent making the cabana a good addition. After a couple times you get an idea of how the poles are suppose to bend and find which sequence works best. The tent has two short poles and one long one creating the frontal hoop. Anything that can get me in the water faster makes me smile in my sleep.

Cabana – 2. 10X10 shade – 0.

Fighting the Wind
If you went to the beach and watched people there is no doubt something in their spot will blow away at some point. The pole design on the cabana reminds me of a glider and isn’t exempt from being ‘blown-away proof’. Stakes are a must but you’re going to have to dig some up because my cabana didn’t come with them. The little sand bags at each corner of the tent won’t do it. They are a cute idea but this nylon aircraft is going to be ready for takeoff without some serious anchors.

Cabana – 2. 10X10 shade – 1.

Cabana Design
One thing that I would seriously consider marrying Kelty for is that they are simple. I like the two bug screen windows that can be covered by lifting up the nylon sides hooking into the velcro. The floor space was big enough for me to hang my feet out the front opening while laying down with my head towards the rear. You could easily fit two people for an afternoon nap. We also fit a camp chair inside and while sitting you don’t feel like the roof is on top of your forehead.

Cabana – 3. 10X10 shade – 1.

The front opening also closes completely for some beach privacy to switch in and out of clothes. One idea I had is cutting out a hole in the floor of the cabana for cooking with a stove. With the curved design and leaving the door open it could ventilate during a little storm. The material wouldn’t be ideal for a rain storm but hey I’m a dreamer.

Cabana – 4. 10X10 shade – 1.

Bottom Line: Kelty needs to get rid of those silver casings on their poles and retire the sleeves. Hooks may weigh more but 99% of the time the 4lb. 14oz. cabana is coming in my car not my Osprey Argon 85. This cabana is a strong contender in the beach shade department and I’m looking forward to taking it on my next beach excursion.

“Put em’ in a body bag Johnny!”

BUY NOW: Get the Best Price on the Kelty Cabana

I have been trying out the Oboz Ignition trail runner along with the END Stumptown 10 and 8.5 these past couple months. My opinion about trail running is if your going to go, get far and get dirty. Trail running provides the chance to get away from the mundane neighborhood loop. There are a lot of choices out there for trail runners and hopefully I can relay some knowledge to keep your feet happy on the trail.

About Oboz Footwear
Pronounced “Oh!-Boze”, this Bozeman company uses the saying ‘True to the Trail’ as a motivation to provide solid footwear for your outdoor demise. Their philosophy is make time for getting outdoors despite the whirling time suckers that consume us and strive to minimize our carbon footprint. I’m looking forward to calling up their number to compliment them on their shoes and listen to their recent bike ride story. Nice to see a company run by people who can relate to their audience.

FYI – Oboz has commited to planting a tree for every pair sold.

The Oboz Fit
After using the Ignition for a couple 4 mile runs I couldn’t describe how the shoe formed around my foot. Later I found the technology is called the Radial Fit System which fits perfect to how it feels. Some shoes I have worn in the past do a good job wrenching a gripping fit around the arch but can cause soreness after a while. The Oboz have a good stable fit without cutting blood to the toes. The rocker in the Ignition is a bit more aggressive than I have seen in other runners.

The rocker made it nice for uphill jaunts keeping my toes higher than I am use to. The heel cup is also more snug and stable than other shoes I have tried. I telemark in the winter so believe me when I say, “I hate heel lift”. The TPU cup and plate work together to protect your feet from rocks while maintaining stability. The toe box is fairly wide which I appreciated to give my toes room. I did notice a bit of a hot spot on the outside of my pinky toe after a run, but I never noticed it again.

Ignition Material
The leathery upper is key for those wet muddy days. I also think the leather helps preserve the toe bend area. I have had shoes wear out very quickly because that area was just made with mesh. I can tell Oboz paid close attention to detail for common complaints with trail shoes.

The Z-Grip rubber has a lot of bang without the bulk. Compared to the END trail runners, the Oboz sole is definitely a lot heavier but with that comes more stability than the END line. It is up to the runner really, if your ankles can compensate for the stability than END is a good choice. Personally it was a toss up because running in the Oboz really doesn’t require extra thought on how stride or place your feet.

The Z-Grip is grippier than a rubber glove in the ER.

All-around Use
Who doesn’t show of their new trail runner at dinner? The no tongue design isn’t ideal for everyday use. I don’t normally care for the slip-on style footwear, but once it’s on, you’re set for a stellar run. The benefit of this shoe is you can leave it on after a run so really you could probably shower and sleep with them until snow falls. The Ignition was also comfortable for a backpacking trip I recently did, once again that sole is plenty stable.

Bottom Line
The 27oz. Ignition may seem a lot heavier than an END shoe but don’t let weight be your boss. The breathability works well in wet conditions and would be a great stable addition to your trail runner quiver.

BUY NOW: Get the Best Price on Oboz Footwear

“Your helmet was the best warranty for my life. I recently crashed and was in the hospital for 11 days. Your Limar helmet protected me, even though the crash knocked me out immediately. I have ridden with this helmet for four years and would recommend your helmets to anyone. Thank you for superior engineering and craftsmanship. I owe you my life.” – Rich

It is testimonials and support from customers like Rich that have made Limar the Helmet Specialist! Cyclists everywhere this summer will remain safe and protected while sporting innovative headgear researched and developed by Limar. With comfort and performance as its constant goals, Limar plans and designs each of its helmet lines to guarantee excellent functionality and exclusive style to cyclists around the globe.

All of Limar’s road and mountain bike helmets feature the company’s In-Mould production process, allowing for a great reduction in helmet weight while ensuring tremendous impact resistance. The Super System 2 micrometric sizing wheel is light and easy to adjust for a perfect fit. The Cool Comfort soft pads inside each helmet are ergonomic, anti-allergic, and absorbent, while the specially shaped air flows are designed to help keep your head cool.

If road cycling is how you get around town, Limar has three helmet lines that will fit both your head and your budget.

Limar Carbon 969 Road Bike Helmet

Limar’s Carbon 969 Road Helmet is low-profile, extremely light (280 to 300 grams), and full of ventilation, thanks to 33 specially shaped air vents. The extra carbon inserts provide additional strength without adding weight. This helmet is available in two sizes: Medium (53 to 57 centimeters, approximately 20 to 23 inches) and Large (57 to 61 centimeters, approximately 22 to 25 inches). Select your favorite of four colors: Blue, Pink, Red, or Silver. MSRP: $153.99.

Limar Carbon 909 Road Bike Helmet

With its small overall size, low-profile fit, and 25 air vents, the Limar Carbon 909 bike helmet is fantastic for both men and women. It features a full three-piece cover for extra protection, and is super lightweight (290 to 320 grams). This helmet is available in two sizes: Medium (54 to 58 centimeters, approximately 21 to 23 inches) and Extra Large (58 to 62 centimeters, approximately 22 to 25 inches). Choose one of four sleek colors: Black, Blue, Red, and Silver. MSRP: $153.99.

Limar 737 Road Bike Helmet

For serious riders wanting top technology at an affordable price, Limar’s 737 Road Helmet is the perfect fit. Its two-piece shell provides extra protection within a neat and attractive shape, with 24 air vents and an extremely low weight (270 to 290 grams). This helmet is available in two sizes: Medium (54 to 58 centimeters, approximately 21 to 23 inches) and Large (58 to 63 centimeters, approximately 22 to 25 inches). Select one of four beautiful color combinations: Blue Black, Red Black, Silver Black, and White Pearl. MSRP: $99.99.

Limar 910 Mountain Bike Helmet

When life makes you want to head for the hills, don’t forget to take Limar along for the ride. These two lines of mountain bike helmets are ready for all the action and excitement no city can possibly provide!

Limar’s 910 Mountain Bike Helmet features an integrated fit-in front visor for optimal ventilation. This helmet is perfect for single-track and long-distance riders who think nothing of spending all day biking. The three-piece shell provides maximum protection and a very comfortable fit, with 25 air vents for when the going gets hot. This lightweight (290 to 320 grams) helmet is ideal for discerning riders who demand the best. This helmet is available in two sizes: Medium (54 to 58 centimeters, approximately 21 to 23 inches) and Extra Large (58 to 62 centimeters, approximately 22 to 25 inches). Choose one of three sharp colors: Black, Red Silver, and Silver. MSRP: $153.99.

Limar 747 Mountain Bike Helmet

Strong enough for tough riding yet compact enough to be stylish, the Limar 747 Mountain Bike Helmet features a low-profile fit and 24 angled air vents. The front peak is integrated within the overall design, with a fit-in front visor and two-piece shell for added protection. With its extremely light weight (270 to 290 grams), this helmet will not impede your speed on the trails. This helmet is available in two sizes: Medium (54 to 58 centimeters, approximately 21 to 23 inches) and Large (58 to 63 centimeters, approximately 22 to 25 inches). Select one of three brilliant colors: Matte Black, Red Black, and Silver Black. MSRP: $99.99.

For more information about Limar road and mountain bike helmets, please visit your favorite bike dealer, or contact ProNet Cycling at (800) 279-3793 and info@pronetcycling.com. Visit us online at www.pronetcycling.com.

Buy Now: Search for Bike Helmets

This past weekend, I headed down to Moab for my last multi-sport weekend before it gets way too hot down there. I grabbed my climbing gear and my road bike and headed south with the intention of some cragging on Potash Road and a ride through Canyonlands National Park. After a sweet day of biking, my partner in adventure suggested something a bit more exciting than the Potash crag- Ancient Arts, a well-known tower in the Fisher Towers area outside Moab. Looking at my gear, I was never so happy to see my “Oh S#!t” kit packed inside my duffel. This little orange stuff sack and its contents come with me EVERYWHERE, including on multipitch climbs. Knowing that I had my little kit with me, I transitioned my day from a day at the crag to my first day of desert tower climbing. I thought I’d offer you some insight into what I bring with me any time I go outside, and why I chose the products I do. Much like the Boy Scouts “10 essentials,” this kit is what I consider my essentials any time I go outside. Do I use every part every time? Nope. Have I been SUPER psyched to have it with me on a few specific occasions? Absolutely.

For all the products that our vendors carry, I’ve included a link to a more detailed review. Be sure to give it a click and check out specifics for each product.

1. Granite Gear Air Bag: Keeps all the below items with me! Lightest stuff sack I’ve been able to find that is still durable.

2. Purell Hand Sanitizer Wipes: Like carrying hand sanitizer with you, but with the added bonus of it being in wipe form, and no danger of it exploding all over your stuff if you change altitudes. Sanitize your hands and wipe off grime at the same time.

3. Coppertone Kids SPF 30 Stick Sunscreen: Wear sunscreen (anyone else remember that sweet song!?). To avoid getting it all over your hands before a climb, I’d use a stick form, and my fav is Coppertone Kids. It’s waterproof and lasts for 6 hours.

4. Adventure Medical HeatSheet Emergency Bivvy: Super compact, and keeps you warm in a pinch.

5. Leatherman Juice Xe6 Multitool: 18 tools in one, including 1 straight knife, 1 serrated knife, screwdrivers and pliers. Great for unlocking frozen ‘biners, severing cord, chopping up dinner or opening the post-climb celebratory beverage.

6. Mini Bic Lighter: Never know when you’re going to need to set something on fire!

7. Honey Stinger Energy Gel or Clif ShotBloks: Delicious! Quick energy when you really need it. Be sure to avoid that bonk!

8. 1 Luna Bar: Something with a bit more substance to snack on.

9. Charmin To Go Toilet Paper: No internal cardboard roll, just TP rolled on itself in a great tiny plastic container to keep the sand out. Great for emergency poos, nose blowings or wiping off your bloodied hands from the gnarley desert chimney you just sent.

10. Potable Aqua Iodine Tablets: If you ever end up somewhere and you’re out of water, yet have access to some source of liquid (snow, river, ice), iodine will keep you hydrated and bacteria free!

(ok, there are 11 things. No one ever accused me of being good at math!)

11. Black Diamond Spot Headlamp: I never, ever, ever, ever leave without a headlamp. Even when you’re leaving at 6am. You never know what’s going to go down that is out of your control, and adding darkness to an already deteriorating situation makes it that much worse.

Depending on the environment and weather forecast, I sometimes also take my Marmot Ion Windshirt, which compresses small enough to fit into my original granite gear stuff sack along with all of my other crucial materials.

So, at full retail, the emergency kit I’ve put together costs about $80 dollars if you don’t include the Leatherman (the most expensive item on my list, by far). If you’re good with watching for deals, you can easily put the whole thing together for under $50, and then add the Leatherman the next time it goes on sale! The whole thing weighs about 2lbs (Leatherman also weighing the most). This way, I’ve got the essentials I feel I need, instead of some formulaic kit!

Not too shabby for a homemade essentials kit, huh?