I wouldn’t be a geek if I didn’t have the gear to go along with the gadgets I tote around while on the go, right? I like getting my paws on the latest gear whether it’s clothes, footwear or sunglasses, which is exactly what I got to test and review along with the Osprey packs. Did you ever think bamboo could be woven into a shirt? Do you think sunglass lenses that adapt to varying light intensities without you even knowing it would be awesome? Want a pair of sandals that mold to your feet and have the greatest grip in any condition? You want all these things, trust me.
The White Sierra Tecta shirt I wore in varying climates and continents was ultra cool (literally). I never knew you could weave bamboo with polyester, but the blend feels great and naturally wicks away moisture. The Tecta not only kept me dry, but it also protected my delicate skin from the sun. It’s even got some antimicrobial properties to keep the funk out of your gear bag. You can’t really go wrong with this eco-friendly shirt that was made from pesticide-free bamboo. The Tecta is currently available for $50.
I’m a die-hard Reef fan, so it takes a lot for me to even put on a different pair of sandals, but I’m glad I did. The Mion Current sandals were perfect for my hikes through the bush in Puerto Rico and up a mountain in South Korea. It always helps when you can fine tune your footwear to mold to your feet. These amphibious sandals really grip around your feet with a ribcage-like lacing structure and keep you comfortable in just about any situation.
I’m apprehensive of any shoe or sandal when walking on incredibly smooth, wet rocks that are on the edge of mountains. The Current passed the test and made me feel at ease once I realized how much grip they actually provided me with. Sure, they’re a little dorky, but they sure beat Aquasocks. The Current are available now for $105.
The Julbo Speed Race sunglasses incorporate Zebra lenses that are photochromic wonders that adjust to protect your eyeballs from Cat. 2 to Cat. 4 and they’re anti-fog. The picture below does a better job explaining it then I will.
The time it takes to adjust from a dark space to bright space took about 30 seconds, which is fine by me. As with most gear of this nature it all depends on your facial structure and preference, but when the light transmission rate goes from 40.7 percent to 6.6 percent you do what you can. I wouldn’t wear these around the streets of SoHo, but they work perfect for day hikes and anything outdoors. Pick up a pair now for $120.