Make Your Bike Work For You

As the trend to dump the expensive gas pump continues, bicycle commuting has become an increasing transportation mode. In turn, innovative and versatile gear has hit the market to make bike use and transportation more convenient. In fact, Bikes Belong Coalition recently released industry findings revealing that an overwhelming 95% of bike shops surveyed said “customers cited high gas prices as a reason for their transportation-related purchases”. As a result of this change, manufacturers have developed technology targeted towards the utilitarian function of the bicycle.

Detours bicycling company is an example of this product development. They have updated traditional Asian bike designs by using new materials and construction techniques. By creating a series of pannier bags and packs, they have significantly assisted the bike commute and running two-wheeled errands around town.

Imagine a heavy-duty “grocery tote bag” or a messenger bag that converts into a bike pannier. That is the idea behind Detours’ Toocan Pannier. Unlike a typical shopping bag, the Toocan has a waterproof rubber bottom tolerant for heavier items and for keeping internal items protected and dry. The pannier’s versatile quilted exterior provides water-resistant and padded protection of contents. Other features include a waterproof rain cover that fits over the bag for additional protection, a removable shoulder strap, and tote bag handles. The bag also offers a pocket-lined interior, with four interior organizer pockets and a zip pocket for valuables. Students may find the Toocan perfect for carrying their textbooks and school supplies without the use of a backpack.

Busy parents who need to keep both hands free should look at the Teeco Bag, which not only is a tote bag and bike pannier, but also converts to a small backpack. The Teeco also has a rubber bottom, but has heavy mesh side panels so you can easily see inside the pack and view the contents. It is sized to fit one grocery bag, and it is designed to function in crowded venues like the farmer’s market with a draw string top.

These functional bike panniers are very easy and fast to put on and lift off of a bike. The Toocan and Teeco both have a universal stainless steel hanger system for a rear bike rack. The hangers simply loop over the steel wire of the bike rack. The panniers can be effortlessly lifted off the rack with one hand when upon arrival at the destination.

Both the Toocan and the Teeco are available in a variety of colors to add some style to your ride. They can be found at www.OutdoorGiftWorks.com for under $50 a piece, which includes free shipping.

The Loveliest Travel Companion

I recently returned from Europe with the Moab Capri as a new-found traveling companion. I work at Outdoor Gift Works and am openly partial to this item. On my discovery of new countries and new weather, the fit of the Capri engulfed me in comfort and inspired me to walk to all corners of undiscovered territory. I went from the Bavarian mountains in the rain, to Sevilla, Spain with 100 degree Fahrenheit weather in the Moab Capri. These pants will empower the activity of any woman.

The decision to bring the Capri overseas primarily depended on its versatility in my wardrobe. I needed something that could be dressed up and down, and the "stone" colored material allowed for the immediate change in casual and dressier styles. The length was also perfect for more conservative places, yet still had some fun as the Capri length and ability to match with everything.

Spending time outside walking around most everywhere, I needed the ability to be fully prepared for either an immediate downpour or the hot-hot sun. The nylon blend of the Capri is lightweight, and it doesn't hold moisture, allowing it to dry incredibly fast. Overall it helped me regulate body temperature and kept me warm or cool by wicking away moisture.

Permanent wrinkles can generally become a permanent irritation on the travel wagon. But surprisingly the thought of ironing never had the chance to enter my head. The "permanent" wrinkles immediately fell out. What can't these Capri pants do?

The fabric has quality that has a bonus and a minus to mention. One drawback was that while I was on the crowded Metro in Madrid, I sat next to a bag with some Velcro. Now my right hip has a snag, but there could be worse things--like a red wine spill. And the red wine spill did happen. I believed that the damage was irrevocable with deathly merlot streaks covering the front of one Capri leg. The wine spill also went onto my shirt, which prompted me to wash both clothing items immediately with some club soda and detergent. The Capri's nylon material was the superior in that the material has a knack for cleansing itself. It now looks as good as new. This item of clothing will last me a long time. I give this product five stars because of its overall performance.

-Tegan Molloy
A traveler and an employee of Outdoor Gift Works

Environmentally Friendly Maverick

We all know that versatility and quality are important considerations for any clothing purchase. Versatile and durable clothing reduces purchases, simplifies life, minimizes waste and energy, and saves money. With this in mind, here is a review of a recycled performance T-shirt for active men.

The Maverick T made by prAna is a 100% recycled polyester performance T. The knit is lightweight and loose, making it highly breathable and perfect for warm weather or intense activity. The brick color is understated and attractive allowing this shirt to be worn as a general purpose T-shirt as well.

On a recent Grand Canyon river trip the Maverick T shirt was one of only 2 shirts I used for the 16-day trip. I wore the Maverick for portions of every day and most nights as well. Daytime temperatures were consistently over 100 degrees with our hottest days in the 110-112 degree range. This shirt was constantly dunked, rinsed, swum-in, hiked-in and rowed-in. It dried incredibly quickly and it never acquired an odor; something that I am sure my trip-mates appreciated. PrAna uses a unique chitosan antimicrobial coating which uses crushed crab shells as the active antimicrobial agent.

With a suggested retail price of $50 the Maverick is expensive, but not out of line. There are many shirts in this price bracket without the recycled poly or the chitosan coating. The sustainability and durability of this shirt more than make up for any price differential. PrAna has done a great job of incorporating cutting edge green materials and techniques into this shirt, and the Maverick certainly deserves your consideration based on performance.