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Dirtbag>>Ultralight Gear:Adventure Racing
By By Aaron Gulley, Photographs by Chris Thompson
2005 Aug (Vol. 7, No. 4)
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(Lighter Than Light)
Presenting The Sveltest, Smoothest Gear
To Keep You At The Front Of The Pack.
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Total Weight 3lbs, 4.6oz
1. Think of the GoLite Ether Wind Shirt as the least expensive, full-coverage backcountry insurance policy you can buy. The buttery soft DWR-treated polyester taffeta keeps out gusty winds and light rain, and the trim, quick-cinch hood slips under a helmet. At just 3 ounces, the Ether stows inconspicuously in its PDA-sized inside pocket. $90; 888-546-5483; www.golite.com .
2. The microscopic Black Diamond Ion gives off a shocking blaze of LED light for its sub-1-ounce size. Use it for proximity lighting, or throw it in as a spare in case you inadvertently lob your primary lamp into the creek. $20; 801-278-5533; www.bdel.com .
3. The Montrail CTC deftly threads the path between approach shoe and trail runner. Montrail kept the CTC trim—a scant 1 pound, 12 ounces per pair—with a stretchy, sock-like, mesh upper that’s airy on hot days and dries quick. But light on the scale doesn’t mean mushy on the trail: The molded midsole creates a stable platform, and the rigid plastic arch blunts errant rocks and roots. This shoe isn’t for everyone, but if you have high-volume feet and like a solid, no-nonsense fit, the CTC will get you moving. $95; 800-826-1598; www.montrail.com .
4. Even the most jaded ounce counters will be dumbstruck by the Gossamer Gear Lightrek Poles. One such snob burst into a fit of hysterical laughter when he grabbed them. Another, whose gear closet is bigger than most people’s houses, held a pole in one hand, wrinkled his brow and glared at it as if it were some sort of voodoo relic. At 2.4 ounces per stick, including basket and foam handgrip, these carbon-fiber, non-adjustable poles are not for gymnastic maneuvers or linebackers. But for those committed to shaving every bit of fat, these are the poles. $96; 877-858-7258; www.gossamergear.com.
5. Ultimate Direction’s Wasp is akin to an adventure racing life vest. Unlike other hydration valves that require a free hand to lock the flow closed, UD’s Kicker Valve turns off with a flick of the tongue. And the reservoir’s roll-up dry bag style closure ensures that filling from the sink is not a full-contact water sport. The vest has two front pockets for immediate access to sunscreen, gel packets and a GPS. All other basics—beach towel excluded—fit comfortably in the rear compartment. $70; 800-426-7229; www.ultimatedirection.com.
Last Updated: Feb 24th, 2006 - 14:18:11
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