On fast downhill trail running, where I was heal-striking, I was glad for the extra padding to cushion my weight, and if your knees need some extra shock absorption, I’d say these shoes should definitely be at the top of the list. Breathability is great, and while we didn’t run in the sand and surf in them, the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association has given the Kia’i's their blessing (no doubt in ancient Hawaiian), so I’d expect they perform well amphibiously. Cooling mesh abounds, but the shoes have smart, well-placed reinforcements on the outside edges, a good toe, and give the general appearance of durability and good craftsmanship.

So with all the good points, and other than the polarizing foam platforms (you’ll either love them or hate them), did we have any complaints? Just one: in any of kind of use less than 100% throttle, the shoes made a squeaking sound that I found reminiscent of an old nurses’ hospital shoes–you know those black ones that look like two lumps but are probably comfortable? If I was in a quiet hallway, I felt horribly conspicuous, like my squeaking shoes were echoing down the halls (which are, agreeably, not their native environment). As far as I can tell, it’s padded insole rubbing against footbed, and I probably can stick something in there to stop the squelching. A retail price of $120 might be pushing it a bit, too, unless you really need the extra cushioning.

Squeaking aside (which could be relatively rare, as I didn’t see complaints about the problem from others), the Kia’i offer a great, well-padded entry into the trainer market that’s perfect for heal strikers or anyone needing some extra padding. Though I didn’t test them on extremely long days standing or walking, it wouldn’t surprise me to learn that they’d be comfortable for extended days on your feet. If you need some extra cushioning, I’d suggest taking a solid look at OluKai’s Kia’i II’s.

We have truly enjoyed getting to test New Balances line of Minimus shoes since their debut. Bare essential running shoes that don’t sacrifice quality or comfort, they delivered a minimalist feeling without seeming to skip any performance. NB offers no lift and a number of other models to meet runners’ needs, and we had the chance to check out their new 10v2′s (for 10mm, version 2) on road and trail. So how’d they do?

On the trail or on the road, the NBs proved a great fit, with plenty of room in the toe box for your foot to splay out, yet not so much that they shift around. With or without socks, these good-looking (better than the previous edition, in my opinion) running shoes deliver an authentic minimalist feel that seems somehow more refined and upscale than the last edition. What I can’t comment on is durability, which our Fitness Editor, Brent Pendergrass, discovered was an issue with the previous models during some of CrossFit’s more abrasive WODs. I didn’t notice any problems in my own testing, but then I’m not putting these through rope climbs or scraping them on the sides of boxes during my box jump (attempts).

I found the 10v2′s to be comfortable for everyday use as well, and the stylish look and contrasting black/orange color scheme drew complements and questions. The sole has tons of traction, and my footing never felt insecure, even on wet blacktop. If you’re in the market for a pair of minimalist running/trail running shoes, I highly recommend the Minimus 10v2s at their retail price of $110.

Right up front, I liked the execution of this case better than the iPhone version immediately. For one, due to a clever front seal, they’ve been able to leave the screen uncovered. While we learned that you can force the air out of the iPhone case to get better contact between screen and screen cover, there’s something nice about not having anything in the way of your interface with the device (we’re just not going to go for the Nuud references here–it’s a family read!). Another immediate observation showed that while the corners of the case are well protected, it does not add a lot of feeling of bulk to the iPad. Taken together with a clever front cover for the iPad when you’re not using it that turns into a stand or prop when you do want to use it, I was impressed.

Like the iPhone case, this puppy is water proof. As such, it comes with LifeProof’s apparently mandatory headphone jack plug and adaptor, which to me is the weakest point in the package. A built in sealable plug for the jack, rather than this screw-in model, would be a big improvement; but lacking that, just a little notch in the case to hold the adaptor when not in use would increase usability a ton. Like the iPhone case, the LifeProof iPad case also has a hinged door protecting the data port, and while you don’t expect that to interfere with docking an iPad like you may with your phone, I think it would be a simple matter to enlarge the opening to permit other types of connections (but there is an adaptor you can purchase, so if you’re like me and want to plug your Monster adaptor cable into you iPad and hook it to the TV, you won’t be completely out of luck).

Even with all that taken into account, I think the LifeProof iPad case is a solid buy if you need the added protection of waterproofing for your device. If you never get into the danger zones where immersion (or dirt, etc.) could ruin your device, this is probably overkill for you at $130. But for taking it with you on the trail, through the mud, grime, and grit of camping or backpacking, the LifeProof case delivers on the important essentials in a way most every other case cannot and is a pretty sound investment. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so $130 here to save $700 there definitely makes sense for the adventure set who wants to their techno goodies!

The Teller Jacket is Smartwool’s modern take on an old standby, the windbreaker, and what it sacrifices in bells and whistles it makes up for with sound construction and simply effective details. Next to your skin and in breathable sections of the jacket, Smartwool uses their namesake Merino wool, but most of the Teller jacket has a light nylon wind proofing outer layer designed to deflect most of the wind’s biting chill. Mesh lining for the lower parts of the sleeves focuses the Merino’s greater warmth on your trunk while still offering good ventilation against the skin. A single chest pocket lets you stash your ID or music player on runs.

The Teller makes excellent sense on spring morning runs on or off the trail, where I found the Merino Max jersey knit slightly warmer than I expected but certainly not overarm. Don’t forget: this is mostly a windbreaker, it simply has Merino for temperature regulation.

So who is the Teller Jacket for? Runners, trail runners, or anyone else who does stuff in the wind. Here in Tulsa, that’s almost anything, as we get more than our fair share of it. The trouble is, at $160 it’s a rather steep price for a fairly one-dimensional jacket. All that said, when I found myself reaching for a light jacket this spring, I often found the Teller was the tool of choice, even when I wasn’t intentionally testing it and could have picked from any of the myriad of options stashed in the closet.

A little more weatherproofing to complement the Merino’s naturally useful and green benefits and I think Smartwool would have an even better, and slightly more value-rich, product on its hands. But judged against the high-end products of other manufacturers, including the rest of their Teller line, the Teller Jacket’s price isn’t inconsistent with other prices in the industry. The question to ask yourself is how much you value a versatile, natural Merino windbreaker for your morning runs. If that’s your thing, you’ve found your windbreaker!

These shoes have the flair and quality that OluKai has in all their products, but coupled with a hipster NYC feel that is welcome in the office, a date or just out clubbing for the night. Comfortable, classy, and just fun to wear. They are light weight, even with the EverFit contoured footbed with natural cork cover and all-weather rubber outsole, plus non-marking rubber traction pods.

They boast of full-grain camel leather with laser-perforations in the forefoot, and the linings are minimized for a better barefoot feel. They’ve got a cool breathable upper with laser-etched forefoot perforations and natural cork footbed cover. Versatile fold-down heel stays offer shoe or slide-in functionality, and hand-sewn whipstitching and embossed logo detail show class.

I know, sounds sooo naughty good. They are.

The Moloa Kahona‘s can be purchased from the OluKai website and are priced at $130. Well worth it for the quality and the women you will pick up in these things. (Just saying.)

The lightweight running shoe is for the long distance training where conditions run the “gamut” so-to-speak. Breathable, wicking air mesh and synthetic leather provide upper protection and durability, while drainage ports regulate water intake. A durable leather toe bumper handles rock abrasion, and the  shoe’s interior has a Dri-Lex® footbed cover and lining with Aegis™ Microbe Shield to control temperature and moisture for the long haul.

The Gamut’s gender-specific anatomical trail running last and footframe lend a precise fit for control on uneven terrain. On the forefoot a shock absorption pad and flex grooves provide protection and flex. The shoe has a multi-density sticky rubber outsole for 360-degree wet/dry traction.

I enjoyed the fit of the shoe while also looks good on the foot. The sole isn’t too overly large, but yet you get the needed protection from rough terrain while running. All this while getting the great footbed support you need.

The Gaumet is available from Patogonia’s website and runs about $125. Get them while you can as they will go fast!

For me it a matter of “how it feels” when being used. I like the Assisted Opening 2.0 technology for one-handed opening. The added safety of the thumb Plunge Lock on the handle means easy closing, without putting your fingers in the blade’s path. The Outrigger is finished with the same molded, rubberized handle coating that debuted on the AR 3.0, keeping the knife right where it’s supposed to be…in your hand. The serrated blade (also comes in fine edge) allows for rougher, better dig while cutting.

The Outrigger Mini blends elements from three of Gerber’s most popular clip folders from the past 10 years to make 2.9 ounces of multi-faceted, problem-solving design. The Assisted Opening 2.0 technology, popularized with the Gerber Instant, uses a ball-bearing pivot for buttery smooth, one-handed opening. Tiny in stature, but big on ability, this little knife has the DNA of its larger siblings, in a package suited to smaller hands or to those who like a tool that’s virtually weightless.

The Outrigger (serrated in my case) is priced at $49 and the Outrigger Mini is priced at $43, both available at Gerber’s website. You can also find Gerber in your local big box and smaller outdoor shops.

The cargo pocket on the right pants leg provides additional options (there are nine pockets total), and the look is perfect for walking, hiking, camping. I have worn them a number of times outside of their element, and they do great around town as well, but you will probably not be able to enter the office in stealth mode in these bad boys. In their native element on the trails, the Kiwi trousers deliver great breathability thanks to their fabric and move well with you. That said, they’ve got a refined, understated style that’s neither hard-core sporty or overly dressy.

At a price of $55, the Craghoppers Classic Kiwi trousers are a good buy and will deliver miles and miles of comfortable trail hopping!

The Craig Hopper shirt definitely knows what I like, and this particular shirt is Bear tested and approved. That means it has additional panels of nylon material at elbows and over the shoulders in order to handle the worst you can throw at it! I particularly love the unique buttons, which come up a centerline of stitching and seem very sturdy. Mesh and gills allow the shirt to breathe very effectively, keeping you cool in warmer climates while still providing protection.

Unlike some other shirts in this class, this particular model does not offer any waterproofing, but the breathability is so good it might be a great trade-off. The look is athletic and sporty, yet strangely refined unlike some overly-styled competitors. That said, this is not one you can easily wear to the office. At $80 (or a sale price of $65, the shirt is a fair price in this category, especially when you consider the durability and performance it promises long-term. Whether you plan on exploring the farthest reaches of the globe or are just headed on a family camping trip, I highly recommend the Bear Grylls’ Trek Long Sleeve.

The tech in the shirt is a double edged sword, though: breathable panels on the back and under each arm provide exceptional ventilation, but I found in colder weather the jacket’s insulation was insufficient if I wasn’t moving. You could definitely wear the Adidas fleece under another layer as a light insulator, and its trim fit would definitely cooperate with using the Terrex Fleece as a mid-layer. It’s definitely at its best on the trail or on a run when it’s chilly but you don’t want to over-heat. FORMOTION technology “follows the natural movement of sport for a better fit and greater comfort in motion,” so this isn’t your sedentary fleece–it’s for movers and shakers. The breathable, wicking Cocona fabric would also be at home climbing, as it seems pretty durable.

As a standalone fleece, it is best only used during heavy exertion when you need a little something that moves with you in cooler weather. Pockets on each side are a bit small for your hands but perfect for ID and keys for a jog. At a price of $120, the Adidas fleece might be a little high, but it’s a sound piece of gear provided you do not expect more warmth than it can deliver.