Brooks-Range Rock Shirt
A enduring piece of outdoor apparel can be years in the making. A mid-layer generally has to endure hours in the field and innumerable trips through a washing machine to achieve the softness that well-worn clothing achieves. Brooks-Range's Rock Shirt ($39.99 as of December 2009) is a middle layer that does away with all the wear and tear by providing comfort and durability right out of the box. Heavy 12-ounce cotton gives the Rock Shirt (brooks-range.com) a secure, durable feel, and the sueded interior layer is soft against the wearer's skin.
Vibram Five Fingers KSO Trek
Vibram attracted attention when it released its Five Fingers shoes with individual toe sleeves and a thin outsole molded to mimic the wearer's footbed, and the KSO Trek ($125 as of December 2009) is an addition to the line. Made with hiking and trail running in mind, the KSO Trek (vibramfivefingers.com) features a slightly cleated sole as well as a 4 mm EVA midsole to provide support and prevent bruising on the trail. A kangaroo upper provides comfort as well as durability.
Zeal Optics Swap-It Deuce
For the water sports enthusiast, Zeal Optics' Swap-It Deuce sunglasses ($150 as of December 2009) are worth consideration. The Swap-It Deuce provides lens coverage and Zeal's acclaimed ZB-13 polarized lens. For use in water or on a kayak, the Swap-It Deuce (zealoptics.com) also features a removable rubber gasket around the lenses that prevents water from splashing in the user's eyes as well as a removable neoprene headstrap to prevent the glasses from slipping in rough water.
Article Written By Billy Brown
Billy Brown is an outdoor sports writer living in Northern California.
An avid rock climber and trail runner, he's been writing about outdoor activities, fitness and gear since 2005. He regularly contributes to "The Record Searchlight," uncooped.com, and Trails.com, as well as other print and online publications. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Simpson University and is a NASM-certified personal trainer.
