outdoor gear reviews  

The Airflo® Nylamtium Tilley Hat
Comfortable protection from the elements
©Outdoor Adventure Canada

To say that I love my Tilley LTM3 AIRFLO® Nylamtium® Hat would be an understatement. I must admit that I was skeptical at first. I had heard all the wonderful stories about Tilley Endurables and Tilley touts their hats as best in the world, but that wasn't enough for me-I had to try one for myself. Being the woman who loathes hats, I was going to be a tough sell. Well, I'm sold.

Tilley hats are Canadian made and very well constructed. I love the color and the air venting system keeps my head nice and cool. I have thick hair and tend to become a little over-heated up top. I usually don't like hats because I sweat underneath them but the Tilley is different.

I like that it has what the company refers to as a "fore 'n' aft Wind Cord" so that my hat stays put when I am paddling on a windy lake. The secret pocket is great for me and I it's a great place to keep the card that goes with my Medical Alert bracelet. There is a closed-cell foam core in the top of the hat so if I forget to use the wind cord and my hat blows off, it is not going to sink to the bottom of the lake. I appreciate that it repels rain because everytime I camp with my husband, I swear it is in a monsoon.

The other thing I love about Tilley Endurables is the company touts theirs as "the world's best hat" and they stand behind that. If your hat wears out, the company will replace it. If it is lost or stolen in the first two years Tilley insures the hat with a fifty percent deductible.

Because of Tilley, I now don the protection that a hat provides from the elements in confident comfort.

Written by Laurie March
Tilley Self-Portrait by Laurie March

The KEEN Commuter Sandal
A good fit for light to moderate mountain biking trails
©Outdoor Adventure Canada

Have you ever ridden your bike along a trail and come across a path that was unrideable yet you still needed to get through and had the problem of a slippery soled riding shoe not fit for the trail? Until I tried the KEEN Commuter, when the situation arose, I had that very problem. During a hike-a-bike I would often lose my footing with other cycling shoes, but with my KEENs I have much more confidence.

On the flipside, as well as for mountain biking, I also love my KEEN Commuter sandals for hiking light trails and commuting around town.

The KEEN Commuter sandal is a warm weather cycling shoe that offers both comfort and stability all the while keeping your feet cool while you pedal. The polyester webbed upper with KEEN toe protection and a hydrophobic quick dry lining creates shoes that are an excellent choice for even the wettest of terrain. Keeping them snug on your foot is easy with the shock cord and toggle lacing system.

Offering the use of either the full length SPD compatible plate or the TPU cleat cap plate makes these sandals ideal for both the intermediate-advanced or beginner rider.

KEEN has made these sandals durable and easy to clean - just a little soap and water and let them air dry.

Whether you enjoy tackling the adventures of a light to moderate mountain biking trail, a leisurely ride with your family, or commuting to work the KEEN Commuter sandals are a good fit.