Finding just the right clothing to keep us comfortable in the outdoors can be a real challenge at times. We need garments that consistently perform at a high level, providing protection from the elements, while still managing to feel good when worn. It doesn't hurt if those articles of clothing happen to look good too, allowing us to seamlessly transition from the town to trial and back again. With that in mind, the outdoor industry has invested a lot of time and effort into developing the best products for their customers, giving us a lot of options for out adventurous pursuits.

These same sentiments have been sweeping through the travel industry over the past few years as well, and as a result we're seeing good looking gear made for frequent travelers that also incorporate the latest technical fabrics. This allows those products to also perform at a high level, while delivering all of the functionality that is unique to travelers too. That is exactly what you get from the Cubed Travel Jacket from Clothing Arts, a stylish jacket designed specifically with the needs of travelers in mind, with more than a few features that you didn't even realize you needed until now.

For those not familiar with Clothing Arts, the company makes a line of apparel to keep travelers safe and comfortable no matter where they go. For instance, the Pick Pocket Proof Pants are a must have for any adventure traveler, while the Travel Shirt features classic good looks that makes it feel right at home in any environment. But the Cubed Travel Jacket is the company's first attempt at making outerwear, and the designers behind it have clearly put a lot of thought into what they wanted to deliver. The result is a jacket that not only looks good, but offers Clothing Arts' trademark security features too.

Made from eVent's DVStorm fabrics, the Cubed Jacket is both water and wind proof, without sacrificing breathability. Those fabrics, when paired with taped seams, help to keep all but the worst weather conditions at bay. In fact, I took this jacket with me to Spain a few weeks back, where we faced regular rain showers and the occasional gusty day. But, this jacket performed admirably in all weather conditions, keeping me comfortable and dry at all times.


Despite being made from these highly technical fabrics, the Cubed Jacket doesn't look technical. That is to say that there is nothing about this jacket that screams "outdoorsy." Instead, it is made with a more fashionable look that allows it to blend in seamlessly in urban environments, while still looking good on the trail too. No one will ever mistake this jacket for something from The North Face or Mountain Hardwear, but that is a very good thing for travelers who don't want to look like they just stepped off the mountain. Instead, they'll find a more understated – and again classic – design that won't go out of style by the time the next fashion season rolls around.

In terms of other features, the Cubed Jacket also includes velcro wrist closures and waterproof zippers to further assist in battling the elements and dialing in just the right fit. It also comes with a detachable hood, which is nice to have in rainy conditions but can be removed when visiting a destination where that isn't especially a problem. Personally, I prefer a jacket with a hood, but I also like that you have the option here.

Of course, most of these features that I have noted already aren't enough to help the Cubed Travel Jacket to stand out in an increasingly crowded market. But, what this jacket does better than any other I've worn, is offer you plenty of pockets to carry your items around, most of which are secure enough to ensure that those items remain safe from unsavory characters.

As mentioned, Clothing Arts has made a name for itself by creating travel apparel that offers security options that make those items pick-pocket proof. Those same sensibilities carried over here with a variety of onboard storage options. In addition to two standard hand pockets, you'll also find two Napoleon pockets, and for more stashed away on the interior of the jacket. Those options include compartments that are perfect for stowing away your passport, sunglasses, smartphone, and even a small tablet.

There are a number of small details that help to set this jacket apart from the competition as well, including the ability to access the contents of some of the interior pockets from both inside and outside of the jacket. This is a level of versatility that I haven't found in other travel jackets, and it is something you come to appreciate when wanting to access your smartphone in a rainstorm for instance.

Several of the larger interior pockets also come with patent-pending security clips that add yet another layer of protection from thieves. In addition to having to gain access to the interior of the jacket, and open the zippered pockets, any would-be pickpockets would also have to get around the security clips without being noticed. Not an easy task to say the least, which should provide a nice piece of mind when traveling abroad.

Each of these small elements blend together incredibly well in the Cubed Travel Jacket, making it a must have for anyone who travels regularly. It is a deft combination of convenience, comfort, and versatility, wrapped up in a good looking package. It isn't easy to make jacket that delivers on all of those fronts, and creating one that is both water and wind proof is a nice feature as well.

All of that functionality and design comes at a price however. The Cubed Travel Jacket carries a price tag of $380, which puts it right in line with some of the best high-end technical jackets from the outdoor brands that we love so much. If you think of this product as "just a travel jacket" you'll probably see that price point as being way to high. Indeed, you can definitely find good dedicated travel jackets for less. But, if you take a look at the specs on Clothing Arts' offering, and weigh in its level of performance, this is a jacket that is more akin to something you'd find in more technical outdoor pursuits. The Cubed Travel Jacket hasn't been designed for those activities of course, but it performs on much the same level.

If you need a travel jacket that stand up to the rigors of the road with ease, while also providing a high level of versatility and security, than this is the product for you. Not only does it look good and provide protection from bad weather, it also allows you to carry a full day's worth of gear with ease and security. And when you buy this jacket you can bet that you're investing in a product that will last for years and accompany you on many adventures. It is durable enough to take virtually anywhere, and you'll look great no matter where you. What more could you ask for out of any piece of travel clothing?

Find out more at ClothingArts.com.


The Waterproof Shell Reinvented from Adam Rapp on Vimeo.

In early October, Bass Pro Shops purchased Cabela's, essentially merging two of the biggest names in the outdoor industry. But, since these stores mainly focus on fishing and hunting – something that I rarely talk about on this blog – the news mostly went unnoticed by the climbing/mountain biking/trail running community, most of whom prefer to shop at a place like REI rather than one of these giant outlet stores. Now, Outside magazine is taking a look at what Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's has to offer, and providing readers with some tips on what they'll find there, as well as the best bargains to be had as well.

Amongst the tips that Outside has to offer are that these stores offer plenty of great gear for car campers in particular where when and size is not a major issue. They also say that both shops are great for purchasing rods and reels, but you're better served buying your flies elsewhere. Finally, they also recommend that you take your time when visiting Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's as these outlets are quite large and it takes awhile to sift through everything, particularly if you're looking for good deals.

Speaking of which, Outside also offers their picks for the best bargains to be found inside these stores as well. Those bargains include a 6-person tent from Bass Pro that costs just $100, a 3-pack of 200-lumen flashlights for $25, and a 20ºF sleeping bag from Coleman that is priced at $50. The magazine also recommends a $20 jug for bringing plenty of water to the campsite and a $13 compass from Brunton for navigating the way.

While not all of those items will necessarily come in handy for your next trip, they are a good reminder that Bass Pro Shop and Cabela's have some affordable gear that is useful in the outdoors no matter what activities you're taking part in. I'm not a hunter or much of a fisherman (I'm learning to fly fish and enjoy it though!) but I do like good gear that doesn't break the bank. I think we'll find that at one of these outlets, even if REI and similar stores cater more to our needs.

One of the hottest trends in cycling over the past couple of years has been the rise in prominence of the electric bike – more commonly known as the e-bike. At first glance, most of these bikes look like just about any other that you might encounter on the road, although they have a hidden secret. They come equipped with a battery-powered motor that can help you maintain higher speeds with less effort or climb tough hills that would normally leave your legs crying out in agony.

This little speed-boost has made e-bikes especially popular with commuters, many of whom find that the onboard motor helps them travel along with traffic better and allows them to arrive at their destination relatively fresh thanks to not having to exert as much energy.

An avid biker myself, I've been intrigued with e-bikes for some time, but hadn't gotten the chance to try one out for myself. That changed recently when Haibike sent me one of their electric assisted mountain bikes to take for a spin, and I have to say I came away impressed. The bike delivered on everything that was promised – and more – allowing me to power through a ride like never before. But in the end, it also left me reevaluating why I like mountain biking so much in the first place.

For my little e-bike test drive, Haibike sent me a 2015 model known as the Xduro AllMtn RX. The current model that fits pretty much the same specs is the Xduro AllMtn 7.0. Both versions sport Shimano components, 27.5" tires, a full-supsenion, and a slick looking design that looks aggressive and fun to ride. Hidden inside the aluminum frame however, is a 36-volt motor that is powered by a 500 Wh battery that help this bike truly stand out from the crowd.

Before we go too far into this review, it is important to point out that while most e-bikes provide an electric assist, but you still have to do all of the pedaling. You simply don't have to pedal quite so hard in order to get the bike up to speed nor to maintain that speed. Likewise, when climbing a hill, the speed-assist kicks in to lend a hand, making it surprisingly easy to shoot up steep grades, although you still have to put in some work to get to the top.


The motor installed on this bike has five different settings, including Eco, Tour, Sport, and Turbo, as well as off. Yes, you can ride the bike without any type of electrical assist, but since it tips the scales at 49.2 pounds, it does feel a bit slow and ponderous. Eco mode provides the least level of assistance, which doesn't feel like much, although it is there to lend a hand when you need it. Turbo is bit like strapping a rocket to your bike, although it comes at dramatically reduced battery life.

While testing the Xduro, I only switched over to the highest level when tackling a big hill, otherwise I tended to stay in Tour mode most of the time. This allowed me to easily maintain a good rate of speed over a variety of terrains without having to expend a lot of energy in the process. The result was that at the end of my ride, I still felt like I had a good workout, but I wasn't completely wasted, even after riding a tough trail.

The Xduro AllMtn has a built in cycling computer mounted on its handlebars that provides information such as your current speed and time, as well as offering a trip odometer, and life-time odometer all in a digital format. That same display also provides constant updates of how much battery life remains by showing not only a battery indicator but also the amount of range the bike has before it runs out of juice. The screen also has an icon that indicates which level of power that the motor is set too as well.

Getting on the bike for the first time, I was unsure exactly how things worked. The motor was engaged, but there is no throttle that you can control, so I wasn't exactly sure how I'd know if it was working properly. It only took a second to figure that out however, as when I started to pedal you could feel the electric assist kick in with a very noticeable boost, even in Eco mode. That boost only became more noticeable as increased the level of power generated by the motor.

Before too long, I found myself testing the bike to see what it could do in a variety of different conditions, and for the most part it performed very well. It wasn't quite as agile and responsive as my Trek mountain bike back home, then again that bike doesn't power up big hills as easily either. I have to admit, the Xduro AllMtn is fun to ride, and is quite capable of tackling a wide variety of trails types.

Now, all of that said, I have to say that I have a few reservations about this e-bike as well. For starters, it is a heavy beast. As mentioned, it is nearly 50 pounds (22.68 kg), which makes it more than twice as heavy as my normal ride. That added weight becomes more evident on tougher trails where agility can be an important factor. And heaven forbid you should run out of battery power while riding, as it would definitely be quite a workout to get Xduro back to the trailhead without the electric assist.

Despite how much fun I had riding the bike, I also couldn't help but feel like I was cheating a bit out on the trail. Part of the allure of mountain biking for me is taking on the challenges of the route with just my bike. That includes all of the challenges, such as climbing hills and maintaining a good speed. This bike made that so easy to do that it almost felt like an entirely different sport. At the end of my test run, I came to the conclusion that while I wouldn't mind an e-bike for commuting around town, I'm not sure I want one to replace my mountain bike.

That said, for riders who are a little older, or aren't quite as physically fit, the Xduro AllMtn is a good solution that allows them to ride challenging trails much more easily. I can definitely see the allure of this bike under those circumstances.

Durable and well-built, the Haibike Xduro AllMtn 7.0 is competitively priced at $5299. It has quality parts and components at every important spot, and a tough aluminum frame with solid geometry. It also happens to have a secret weapon hidden away in the form of an electric motor. All of that design and technology doesn't come cheap, although I've seen plenty of standard mountain bikes that fall in the same price range, even without a motor. Of course, those bikes are likely to have even better components and a carbon frame, just to put things in perspective.

If you've been considering an e-bike for your mountain biking needs, I'd certainly encourage you to give the Haibike Xduro AllMtn a look. It is a great machine for the right rider. I'm just not sure if that rider is me.

Find out more at Haibike.com.

Fall is here, which means cooler weather and unpredictable conditions that can make it much more challenging to know how to dress for our favorite outdoor activities. On some days you need a jacket, and on others you don't. And then of course there are those times when unexpected rain showers strike, making you wish you had brought a jacket with you even though you didn't think it was needed. That's exactly where the new StashJack from Altra comes in handy. It is a super lightweight option that has been so well designed that you won't ever have to decide whether or not you should bring it on your adventures.

A quick look at the technical specs for the StashJack provides some insights into why it is such a nice piece of kit. For example, it weighs just 3.3 ounces (93.5 grams), provides protection from both wind and rain, and it features a loose, tapered fit that gives your body room to move while taking part in fast-paced activities. It also includes some reflective highlights to help keep the wearer more visible in low conditions, and it is made with trimmed and flat locked seams that make it more comfortable to wear.

But, that is really just the beginning. Because what makes the StashJack so special is its ability to be stuffed into a tiny carrying pouch that comes complete with a built-in adjustable belt. This gives you the ability to wear the jacket around your waist until you truly need it, at which time it can be deployed in a matter of seconds without ever having the need to stop moving at all. The jacket even features an open back that is designed to wrap around your pack so you won't even have to remove it to put the jacket on.


This clever design comes our way from the team at Altra, a company focused on making excellent products for runners and hikers. Already this year I have reviewed both their Superior 2.0 trail running shoes and Lone Peak 3.0 hiking boots. In both cases, I came away very impressed with how comfortable and well made those products are. The StashJack doesn't disappoint in anyway either, only further increasing my confidence in Altra gear.

I've worn the StashJack on several runs this fall when I thought there was a chance of rain. On a couple of those occasions I managed to put in my milage before the bad weather set in, which normally would have annoyed me since I had brought a jacket along for no reason. But in this case, the StashJack attached securely to my waist, and because it is so lightweight, I pretty much forgot that it was even there. The included belt kept the jacket from bouncing around while I moved and it did nothing to impede my natural running movements.

On a couple of other occasions dark clouds did decide to open up and drop some rain on me while I ran. It was at those times that I was very happy to have this jacket along for the ride. I was able to quickly and easily pull it out of its stash pouch and put it on, taking just a few seconds to wrap myself in lightweight protection from the elements. This allowed me to happily continue with my workout without getting soaked to the bone.

It should be pointed out that the StashJack is made to be wind and water resistant, which means in more severe storms it can soak through, and heavy winds will still bring a chill to your body. But considering the fact that it weighs just 3.3 ounces, it performs quite well, even in those more demanding situations.

You don't have to be a runner to appreciate what the StashJack brings to the table. Hikers will certainly find this an appealing product as well. It's combination of convenience and svelte design make it a great choice for travel too, allowing you to wear it where ever you go, and instantly have a light jacket that you can pull on at a moments notice.

Priced at $130, the StashJack is more expensive than many will probably want to pay. But it is surprisingly durable for its size and packs in a high level of performance. If you're a daily runner (like me), you'll find this is a jacket you'll want to own. Having it in your gear closet for other occasions, like going on a day hike or traveling to a foreign city where rain is in the forecast, extends its value beyond just my regular workouts. Yes, it is possible to find a rain jacket at lower price, but you'll be hard pressed to find one that offers such versatility as well. For me, that makes the asking price well worth it.

Get one for yourself at Altra.com. And don't forget to grab one for the runner on your holiday shopping list too.