2003 outdoor gear buyer's guide - Special Advertising Section - Advertisement - Buyers Guide

Sierra, May-June, 2003

1. GARMIN

Geko GPS $99-$139

They're the slimmest, sleekest GPS units out there, just 3.1 oz. and smaller than a 2-in.-by-4-in. Nokia phone. The easy-to-use Geko 101 ($99) has all its buttons on the front and allows navigation by latitude, longitude, and GPS coordinates with one touch. The Geko 201 ($139) adds a trip computer, computer interface, ability to upload and download way points, and the pinpoint accuracy of WASS (wide area augmentation system), which removes atmospheric errors and improves accuracy from 30 to 10 ft. Both are waterproof, run on two AAA batteries, and include fun built-in GPS games like "Virtual Haze" and "Gecko Smack." 800-800-1020; garmin.com

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2. KRYPTONITE

Gear Gripper and Kryptogrip bike locks $19.99-$24.99

Kryptonite, once associated with Superman, is now synonymous with super locks. Two of the company's newest creations are clever, convenient, palm-sized retractable locks that will foil "grab-and-go" thieves just long enough for a latte break. The low-security Kryptogrip, a disk-shaped key lock designed for bike accessories, has a fully retracting, 4mm-wide, 2.5-ft.-long stainless steel cable. The Gear Gripper is a 4-digit resettable combination cable lock with over 10,000 combinations, a 2.6mm-by-36-in. cable with a heavy-duty recoil mechanism, a thermometer, and an anti-reset button. 800-SAY-LOCK; kryptonitelock.com

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3. NIKE

Air Teewinot II $85

Half runner, half hiker, half climber, all action. The striking orange-and-black Teewinot is about versatility--designed to handle approaches, trail running, bouldering, and light climbing. The ultimate do-it-all shoe has dual lacing with a separate down-to-the-toes cinch for forefoot control over vertical terrain, a sticky Vibram rubber outsole, and Nike Air cushioning in the heel. nikeacg.com

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4. HOBIE CAT

Mirage Outback Fisherman pedal kayak $1,455

Fishermen need exercise too. So says Hobie, inventor of the revolutionary Mirage Outback Fisherman. Hank Parker Edition, the market's only pedal-driven, sit-on-top kayak. Quick, stable, and quiet, with virtual hands-free steering while pedaling (just tap the rudders to change course), the 12-ft., 57-lb. craft has been called "a whole new way to fish" by namesake celebrity Parker. The third in a fleet of Hobie pedal-driven fishing boats, it's stable for fresh- or saltwater fishing and also works for hunting, photography, scuba diving, sailing, and other water-based activities. Connected to two penguin-like underwater flippers, the patented pedal system lets you fish and steer simultaneously and can propel you faster than traditional paddles. Includes built-in trays, four rod holders, two drink holders, front and back bungees, tackle box, and ample storage. 760-758-9100; hobiecat.com or hobiekayaks.com

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5. W.L. GORE & ASSOCIATES

Gore keeps pushing the envelope.

A year ago, it made softshells more versatile by developing Windstopper[R] Softshell, now used in products by Arc'teryx, Marmot, Mountain Hardware, and Go Lite among others. Ultra-light Goretex[R] XCR[R] fabric is found on footwear brands like Nike and Montrail (Montrail Excelerace XCR[R] pictured), and gloves from Gordini, Marmot, TNF, Combi, and more. And that's not all. Gore representatives hint of a "revolutionary" advance this fall. For info. go to 410-392-3700 or goretex.com

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6. HI-TEC

Excursion hiking boot $89

Too much boot for the money. What else can you call an all-weather, steel-shanked backpacking boot made with waterproof leather, a gusset, a pigskin collar, an inner-bootie merebrane, rustproof brass hardware, a removable ECI-Ergonomically Contoured Innersole, and a Vibram rubber outsole? With great looks in either black or chocolate, it's simply a deal. 800-521-1698: hi-tec.com

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7. COLEMAN

FI stoves $39.99-$49.99

Tiny but powerful. That's the FI UltraLight[TM] ($39.99) from Coleman's Exponent line: At 2.7 oz., it's one of the world's lightest single-burner backpacking stoves. The powerful 16,000-Btu burner can boil a quart of water in less than three minutes (2:56) and has a 50-minute burn-time on high. Three serrated pot supports fold together for an even smaller package to carry and store. If you want more power, try the 4.5-oz. FI PowerBoost[TM] stove ($49.99), which cranks out 23,000 Btus, the most of any single-burner trekking stove. Fully adjustable, it runs 35 minutes on high power, includes a convenient push-button ignition, and can simmer, saute, and heat through mid-range temperatures. Both stoves use standard butane/propane cartridges. 800-835-3278; coleman.com

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8. LEKI

Super Macalu COR-TEC PA hiking pole $139

If it ain't broke, well ... improve it. Nearly all the models of Leki's Mountain Trek series, including the Super Mac, have been upgraded with a softer-feeling shock absorption system and an easy lock system that takes the guesswork out of what is tight. The result is more comfort, reduced vibration and fatigue, and faster locking when you need it. The Super Mac features a positive-angled handle with Turbo Disc COR-TEC grip. 800-255-9982; Leki.com