Gear reviews are not one of my favorite things. Primarily because I’m no longer an optimal test bed for most gear. I’m not likely going rappelling, kayaking or spelunking anytime soon. With the possible exception of kayaking, those are rear-view mirror activities for me.
But I still test some non-shooting gear, especially if it might be used to make the outdoor activities more comfortable. These days, I’m more comfort than style or high-performance.
With that clearly understood (I hope), here are two pieces of gear I’m using, enjoying, and have no trouble recommending (If I didn’t like it, I wouldn’t waste your time writing about it).
Despite the fact I have very wide, extremely flat feet, I agreed to give a pair of Kuru Atom trail shoes a try. But it was made abundantly clear those significant issues were normally problems whenever I try on shoes - test ones or otherwise.
That’s when they told me the Kuru Atom trails only came in medium widths…but to “go up a half size and give them a try anyway. If you don’t like them, don’t wear them. But you may be surprised.”
That was a pretty confident recommendation from a PR person (Later, she confessed to having flat feet - and having done the same thing with her Kurus).
Once they arrived we got off to a rocky start. Tight shoes are torture for normal feet. If your feet are wide and/or flat, well, imagine your feet in a vise.
But I decided to give them a fair chance with something other than a bulky trail sock.
Mirabile dictu! Those shoes I thought designed to encourage confessions from flat-footed criminals went from unbearable to downright comfortable. Comfortable shoes rank right up there with fried chicken on my list of favorites.
The secret sauce is apparently Kuru’s “triple-layer support.” A lightweight EVA foam for shock absorption, a KuruSole for responsive technology that protects your heels (mine slide in normal “wide” shoes) and an Ultimate Insole with contoured, dual-density foam for arch support.
Kuru makes everything from sandals and flip-flops (no thanks) to heavy-duty trail shoes and slip ons for casual wear.
Since about a quarter of the population suffers from flat feet, you might want to check them out as well..or if you have any one of the myriad of problems that cause your feet, ankles, knees, hips or back to hurt.
They’re not cheap, but $100-$160 for a pair of shoes that feel good, probably isn’t a deal-breaker for most of us. Factor in free return shipping on returns (in original condition within 45 days) and free exchanges with no restocking fees, there’s not much risk.
As I’m writing, I’m wearing my second pair of Kurus --Quantums in tungsten/cardinal black (purchased via their website- they came quickly).
The second item combines a forgotten Scout remedy with high-technology to fight one of the things that drive me nuts in the summertime: mosquito bites.
If you live below the Mason Dixon line, they’re one of the worst thing about summer - along with chiggers, ticks, red bugs, grass allergies, and humidity.
Before everyone in the Michigan UP writes, I know your no-see-ums are nothing to joke about either- and your mosquitoes show up on radar. But here in the south, they’re everywhere - despite regular sprays designed to prevent them.
So… I was more than willing to give the HeatIt a test run. Science says concentrated -and precise levels of -heat after insect bites/stings reduces “pain and pruritus.”
Since having applied a hot paper clip to a hornet sting on a scout trip many years ago, I’ve been “reluctant” about heat. The line that separates relief from burn is a thin one.
But the maximum temperature of 124-degrees used by HeatIt is precisely monitored and time limited via -the common control device we use for virtually anything from our alarm systems to turning off lights - your smartphone.
Yep, HeatIt uses the Apple or Android operating system to make battling bug bites a plug-and-play option.
Seriously, it’s a 3-step process: plug the tiny little heat-it unit into your phone; the app automatically opens (quickly) and you individualize the treatment (12 selectable modes for 4-year olds and up); the unit heats - you apply it to the bite -and in 4, 7 or 9 seconds, your treatment’s done. The app shuts the unit off automatically.
Scientific simplified, current medical wisdom says when nerve endings around a bite are subjected to the low-level heat, transmission of stimuli is reduced.
In other words, the heat delays the “itch signal” to the brain.
Less “itch” equals less “scratch” - never a bad thing.
I’ve used it to the point that I’m carrying it with me on my keyring. It will work for as many as 1,000 treatments on a fully-charged smartphone. If you’ve wondered why you’d ever take a smartphone on a nature walk or camping trip, HeatIt might be the answer.
I’ve seen the Heat-It for sale on Amazon and REI’s websites -and on shelves in Walmart. The price has been the same - $39.95.
If you’re troubled by bug bites, this is a viable option for post-bite treatment.
It is not an option to prevent bites. That, unfortunately, will still require some sort of chemical repellent.
Two items to make summer more comfortable. As I continue using others, we’ll keep you posted.
— Jim Shepherd