Now I’ve heard of almost everything. GTX Corp was recently awarded three patents that cover GPS location devices embedded in footwear. Although it appears most of the applications are in running shoes for now, it’s not much of a stretch to imagine hiking boots with integrated GPS chips in the near future…

The GTX technology transmits location data for tracking purposes and in a hiking context this could be used much like a Spot satellite messenger. Personally I think I’d prefer to have a device that can transmit location data AND be used for navigation on the ground and a shoe-based platform isn’t really suited for that.

We’re still scratching our heads about why you’d want a GPS in your shoe anyway. There are plenty of other places a GPS can be attached to a person (in a watch, for example) that are more accessible and less prone to water/dust intrusion. Nike has had success with their foot pod but that’s just a pedometer and not location aware. Now if we’re tracking mental patients or prisoners instead of hikers, maybe there’s a use for a (covert) shoe based tracking device!

Here’s a video from the GTX CEO hyping the concept:

These days it’s rare for me to head out for a hike without a GPS unit in tow and over the past few weeks I’ve been putting the Garmin Colorado 400t through its paces. The Colorado 400t is a rugged, high powered, and full featured GPS that’s ready for any adventure you can dream up.

Hardware

Before we get into software, let’s talk hardware. The Colorado 400t is compact - about the size of a cellphone, only thicker and a bit heavier. The case is rated IPX7 waterproof which means it should be safe for up to 30 minutes of accidental immersion in water (though sadly it doesn’t float so be prepared to dive after it!). The GPS runs on 2 AA batteries which in my opinion is a mixed blessing: yes, you can power it continuously in the field by replacing batteries as needed but it’s not nearly as convenient as a rechargeable, integrated system for trips closer to home.

Perhaps my favorite hardware feature on the Colorado 400t is the Rock ‘n Roller input wheel. With one hand you can quickly navigate from screen to screen, even with gloved hands. The input wheel also makes entering descriptive track and waypoint text a cinch, an operation that is painful on most other Garmin GPS models.

The Transflective color TFT screen offers up plenty of detail in brilliant color but I found I needed to use the battery-sucking backlight in all but direct sunlight. For hikes that move in and out of tree cover, an ambient light sensor would certainly do the trick in adjusting backlight on the fly to save battery power.

Satellite fixes were snappy and I even got a decent signal indoors thanks to the high-sensitivity WAAS receiver on board. There’s an SD card slot to expand the Colorado 400t’s built in memory, though sadly accessing it involves removing the batteries.

Software

There are 3 different versions of the Colorado 400 and the letter on the end of the model name designates which pre-loaded maps your GPS includes. The 400t, which I tested, is the topographic version and includes topographic maps covering the US baked right in. To those who may be new to the GPS game, this is a big deal because in the past you had to buy topographic software separately and even then it was nearly impossible to fit maps of the entire US onto your GPS at one time. I’m don’t know if future map updates are included with the Colorado 400t but fortunately topographic data doesn’t change very often. The pre-loaded maps also include roads and other landmark data, though you’ll need additional software to use turn-by-turn navigation features.

Marking waypoints (custom points of interest) is simple: just hold down the center button on the input wheel while viewing the map and your current location will be marked. Recording tracks is a little more difficult and involves resetting previous track data before heading out but once you’re done the Colorado 400 includes a cool tool for cleaning up your data. When you save a recent track, the Colorado 400 prompts you to find the start and end points for the track using the input wheel so you can cut out the trek across the parking lot or the part where you accidentally left the GPS on for the car ride home. Name your recorded track and the Colorado 400 saves the data to a standard GPX file. Simple.

Speaking of GPX, the Colorado 400t is one of Garmin’s most compatible GPS units to date. To load a GPX data file on your device, just plug the GPS in via the included USB cable to your Mac or PC and drag and drop the files in place. You can also access track files created on the Colorado 400t via drag and drop. No need for clunky desktop software, especially now that basemaps are preloaded.

Garmin has taken openness a step further and includes support for custom KMZ-formatted basemaps. I won’t go into a ton of detail here but basically you can create your own maps (or download them online) to overlay on top of the included Garmin basemaps. Garmin even has a great tutorial for creating your own custom maps on their website to help you get started.

Aside from the basics of track and waypoint management, the Colorado 400t has a raft of features to help you find your way outdoors. From wireless sharing between Colorado units to location-based games and geocaching-specific tools, the Colorado 400 can do it all. There’s even a 3D view to help you visualize terrain that’s connected to the internal compass so you can spin around your surroundings to get an idea of what lies ahead. I also noticed a data field for temperature - both air and water - though I couldn’t find references to this feature in any of the printed or online literature. In any event, at a glance the temperature readings seemed fairly accurate.

Summary

If you’re looking for a GPS that can do it all - from geocaching with the kids to multi-day backcountry exploration, the Colorado 400t is up to the challenge. With powerful software in a rugged, easy to use package, the Colorado 400t is quickly becoming the GPS of choice for serious adventurers everywhere.

Here’s a super cool product for 2010 that we’re filing under why-didn’t-someone-think-of-this-before: GearPods. GearPods is essentially a modular adventure gear system that’s perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, or even trail running. The “pods” are interlocking tubes that sorta look like those vacuum tubes they use at the bank or Home Depot and can be purchased as full kits or empty containers.

The Backcountry GearPods kit is packed with enough survival gear to sustain any adventurer for days in the wild and features items in the following categories: first-aid, basic survival, and even cooking. We’ve seen plenty of compact and portable first-aid kits but the Backcountry takes things to an entirely different level with matches, fuel, a CookMug, purification tablets, fishing tackle, whistle, compass, mini saw and knife, flashlight, and much more. Everything fits into a modular and durable package that’s roughly 9.5 inches high and 3 inches in diameter - the perfect size for an adjustable diameter bike bottle cage or side sleeve on a daypack. Fully stocked the Backcountry kit weighs in at just 18 ounces.

GearPods are water-resistant which means your important survival gear should stay dry even if you don’t. Although GearPods aren’t entirely waterproof (don’t drop yours in a lake, for example), you can enhance the water resistance by sealing the screw connections with duct tape (which is actually included!) or bicycle tubes and rubber bands. Before GearPods I often used zip lock bags for keeping things dry and organized but I found they often punctured inside my pack. GearPods are constructed of polycarbonate so they’re tough plus you can see what’s inside just like a plastic bag.

Beyond being insanely useful, GearPods are simply beautiful. From the iconography to the tight and neat packaging you can see that a lot of thought went into creating each GearPods kit. The orange caps and connectors make it easy to spot the kit inside a pack and the simple labels let you know what’s inside each compartment at a glance. There’s a raft of compatible kit components from aerated caps (for drying damp gear) to the GearPods Barista which turns your CookMug into a French press coffee maker.

Contents of the survival kit. The first-aid kit contains standard first-aid items.

As with any survival or first aid kit, it’s important to periodically check your kit to make sure things aren’t expired or broken. Even more important, check to make sure you replace any items you may have used in your last trail “emergency” - kits are only useful when they’re complete!

One GearPods enhancement I’d like to see is the addition of a simple survival guide. Many of us are probably already familiar with outdoor basics but in an emergency situation it’s important to make the most of your resources. I for one could probably start a fire using just one match but I’d struggle to use the included fishing equipment successfully. Some items, like the spool of thin wire, may require a little explanation. Should it be used for building small game snares? Fixing broken equipment? If it’s the former, I’ll need a primer, preferably with diagrams. The Backcountry does include instruction cards on signaling and CookMug operation but I could definitely use a little more info in the field.

Now that I have the Gear Pods Backcountry kit I sorta hope I get lost on my next epic hiking or mountain biking trip. Even if I don’t have to use my kit, at least I’ll be more confident when I head out into the woods, ready for any situation. Besides, I can think of worse things than turning a day hike into a 3 day adventure!

Thanks to the folks at Gear Pods for providing the Backcountry kit for review. If you’re looking for more info, check out the video review below.

I’m a big fan of any outdoor gear I can use even when I’m not on the trail. I use my camping headlamp to find help me stuff in the attic and install windshield wipers in the driveway after work; in college I used my sleeping bag as a comforter on my bed; and these days I’m wearing my Marmot Leadville jacket to walk the dog when I’m stuck in suburbia. Now if I could only find a weekday use for my tent and camp stove…

The Marmot Leadville Softshell is a fitted jacket that’s pretty much perfect for fall and even winter conditions here in the southeast. It’s designed to fit over your base layer and I’ve found it fits well over everything from t-shirts to sweaters. It’s also thin enough to fit under a down or fleece vest if necessary.

Don’t let this jacket’s everyday good looks fool you - it’s actually packed with some serious outdoor tech. To start, it’s equipped with Gore Windstopper which means it’s water resistant yet breathable, perfect for misty summit hikes in the fall or spring. The Marmot M2 softshell adds a layer of wind resistance and durability in an attractive low, maintenance package. My favorite part? Dog hair doesn’t stick like it does on my North Face fleece jacket.

The Marmot Leadville is also great at blocking the wind thanks to a sporty, high collar and velcro wrist closures. It seems like Marmot thought of everything, right down to the elastic waist cincher that is accessible via the front pockets. No need to get your hands out into the cold to make adjustments, this jacket has you covered. There’s even a small inside pocket for your iPod with access for headphone cords. The inside front is covered in a super soft microfleece that almost feels a little too luxurious.

Marmot says this jacket is ideal for hiking and backpacking, high aerobic sports, mountaineering, and “urban.” I definitely give it the thumbs up for the first two, though the third (mountaineering) is a little questionable. I probably get the most use out of my jacket on the urban side of things but this jacket works equally well in the city as it does in the backcountry. Even if you get dirty and sweaty in the Leadville, it’s a cinch to clean - just toss it in the wash! In fact, washing this jacket is the best thing you can do to prolong its water resistant capabilities for the long term.

When I say that I wear this jacket all the time, that’s really not an exaggeration - I absolutely love the versatility of this jacket. In fact my Leadville has probably already paid for itself since I’m wearing it in the house and keeping the heat below 68 degrees this winter. Pick up a Marmot Leadville Softshell to stay warm and dry on your active adventures this fall and winter!

Thanks to W.L. Gore for providing this jacket for review.

Ok, so apparently hiking boots aren’t the only pieces of outdoor clothing getting juiced these days. Mountain Hardware has two jackets - the Radiance and Refugium - that make use of the Ardica Moshi Power System to heat the jacket AND charge and run your electronics on the go.

The Ardica power supply is basically an array of flexible lithium ion batteries and is sold separately from the jacket. The battery array has two power outputs - one to power the two USB ports for gadgets (left and right pockets), the other connected to the integrated heating elements within the Mountain Hardware jackets (3 elements, 2 front, 1 rear).

The power pack is recharged by plugging into one of the USB outlets in the jacket and LEDs mounted in the wall unit let you know when the battery is charged. Just don’t forget the battery when you toss the jacket in the wash. I wouldn’t want to fall into a lake or get caught in a downpour in this jacket either.

Word is the entire battery system weighs just under 300 grams which is great news. One charge will get you 3-9 hours of heat or 20 charges for your iPhone (or whatever device you’re packing). The jackets start around $230 and the battery array will set you back another $150. Cool… er, warm.

Here’s a cool gift idea for anyone who will be spending time outdoors this winter: The Beard Head. This machine-washable, wool/acrylic face mask should keep your head and face warm in all but the most blustery conditions. There are several color combos to choose from including “viking,” “pirate,” and “lumberjack.” I vote for a new color, the “Yosemite Sam” in fire red!

The cool thing about the Beard Head is that you can even switch out the mustache for a different look. The Fu Manchu adds a slightly longer, droopy mustache while the Mario looks like, well something out of a video game. There’s also the Walrus mustache which I think I’d call the Flanders instead. I never realized how many cartoon characters had facial hair.

The Beard Head is just $29.99 and the add on ’staches are less than five bucks each. I’m hoping this points to a trend in creative but functional winter masks. Maybe this means we’ll be seeing fewer of those stupid ski and snowboard hats with horns on the slopes this winter.