Products: Reviews CÀRN


Cobra trail running shoe


They say: “A sleek multi-purpose shoe designed for running or walking and robust enough to cope with demanding terrain from rock to fell scrambling. Cobra delivers stability and comfort in a highly responsive shoe. The Slip Fit provides superior comfort to that of the traditional tongue fold design. CÀRN’s SQ lateral support and TPU heel cradle provide additional stability together with the TPU toe guard, which adds comfort and protection. All-terrain grip is provided by CÀRN’s own uTRX sole unit. CÀRN’s dual-density CMEVA midsole and PORON shock system provide outstanding cushioning and control. The vented mesh upper and moisture management systems promote fast drying for when you can’t wait for your next adventure.” Pros: The Slip Fit tongue was a big hit with our tester: “I was initially worried about the built-in (gusseted-style) tongue, which is entirely a part of the shoe, but now I love it. When you do the laces up it doesn’t gather or fold, it just compresses so there are no lumps on top of the foot. The forefoot has plenty of room for the toes and the shoe’s outer features a level of extra protection from mud and water, with a rubbery material coming up the side of the shoe. Nice touch and very practical. The shoe upper is mesh, which is ideal – sometimes you need a shoe that can really breathe, even if your feet get wet. The sole is great as the lugs aren’t too deep or too close together. You don’t want them getting clogged with mud when you’re running. On fire roads, where the surface is much firmer, they’re cushioned enough that you don’t suffer on the harder, stonier surface.” Cons: The eyelets would be annoying if you ever had to re-lace in the wet.


Verdict: A very fine shoe indeed. Nice fit, aesthetically pleasantly simple, and nicely put together. Also, the Cobra can be used for a variety of purposes .


RRP: £74.99


www.carn-uk.com Vital statistics:


Moulded Heel Cup, POLIYOU, TREK-DRY


The C2 multipurpose sole has been specially designed for CÀRN’s range of trail and road running product


(scores out of 5)


Quality of manufacturing: 5 Features: 4 Usability: 4 Value: 4


Overall: 4.25 22 www.sgboutdoor.co.uk


Powermonkey- eXplorer


portable charge


They say: “The powermonkey-eXplorer is the award-winning portable charger from Powertraveller. Ideal for mobiles, iPods, sat-navs and other 5V gadgets, the powermonkey’s lithium ion battery holds enough power to recharge a mobile up to three times. Simply charge up the powermonkey from the mains, via USB or by using the included solar panel and keep on hand for when your favourite gadget needs a boost. It comes supplied with ten tips for the most popular devices plus an international mains charger.”


brasher


Lithium GTX light hiking boot


They say: “Lithium GTX has been purpose-built for walking and trekking over rugged terrain, combining its extremely lightweight construction with support and stability, to deliver maximum performance and comfort. Featuring brasher’s unique Tri-Fit technology, Lithium GTX offers additional support in the upper which enables users to tackle difficult terrain conditions. This is complemented with a lightweight three-part Trek sole unit engineered to deliver stability, support and the ultimate in underfoot grip and traction control.”


Pros: It’s pretty much all pros for this device. Once you’ve used it, you won’t want to be without one. Even for travelling outside the UK, to Europe or wherever, I pack this alongside a mains power adapter because I know I’ll use it. The battery charge lasts a long time and on the eXplorer model, there’s the solar panel for recharging if you’re out in the wilds. The carry case is useful, the design is great – but do check with your customers what they’re purchasing it to charge. Different models are suitable for different voltage requirements – so you couldn’t run a laptop off this, but there is another Powertraveller product you can do that with. Cons: Some customers might think £65 is on the high side – but most outdoor customers know you generally have to pay for quality and innovation.


Verdict: What’s not to like? It does its job and does it to perfection.


RRP: £65


www.powertraveller.com (scores out of 5)


Quality of manufacturing: 5 Features: 4 Usability: 5 Value: 4


Overall: 4.5


Pros: They certainly are lightweight – 1,266g per pair for a men’s size 9. It’s a really good looking boot, and there seem to be very few sacrifices made to get that light. The grip is excellent underfoot, and even though they’re purportedly a three-season boot they coped very well in snow and other adverse conditions this winter. Great comfort and support around the ankles too. Cons: I didn’t feel the sole had that much cushioning in, which was disappointing after the lavish comfort of the Supalite II. On pavements, not that much fun, but off road, superb.


Verdict: Really good off-road, surprisingly good in snow and mud, great grip and a good-looking boot.


RRP: £120


www.brasher.co.uk Vital Statistics:


Weight: 1,266g per pair (size 9, men) 1,100g per pair (size 5, women) Colours: Grey/Henna, Dark Shadow (Men) Raven/Lead, Smoked/Flint (Women)


(scores out of 5)


Quality of manufacturing: 5 Features: 4 Usability: 5 Value: 4


Overall: 4.25


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